Every story has its hero, guiding us through trials and triumphs from the very first page to the final chapter. It's a bit like The Never-Ending Story, though hopefully with fewer horse-eating swamps. When we turn to Tarot for self-reflection, we step into the shoes of that hero—The Fool—and watch our journey unfold through the symbolic pages of the Major Arcana, commonly known as The Fool's Journey.

This journey is a passage through the 21 archetypes that resonate throughout human existence. Archetypes, universal patterns and symbols transcending culture and time, manifest in Tarot as the Mother, the Father, the Lovers, and Death (among others) —concepts universally recognizable, echoing our own experiences.

The Fool's Journey mirrors human development. While some view it as a two-pronged cycle, I find the three-stage model more apt, aligning neatly with our human progression.

Phase 1: The Self

The initial phase sees The Fool transition from childhood to adulthood, navigating the world with newfound independence and drawing wisdom from archetypes like The Empress, The Emperor, and The Hierophant. Now, equipped with foundational knowledge, The Fool embarks on the second leg—The World.

Phase 2: The World

Unlike the physical growth of the first stage, the second leg establishes adulthood as a labyrinth of choices, each shaping our path. Here, The Fool's placement along the journey becomes fluid, reflecting the complexities of our lives. It's here we're introduced to The Hanged Man, Justice, and Death (as a symbol of transformation, not literal death).

Phase 3: Spiritual Awakening

The final leg, akin to the later stages of adulthood, delves into deeper themes. Though darkness may loom, enlightenment beckons, marking a shift in perspective as The Fool nears the journey's zenith. It is here we come to terms with The Devil and The Tower (the notoriously scary cards of Tarot), and regain our faith and direction with The Star, ultimately progressing through Judgment until we reach The World, the culmination of our journey. With attainment comes a sense of fulfilment, and as one journey concludes, another begins, perpetuating the cyclical nature of The Fool's Journey.

But even as one cycle ends, another begins, for The Fool's Journey is more about cycles than linear progression. Each card in the Major Arcana signifies a profound life event or theme, distinct from the daily humdrum captured in the Minor Arcana—a juxtaposition akin to dating versus marriage, each holding its own significance as a life theme. So, as we close this chapter, remember that the journey never truly ends—it merely turns another page, inviting us to embark on a new adventure, armed with fresh insights and lessons to learn.

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