When first learning how to read Tarot cards, it helps to understand the story behind the first 23 cards of the deck, also known as the Major Arcana. The story begins with card 0, or The Fool. The Fool represents who we are at the beginning of any new adventure, and it is where we begin the story of "The Fool's Journey".
Card 0: The Fool
The Fool is a bit naive with a lot of energy and excitement, ready to begin to start a new pursuit or adventure. The Fool carries only their basic essentials and embodies eagerness for novelty. The Fool does not know yet where they are going but moves forward anyway.
Card 1: The Magician
The Fool now evolves into The Magician, as they have accepted a new opportunity and can create anything they want. They have all the tools or resources they need to create the life of their dreams. Here, The Fool begins to co-create with the Universe.
Card 2: The High Priestess
The High Priestess shows up when The Fool wishes to discover the physical and spiritual world on a deeper level. The High Priestess shows them esoteric knowledge and wisdom.
Card 3: The Empress
As The Fool begins to question their path now that they've been shown some secrets of the Universe, The Empress shows up as the Mother archetype, embodying fertility, abundance, and a nurturing quality. The Fool seeks comfort and reassurance from this motherly force.
Card 4: The Emperor
The Father figure shows up as The Emperor, who sets the rules and regulations to ensure The Fool's path is safe and stable.
Card 5: The Hierophant
The Fool begins to look for a teacher or mentor, and they encounter The Hierophant, who teaches them about the external world as well as deepens their spiritual teachings.
Card 6: The Lovers
The Fool begins to crave companionship and discovers the beauty and energy of The Lovers archetype. They learn about what being in a union is like and learns how to balance their masculine and feminine energies.
Card 7: The Chariot
With willpower and discipline, The Fool learns how to become successful, and rides the Chariot towards their goals and believes they can achieve anything.
Card 8: Strength
The Fool now possesses inner Strength through the courage they developed from their journey. They learn to tame the unfettered ambition (Lion or beast), and grows more mature and has more self-control.
Card 9: The Hermit
The Fool then goes into solitude and becomes The Hermit to go within and reflect on everything they have been through so far. They are now older and wiser and begins to see the Divine Plan of the Universe.
Card 10: The Wheel of Fortune
The Fool learns about The Wheel Of Fortune and divine timing; that we are all subject to fate, good or bad, depending on how the wheel turns.
Card 11: Justice
Even with the ups and downs of life, The Fool knows that the Universe will always bring balance to any situation and will always bring Justice.
Card 12: The Hanged Man
With this knowledge, The Fool can surrender and pause as The Hanged Man. They are safe to explore the world from different perspectives and they know that the Universe will always catch them if they fall.
Card 13: Death
At this stage, The Fool experiences the Death of the Ego or the old Self. The person they thought they were falls away, and with the slate wiped clean, there is silence and peace.
Card 14: Temperance
With Temperance, The Fool learns to be patient and find balance without needing to pursue new things. They learn that there isn't always a need for immediate action.
Card 15: The Devil
Trying to move forward, The Fool realizes they are still shackled by their past- emotionally, physically, or financially. So The Devil forces The Fool to look at what is holding themself back and release what is no longer serving their highest good.
Card 16: The Tower
The Fool, resistant to making these big changes, The Tower assists The Fool by shaking them loose from their attachments using external forces beyond their control. The Universe sets them free!
Card 17: The Star
After the shaking of The Fool's foundation, The Star provides a light of hope and renewal for them. The Fool feels inspired to start shining as their true unique self.
Card 18: The Moon
As The Star's opposite, The Moon represents The Fool's fears or programming that is stopping them from enjoying their new state of bliss. Casting a shadow of old anxieties and fears rising to the surface. The Fool is called to face their own Shadows.
Cards 19: The Sun
Once The Fool has worked through their fears, their light expands and becomes The Sun, renewed and in touch with their original Soul's purpose. Their old Ego is shed, and they are now in total alignment.
Card 20: Judgment
Like a final Judgment, there is no room for illusions or false identities. The Fool is rising/waking up and answering their soul's calling.
Card 21: The World
At the end of the road, The Fool has mastered The World, completing their journey. Now is the chance to celebrate all their victories and accomplishments. With one cycle closed, another one begins!
As you can see, The Fool's journey is full of ups and downs, lessons, and full of chances to evolve just like life! These archetypes, characters, and situations in The Fool's Journey show up in our own lives.
The Practice:
Take some time to reflect on your own journey in life, and ask yourself "Where am I on my journey?" Imagine yourself as The Fool, and think about who your teachers, partners, and guides are who have helped you along your way. What have been "Tower" moments in your life that actually turned out to be good for you in the long run? Wherever you are in your journey, ask yourself "What is next for me?" and tune into which Major Arcana archetype is calling to you, and meditate with this card until you feel your answer coming to the surface.
If you are in the Portland, OR area and wish to learn how to read Tarot intuitively in person, click this link here to find out when and where my next classes are. You can also book me for a Tarot reading here.
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