Mindful Tarot - The Fool
The Game of Tarot
While I’ve modeled my approach to mindful tarot in the past, I feel like it’s a good time to refresh myself, and all of you out there reading, what I mean by that idea. Here is a short meditation on the ways that we can treat tarot as a daily ritual, a game.
In the coming months, as I’m writing my tarot, I might drop in and share my thoughts on a particular card (from someone else’s deck) and then follow it up with my interpretation of that same card. First up, oddly enough, by both chance and fate, is The Fool card.
The Tarot as a Game
In our non-stop, chaotic, overwhelming, busy lives, it’s easy to feel swept along by the current, our minds cluttered with to-dos, concern about the state of the world, and worries of past decisions and opportunities missed.
Finding moments of true presence can feel like a luxury. In fact, most of us don’t really do so. We’ve become so acclimated to navigating life like we are just a single part of an elaborate Rube Goldberg machine, falling, twisting, and moving forward to some inevitable end.
But what if…now hear me out now…
What if we stopped?
Just for 5-10 minutes a day?
What if we built into our morning routine a game of tarot?
It is a game after all!
We pull a card, read a story, and imagine ourselves in it.
That’s it.
Nothing more.
The only spirit you invoke with tarot is your own.
It is a game, a tool, a way to mindfully put yourself in your story. It is a crucial reminder that you are an active participant in your life, not a bystander.
I went to my cards today to play, even thinking about writing something about it, and the iconic Fool card presented itself. So let’s look at it closer and consider how we might capture its character in our own self-reflection.
Enter the Fool
Often depicted as a carefree traveler stepping off a cliff with a cheerful innocence, the Fool represents new beginnings, trust in the universe, and a leap of faith. It embodies the spirit of potential, unburdened by past experiences or preconceived notions. This vibrant energy makes the Fool an exceptional companion for mindful journaling, offering a unique lens through which to explore our inner landscape in the present moment.
So, how can you weave the wisdom of the Fool into your mindful journaling practice? It’s simpler than you might think. Forget rigid interpretations or fortune-telling. Instead, let the imagery and essence of the Fool serve as prompts to bring mindful awareness to your current state:
1. The Beginner's Mind: The Fool steps forward with an open heart and a sense of wonder. Before you begin writing, take a few deep breaths and try to cultivate this "beginner's mind." Approach the blank page without judgment or expectation. What thoughts or feelings are present right now, uncolored by yesterday's worries or tomorrow's plans? Simply observe them, like the Fool observing the path ahead with curiosity.
Journaling Prompt: What feels fresh and new in my experience today? Even in familiar routines, can I find a sense of novelty or rediscovery?
2. Trusting the Journey: The Fool carries only a small bundle, trusting that what he needs will be provided along the way. Consider what you are carrying – both literally and metaphorically. Are there burdens or expectations weighing you down? The Fool reminds us to trust the unfolding of life, the next best choice or step.
Journaling Prompt: What am I holding onto tightly that I might consider letting go of, even for a moment? Where in my life can I practice a little more trust in the process, rather than trying to control every outcome? Is there a choice that I need to make, but I am hesitating because I’m not sure if it’s the right one?
3. The Unforeseen Step: The Fool’s leap is into the unknown. Mindfulness is about embracing the present moment, even when it’s uncertain. Acknowledge any feelings of apprehension or excitement about the "unknowns" in your own life.
Journaling Prompt: What feels uncertain or on the edge for me right now? Can I sit with this feeling without needing to resolve it immediately? What possibilities might lie within this uncertainty, even if they aren't yet clear?
4. The Loyal Companion: Often depicted with a small animal companion, the Fool is never truly alone. This can remind us to acknowledge our own inner resources and the support systems we have, even if they aren't always visible.
Journaling Prompt: What inner strengths or resources can I tap into today? Who or what feels like a supportive presence in my life, even in small ways?
Integrating the Fool: You don't need a full tarot spread to benefit from the Fool's energy. Simply keep a representation of the card – a physical card, a picture on your phone – near your journal. Before you write, take a moment to really consider what it means to you. Let its symbolism gently guide your reflections back to the present moment.
By using the Fool as a mindful journaling prompt, we shift away from seeking definitive answers and instead embrace the journey of self-discovery with openness and trust. It’s an invitation to take a small, mindful leap into the present moment, unburdened and full of potential. So, grab your journal, connect with the spirit of the Fool, and see where the present moment takes you. You might just surprise yourself.