“The Fool: The fool on the hill”, a commissioned piece about solitude, wisdom and new beginnings

I recently finished a commissioned painting inspired by a scene from the Beatles ‘The Fool on the Hill’, which appears on their 1967 EP and album Magical Mystery Tour. This was allegedly created upon McCartney’s experience with Tarot readings and “The Fool” card, as he began to see through the surface meaning of this word. The lyrics describe a solitary figure who is misunderstood but is actually wise. He felt as though gurus were often undervalued and his generation should appreciate them more.  

Here’s a synthesis of common interpretations found in various tarot sources:

The Fool is the first card of the Major Arcana in tarot, numbered 0, representing both the beginning and end of a journey. It symbolizes limitless potential, innocence, and the unformed possibilities of life. He embarks on a journey with few possessions, stepping forward without fear of the unknown. Regarded a free spirit, detached from material concerns and societal expectations.

In a reading, it reminds us of the urge to trust one’s instincts, embrace spontaneity, and take a leap of faith. However, it also carries a cautionary note—moving forward without awareness or preparation may lead to folly. The card represents the balance between embracing the unknown and being mindful of risks.

Philosophically, The Fool embodies the paradox of wisdom through ignorance. While some see the Fool as naive, there is a deeper wisdom in their willingness to walk paths untraveled, suggesting that true growth comes from venturing into the unknown.