Rider Waite Card Meaning - The Fool
The Fool - Adventures are Presented
The Fool’s journey serves as a ready metaphor for the journey of mortal life. The sun marks our time, and all paths lead to the precipice of the unknown into which all of us eventually must fall: our death. Why is the countenance on this figure’s face one of rapture? He is alive in the moment, living the glory of his life. The message reads: life is a gift that does not last forever, and the only path to follow is the path of our true heart and soul. The Fool claims his journey as his own, choosing to live at the heights of joy in respect of his true self.
The card reminds us that life’s journey is short and the only worthy life is an honest life, lived in faith to our own true selves. In a reading, this card draws attention to life path questions, all the while assuring us that it is safe to be who we are and go where the soul calls. There is no other place to go except over the edge, where we will all inevitably fall anyway. People who draw this card are thinking hard about their life’s journey and are asking tough questions about what they really want from it. This card is about adventure, the living adventure of the individual governed by the call of his own soul. A wonderful new adventure or opportunity appears, marking the end of a phase and the beginning of another. The person may not see the opportunity, and he should look for it, learn all the facts involved, and decide if it is a good one. The Fool reminds us to do something impulsive now and again, to have faith and follow our hearts. The adventure might be worth the effort.
Reversed, the Fool warns of inattentiveness, not watching where one is walking, and risking too many near-fatal falls. There is a need for someone to use greater care and caution before proceeding down the Fool’s trail. Keep a sense of proportion and do some fact-finding before taking a new opportunity. This position can also be read as a sign that one has deviated from his true path and is not listening to the call of his soul.
