eaglewolf
February 10th, 2001, 12:15 AM
Transfered
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Here is the Card for class one | week one:
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
As you can see, we have posted a picture of the fool card from the rider waite deck. Now whether you have seen it a hundred times or this is your first time, i want you to look, and I mean really look at the card for a while. Please don't consult a book or other definition of the card. Just try to visualise the card and see what it tells you. Try to form a story in your mind. When you have an idea of what you think it represents please post your reply.
Later I will post my interpretation and some of the most common interpretations from famous authors. Then we can all discuss them. I bet you will find that they may all be very different on the surface, but if we dig deep enough we will find a common thread. a little hint, this is the easiest card to develop in that way because the meanings are so vast. It is niether a negative or positive card, or perhaps it is both. Note the number of the card is 0. Try to include in your post what you think the number means and how it relates to the story.
Well, lets get started and remember there are no wrong answers. Isn't Tarot great?!?!
Can't wait to get started.
Semele
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Well, I am not a Tarot expert at all, which I why I wanted this to be the first class we started because I need to learn more about it. My wife is pretty well aquainted with it, but I am not. Anyway, here are my thoughts...
Fool. Card 0. When I look at 0 I think of an egg, which in Magickal practices I have found the 0 to represent new beginnings or rather re-birth.
When I look at the card I have a feeling that the man is about to walk right off that cliff, he is not paying attention to what he is doing or where he is going. NO matter how much the dog barks at him he just does what he wants to do. All he seems to be focused on is the sky...Goddess...God? He seems to be on a journey and doesnt have much with him. Only what he can carry on his shoulder.
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-- Posted by Sunsong on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Keep in mind, I have never even seen a Tarot card before.
Looks like he is on a journey with no destination. Or better yet, he is on a jouney and his next step is failure..or falling?
Awwww. I dunno.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
hhhhmmm eggs and failure!!!
You guys are doing great!!!
I am, of course, going to wait until more folks send their interps in before I send mine. I can't wait to hear from Rosebelle.....get with it girl!!
You guy are doing great. If you think of anything else send it on!!
Semele
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-- Posted by chaos on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Is that a flower in his hand? He is about to take a deep-six off of that mountain and he has a FLOWER in his hand?
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from chaos on 12:31 pm on Jan. 30, 2001
Is that a flower in his hand? He is about to take a deep-six off of that mountain and he has a FLOWER in his hand?
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Now that is chaotic isn't it???
So come on...elaborate for us. What does that mean to you? I'll give you a hint. You have stumbled across a key point of the card. In fact I might even say THE key point.
hhhhhmmmmmmm.........
Semele
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-- Posted by TigerLilly on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
I would have to say that he is holding something beautiful in his hand and it is behind him and danger is in front of him. I dont quite know what that means, but thats what i see.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from TigerLilly on 2:19 pm on Jan. 30, 2001
I would have to say that he is holding something beautiful in his hand and it is behind him and danger is in front of him. I dont quite know what that means, but thats what i see.
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That is a very good point that I had really never considered. See this is already working. I love the way groups can open your eyes so much more than working alone. Thanks for your input.
Semele
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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
i'm going to attempt this in Ye Olde English:
to a star duth a young man follow. a dog by his side will follow the leader to the death. a cliff will stop his tireing journey, a flower held high, his head in the sky, shall end with a fall to his heaven.
ok......that wasnt really Olde English. it is more of a poem but anyway. how did i do???
Rosabelle
ps- i love these Tarot lessons
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
YEs! YEs! Yes!!!
That was great Rosabelle. I better move over and make room for the real Site Goddess!!!
I think you are on the money with this one. But please elaborate. I get from your "old english" poem, which I love, that you see the other side of the cliff as heaven. That is a neat way of looking at it. Tell us what you think the fool is thinking about while he is on his journey. What are his fears, if any? What do you think is his frame of mind??
Everyone else please feel free to join in. The more posts we get from everyone the more we learn together. Remember they are all right!!!
I will post my interpretation tomorrow. Get ready for a doosie as i have already mentioned that this is my alltime favorite card. I even have a fool talisman that I wear.
I am thouroughly enjoying your posts. I can't believe that Mol and I are both gonna have to be away from our computers this evening. We are doing dinner at my Mom's. I know I will have to put my foot down or he will try to sneak along the laptop!! This is quickly becoming an addiction, but a good one I think! Some of our regulars will have to monitor and keep things moving in our absence.
Semele
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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
:) Thanks Semele :)
did you say you wanted me to carry on with the old english or not?? oh well i will............um.................
the thought of adventure hath filled his mind,
a city of gold, beautiful women.
never fitted in it home had he,
but in a far off land, acceptance there will be!
hows that???
Rosabelle
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from Rosabelle on 1:05 am on Jan. 31, 2001
:) Thanks Semele :)
did you say you wanted me to carry on with the old english or not?? oh well i will............um.................
the thought of adventure hath filled his mind,
a city of gold, beautiful women.
never fitted in it home had he,
but in a far off land, acceptance there will be!
hows that???
Rosabelle
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Egads! Someone explain this stuff to me...the poem..in, uh, millenium english please! :)
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-- Posted by Polaris on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
MM,
this card says to me life, but be careful. it is a sunny day and the man is a traveller in a beautiful place, and he is happy to be in such an area. the dog is his companion who will follow him where ever he goes. the man is holding a flower and i think that shows that he is delicate, but weather-hardened. there is a star is the sky(polaris?hehehe) which is directly above his head. it is strange that the sun and stars are out at the same time, but it can happen. i think this shows that the unbeliveable can happen. the card being number zero represents the beginning and the end, a perfect circle, and the beginning. some people say death is only the beginning, and the man is just walking off a cliff, so maybe he is beginning his real journey as a traveller.
I will probly think of more things to come about the card.
MP
Pol.
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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
ok mol, i'l; say it in NORMALL ENGLISH!!!
there is a man and he is following or just looking at a star. (look at previous message by me) he has a dog at his side who will follow him anywhere, (even over a cliff)( that is all the 'too the death' bit)
he has a flower in his hand, and he holds his head high and if he keeps walking, hen will fall over the cliff to his death (heaven). He had left his home to search for adventure. he dreams of a town full of wonders. with wodeful women and it will be a place where threy accept him. but he will never get ther because he will die, so he is a fool.
is that easier to understand now?
