0 The Fool: Take a leap of faith

Numbered zero, the Fool can be placed at the beginning or the end of the major Arcana cards. He is both at the beginning and the end of his journey through the cards, constantly learning and growing, a student of life. In order to grow, to develop, to move forward in life, the Fool must trust the universe that all will be well on his path and take a leap of faith into the unknown. 

The Fool is innocent, spontaneous, a dreamer. He is starting out on a new journey, unaware of what lies ahead, of the joys and dangers of life. He is trusting, maybe a little naive, but he knows that if he doesn’t dare, then he will never find the answers to his questions. Ambi Sun with the Oriens Animal Tarot, captures these ideas perfectly in the simple yet beautifully crafted image of a baby sea turtle hatching from its egg, embarking on it’s life’s journey and taking to first step into the unknown. The baby turtle, like every other baby, knows nothing of life, or the wonders and threats it may come across on it’s path. With this innocence, the baby embraces life, breaking free from it’s confining shell and following the light on the horizon, trusting that it will be kept safe. You see, getting out of your comfort zone is where the real magic happens.

The Fyodor Pavlov Tarot presents a very different Fool, an instantly recognisable character from classic Tarot designs, and the Trump card that got left over as the Joker in playing cards. This Fool, wearing a pierrot Venetian Carnival costume and holding a mask in front of their face, seems to be breaking free of confines inflicted on them, being reckless and showing their own true face. They dance precariously at the edge of the cliff, whether as a symbol of bravery or recklessness, they appear self assured in the decision they have made. Pavlov has chosen a black cat as the Fool’s companion rather than the classic dog, his reason being that “cats almost always land on their feet”. As presumably will our Fool, for no matter how foolish they may appear to the ideal norm, unless they break free, they will never be able to start their journey to being their authentic self.

Chris-Anne, the creator of The Light Seer’s Tarot, depicts enthusiasm, adventure and optimism in the brightly coloured Fool image, reminiscent of jumping in to cool water on hot summer holidays. With a childlike innocence, our lighthearted girl leans backwards over the glistening inviting water, her eyes closed and her face relaxed, trusting that when she lets go and takes that leap of faith, she will dive into her life’s potential, knowing that support and guidance is waiting there. The water will stay perfectly still until she makes ripples in it. The decision she makes, the life path she chooses to take, will have a knock on effect on her future.

What may seem like a foolish whimsical idea to some, maybe the step in the right direction for you. So trust the universe and trust yourself, break free and just start!