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'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.
This series of panels are modeled in clay and then cast in cold cast bronze. They are finished with a verdigris green patina and hard wax. Cold cast bronze is very durable and can be displayed inside or outside. There is a secure metal bracket for hanging.
Each measures 48cm x 29cm x 2-3cm.
£600 each. Full set POA
Solid bronze POA
THE FOOL 0
Avenir
The journey begins with The Fool, a symbol of innocence, boundless potential, and the spirit of new beginnings. Unburdened by the past and untouched by fear, he stands at the edge of the unknown, eyes lifted to the sky, heart open to the call of adventure.
In one hand, he carries a small bag, his only possession, light with the wisdom he has yet to earn. With the other, he reaches toward a butterfly dancing on the wind, a fragile symbol of transformation yet to come. The rose represents both beauty and pain indicating the journey ahead. At his heels bounds a playful dog, loyal and eager, both companion and guardian. Together, they embody instinct and joy, a celebration of the present moment.
He teeters on the edge of a cliff, blissfully unaware of the dangers ahead. But this is not foolishness in the mundane sense—this is sacred naiveté, the trust that life will unfold as it should. The Fool is not afraid to fall, for he does not yet know what falling means. He is pure potential, a soul unshaped by experience, stepping into the great unknown.
This is the threshold—the moment before the first step. It is the breath before birth, the silence before the song. And so the journey begins, not with certainty, but with wonder.
THE MAGICIAN I
As The Fool takes his first steps on the path, he soon encounters The Magician, the embodiment of will, action, and conscious awareness. This figure stands with one hand pointing to the heavens and the other to the earth, channeling divine energy into the material world. He is the alchemist of the self, the one who reminds The Fool that he holds all the tools he needs: the wand, the cup, the sword, and the pentacle—symbols of the four elements, the four suits, the full spectrum of potential.
The Magician represents the active, masculine principle—Yang energy—the force that brings thought into form. He is the spark that turns inspiration into creation, the conscious mind that directs intention toward manifestation. Where The Fool is open and unshaped, The Magician is focused and empowered. He knows that ideas alone are not enough; they must be grounded and acted upon to have meaning.
In contrast to the High Priestess—who will come next, embodying the Yin, receptive, intuitive side of the psyche—The Magician is outward-facing, dynamic, and deliberate. Yet both are essential. Without the dark, we cannot know the light. Without intuition, action lacks depth. And without action, inspiration remains only a dream.
The Magician offers The Fool the first great lesson of the journey: You are a creator. With awareness, with will, you can shape your reality. This is the awakening of personal power, and with it, the realization that the world is not merely something to observe—it is something to engage with, to influence, to transform.
THE HIGH PRIESTESS II
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After encountering The Magician, The Fool’s journey leads him to The High Priestess, the guardian of the unconscious, the intuitive realm where the seeds of wisdom and hidden truths lie. She sits in quiet power between the veils of the known and the unknown, holding the scroll of ancient wisdom that is both a map and a mystery. Her presence invites The Fool into the deeper, unseen parts of himself—those places where the soul stirs in silence, waiting to be heard.
She is the fertile ground of unrealized potential, the quiet whisper of intuition that leads us toward enlightenment. The High Priestess embodies the mysterious, often hidden layers of existence—the space between thoughts, the space between breaths. Her energy is passive, receptive, and contemplative. She does not chase or strive like The Magician; instead, she receives what is needed, trusting that the right knowledge will emerge at the right time.
Her domain is one of spiritual awareness and deep, unspoken knowing. She is the mother of all creation, not through force or action, but through nurturing, through allowing things to become. Where the Magician embodies the active, conscious will to create, the High Priestess represents the passive, intuitive force that knows what to create. She teaches that true power lies in stillness—in the ability to listen, to sit with what is unknown, and trust the inner voice that speaks from the heart.
The High Priestess is the yin to the Magician’s yang. Together, they create balance: the active and the receptive, the conscious and the unconscious, the known and the unknown. Without her, our actions would lack wisdom; without him, our insights would remain untapped. She reminds The Fool that wisdom is not always something to seek, but something to receive—and that true spiritual power comes from knowing when to act and when to wait.
