Grand Etteilla 1857 · Tarot Card 78
Grand Etteilla Tarot Card 78 — Folly / Folly
Repeating the same term shows that the printed card does not follow today’s common scheme of two opposing meanings. The sentence formed with neighbouring cards determines the nuance.
What is shown on the card?
A wandering fool carries a staff with a small bundle over his shoulder; a cat walks beside him.
Printed meanings in the 1857 edition
Folly
“Thorheit” is the historical German spelling of “Torheit” and denotes irrational, thoughtless or foolish action.
Folly
The opposite card position is also printed “Thorheit”. The edition therefore provides no separate second term.
The printed pair and the book’s sentence-building method are historical evidence. Love, work and daily applications are explicitly marked TarotCards24 editorial commentary.
Commentary and difference from RWS
Card 78 and the RWS Fool share the historical role of the fool. This compares their role; it does not equate their numbering, imagery or meaning.
Card 78 and the RWS Fool share the historical role of the fool. This compares their role; it does not equate their numbering, imagery or meaning.
Alternative reading: The card may indicate carelessness, lack of foresight or the start of a journey without adequate preparation.
Practical interpretation
Love: In relationships, it warns against rash promises, playful lack of commitment or decisions made without considering consequences.
Work: At work, it concerns risky action, inadequate preparation or a new beginning that first needs a realistic framework.
As a person: It describes a carefree, inexperienced or irrationally acting person, without implying a medical diagnosis.
If this is your card today: Before taking a spontaneous step, check the aim, consequences and way back; keep your curiosity, but add preparation.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Grand Etteilla Tarot Card 78 — Folly / Folly mean in the first position?
“Thorheit” is the historical German spelling of “Torheit” and denotes irrational, thoughtless or foolish action.
What does Grand Etteilla Tarot Card 78 — Folly / Folly mean in the second position?
The opposite card position is also printed “Thorheit”. The edition therefore provides no separate second term.
What does Grand Etteilla Tarot Card 78 — Folly / Folly mean in love?
In relationships, it warns against rash promises, playful lack of commitment or decisions made without considering consequences.
What does Grand Etteilla Tarot Card 78 — Folly / Folly mean at work?
At work, it concerns risky action, inadequate preparation or a new beginning that first needs a realistic framework.
What kind of person does Grand Etteilla Tarot Card 78 — Folly / Folly describe?
It describes a carefree, inexperienced or irrationally acting person, without implying a medical diagnosis.