The Fool

What Does The Fool Tarot Card Mean?

The Fool is a very important card of the Major Arcana, and it offers a lot of information to a professional tarot reading expert. It represents new beginnings and big adventures ahead of you, so in most cases, it’s a positive omen. It’s evident even from the picture itself: The Fool features a joyful person taking a step forward as if courageously taking a leap of faith into the unknown.

The Fool is about taking risks and not being afraid of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Depending on the card’s position, as well as other cards you draw alongside it in a deck, The Fool can be an encouragement, a warning, or even a soft reprimand. As is always the case with tarot readings, context matters.

The Fool Upright Tarot Card Meaning

The upright Fool card is a clear indication of an unexpected new adventure that may require you to be courageous enough to take some risks. If you do, you will be well rewarded. The Fool is the embodiment of the fortune favors the bold principle. So, if you draw it, it might mean that the universe is trying to tell you that it’s time to stop playing it safe.

The Fool card can also mean traveling to new destinations and experiencing new cultures. If you are having a tarot reading about what’s next for you, chances are, you’ll soon have an exciting vacation (at the very least). Or, if you are asking the cards whether or not your new idea is a winning one, their answer is pure encouragement.

The Fool Tarot Card Meaning: Love & Relationships

If you are single and looking for a partner, this card indicates that you never have a hard time finding someone to get into a romantic relationship. Your future love interest is going to be a fun person to hang out with, although they might not be ready yet for a long-term relationship.

If you are already taken, the card can be an indication of something exciting between you and your partner and the accomplishment of something together. This can be marriage, engagement, experiencing something new, traveling to new destinations, etc.

If you want to find out more about how your potential partner feels about you, The Fool card indicates that your partner enjoys spending time with you. However, they aren’t ready to settle down with anyone yet.

The Fool Meaning: Money & Career

The Fool card indicates your dedication and love for your job or business. Try to focus on core important elements of your work rather than focusing on creative and fun stuff. The Fool is a great card to receive when you’re just beginning a new job or business venture.

The only drawback is that you can be so enthusiastic about your work that you stop acting like a professional. Success is around the corner if you let go of your fears and devote yourself to your career. The Fool is a clear sign that you will be rewarded very soon. It can also be a sign of a new business project or a promotion.

Upright Meaning: Past

If you’re asking cards about your past and draw The Fool in an upright position, it means that there was a situation in your past when you took a risk, and that played a big role. The deck reminds you that once upon a time, your adventurous spirit paid off and encourages you to remain a risk-taker. If you are at a crossroads, take this as a sign to move forward fearlessly.

The Fool Reversed Tarot Card Meaning

In contrast, the reversed Fool is an indication of ignorant, negligent behavior. The deck is trying to tell you that you should stop disregarding the effects of your actions on other people around you. Think of your recent past. You will probably remember a situation where your negligence had a negative effect on others, even if you come out unscarred. Work on yourself to avoid repeating the same pattern.

The Fool Tarot Card Meaning: Love & Relationships

Now, suppose you draw The reversed Fool during a tarot reading about love. If you are in a relationship, this suggests that one of you is not very serious. One of you loves being free and independent, and this will sour your partnership. Unfortunately, The Fool’s verdict is that you don’t have a future together as a couple. There is a clear clash of priorities between the two of you.

The Fool Meaning: Money & Career

If you’ve drawn the reversed Fool when asking the deck about your career and finances, it’s definitely not a good time to invest in something or to start new projects. The cards are warning you. Things may seem too good to be true, and you should be very careful when making decisions.

Reversed Meaning: Past

The reversed Fool may be trying to remind you about a situation in the past when poor planning and lack of foresight led to bad consequences. If you can think of any situation like that, know that the deck is warning you that something similar might happen again. Be careful and think through every big decision you make.

Is The Fool a Yes or No Card?

Upright Fool Meaning: Yes or No

If you’re asking a yes or no question and get The Fool in an upright position, it’s a cautious yes. The deck is trying to encourage you to be optimistic and not afraid to take risks. At the same, you need to keep in mind that things don’t always go according to plan.

Reversed Fool Meaning: Yes or No

The reversed Fool is a no. It suggests that now might not be the best time to do what you are thinking of, and it makes sense to wait things out. Perhaps the problem is that you haven’t fully thought everything through yet. It’s possible that with enough effort on your side, this no might eventually turn into a yes (but not right now, though).

Reading The Fool in a Spread

Now, let’s see how other tarot cards may be affecting the meaning of The Fool when drawn together.

The Magician. The Magician and The Fool form one of the most powerful combinations in tarot. The Fool stands for unlimited possibilities, while The Magician represents the ability to turn those possibilities into reality. So whatever it is you are planning, go for it!

The High Priestess. The High Priestess symbolizes intuition and inner wisdom. So, if you draw these cards together, it means that you need to trust your gut when embarking on the next adventure or starting a new project.

The Chariot. When drawn together, The Chariot and The Fool symbolize a strong drive to move forward. However, they are also reminding you of the need to stay balanced and avoid rushing into things.

The Star. The Star and The Fool is one of the loveliest combinations in tarot. It symbolizes hope, inspiration, and a brighter future ahead; if you’ve drawn it, good for you. Whatever it was you were thinking of when asking the card for guidance is off to a promising start.

The Ten of Swords. The Fool predicts a significant turning point when paired with The Ten of Swords. The Ten of Swords often represents defeat or betrayal, but when combined with The Fool, it signals the end of a challenging cycle and the beginning of a new, more hopeful one.