The Fool is Innocent

Tarot seems to be a mystery to many in my immediate life and for good reason. With all the stigmatism surrounding it, it’s hard to tell what’s fact or fiction. No one wants to end up in a dark situation because they decided to shuffle a deck of cards. But, after breaking down the truth about Tarot, I felt compelled to start designing my own deck and taking a crack at interpreting the cards for myself and others. This initial urge became solidified after the recent reconnection with my ancestors and the angels that watch over me like hilarious older siblings. It may sound a bit too witchy-woo for some and that’s totally okay. If you’d rather stick to good ol’ Harry P, more power to you. But for those that are tantalized by the divine, I offer you some insight into the wonderful world of Tarot and its 22 Major Arcana Cards. First up, Number 0; The Fool or, as I like to call them, The Innocent.

In the picture, you see the Innocent at the start of their journey with a bright look in their eye. They have enough to get by with until they reach their destination, but the destination is unknown. The sun is shining bright, and the birds are flying free in a trio. The wooden wand is on the other side of the fence and hidden from view by The Innocent passing by. The hilt of a katana sticks out from the dirt but blends in with the fence itself. The powers of Air’s mental clarity and Fire’s creative action are still unknown to The Innocent and will unearth them along the journey. The cup, on the other hand, is cracked but overflowing with clear liquid towards the unknown destination The Innocent looks towards. No longer tethered by the sleepy town behind them. they have the freedom and belief to believe in a brighter tomorrow and forge ahead on a path of youthful optimism and growth.

Upright

The Innocent represents a young adult fresh out of life’s basic training and ready to see the world. They may have their wits about them, but they may not have all the necessary maturity to handle some of life’s unforeseen cruel moments. This leads The Innocent to follow their heart and take calculated risks. What might seem insurmountable to others is simply just taking another leap of faith to The Innocent. Their ability to stick the landing inspires others and breathes new life into a situation that may seem stagnant. It’s a fresh start to a new beginning, and The Innocent's energetic joy comes from that unshakable desire that lies deep within. The path is set in front of you with unknown possibilities and opportunities. Embrace it with both arms and see all that it has to offer.

Reversed

Just as The Innocent has an infectious sense of optimism, this can sometimes be a false perception due to inexperience. This is a warning to look where we leap before The Innocent’s energy of wishful thinking talks us blindly into danger. Sometimes it just might not be the time to make a move, no matter how badly we want or need to move forward. This isn’t to say The Innocent is trapped by indecision, but rather they need to take a moment to look over everything carefully before they move forward. Avoid self-sabotage by refraining from emotional thinking. Irrationality and insecurity will only lead to a false start anyway. Be honest with yourself and move forward only when you feel secure and grounded.

Fun Facts

· The Innocent’s element is Air, representing the mental clarity needed for new beginnings and the discernment that comes with making the best choice.

· The Innocent is reflected in all the Aces in the deck (even though it is Number 0), as well as the Three of Wands (Travel) and the Eight of Wands (Movement, Messages, & Activity)

· The Innocent’s planet is Uranus which symbolizes independence and the energy of a free spirit.

If you would like an in-depth look at the original Rider-Waite-Smith cards and their meanings, I highly suggest picking up The Ultimate Guide to Tarot by Liz Dean. It is a great companion to have while learning the cards from the beginning and as a reference to compare the booklet that comes with your own unique tarot deck. I strongly encourage you to take to the interwebs and decipher your own meanings out of the cards. I look forward to seeing you in whatever form I appear. Until next time!

About the Author

Crystal Cabrae is a storyteller who specializes in writing dystopian, romantic, and adventurous worlds for animation and fantastical fiction. She is a proud graduate of Full Sail University, AMDA, and New World School of the Arts. Her six years of acting training in both New York and Miami gives her a unique perspective when approaching her characters. She has a passion for sharing how to create stories with the world and inspiring the storyteller that lives within all of us. Follow her on IG or Pinterest to know the latest.