About Us
'THE FOOL'S JOURNEY'
'The Fool's Journey' is a series of works based on the Major Arcana of the Tarot.
I created this series over a five month period from November 2023 - May 2024. The journey was intense and beautiful as I immersed myself in the process. It was revealing and fulfilling as I dived deeply into my subconscious, connecting with each of the Archetypes that I was working with that are represented in the Major Arcana imagery.
The Major Arcana is a metaphor for life and the Fool’s Journey takes us on this epic ride.
Tarot cards date back to the 1400’s. They are not only used for divination but also for self-analysis and meditation. The 78 card deck is divided into two sections, the 22 major arcana cards and the 56 minor arcana cards. The major arcana deals with life events and is often referred to as ‘The Fool’s Journey’.
The journey through the major arcana is a metaphor for the journey through life. Each of the 22 cards (numbered 0-21) represents a point on the journey. The overall concept is that a person must move through these various stages in life in order to realize their true calling thus reaching a state of self-actualization.
THE FOOL 0
THE FOOL 0
The journey starts with the Fool. This is a card of innocence and new beginnings. He is only a fool because he has yet to gain the experience of life through the journey he is about to embark upon. He is new-born, ready and willing to experience all that life has to offer. He is unaware of the hardships or pain he may face. He is joyfully chasing a butterfly unknowingly about to step off a cliff. There is a little dog dancing at his heels, playing or trying to warn him?….
Innocence, Playful, Joy, Beginnings, Child,
THE MAGICIAN I
THE HIGH PRIESTESS II
The Fool sets out and immediately encounters the Magician and the High Priestess. These two cards represent the balance and duality of human existence – the internal psyche. The Magician is the positive side and the High Priestess is the negative. These terms do not mean good and bad. Human distinctions like this have no place in the Tarot. Each is required for balance. Without dark we cannot have light – the two go hand in hand. Both these cards are equal in importance and value, one cannot exist without the other.
The Magician represents our conscious awareness whereas the High Priestess is the mysterious unconscious. While the Magician is the active, masculine power which underlies our creative impulse, the High Priestess represents our unrealized potential. She is the fertile ground where ideas can arise, but we need the creative spark of the Magician to actually bring these ideas into reality.
Mother and Father archetypes
Conscious and unconscious duality
Character building
Cultivating emotional energetic bodies
THE EMPRESS III
As the Fool grows he becomes more aware of the people around him. His mother is the first person he recognizes. This is the person who cares for him and nourishes him as he grows. This card also represents Mother Earth, the world of nature and sensation. Just like a small child who loves to explore everything he touches and tastes, the Fool cannot get enough of these new things that enchant his senses. He relishes the abundance of nature and the joy Mother Earth brings to his life.
Mother archetype, Animus, Nurturing, Nature,
Abundance, Sensuality
THE EMPEROR IV
The Emperor represents the authoritative father figure. The Fool begins to learn that there are rules and patterns in the world that he must adhere to. He delights in finding this order to his world but may also struggle with the frustration of obeying those in authority. He becomes aware through the patient direction of the Emperor that there is a purpose to the rules and structure of his world.
Father archetype, Anima, Looking outward, Active
THE THETHTHE HIEROPHANT V
THE THYTHE HIEROPHANT V HIEROPHANT
As the Fool grows he becomes exposed to the traditions, cultures and beliefs outside his own home. He begins his formal education and starts to identify himself with particular ways of life. This card represents religious figures as the word Hierophant means someone who interprets mysteries and arcane knowledge. This card also symbolizes conformity and discipline as the Fool starts to fit in with the social structure around him.
Knowledge and education
Life skills
Career
Discipline
Magical and Spiritual teachings
Ritual and customs
Rites of passage
THE THETHE LOVERS VI
As the Fool grows he starts to yearn for companionship and sexual union with another person. Up until now the Fool’s journey has been mostly self-centered. He now requires balance and wants to reach out and experience personal relationships. It is at this point that he must also decide on his own set of values and beliefs. He must become true to himself if he is to find happiness.
