Writing my way through the A-to-Z blogging challenge, I’ve tasked myself with throwing open the cabinet of curiosities and wondrous things I call my brain and leading you on a tour of what actually resides in there – all through the lens of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words.
Y is for…
yeverous – (adj) eager, zealously enthusiastic, impetuous
This obsolete word, circa 1400s, delights me with all its sparkling I’m-ready-NOW energy.
While I have my moments, I’m pretty sure this isn’t the first descriptor people would choose when asked to describe me. But it certainly is something I’d use in my description of the Tarot’s Fool. And to know me is to know I love the Fool archetype.
The Fool is definitely not something we joyfully embrace in our society, which carries such shaming judgment as part of its baggage. We make a tiny bit of sanctioned room by allowing the singular observation of April Fool’s Day, but truthfully participation is erratic and often pretty lame.
But the Fool has a bigger role to play.
Let’s consider the qualities of Fool.
There’s freshness, innocence, pure limitless possibility. Knowing everything and knowing absolute nothing. Raw truth and the willingness to speak it. Ability to rise above restrictions because they’re simply not recognized. Fool transcends tradition, convention and social norms with exuberance. And in doing so is able to bend perspective. Fool offers the reminder that we’re free to choose. With every step, in every moment. Fool totally represents current moment awareness – not being pulled into restrictions and fear from the past, nor pulled ahead into speculation of the future and what hasn’t yet occurred. And Fool most definitely invites magical encounters with the unknown. There is always the invitation to remember life is an adventure to enjoyed, and change is part of the path. Fool is at the beginning of the journey, an initiate ready to rush ahead in unconcerned delight, seeing the path ahead as a playground of opportunity. Each moment is original and is to be met open-heartedly and with sparkly-eyed mischievousness.
There is often a stigma attached to term innocence, somehow implying that one is naïve or vulnerable, idiotic or ignorant. I have to smile at that because in truth it is innocence that keeps one available to learn; keeps one available to transformation.
One of my favorite admonishments on the topic is from Robin Williams who says:
“You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”
Isn’t that a delightful invitation to fan the flame of the Fool spark within?
I always like to invite Fool in at the beginning of journeys, to remind me it’s a fresh start filled with potential that is only realized by simply taking those first enthusiastic steps forward.
I often begin journals with a dedication and invitation to Fool. A new journal always feels like the beginning of a new journey to me.
Here’s a peek at a somewhat random selection of tarot Fools from some of my favorite decks.
I really appreciate these words from Erica Jong:
”No one ever found wisdom without also being a fool. Writers, alas, have to be fools in public, while the rest of the human race can cover its tracks.”
What do you think? How are you inviting Fool to be present in your life? How are you being a Wise Fool? Do tell, I’d love to hear. Or perhaps you have an April Fools’ story to share. Laughter is always welcome here.
I love the Motherpeace Round Tarot Deck. The Fool is depicted doing a handstand along a stream, with plants and animals around him. He is described as the ‘essence of life itself, the divine light within the human form and the secret to reincarnation.”
Beautiful! As is the Motherpeace deck.
The world’s folklore would be a lot more dull without all the Fools. Some of our best stories are about them 🙂
The Multicolored Diary
Indeed! Yet another great reason to be grateful for fools!
Fascinating discussion of Fool; I didn’t know any of that, but it makes sense. I also think of a jester, whose sole purpose was to make people laugh. I am modest about my knowledge and always willing to learn more, so there is definitely the Fool about me!
Jesters played very interesting roles indeed. History has so much to teach us, as does all of life – we’ll never lack for things to learn.
I’ve never been a fan of April Fool’s day jokes. I do love the Joie de Virve fool though. She doesn’t look spiteful, more like let’s go on an adventure together!
I imagine glorious adventures could be had with her Janet.
I love the Fool, magician that he is. I’m more familiar with the 1st one at the top of your post, with the exuberant dog – the black and white one. The 3rd in the quartet looks like a cat with him? Though the 2nd one looks like a dog yapping at his heels. I always invite The Fool in – where would we be without a little madness to help us along in our journey? Thanks Deborah 🙂
A little madness makes everything more exciting – and what journey doesn’t need a bit of that? The animal companion in the Stella deck is actually a dog, but admittedly with a wonderful cat-like tail I think. A delightfully foolish touch in my mind.
I hope that I’m a wise fool at this point, but even if I’m not I agree that if you aren’t occasionally filled with foolish energy you’ll never learn anything new. And how sad would that be?
I think you’re entitled to wear a Wise Fool crown Ally, but I also agree there’s always room to learn new things.
I remember yeverous from last year! I obviously needed the reminder, because I’ve failed to use it in conversation this past year. I think my ypotryll is definitely a fool, too. What fun that he falls on a Y for yeverous. =)
Black and White: Y is for Ypotryll
Your ypotryll is a most certainly a fool I’d like to meet. Your entire bestiary series has been a yeverous adventure for us – thank you.
This is such a yeverous post! I am also a big fan of the Fool in the Tarot deck. Motherpeace is also one of my favorite decks. Although I also really like Shining Tribe by Rachel Pollack. The cards you showed are all so lovely and fun. And thanks for the reminder of the importance of being foolish. It definitely makes life more fun.
I’m always delighted to find kindred fool lovers. Making life more fun is something that would benefit all of us I think.
Shining Tribe is a wonderful deck as well. So many decks to connect with and love!
Change is part of the path – change is what makes the adventure. So true, and so magical!
May we always stay open and keep our eyes open for the magic!
You have given me a completely different perspective about fool!
I guess I am also a fool may be an occasional one (after reading the description you have written 🙂) I should always compel myself to stay foolish…😁
Though I have never done a Tarot reading, I like the ‘Tarot of Trance’. It is quite cheerful, bright and colorful.
Read my Y post here Yoga Dhyan Pranayam
I love that your perspective has changed Kislaya. And yay for both recognizing we are fools, and for wishing to always keep that part available to ourselves.