foolMoon
I'm on my way out- just wanted to mention a few initial thoughts.
My book hasn't arrived yet.
The Fool here does not seem the usual Fool. He seems to lack the carefree innocence of the more usual Fool with all options available including falling off the precipice or into the unknown. This Fool is showing the leap across a possible chasm with the skill and deliberation of a dancer. This always reminds me of discipline, balance, strength and adeptness. Hmm, like starting off on a journey already prepared. The staff is used also for balancing the leap, suggests to me a possible magical weapon of some kind.
(I am also thinking of the Thoth adjustment (justice) with this theme of balance, maybe something to do with harnessing or balancing elements. I think I recall Aleph the letter of the Fool meaning Ox and Lamed of adjustment meaning Ox goad.
I agree with you. It seems Fool card here is viewed from totally different angle. Crowley mentions about the "balance" being critical concept in the card somewhere in Book of Thoth too.
I recall DuQuette listing a staff as one of the essential tools / weapons for The Magician in his book Enochian Vision Magick. To unite with the divine creator or AinSof, the Fool needs some sort of medium such as meditation, yoga and Ceremonial Magick?