The Fool Tarot Card Meanings

The Fool represents new beginnings, potential, and the willingness to leap into the unknown. As the first card of the Major Arcana, which is position zero, it symbolizes the beginning of the soul’s journey and the trust it takes to step forward.

When the Fool appears in a reading, it’s a call to embrace spontaneity, trust your instincts, and follow the adventure. No matter how uncertain the path may be. That quote about leap and the net will appear? That’s the Fool card in a nutshell.

The Fool card shows a young traveler standing at the edge of a cliff, eyes to the sky, completely unbothered by the upcoming drop beneath him. He holds a small knapsack of essentials and a white rose that represents innocence. He is accompanied by a little white barking dog. The dog may represent loyalty, intuition, or the small voice within—either sending up an alarm warning us of danger or urging us forward.

Behind him is the world you know. Ahead, infinite possibility asking you the question: What happens if you just go for it?

The Fool Keywords

Upright Fool Tarot Card Meaning

The Fool invites you to leap. Whether that’s because you’ve outgrown your circumstances and are ready for the next level up or there’s something inviting you to step forward. This card signals the start of a journey. That could be a project, a relationship, a personal transformation, and it encourages you to move forward with optimism, curiosity, and courage.

It’s about trusting the process, not the outcome. Even if the path isn’t clear yet, your willingness to begin is the magic that activates everything else.

At its essence, the Fool embodies the commencement of a journey, a spirit of spontaneity, and the belief that anything is achievable when you take that first step into faith. When I think of the Fool card, I’m often reminded of the scene from end of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when Indiana takes a step forward into the chasm and has to believe that the net he cannot yet see is actually there.

Love and Relationships

When it comes to love readings, the Fool is about openness and new experiences. If you’re in a relationship, it may be time to plan an adventure or let go of the fear that’s holding you back from deeper intimacy. Think about what you can do to reignite the spark between you both or what’s been holding you back.

If you’re single, this card points to fresh romantic possibilities. Someone unexpected may walk into your life, or you might feel pulled to explore a new kind of connection. Follow your heart, not your rules.

Career and Finances

In career readings, the Fool represents new business ventures, fresh perspectives, and trusting your instincts. Maybe you’re considering a big career change or launching something on your own. This card says: go for it. The details will become clear when you do.

Financially, it encourages you to be open to new opportunities, but not to rush into anything blindly. Take calculated risks. Don’t throw your savings off a cliff. Or go all in on your buddy’s project they swear will be profitable even though it doesn’t feel right to you.

Reversed Fool Meaning

Reversed, the Fool suggests fear, indecision, or poor planning. You may be holding back from a new beginning because you’re scared of what could go wrong. Or, you may be diving in too quickly, ignoring warning signs and your barking intuition.

This card is a reminder to pause and reflect: Have you been playing to too safe? Are you hesitating because you lack information or because you don’t trust yourself yet? Or are you charging forward impulsively despite feeling like you shouldn’t?

Love and Relationships

When reversed, the Fool can signal impulsiveness in love. You might be rushing into something without considering long-term compatibility, repeating patterns you haven’t fully healed from, or simply ignoring the fact that the person is a literal box of red flags.

For singles, it may point to emotional unavailability or a desire to keep things surface-level. For couples, it could be a sign that one or both people are avoiding the deeper work.

Career and Finances

Reversed, the Fool card may suggest instability, distractions, or jumping into career decisions without thinking them through. If things feel chaotic or uncertain, take a step back and assess where you’re going and why.

Financially, beware of risky investments or too-good-to-be-true offers. Slow down and check your footing before moving forward.

How to Interpret the Fool in a Past-Present-Future Tarot Spread

The past-present-future spread is a popular one to use, especially for beginner readers. Here’s one way to read The Fool if it shows up for you.

If the Fool appears in the past position: You took a leap of faith or entered a new phase of life with optimism and trust.
In the present position: A new beginning is calling you. Take the leap.
In the future position: An opportunity is coming that you may want to take.

Journal Prompts for the Fool

If this card comes up in your tarot reading and you wish to meditate or journal about it to get a deeper understanding, here are some prompts to consider.

• What new beginning am I being called toward?
• What would I do if I weren’t afraid of failing?
• Where in my life am I ready to take a risk?
• What’s one adventure my soul is craving right now?

Important Card Combinations for The Fool

The Fool + The Magician

A powerful new start. The ideas of the Fool become action in the Magician‘s hands. You have what you need to succeed.

The Fool + The Lovers

A new romantic connection or choice that requires vulnerability and trust.

The Fool + The Tower

An unexpected leap leads to sudden change. Don’t fear the fall. There’s a breakthrough coming as a result.

The Fool + Three of Wands

New adventures ahead—time to expand your horizons.

The Fool + Eight of Swords

You’re feeling stuck, but it’s a mental trap. Free yourself by taking the first step.

What Is the Fool’s Journey?

The Fool’s Journey is also the story of the Major Arcana. As the Fool moves through the deck, they encounter archetypes that repesent people and energies we meet in our own lives. Such as the nurturing Empress, the introspective Hermit, and the powerful Emperor.

Each card is a stage of the Fool’s growth with moments of joy, clarity, upheaval, and transformation. It’s a metaphor for the soul’s evolution. More on it here.