Fool as External Influences (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Fool is the card of new beginnings, amazing opportunities, and unlimited potential. Labeled card number “0,” The Fool is traditionally the first and the last card in the Tarot. The Fool is there as the bridge between each cycle of endings and beginnings. As a result, the Tarot is called “The Fool’s Journey,” as a metaphor for the cycles of love and life. 

The Fool is young and full of wonder, innocence, optimism, and freedom. He overlooks a cliff, but is too inexperienced to be afraid. Like the white rose he holds in his hand, he is pure. With his companion by his side, and the sun shining on his back, he is ready to love freely and dive into life headfirst.

Upright Fool as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Fool, it means that a spontaneous event or a new acquaintance urging you to explore unknown opportunities is on the horizon. This card suggests that the influence might come in the form of an unexpected invitation or a chance meeting that opens new doors for you. Perhaps it’s someone you bump into at a coffee shop who shares a unique perspective or an opportunity that encourages you to step out of your comfort zone.

The Fool as external influences can represent people such as a new friend who lives by their own rules or a mentor who encourages you to take leaps of faith. This person’s influence on your life is profound, as they challenge you to question your routines and the status quo. They inspire you to embrace the unknown with open arms and a fearless heart, pushing you towards growth and self-discovery.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Fool as external influences means that a surprise trip or an adventurous shared experience could reignite passion and curiosity between you and your partner. This could manifest as an impromptu getaway or trying something together that is out of the ordinary for both of you. Such experiences can strengthen your bond and bring a refreshing change to your relationship dynamics.

If you are asking about an ex, the Fool in the external influences position means that new social settings or friendships are offering fresh perspectives and helping you to move forward. This card indicates that these new connections are helping you to see the past relationship from a new angle, facilitating healing and personal growth. It’s the conversations and experiences with these new friends that are guiding you towards closure and a brighter future.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Fool in the external influences position means that their unexpected life choices or sudden changes in direction are influencing your own path and decisions. Their bold decisions serve as a reminder that life is unpredictable and full of possibilities. Witnessing their courage to embrace change encourages you to reconsider what you thought was certain in your own life.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Fool in the external influences position means that a chance encounter or a unique opportunity could lead to a significant shift in your professional life. This could be a meeting that introduces you to a new field or project that is both challenging and rewarding. The experience compels you to think differently about your career path, opening up avenues that you hadn’t considered before.

Fool Reversed as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Fool reversed, it means that a disregard for consequences or a failure to plan ahead is introducing instability into your situation. This scenario often unfolds when unexpected challenges arise as a result of hasty decisions or when there’s a lack of foresight in important matters. The influence might come from your own actions or from the environment around you, urging a reevaluation of current paths and the need for more deliberate planning.

The Fool reversed as external influences can represent people such as an impulsive colleague who challenges the status quo to the point of causing disruption, or a friend whose carelessness in their own life serves as a cautionary tale. Their actions might disrupt the flow of a project or lead you to question your own choices. Observing the consequences of their recklessness can serve as a valuable lesson in the importance of thoughtful decision-making and considering the long-term impact of one’s actions.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Fool reversed as external influences means that unrealistic expectations or the influence of individuals who do not support the relationship could be creating tension. This could manifest as friends or family members who, intentionally or not, sow seeds of doubt or challenge the foundation of your relationship. Their skepticism or lack of support may force you and your partner to confront underlying issues or defend your bond, testing its strength.

If you are asking about an ex, the Fool reversed in the external influences position means that mutual friends who are not fully supportive or external pressures to conform to societal norms are complicating feelings of closure. These influences might push you towards actions that don’t align with your true feelings or hinder your ability to move on in a healthy manner. It highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who respect your personal journey and support your growth.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Fool reversed in the external influences position means that their refusal to accept advice or learn from mistakes is affecting your relationship negatively. Watching them repeat harmful patterns without heed to warnings or past outcomes can be frustrating and may lead to tension or distance in your relationship. It serves as a reminder that, while you can offer support, the decision to change must come from them.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Fool reversed in the external influences position means that poorly considered ventures or the advice of overconfident advisors is leading to financial uncertainty or professional setbacks. This card warns against rushing into investments without thorough research or following the guidance of those who may not have a solid track record. It suggests the need for a more cautious approach and due diligence to avoid potential pitfalls in your career or financial decisions.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, The Fool is full of duality. Just as the Fool, as the 0th card, is the start and end of the Tarot (often aptly titled as the Journey of the Fool), the Fool is also at the beginning and end of any relationship. It’s up to you to see where your relationship lies within the cycle of the Fool. If you are at the beginning, you will need to see where it goes, and if the relationship will develop into something deep and meaningful. If you are nearing the end of the cycle, you may need to decide if you’ve learned its lessons and are ready to close out this circle gracefully.

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.