Connection
Balancing of Yin and Yang
Sexual awakening
Primal instincts
Longing for reproduction
Life giving life
THE CHARIOT VII
By this point on his journey the Fool has developed a certain amount of self-control and a sense of who he is. The Chariot represents his ego. He is in control of himself and asserts over all he surveys. He feels self-satisfied and victorious in his life. This is the unmistakable confidence of youth.
Ego, Drive, Intention, Character, Willpower
Purpose
STRENGTH VIII
As time passes The encounters challenges and may have many occasions to draw on his inner strength to keep going. Life may be more difficult and he to discover his patience, tolerance and strength. The willful command of the Chariot requires the balance of kindness and a softer more loving approach if he is to get through the set-backs he faces.
Balancing strength
Power verses force
Taming fear based reaction
Harnessing primal instincts with a mature awareness
THE HERMIT IX
At some point in all our lives we ask the question ‘Why’. The Fool becomes concerned with the search for answers and this card represents the need to look inward to find the deeper meaning of life. At this point on his journey the outside world begins to hold less attraction for him and he starts to seek moments of quiet and solitude. He may even seek out a teacher or guide to help him find the purpose of his life.
Existential crises, Inner searching, Solitude
Retreat, Healing, Spiritual awakening
WHEEL OF FORTUNE X
After a period of introspection the Fool begins to see how everything connects. He has a vision of the intricate design and cycles that make up this world. This card is a symbol of how the Universe works in harmony. The Fool may briefly grasp some of the answers he has been seeking as life experiences come to him. Some of these events may seem like chance or fate and he may start to see his destiny as he is led to this turning point in his life. After much soul searching he is ready to start moving again now that he sees himself as part of a much bigger plan.
Metaphysical awareness, Connection, Altruism
Synchronicity, Knowledge, Empathy
JUSTICE XI
It is at this point that the Fool must decide what his vision means to him personally. He starts to look back over his life to see how he has reached this point. He must take responsibility for his past actions so that he can make amends where necessary and move on with a clean slate. This is decision time – a time for important choices. Does the Fool remain true to the insights he has gleaned or will he slip back into old patterns and close himself off from further growth?
Self inventory, Humility, Wisdom, Maturity, Soul searching
HANGED ONE XII
The Fool is determined to realize his dreams but finds that life may not be so easily conquered. He experiences an event that is simply too difficult to endure and he has no choice but to give up and let go. Initially he feels completely lost and defeated. It is at this point that he can either lie down and accept defeat or simply relinquish control and trust that this too is part of his path. By surrendering control he learns a valuable truth – his inner self will support him. He learns to surrender to life’s experiences rather then trying to control them and feels surprisingly free.
His world may have been turned upside-down but he can use this time to view things from a different angle. Look at the card, the Fool is the Hanged One but looks serene and peaceful.
Surrendering, Ego death, Freedom, Breakdown/through
DEATH XIII
This card represents the end of old habits and a new beginning. It is a card of transition. The Fool learns that he must cut away the dead wood and put old habits behind him if he is to move on. Whilst change may be painful it is necessary to allow the Fool to experience a new and more fulfilling life.
Letting go , Rock bottom, Surrender, Reality check
TEMPERANCE XIV
The Fool has come a long way from his time of solitude and introspection. He has experienced emotional extremes and challenges on his journey so far. He now realises that balance is key. Moderation in everything seems to be the way forward. Notice the difference between the willful force of the Chariot and grace of the Temperance card. The Fool begins to glow with health and well-being.
Alchemy, Emotional sobriety, Authenticity, Balance, Humility
Integration, Hope, Cleanse
THE DEVIL XV
It appears that the Fool now has everything he needs – His health, peace of mind and composure. The Fool however still pursues his desire for more and comes face to face with the Devil. This card represents the ignorance and hopelessness that resides within us all at some level. The Fool may be seduced by material distractions and become a slave to the grind. He doesn’t even realize that he has become such a slave but it begins to show itself as an undercurrent of despair and unhappiness. The Fool finds himself trapped in a self-made fortress and can see no way out.
