So it would seem that seeking out or calling up the self directed knowing and active trust of the Fresh Start Fool can work for all intents and purposes when behind it is the belief that the pursuit of hope and the effort itself is noble and worthy. Or, it provides a joyful liberation by the doing regardless of the outcome. 

For me this is the very essence and redeeming value of embracing the Spring, or Fresh Start April Fool.   (BTW, I re-rescued the mountain laurel -- again, for the moment anyway. And I managed to save one of the crabapples (the other's are lost) and am devising new and evil ways to beat the vines -- currently I curse them with ultimatums in a harsh tone and pointed finger and I imagine they quiver and shrivel in fear, but it's not working yet).

Now I'm the first to admit that I've embarked on and landed in some pretty Foolish adventures in my time, yes indeedy -- from the sublime to the ridiculous. But the cherry on the cake that best represents the recent return of my Spring Fool is an April vacation project now visible out my window.

With significant help from my husband and daughter I turned my dilapidated gazebo into a living, growing Spring Bonnet of my own invention and imagination -- it's like a giant Chia Pet that's also chock full of summertime wildflower seeds and evergreen stuff. 

Yep. I water the roof every morning, except when the spring showers do their thing.  And having temporarily learned to turn a blind eye to the trees and vines growing out of the pool (I use the term loosely) located right in front of it, this once sad eyesore of a Five of Cups reminder of the state of things here has become a humble monument to potential, growth, acts of faith and creative beauty; a truly "green" feature symbolizing sustainable hope, experimentation, curiosity and transformation. 

I'm not stupid, just a Fool, so I know the dang ladybugs will be back, the devilish vines will swallow things whole again, and that "musical crap" will still be the name of the game we usually play around here, but those thoughts are for another day.  And who knows, maybe this time... 

And if nothing else the doing has re-awakened the spirits of this place (both metaphorically and metaphysically -- we've got ghosts) so that my little house of mirth now serves with Foolish pride as a whimsical inspiration for tackling the next project or impossible dream.  

My folly might not thrive through the ages or the seeds may not take in the long run, but the effort itself was a joyful liberation, both noble and worthy -- a belief about actively pursuing hope that I hold dear, and which confirms for me that spring has indeed finally returned to this little corner of New England. And that's near enough to a "golden ticket" moment for me. 

How have you channeled Spring's Fool? Did it mark an endgame and the dawning of some revived hope or interest, symbolize a resolved decision or attitude, or somehow kick off a new phase or era?

Token or epic gestures -- if you'd like to share, I'd love to hear about it. Meanwhile, did you know: Sowing a seed (or taking on a "fixer upper") is one of the Spring Fool's greatest acts of faith and hope? So if in doubt, go plant something. Then be its head cheerleader.

(P.S. I watered the roof this morning and lo and behold, what do mine eyes perceive, but the first seeds starting to pop! I feel so Ten of Cups over the Ace of it all right now --Woo Hoo!)

Next time...

Getting Jack out of the Box

an introduction to A Word is Worth A Thousand Pictures

-- a new and twisted series of tarot lessons

Meanwhile, don't forget to check out my updated Unlimited Tarot Readings subscription offer under the Tarot section here astrology.com or the latest version of our itarot (free, deluxe, and extreme) apps for iphone and the ipad over at the itunes store. Both with exclusive features, including free daily email readings and the "be your own tarot reader" options!