Rosabelle
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
You have all done a great job with this card. Like I have said there is no right oir wrong answer. It is better to get your own interpretations of the cards before you try to understand the "intended" meanings. If you have a personal link to them they will make more sense to you in a reading.
Now, for my turn!!! This card to me is the most all encompasing of the deck. Most folks put him at the beginning of the major arcana, but he really fits in anywhere. The Fool's journey is a story describing all of the major arcana. We will probably look at that in detail after we finish up the cards individualy.
The number 0 is often compared to an egg (yeah Mol) because it is full of life and life will come from this egg, if taken care of. The number is also a circle which is very symbolic of the wheel of life.It also contains all numbers so the fool is infinite and everything...and yet nothing at the same time.
The bag over his shoulder is everything he has learned in his life. All the prescious keys to happiness, ect. Now you may think the bag awefully small to hold these things, but perhaps we miss the point. Maybe our own bags are too big. The Fool knows in a minute which things are worthy of saving for later use. Perhaps there is only one thing in his bag. Who knows what it is. I am sure if we all had to choose one thing to fill our bag with they would all be as different as we are. The point is he has what he needs and nothing more to weight him down.
One of my favorite descriptions of the fool come from the book Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom. It says "For the fool no difference exists between possibility and reality. 0 means a total emptiness of hopes and fears,and the fool expects nothing, plans nothing. He responds instantly to the immediate situation."
This may be looked at as foolhearted by most. That whole look before you leap idea. We are taught at a very young age that we should go into any venture with a plan. But sometimes we can't always be prepared and in certain instances if we spend too much time rationalising and rethinking, we miss the boat so to speak. Like falling in love for instance. If we all stopped and thought of the possibility of a broken heart we may prevent ourselves the grief by not going for it. But we also miss out on the possibility of finding our one true love and in turn finding ourselves in the journey.
He is spontanious...perhaps to a fault, however this guy will not miss out on anything good because he risks it all everytime. Its not that he is ignorant of the dangers, just that he is willing to take the risk to achieve his goals. Sure to us it looks as though he is about to walk off a cliff, why doesn't he see it???
Maybe we see it because we are scared and always cautious, holding back, protecting ourselves and others. What if we are so worried that we create the cliffs? If he takes the next step we think he will surely fall off the edge. He isn't worried about that. He thinks what if I don't take that step? Will I just be standing at the edge forever, wondering what is awaiting me on the other side?
Not this guy. He will know, for better or worse. I would love to live my life with that kind of carefree attitude. I think the "fool" is a true hero to himself, and anyone lucky enough to be his undoubting companion, (the dog).
In readings the fool is often a sign that someone is considering their own journey or adventure. He of course, is a sign that says GO FOR IT....with all your heart. No, he is not a sign of unquestionable success, no guarantee that you wont fail, however it is a guarantee that you will never feel like you fought the battle unless you step up and go for it.
Well, thats my take and now I will give you the key words associated with this card.
beginning
entering a new phase
striking out on a new path
expanding horizons
starting something new
beginning an adventure
going on a journey
heading into the unknown
being spontaneous
living in the moment
letting go of expectations
doing the unexpected
acting on impulse
feeling uninhibited
surprising someone
feeling carefree
having faith
trusting the flow
staying open
letting go of worry and fear
feeling protected and loved
living in joy
recapturing innocence
believing
embracing folly
accepting your choices
taking the "foolish" path
pursuing a pipe dream
being true to yourself
taking a "crazy" chance
trusting your heart's desire
And now a simple definition
As Card 0, the Fool lies at the beginning of the major arcana, but also somewhat apart from the other cards. In medieval courts, the court jester was someone who was not expected to follow the same rules as others. He could observe and then poke fun. This makes the Fool unpredictable and full of surprises. He reminds us of the unlimited potential and spontaneity inherent in every moment. There is a sense with this card that anything goes - nothing is certain or regular. The Fool adds the new and unfamiliar to a situation.
The Fool also represents the complete faith that life is good and worthy of trust. Some might call the Fool too innocent, but his innocence sustains him and brings him joy. In readings, the Fool can signal a new beginning or change of direction - one that will guide you onto a path of adventure, wonder and personal growth. He also reminds you to keep your faith and trust your natural responses. If you are facing a decision or moment of doubt, the Fool tells you to believe in yourself and follow your heart no matter how crazy or foolish your impulses may seem.
The latter key words and description are taken from Joan Bunnings book Learning The Tarot. An excellent resource that is available online as well. Hope this makes some sense to you all. I will end this as it is very Long!!
let me know what you think
Semele
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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
thanks a lot for the definition Semele. it has been bothering me all day or what is means!!!
Rosabelle
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from Rosabelle on 1:21 pm on Jan. 31, 2001
thanks a lot for the definition Semele. it has been bothering me all day or what is means!!!
Rosabelle
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So does it make sense to you now??? Can you see what I mean? Never just take someones word on it. You need to have a connection with the cards and their meanings and if it doesn't click we can try some other exercises.
Semele
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-- Posted by Lady Earth on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
When I look at the person on this card I see one who is unencombered with materialistic goods. They are happy and carefree. You cannot see the next step, perhaps it is not a sheer cliff but another step down lifes path, 0 to me is neither a begginning or an end just a place holder
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from Lady Earth on 1:41 pm on Jan. 31, 2001
When I look at the person on this card I see one who is unencombered with materialistic goods. They are happy and carefree. You cannot see the next step, perhaps it is not a sheer cliff but another step down lifes path, 0 to me is neither a begginning or an end just a place holder
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Welcome to the family!!!
I love the term place holder, very true. I agree with you wholeheartedy about the cliff possibly being another step on the journey. So many people get a negative feel for this card and I think it is really a positive card to get in a reading. Sort of a little nudge when we are holding back.
Thank you for joining in!!
Semele
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from Lady Earth on 1:41 pm on Jan. 31, 2001
When I look at the person on this card I see one who is unencombered with materialistic goods. They are happy and carefree. You cannot see the next step, perhaps it is not a sheer cliff but another step down lifes path, 0 to me is neither a begginning or an end just a place holder
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A placeholder! I like that...0...its empty and ready for something to be placed into it. Like what we have learned on this journey. As Semele said before...The Fool has what he has learned through life in his bag and it may seems small...but we only need the important things. Great lesson...and it is still going.