Greed, Co-dependent relationships, Power hungry, Addiction
Attachments, Conflict, False worship, Pride, Fear
THE TOWER XVI
How can the Fool rid himself of this sense of despair that has come from being seduced by the Devil’s materialism and attachment? It often takes a sudden and perhaps catastrophic change to release him from his inner prison. The Tower represents the walls we each build around ourselves to protect our inner being. Whilst we think these walls protect us they are actually a prison. (disconnected)
This card shows a monumental crisis which shakes the foundations of the Tower and forces it’s occupants ( delusions)to come tumbling down.
The experience depicted in this card maybe painful but the pain is worthwhile as the Fool is now free. His dark despair is blasted away allowing him to see the truth of the situation he is in.
Change, Disruption, Loss, Ruin, Cleansing, Ego death,
Material loss
THE STAR XVII
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After the traumatic events of the Tower the Fool begins to be imbued with serene calm. The Star represents hope and inspiration. The Fool regains his faith in himself and the future. He recognizes that the pain of the Tower has opened the way for better things to come. His heart begins to sing again and he is filled with joy and wonder once more. This is a moment of peace after the storm.
Connection, Divine inspiration, Rebirth, Acceptance, Serenity
Flow, Hope, Rebirth, Unconditional Love, Higher Power
THE MOON XVIII
Could anything spoil this serenity for the Fool? At this point in his journey he is susceptible to fantasy and a false picture of the truth. The Moon stimulates imagination but can also cause the sub-conscious to bring hidden fears and anxieties to the surface. This leaves the Fool bewildered and a little lost. We can all identify with this feeling. Can you think of a time you went through difficult transition in your life? Afterwards whilst we are glad the event is over, we often have unrealistic views or thoughts of how to proceed. It is important therefore at this point that the Fool takes some time to analyse his thoughts and feelings as they may not be as valid as they appear to be.
Illusion, Fantasy, Suppressed shadow, Unconscious impulses
False Idols, Trickery,
THE SUN XIX
The Sun shines it’s light into the hidden places of the Fool’s soul. The confusion and fear is dispelled and the Fool starts to feel and understand the goodness of the world. The Fool begins to have enthusiasm for life once more. He rides out joyously to face life once more. He feels alive and assured. He is finally able to realize his potential and greatness.
Hope, Joy, Innocence, Celebration, Cosmic child, Oneness, Connection to nature, Positivity, Open heart
JUDGEMENT XX
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Thanks to the trails and tribulations he has experienced thus so far on his journey, the Fool has been reborn. He has turned away from his ego – driven life and has allowed his inner Self to shine through. He realizes that joy and love are at the center of life, not fear.
He has learnt to forgive himself and others. He knows that his real self is pure and good. He can see himself clearly for the first time and knows he has decisions to make about his future. He chooses wisely which values to cherish and which ones to let go of. He has discovered his true purpose and all hesitation vanishes allowing him to follow his dream at last.
Rebirth, Self – actualization, Forgiveness, Compassion,
Truth, Open heart
THE UNIVERSE XXI
The Fool has come full circle and re-enters the World. This time he is not the innocent and naive person depicted by the Fool card. He now has a more complete understanding of himself and his place in the World. He has reached a new level of joy and fulfilment.
He knows that he must be actively involved in the World. He provides a service to others by sharing his unique gifts and talents. He acts from his inner Self from a place of true certainty. He prospers from whatever he attempts and his future is full of promise.
So his journey was not so foolish after all! He has persevered and now has re-discovered the spontaneity that first compelled him to start in the first place. This journey may be over but he will never stop growing and learning.
Soon he will be ready to start a new journey, one which will lead him to even greater self-understanding – and so the cycle begins again….
Actualisation, Integration, Balance, Self- awareness
Wholeness, Freedom, Maturity, Joy, Completion, Beginning
'THE FOOL'S JOURNEY'
'The Fool's Journey' Tarot plaques are made of cold cast bronze. Each piece measures 25cm x 60cm. They can be displayed inside or outside and are weatherproof. Each has a solid fixing on the back for hanging.
Individual plaques £600
Complete set POA
Contact; Carmen Friedman
07887883324