In this article, we will explore one of the most enigmatic and intriguing cards of the Tarot: The Moon Tarot Card. We will also try to explain the moon tarot card meaning depending on where it appears on your spread.
I connect with this card in a very special way. My name is Luna, I guess the reason for my connection is pretty obvious :).
The Moon tarot card is one of the major arcana cards of the Tarot, which means that it carries significant weight and importance in tarot readings. The card is typically numbered XVIII or 18, depending on the Tarot deck.
Traditionally images on the card depict a moon in the night sky positioned between two large towers, with a dog and a wolf howling at it, while a crayfish emerges from the water in the foreground. The card has a sense of mystery and hidden meanings.
UPRIGHT: Illusion, fear, anxiety, subconscious, intuition
REVERSED: Release of fear, repressed emotion, inner confusion
The Moon Tarot Card is associated with several archetypes from different mythologies and cultures. One of the most obvious connections is with the moon itself, which has been a powerful symbol in many cultures throughout history. The moon is associated with feminine energy, intuition, and cycles of growth and decay.
In addition to the moon, this card is also connected to the mythological figure of Hecate, the goddess of magic, witchcraft, and crossroads. Hecate is often depicted as a triple goddess, with three faces representing the maiden, the mother, and the crone. Card’s imagery of the dog and the wolf howling at the moon may reference Hecate’s association with dogs and the underworld.
The Moon Tarot Card has complex symbology that can be interpreted in many ways. The symbology on the card is often associated with the subconscious mind, and dreams. The moon is a symbol of intuition, dreams, and the unconscious in symbology. The moon in the card can be interpreted using the same symbology and the moon on the tarot card can be read as the hidden aspects of ourselves that we may not be aware of or may not want to confront.
There is a small pond. In symbology, water represents wisdom, peace, and purity. Water reflects images but generally, reflections are not perfect. That is why the spiritual meaning of water lies in its reflection of the human spirit. On this tarot card, water represents the subconscious mind.
Water is fluid and its form and shape can change dramatically depending on the container and temperature. Water in the card may also be depicted as the changeable nature of our thoughts and feelings. Just like water our thoughts and feelings can be both nourishing and destructive.
All life came from water and all creations share this water interconnection. A small crayfish crawling out of water in the card symbolizes the early stages of consciousness unfolding.
Dogs are domesticated wolves. Dog and wolf symbology standing in the grassy field represents both the wild and domesticated/tamed aspects of our minds.
The Moon Tarot Card in the RWS tarot deck follows the traditional imagery and symbolism that I explained in the above section with a few notable differences.
The moon in the card is full and bright, almost like the sun. It also has a face that seems to be watching over the world. The facial expression of the moon is thoughtful, almost like in pain, discontent, or anxiety.
The card shows reflections of moonlight from the water. The crayfish’s long path is from the water to the unknown.
The RWS imagery has a lot of little details that can trigger your intuitions. Just like the meaning of the card, the imagery on the card encourages the reader to look within themselves and explore their subconscious mind while reading the spread.
The moon tarot card’s meaning may represent intuition, creativity, and the need to trust one’s instincts. It may also indicate a time of transition or change, where the individual is being called to explore new paths or to face their fears.
The Moon stands for your fears and lies, and it often comes out when you project your fears from the past into the present and the future. You may have a terrible experience that made you feel bad, and instead of dealing with your feelings, you may have buried them deep in your mind.
In the present or future these feelings are or will be coming back. You may be influenced by them, whether you are aware of it or not. Even if your past experiences have nothing to do with your situation today or in the future.
If you had a traumatic experience with a clown and you haven’t dealt with this fear you might feel anxious every time you see a clown or a circus. If you ask why I gave the example of clowns is that coulrophobia (fear of clowns) is more common than you think. Horror movies about clowns may be the culprit.
Anyway, in order to fix your past traumas you need to get in touch with your inner mind and let go of any worries or fears that are holding you back.
Everything seems different in the moonlight, even in the full moon. This means things in your life may not be what they seem to be. That is why you should be careful about making quick choices when the moon is out (literally and figuratively). You might find out later that you didn’t have enough information to make a decision.
When the moon is out (on your tarot spread) you need to trust your instincts more, so you can see beyond what’s in front of you. Think less about what things mean and more about how they feel. Let go of any conscious mental blocks or negative thoughts you have about yourself and let your intuition lead you. If you listen to your dreams, intuitions, and inner direction and use your judgment to figure out what they mean, they will lead you to higher levels of understanding.
The moon is feminine energy, so connect with the divine feminine energy to get deep intuitive insights and images of what lies beyond everyday life.
When The Moon Card appears in the reverse position, this means you’ve been dealing with illusions, fears, and worry. But don’t worry the bad effects of these energies are starting to fade. You are working through your fears and worries. You are learning how they affect the present and how you can free yourself from them.
You might try to hide these feelings even deeper in your mind so you can stay away from your dark thoughts. You might not be ready to deal with your feelings, so you push them away and act like nothing is wrong. This plan might work in the short term, but in the long run, you will have to bring these feelings back up and deal with them directly.
The moon card meaning in reverse can also mean that you are receiving divine and spiritual messages but you are not connected or open enough to figure out what they are trying to tell you.
The message might be hard to understand, or what you think it means might be different from what everybody else says. When the moon is in reverse position in your spread, it’s telling you to listen to your inner voice, not someone else’s.
Trust that your higher being already has the answers you need. Follow your inner wisdom and listen to them. Pay attention to your dreams.
The moon tarot card meaning can influence the overall message of a tarot reading depending on the card’s placement in a spread.
If the card appears as the final card in a reading, it may suggest a willingness to embrace the unknown and take risks, a need for greater self-awareness, reflection, and intuition.
If the card appears in the center of a reading, it may indicate a time of change, a transition period. A calling to explore new paths. Embracing divine and inner wisdom.
The card also means confronting fears and trusting the process (Sixers fans reading this far leave a comment).
The moon tarot card has complex, mysterious, and enigmatic symbolism that can offer valuable insights and guidance in a tarot reading. By not being afraid of the unknown and trusting in the process of growth and transformation, we can unlock our inner wisdom and creativity, and navigate through life without fear and with greater insight and awareness.