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-- Posted by Kiarda on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Oh shoot!..I thought I had more time to think on it and respond, thought you were going to do one class a week
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-- Posted by Kiarda on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Oh!!! Wanted to say tho thanks..was wonderful to learn..great job!
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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
yeh, thanks so much for the lesson!!!!
i'm looking forward to the next one! :)
Rosabelle
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
This class is still going..at least until semele thinks its time to move on..
Love and Light.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from mol on 11:00 pm on Feb. 1, 2001
This class is still going..at least until semele thinks its time to move on..
Love and Light.
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Hey!! Don't put me on the spot. The classes can be ongoing. Please post all thoughts you have as we could all benefite from it. In fact even after we post the next card we can still float back to others. Sometimes as you move through the cards you begin to have more insight into the others that we may have already covered. That is a benefit to approaching it this way. It may be fun a few months from now to look back at our original ideas from the cards and compare how we have grown in our knowledge and understanding of not only the cards but life itself. I firmly believe that tarot can enrich your life.... just the cards themselces, not even necessarily from "readings". Oh and by the way don't expect to be able to do fantastic readings for folks any time soon. It takes a great understanding and good deal of study to accomplish that task. Some people may never reach that place, not because they can't. Often you find that your purpose with the cards is to enlighten yourself and not become the next Cleo. (for those of you who may not have the same cheesy commercials as we do, Cleo is this funny lady who is always doing infomercials for tarot readings. She is hilarious. She does have a knowledge of the cards...very evident, but is so cheesy....and yet I would love to meet her. Strange world.)
may post the next card tomorrow evening if you are all ready for it.
Semele
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-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
The card is bright yellow and light blue. This brings to mind the postive feeling you get on those clear sunny days, nothing but blue skys.I get the feeling that the guy in the card feels this way. He seems carefree with his little sack over his shoulder. He is wearing what looks like a flowered tunic and carrying a flower in his left hand which to me symbolizes growth. The little white dog at his feet looks like he is yapping playfully at the man's heels, enjoying the carefree calrity of the day, yet also warning the man of the impending precipice. He is moving in the direction of the right, so although the cliff is there, he is still "moving in the right" direction. To me this is the image of nothing to lose, carefree new beginnings and starting over.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Litha!!!
Great interpretation. I love the way you looked at the colors to gain some insight. I find that the Rider/Waite deck is very color appropriate most of the time. I think people often overlook the importance of colors, even in how we dress. For instance some say that red is a power color and good for interviews ect. I personally avoid it most of the time because I think it can make too bold of a statement. I have always avoided red colored scrubs for work as I have to do a lot of "mean" things to children and red may promote anger and fear. I usually wear a lot of blues and a lot of cartoon prints. Ok so maybe the cartoon prints are more for me!!!That's the benefit to working on a pediatric floor!!
Semele
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-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Thanks for the feedback. Yes the colors are the first thing that hits me when I look at a card.
Goddess Bless you Semele; I worked on a CA Peds floor and stayed for about 6 months. Not that I had anything against the little pedi's, it's their parents that were making me bonkers. Now I work in the ER where it is controlled chaos of all ages. I have a pair of black scrubs that I used to wear since white is out of the question, but I couldn't put up with the ninja jokes! (btw, I am asian) :biggrin:
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from Litha on 11:49 am on Feb. 2, 2001
Thanks for the feedback. Yes the colors are the first thing that hits me when I look at a card.
Goddess Bless you Semele; I worked on a CA Peds floor and stayed for about 6 months. Not that I had anything against the little pedi's, it's their parents that were making me bonkers. Now I work in the ER where it is controlled chaos of all ages. I have a pair of black scrubs that I used to wear since white is out of the question, but I couldn't put up with the ninja jokes! (btw, I am asian) :biggrin:
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Everybody was kungfoo fighting....uh sorry. ER is way too chaotic for me. Funny how we are all so different. YOu seem to be somewhat familiar with the cards already. If so which one do you feel describes you best right now? I have found that the more I learn about each card the more cards I find I can associate my current state of mind with at any given time. I am still awaiting the time when I am the world card. I will get there eventually!!
Semele
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-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
I'd say the Three of Wands.
I work evenings and was offered the shift nurse admin position. I'm a bit leary of it, not that I doubt my ability, just the notion of being in charge of the house while the big wigs are away is just something I need to mull over some more. Anyhow we all get promoted to our personal level of incompetence anyway, right :confused: ?
Everyone from tech to cheif thinks that I'm the gal for the job. If I wan't wanting and waiting for word on particular dayshift mgt position I'd applied for already (it comes with no weekends no holiday, almost unheard of the medical center!) I'd probably be more prone to accepting the admin thing.
Either one that comes to me, I still feel like the guy standing there with a wand in his hand, looking forward out into the sea. He's not on rock, but on rich green grass and the wands are sprouting with new growth on them.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Very interesting. This card makes me think of someone who has sent out some scouting boats to explore the sea and find out what lies ahead. I think of this as a wise person who is exploring all their options before they take off into the waters. I think this is what you are doing. Bravo to you for not jumping out into the possibility of troubled waters without a life jacket. I wish you the best of luck regarding the decision you will have to make. I have a feeling that you are well suited to either position. Just watch for your scout to return with the best opportunity!!
Semele
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Ok. I thought that maybe this would be a good time to introduce some other fool cards from other decks so that we can take a look at them and compare what we have learned. I am sure we will gain insight by doing this.
Here is the fool card from the Aquarian Deck.
And her is the Fool from the Palladini deck.
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Now here is the Fool from the Morgan-Greer deck.
And the Dragon Tarot gives us this Fool:
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
And finally we come to the Thoth deck. Here is the Fool:
Thats about all I am going to post. Lets take a look at these to get different takes on the meanings of the cards.
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-- Posted by Jazzmine on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
The deck that I have is the Witches Tarot. On this card the fool is smiling and walking on moss covered cliff, not watching where he is going, holding his staff in his hand with his bundle tied to it. He also is holding a piece of paper in his right hand. The sky is blue and it looks like a beautiful day. To me this card represents the adventurous spirit and new beginnings.
