The Fool represents a sense of innocence and joy, a time in life when everything seems new and we have not preconceived notions to weigh us down. The Fool is like an innocent child just starting out on life's journey - a clean slate in search of new experiences. The Fool trusts in life and is unaware of limitations or restrictions. The Fool is a Major Arcana card but its number is 0. The Fool is often seen as symbolizing the Fool's journey or our soul's journey through life.  The Fool is all about trust and being willing to start anew and take a leap of faith. 

The Celtic Wisdom Soul (Fool) shows a young traveler sleeping on his side near a standing stone.  A pale blue cosmic light pours from the young traveler through a hole in the center of the stone.  On the other side we see the spirit of the young traveler going forth on a dream visit to see the immensities of the Celtic cosmos contained within the cauldron which is etched above his head.  A triple spiral hovering above the traveler's head is a symbol of his physical vitality, his vocational commitment and his intelligence: in Celtic bardic lore, these are the three essential receptors for all inspirational wisdom. 

This card speaks of a mystical, new journey - perhaps to find our soul mission in life.  It's about being willing to take that chance and tread an unfamiliar path.  The traveler is sleeping in the middle of the forest and it that doesn't show a certain amount of faith, and foolishness, then I don't know what does.  This card speaks of that part of us which transcends physical boundaries and yet which is still part of them.  The traveler cannot learn his soul journey in his physical form - he must let his spirit go forth in search of the answer.  To me The Soul is reminding us that we may need to be willing to leave behind the trappings of our mundane life and move forth unburdened to explore new areas and new experiences.

On the Zerner-Farber card the Fool bears more of a resemblance to the medieval court jester with his hooded cap, multi-colored and mixed pattern clothing.  The white dog follows behind him, jumping after the scarf that flutters in the breeze behind the Fool.  In his left hand the fool holds a devil mask on a stick and the face is turned in his direction.  Is he facing his own demons in heading out on this journey?  A winged bug (maybe a butterfly but it looks more like a moth to me) flitters in the sky above the Fool.  Is it signifying that like a moth to a flame, he cannot resist setting off into the unknown?  The landscape around him is lovely and full of color.  No visible danger is apparent but who knows what lies over the next hill. 

This card reminded me a bit of myself when I got laid off.  Actually to be honest, I sort of had my suspicions but then again I try to be a realist and prepare myself for the worst even though I always hope for the best (my secret inner optimist).  Like this Fool - everything seemed beautiful and tranquil around me.  I didn't see the cliff ahead of me.  Now that I've fallen off that cliff (okay, was pushed off that cliff) I am enjoying the experience of freefall.  Now that I have had the inevitable change forced upon me, I want to see where this takes me.  I feel a bit like Promethea when she sets off to help her friend Barbara find her husband's spirit in the afterlife.  They head off down the lightning path on the Tree of Life.  I don't know if my adventure will be quite so tumultuous but it is already yielding unexpected results.  With each day that passes I become more sure that I will never return to a traditional 9 to 5 (or 8 to 7 or whatever) job again.  I really do want to try being my own boss.  And once I can figure out what I need to do to achieve this goal it will be full steam ahead.  Is that foolish?  In today's economy I don't see how it can be anything else.  At the same time, this experience has taught me that there is no true security in life; no sure thing.  No matter who you are or what job you hold there is an element of risk involved.  Who would have thought the big three automakers would be in danger of bankruptcy?  Who would have believe Obama could be elected?  It's a Foolish world out there and I've decided it's time to quiet my fears and take some chances. 

I think the reversed nature of this Fool is gently reminding me that I'm not quite there yet.  I need to prepare myself a little better for this journey.  And that's okay, there is a time for everything and I will have my time.  I can be nervous and a little worried but I don't need to let fear determine my future.  In the past I've always worried about making sure bills are paid and that I have medical insurance.  I will still have these concerns but I will learn to operate from a more positive, nurturing and life affirming place rather than from fear and worry.  That in and of itself it such a relief I feel lighter than ever before.  What I have gained is a strong faith in the belief that my life will turn out the way it is meant to; not based on a fatalistic doctrine but based on my belief that ultimately the Universe wants what is best for me.  Once I take the steps down that path, I believe the gods will help me by opening doors and providing opportunities to assist me on the journey.  Maybe this Fool is reversed because he is reminding me that the first step I need to take is within my own mind.  Once I can be more open to the risks, I will be ready to start my journey.  And I am definitely getting much closer.

Tarot Affirmations by Sally Hill:

• I am limitless energy, a spirit on the path of life in search of new experiences.
• I am fresh beginnings, the first steps of a new journey or undertaking.