In the beginning, there was the Fool; and the Major Arcana plays out the rest of his tale. “The Fool’s Journey” is a fascinating and important concept for both beginners and tarot pros alike. Come along with me as I revisit this journey through 22 cards from 22 different decks.
The Devil is in the Shadows
Though the Fool seems to have everything he could want, the Devil within remains. In the darker recesses of his being that he now has the courage to explore, the Fool comes face-to-face wih the inner demons that bind and limit him. Obsessions, addictions, bad habits, negative thought patterns—once ensnared by any of the Devil’s chains, the Fool will find it difficult to break free.
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The Devil in the True Black Tarot by Arthur Wang is a golden vision of beauty, a reference to Lucifer — the morning star and one of God’s most beautiful angels. The Devil here is surrounded by gleaming treasures, but they are all in a state of disintegration, showing just how impermanent these indulgences are. One would think the chains would deter anyone from approaching, but the golden beauty is hard to resist, and we often find ourselves willing captives walking right into the Devil’s gilded trap.
What do you think of when you see the Devil in a reading? Feel free to share your thoughts in a comment below!
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