The Fool's Journey: A Universal Heroic Epic for Us All

The 22 Major Arcana cards of Tarot are not merely tools for divination. They are a 'psychological map' depicting the process of a human being being born, forming an ego, undergoing trials, and finally integrating with the universal self. This is called 'The Fool's Journey.'

The protagonist, the 0. Fool, takes the first step off the edge of a cliff without knowing anything. How do they grow through the 21 cards?

---

Stage 1: Encounters with the Outer World (Nos. 1-7)

The start of the journey is the stage of forming an ego and learning social skills.

• The Magician and The High Priestess: Encountering the cosmic polarities of consciousness/unconscious and masculinity/femininity.
• The Emperor and The Hierophant: Growing within the frameworks of social order, authority, education, and tradition.
• The Chariot: Finally going out into the world vigorously with one's own will. (Formation of the Ego.)

---

Stage 2: Descent into the Inner Self and Trials (Nos. 8-14)

After passing through youth, we face fundamental questions of life.

• The Hermit: Withdrawing from the complex world to listen to the inner voice.
• Wheel of Fortune: Realizing that the ups and downs of life are a destiny I cannot control.
• The Hanged Man and Death: Discarding the old self, making sacrifices, and accepting grand change (Death). This is not an end but a rite of passage for leap-like growth.

---

Stage 3: Spiritual Integration and Completion (Nos. 15-21)

The soul that has passed through trials now holds a universal perspective.

• The Tower: The Tower of Babel built with false values collapses. It is a painful moment but one of facing the truth.
• The Star, The Moon, and The Sun: Finding hope (Star) through the darkness, overcoming the fear of the unconscious (Moon), and finally standing under the light of clear truth (Sun).
• Judgement and The World: Universally accepting one's life (Judgement) and finally reaching the stage of completion by becoming one with the universe (World).

---

II. Where Do You Stand Now?

Life is a single grand journey, but every day is also a small 'Fool's Journey.'

• If you are in the period of 'The Hanged Man,' it is time for a perspective of seeing the world upside down rather than struggling by force.
• If you are in the period of 'The Chariot,' do not be afraid and move forward trusting your will.

Conclusion: Every Fool Eventually Becomes a Sage

The reason the Fool could step off the cliff was not because they were foolish, but because they had a 'fundamental trust' toward life.

Sometimes you will feel despair like 'The Tower' where everything collapses. But remember that is not the end of the journey. You are currently in the process of moving toward a brighter 'Sun.' The narrative of the Tarot whispers to us: every event that happens in the great play called your life is an inevitable background music to lead you to the true 'World (Completion).'