The Fool card is the first card, numbered 0 (zero) of the 22 Major Arcana cards. The meaning of The Fool card signifies the beginning of a journey and very outgoing and optimistic energy.
Element: Air
The Fool card represents, literally the Fool's journey.
It is ruled by Uranus.
The Fool has different meanings when interpreted upright as it does reversed (upside down, not the same as face down).
The table below shows a brief summary of interpretations, followed by more in-depth analysis of the card in both positions below.
| Upright | Reversed |
| Taking a leap of faith, taking a risk, curiosity, taking a chance. | Impulsive actions or risks. Reluctance to a new beginning, reluctance to take a chance on something. |
| (Yes/No?): Yes | (Yes/No?): No |
The Fool is about taking a leap of faith. It is about going on a journey with optimism and without necessarily knowing what the future holds.
The Fool card can signify a new beginning or a fresh start, although it's possible there is some unpredictability present.
The Fool definitely takes chances and can be described as a risk-taker at times.
He is full of energy, enthusiasm and curiosity.
The Fool Card Number Meaning
It is the very first card in the Major Arcana, although it is not associated with any number, and is therefore numbered 0 (zero).
The Fool Rider Waite Description
In the original Rider-Waite tarot deck, The Fool card illustrates a young person heading out on a journey with nothing but a knapsack over his shoulder and his little dog in tow.
Both the Fool and the little dog appear joyful, and full of excitement.
The Fool is looking to the sky with anticipation for his new journey, the sun is shining and he has just appeared to pick a flower on his way.
Although he appears to be in full stride he doesn't seem to be aware of the fact that he is about to step right over the edge of a cliff into the water below.