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-- Posted by Wildwood on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
I use "Legend: the Arthurian Tarot deck" by Anna-Marie Ferguson. the fool card in that deck is personified by Percivale on the road to Camelot which is seen in the background. He is concentrating so hard on Camelot he is not looking at the ground and is in danger of falling. The card has a clean look as if everything has just been washed after the rain and there is a rainbow over the top of Camelot.
This card has always signified a dreamer or dreams to me.
The fool is following his dreams without a care in the world. It is a card of conflictions for me because I see
that we are too weighed down with worries and concerns to
make a leap into our dreams and desires (even though the
consequences may be better for us than we could ever hope for). Hence the small bag that the fool carries, he is
travelling light from cares.
On the other side important decision sometimes should be
weighed up and considered otherwise terrible and dangerous
consequences could ensure. I get the impression that the
Fool is walking a knife's edge (or cliff's edge) between
unimaginable success and happines and aviodable tragedy.
Wildwood
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Wildwood, I like your interpretation. So do you do readings? If so, how do you enterpret the fool in readings?
Also on the mention of the fool carrying his staff....Some people view the way he slings it over his shoulder as dangerous. In that he doesn't seem to respect the power it contains. How do you all feel about that statement. Do you think he is even aware of its power or does he simply choose to take it with a grain of salt. I often look at the difference in the way he holds it and the way the magician holds his. Big difference. I think perhaps that the magician is just more aware. Thoughts???
Semele
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-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
I think the Fool on his way to self discovery is both naive, immature, confident and having fun. Everything al rolled together like when I was a teen.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Not to offend the teens on the list, but they do have the benefit of all-knowing, bullet proof, attitudes. We sometimes can't get away with it as adults. Yet I feel there is something to gain from approaching life in that naive manner...within reason of course!!
Semele
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-- Posted by moondatter on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
I see a youth w/out a care in the world, off to seek his path in life with nothing but what he can carry in a small satchel. He may be going east (air?) since the sun is at his back. He's not focused on anything...and not paying attention to where his path is taking him. He holds a flower (rose?symbol of beauty) and a dog (fidelity) barks at him to warn about approaching danger? A cliffhanger....will he or will he not take the plunge! I see him as representative of anyone who is about to go down a path w/out enlightenment. Whether it be the path in life or a spiritual journey...also pending choices we all have to make on our journey(s)
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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beauty) and a dog (fidelity) barks at him to warn about approaching danger? A cliffhanger....will he or will he not take the plunge! I see him as
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Welcome moondatter! You know, I think it is interesting how everyone is interpreting the dog. Moondatter (i think) is the only one who has said the same thing I said which is the dog is barking at the Fool to warn him about the cliff. But the Fool just will not listen to anyones advice! He doesnt need anyones opinions or help.
How about that Dog? There is more here to discover. Dig Deeper.
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-- Posted by pattyann on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from mol on 6:55 am on Jan. 30, 2001
Here is the Card for class one | week one:
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To me this is a person with his head in the clouds..watching the sky and not his feet, beholding only beauty(from the flower) and not aware of lifes pitfalls that the dog is trying to warn him are ahead.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Funny, I usually see the dog as a companion who is joyfully along for the journey. He looks to me just as carefree and happy as the fool.
Rachel Pollack, author of Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom describes the dog as such, "The animal symbolizes the forces of nature and the animal self of man, all in harmony with the spirit who acts from instinct. Deny your inner self and it becomes ferociuos. Obey it and it becomes benign."
So maybe the dog is a direct representation of the fool's inner spirit and it is happy because the fool is on the path he shoul be on. Perhaps if he denied the spirit and yearnings of his soul the dog would be angry with him.
Just some food for thought. But, again, don't let someone elses interpretation sway you from your own.
Semele
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-- Posted by Wildwood on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from semele on 3:25 pm on Feb. 4, 2001
Wildwood, I like your interpretation. So do you do readings? If so, how do you enterpret the fool in readings?
Also on the mention of the fool carrying his staff....Some people view the way he slings it over his shoulder as dangerous. In that he doesn't seem to respect the power it contains. How do you all feel about that statement. Do you think he is even aware of its power or does he simply choose to take it with a grain of salt. I often look at the difference in the way he holds it and the way the magician holds his. Big difference. I think perhaps that the magician is just more aware. Thoughts???
Semele
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I have done a couple of readings but I've only been learning
for a few months so usually a friend gets roped into helping
me.
In a reading (obviously depending on the other cards in
a spread)I would probably think that the fool represented
either a new direction that a person was afraid to take
with their lives, which would turn out well. Or that the
questioner was taking a dangerous risk in their life.
In the deck I use the magician is pictured very differently
to the Rider-Waite Deck (I'll expand on that in the Magician
section). But I think that the difference could either
be that the fool's staff represents material things, whereas the Magician's tools represent magical energies.
If they both represent power (An interpretation I really
like) then I would suggest inkeeping with the characters of
the cards the fool is probably aware of the power and chooses to either, treat it with no respect or does not worry about the power - similarly to the leap of the cliff, either he has no qualms about using it and so does, or he ignores the dangerous consequences.
The Magician on the other hand, I see as a cautious
individual using the lessons learnt of a lifetimes study
to channel the energy and control it more tightly.
The Fool holds his staff casually the Magican holds it with purpose.
The fool is like a child who can achieve tremendous things
because they do not know that they should be careful.
The magician is an adult who ceasing to see the world through the eyes of a child, is more controlled and reliable with his use of the power but lacks the spontaneous miracle
working which is only achieved with the arrogance of youth.
What do ya think ?
Wildwood
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Very nice interpretations wildwood!!!
i think in readings, the fool is a sign saying go for it. Of course there are other possibilities depending on the position in the spread, also whether it is reversed or upright. However, we aren't really up to that level yet. I figured it would be much easier to learn all the cards, then experiment with some spreads and the different meanings depending on positions and relation to the other cards in the spread. In fact some people choose not to read with reversed cards and I think that is a great idea for beginners. I have found that it takes a very kken knowledge in order to properly read reversed images. It is never as simple as just the opposite of the upright version. More on that later. Please continue to post your thoughts.
