The Fool's Journey: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Transformation Through the Tarot

Last Updated: December 19, 2022

The Fool’s Journey is a metaphor for the journey of life, often associated with the tarot. It is also known as the Hero’s Journey or the Monomyth.

The Fool’s Journey is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. It is a journey that starts with the Fool, a symbol of innocence, ignorance, and potential. As the Fool embarks on their journey, they encounter various challenges and experiences that help them to grow and evolve.

The Fool’s Journey is often depicted as a series of major arcana tarot cards, each representing a different stage of the journey. It is not clear who originated the idea of the Fool’s Journey, but my in-depth research has led me to discover that some of the earliest mentions of this tarot concept come from Eden Gray.

The Fool’s Journey, as described in Eden Gray’s “The Complete Guide to the Tarot,” is a symbolic representation of the key stages and lessons of a person’s life. It is a way to interpret and understand the major arcana of the Tarot through a personal lens, reflecting one’s own experiences and connection with the cards.

Each card in the major arcana represents a different stage in a person’s personal growth and development, and collectively, they tell the story of the Fool’s journey through life. The Fool is the main character in this story, and as he progresses through the deck, he learns important lessons and faces challenges that help him to become a wiser and more enlightened person.

This metaphor reflects the journey of self-discovery that many people embark on during their lives. It is a way of understanding the experiences and challenges that we all face as we grow and learn, and how we can use these experiences to become better, more well-rounded people.

This journey is not fixed or predetermined, but rather an interconnected and evolving story that mirrors the ups and downs of life itself.

Over the years, this system was touched upon by many famous tarotists which helped further progress the concept that the sequenced major arcana tarot cards represent a 22-chapter journey from worldly concerns to spiritual truths.

It is based on the hero’s journey and Jung’s individuation process, and some people see this journey in the tarot cards, while others do not.

Below I share my own interpretation of each chapter of the story, based on my own experience with tarot and the personal growth I have experienced through my own practice. I hope you enjoy it and find the inspiration to look within and imagine your own version too.

Chapter 0: The Fool

It was a dark and stormy night, and the Fool was standing at the edge of a cliff, looking out at the turbulent sea below. He felt a sense of excitement and fear, for he knew that he was about to embark on a great adventure.

The Fool was young and innocent, with no knowledge of the world or the challenges that lay ahead. But he also felt a deep sense of curiosity and wonder, and he was eager to see what the universe had in store for him.

With a deep breath, the Fool took his first step forward into the unknown. He had no idea where he was going or what he would find, but he was ready to face whatever came his way.

As he walked, the wind and the rain battered against him, but the Fool was undaunted. He knew that he had the strength and the courage to overcome any obstacle that stood in his way.

And so, the Fool continued on his journey, forging ahead into the darkness with nothing but his wits and his determination to guide him. He did not know what the future held, but he was ready to embrace it with open arms.

This is the beginning of the Fool’s Journey, a tale of adventure and discovery, of challenge and triumph. It is a journey that will take him to the far reaches of the universe, and back again. And though the road ahead may be long and difficult, the Fool is ready for whatever comes his way.

Chapter 1: The Magician

The Fool stood at the edge of a vast, open plain, feeling lost and unsure of where to go. He had left behind the safety and comfort of his home, eager to explore the world and discover his true purpose. As he wandered aimlessly, he came across a man dressed in a long, flowing robe, holding a staff in one hand and a wand in the other.

“Who are you?” the Fool asked, his voice trembling with fear and excitement.

“I am the Magician,” the figure replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “And I am here to teach you the power of your own intention and will.”

The Fool was amazed by the Magician’s abilities, and he watched in awe as the figure performed incredible feats of magic before his eyes. With a wave of his hand, the Magician conjured objects out of thin air, and with a flick of his wrist, he made them disappear just as quickly.

“You too have this power,” the Magician said, his voice low and mysterious. “The power to manifest your desires and make your own destiny.”

The Fool was amazed by what he heard, and he felt a new sense of purpose and determination coursing through his veins. He realized that he had the potential to create his own future, and that with focus and determination, he could accomplish anything he set his mind to.

And with that, the Fool bid farewell to the Magician and continued on his journey, armed with a newfound understanding of the true nature of reality and the role that he played in shaping it.

Chapter 2: The Hight Priestess

As the Fool continued on his journey, he came across a beautiful and mysterious woman sitting on between two pillars. She was the High Priestess, a guardian of ancient wisdom and secret knowledge.

The Fool approached the High Priestess, drawn to her aura of mystery and power. She looked at the Fool with piercing eyes, as if she could see into his very soul.

“I am the High Priestess,” she said, her voice calm and soothing. “And I am here to guide you on your journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.”

The Fool was in awe of the High Priestess and he listened closely as she shared her wisdom and insights with him. She taught him the power of intuition and the importance of listening to his inner voice.

Through his interaction with the High Priestess, the Fool began to understand the deeper mysteries of the universe and his own place within it. He learned to trust his own instincts and to tap into the vast well of knowledge and wisdom within himself.

And with a newfound sense of self-awareness and understanding, the Fool continued on his journey, grateful for the guidance and wisdom of the High Priestess.

Chapter 3: The Empress

The Fool wandered aimlessly through the forest, basking in the warmth of the sun and the sweet aroma of wildflowers. He had no destination in mind, only the desire to explore and discover.

As he walked, he stumbled upon a clearing, where he saw a woman sitting on a throne made of vines and flowers. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, with a radiance that outshone the sun.

The Fool approached her with awe and reverence, and she smiled at him, inviting him to sit by her side. The Fool eagerly accepted, and the two of them began to talk.

The Empress, for that was who she was, asked the Fool about his journey, and he told her of his desire to explore and learn. She listened attentively and then began to share her wisdom with him.

She told him of the mysteries of the universe, and the secrets of life. She spoke of the cycles of nature and the powers of the mind. She spoke of abundance and fertility, and the importance of balance.

The Fool listened with rapt attention, soaking up every word like a sponge. He felt a deep connection to the Empress, almost like a child would have with his mother.

As the sun began to set, the Empress told the Fool that it was time for him to continue on his journey. She gave him a cornucopia, overflowing with fruit and grains, as a symbol of the abundance and fertility that he would find on his future path.

The Fool thanked the Empress and promised to return to her when his journey was complete. He left the clearing with a new sense of purpose, and the wisdom of the Empress guiding him on his way

This story is a work in progress! Please join my newsletter to be notified when I publish new chapters! Thank you!

Written by Lizzie Burgess

I have been reading Tarot for more than 15 years. I have always enjoyed using my intuition to provide clarity and insights to others. Tarot is one of my favorite forms of divination, and I love sharing that passion with like-minded folks.