The Fool’s Journey

The Fool’s Journey: A Literary Journey through the Tarot

"The symbols of the unconscious present themselves to us in much the same way as a crystal or a flower grows."
- Carl Jung

Welcome to The Fool's Journey—Feldman's Books' transformative course through the Major Arcana of the Tarot, a unique book club experience designed to inspire self-discovery and personal growth. Over the course of a year, we'll explore 12 carefully selected books, each aligned with the profound archetypes and myths represented by the Tarot's Major Arcana. This literary odyssey aims to provoke deep reflection, stimulate meaningful discussions, and foster a sense of community among readers.

Join us on the third Tuesday of each month as we embark on this extraordinary adventure of the mind and spirit, using the power of literature to unlock the wisdom of the Tarot and inspire personal transformation.

Follow all of this book club's events on Eventbrite to be reminded when they tickets go on sale.

August 20, 2024: 0- The Fool: "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

This beloved novella follows a young prince's journey across the universe, embodying the Fool's innocence and openness to new experiences. The prince's encounters with various characters represent the Fool's willingness to learn from different perspectives. His relationship with the fox teaches him about the importance of connections, mirroring the Fool's potential for growth. The story's whimsical nature and profound insights reflect the Fool's simultaneous naivety and wisdom. Ultimately, the prince's return to his planet symbolizes the Fool's circular journey of self-discovery.

*Extra Credit: Peace In Every Step by Thich Nhat Hahn and Dear Girls by Ali Wong

September 24, 2024: 1- The Magician: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

Coelho's masterpiece follows Santiago, a shepherd boy, on his quest to find his Personal Legend, mirroring the Magician's power of manifestation. The protagonist's journey reflects the Magician's ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. Santiago's encounters with various mentors represent the Magician's access to divine wisdom and earthly knowledge. The alchemical processes described in the book parallel the Magician's skill in transmuting base elements into gold. The novel's theme of "the universe conspiring to help you" aligns with the Magician's mastery over the four elements and ability to channel universal energy.

October 15, 2024: 2- The High Priestess: "Divine Horsemen" by Maya Deren

Deren's groundbreaking work on Haitian Vodou explores the hidden mysteries and intuitive knowledge embodied by the High Priestess. The book delves into the realm of the subconscious and spiritual insight, mirroring the High Priestess's connection to the unseen world. Deren's immersion in Vodou rituals reflects the High Priestess's role as a bridge between the material and spiritual realms. The exploration of divine possession aligns with the High Priestess's ability to channel higher wisdom. Deren's dual role as observer and participant echoes the High Priestess's balance between objectivity and deep spiritual involvement.

November 19, 2024: 3- The Empress: "Jambalaya" by Luisah Teish

Teish's book celebrates the nurturing and creative aspects of the Empress through African-American and Yoruba spirituality. The author's exploration of feminine power and natural cycles aligns with the Empress's connection to fertility and abundance. Teish's personal stories and spiritual practices reflect the Empress's embodiment of sensuality and earthly pleasures. The book's focus on ancestral wisdom mirrors the Empress's role as a maternal figure and keeper of traditions. Jambalaya's emphasis on personal growth and self-love resonates with the Empress's nurturing energy and ability to manifest desires.

December 17, 2024: 4- The Emperor: "Dune" by Frank Herbert

Herbert's science fiction epic explores themes of power, authority, and governance, embodying the Emperor's archetype. The protagonist Paul Atreides' journey from a young duke to a powerful leader reflects the Emperor's mastery over his domain. The complex political intrigues and power struggles in the novel mirror the Emperor's role in maintaining order and structure. The harsh desert planet Arrakis represents the Emperor's ability to rule over challenging environments and impose his will. Dune's exploration of the consequences of absolute power aligns with the Emperor's potential for both benevolent leadership and tyranny.

*Extra Credit: Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg

January 21, 2025: 5- The Hierophant: "Living Buddha, Living Christ" by Thich Nhat Hanh

Hanh's exploration of Buddhist and Christian traditions embodies the Hierophant's role as a spiritual teacher and bridge between different belief systems. The book's examination of mindfulness practices and religious philosophies reflects the Hierophant's connection to established spiritual wisdom. Hanh's role as a mediator between Eastern and Western thought mirrors the Hierophant's function as an interpreter of sacred knowledge. The author's ability to find common ground between seemingly disparate traditions parallels the Hierophant's skill in guiding others to deeper understanding. Hanh's respectful and inclusive approach to both Buddhism and Christianity aligns with the Hierophant's emphasis on universal truths and spiritual unity.