Semele
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Here is the Card for class one | week one:
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
As you can see, we have posted a picture of the fool card from the rider waite deck. Now whether you have seen it a hundred times or this is your first time, i want you to look, and I mean really look at the card for a while. Please don't consult a book or other definition of the card. Just try to visualise the card and see what it tells you. Try to form a story in your mind. When you have an idea of what you think it represents please post your reply.
Later I will post my interpretation and some of the most common interpretations from famous authors. Then we can all discuss them. I bet you will find that they may all be very different on the surface, but if we dig deep enough we will find a common thread. a little hint, this is the easiest card to develop in that way because the meanings are so vast. It is niether a negative or positive card, or perhaps it is both. Note the number of the card is 0. Try to include in your post what you think the number means and how it relates to the story.
Well, lets get started and remember there are no wrong answers. Isn't Tarot great?!?!
Can't wait to get started.
Semele
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Well, I am not a Tarot expert at all, which I why I wanted this to be the first class we started because I need to learn more about it. My wife is pretty well aquainted with it, but I am not. Anyway, here are my thoughts...
Fool. Card 0. When I look at 0 I think of an egg, which in Magickal practices I have found the 0 to represent new beginnings or rather re-birth.
When I look at the card I have a feeling that the man is about to walk right off that cliff, he is not paying attention to what he is doing or where he is going. NO matter how much the dog barks at him he just does what he wants to do. All he seems to be focused on is the sky...Goddess...God? He seems to be on a journey and doesnt have much with him. Only what he can carry on his shoulder.
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-- Posted by Sunsong on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Keep in mind, I have never even seen a Tarot card before.
Looks like he is on a journey with no destination. Or better yet, he is on a jouney and his next step is failure..or falling?
Awwww. I dunno.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
hhhhmmm eggs and failure!!!
You guys are doing great!!!
I am, of course, going to wait until more folks send their interps in before I send mine. I can't wait to hear from Rosebelle.....get with it girl!!
You guy are doing great. If you think of anything else send it on!!
Semele
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-- Posted by chaos on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Is that a flower in his hand? He is about to take a deep-six off of that mountain and he has a FLOWER in his hand?
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from chaos on 12:31 pm on Jan. 30, 2001
Is that a flower in his hand? He is about to take a deep-six off of that mountain and he has a FLOWER in his hand?
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Now that is chaotic isn't it???
So come on...elaborate for us. What does that mean to you? I'll give you a hint. You have stumbled across a key point of the card. In fact I might even say THE key point.
hhhhhmmmmmmm.........
Semele
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-- Posted by TigerLilly on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
I would have to say that he is holding something beautiful in his hand and it is behind him and danger is in front of him. I dont quite know what that means, but thats what i see.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from TigerLilly on 2:19 pm on Jan. 30, 2001
I would have to say that he is holding something beautiful in his hand and it is behind him and danger is in front of him. I dont quite know what that means, but thats what i see.
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That is a very good point that I had really never considered. See this is already working. I love the way groups can open your eyes so much more than working alone. Thanks for your input.
Semele
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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
i'm going to attempt this in Ye Olde English:
to a star duth a young man follow. a dog by his side will follow the leader to the death. a cliff will stop his tireing journey, a flower held high, his head in the sky, shall end with a fall to his heaven.
ok......that wasnt really Olde English. it is more of a poem but anyway. how did i do???
Rosabelle
ps- i love these Tarot lessons
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
YEs! YEs! Yes!!!
That was great Rosabelle. I better move over and make room for the real Site Goddess!!!
I think you are on the money with this one. But please elaborate. I get from your "old english" poem, which I love, that you see the other side of the cliff as heaven. That is a neat way of looking at it. Tell us what you think the fool is thinking about while he is on his journey. What are his fears, if any? What do you think is his frame of mind??
Everyone else please feel free to join in. The more posts we get from everyone the more we learn together. Remember they are all right!!!
I will post my interpretation tomorrow. Get ready for a doosie as i have already mentioned that this is my alltime favorite card. I even have a fool talisman that I wear.
I am thouroughly enjoying your posts. I can't believe that Mol and I are both gonna have to be away from our computers this evening. We are doing dinner at my Mom's. I know I will have to put my foot down or he will try to sneak along the laptop!! This is quickly becoming an addiction, but a good one I think! Some of our regulars will have to monitor and keep things moving in our absence.
Semele
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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
:) Thanks Semele :)
did you say you wanted me to carry on with the old english or not?? oh well i will............um.................
the thought of adventure hath filled his mind,
a city of gold, beautiful women.
never fitted in it home had he,
but in a far off land, acceptance there will be!
hows that???
Rosabelle
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from Rosabelle on 1:05 am on Jan. 31, 2001
:) Thanks Semele :)
did you say you wanted me to carry on with the old english or not?? oh well i will............um.................
the thought of adventure hath filled his mind,
a city of gold, beautiful women.
never fitted in it home had he,
but in a far off land, acceptance there will be!
hows that???
Rosabelle
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Egads! Someone explain this stuff to me...the poem..in, uh, millenium english please! :)
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-- Posted by Polaris on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
MM,
this card says to me life, but be careful. it is a sunny day and the man is a traveller in a beautiful place, and he is happy to be in such an area. the dog is his companion who will follow him where ever he goes. the man is holding a flower and i think that shows that he is delicate, but weather-hardened. there is a star is the sky(polaris?hehehe) which is directly above his head. it is strange that the sun and stars are out at the same time, but it can happen. i think this shows that the unbeliveable can happen. the card being number zero represents the beginning and the end, a perfect circle, and the beginning. some people say death is only the beginning, and the man is just walking off a cliff, so maybe he is beginning his real journey as a traveller.
I will probly think of more things to come about the card.
MP
Pol.
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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
ok mol, i'l; say it in NORMALL ENGLISH!!!
there is a man and he is following or just looking at a star. (look at previous message by me) he has a dog at his side who will follow him anywhere, (even over a cliff)( that is all the 'too the death' bit)
he has a flower in his hand, and he holds his head high and if he keeps walking, hen will fall over the cliff to his death (heaven). He had left his home to search for adventure. he dreams of a town full of wonders. with wodeful women and it will be a place where threy accept him. but he will never get ther because he will die, so he is a fool.
is that easier to understand now?
