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.  

Negative:  "You're operating too much on blind faith.  You need to check out the facts a little more and become more realistic about what's happening.  You may need to take more action instead of just having faith.  You may be too naive or trusting.
Reversed:  "This signifies having faith in yourself, Universal wisdom or your inner guidance." - Gail Fairfield

The Fool - simply, trusting, naive and hopeful.  These are all things that even on my best day would not usually describe me.  I affect a very cynical, hard protective coating that I can let down when I feel I can trust someone but that is an altogether rare occasion.  In fact I cam don a very foolish guise in order to disarm others and keep them at a distance.  I have learned to laugh, make jokes and act the part of the jester because it allows me to keep away any prying and efforts to see beneath the surface.  I am fiercely protective of this softer, more child-like and hopeful side because it has been wounded far too many times.  

Of course the danger to this approach is that I run the risk of become so firmly enmeshed in this persona that I lose all connection to the true me and this jester shell hardens into reality.  I do not want to become an empty husk.  I do have friends that help me maintain the true me but I am starting to realize that I need to find other outlets.  I need to dance in the woods under the moonlight or sit quietly and just listen to the sounds of the world around me.  I need to visit museums and beautiful gardens and bask in the pleasures and treasures they have to offer.  I need to embrace my inner child and let her know it's safe to show herself.

I am almost crying as I sit here writing this because I am so afraid and so is she.  There have been too many instances of mockery, betrayal and denial for me to take this step lightly.  But if I don't take this step and try to reconnect with my inner Fool then I risk becoming a hardened, empty husk of a person.  I have never wanted to become that - it's too sad and depressing a condition to even consider.  So I need to focus on celebrating and dancing with my inner Fool - not easy but definitely doable.