The Fool’s Leap
Embracing the unknown & defending wild places
In my Defiant Tarot, a lone figure stands at the edge of a cliff, holding a protest sign that reads: “A Better World is Possible.” Below, the ocean rises, swallowing the land inch by inch. Behind him, shadowy politicians and CEOs watch with disinterest, their pockets stuffed with profits from extractive industries. At his heels, a small dog tags along offering encouragement, good company, and probably wondering if there are snacks involved.
The Fool is often not foolish at all. This card represents innocence, potential, and stepping forward into the unknown despite fear, doubt, or naysayers telling us to sit down and be quiet. It’s about listening to our inner calling, even if the world insists our voice doesn’t matter. The Fool’s journey is about trust—trust in oneself, in possibility, and in the idea that change begins with a single step (or an audacious leap). The Fool asks, “Why not give it a go and see what happens?”
Keywords
Upright: New beginnings, trust, optimism, adventure, potential, a free spirit
Reversed: Irresponsibility, recklessness, self-doubt, immaturity, being led astray
Journaling Prompts
Where in my life am I being called to take a leap of faith?
What fears hold me back from stepping into the unknown?
How can I embrace both uncertainty and possibility?
What does “A Better World is Possible” mean to me? What role can I play?
The Fool & Our Public Lands
America’s national parks and public lands are under siege. Extractive industries—logging, mining, and drilling—are being prioritized over conservation. Park rangers are losing their jobs. Protections for wildlife and habitats are being cut. And, climate change threatens the very landscapes we cherish. The same forces that mock the Fool’s idealism are indifferent as the oceans rise, prioritizing short-term profits over the long-term survival of our planet.
But The Fool teaches us that we don’t need all the answers before we take a stand. We just need to start walking.
How to Help (Fool-Style): Bold, Hopeful & Slightly Stubborn
With everything coming at us like a runaway freight train, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And that’s the strategy: keep us spinning, drowning in bad news, and too exhausted to fight back. It’s traumatic. There’s real grief in watching the things we love—like our wild spaces—get gutted and sold off for profit. But instead of shutting down, I’m taking a Fool’s leap: picking an issue, focusing, and stepping forward.
Right now, that issue for me is national parks and public lands. The health of the natural world is directly tied to our own—wild spaces, clean air, clean water, healthy food. These aren’t luxuries; they’re birthrights. And since there’s no Planet B (unless you count Mars, which, let’s be honest, we’re not getting tickets to and have you seen Mars?), I’m pushing back! Here’s how you can, too, whether it’s public lands or whatever issue has you fired up.
Speak Up
Call your representatives. Demand protections for national parks. Tell them to reject policies that sacrifice wild spaces for corporate greed. A quick phone call makes more impact than you’d think, plus, yelling into the void is way less satisfying. You can use the Capitol switchboard number (202) 224-3121 to reach your representative's office. It’s fast and easy. And, I’ve added a script below if you’d like to try it. Typically, I don’t even need a script when calling but just mention what I’m concerned about to the admin and they will note it on the, “daily call sheet.”
Support organizations fighting on the front lines and in court as we speak, like Earthjustice, National Parks Conservation Association, The Wilderness Society, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Sierra Club. If donating isn’t an option, no worries—boost their voices by following, liking, commenting, and sharing their posts. Show up when and how you can—sign petitions, attend protests, have conversations about what you care about.
The Fool reminds us that action isn’t about certainty—it’s about leaping anyway. So go forth, be bold, be hopeful, and be defiant!
Take care,
Tori
Phone script:
I’m calling because I’m deeply concerned about the threats to our national parks and public lands. Policies that prioritize logging, drilling, and development over conservation are putting these irreplaceable places—and the wildlife that depend on them—at risk.
I urge [Representative’s Name] to:
Oppose any rollbacks to public land protections and national park funding.
Support legislation that prioritizes conservation, indigenous-led stewardship, and responsible land management.
Reject efforts to sell off or privatize public lands for corporate gain.
These lands belong to all of us, and I want my representative to fight for them. Can you tell me where [Representative’s Name] stands on this issue?
Thank you for your time! I appreciate your work and hope to see [Representative’s Name] take action to protect our wild places.
Pro Tip: If you get voicemail, just leave a message. Calls add up, and every voice makes a difference.