Rosabelle
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
You have all done a great job with this card. Like I have said there is no right oir wrong answer. It is better to get your own interpretations of the cards before you try to understand the "intended" meanings. If you have a personal link to them they will make more sense to you in a reading.
Now, for my turn!!! This card to me is the most all encompasing of the deck. Most folks put him at the beginning of the major arcana, but he really fits in anywhere. The Fool's journey is a story describing all of the major arcana. We will probably look at that in detail after we finish up the cards individualy.
The number 0 is often compared to an egg (yeah Mol) because it is full of life and life will come from this egg, if taken care of. The number is also a circle which is very symbolic of the wheel of life.It also contains all numbers so the fool is infinite and everything...and yet nothing at the same time.
The bag over his shoulder is everything he has learned in his life. All the prescious keys to happiness, ect. Now you may think the bag awefully small to hold these things, but perhaps we miss the point. Maybe our own bags are too big. The Fool knows in a minute which things are worthy of saving for later use. Perhaps there is only one thing in his bag. Who knows what it is. I am sure if we all had to choose one thing to fill our bag with they would all be as different as we are. The point is he has what he needs and nothing more to weight him down.
One of my favorite descriptions of the fool come from the book Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom. It says "For the fool no difference exists between possibility and reality. 0 means a total emptiness of hopes and fears,and the fool expects nothing, plans nothing. He responds instantly to the immediate situation."
This may be looked at as foolhearted by most. That whole look before you leap idea. We are taught at a very young age that we should go into any venture with a plan. But sometimes we can't always be prepared and in certain instances if we spend too much time rationalising and rethinking, we miss the boat so to speak. Like falling in love for instance. If we all stopped and thought of the possibility of a broken heart we may prevent ourselves the grief by not going for it. But we also miss out on the possibility of finding our one true love and in turn finding ourselves in the journey.
He is spontanious...perhaps to a fault, however this guy will not miss out on anything good because he risks it all everytime. Its not that he is ignorant of the dangers, just that he is willing to take the risk to achieve his goals. Sure to us it looks as though he is about to walk off a cliff, why doesn't he see it???
Maybe we see it because we are scared and always cautious, holding back, protecting ourselves and others. What if we are so worried that we create the cliffs? If he takes the next step we think he will surely fall off the edge. He isn't worried about that. He thinks what if I don't take that step? Will I just be standing at the edge forever, wondering what is awaiting me on the other side?
Not this guy. He will know, for better or worse. I would love to live my life with that kind of carefree attitude. I think the "fool" is a true hero to himself, and anyone lucky enough to be his undoubting companion, (the dog).
In readings the fool is often a sign that someone is considering their own journey or adventure. He of course, is a sign that says GO FOR IT....with all your heart. No, he is not a sign of unquestionable success, no guarantee that you wont fail, however it is a guarantee that you will never feel like you fought the battle unless you step up and go for it.
Well, thats my take and now I will give you the key words associated with this card.
beginning
entering a new phase
striking out on a new path
expanding horizons
starting something new
beginning an adventure
going on a journey
heading into the unknown
being spontaneous
living in the moment
letting go of expectations
doing the unexpected
acting on impulse
feeling uninhibited
surprising someone
feeling carefree
having faith
trusting the flow
staying open
letting go of worry and fear
feeling protected and loved
living in joy
recapturing innocence
believing
embracing folly
accepting your choices
taking the "foolish" path
pursuing a pipe dream
being true to yourself
taking a "crazy" chance
trusting your heart's desire
And now a simple definition
As Card 0, the Fool lies at the beginning of the major arcana, but also somewhat apart from the other cards. In medieval courts, the court jester was someone who was not expected to follow the same rules as others. He could observe and then poke fun. This makes the Fool unpredictable and full of surprises. He reminds us of the unlimited potential and spontaneity inherent in every moment. There is a sense with this card that anything goes - nothing is certain or regular. The Fool adds the new and unfamiliar to a situation.
The Fool also represents the complete faith that life is good and worthy of trust. Some might call the Fool too innocent, but his innocence sustains him and brings him joy. In readings, the Fool can signal a new beginning or change of direction - one that will guide you onto a path of adventure, wonder and personal growth. He also reminds you to keep your faith and trust your natural responses. If you are facing a decision or moment of doubt, the Fool tells you to believe in yourself and follow your heart no matter how crazy or foolish your impulses may seem.
The latter key words and description are taken from Joan Bunnings book Learning The Tarot. An excellent resource that is available online as well. Hope this makes some sense to you all. I will end this as it is very Long!!
let me know what you think
Semele
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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
thanks a lot for the definition Semele. it has been bothering me all day or what is means!!!
Rosabelle
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from Rosabelle on 1:21 pm on Jan. 31, 2001
thanks a lot for the definition Semele. it has been bothering me all day or what is means!!!
Rosabelle
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So does it make sense to you now??? Can you see what I mean? Never just take someones word on it. You need to have a connection with the cards and their meanings and if it doesn't click we can try some other exercises.
Semele
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-- Posted by Lady Earth on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
When I look at the person on this card I see one who is unencombered with materialistic goods. They are happy and carefree. You cannot see the next step, perhaps it is not a sheer cliff but another step down lifes path, 0 to me is neither a begginning or an end just a place holder
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from Lady Earth on 1:41 pm on Jan. 31, 2001
When I look at the person on this card I see one who is unencombered with materialistic goods. They are happy and carefree. You cannot see the next step, perhaps it is not a sheer cliff but another step down lifes path, 0 to me is neither a begginning or an end just a place holder
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Welcome to the family!!!
I love the term place holder, very true. I agree with you wholeheartedy about the cliff possibly being another step on the journey. So many people get a negative feel for this card and I think it is really a positive card to get in a reading. Sort of a little nudge when we are holding back.
Thank you for joining in!!
Semele
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from Lady Earth on 1:41 pm on Jan. 31, 2001
When I look at the person on this card I see one who is unencombered with materialistic goods. They are happy and carefree. You cannot see the next step, perhaps it is not a sheer cliff but another step down lifes path, 0 to me is neither a begginning or an end just a place holder
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A placeholder! I like that...0...its empty and ready for something to be placed into it. Like what we have learned on this journey. As Semele said before...The Fool has what he has learned through life in his bag and it may seems small...but we only need the important things. Great lesson...and it is still going.
