The Fool’s Journey is a concept that flows through the Major Arcana cards of the Tarot. The term ‘The Fool’s Journey’ is credited to Eden Gray, who wrote of it in her book ‘A Complete Guide to the Tarot’.
It’s a metaphorical journey that represents the various stages of personal growth, self-discovery, and spiritual development that a person may undergo in their lifetime. The Fool is an archetype of pure spirit starting a new life cycle. On his journey, he progresses through the Major Arcana cards, encountering different stages, challenges, and awakenings that humanity experiences. The World card at the end represents cosmic integration and the completion of one cycle before beginning anew. This cyclical nature reflects perspectives on life as an ongoing, ever-renewing journey of growth. There are many well-known books and films that mirror the archetypal Fool’s Journey found in the Tarot. Here are some examples:
1. The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Dorothy’s journey from Kansas to the Land of Oz and back again mirrors the Fool’s Journey, with her encounters representing different Tarot archetypes.
2. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
Siddhartha’s spiritual journey, which involves leaving his home to find enlightenment, follows the cyclical path of the Major Arcana.
3. The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
The protagonist’s encounters with his spiritual guide Socrates reflect the lessons and archetypes in the Tarot’s Major Arcana.
4. The Matrix
Neo’s path from his ordinary world to becoming ‘The One’ can be seen as a Fool’s Journey, with each stage mirroring Tarot archetypes like The Magician, The Chariot, The Hanged Man, etc.
5. Star Wars
Luke Skywalker’s hero’s journey from naive farm boy to Jedi aligns with the Major Arcana’s symbolic path of spiritual awakening and growth into a higher version of oneself.
These stories involve characters undergoing transformative journeys that can be mapped onto the structure, symbols, and archetypes found in the 22 Major Arcana cards of the Tarot. Their narratives incorporate elements of awakening, struggle, rebirth, and self-realisation that are core to the esoteric Fool’s Journey.
After reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, I realised that this book followed The Fool’s well-worn path. Santiago is the hero of a quest for his Personal Legend, aligning with The Fool’s transformative journey of growth and enlightenment.
The story follows Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd who has a recurring dream about a treasure waiting for him at the Egyptian pyramids. Early in the novel, an elderly man tells him to pursue his Personal Legend, which is the dream that will lead him to his life’s purpose. Inspired by the advice, Santiago begins a journey to Egypt, leaving behind his life as a shepherd. Along the way, he meets several mentors and learns important lessons about the nature of the universe and the significance of following one’s dreams. The Alchemist is a profound yet simple story about finding one’s destiny and understanding the essential wisdom of listening to one’s heart and the language of the universe.
Here is a brief list that links situations or characters in The Alchemist with all 22 Major Arcana cards of the Tarot:
0. The Fool – Santiago
Santiago is the shepherd boy who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal legend.
I. The Magician – The Alchemist
He possesses great knowledge and power and helps Santiago understand the language of the universe.
II. The High Priestess – The Gypsy Woman
She is intuitive and can read omens like sandgrouse’s flight patterns.
III. The Empress – Fatima
This woman represents sensuality and nurturing love.
IV. The Emperor – The Crystal Merchant
An authority figure representing wealth, ambition and worldly power.
V. The Hierophant – Melchizedek
The wise spiritual mentor initiating Santiago’s journey.
VI. The Lovers – Lilah
Lilah is the woman Santiago encounters in the oasis. They develop a deep connection and contemplate a life together.
VII. The Chariot – Santiago’s Determination
Santiago’s willpower and determination to push forward on his quest is represented by The Chariot.
VIII. Strength – Santiago’s Perseverance
His inner strength to overcome obstacles and doubts.
IX. The Hermit – The Englishman
This man spent years living alone in the desert, dedicating his life to studying alchemy and understanding the Soul of the World. Like The Hermit, the Englishman was on a solitary quest for higher knowledge and illumination.
X. Wheel of Fortune – The Emerald Tablet
The Emerald Tablet is a foundational text for alchemy, a practice deeply concerned with transformation and cyclical processes. It has a thematic connection to the Wheel of Fortune card as it reinforces the concepts of change, hidden knowledge, and the cyclical nature of this story.
XI. Justice – The Concept of the Balance
The knowledge of justice and balance that Santiago learns during his encounters with the tribal chieftain and the crystal merchant.
XII. The Hanged Man – Santiago’s Perspective Shifts
Santiago’s moments of surrender and sacrifice as he learns to trust in the process and let go of his attachments.
XIII. Death – Shedding the Past
Santiago leaves his old shepherd life behind for rebirth.
XIV. Temperance – Unity of Opposites
The alchemical goal of harmonising polarities.
XV. The Devil – Temptation
The crystal merchant’s shop represents Santiago’s encounter with materialism and worldly temptations.
XVI. The Tower – Upheaval and Revelation
The shattering of Santiago’s preconceived notions.
XVII. The Star – Destiny
The realisation of Santiago’s Personal Legend and the guiding light that leads him towards his destiny.
XVIII. The Moon – Phases and Transition
The cycles of change and transition Santiago undergoes.
XIX. The Sun – Enlightenment
The warmth and light of Santiago’s self-realisation.
XX. Judgement – The Soul’s Rebirth
Santiago’s transformation and self-realisation as he becomes aware of his purpose and embraces his true calling.
XXI. The World – The Culmination
Santiago’s achievement of spiritual enlightenment and oneness with the universe symbolises completion and fulfilment. It represents the entire journey coming full circle.
Paulo Coelho’s ‘The Alchemist’ and Tarot’s Major Arcana share thematic connections about self-discovery, transformation, intuition, and fulfilment. Both realms’ archetypal characters and symbolic representations resonate deeply with universal truths and spiritual insights. Exploring these interconnections enriches our understanding of ‘The Alchemist’ and the Tarot, offering us a broader perspective on our personal journeys.