THE EMPRESS III
As The Fool continues his journey, he encounters The Empress, the embodiment of maternal care, abundance, and the fertile forces of creation. In her presence, The Fool feels the warmth of unconditional love—the deep connection to life that flows from the heart of the Earth itself. She is the first mother, the figure who guides him through his early steps in the world. She nourishes him with wisdom that is not taught through words, but through the subtle, infinite wisdom of the body, nature, and sensory experience.
The Empress is not merely the archetype of motherhood in the traditional sense—she is the essence of Mother, the primal source of all life. Her energy is rich with fertility and the deep, unspoken understanding of how life grows and flourishes. Through her, The Fool learns to appreciate the abundance of the world around him: the lushness of nature, the sweetness of the earth, the sensations that connect him to the present moment.
In her garden, The Empress invites him to play, explore, and be curious, just as a child would. She shows him that life is not something to be feared or rushed through—it is a process of unfolding, of enjoying each step along the way. The Fool, like a child, revels in the beauty of simple things: the scent of flowers, the taste of fruit, the feel of grass beneath his feet. He learns to embrace the joys and pleasures of life, surrendering to the flow of creation.
She represents the nurturing force that supports all life, not just in terms of physical care, but in the emotional and spiritual nourishment that allows the soul to grow. She reminds The Fool that life itself is a gift—one to be cherished, celebrated, and experienced fully. Under her guidance, The Fool begins to understand that the world is a place of abundance, and he is never truly alone; he is always supported by the loving, nurturing forces of creation.
THE EMPEROR IV
As The Fool moves forward, he encounters The Emperor, the figure of authority, discipline, and structure. The Emperor is the father archetype—strong, resolute, and unwavering. Under his watchful eye, The Fool begins to understand that the world is not simply a playground of endless possibility; it is a place where rules, boundaries, and systems exist for a reason. The Emperor shows him that there is order to the chaos, a deeper logic behind the structures that govern life.
At first, The Fool may find himself resistant to the Emperor’s authority. He has been raised in the fertile, free-flowing world of The Empress, where things come naturally, without constraint. But as he stands before the Emperor, he begins to realize that the world is far from random. The Emperor’s energy is one of steadfastness, stability, and control. He represents the fatherly role of guidance, not just through love, but through the imposition of necessary limits and the wisdom of experience. The Fool starts to see that structure is not the enemy of freedom—it is the foundation upon which freedom can exist.
Through the Emperor’s patient direction, The Fool learns that these rules are not arbitrary, but are designed to help him navigate the world more effectively. The Emperor’s wisdom lies in his ability to see beyond immediate gratification, teaching the value of long-term planning, responsibility, and accountability. While the Fool may struggle with the constraints at first, he gradually comes to understand that order offers safety, clarity, and a path forward.
In the Emperor’s presence, The Fool begins to see that true strength does not come from unchecked freedom or impulsive action, but from the ability to wield power wisely, with purpose, and with respect for the structures that support him. The Emperor offers The Fool the invaluable lesson that discipline and authority, when used with integrity, can create the space for growth, stability, and even greater freedom in the future.
THE HIEROPHANT V
As The Fool continues his journey, he finds himself standing before The Hierophant, the figure of spiritual authority, tradition, and structured wisdom. This card marks the point where The Fool is drawn into the larger world of beliefs, teachings, and systems that exist beyond his personal, isolated experience. He has learned the lessons of order and structure from The Emperor, but now he faces a different kind of authority: one that is rooted in tradition, ceremony, and the collective wisdom of generations.
The Hierophant represents the bridge between the individual and the collective. He is the spiritual guide, the teacher who imparts the teachings of religions, philosophies, and ancient wisdom to those who seek understanding. In his presence, The Fool begins his formal education—he learns not only the rules of society, but also the deeper mysteries that govern existence. He embraces the rituals, the sacred practices, and the philosophies that guide life, seeking meaning in the sacred texts, the teachings of sages, and the rites of passage that shape a person's spiritual evolution.
