Tarot Card Meanings:
The Moon
What is "The Moon" in Tarot?
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.
What are the key symbols in "The Moon" tarot card?
- 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.
These symbols are based on the Rider-Waite Smith tarot. Symbols may differ in other decks!
The Moon Tarot Card Meaning
The Moon Keywords: 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 Tarot Card Meaning
The Moon Reversed Keywords: Illusion, confusion, uncertainty, subconscious, intuition, hidden truths, fear, dreams.
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.
El Tarocchi Insight
The Moon says it's okay to not have clear answers right now.
Across 20+ years of tarot reading, I’ve found that The Moon is surprisingly one of the most misunderstood cards, largely because tarot clients want it to mean something specific and clear… which is exactly what this card refuses to offer. It shows up when things are genuinely murky: when a relationship is unclear and unlabeled, when in a situation where you suspect you’re not getting the full picture, or when faced with a decision that can’t be made responsibly because too much is still hidden.
My advice when The Moon appears is often to resist the urge to force clarity prematurely. Sometimes, the most useful thing you can do is wait for more information to surface on its own and avoid rushing into action or a decision.
Gallery: The Moon in Various Tarot Decks
by Paulina Fae