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-- Posted by Kiarda on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Oh shoot!..I thought I had more time to think on it and respond, thought you were going to do one class a week
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-- Posted by Kiarda on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Oh!!! Wanted to say tho thanks..was wonderful to learn..great job!
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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
yeh, thanks so much for the lesson!!!!
i'm looking forward to the next one! :)
Rosabelle
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
This class is still going..at least until semele thinks its time to move on..
Love and Light.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from mol on 11:00 pm on Feb. 1, 2001
This class is still going..at least until semele thinks its time to move on..
Love and Light.
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Hey!! Don't put me on the spot. The classes can be ongoing. Please post all thoughts you have as we could all benefite from it. In fact even after we post the next card we can still float back to others. Sometimes as you move through the cards you begin to have more insight into the others that we may have already covered. That is a benefit to approaching it this way. It may be fun a few months from now to look back at our original ideas from the cards and compare how we have grown in our knowledge and understanding of not only the cards but life itself. I firmly believe that tarot can enrich your life.... just the cards themselces, not even necessarily from "readings". Oh and by the way don't expect to be able to do fantastic readings for folks any time soon. It takes a great understanding and good deal of study to accomplish that task. Some people may never reach that place, not because they can't. Often you find that your purpose with the cards is to enlighten yourself and not become the next Cleo. (for those of you who may not have the same cheesy commercials as we do, Cleo is this funny lady who is always doing infomercials for tarot readings. She is hilarious. She does have a knowledge of the cards...very evident, but is so cheesy....and yet I would love to meet her. Strange world.)
may post the next card tomorrow evening if you are all ready for it.
Semele
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-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
The card is bright yellow and light blue. This brings to mind the postive feeling you get on those clear sunny days, nothing but blue skys.I get the feeling that the guy in the card feels this way. He seems carefree with his little sack over his shoulder. He is wearing what looks like a flowered tunic and carrying a flower in his left hand which to me symbolizes growth. The little white dog at his feet looks like he is yapping playfully at the man's heels, enjoying the carefree calrity of the day, yet also warning the man of the impending precipice. He is moving in the direction of the right, so although the cliff is there, he is still "moving in the right" direction. To me this is the image of nothing to lose, carefree new beginnings and starting over.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Litha!!!
Great interpretation. I love the way you looked at the colors to gain some insight. I find that the Rider/Waite deck is very color appropriate most of the time. I think people often overlook the importance of colors, even in how we dress. For instance some say that red is a power color and good for interviews ect. I personally avoid it most of the time because I think it can make too bold of a statement. I have always avoided red colored scrubs for work as I have to do a lot of "mean" things to children and red may promote anger and fear. I usually wear a lot of blues and a lot of cartoon prints. Ok so maybe the cartoon prints are more for me!!!That's the benefit to working on a pediatric floor!!
Semele
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-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Thanks for the feedback. Yes the colors are the first thing that hits me when I look at a card.
Goddess Bless you Semele; I worked on a CA Peds floor and stayed for about 6 months. Not that I had anything against the little pedi's, it's their parents that were making me bonkers. Now I work in the ER where it is controlled chaos of all ages. I have a pair of black scrubs that I used to wear since white is out of the question, but I couldn't put up with the ninja jokes! (btw, I am asian) :biggrin:
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from Litha on 11:49 am on Feb. 2, 2001
Thanks for the feedback. Yes the colors are the first thing that hits me when I look at a card.
Goddess Bless you Semele; I worked on a CA Peds floor and stayed for about 6 months. Not that I had anything against the little pedi's, it's their parents that were making me bonkers. Now I work in the ER where it is controlled chaos of all ages. I have a pair of black scrubs that I used to wear since white is out of the question, but I couldn't put up with the ninja jokes! (btw, I am asian) :biggrin:
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Everybody was kungfoo fighting....uh sorry. ER is way too chaotic for me. Funny how we are all so different. YOu seem to be somewhat familiar with the cards already. If so which one do you feel describes you best right now? I have found that the more I learn about each card the more cards I find I can associate my current state of mind with at any given time. I am still awaiting the time when I am the world card. I will get there eventually!!
Semele
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-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
I'd say the Three of Wands.
I work evenings and was offered the shift nurse admin position. I'm a bit leary of it, not that I doubt my ability, just the notion of being in charge of the house while the big wigs are away is just something I need to mull over some more. Anyhow we all get promoted to our personal level of incompetence anyway, right :confused: ?
Everyone from tech to cheif thinks that I'm the gal for the job. If I wan't wanting and waiting for word on particular dayshift mgt position I'd applied for already (it comes with no weekends no holiday, almost unheard of the medical center!) I'd probably be more prone to accepting the admin thing.
Either one that comes to me, I still feel like the guy standing there with a wand in his hand, looking forward out into the sea. He's not on rock, but on rich green grass and the wands are sprouting with new growth on them.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Very interesting. This card makes me think of someone who has sent out some scouting boats to explore the sea and find out what lies ahead. I think of this as a wise person who is exploring all their options before they take off into the waters. I think this is what you are doing. Bravo to you for not jumping out into the possibility of troubled waters without a life jacket. I wish you the best of luck regarding the decision you will have to make. I have a feeling that you are well suited to either position. Just watch for your scout to return with the best opportunity!!
Semele
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Ok. I thought that maybe this would be a good time to introduce some other fool cards from other decks so that we can take a look at them and compare what we have learned. I am sure we will gain insight by doing this.
Here is the fool card from the Aquarian Deck.
And her is the Fool from the Palladini deck.
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Now here is the Fool from the Morgan-Greer deck.
And the Dragon Tarot gives us this Fool:
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
And finally we come to the Thoth deck. Here is the Fool:
Thats about all I am going to post. Lets take a look at these to get different takes on the meanings of the cards.
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-- Posted by Jazzmine on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
The deck that I have is the Witches Tarot. On this card the fool is smiling and walking on moss covered cliff, not watching where he is going, holding his staff in his hand with his bundle tied to it. He also is holding a piece of paper in his right hand. The sky is blue and it looks like a beautiful day. To me this card represents the adventurous spirit and new beginnings.