At this stage, The Fool finds himself aligning with the customs and beliefs that have been handed down through generations. There is a sense of conformity here, a desire to belong, to be part of something greater than himself. While the Magician and The Emperor offered him the tools of personal empowerment and structure, The Hierophant reminds him that true wisdom often comes from the collective knowledge and experience of those who have come before. This card speaks to the value of learning from others and understanding one’s place within the larger web of society.
However, as The Fool steps into the world of structured beliefs, he may also feel the tension of conformity. The rigid structures and expectations of the Hierophant may challenge his natural impulse for freedom and individuality. Yet, through these challenges, he comes to understand the importance of discipline, respect for tradition, and the wisdom that is passed down through the ages. The Hierophant serves as a reminder that there is value in following the path of learning, in embracing rituals, and in honoring the teachings that connect us to something greater.
In this way, The Fool learns that the world is not just a space for personal exploration, but a vast network of interconnected traditions and wisdom that shape and inform his life. The Hierophant offers him the opportunity to connect to these larger currents of thought, broadening his understanding of the world and his place within it.
THE LOVERS VI
As The Fool continues his journey, he reaches a stage where his inner world no longer feels complete in solitude. He begins to feel a deep yearning for connection—both the kind of companionship that comes through love and intimacy, and the kind that arises from finding common ground with another person. The Lovers card marks this moment of awakening, where The Fool realizes that his journey has been largely self-focused up until now, and that true growth requires him to step beyond the self and embrace the potential for union with another.
At this point, The Fool must face the call of companionship and the deeper, more intimate bonds that connect people. He yearns for the harmony and balance that only a true partnership can bring. The Fool is no longer content with merely exploring the world alone—he now desires to share it, to experience the joy, pain, and vulnerability of being intertwined with someone else. This longing for connection opens him up to love in its many forms: romantic, platonic, and spiritual.
However, The Lovers is not just about external connection. It is also about internal alignment. The Fool is at a crossroads, where he must decide what he values and believes. To truly connect with another, he must first connect with his own heart, soul, and deeper truths. In order to find true happiness, The Fool must decide who he is, what he stands for, and what he is willing to offer in a partnership. The relationship he seeks with another is an extension of the relationship he is creating within himself.
The Lovers also introduce the theme of choice—the realization that to fully embrace love, connection, and intimacy, The Fool must make decisions that align with his truest self. The Fool is called to step out of confusion and indecision and to make choices that are true to his heart, even if they are difficult. This card represents the moment when The Fool must honor his authentic self, as only then can he find harmony and fulfillment in the relationships he forms.
In the presence of The Lovers, The Fool learns that love is not just a gift from another, but a reflection of who we are at our core. To love truly, we must first love ourselves, and in doing so, we invite others to share in that love.
THE CHARIOT VII
At this point in The Fool’s Journey, he has gathered enough experiences to feel a sense of mastery over his own will and direction. The Chariot represents a moment of personal victory, where The Fool's ego is in full force, yet it is also in control. He has learned to channel his impulses, desires, and ambitions into purposeful action. This is the moment when he stands confidently at the reins of his own life, asserting his will over all that he surveys.
The Chariot is a card of self-control, focus, and unyielding determination. The Fool has become more than just a wanderer; he is now a conqueror, fully aware of his inner strength and the power of his choices. His journey thus far has equipped him with the knowledge and experiences that now fuel his ambition and self-confidence. He is driven, and nothing seems impossible.
The Chariot's symbolism of a rider steering two horses, often with opposing forces, suggests that The Fool has learned to navigate both the light and dark aspects of his personality. He has come to terms with his internal conflicts and now uses them to propel himself forward, mastering both the inner and outer aspects of his being.
In this stage, The Fool is the embodiment of youthful confidence—full of purpose, will, and determination. He believes in his ability to achieve anything he sets his sights on. The ego is not necessarily a negative force here; it represents the drive, ambition, and clarity that allow him to move decisively toward his goals. It is a moment of personal assertion, where he feels victorious and in command of his life.
