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The first three chapters from 'Tarot for Life'
The Fool
Paradoxically, The Fool stands
for wisdom, but it is wisdom of a special kind.
This is the wisdom of the Holy Fool, 
who knows
how to forget himself and simply be. It is
the wisdom that cuts in when we do not have
time to think, or when we deliberately stop
thinking in meditation.
Eastern spiritual teachers often characterise the conscious mind as a monkey. In this card it is often shown as a small, excited dog. These are useful images for the chattering, easily distracted creature that has its home between our ears. How often are we really present in our bodies, living our lives, here and now? For most of us, I suspect, this state only occurs in moments of great excitement, rapture, or danger. It is sometimes known as Gnosis and one of the goals of mysticism is to reach it on a continuous basis. It is possible, though far from easy, to live our entire lives this way.
The Fool's number is 0, the number which initiates the sequence of numbers. He has nothing and knows that he is nothing. He sees through the illusions of daily life and can play in this world because he knows it is not real.
In divination, the Fool stands for new ventures and adventures, for stepping out into the unknown. In terms of our day-to-day needs this can be a smart move or a stupid one. Whatever else we gain or lose from doing this, we gain experience. We also gain that beautiful moment at the beginning when we can say, in all sincerity, "I know nothing".
Exercise 0: Journeying
I love travelling. Even the shortest journey out of my familiar environment brings the excitement of new knowledge and a feeling of "making it mine". Setting out on a motorcycle with a week free and a passport in my pocket is one of the best feelings I know.
But what about the routine journeys? The daily hike to the office or the supermarket? Can they offer us anything worthwhile? Yes, I believe they can.
Next time you undertake such a journey, try to imagine that you are a tourist. The door of your house or flat is the door of your hotel. Try to get the feel of the place as you would a new location. Notice the architecture, the light, the mood and attire of the people in the street. Compare what you are seeing to other places you have visited. Does your part of town feel like London, Paris, New York?
The same approach can be applied to a single building, a single room, a person, even an object. Looking at an old musical instrument, say, as if you have just bought it can add to the pleasure of playing it. Try it with anything, manmade or natural, simple or complex.
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