Hark! I have returned. After a few months away to focus on real-life work, things have returned (somewhat) to normal, and I am able to put pen-to-paper (*ahem* finger-to-keyboard) to talk all things Tarot. During my break, I continued in my Tarot/Self-Improvement journey. I completed my Tarot Advisor certification with Biddy Tarot, and I've been reading up on Alchemy and Carl Jung. It's amazing how one thing leads to another...
And that leads me to the card I chose for today: The Fool.
Traditionally, The Fool is often depicted as a carefree and naïve individual who embarks on a journey or adventure without fear or concern for potential risks. The Fool is numbered as the first card (0) in the Major Arcana, and its placement at the beginning of the deck would suggest a starting point or a new beginning on a journey (Adventure! Opportunities!). In short, it's usually viewed as a very optimistic card, an omen of good fortune - if you believe in that sort of thing.
I mentioned before that I have been reading more about Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology and the creator of the concept of the psychoanalytical archetype. He saw great relevance in symbols, archetypes, and the unconscious mind. One of those archetypes is The Divine Fool.
For those unfamiliar with the concept of an archetype, an archetype is a universal symbol, pattern, or motif that represents commonly-shared experiences, patterns, or thought across cultures and history. They are genderless and ageless despite sometimes having feminine or masculine traits.
There are three primary areas of interest that Jung mentioned about The Fool:
- The Symbolism of Innocence and Spontaneity: Jung saw The Fool as a symbol of innocence and spontaneity. The Fool is untainted by preconceived notions, biases, and societal expectations. They represent childlike wonder and an openness to new experiences.
- The Journey of Individuation: Individuation is the psychological journey of self-discovery. The Fool's willingness to take risks and step into the unknown symbolizes the beginning of the individuation process.
- Embracing the Shadow: The Fool's lack of fear or hesitation to confront whatever lies beyond the cliff signifies a willingness to embrace the unconscious aspects of the psyche, including the shadow—the darker and hidden aspects of the self. This courage to confront the shadow is an essential aspect of personal growth and individuation.
Every Little Detail Plays a Part
So when we take into account Jung's thoughts on The Fool, we begin to understand that The Fool isn't just the start of a new adventure; it's the first step in personal growth.
The Fool doesn't represent only grandiose events in our lives (starting a new job or relationship, going to school, becoming a parent, etc). These can be smaller things: your personal weightloss journey, curbing alcohol consumption, or learning a new skill. Whatever the event, the key thing is it is YOUR journey. Maybe that journey is part of a larger spiritual growth or you working on becoming a better parent. The important thing to remember is that every step counts in your journey, and every detail plays a part.
I've come to understand that in order for us to undertake the journey and benefit from the process, we must be willing passengers. We must be mindful and aware, taking those first steps with purpose. This is where that "self-betterment" piece comes in.
Remember, too, that Tarot is about cycles: where there is a beginning, there is also an end - and sometimes the beginning and end happen simultaneously. Understanding that you are in a toxic relationship (platonic or romantic) takes awareness. Are you happy? Is this healthy? Does it allow you to grow and be your best self? Finding the courage to step away from that friend who enables you or doesn't encourage you to be your best can be hard, especially with years of history or financial entanglement. Perhaps part of the journey is learning to live without.
Thinking about the three aspects identified by Jung, you can see how The Fool is something we can all understand and embrace, especially the part where we must be open to embracing the darker and hidden/unknown aspects of ourselves.
Of course, there will be fear in growth and change. There will be all kinds of mixed feelings: sadness, relief, worry, joy... however, The Fool is willing to embrace the darker side of the journey and has an understanding that every journey walks in both shadows and sunlight.
As we start the month of August (and on a full moon, at that), how does The Fool reflect in your life? What journeys are you undertaking to make you a better person? What does it mean for you to be a better person? What do you need to do before you can commit to growth?
As The Fool heads out, he stops by The Magician (card 1 in the Tarot) who teaches him that belief and manifestation are key parts of the creation process.
Believe in yourself and your journey. Embrace the reason.
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