How Understanding the Fool's Journey Can Lead to Transformation
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Written by Catherine Starr, Life Coach, Speaker, and Tarot Reader
Catherine Starr is a Life Coach, Speaker, and Tarot Reader, bringing transformative experiences to individuals seeking to design and manifest lives that ignite passion and fulfill purpose. Her ritual-theatre piece, Oracles from the Living Tarot, brings Tarot cards to life, providing community and personal insights. Her commitment to mentoring and guiding others is a cornerstone of her work.
Discover the Fool’s Journey from the Tarot as a way to understand and guide a client through transformation. The cards of Tarot’s major arcana tell a story that starts with the Fool, who goes through various experiences of personal growth and discovery. Understanding the patterns formed by these cards helps me provide guidance to my clients as I combine tarot and hypnotherapy into my intuitive transformational coaching practice.
The Fool’s journey and the major arcana
The Fool’s Journey is comprised of the twenty-two cards of the major arcana in a standard tarot deck. Jung described the images on these cards as archetypes that could provide a deeper understanding of a person’s consciousness. These images have deep meanings, representing both good and bad attributes. These attributes are not necessarily balanced equally on every card. For example, most people will initially view the Tower or Death cards as very bad, however, there are seeds of wisdom that can be used to transform how one views difficult situations. I will endeavor to describe the cards through the Fool’s Journey in such a way that you will see the beauty of all of these cards and the lessons learned by the Fool.
For this journey, I will be using a standard Rider-Waite-Smith deck, as it is the deck many people start with when embarking on a study of tarot. I have also broken the cards into three sections. Starting with details about the Fool, I will introduce the Teachers and Lessons, Challenges and Opportunities, and finally, What the Fool Has Learned along the way.
Introducing the Fool
The story of the Fool’s Journey starts with a card depicting a person starting a journey. Along the way, this person meets teachers, challenges, and rewards until finally coming to the end and a new beginning. But who is this Fool?
The Fool is usually depicted as someone carelessly starting on a journey. The colors the Fool wears are typically yellow, red, and green. There is a pack either on their back or tied to a walking stick. A dog accompanies them, sometimes biting their legs to move them along. The Fool is not looking where they are going. Their head is in the sky, with a foot ready to step off a cliff. The Fool is out for an adventure and seems unprepared for what could be waiting.
A deeper meaning of this card describes any journey that we might embark upon. We may think we know every step along the way, but do we? What happens when we encounter others along the way?
The teachers who educate the Fool, or what the Fool needs to learn
The group of cards are archetypes that have some knowledge to share with the Fool. It is up to the Fool to decide what will be useful or who will have the most influence as they face the challenges of this journey.
The magician
The first teacher is the Magician. This teacher has power over the elements, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Magical tools are laid on an altar, and each tool corresponds with one suit in the Minor Arcana. The pentacle represents earth or coins and material wealth. The wand represents fire and passion or action. The sword represents air and knowledge or learning. The cup represents water and love, emotions, or healing. The Magician stands with one hand up and one down. His motto is, “As above, so below. As the Universe, so the soul.” In magic, what you do affects both your inner world and the outer world. The Magician tries to share this knowledge, but is the Fool wise enough to understand?
The high priestess
Next, the Fool meets the High Priestess. She carries the sacred mystery of the Moon. What she teaches is hidden knowledge. She is the source of mysteries, the secrets that have yet to be revealed. She understands how to tap into her intuition and trust that inner voice of wisdom. She can be very seductive to a young Fool, unsure of the next step. Will she tell the Fool what the future holds?
The emperor
While the Empress almost lounges on her throne, the Emperor is stern. It is important to him that he exudes masculine power and strength. He ensures that everyone who approaches him knows that he is the ultimate power in his realm. He is the true leader. As a good leader, he offers stability, protection, aid, and reason. But his leadership can demonstrate a bad influence in which his energy is more chaotic and appears to sow confusion, immaturity, or obstruction. What leadership skills can the Fool learn from the Emperor?
