The Fool Tarot Card Meaning

Last Updated on January 26, 2023

However, it is usually placed before The Magician, the card with the number one on it, because The Fool represents the beginning of a journey.

In the following article, you will find more information about this card and its meanings.

Associations for Upright and Reversed Positions

In The Upright Position

• New beginnings
• Spontaneity
• Potential

In The Reversed Position

• Recklessness
• Concern
• Stagnation

The Fool Tarot Card Description

The Fool card on the Rider-Waite deck shows a young man who is standing on the edge of a cliff. He is about to embark on a new adventure and is feeling excited about it.

This man is looking upwards towards the sky, unaware of the fact that he could fall over a precipice.

There is a modest backpack over his shoulder containing everything he needs. The rose in his left hand symbolizes innocence and authenticity.

A small dog at his feet represents protection and loyalty. The animal encourages him to move forward unapologetically and learn the lessons he came to integrate into his life.

Fool Card Upright Interpretation

An upright Tarot card means that the energy it contains is being expressed externally. Keep reading to find out the meaning of the Fool card in the upright position.

General Meaning and Interpretation – Upright

The Fool tarot card illustrates potential, opportunities, and beginnings. When this card emerges in a reading, it signifies that you are at the outset of a new adventure.

Metaphorically, you are standing at the edge of a cliff and you are ready to take your first step into the unknown.

This card invites you to follow your heart and to take a leap of faith. Now is the time to trust the Universe and leave your comfort zone in order to grow and thrive in a different environment.

Love Interpretation – Upright

In a love reading, The Fool card indicates that your romantic life will experience a shift.

If you are already in a committed relationship, this card signals that there might be a new chapter with your significant other, such as an engagement, a wedding, or becoming parents.

Instead, if you are single and looking to meet new people, The Fool card tells you that a relationship is going to manifest in your life soon. It will be a fun and carefree connection.

Health Interpretation – Upright

The Fool tarot card has a lot of energy. If you have been ill or if you have been struggling with your health, whether it be physical or mental, The Fool card represents a renewed sense of confidence for dealing with some pressing issues.

By being true to yourself and directing your focus towards meeting your own needs, your health will definitely improve.

The Fool card is a reminder for you to address your self-sabotaging habits and to start pampering yourself with a big dose of self-love.

Career and Money Interpretation – Upright

Getting The Fool card in connection with career and money means that it is time to go after what you truly want. Now is the perfect moment for starting your own business if that is something you would like to do.

For some people, this card could also mean moving to a new country in search of better opportunities.

For your current projects, it signifies that you are entertaining innovative ideas and that you can change the energy that has been stagnant in the work environment.

In terms of money, following your heart will lead to financial success. There is more than one way of making money and you have the necessary skills to do so in a way that brings fulfillment and enjoyment to your life.

Spirituality Interpretation – Upright

Drawing The Fool card when asking the deck for some guidance about your spiritual life suggests you will soon be embarking on a profound spiritual quest.

You will be interested in connecting with your true self in order to find your life purpose.

In order for you to see this goal realized, you must be prepared to eliminate old repetitive habits in order to wholeheartedly embrace this new phase in your existence.

Fool Card Reversed Interpretation

Reversed Tarot cards represent energy that is expressed internally and privately. Keep reading to find out the meaning of the Fool card in the reversed position.

General Meaning and Interpretation – Reversed

The Fool card reversed implies that you have picked a new path in your life, but you are not ready to change just yet. You may worry that you do not have all the resources you need to make this change.

Something is holding you back. You have become paralyzed and anxious about taking any action where you do not know the outcome.

On the other hand, The Fool card reversed can show that you are acting recklessly and that you are not planning accordingly for the changes you want to make.

Love Interpretation – Reversed

With regard to love, The Fool card in a reversed position indicates that either you or your couple are not fully committed.

You may feel very excited about the relationship, but it likely involves some risky activities that you would not normally engage with if you were alone.

The Fool card in a reversed position could also indicate that your desire for freedom and independence is becoming unavoidable. You may want to become single again and experience your sexuality.

Health Interpretation – Reversed

In reading about health, The Foo card in a reversed position shows that you may be more prone-accident than usual.

You may be a little clumsier or distracted, so you have to be careful because you could hurt yourself.

If you are already suffering from a disease, this card indicates that it is a good time for you to try out alternative therapies.

Consider seeking advice from a different physician if you are dissatisfied with the approach offered by your current doctor.

Career and Money Interpretation – Reversed

The Fool card reversed wants to tell you that this isn’t an appropriate time for being spontaneous or groundbreaking in your career. You are very busy and you should take care of your existing responsibilities.

If a new project sounds too good to be true, it is possibly too good to be true. Practice discernment.

In terms of money, be cautious when making financial decisions. There could be some promising opportunities waiting for you but conduct some due diligence before committing to something.

Do not spend your money recklessly and, if possible, save or invest it wisely.

Spirituality Interpretation – Reversed

When The Fool tarot card is in a reversed position and appears in the context of one’s spirituality, then it can indicate that you might be contemplating leaving a religion or spiritual practice that you have been involved in for a long time.

Now you have to buckle down and make a decision that will change your connection with the Universe or God forever. But don’t worry – this is a time of hope and joy!

Acquiring a renewed faith in a spiritual practice or tradition sometimes requires a lot of soul-searching and reflection. Luckily, The Fool card will help you delve into spiritual matters with optimism and curiosity.

Final Thoughts

When The Fool tarot card manifests itself in a reading, you are on the verge of a surprising and thrilling adventure. The changes ahead may require you to take a leap of faith and doing it can be super scary.

However, this card propels you to go with the flow, trusting that everything will work out for the best.

If you want to know more about this art of divination then you can read more about how tarot readings work here.