Sooner or later, The Fool is led to ask himself "why?". He becomes absorbed with the search for answers, not from an idle curiosity, but out of a deeply felt need to find out why people live, if only to suffer and die. The Hermit represents the need to find deeper truth. He begins to look inward, trying to understand his his feelings and motivations, seeking moments of solitude away from society.
After much soul searching, The Fool begins to see how everything connects. The Wheel of Fortune is a symbol of the mysterious universe whose parts work together in harmony. Experiences seem to be the work of fate. He may recognize his destiny in the sequence of events that led him to this turning point and he feels ready for movement and action again. His perspective is wider and he sees himself within the grand scheme of a universal plan. His sense of purpose is restored.
The Fool must now decide what this vision means to him personally. He looks back over to his life to trace the cause and effect relationships that have brought him to this point. He takes responsibility for his past actions and ensures a more honest course for the future. Justice must be served so he can wipe the slate clean. It is a time of decision for The Fool. He is making important choices!
The Fool pushes on, determined to realize his vision, but finds life not so easily tamed. He encounters his personal cross - an experience that seems to difficult to endure. Overwhelming challenge humbles him until he has no choice, but to give up and let go. At first, he feels defeated and lost. He believes he has sacrificed everything, but he learns an amazing truth. When he relinquishes control, everything begins to work as it should. He learns to surrender to his experiences and not fight them. He feels a surprising joy and begins to flow with life. Feeling suspended in a timeless moment, free of urgency and pressure, his world has been turned upside down. The Fool is The Hanged Man, apparently martyred, but actually serene and at peace.
The Fool now begins to eliminate old habits and tired approaches. He cuts out nonessentials because he appreciates the basics of life. He goes through endings as he puts the outgrown aspects of his life behind him. The process may seem like dying because it is The Death of his familiar self to allow for growth of a new one. At times, this change may seem crushing, but eventually he rises up to discover that death is not a permanent state. It is simply a transition to a new, more fulfilling way of life.
Since embracing The Hermit, The Fool has swung wildly back and forth on an emotional pendulum. He realizes the balancing stability of Temperance. He discovers true poise and equilibrium. By experiencing extremes, he's come to appreciate moderation. He's combined all aspects of himself into a centered whole that glows with health and well being.
He soon comes to face The Devil. He is the knot of ignorance and hopelessness lodged within each of us. Seductive attractions of the material bind us so compellingly that we often don't realize our slavery to them. The price of this ignorance is an inner core of despair.
The Fool may only release himself through sudden change represented by The Tower. It is the ego fortress each of us has built around our inner core. It seems to protect, but it is really a prison. He needs a severe shake up to free himself, but the revelation makes the painful experience worthwhile.
The Fool is suffused with serene calm. The Star attests to this tranquility. His soul is no longer hidden behind any disguise and has become a beacon of hope and inspiration. He is blessed with a trust that completely replaces the negative energies of The Devil. Faith in himself and the future is restored and he is filled with joy. His one wish is to share it generously with the world. His heart is open and love pours out freely. The peace after the storm.
That is all for part two. Thank you for reading :) Come back for the last installment of The Fool's Journey.
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