However, while The Chariot celebrates the triumph of will and the ego’s power, it also serves as a reminder that the balance between the opposing forces within must be maintained. Confidence and self-control are essential, but without wisdom, they could lead to arrogance or overreach.
STRENGTH VIII
As The Fool moves further along his path, he encounters a new set of challenges that demand more than the raw willpower he learned in The Chariot. Life’s difficulties begin to feel heavier, and the obstacles in his path more formidable. This is where Strength emerges—not as brute force, but as the quiet power that resides in patience, tolerance, and endurance.
Strength represents the inner courage to face adversity with a calm heart and a gentle hand. The Fool realizes that, while his willful command of the Chariot carried him to great heights, it is no longer enough to simply force his way through life. He begins to understand that sometimes the path to victory is not through dominance, but through tenderness, compassion, and self-control.
In the face of setbacks, The Fool must draw on a new kind of strength: one that is grounded in love, not ego. The fierceness of the Chariot has been tempered by the understanding that true power comes from the ability to remain calm and kind, even in the face of challenges. Strength is the card that teaches us to find our fortitude through gentleness and patience, especially when the world seems relentless.
This is not the strength of overwhelming force or unyielding command—it is the power of resilience, of enduring hardship with grace. It is the ability to be soft in the face of hardness, to hold steady when everything seems to be pulling us in different directions. The Fool learns that he is strong not because he can overpower, but because he can face the world with an open heart and a steadfast spirit.
In this card, there is a reminder that kindness is its own form of strength. Patience is not weakness, but a powerful choice to endure with love and compassion. True strength lies in the capacity to forgive, to remain calm, and to keep moving forward with an open heart, even when the journey is tough.
THE HERMIT IX
At a certain point in The Fool’s Journey, the external world no longer holds the same allure. The noise, the distractions, and the constant movement of life start to fade in importance. The Fool begins to ask the eternal question: Why? He feels a growing discontent with surface-level experiences and seeks something deeper, something beyond the material and the mundane.
The Hermit represents this moment of turning inward—a call to spiritual awakening and self-discovery. The Fool, having faced the challenges and triumphs of the world, now craves solitude. He seeks quiet, not as an escape from life, but as a means of understanding it more fully. The outside world may still hold excitement, but it no longer satisfies his hunger for truth. He recognizes that in order to find the answers he seeks, he must venture into the inner realms of his own mind and soul.
In this phase, The Fool may seek a teacher or guide—someone who can help illuminate the path ahead, someone who has walked the road of self-inquiry and come to know the deeper truths of existence. The Hermit carries a lantern, symbolizing the inner light of wisdom that can guide us in times of darkness or uncertainty. As The Fool seeks meaning, he understands that the light of wisdom resides within, waiting to be uncovered.
This is a time of spiritual introspection. It is the beginning of a journey that goes beyond the intellectual or the physical. The Fool begins to detach from the external world, recognizing that true growth lies not in accumulating more experiences, but in understanding the nature of existence itself. His soul yearns for the quiet clarity that comes only through inner reflection, and he prepares himself for a spiritual awakening—one that will change the way he sees the world forever.
WHEEL OF FORTUNE X
After a period of deep introspection and soul-searching, The Fool begins to see the world in a new light. His vision expands, and he starts to grasp the intricate design of the universe—the cycles, the patterns, and the interconnectedness that bind all things together. The Wheel of Fortune represents the moment when The Fool begins to understand that life is not a series of random events, but part of a larger, harmonious flow.
At this turning point, The Fool sees the web of fate that threads through his life, connecting past, present, and future in ways that were previously invisible to him. What once seemed like chance or coincidence now feels like a cosmic dance—everything is falling into place, and he is a part of a much bigger plan. He may experience flashes of clarity, brief moments where the veil is lifted and he sees the divine order behind the chaos. These glimpses into the deeper workings of the universe give him a sense of peace and understanding, even if he cannot fully comprehend it all.
