Question about Key 0's Wallet contents

[Adrift_Inquirer]

Greetings,
I'm new to the forums and figured I'd sign up to help me further gain understanding about tarot card meanings while I'm teaching myself.

The book I'm using as a guide is...
Title: A Complete Guide To The Tarot
Author: Eden Gray
ISBN: 978-0-553-27752-4

As I'm learning about Key 0 (The Fool.) I see that it says...

The wand over the youth's shoulder is a symbol of the will, and tied to it is a wallet that is thought to carry universal memory and instinct. (Another possible interpretation is that the wallet carries the four magic symbols that he will have to learn to use.)

My question is,
What are these four magic symbols?

I attempted a google search what these 4 magic symbols may be and came up with inconclusive results. the only thing that catches my eye for it potentially being the answer is the 4 elements,


My reasoning for assuming this may be what the wallet of the Fool hold's is because Key 0 represents Inexperience, or life before 'living'. and I figured that the 4 elements separate don't account for creation until the elements combine.

Can anyone confirm or dispel my assumption?
and if I am incorrect in the wallet contents being the 4 elements,
can you explain to me what the wallet contents '4 magic symbols' are?

Thanks in advance,
- A.I.

They are indeed Earth Air, Fire and Water.
Everybody's take on tarot is different, but I view The Fool as holding the pure essence of each element (as they are yet, untapped).
The Fool himself is spirit in its purest form (as 'spirit' is usually what the Major Arcana represents), untainted by experience. Therefore The Fool is pure potential, if you think of it as the moment of conception, every possibility of what is conceived is there.
Hope that helps and enjoy your tarot journey.

[Adrift_Inquirer]

Originally Posted by Pisces_Moon

They are indeed Earth Air, Fire and Water.
Everybody's take on tarot is different, but I view The Fool as holding the pure essence of each element (as they are yet, untapped).
The Fool himself is spirit in its purest form (as 'spirit' is usually what the Major Arcana represents), untainted by experience. Therefore The Fool is pure potential, if you think of it as the moment of conception, every possibility of what is conceived is there.
Hope that helps and enjoy your tarot journey.

Thanks for the response.

and Ok, good! just wanted to ensure I was on the right path.
and I agree with your take in Key 0 being the untapped/untainted essence.

question,
the 'use' of these elements relates to both literal(Magic) and metaphorical(use of the elements in mind/thought/action)? or is this speaking literally of using the elements?

while asking this question, I get the feeling that it is dependent upon the individual as to How they learn to use them (when it says "...the four magic symbols that he will have to learn to use."), would I be correct in that assumption?

It can be both literal and metaphorical depending on the context the cards are being used.
Generally you'll find it is more metaphorical as this is the approach most people come to the cards with. This does not detract from the literal meaning tho'.

[Adrift_Inquirer]

Originally Posted by Pisces_Moon

It can be both literal and metaphorical depending on the context the cards are being used.
Generally you'll find it is more metaphorical as this is the approach most people come to the cards with. This does not detract from the literal meaning tho'.

I can understand that.