Sophie-David
The Connolly Fool stands at the crossroads, looking back over his shoulder. This is the beginning of the Fool's Journey - which is the right path to enlightenment? The Fool is focused in his decision, but not unduly worried. Each of the four cardinal directions lie before him, each of the four elements and suits. In which direction does balance await, in which direction challenge? We don't actually know from whence he came, since he may have already turned around while considering the path. Perhaps he will go a short way down one of them and return - or perhaps he is determined to pursue one road to its very end.
In the background we see the white cliffs - I immediately think of the chalk cliffs of Dover. The path from the top left, where the dog is standing, appears to be a gentle climb, but perhaps the path behind the fool goes to a sheer drop. The Fool's Journey is not without danger, and I most definitely disagree with Douglas Menville on this, page xiv of the introduction to Tarot: A New Handbook for the Apprentice.
The Fool himself is dressed in bright red and pink, elegant, passionate but not very practical - no packsack, no overcoat for when it rains, no durable leggings or pants, no heavy boots for the mud and puddles to come. He is innocent of the trials of life, optimistic, poetic and courtly. How often we may start our own journeys in a similar way, particularly in youth. But if the spirit is strong we adapt to the challenges, our optimism sustains us, and we may grow to look more like the Hermit in his heavy cloak as the practicalities of hiking in the weather have their way with our Fool's purse.
He carries a short if impractical staff of Wands, his inspiration and youthful energy. The Fool wears a purse, hopefully full of Pentacles or Coins. His coat and feather are of the fiery red of Swords, and behind him lies the ocean of Cups. This Fool partakes of each element, which is a good beginning.
In his left hand he carries a white rose, a symbol of purity and innocence, and also of the inner feminine of his unconscious. His dog patiently awaits his decision, and I can't help but notice the black ring around the dog's eye, like a mischevious pirate. As a totem of the Fool's masculine energy, the dog shows balance and poise, and well as the promise of playful adventure.
Daffodils nestle in the grass, so we know it is Spring, the Fool has his lifetime ahead of him. The weather is bright, calm and warm, the clouds not at all threatening. May he have good luck on his journey, and each of us on ours!
In the background we see the white cliffs - I immediately think of the chalk cliffs of Dover. The path from the top left, where the dog is standing, appears to be a gentle climb, but perhaps the path behind the fool goes to a sheer drop. The Fool's Journey is not without danger, and I most definitely disagree with Douglas Menville on this, page xiv of the introduction to Tarot: A New Handbook for the Apprentice.
The Fool himself is dressed in bright red and pink, elegant, passionate but not very practical - no packsack, no overcoat for when it rains, no durable leggings or pants, no heavy boots for the mud and puddles to come. He is innocent of the trials of life, optimistic, poetic and courtly. How often we may start our own journeys in a similar way, particularly in youth. But if the spirit is strong we adapt to the challenges, our optimism sustains us, and we may grow to look more like the Hermit in his heavy cloak as the practicalities of hiking in the weather have their way with our Fool's purse.
He carries a short if impractical staff of Wands, his inspiration and youthful energy. The Fool wears a purse, hopefully full of Pentacles or Coins. His coat and feather are of the fiery red of Swords, and behind him lies the ocean of Cups. This Fool partakes of each element, which is a good beginning.
In his left hand he carries a white rose, a symbol of purity and innocence, and also of the inner feminine of his unconscious. His dog patiently awaits his decision, and I can't help but notice the black ring around the dog's eye, like a mischevious pirate. As a totem of the Fool's masculine energy, the dog shows balance and poise, and well as the promise of playful adventure.
Daffodils nestle in the grass, so we know it is Spring, the Fool has his lifetime ahead of him. The weather is bright, calm and warm, the clouds not at all threatening. May he have good luck on his journey, and each of us on ours!