The Fool begins to recognize that life’s experiences, both the challenges and the joys, are part of a larger cycle—a cycle that is constantly turning, shifting, and evolving. With this awareness comes the understanding that he is not merely a passive observer; he is an active participant in the unfolding of his own destiny. While some events may feel like fate, he also sees that he has the power to move with the flow of life, to embrace the changes that come, and to trust that each turning of the wheel brings him closer to his true path.
The Wheel of Fortune also marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. After much contemplation, The Fool feels ready to move forward again. He now understands that life is not just about seeking answers—it is about participating in the dance of existence. He is no longer solely focused on his own personal journey but is now open to the larger forces at play. The wheel turns, and he turns with it, trusting in the unfolding of his life’s story.
JUSTICE XI
At this juncture in The Fool’s Journey, he finds himself standing before Justice, the card of truth, balance, and responsibility. After the revelations of The Wheel of Fortune and glimpses of the larger cosmic order, The Fool is now confronted with a profound question: What does all of this mean to me personally?
Justice asks The Fool to look back over his life with honesty and clarity, examining the choices he has made and the path he has traveled. In this moment, The Fool must take full responsibility for his past actions, recognizing both the positive and the negative consequences of those choices. This is not a moment of judgment, but of realization—a time to acknowledge the past without self-deception, and to make amends where necessary.
To move forward with a clean slate, The Fool must face the truth of who he has been and who he has become. This is the decision-making moment: Will he remain true to the insights he has gained and continue his growth, or will he slip back into old patterns and close himself off from further evolution? The choices made in this moment will shape the next chapter of his journey.
Justice is about balance—restoring harmony by accepting accountability. The Fool must weigh the evidence of his past actions, consider their impact, and then make a clear, conscious choice to either accept responsibility and move forward with integrity, or to stay trapped in old habits that no longer serve him.
In this card, there is no escaping the truth. The Fool cannot hide from himself. The question now is whether he has the courage to live authentically, to embrace the lessons he has learned, and to make decisions that honor the deeper wisdom he has uncovered.
As the scales of Justice balance, so too must The Fool balance his past and future. He stands at a crossroads, where the choices he makes now will determine whether he continues to grow and evolve, or whether he returns to old ways and stagnates. It is the moment of reckoning—a time to honor the truth within and act with integrity.
HANGED ONE XII
After a period of striving toward his dreams and goals, The Fool encounters a moment of deep challenge—a situation that is simply too difficult to endure. He has given all of himself, but life proves more unpredictable than he anticipated. In the face of this overwhelming adversity, he finds himself at a crossroads: he must either continue struggling against forces that feel beyond his control, or he must release his grip and surrender to the experience.
The Hanged Man marks the moment of complete surrender. Initially, The Fool feels lost, defeated, and disoriented, as if his world has been turned upside down. His desire to control his fate has led him to a place of exhaustion and frustration. But in this moment of surrender, he is faced with a profound choice: to either succumb to despair or trust that this very experience, this feeling of being "hung up" in limbo, is part of his path.
Through the act of letting go, The Fool discovers a deep, surprising truth—his inner self will support him. He begins to see that his attempts to control everything were actually limiting his growth. By surrendering control, he gains a freedom he did not expect. Rather than being a victim of the situation, he finds peace in the acceptance of it. He realizes that life doesn’t always need to be fought or understood immediately—it can simply be experienced.
In this moment of stillness and suspension, The Fool learns to trust the flow of life. His world may feel turned upside down, but this shift in perspective allows him to view things from a new angle. The Hanged Man symbolizes the ability to find serenity in the face of chaos. Though the Fool is physically suspended, his mind and heart are at peace. This surrender is not passive; it is an active choice to release attachment and accept life as it is.
The serenity in the card is profound. While the world around him seems to be in turmoil, the Fool (now The Hanged Man) radiates calm, a peaceful acceptance of what is. He understands that sometimes, by letting go, he can see more clearly and gain wisdom that would have otherwise eluded him in his constant striving.
DEATH XIII
The Fool has reached a point in his journey where the old ways no longer serve him. Death represents a profound transition, the ending of old habits, attitudes, and patterns that have been holding him back. It’s a card of transformation—a shedding of the past to make space for something new and more meaningful. While change may feel unsettling or even painful, The Fool understands that it is necessary for his growth and evolution.
