Being Foolish

The Fool card holds a special place in the Major Arcana. He is the hero who unwittingly embarks upon a journey toward self-understanding and awakening. As card zero, the Fool is both a fundamental part of the deck and also exists beyond it, present in all stages of the journey. We will encounter the Fool again later as we transition more concretely into shaping our new lives, but for now, this moment offers an opportunity to connect with the deep wisdom embodied by this character.

The Fool as an archetype embodies a unique paradox. He is both wise and naive, possessing an innate innocence and a willingness to step into the unknown with open arms. This archetype straddles the in-between spaces. He is neither fully rooted in the familiar nor entirely committed to the destination. The Fool is at home in uncertainty, trusting the process of discovery without needing to have all the answers. He carries an intuitive understanding that true growth often arises from embracing ambiguity, risk, and the fullness of the present moment.

We’re reminded that wisdom is not always about knowing everything; sometimes it is about surrendering to the mystery and trusting our inner guidance, even when clarity is elusive. The Fool invites us to cultivate a sense of playful curiosity and to approach change with a spirit of openness and humility. In doing so, we honor our natural capacity to navigate liminal spaces and the thresholds where transformation occurs, and recognize that sometimes the best course of action is to leap in faith, trusting that the journey itself will teach us what we need to learn.

To create meaningful change in our lives, we must be willing, open, and flexible in our responses. A healthy sense of mindfulness and a non-attachment to specific outcomes are key aspects of this process. We are not yet certain of who we are becoming, and that uncertainty is part of the journey. It is critical to move at the pace of our own inner capacity for transformation. Rushing outcomes out of frustration or trying to force change prematurely can lead to setbacks or burnout. Conversely, clinging to what was or resisting the natural flow of change will only serve to hold us back unnecessarily.

As we embark on this quest, these considerations are invaluable. Take your time to explore these questions and trust in the process. The Fool teaches us that true wisdom often begins in a place of innocence, openness, and trust in the unfolding of our unique path. Be gentle with yourself and remember that each step forward, however small, is part of your ongoing journey toward self-discovery.

EXERCISE

Foolish walking meditation

Here is a fool-snspired mindfulness practice for navigating life changes

~ Find a quiet, open space where you can stand and walk around undisturbed. Clear any objects that would be harmful to bump into.

~ Stand in the middle of your room with your feet hip distance, knees soft, and imagine they are rooted firmly into the earth, little tendrils of roots growing down and anchoring you in. At the same time, feel your crown lifting to the heavens, like there’s a golden chord pulling you up from the top point of your head.

~ Take a few deep breaths, inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling gently through the mouth. Allow yourself to relax and come into the present moment.

~ Begin to very slowly walk around, paying attention to the sensations of walking as you take each step very delibrating. Stay relaxed, centred, and aware of you breath also as you do this. Try halving your pace, then halving it again. Notice the difference in how walking feels.

~ Now close your eyes or apply a blindfold and try it. Embrace the uncertainty of what it feels like to walk in the dark, and allow yourself to be okay with not knowing. Cultivate playful curiousity about the process and what’s around you, as though discovering this space and yourself for the first time. Imagine approaching this situation like The Fool, completely curious, playful, and open to new possibilities. Notice any tendency to resist or cling. Gently acknowledge these feelings and then return to a sense of curiosity and wonder. Recognize that each moment offers a new opportunity for learning and growth.

~ Now imagine yourself at the edge of your new chapter or decision. Visualize taking a leap into the unknown with trust and confidence. Feel the lightness of trusting yourself and the universe. Stay with this feeling for a few moments, reinforcing your belief that sometimes the best way forward is to leap into what you cannot yet see.

~ End with a simple affirmation: "I trust the unfolding of my path.", repeating this affirmation silently or aloud a few times, allowing it to anchor your sense of trust and playfulness.