One of the keywords for The Fool is trust. This keyword, as we will see, is closely linked to another keyword for the Fool card, i.e. innocence. We all come into this world as innocent and trusting creatures, depending on others for our survival and all the most basic physical and emotional needs. Mostly, you’ve had those needs met or you wouldn’t be here reading this right now. Yet so many of us are on a journey of learning how to trust.
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That’s because, along the way, there were a number of incidents where you were let down by others or even by life itself. Most of us have felt betrayed more than once. However, whether we at an early age lose faith in others and develop trust issues depends not only on betrayal by others but also our inner orientation and the constitution of our soul.
Some souls are born with a strong gift of faith in Source itself to provide. These are what some might refer to as ‘Old Souls.’ They are the souls that bounce back quickly after each breach of trust or betrayal because they know in their heart of hearts that some infinitely strong force is on their side and guiding them through life. Most likely, they have completed the Major Arcana cycle of individuation and returned to the One at least once before their current incarnation.
What Is Trust?
According to the dictionary, trust can be defined as the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. It’s the confidence or assurance that allows us to rely on others, feel secure in their actions, and expect positive outcomes based on their word or behaviour.
In a more nuanced sense, trust involves placing our vulnerability in the hands of others, believing they will not exploit or harm us. This multifaceted concept spans various domains, including interpersonal relationships, business transactions, and societal frameworks.
Taking the ‘business example’ listed above, most of us can remember less than a handful of transactions where someone has wittingly shortchanged us. This proves that most people are honest and indeed trustworthy.
So why is it so difficult for us to trust in others and in life itself?
How Trust Issues Develop
Trust issues often develop due to repeated experiences of betrayal, dishonesty, or unmet expectations. These negative encounters can cause us to become guarded, suspicious, and reluctant to rely on others, fearing further disappointment.
Many people, after facing numerous letdowns, begin to internalise these betrayals, equating vulnerability with weakness and trust with naivety which, incidentally is a shadow aspect or negative keyword associated with The Fool. This self-protective mechanism might shield us from immediate harm but also prevents us from forming deep and meaningful connections. Mistrust tends to perpetuate cycles of isolation which makes relearning trust difficult.
The innocent attitude of The Fool, symbolised by an open heart and unwavering faith in the reliability of Life and the Source of Life, contrasts sharply with a desire to manipulate outcomes. Instead of trying to control or anticipate every situation to avoid potential harm, embracing the trust and innocence of The Fool encourages a mindset of openness and acceptance.
This approach allows for genuine interactions and experiences. By trusting in the inherent goodness of others and the organic unfolding of life, we can break free from the paralysing grip of distrust and rediscover the joy and growth that come from authentic connections and unexpected opportunities.
That Time I Chose to Trust Like The Fool
Not long ago, a person I had lost contact with wanted to reestablish our connection through an act of manipulation. The way they did it was to see if I would behave according to their expectations and tell them what they wanted to hear. This was regarding a situation I had no control over so I was unable to tell them what they expected me to say, especially since they also expected me to bring the behaviour of a third party into line with their expectations. I could not, nor did I see any reason to. I told them the truth to the best of my knowledge and left it at that.
When they then told me that they could no longer trust me, I had to fight my initial reaction to use the same manipulation techniques they had used on me. An almost overwhelming desire to control the situation arose within me. However, I noticed what it was and where it came from (the ego, not my soul) and simply dropped the situation. If they had chosen not to trust because of a failed manipulation attempt, there was precious little I could do anyway.
In hindsight, I am infinitely grateful for this lesson because it taught me so much about how many of us misuse the word trust. It wasn’t that they couldn’t trust; it was that their ego had failed to control the situation and the people involved. Sadly, this is how many of us relate to issues of trust. Essentially, what we often mistake to be trust is the very opposite. This very human tendency toward control and manipulation is why forgiveness becomes such an important step along the journey of learning to trust. We must learn to forgive ourselves as well as others.
Learning to Trust and Second Chances
Essentially, Yeshua taught us to forgive like The Fool. It becomes easy to forgive ‘seven times 77’ when you trust in Source and live in the now instead of the past. That is why, like the Fool, if anybody from my past sincerely wishes to reestablish contact with me, I will always give them another chance. It’s easy because I don’t have to trust in any particular desired outcome. I only have to trust that they are back in my life for a reason and that I will learn something from it.
That doesn’t mean I have no boundaries. But the boundaries I draw have to come from a place of truth and love. I can’t just draw them willy-nilly out of fear. I mean, I could… but they won’t do me much good. We draw sound boundaries from the soul, not from the ego. Those boundaries can sometimes look like taking a complete break from all social interactions so that we can focus on nurturing the soul by drinking from the Source.