This is not a moment of destruction, but of release. To move forward, The Fool must learn to cut away the "dead wood" of his old life—whether it be outgrown habits, relationships, or thought patterns. It’s about recognizing what no longer contributes to his well-being and having the courage to let it go.
Death is a card of endings, but it is also a card of new beginnings. It is the moment when The Fool realizes that, although letting go may bring temporary discomfort or grief, it is essential for the creation of a life that is more aligned with his authentic self. The old must be cleared away so that the new can take root. This is a time to embrace the art of letting go—to surrender what no longer serves him in order to step into a new phase of his journey, one that is richer and more fulfilling.
While Death may seem frightening in its rawness, it is ultimately a liberating card. It teaches The Fool that the natural flow of life is cyclical: there are seasons for growth and seasons for letting go. By surrendering to this process, The Fool can release attachment to what no longer serves him and embrace the unknown, with the faith that something better will emerge from the ashes of the old.
TEMPERANCE XIV
After traversing the emotional peaks and valleys of his journey, The Fool has come to a profound realization: balance is the key to true well-being. Temperance represents the wisdom of moderation—finding harmony between the extremes of life and embracing a more centered, peaceful existence.
The Fool has experienced the heights of joy and the depths of despair, and through it all, he has learned that neither end of the spectrum can offer lasting fulfillment. In Temperance, he understands that the answer lies in moderation. This is the moment when The Fool realizes that overindulgence or extreme attachment to anything—whether pleasure, ambition, or even suffering—only leads to imbalance and disharmony. True peace comes from embracing the middle path, from integrating all aspects of himself into a harmonious whole.
In this stage, The Fool is finding his authentic self. He is no longer chasing after fleeting desires or emotions, but rather finding steadiness within. Temperance encourages him to bring his inner world into alignment, to embrace emotional sobriety and cultivate a sense of groundedness. As he practices balance in his thoughts, actions, and relationships, he begins to glow with health and vitality. His spirit is refreshed, his mind clear, and his heart open.
Temperance is not just about avoiding excess; it’s about the conscious act of blending opposing forces into a harmonious union. It is the alchemy of life—learning how to take what seems contradictory or polarizing and finding the perfect balance between them. Through this process, The Fool starts to radiate an inner calm that reflects in his outer world. He has become a beacon of well-being, a living example of how inner harmony creates outer peace.
THE DEVIL XV
With health, peace of mind, and composure now firmly in place, The Fool seems to have everything he needs. However, despite his progress, there is still a longing, a desire for something more. This desire leads him to The Devil, where he is confronted with his own shadow—the darker, unconscious forces within himself.
The Devil represents the ignorance and illusions that bind us to the material world, as well as the fears and attachments that keep us in a state of internal conflict. Although The Fool may appear to have achieved a sense of balance, he begins to realize that he is still chasing external fulfillment, driven by desires that are rooted in fear, insecurity, and attachment to things that are fleeting.
At this stage, The Fool may be seduced by material distractions—success, wealth, status, or external approval—without realizing that he has become a slave to them. The chains of The Devil are not always visible, and he might not even be aware that he is trapped in a self-created fortress. At first, this might feel like pleasure, but as time goes on, The Fool begins to sense an undercurrent of dissatisfaction, despair, and unhappiness.
The Fool is driven by a hundred forms of fear—fear of inadequacy, fear of failure, fear of missing out, and fear of being unworthy. These fears manifest in the form of unhealthy attachments, vices, and a relentless chase for validation. While the material world can offer temporary pleasure, The Devil shows The Fool that true liberation will never come from external sources. Instead, his chains are mental and emotional, a product of his own inner illusions.
The Fool is now facing the uncomfortable truth that he has built his own prison. The walls of this fortress are made of fear, and the keys to freedom lie within him. He is at a crossroads, where he must confront his attachments, face the illusions that bind him, and make a conscious decision to break free from his self-imposed chains.
