What the Fool’s Journey in Tarot Can Reveal About You
A guide to the Fool’s Journey in Tarot gives simple meanings for each Major Arcana card, showing their place in life’s path and lessons.
The Fool’s Journey is a way to understand the story behind the Tarot’s Major Arcana cards. These 22 cards each show a different step or lesson on a path that many people see as a symbol for life and personal growth.
The journey starts with the Fool, who is full of hope and curiosity, and ends with the World, which tells us about reaching a full sense of completion or understanding. If you’ve ever wondered what these cards really mean or how they connect to each other, this post will walk you through each card in a clear and easy way.
Whether you’re new to Tarot or just curious about the stories behind the cards, this guide will help you see the bigger picture. And after each card, I’ll describe what this means about you when they show up in a reading.
The Fool (0)
The Fool is the first card in the story, even though it’s numbered zero. It typically shows someone about to step off a cliff, carrying a small bag and looking excited but unaware of what’s ahead. This card is all about starting fresh and being open to new experiences.
The Fool reminds us that sometimes, we have to take risks and trust ourselves even when we don’t know what will happen next. It’s about being curious, brave, and ready to learn.
The Magician (I)
Right after the Fool comes the Magician. This card shows someone who knows how to use the tools around them — like the four symbols of Tarot: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. The Magician is about making things happen by using your skills and resources.
This card tells us that we have what we need inside ourselves to create change. It’s a reminder that focus, willpower, and taking action are important steps in any journey.
The High Priestess (II)
The High Priestess is calm and mysterious. She sits between two pillars and holds a scroll, showing she has deep knowledge that isn’t obvious at first glance. This card encourages us to listen to our intuition and pay attention to feelings or ideas that come from inside, not just what we see on the surface.
It’s about trusting your gut and being patient for answers that might take time to appear.
The Empress (III)
Next is the Empress, who represents growth, creativity, and caring. She’s often shown surrounded by nature, like trees and fields full of crops. This card is about nurturing things—whether it’s ideas, relationships, or yourself.
The Empress asks us to slow down, enjoy life’s beauty, and take care of what matters most in a gentle way.
The Emperor (IV)
The Emperor is the one who brings order and rules. He’s shown sitting firmly on his throne, wearing armor underneath his robe. This card stands for stability, rules, and protection.
It reminds us that having structure in life can help us feel safe and strong. Sometimes, we need to set limits or be responsible to keep moving forward.
The Hierophant (V)
The Hierophant is like a teacher or guide who shares traditions and wisdom. He sits between two pillars like the High Priestess but wears religious clothes.
This card suggests learning from others, following certain values or beliefs, or finding comfort in community and shared ideas.
The Lovers (VI)
This card often shows a man and woman with an angel above them. It represents relationships, choices, and values.
The Lovers remind us that some decisions are deeply connected to our hearts and who we want to be with or how we want to live our lives.
The Chariot (VII)
The Chariot shows someone driving a chariot pulled by two sphinxes or horses going opposite ways. It means moving forward with determination and control.
When this card appears, it suggests focusing your energy and not letting distractions stop you from reaching your goal.
Strength (VIII)
Strength is about inner power. The image usually shows a woman gently holding a lion.
It teaches us that real strength isn’t about force but patience, kindness, and courage in tough situations.
The Hermit (IX)
The Hermit holds a lantern in the dark. He represents taking time alone to think and find answers inside yourself.
This card encourages reflection, quiet moments, and seeking your own truth rather than relying on others.
Wheel of Fortune (X)
This card shows a big wheel turning with different creatures around it. It stands for change, cycles, and fate.
The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that life moves in ups and downs. Sometimes things change in ways we can’t control, so it helps to be ready for new phases.
Justice (XI)
Justice shows a figure holding scales and a sword. It stands for fairness, truth, and cause and effect.
This card asks us to be honest with ourselves and others and accept responsibility for our choices.
The Hanged Man (XII)
Here we see someone hanging upside down calmly by one foot. This card means pausing, seeing things differently, or letting go of control.
It suggests sometimes we need to step back before moving forward with fresh ideas.
Death (XIII)
Despite its scary name, Death doesn’t usually mean physical death. It’s about endings that lead to new beginnings.
This card reminds us that letting go of old habits or situations can open the door for growth and positive change.
Temperance (XIV)
Temperance shows an angel mixing water between two cups. It stands for balance, patience, and finding middle ground.
It encourages us to avoid extremes and find harmony in our thoughts and actions.
The Devil (XV)
The Devil is often shown as a figure with chains holding two people. This card represents feeling trapped by fears, bad habits, or unhealthy attachments.
It asks us to recognize what holds us back so we can break free.
The Tower (XVI)
The Tower shows a tall building being struck by lightning and people falling from it. It symbolizes sudden change or upheaval.
Though it looks scary, this card often means clearing away old structures so something new can be built stronger.
The Star (XVII)
The Star is a hopeful image of a woman pouring water under shining stars. It stands for hope, healing, and inspiration.
It reminds us that after hard times, there is always light ahead if we keep believing.
The Moon (XVIII)
The Moon shows a night scene with a moon shining over dogs or wolves howling. It stands for mystery, dreams, and sometimes confusion or fear.
This card asks us to trust intuition even when things feel unclear or strange.
The Sun (XIX)
The Sun shines bright over a happy child on a horse. It represents joy, success, and clarity.
When this card appears, it’s a sign of good things coming your way and feeling confident about life.
Judgment (XX)
Judgment shows people rising from graves as an angel calls them. It means awakening, forgiveness, or making important decisions based on past actions.
It encourages us to reflect on our lives honestly and make choices that bring growth.
The World (XXI)
Finally, the World shows a person surrounded by a wreath with four figures in each corner. It means completion, fulfillment, and coming full circle.
This card celebrates reaching an important goal or understanding your place in the bigger picture of life.
Using the Fool’s Journey
The Fool’s Journey gives us a way to understand the story behind the Tarot’s Major Arcana cards as steps on a path through life. Each card holds lessons about starting new things, making choices, facing challenges, learning from them, and growing into who we’re meant to be.
Whether you’re reading Tarot cards for yourself or just learning about their meanings, thinking about these cards as part of one big journey can make them easier to understand. They remind us all that life is full of ups and downs but also chances to learn more about ourselves along the way.
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