The hierophant
The Hierophant also shows his power through symbols. He represents tradition and adherence to specifically laid-out tenets or rules that need to be followed. In the best view, he can be very inspiring. He can show compassion and lead with kindness and grace. But he can also enforce class division and servitude, especially if he has a very narrow view regarding how his tenets should be followed. How will the Hierophant’s ethical teachings be integrated into the Fool’s moral fiber?
The lovers
In its purest essence, this card represents love, but is this what the Fool learns about at this stage of the journey? It is about attraction, but it is also learning about how to face trials that lie ahead on the journey. The Fool learns that relationships come with challenges and all the many decisions you now have to make for the betterment not only of yourself but also of the people you are committed to, based on this emotional attachment called love. Can the Fool learn the many lessons wrapped up under this influence? Will the Fool discover the strength to be oneself while loving another? This step in the journey is filled with many complications that can affect the future of what the Fool will choose.
The chariot
While the Fool may still be struggling with how to make decisions, along comes the challenge of becoming a charioteer. This card carries the energy of success. However, if the Chariot driver does not have a clear direction of where to go, disaster can strike. Sometimes, this card is shown with horses pulling the Chariot, but they are facing in different directions. The Fool is now forced to take a risk by choosing and forcibly steering the Chariot in the right direction. This may be a time to take a risk no matter what the result is. Does the Fool have the wherewithal to go for everything and face the consequences? That is what the Fool has to learn as this journey moves forward.
Strength
After facing the Chariot, the Fool has learned a little about strength. But the Strength card is not all about a physical encounter of power-over. This is not the same as using force to steer in a chosen direction. To learn about Strength, the Fool needs to learn there is nuance in what this can be. Courageously facing a fear by overcoming it and befriending it. In the best way, it is working toward the best possible outcome for the good of all. The worst scenario is that the Fool decides that Strength is the abuse of power. What will the Fool learn about Strength?
The hermit
At this point, the Fool may be feeling a bit discouraged, confused, or even fearful. The journey is proving harder than when the Fool took those first steps. Maybe seeking wisdom from the Hermit will help. The Hermit holds a lantern, symbolizing knowledge. The lantern also has the capability of dispelling fears that hide from the light. The biggest lesson for the Fool from the Hermit is this, the Fool already has all the knowledge within, and it has been there since the beginning of this journey. Now, the real challenges begin for the Fool.
The Fool faces a few challenges and opportunities
This next section contains a few challenges for the Fool. Some of these may prove to be life-changing. Some involve sacrifice and reflection. All will probably leave the Fool with more questions than answers. Let’s take a look at what is next along this journey of discovery.
The wheel of fortune
The first challenge is understanding the Fool’s fate. As the Wheel of Fortune spins, does it indicate good fortune or bad? This is a card that represents one’s fate or destiny. How will the Fool face destiny’s challenges? Sometimes destiny favors the bold by giving one opportunities to overcome adversity. Sometimes destiny is aligned to a singular purpose that could be good or bad, depending on what the Fool is seeking. We shall have to see how the Fool faces the next challenges. Only then will we know the true fate of this journey.
Justice
Justice sits on a throne, a sword in the right hand and balanced scales in the left. These are the symbols of severity and mercy. Sometimes, Justice is depicted with eyes covered, indicating that Justice is blind. But always, there is the decision based in righteousness. How will the Fool be judged?
The hanged man
Two challenges passed, two lessons learned, but what was the cost? This card shows a man hanging upside down. The left leg is straight and tied to a tree, while the right leg is bent behind the straight one. The Fool’s hands are tied behind his back. This card can represent many things, such as sacrifice to gain knowledge, or stagnation from moving forward on the journey. This card is sometimes associated with Odin’s sacrifice in search of wisdom and divination. What lesson is the Fool learning?
Death
Is this truly the end of the Fool’s quest? Did the last challenge end in a tragic fate? The Death card can be one of the most misunderstood cards in the deck. Can it mean a literal death? Technically, yes, however, it is usually understood as an abrupt change of fortune from one state to another. From the perspective of the Fool, the Hanged Man gave a new awareness that the Fool needed. To realize the full impact, the Fool now needs to completely change, to end something in order to begin a new phase. Death brings the Fool to a new understanding of where the Fool is going.