THE TOWER XVI
At this point in The Fool’s Journey, the seductive grip of The Devil’s materialism and attachment has led The Fool into a deep despair. Despite his earlier progress, he finds himself trapped in a prison of his own making, surrounded by the walls of his own ego. These walls—built out of fear, illusion, and attachment—were meant to protect him, but instead, they have become a cage.
The Tower represents the sudden and catastrophic event that shatters those walls. It is a moment of profound crisis that forces The Fool to face the reality of his situation. What seemed like stability—what he thought would protect him—now crumbles before his eyes. The Tower itself, once a symbol of protection and security, is struck by lightning, causing it to collapse and send its occupants (the Fool’s illusions and delusions) tumbling to the ground.
This destruction is painful, even terrifying. But in this moment of chaos, The Fool is freed. The Tower is a wake-up call, a violent upheaval that clears the way for a new beginning. The illusions and false structures that he once relied on are blasted away, leaving him exposed to the truth of his own situation. The truth, though painful, is liberating.
What The Fool learns in this moment is that he no longer needs to rely on external security or false attachments to feel whole. His identity was never truly bound by the structures he clung to—it was the ego’s need for control, stability, and recognition that kept him locked in fear. Now, as the dust settles and the Tower crumbles, The Fool sees that his true freedom lies in embracing change, in allowing the destruction of his old self to make way for something new and authentic.
While the experience of The Tower may feel like a crisis, it is ultimately an opportunity for radical transformation. The Fool is no longer bound by illusions of safety or false expectations. His despair gives way to clarity, and he is now free to rebuild his life on a more solid, truthful foundation. The painful destruction of the Tower may have shattered his sense of self, but in the end, it clears the path for true liberation and growth.
THE STAR XVII
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The Fool’s transition here is incredibly powerful. After the chaos of the Tower, it seems like he is finally finding the space to breathe and let go of old fears and illusions. The Star is a gentle card of renewal, of finding peace in the midst of uncertainty, and of rekindling hope where it seemed lost. There's almost a sense of divine timing at work, a reminder that everything has its season.
I love the idea that the Fool's heart is "singing again"—it speaks to a kind of deep, spiritual renewal. It’s like he’s finally able to move forward without the weight of past traumas holding him down. His faith in himself and the future, having been tempered by struggle, is now stronger and more grounded.
Do you see this as the Fool stepping into a more awakened state, or is he still navigating the aftermath of that destruction with a sense of wonder, almost as though he’s learning to trust again?
THE MOON XVIII
The Fool's newfound authenticity and spiritual awareness make him more vulnerable in this phase because, while he’s more in touch with his true self, the Moon can distort that clarity with its illusions. He may feel pulled between a sense of intuitive knowing and the temptation to embrace fantasies that are not entirely grounded in reality. It's like his spiritual awakening might lead him to some deeply emotional or unconscious material—stuff he may not have fully faced yet.
It’s interesting that you mention “blind faith” here, because while The Star represents a kind of hopeful trust in the universe, The Moon warns against trusting everything at face value. The trickster energy in The Moon can indeed cause the Fool to misinterpret signs, or even project desires and fears onto external circumstances. It’s almost like he's walking through a fog, uncertain which direction to take, and while there is a sense of mystery, there’s also a need for discernment.
Do you think the Fool should actively seek out grounding at this stage, or is his journey one where he needs to experience this confusion fully in order to learn and grow?
THE SUN XIX
The Sun brings a kind of playful yet profound awakening—where the Fool can see both the beauty and the simplicity of life, understanding his place in the vast, cosmic dance. There’s no longer any self-doubt or fear of being lost; instead, he feels alive and radiant, fully embodying his potential. The energy of this card is infectious. He is not just “existing” anymore, but thriving, fueled by the clarity that the Sun brings.
That idea of being a "Cosmic Child of the Universe" really captures the essence of the Fool’s transformation. There’s this purity in the Fool’s joy and enthusiasm for life, almost like he’s rediscovered a childlike wonder but with the wisdom of everything he's been through. The Sun invites him to fully embrace his authenticity without the weight of confusion or illusion. He’s in a space where he can be genuinely himself, and that’s where his greatness unfolds.
