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Tarot Card Meanings:
The Moon

The Moon: Overview and Symbols

The Moon is card number eighteen in the Major Arcana. It represents illusion, confusion, and the influence of the subconscious mind. This card signifies uncertainty, hidden truths, and the need to trust intuition when clarity is lacking.

Some Specific Symbols and Their Meanings in the Rider Waite Smith Tarot:

  • Moon with a face: Symbolizes intuition, mystery, and the subconscious.

  • Two towers: Represent boundaries between the known and unknown, safety and the unknown path.

  • Crawling lobster: Reflects primal fears, instincts, and the beginning of a journey into the subconscious.

  • Dog and wolf howling: Symbolize the balance between tame and wild instincts, as well as confusion and duality.

  • Winding path: Suggests a journey filled with uncertainty, requiring trust in intuition and gradual revelation of truth.
the moonfrom the rider waite smith tarot
The Moon as depicted in the Rider-Waite Smith Tarot by A.E. White, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith

The Moon: Card Meanings

Keywords/Phrases: Illusion, confusion, uncertainty, subconscious, intuition, hidden truths, fear, dreams.

The Moon in the tarot signifies a time of uncertainty and confusion, where things may not be as they appear. This card represents the influence of the subconscious, bringing hidden truths, fears, and dreams to the surface. It suggests that clarity is elusive, and you may need to rely on your intuition to navigate the unknown. The Moon encourages you to trust your inner voice, even when the path seems unclear, and to be aware of illusions or fears that may distort your perception of reality. It calls for patience as deeper insights gradually come to light.

The Moon: Reversed Card Meanings

Keywords/Phrases: Clarity, truth revealed, overcoming fear, confusion lifting, deception exposed, confronting illusions.

When the Moon appears reversed in a tarot reading, it signifies the lifting of confusion and the revelation of hidden truths. This card suggests that what was once clouded in illusion or fear is now becoming clear, allowing you to see things as they truly are. It reflects a period where deception is exposed, and clarity begins to emerge, helping you to confront any lingering uncertainties or fears. The reversed Moon encourages you to embrace this newfound clarity, confront the illusions that have been holding you back, and move forward with a clearer understanding of your path.

Gallery: The Moon in Various Decks

A photo of The Moon from the Paulina Tarot
The Moon from Paulina Tarot
by Paulina Fae