February 18, 2025: 6- The Lovers: "Last Night at the Telegraph Club" by Malinda Lo

Lo's historical fiction novel explores themes of love, identity, and choice, mirroring the Lovers card's representation of relationships and decisions. Set in 1950s San Francisco, the story follows Lily Hu's journey of self-discovery and first love, reflecting the Lovers' emphasis on personal values and attractions. The protagonist's struggle between family expectations and her true self aligns with the Lovers' theme of making difficult choices. The novel's exploration of LGBTQ+ identity in a restrictive era echoes the Lovers' call to embrace one's authentic self. Lo's portrayal of different types of love - romantic, familial, and platonic - resonates with the Lovers card's multifaceted nature.

*Extra Credit: Song of Achilles by Rebecca Miller

March 18, 2025: 7- The Chariot: "The Complete Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi

Satrapi's graphic memoir chronicles her coming-of-age during the Iranian Revolution, embodying the Chariot's themes of overcoming obstacles and self-assertion. The author's journey from Iran to Europe and back reflects the Chariot's forward movement and drive. Satrapi's struggle to maintain her identity amidst political and cultural upheaval mirrors the Chariot's mastery over opposing forces. The black-and-white artwork symbolizes the Chariot's ability to navigate between light and shadow, certainty and doubt. Persepolis' exploration of personal growth in the face of adversity aligns with the Chariot's triumph over life's challenges.

April 15, 2025: 8- Justice: "I Am Not Your Negro" by James Baldwin (book + movie)

Baldwin's powerful critique of American race relations embodies Justice's themes of truth, fairness, and accountability. The work's unflinching examination of systemic racism reflects Justice's call for balance and equality. Baldwin's eloquent prose and the film's striking visuals serve as a metaphorical scales, weighing the nation's professed ideals against its actions. The book and movie's exploration of historical and contemporary racial issues aligns with Justice's emphasis on cause and effect. Baldwin's role as a witness and prophet mirrors Justice's function as an impartial observer and truth-teller.

*Extra Credit: Read ANY of James Baldwin’s essay collections

May 20, 2025: 9- The Hermit: "Letters to a Young Poet" by Rainer Maria Rilke

Rilke's collection of letters embodies the Hermit's journey of introspection and self-discovery. The poet's advice to embrace solitude and inner exploration reflects the Hermit's withdrawal from the external world to find inner wisdom. Rilke's emphasis on patience and allowing things to unfold naturally aligns with the Hermit's slow, deliberate approach to enlightenment. The letters' focus on developing one's unique voice mirrors the Hermit's quest for personal truth and authenticity. Rilke's role as a mentor to the young poet echoes the Hermit's function as a guide, sharing hard-earned wisdom with those who seek it.

June 17, 2025: 10- The Wheel of Fortune: "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman's novel explores themes of fate, change, and the cyclical nature of power, mirroring the Wheel of Fortune's representation of life's ups and downs. The protagonist Shadow's journey across America reflects the Wheel's constant motion and unpredictability. The clash between old and new gods embodies the Wheel's cycles of rise and fall, creation and destruction. Gaiman's blend of mythology and Americana aligns with the Wheel's connection to cosmic forces shaping human destinies. The novel's exploration of belief and sacrifice resonates with the Wheel's themes of karma and the interconnectedness of all things.

July 15, 2025: 11- Strength: "Zami" by Audre Lorde

Lorde's "biomythography" embodies Strength's themes of courage, compassion, and inner power. The author's exploration of her identity as a Black lesbian feminist reflects Strength's emphasis on embracing one's true nature. Lorde's poetic prose and unflinching honesty mirror Strength's gentle yet firm approach to overcoming obstacles. The book's focus on relationships and personal growth aligns with Strength's representation of emotional and spiritual fortitude. Zami's celebration of women's bonds and resilience resonates with Strength's depiction of feminine power taming the wild beast of adversity.