THE FOOL

The Fool is the preliminary key to the Tarot.  The Element of the Fool is Air and the Planet is Uranus. 

Qualities of the Fool are Freedom, Lust for Life, Beginnings, and Adventure.  Alternate names for the Fool are The Foolish Man, and The Vagabond.  Symbols are The Wand, The Altar, Tools and the Infinity Sign. 

In German the Fool is called Der Narr.  In French, Le Mat, Le Fou, and Le Fol.  And in Italian, Il Matto, Il Folle, Il Pazzo.

SYMBOLOGY

The Fool marks the beginning of the journey through the Major Arcana.  Often depicted as a young person, he is usually shown walking precariously close to a cliff or deep ravine, sometimes with one foot poised, as if he is about to step directly into the void.  Yet he remains blissfully unaware of his imminent danger.  His clothes and cap are vividly colored, usually blues, reds and yellows, and at times emblazoned with symbols.  With one hand, he carries his belongings, wrapped up in a kerchief tied to the end of a staff, casually slung over his shoulder.  In the other hand, he holds a walking stick or a white rose, symbolizing his purity and innocence.  At his feet, a small dog or other small animal is often shown, a protector and loyal companion on the Fool's adventure.  Beyond are the sun and snow-capped mountains, signifying his ultimate destination ahead, a mystic path toward enlightenment.  

ATTRIBUTES

The Fool is a nascent spirit embarking on a search for experience.  He emerges from the void and sets out on his journey with the innocence of a newborn.  His story has yet to be told, he is infinite potential -- all things and no thing, at once.  He is not yet rational, but rather intuitive, acting entirely on instinct.  Naive, spontaneous, a blank page awaiting the first touch of ink, he has no expectations, no past.  He is rash, obsessed, and unrestrained.  He is energized and continually renewed by his own inception, propelled forward by impulse and cathartic creation.