The Fool is one of only three cards in a tarot deck when reading tarot cards whose number can change. Most of the time, the Fool can be found at the beginning of a deck, in the Major Arcana section, representing the number 0. Other times, the Fool card can be found at the end of the deck with the Number 22. The Fool corresponds to a Jester or Joker card in a regular playing deck.
If the Fool is drawn and laid in an upright position, this embodies a new beginning or a fresh start to some facet of your life. This card indicates you should have hope and optimism for your new beginning when reading tarot cards. It also communicates that you should have faith in your decisions and choices, that you will choose the right path.
If the Fool is reversed in the tarot card order while reading tarot cards, that emits a warning to resist acting recklessly or carelessly. Problems will arise when acting in haste or impulsively, and you must take responsibility for your actions.
The Fool can represent innocence when reading tarot cards and, in so doing, it also consists of the childlike faith of good in the world. At the same time that the Fool represents the innocence and faith of a small child, it can also represent truth and wisdom as only an innocent child can see them. Therefore, you have the combination of both in one.
The Fool can be spontaneous, happy-go-lucky, with not a care in the world. At the same time, when reading tarot cards, in the wrong circumstances, the Fool can also represent folly, recklessness, or careless mistakes.
Corresponding to the number zero, the Fool is a card of limitless potential. The Fool’s image on the card often appears as a carefree wanderer when reading tarot cards with merely a sack on a stick slung over his shoulder to carry all his worldly possessions as he traverses his way across the lands.
Remember the court jester in medieval times was not guided by the same rules as other people. The court jester was allowed to make fun of certain situations for the entertainment of others. This made the court jester unpredictable and full of surprises. This can be said of the Fool as well when reading tarot cards. This element of surprise reminds us that being spontaneous can be a gift in life.
When reading tarot cards, cards in opposition to the Fool include Hierophant, Death, Devil, the Two of Swords, and the Four of Pentacles. Cards that align to support the Fool are the Hanged Man, Star, Judgment, and the Three of Wands.