The Fool, as represented in the Tarot, has evolved from symbolizing a crazy person, driven out by society and plagued by delusions, to embodying a wise wanderer. This transformation connects two powerful traditions: the holy fool, touched by God, and the court jester, having no fixed place in society but free to speak truths others did not dare.
This evolution of The Fool in the Tarot raises a connection between homelessness and foolishness. The saying of Chazal, "A man who has no home is not a man," underscores the vital importance of having a home and family, providing a sense of belonging, purpose, and a foundation for serving and taking action in the world. Without these essential elements, one's words and actions lack grounding and significance, rendering them fleeting and inconsequential. Therefore, the concept of homelessness serves as a metaphorical reminder of the importance of rootedness and connection in our lives.
Images from Tarot Yehudi and the Raziel Tarot:
In the Tarot Yehudi by Betzalel Arieli, The Fool card is associated with Keter, the first sefirah, symbolizing freedom, lightness, and untapped potential. When the card appears reversed, it may suggest instability and a lack of grounding.
The Raziel Tarot, created by Rachel Pollack and Robert Place, depicts The Fool as a young and androgynous Yosef the Diviner before maturity, whose eventual journey saved his family and played a vital role in the Israelites receiving the Torah at Sinai after generations of suffering. The Fool's story highlights divine plans and the eventual fulfillment of a purpose.
Rachel Pollack offers insightful meanings for The Fool. Upright, it represents innocence, openness, and limitless possibilities. It embodies freedom, gentleness, and a lack of anger or grudges. It signifies divination and psychic abilities used selflessly. It reflects beauty and androgyny, a harmonious blend of masculine and feminine. However, it also warns of unrecognized danger, especially in conjunction with aggressive cards. Reversed, it calls for caution, self-consciousness, and hesitation. It highlights an over-awareness of social attitudes or the opinions of others, particularly when paired with the reversed Hanged Man. It acknowledges the importance of recognizing potentially dangerous situations.
Betzalel Arieli writes that the upright card suggests freedom, lightness, inspiration, creativity, and a new beginning. The reversed face indicates instability or a lack of grounding.
By engaging in focused reflection, we can gain insights into the kind of Fool we currently are and cultivate an awareness of our strengths and weaknesses. Embracing the essence of The Fool means acknowledging both our virtuous qualities and our flaws. Through this recognition, we can consciously work on transforming our negative traits into positive ones, and harness our strengths to become better individuals. It is through this process of self-discovery and growth that we embark on a profound journey towards personal evolution.