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-- Posted by Wildwood on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
I use "Legend: the Arthurian Tarot deck" by Anna-Marie Ferguson. the fool card in that deck is personified by Percivale on the road to Camelot which is seen in the background. He is concentrating so hard on Camelot he is not looking at the ground and is in danger of falling. The card has a clean look as if everything has just been washed after the rain and there is a rainbow over the top of Camelot.
This card has always signified a dreamer or dreams to me.
The fool is following his dreams without a care in the world. It is a card of conflictions for me because I see
that we are too weighed down with worries and concerns to
make a leap into our dreams and desires (even though the
consequences may be better for us than we could ever hope for). Hence the small bag that the fool carries, he is
travelling light from cares.
On the other side important decision sometimes should be
weighed up and considered otherwise terrible and dangerous
consequences could ensure. I get the impression that the
Fool is walking a knife's edge (or cliff's edge) between
unimaginable success and happines and aviodable tragedy.
Wildwood
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Wildwood, I like your interpretation. So do you do readings? If so, how do you enterpret the fool in readings?
Also on the mention of the fool carrying his staff....Some people view the way he slings it over his shoulder as dangerous. In that he doesn't seem to respect the power it contains. How do you all feel about that statement. Do you think he is even aware of its power or does he simply choose to take it with a grain of salt. I often look at the difference in the way he holds it and the way the magician holds his. Big difference. I think perhaps that the magician is just more aware. Thoughts???
Semele
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-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
I think the Fool on his way to self discovery is both naive, immature, confident and having fun. Everything al rolled together like when I was a teen.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Not to offend the teens on the list, but they do have the benefit of all-knowing, bullet proof, attitudes. We sometimes can't get away with it as adults. Yet I feel there is something to gain from approaching life in that naive manner...within reason of course!!
Semele
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-- Posted by moondatter on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
I see a youth w/out a care in the world, off to seek his path in life with nothing but what he can carry in a small satchel. He may be going east (air?) since the sun is at his back. He's not focused on anything...and not paying attention to where his path is taking him. He holds a flower (rose?symbol of beauty) and a dog (fidelity) barks at him to warn about approaching danger? A cliffhanger....will he or will he not take the plunge! I see him as representative of anyone who is about to go down a path w/out enlightenment. Whether it be the path in life or a spiritual journey...also pending choices we all have to make on our journey(s)
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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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beauty) and a dog (fidelity) barks at him to warn about approaching danger? A cliffhanger....will he or will he not take the plunge! I see him as
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Welcome moondatter! You know, I think it is interesting how everyone is interpreting the dog. Moondatter (i think) is the only one who has said the same thing I said which is the dog is barking at the Fool to warn him about the cliff. But the Fool just will not listen to anyones advice! He doesnt need anyones opinions or help.
How about that Dog? There is more here to discover. Dig Deeper.
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-- Posted by pattyann on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from mol on 6:55 am on Jan. 30, 2001
Here is the Card for class one | week one:
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To me this is a person with his head in the clouds..watching the sky and not his feet, beholding only beauty(from the flower) and not aware of lifes pitfalls that the dog is trying to warn him are ahead.
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Funny, I usually see the dog as a companion who is joyfully along for the journey. He looks to me just as carefree and happy as the fool.
Rachel Pollack, author of Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom describes the dog as such, "The animal symbolizes the forces of nature and the animal self of man, all in harmony with the spirit who acts from instinct. Deny your inner self and it becomes ferociuos. Obey it and it becomes benign."
So maybe the dog is a direct representation of the fool's inner spirit and it is happy because the fool is on the path he shoul be on. Perhaps if he denied the spirit and yearnings of his soul the dog would be angry with him.
Just some food for thought. But, again, don't let someone elses interpretation sway you from your own.
Semele
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-- Posted by Wildwood on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
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Quote: from semele on 3:25 pm on Feb. 4, 2001
Wildwood, I like your interpretation. So do you do readings? If so, how do you enterpret the fool in readings?
Also on the mention of the fool carrying his staff....Some people view the way he slings it over his shoulder as dangerous. In that he doesn't seem to respect the power it contains. How do you all feel about that statement. Do you think he is even aware of its power or does he simply choose to take it with a grain of salt. I often look at the difference in the way he holds it and the way the magician holds his. Big difference. I think perhaps that the magician is just more aware. Thoughts???
Semele
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I have done a couple of readings but I've only been learning
for a few months so usually a friend gets roped into helping
me.
In a reading (obviously depending on the other cards in
a spread)I would probably think that the fool represented
either a new direction that a person was afraid to take
with their lives, which would turn out well. Or that the
questioner was taking a dangerous risk in their life.
In the deck I use the magician is pictured very differently
to the Rider-Waite Deck (I'll expand on that in the Magician
section). But I think that the difference could either
be that the fool's staff represents material things, whereas the Magician's tools represent magical energies.
If they both represent power (An interpretation I really
like) then I would suggest inkeeping with the characters of
the cards the fool is probably aware of the power and chooses to either, treat it with no respect or does not worry about the power - similarly to the leap of the cliff, either he has no qualms about using it and so does, or he ignores the dangerous consequences.
The Magician on the other hand, I see as a cautious
individual using the lessons learnt of a lifetimes study
to channel the energy and control it more tightly.
The Fool holds his staff casually the Magican holds it with purpose.
The fool is like a child who can achieve tremendous things
because they do not know that they should be careful.
The magician is an adult who ceasing to see the world through the eyes of a child, is more controlled and reliable with his use of the power but lacks the spontaneous miracle
working which is only achieved with the arrogance of youth.
What do ya think ?
Wildwood
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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Very nice interpretations wildwood!!!
i think in readings, the fool is a sign saying go for it. Of course there are other possibilities depending on the position in the spread, also whether it is reversed or upright. However, we aren't really up to that level yet. I figured it would be much easier to learn all the cards, then experiment with some spreads and the different meanings depending on positions and relation to the other cards in the spread. In fact some people choose not to read with reversed cards and I think that is a great idea for beginners. I have found that it takes a very kken knowledge in order to properly read reversed images. It is never as simple as just the opposite of the upright version. More on that later. Please continue to post your thoughts.
Semele