Learning to Trust Like The Fool Tarot Spread
This spread can help you explore and address issues of trust in various aspects of your life. By tapping into the wisdom of the Fool card, you can find guidance on how to navigate trust and innocence, and ultimately, rediscover a sense of faith in life, yourself and others.
Card Positions
- Your Current State of Trust
This card represents your present feelings and attitudes towards trust in your life. Are you open and trusting, or do you feel guarded and skeptical? - Past Betrayal
This card highlights a significant past event or series of events that have contributed to your trust issues. What past experience are you still holding onto? - Inner Orientation
This card reflects your inner constitution and how it influences your ability to trust. Are you naturally optimistic, or do you tend to be more cautious? - Innate Gift
This card uncovers your inherent ability or strength that can help you trust more easily. What inner resource can you draw upon to regain faith in others? - Importance of Forgiveness
This card shows the role forgiveness plays in your journey back to trust. How can you embrace forgiveness to heal past wounds? - Setting Healthy Boundaries
This card provides guidance on how to set boundaries that are rooted in truth and love rather than fear. What boundaries are vital to protect your well-being while remaining open to trust? - Living in the Now
This card offers advice on how to stay present and not let past betrayals dictate your current relationships. How can you focus on the present to foster trust? - Embracing the Fool’s Innocence
This card encourages you to adopt The Fool’s innocent and open-hearted attitude towards life. What steps can you take to cultivate a sense of wonder and trust in your daily interactions?
How to Use the Spread
- Prepare your space: Find a quiet and comfortable place to perform this reading.
- Focus your intention: Take a few moments to clear your mind and focus on your intention to explore and heal your trust issues. Optional: You may wish to light a candle and say a prayer.
- Shuffle and draw the cards: As you shuffle the cards, keep your question or intention in mind. Draw one card for each position and lay them out according to the spread layout.
- Reflect on the cards: Take time to analyse each card and its position. Consider how the card’s message relates to the question or issue it addresses.
- Journal your insights: Write down your insights and any actions you are inspired to take based on the reading.
Learning to Trust Like the Fool Sample Tarot Reading
1. Your Current State of Trust – King of Wands/Candles
The King of Wands indicates a state of confidence and leadership in your trust life. You are someone who takes initiative and may have a strong sense of direction when it comes to trust. This card suggests that you are driven by passion and integrity, using your charismatic nature to influence and inspire trust in others.
2. Past Betrayal – Page of Pentacles/Grains
The Page of Pentacles highlights a significant past event or series of events that have contributed to your trust issues. This could indicate a time when you were eager to learn and grow but faced dishonesty or betrayal from someone you relied on. The experience may have felt like a stepping stone that turned into a stumbling block.
3. Inner Orientation – The Sun
The Sun card reflects your naturally optimistic inner constitution. Despite past betrayals, you have an inherent belief in the goodness of life and people. This card suggests that your positive outlook and clear vision help you navigate through trust issues and enable you to bounce back with resilience.
4. Innate Gift – 5 of Swords/Feathers
The 5 of Swords reveals your innate gift of overcoming conflict. Though the card often signifies tension and loss, its presence here suggests that you possess the strength to face challenges head-on and emerge wiser. Your ability to learn from difficult situations, rather than be defeated by them, is a significant asset in regaining trust. You also know how to choose your battles wisely and when simply walking away is the better option.
5. Importance of Forgiveness – Page of Swords/Feathers
The Page of Swords underscores the need for intellectual clarity and openness to forgive. By adopting a curious and informed mindset, you can understand and let go of past grievances. The Page encourages you to embrace forgiveness not as a sign of weakness but as a strength that clears the path for future trust.
6. Setting Healthy Boundaries – 3 of Wands/Candles
The 3 of Wands provides guidance on setting healthy boundaries. It points to a time of expansion and foresight. By carefully planning your interactions and setting clear boundaries, you can protect your well-being while remaining open to trusting others. This card encourages you to look at the bigger picture and ensure your boundaries align with your long-term goals.
7. Living in the Now – 5 of Cups/Chalices
The 5 of Cups offers advice on staying present. This card recognises the pain of past betrayals but urges you to focus on what remains rather than what was lost. By shifting your attention to the present and valuing the relationships and opportunities currently in your life, you move forward with a balanced perspective.
8. Embracing the Fool’s Innocence – 7 of Cups/Chalices
The 7 of Cups encourages you to embrace the Fool’s innocent and open-hearted attitude towards life. This card invites you to explore possibilities with a sense of wonder and trust. While it warns against illusion and distraction, it also suggests that opening your heart to dreams and visions can lead to enriching experiences and deeper trust in the flow of life.
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