The illustrations of the Tarot are full of symbolism. Many thousands of books have been written about these symbols and many hundreds of cards have been illustrated, either ignoring or elaborating upon the original card design.
As with any study the original should be adhered to as a starting point of exploration. And so we have THE FOOL, a character embarking upon a journey, setting off from his origins to explore the world around him.
As with study, THE FOOL starts off simply – on an adventure - but soon reveals to the seeker a network of references, a path seemingly straight forward twisting and turning in a convoluted fashion revealing the complexities that lay hidden in the most simple of enquiries.
To learn is to cross-reference back and forward until the fabric of curiosity develops into a tapestry of illustration that aids in our understanding. Each and every tapestry will be unique to the enquirer according to his or her personal individual perceptions and experiences. The Fool being ‘0’ - is the eye of the needle in which the thread of adventure begins.
So let us firstly examine the symbols for clues to this card, seeking out explanations that bear relevance to our own life, our own journey into the unknown.
ILLUSTRATION
High on a mountain above the mundane concerns of everyday life the Fool is poised. Behind him is the golden Sun set in a golden sky, ahead of him the ground falling away into a void. The Fool is gazing upon a point floating in the air just ahead. His clothes are of ‘green motley’ sewn together in odd fashion, and at his feet is a dog pulling at his hose. He carries a bag attached to a wooden staff over his shoulder, the contents of which are not yet known. He holds a white rose in his hand. With his feet on the ground and his eyes to the sky he demonstrates his connection to both Heavenly influences and Earthly pursuits.
Now let us observe more closely this scene, for it is through observation that questions arise and - following the Golden Rule of study – ‘Ask and ye shall receive’.
In the myth of PARSIFAL - a tale synonymous with the Fool - Parsifal did not ask and consequently triggered a series of events that ultimately led to the search of the Holy Grail. This tale is one of the great, enduring and well loved stories of Celtic Lore and may become your first venture into cross-reference – the first thread of your own tapestry. The triggering of the Quest bespeaks the purity of spiritual truth that, regardless of enquiry, unfolds with perfection, presenting the aspirant with a tale of unsurpassed parables to enjoy and learn from.
Significant connections can be inhibited by premature judgement as is the case of DIONYSUS – another aspect of THE FOOL – who, on first viewing may dissuade the prudish or judgemental. DIONYSUS –Greek God of wine & song - finds his connection with The Fool through the effects of wine that takes us ‘out of our heads.’ Most cultures seek out this condition either through ritual, substance or meditation for the purpose of spiritual connection – it would appear that it is usually through abuse of substance that the consequent effects of uninhibited behaviour, becomes a problem
Ask yourself these questions –
- Would you rather have answers served to you on a platter? Or does the idea of venturing further a-field to seek out your own answers hold more appeal?
- Have you experienced the feeling of resistance to other people’s advice – fuelled by the prospect and excitement of ‘finding out for yourself’?
- Has ignorance developed into consequences wherein wisdom was the result?
- Can you recall times in your life where, through a desire for adventure, you threw caution to the wind?
- Can you, in hindsight, count the positive consequences of so-called ‘foolish acts?’
THE MOTELY GARB – of the Fool appears to lack convention – as yet unclassified or defined by trade, class or social position. In some cards his green clothes connect him to the Celtic ‘Green Man’ of nature. Waite imposed the patterning of sun wheels upon his Fool to represent the influence of the Egyptian Solar Deity Ra. Crowley, true to form, remained loyal to the Pagan Green of nature, choosing to align his Fool with the sap of Spring rising upward in Phallic fashion.
When we consider the tender onset of life it is realised how totally dependant we are upon others to clothe, feed and shape our way of thinking.
There is a certain joy felt when one throws to the wind the uniformed discipline of parental protection, donning instead the coat of green, silken velvet, our thirst for adventure compelling us toward that first step on the road sign-posted “freedom”.
In a world contrived to control us with threats and fear this first step may be taken with much trepidation. As the illustration suggests – we do not know what lies ahead. If we did know then maybe we would never sup upon the bitter-sweet wine of life that evokes from within the unutterable cry of passion; or sway to that mesmerising drum beat of tumultuous desire. We would choose to avoid despair and sorrow and opt instead for a secure, shallow, unsatisfactory life of low-risk mediocrity.
Parents may be the architects of our infant cradles; Teachers - the guardians of our ABC’s; Preachers - the beholders of angelic & demonic consequence; and Society the structure of law into which we are born, however there comes a time when Spirit, stirring from the depths of Self, beckons us toward that terrible precipice of adventure.
