Meaning and interpretation Fool / Mat

The master card makers of the French Renaissance chose to retain the name of the fool, while transforming this character into a jester, as recognized in medieval iconography. The fool in the tarot of Marseille has two aspects: below the waist, he is dressed in tattered clothes, harassed by a dog, still perceived as a social outcast. In Jean Noblet's Marseille tarot (1650), the fool even exposes his genitals, an allusion to late medieval representations.

In contrast, from the waist up, the fool is adorned with colors, with a collar and belt decorated with bells, and wears a stylized jester's hat. His long stick, to which a bundle is attached, suggests that he spends most of his time on the road. Is he a homeless beggar, unable to face responsibilities, or a jester, a street performer, traveling the roads between different shows and performances? Is his mind confused and his life disordered, or does he enjoy the freedom of the road, despising those who are trapped in their daily lives and conventions?

Starting with Pierre Madénié, the Fool card was renamed to "LE MAT".

The term "Mat" might be derived from the Italian word matto, meaning "fool" or "madman," which fits the spirit of the card. The word "mat" also comes from the Arabic māt, meaning "dead." In the context of chess, "checkmate" (from the Persian shāh māt) means "the king is dead." This expression has been adopted in many languages and influenced various terminologies, possibly including tarot. Indeed, there may have been confusion or a merging between the Italian matto (fool) and the Arabic mat (dead). This confusion could be intentional or accidental, but it led to the adoption of the term "Le Mat" in the Tarot of Marseille.

Referring to the Arabic meaning of mat: "the king is dead" (checkmate), French card masters may have intended to imply that the Fool, as the king's jester, was freed from his duties following the death of his king. He could then take to the roads with just a bundle on his shoulder, as depicted on the card. The name of this card evokes more of a free man rather than a madman, or perhaps a jester who no longer has a master.

In the evolution of tarot, the Fool has taken different forms and meanings depending on the regions and eras. In France, the Fool evolved into a wandering artist, often symbolizing a form of uncontrolled freedom. However, in Bologna, Italy, the image of the innocent simpleton was preserved. The Fool in the Mitelli Tarot is similar to this representation: he is an adult man, laughing, riding a stick like a child, surrounded by children, reminiscent of the Charles VI Tarot cards.

On this card, we see an older man, as indicated by his baldness, standing in front of an ATM. He holds a credit card in one hand, while in the other, he hands a wad of cash to a hand that we imagine belongs to a woman. This representation of the Fool is very interesting because it seems like he is giving away all the money he has left to a stranger. We don't know why he does it, but perhaps he does it simply because he is mad. Here, madness could be interpreted as an inability to understand the value of things, to not realize the need to keep enough money to live and eat. In fact, he gives all his money to a stranger, and his smile indicates that he does so willingly, without any constraint. Thus, this madness is associated with a complete detachment from material possessions, perhaps even a form of extreme altruism or ignorance of the consequences.

One could also say that the madness here is represented by the act of squandering all his money, spending it recklessly. We know how important money is in our Western societies: it rules the world, and therefore our lives. How can one govern their own life if they have no money, when money allows us to "buy" a life? But perhaps, beyond the madness of this man, there is a dimension of freedom. Perhaps the author intended to say that giving up one's money can also be a synonym for freedom, because ultimately, when we have lost everything, we have nothing left to lose, and we are free to say and do whatever we want. In other words, this card could suggest that true freedom comes from the absence of possessions, from no longer being tied down by material constraints, and being open to a new form of life or personal quest.

The Fool card in the Vox Arcana Tarot features iconography that recalls more traditional tarot representations while adding unique elements. The Fool is depicted in a classic costume, with a stick over his shoulder carrying a bundle. Beside him, a feline creature bites him on the buttocks, while a dog barks alongside, reminiscent of the inspiration from the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot.

Unlike other representations where the Fool appears carefree, here, he is a smiling young man, literally running at full speed as if he is sprinting. In one hand, he firmly holds his bundle, and with the other, he raises his hand to his forehead, giving the impression that he has just had a sudden realization or an epiphany. This gesture may indicate a moment of reflection or doubt about his path, although the exact nature of this realization remains mysterious.

A particularly interesting detail of this card is the presence of multiple keys flying through the air. These keys seem to be spilling out of the open bundle, as if they are being flung out by the Fool's frenzied run. Each of these keys is unique, suggesting that they unlock different doors. This indicates that the Fool possesses multiple solutions, a multitude of possibilities. However, the man does not seem concerned about losing his keys in his race, which can be seen as a form of abandonment. It is also possible that the Fool symbolizes the acceptance of leaving certain doors closed, signifying a form of wisdom or faith in the journey, even without all the answers.

This evokes the idea that the Fool's madness is linked to his indifference to the loss of these objects that symbolize understanding and the ability to unlock certain aspects of his life. One might see in this loss an allegory of abandoning intellectual understanding in favor of spiritual or emotional enlightenment. This young man seems to suggest that it is not so much about having all possible keys but rather finding the unique key that is his own, the one that opens the door to self-knowledge.

The background of the image is a blue sky dotted with clouds, reinforcing the idea of freedom. The young man may not be running on earth but in the sky, symbolizing a nearly divine or transcendent freedom. This can also be interpreted as a sign that the Fool, in his quest for freedom, is willing to sacrifice some answers, or that he finds comfort in not knowing them all.

