The Meanings of the 22 Major Arcana Tarot Cards – The Moon:
Introduction to The Moon
The Moon is key 18 of the Major Arcana in Tarot decks. It is the card of the subconscious mind. Deep, instinctual forces and self-deception are implied by the Moon card. The Moon is ruled by planet Moon and by the zodiac sign of Pisces.
The Moon is represented in many traditional and online Tarot decks with a full moon and a crescent moon within to symbolize shifting light and other lunar fluctuations. Often, a wolf and a dog appear in the forefront of the Tarot card and appear to be baying at the moon to suggest a contrast between the wild and the tame as well as sexuality. Drops of dew fall from the Moon into the mouths of the wolf and dog as reference to spiritual light entering the imagination and growing the mind. At the bottom of the Moon in most Tarot decks is a crayfish that suggests the reflective light of the inner mind and matters of a sexual nature.
The Moon card like the planet often has both positive and negative connotations. Uncertainty, spite, sexual issues and fluctuation can be indicated by the Moon, but this card can also mean creativity and imagination. Psychics, artists, travelers, oceanographers, empaths and psychotherapists are all qualified to use birth cards of the Moon. The Moon is the keeper of both nightmare and of dreams. The Moon is one of the birth cards for those born under the zodiac sign of Pisces and the planets of Jupiter and the Moon. The Moon is Key 18 of the Major Arcana Tarot spread and is associated with the number 9, making the Moon one of the birth cards for those born under the zodiac sign of Virgo as well.
The Moon Upright
The Moon upright in a Tarot reading can imply intuition and imagination but it also can imply uncertainty and deception. The Moon before the Death card in a reading can mean loss as a result of slander. When the Moon appears before the Devil, meanings suggest injustice and deceit in love and sex are both in play. If the Moon comes before the Lovers card in a Tarot reading, a relationship will break up due to deception in love and sex. If the Lovers appear before the Moon, the love was never reciprocated.
The Moon with the Star card means creative talent is in abundance. When the Moon appears in a Tarot reading before the World, a final decision is imminent, but if the Moon follows the World card a unfamiliar spiritual or mental journey is at hand.
The Moon takes a more positive meaning when it is near the Hermit card. The appearance of the Moon upright with the Hermit means illusions will be shattered and reality will be discerned. When the Moon appears in a reading along with the Sun or the Star, the cards will cancel each other out for a neutral effect to nullify all other meaning.
The Moon Reversed (RX)
The Moon reversed usually has positive connotations. It involves stepping out into the light after emotional turmoil. The appearance of the Moon reversed in a Tarot reading marks the end of a period of much confusion.
The reversed Moon before the Magician card suggests a new ability to concentrate and realize ambitions. If the Magician precedes the reversed Moon (rx), meanings often suggest a mental block has been removed. When the reversed Moon (rx) appears before the Chariot card in a Tarot reading, it marks an end of avoidance and a beginning on confrontation.
If the reversed Moon (rx) appears in a reading following or before the reversed Death (rx)card , truth will be revealed. If the reversed Moon (rx) appears after the Hermit card in a Tarot reading, it is an indicator that emotional problems have been resolved. When the reversed Moon (rx) appears after the Fool in a reading, the past has been put to rest and forgotten. If the reversed Moon (rx) appears before Strength in a Tarot spread, a new self-confidence will be discovered. If Strength appears before the reversed Moon (rx) in a Tarot reading, positive thinking is underway.
The Moon in Regards to Love,Sex and Relationships
The Moon muddies the water with regards to love and relationships. There will be a tendency to fantasize and romanticize emotional relationships and sex whenever the Moon card appears in a Tarot reading. Whirlwind romances are indicated by the appearance of this card. Relationships with family and friends will have ups and downs.