Tarot Writing Prompt: The Fool

The Fool, RIder Waite Smith Tarot

In the standard Rider Waite Smith we see a young well dressed fool approaching the edge of a cliff under a clear sky. The fool’s head is up, looking carefree with his belongings over his shoulder. A dog appears to be excitedly leaping at his side, perhaps in an effort to warn him not to step too far forward. The fool card bears the number 0, everything and nothing all of the potential but also a blank slate.

Upright the fool carries the energy of a free spirit innocently embarking on a new venture. When turned reverse, the fool shows us the harsh consequences of being naive and represents recklessness, not looking before we leap and even being taken advantage of.

I know I have a literal and figurative wide eyed wonder every time I take on a new subject, or project but my favorite fool energy moment was becoming a parent. I had an early start at adulthood, I became a mom at 16. I read everything I could get my hands on, and yes I am ever so slightly older than the helpfulness of a google search, but I used every resource at my disposal. I lost my mom when I was 15 and my grandmother shortly after, I did not have anyone to talk to but I was determined and terrified. The first second I laid eyes on my son I felt inspired, full of joy and panic.

Let’s take a moment to focus on the fool and journal about a time when you felt that simultaneous thrill and fear of taking steps toward a new experience. Let me know some of your “Fool” experiences in life.