As we begin examining the Major Arcana, the first card we encounter is the Fool. How appropriate considering the Fool represents new beginnings or the beginning stages of a journey.

Before I get too carried away with the Fool's associated meaning, I want to set the record straight. Many individuals automatically assume the Fool is negatively aspected based upon the title "The Fool". However, that is far from the truth.

Upon beginning something new, we are most usually curious but lack knowledge and understanding because the situation is completely new; never before having been experience. Yet we are standing at the threshold of new opportunities by standing in the position of the Fool. There is also untapped potential, skills and abilities we may possess but not fully know how to utilize them.

So, the Fool, then represents the start of something new in our lives in some aspect or level of our beingness. This can relate to virtually anything we may attempt at the given time this card appears in a reading. A new relationship, a new job or career, new outlook on life, education or some form of training, develop new skills or abilities, change in location and spiritual advancement; to name a few.

We are asked to step with the courage of an adolescent youth, carefree and happy-go-lucky; unaware of other influences surrounding us as we enter into the unknown. This could also include a tendency to be vulnerable and easily influenced in the early stages.

If doing a Keltic Cross Spread, pay attention to what is crossing the individual's path, as this may provide clues if the individual is being taken advantage of due to their lack of knowledge, experience or awareness.

Simply put, the Fool is alikened to a teenager who is about to embark upon their own individual path with a newfound freedom and sense of self; not yet aware of the dangers and pitfalls ahead. Through curiosity, they begin to experience life, gain understanding and knowledge as they courageously journey through the Major Arcana. Each time we begin anew, we again become the Fool at the beginning unaware of the lessons and knowledge needed to master this stage of the process for it is only through living and experiencing life that we truly begin to learn and understand the path before us.

To Your Divinatory Success!

Leslie Fulger
Tarot Site Editor
BellaOnline.com