Over the next few weeks I am going to show you how to unlock your true potential using tarot cards. We will focus on one card at a time. We'll start with The Fool and follow the Fools Journey through the Major Arcana of the Rider-waite Tarot.
The fool’s journey is the journey we all take through life, from our innocent self through to complete self-awareness. We call him the fool because only a naïve and gentle soul has the faith to undertake the journey.
Now let’s start examining the imagery of the Fool card.
We see a young man happily walking along, his head in the air and arms flung wide open carrying his possessions on a pole on his shoulder. A white rose is in his hand and small white dog frolics at his feet. He does not see the danger ahead in the form of a cliff. He is innocent.
Now to examine the symbolism within the card.
The sun shines brightly – a new day, clear and fresh.
A white rose is said to represent new beginnings, new starts.
A white dog represents your conscious self – who you are and who you are becoming. Your own values as you go forth in the world.
The dog has another meaning - companionship and loyalty. John Donne said “no man is an Island”. This is true of our fool, he will meet companions along the way, some helpful and some not. Who can we trust? Is the Magician friend or foe?
What does the fool represent? The card says that new beginnings are ahead, and you should take them on boldly, without fear. A new beginning is always a chance to succeed. There are no obstacles, only challenges that we have yet to overcome. Every moment has unlimited potential and spontaneity. Have faith and go for it.
Having tarot cards is about your own connection with your cards. We use the symbolism and meanings behind the cards as a guide but you can still interpret the cards using your own mystical connection to the them. No one but you can say what the cards really mean at any given time.
The interpretation of the cards is a guide to help you understand what you see and feel.
The next card we'll be looking at is The Magician. What can he tell us about the future and what is he holding back?