The Fou (Morte)

Element: Air

Zodiac: Aquarius

Planet: Uranus 

Magickal Applications: An initiatory shock of energy for launching new projects, overcoming stagnation/procrastination, and radical self transformation 

Le Fou (Morte)

Mixed media, approx 18-20”

Le Fou (Morte) features a concealed, 3” zippered chamber, for loading with materia magicka, petitions, etc. 

is an original design that integrates another icon from tarot’s major arcanum. I have always been fascinated by the symbolic and compositional mirroring, that occurs - especially in early Marseille tarot decks - between the unnumbered arcanum, The Fool, and the unnamed arcanum, often called “Death”, in modernity. Outside of the obvious interplay between beginnings, and endings, there is a gestural iconographic mirroring that occurs between the Fool’s bundle-stick, and the 13th arcanum’s scythe. Connecting these archetypes, symbolically, suggests a sophisticated understanding of both the initiate’s necessary ego death, as well as the cycle of change, and rebirth, that accompanies Death. This symbolic interplay reveals the Fool’s journey as something far greater than a haphazard stumble.

It feels appropriate to launch our 2026 release slate, with a figure that is so rich in the symbolism of *new beginnings.* The unnumbered arcanum is all about initiatory energy; a new project, a journey, a new persona. The Fool is an oft-misunderstood cypher of an archetype; with his esteem - and fortune - seemingly dependent on era, context, and artistic impression. 

Viva la Fool! Here’s to a year of revolution. 🔥