At this point, he’s no longer wandering blindly or driven by fear—he’s empowered and connected, and there’s a playful spirit about him as he faces life with fresh eyes. Do you think the Fool now sees his entire journey as part of a bigger purpose, or is he still living more in the present moment, savoring the joy of newfound freedom?
JUDGEMENT XX
This is such a powerful culmination of the Fool’s journey—his transformation into someone truly awakened, grounded, and aligned with his higher self. It feels like the perfect culmination of everything he’s learned and experienced, and it’s clear that he’s now operating from a place of deep wisdom and inner peace.
The image of him turning away from an ego-driven life is so compelling. After all the trials, confusion, and emotional growth, the Fool is no longer tethered by past fears or illusions. Instead, he’s become a beacon of light, letting his authentic self shine through. This feels like the kind of breakthrough that only comes after deep personal growth—where the Fool can truly look in the mirror and see himself as pure, whole, and good.
Forgiveness, both for himself and others, is such an important step. It’s not just about letting go of past wounds—it’s about shedding layers that no longer serve him. Now, he sees himself clearly, not through the lens of guilt, shame, or self-doubt. The clarity he’s gained allows him to make empowered choices about the direction of his life. It's as if the fog has completely lifted, and now he has the courage to follow his dreams without hesitation.
The Fool’s maturity and balance at this stage are beautifully represented in your words. It’s not just a naive optimism anymore; it’s a grounded joy, an ability to navigate life with wisdom, love, and authenticity. He’s found peace in himself, which then ripples outward into all aspects of his life.
This moment of decision-making is so pivotal—he’s finally in a position to choose not just with his heart, but with clarity and maturity. Do you think the Fool is now acting from a place of divine trust, knowing that his choices are guided by a higher purpose? Or is this more of a conscious, deliberate moment where he decides to embrace his true self and go after his dreams with full intention?
THE UNIVERSE XXI
What a beautiful, expansive conclusion to the Fool’s journey! The full circle feels so fitting—he’s not just returning to the World, but entering it with a renewed sense of purpose, wisdom, and clarity. He’s no longer the naive wanderer he once was, but someone who has undergone profound transformation. His earlier innocence has evolved into a more grounded, mature joy—a joy that is now deeply tied to his sense of self-actualization and purpose.
The idea that the Fool has now “re-discovered the spontaneity” that once compelled him is incredibly powerful. The beauty of his growth is that he can now act from a place of deliberate authenticity, knowing exactly who he is and what he stands for, but still with the openness and curiosity of that original spark that set him off on his journey. It’s like he’s come to realize that true freedom doesn’t mean acting without purpose, but acting with full alignment to his inner self, free from fear or external pressures.
By embracing his unique gifts and talents, the Fool steps into a role of service, knowing that his true happiness and success come from being of service to others. There’s a beautiful paradox here: the more he shares his authentic self with the world, the more he prospers, and the more deeply fulfilled he becomes. It’s a recognition that his journey wasn’t just about him—it was always meant to contribute something larger to the collective.
And what I find so amazing about this cycle is that while this phase of his journey has come to a close, it’s also the beginning of a new one. The Fool is no longer defined by fear or uncertainty, but by the wisdom he’s gained through facing challenges, learning from mistakes, and expanding his sense of self. The new journey ahead of him will bring even more growth and self-understanding, and he enters it with the confidence that he is ready to continue evolving. There’s no real "end" to this journey—it’s a continual process of becoming.
In many ways, the Fool now embodies a kind of beautiful balance between the beginner’s mindset and the wisdom of experience. He holds onto that initial curiosity and wonder, but now it’s infused with a sense of maturity, responsibility, and purpose. And yes, as you said, the cycle will begin again, as all growth does.
Do you think the Fool, after having reached this new level of self-actualization, is ready to face even greater challenges in his next cycle—perhaps ones that will ask him to dive even deeper into his own psyche or the mysteries of the universe? Or is his next journey more about expanding the outward expression of his authenticity and service to others?