Temperance
The Fool has passed through Death’s door and now has gained a new sense of balance and a better idea of the next steps to take. Here, we see an angel standing with one foot in the water and one on land, demonstrating this balance between emotions and stability. A sense of calmness surrounds the Fool as the emotions and the physical become aligned. Everything seems to be going well for our Fool, until
The devil
Temptation enters with a new challenge. Maybe our Fool is asking for an easier way to achieve the goal. The Devil appears to distract or tempt the Fool into believing that he, the Devil, is the only one with the knowledge to help. But what help will the Devil truly bring? If the Fool succumbs to the temptation, we may find the Fool is chained to the whims of the Devil’s designs. Instead of achieving riches, the Devil gives just enough to keep the Fool occupied, but not enough for the Fool to walk away. The lesson here is that the Fool already has the knowledge that is needed. To continue, the Fool has to break the chains and embrace one’s own freedom. However, it still may not be easy for the Fool, even when the chains are broken.
The tower
The lightning strikes, seemingly out of nowhere, and everything is changed. The Fool is shaken to the core. Why has this happened? Everywhere the Fool turns is destruction and ruin. The Tower falls, leaving nothing where it stood. Yet, is there something the Fool can find, buried beneath the rubble? Buried underneath the Tower is the beginning of new life, a new spark. Will the Fool see and understand what this means?
What the fool has learned
The last set of cards gives the Fool a chance to integrate and reflect on what the Fool has experienced on this journey. Then, it finally comes to the end, or is it?
The star
Sometimes, the most powerful emotion that can carry us through the darkest times is hope. The Star brings this sense of hope, which is something that the Fool needs after facing the Tower. This card also carries the energy of the astrological sign, Aquarius, innovation, revolution, community. The Fool finally sees a true, guiding light and a glimmer of hope. But will this lead the Fool through the darkness?
The moon
The light of the Moon is very different from the Star. It changes from bright to shadowed and veiled. Even when the light is bright, it casts shadows, making the Fool question what is seen. It is inconsistent and seems to deceive the Fool. But, like the High Priestess, there are mysteries to discover and learn by the light of the Moon.
The sun
Finally, the Fool steps into the light of the Sun. Many times, this card is depicted with a laughing child on a white horse surrounded by sunflowers. It exudes happiness, like that first perfect day of summer. All the shadows of the Moon are vanquished by the light of the Sun. The Fool sees things clearly. Now, the Fool celebrates all the successes along the way.
Judgement
So, how has this journey been for the Fool? The angel blows his horn, and the time of Judgement awaits. Did the Fool achieve the goal? This is the time of reviewing the final outcome, and the Fool awaits the final score.
The world
The Fool has come to the end of this journey, the World. It is time to truly rest and reflect on all the Fool has done along the way. Was it successful? This is the end and possibly a new beginning, the Alpha and Omega. It’s time to begin the Fool’s next adventure.
This journey ends
When I work with my clients, I try to map out where they are through this journey. It provides me with additional tools and understanding that I can use as metaphors to give a little guidance along the way. I have recorded a version of the Fool’s Journey in my Skool community, Oracles from the Living Tarot in the Classroom section. You can also join me there for weekly chats and discussions about the Tarot. Follow me on Instagram where I post my daily readings.
What will be your next Fool’s Journey?
Read more from Catherine Starr,
Catherine Starr, Life Coach, Speaker, and Tarot Reader
Catherine Starr is a life coach, spiritual leader, hypnotist, speaker, tarot reader, and creatrix of Oracles from the Living Tarot. She has been developing transformative experiences for over three decades. Catherine is the creative force behind the ritual-theatre play, “Oracles from the Living Tarot,” a groundbreaking production that has captivated audiences worldwide since its inception in 1998. This immersive experience is still performed annually around the world, including nine countries, and online during COVID. This production brings Tarot cards to life to give a reading for a community. Those who have embodied a card describe interesting personal experiences and transformation, while audience members have received insight and inspiration from their interaction with the Living Tarot cards. She has served in several interfaith organizations and is a Global Trustee for the United Religions Initiative.
