The Happy Fool

Some time ago I decided to start designing a set of Tarot cards, using old family photos. The photo I used for the fool was taken many years ago (I don’t look like that now alas!) but its one of my favourites, taken in the Blue Mountains of NSW. But the background I used is actually a Scottish scene. I spent four years in Scotland as a young woman and fell seriously in love with that country.
To me, the Fool is a very personal card, which is why I put this picture on it. The Fool is an adventurer, setting off on the road with next to nothing, just going where it leads. I was born into that kind of life, and it has sunk into the very marrow of my bones. I have always rushed in where less headstrong people wisely choose not to go – I was, and still am, hungry for experience, for knowledge. I have taken many wrong turns in my life, and indeed my life has that quality of opening up a new road and beckoning wickedly – and of course, I have to see what is there. I’ve ended up in a lot of blind alleys, but I have had a lot of experiences as well, and I hope I have learned what every fool learns – not to judge others as fools when you are one yourself.
Life used to be much more entertaining for fools like me. I have just been reading Aletta’s essay and agree with her that life has not changed for the better. My children can’t do half the things I did without government nursemaids getting in the way. Maybe we were fools, maybe we were mad, but back in the 60s, we had fun – and if the Fool isn’t having fun, then its time to grab the backpack and move on.

~ by gailkav on March 21, 2007.