The Fool is traditionally regarded as the most important, yet least significant of all the tarot images. In many systems, The Fool is not even given a number, being outside of the regular order of trumps. The Fool partakes of all images in the entire tarot pack, but particularly the trumps --- thus there are twenty two ways of defining The Fool. These definitions are given form by the trump images, so when we consider the trump of The Fool in its own right, we must consider an overview of the tarot as well as one specific image. When a cosmic pattern of tarot is defined, we are observing a map which acts as a working definition of the universe on one level of meaning; or of interactions between the inner & outer worlds upon another; both levels are represented by landscapes filled with images or symbols; both levels are reflections of one another.
The Fool is an individual who travels through the landscapes, both on a universal and a human level. Therefore The Fool is originative divinity or pure being and expressed humanity. He is a transpersonal androgynous entity; he/she is the root of consciousness becoming self aware. Such self-awareness may be in the human sphere where the mind begins a long, slow process of reflection, assimilation and self examination; it may also be in the supernal or stellar sphere, where the the unknown source of existence breathes force or uttrs stars as reflections of itself. These ultimate extremes, and all reflections between them are The Fool; though in the connecting Images the role become very firmly attuned, polarised and specific. This specialisation of course gives rise to the trumps and their set of relationships. (RJ Stewart)