Thus, the Fool is not only a symbol of carefreeness or wandering but also of a form of wisdom that comes from accepting the uncertainties of life. He invites us to consider that sometimes, the true key is the one we carry within us, a key that does not require answers to all questions, but a deep understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe.

The Fool card in the Sasuraibito Tarot offers a unique and intriguing interpretation of the traditional character. Here, we see a very old man, with a white beard so long that it almost touches the ground. This man is completely naked, and his beard seems to be his only garment.

This Fool appears joyful, performing a sort of light dance, an expression of his playful mood. Red flowers float around him in the air, stirred by an invisible wind, adding to the lighthearted and carefree atmosphere of the scene. The man seems to be enjoying the situation, reflecting an innocence and spontaneity rarely associated with someone of his age.

As in the previous "Exotic Cancer" Tarot card, this Fool seems stripped of all his attributes and material possessions. He lives naked, as on the first day of his life, possessing nothing. This representation reinforces the idea of total freedom, a return to the very essence of being.

The Fool's nudity can be interpreted as a symbol of the abandonment of the responsibilities and constraints associated with adult life. It could be the folly of a man rejecting adult reason, relinquishing the attributes of maturity to rediscover the innocence, joy, and spontaneity of childhood.

However, it is important to note that this abandonment of adult prerogatives could also be seen as a regression or an escape from responsibilities. Nudity can symbolize extreme vulnerability, exposing the man to the elements and external judgments. But, in this card, the emphasis seems more on the positivity of this approach, as if the folly ultimately lies in renouncing all social norms to return to the source, to the essence of who we are.

The Fool card in the Trionfi della Luna Tarot offers a particularly dark and complex interpretation. Here, the character is not clearly gendered, and wears a costume that could resemble that of an aristocrat, though it might also evoke that of a jester, with a cape that adds to this ambiguity.

Instead of carrying a staff with a bundle, the character holds a trident, a powerful symbol often associated with destructive forces. What's striking is that the character seems to have two faces: one at the front, and another at the back, drawn at the level of the buttocks, blowing flames. On his shoulder, a red imp whispers into his ear, creating palpable tension in the image. This whisper seems to worry the character, who grimaces and raises a hand to his face, as if in the throes of a dilemma. Meanwhile, he advances toward a fire covering the ground, as if heading towards the underworld.

The most intriguing element of this card is the imp, which could symbolize an inner voice. In traditional representations of madness, it is often said that the fool hears voices. Here, this inner voice, though diabolical, could be perceived as a manifestation of the character's soul's depth, a connection to their innermost essence.

Even though the image depicts this listening as dangerous, leading the character towards the fire, it may also represent a form of liberation. By listening to this inner voice, the Fool allows themselves to act according to their true nature, disconnecting from social conventions and expectations. This listening may lead to actions that seem crazy or inappropriate, but it also allows for the release of aspects of oneself that would otherwise remain buried.

However, it is important to note that this inner voice can be deceptive and lead the character into a self-destructive spiral. The fire towards which they walk could symbolize not only the destruction of social norms but also the burning of bridges with others, or even a complete loss of control.

Thus, the Fool card in the Trionfi della Luna reminds us that connecting with one's inner voice can be both an act of liberation and a perilous path. This process can reveal deep truths about oneself, but it also carries the risk of burning everything in its path, including what is precious.

The Fool, contrary to what its name might suggest, is not truly mad. It’s important to understand that this card does not represent an irresponsible or dangerous person, although some might perceive it that way. The Fool is above all a free being, a spirit that respects no convention, no norm, no law. He refuses to conform to a predefined role. The Fool is seen as one who transcends social conventions and the limits imposed by society. He embodies a deep wisdom, often misunderstood by the outside world.

The Fool Card and Its Lack of Numbering

This is why the Fool has no number. While all the other cards of the major arcana in the Tarot of Marseille represent well-defined roles, the Fool embodies the character without a role, free from any function and obligation. He is free to do what he wants, where he wants, when he wants, and how he wants. In this context, "madness" could be interpreted as the act of fully accepting one’s individuality, embracing total freedom.

The Freedom of the Fool: Between Wandering and Fulfillment

The Fool's journey through the major arcana symbolizes a process of personal realization and fulfillment. Freedom, here, is a central element.

The Fool's freedom could also be seen as a form of rebellion against established structures, making him both an inspiring and potentially subversive character. This total freedom can be perceived as a spiritual quest, where the Fool seeks to detach from the illusions of the material world.

The Fool could represent two different states:

• The Fool who has not yet begun his journey, one who wanders aimlessly because he has not yet found his true path. This state of wandering is marked by the absence of clear direction and true freedom.
• The Fool who has completed his journey, one who has traversed all the cards, from "The Magician" to "The World". This Fool is now free, having gained a deep understanding of himself and the world. His path is no longer one of wandering, but rather one of freedom.

The Fine Line Between Wandering and Freedom

The difference between wandering and freedom is subtle. It can be as thin as a thread and as wide as a thread, suggesting that this difference lies primarily in a state of mind. The Fool, as a symbol, reminds us that true freedom lies in our ability to transcend mental and spiritual limitations. This path to freedom can be seen as a state of spiritual awakening, where the Fool has understood the illusory nature of things and is able to navigate the world with serenity and inner independence.