The origins of All Fools' Day has been lost to history but its purpose isn't just of merriment and mischief ; April 1 is our chance to anti-age our attitude by reclaiming our inner Fool.
Modern society defines a Fool as a idiot or simpleton. Traditionally, however, the Fool was a member of society that opposed the status-quo, defied authority and challenged the ruling class in the only way that would not result in instant dead; by pretending stupidity.
In theater, the Fool was the element between imagination and reality. Ageless folly is the philosophy of the Fool and the avenue out of our innermost repression.
The Fool asks that we question life with humor and without the rules, judgments, restrictions and complexities that society would prefer.
The Fool is the free spirit of history and the free spirit without all of us.
The Fool's persona has been captured in the fortune-telling tool of the Tarot cards. The Tarot has been said to have originated with the Egyptians and the oldest known deck goes back to the 1400's.
Tarot cards are used both for play and divination. Whether you use the Tarot for games, problem solving, self improvement, entertainment or a tool for inner reflection, the archetypal symbolism displayed in the decks will speak to your heart and soul.
Let's explore the Fool's lessons and see if we can bring some anti-aging folly back into our own lives.
The Fool portrayed in the card above is on a lighthearted road trip with his few belongings, faithful pet and uncharted course, as evidenced by his pending step off the ledge.
The Fool is the first Major Arcana card in the deck; the beginning. All is possible when you are the Fool. His only destiny is a new beginning despite his carefree and careless attitude.
Regardless of where we are in life, when we take to mind the power of the Fool, we get to start again, back to zero in our relationships, career and pursuits. The Fool liberates as it lifts depression and aging attitudes and, in turn, demands that we be overly optimistic.
The Fool embodies life itself; the journey, the exploration, the companions, the perils.
As we age we lose our inner Fool and forget that life is simply a mystical journey of self-discovery.
The Fool reminds us that we must walk our own path with faith in ourself and an openness to the experience before us. The Fool demand that we leave our fears behind and trust that all will be well.
Capture Your Inner Fool
Sounds pretty good this carefree mystic life? Well maybe not 365 days a year but on this official Day of Fools, give it a try.
- When was the last time you recalled that each new morning is a continuation of life; let tomorrow remind you. A sort of, mini-back-from-the-grave-moment. Honor the Fool by making today your new beginning.
- Wear your clown nose or other wacky wear even if only you can see it. Find some way to take some physical humor with you.
- Reclaim your inner child. Forget how appropriate you've suppose to behave and laugh out loud about nothing at all. Encourage excitement and fascination in others. Celebrate the Fool you are.
- If you can, take a road trip without a map. Leave your bags, emotional ones too, at home.
- Open your heart by being willing to be vulnerable (it's just one day). A open, light heart leads to enlightenment.
- Take a leap of faith by trying a new dish, driving a new route, revealing something about yourself, if only to yourself.
- Leave your cynicism at the curb. Being naive one day can unburden you from the endless must know it all pressure of adulthood.
Behind all this, some great happiness is hiding.
— Yehuda Amichai, German Poet
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