The Divine Impulse of evolution shakes off the shackles of sensible guidance and trembling with curiosity and anticipation we leap forward. The clothes of the Fool are as green as the Fool himself. Green as the first tender shoots of Spring, new and shiny, tasty and sweet and – as yet - untried. The Green Motley therefore is indicative of Spring and our connection to the Nature of Self, the uncorrupted, pure Nature of Spirit innately stirring from within.
DOG IS AN ANAGRAM OF GOD
THE DOG – biting at the shapely leg of this young Fool represents that instinctual part of Self constantly pulling at our fears, nagging at our actions, persistently reminding us of the necessity of survival. Although the Fool may be taking a stroll over the cliff-edge his animal instincts will, when adhered to, protect his fall by pulling him away from potential dangers.
By befriending his instincts the Fool’s mortality is assured. When we truly listen to our inner voice we can govern any fall. Like the jester performing his tricks timing is of essence. If not for that instinctual pull that both compels and protects, the complexities of the act he would fail miserably. The Fool has no thought of failure or success - he is merely following his instinctual curiosity, venturing forth to find out more about the world he lives in.
Watch a dog for half an hour. You will find within him a healthy curiosity that compels him to check out every corner of his environment. Only when he has satisfied himself that there is no threat will he finally rest. Even then he may sleep with one eye open. Maybe the dog is representative of the presence of God manifesting as our tool for survival.
In some versions of the card a tiger or crocodile takes the place of a dog. These animals, like the dog are predatory in their behaviour. The crocodile bears special significance in Egyptian mythology and further research will shed valuable light upon the interpretation.
THE STAFF AND BAG
The staff can be seen in the wand of the Magus, the crook of the Hierophant, the flail of the Charioteer and the staff of the Hermit and significantly the tool of The Devil. In each case the staff serves to connect us with the life-force, with spirit, with the Gods. Esoterically the staff is phallic – the phallus being the seed-bearer – the “Messenger of the Gods.”
The Fool uses his staff to carry his sack. Within the sack are his life potentials represented by the four elemental symbols of Fire, Water, Air and Earth. With such a blatant symbolisation of the male genitalia it is surprising how often Tarotists, encouraged by Waite’s interpretation, consider the Fool to be non-sexual.
The bag, in some packs, is emblazoned with an eye shaped as the yoni.
The significance of this sack lies in the fact that the Fool carries it on his journey and, as yet has not examined the contents. Symbolically the sack represents our untried potentials that, with experience will be drawn upon and examined as needed. These potentials will be activated differently for each individual according to his or her unique experiences. Some potentials will remain dormant for many years, others will be tried and tested in many diverse ways. The character of each individual’s development and uniqueness is subject to potentials realised and unrealised. The Fools bag is a potent brew of possibilities, speculation and diversity, not to be opened until his feet land firmly on Terra Firma.
THE ROSE
The rose throughout history has inspired artists, poets, kings and queens alike. This is the flower of romance inspired through the worship of the feminine. Esoterically the rose is worthy of in-depth research as within the myths and tales of the rose is hidden the esoteric doctrines of Western Hermetic Tradition. The rose in the hand of the Fool is White representing the pure innocence of impulse. Although the rose lends an air of whimsy to the overall portrayal of the card, it is in fact, a very powerful symbol expressing the presence of the quintessential qualities of feminine influence essential in comprehending the profound subtleties inherent to the card’s proper interpretation.
FEATHER
The feather in the cap illustrates the presence of air. Feathers bear significance in many cultures and are worthy of research. The feather that the Fool dons is related to the feather of Ma’at – the Egyptian Goddess of Justice – her presence indicating guidance and balance required to take that leap forward – her influence, among other things, assures his safe landing.
THE GOLDEN SKY bespeaks the presence of the Qabalistic Kether – the presence of God – the beginning of the journey of Spiritual enlightenment.
The Fool can be found throughout history. As the Royal Jester he was able to enact political statements without reprimand and was known as the conduit of Truth. As the Village Idiot he was revered as the channel of God’s voice, his insane ramblings firm proof that he was speaking from some high place. Consequently he was cared for by his community. His welfare was most likely assured by superstition of consequence.
Today the Fool is not revered. We call him foolish, stupid - irresponsible. Yet if never a foolish act was done then never a lesson be learnt for without Divine Impulse there can be no revelation of Divine Truth. Next month I will be discussing THE MAGUS wherein the contents of the Fool’s bag will be revealed. We will meet within ourselves the power of awareness, communication, and join forces with Mercury – the ‘Messenger of the Gods’.
Until then be curious and enjoy your journey into research and discovery.
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