By Isabella Vale, Founder of Tarot Masters
The Fool is one of the most misunderstood cards in tarot, especially when it shows up in response to a question about someone’s feelings. Some people see it and worry it means carelessness or that the other person doesn’t take them seriously. But The Fool, to me, is much more tender and honest than that.
When it appears in response to a feelings question, like “What does my ex feel about me?”, it suggests raw emotional energy that hasn’t yet been shaped into something clear. There’s excitement, a sense of possibility, and maybe even a touch of fearlessness. But it’s also ungrounded. The feelings are there, but they’re still forming.
Let’s explore both the upright and reversed meanings.
The Fool Upright as Feelings
Upright, The Fool suggests someone is feeling open, spontaneous, and emotionally free. These aren’t heavy or deeply processed emotions. They’re playful and instinctive, more like butterflies in the stomach or the buzz of a new possibility.
When this card shows up, someone might be feeling:
- Curious about you but unsure where things are going
- Playful, excited, and emotionally adventurous
- Ready to explore something new without overthinking
- Not weighed down by past baggage
- Drawn to your energy in a light, free-spirited way
In the context of love or an ex, The Fool might suggest someone is open to reconnecting or reaching out, but they’re not approaching it with a plan. It’s more about the feeling of “why not?” rather than deep longing. Sometimes it points to someone who’s starting a new chapter emotionally and hasn’t yet thought much about consequences.
The Fool Reversed as Feelings
Reversed, The Fool can reflect emotional immaturity, fear of taking a chance, or avoidance. The feelings may be real, but the person might be too afraid to act on them — or may not yet be ready for the vulnerability that comes with deeper connection.
They could be feeling:
- Overwhelmed by emotion but scared to express it
- Unsure how to handle what they feel
- Afraid of being hurt again and holding back
- Emotionally unprepared for anything serious
- Drawn to you, but in a way that feels chaotic or unclear
If you pull The Fool reversed when asking about someone’s feelings, it’s worth considering that they may be experiencing emotional confusion. They feel something, but they might not fully understand it yet or feel ready to face it.
Final Thoughts
The Fool represents the beginning of the journey. As feelings, it often means emotions that are fresh, unfiltered, and unafraid — but also undefined. It can be beautiful, even magical, when two people are willing to step into the unknown together. But it can also be fragile if one person is hoping for certainty and the other is just beginning to feel.
This card reminds me that sometimes the most honest emotions don’t come with guarantees. They come with possibility.
With love and wonder,
Isabella Vale