The Fool (Card 0)

Several weeks ago, I bought a tarot deck and checked out a book about it because I was intrigued by the idea of learning how to give readings. The book's author recommended going through the deck and reflecting on how the archetype of each card relates to my life experiences; an idea that attracted me.

I am just now able to get past the very first card, The Fool, which symbolizes optimistic and youthful jaunts into the unknown to seek new ideas, new experiences, and truth. The Fool is the starting point, and it has stuck with me because I have always loved starting points.

When I was in elementary school, I would read the World Book encyclopedia. I picked a volume, turned to a random page in it, and off I went, intoxicated by the shallow swirl of faraway places, unfamiliar cultures, and notable people.

In my twenties, I was a "perpetual college student," wanting nothing more in life than access to a good library and the free time to use it. I dabbled in this subject and that, never delving too deeply or settling too long. I sought novelty and breadth rather than commitment and depth.

In my thirties, I came to see the problem with being a perpetual Fool. But I will save that for the next card.

(A side note: Like the Fool on the card, I did almost walk off a cliff once. During a summer vacation at Sea Ranch when I was nine, I was so engrossed by the book I was reading that I did not notice the approach of certain doom. Fortunately, my sister Amy yelled at me to watch where I was going.)