The Meaning of the Moon in Tarot: symbolism, description, interpretations

Table of Contents

• The Meaning of the Moon in Tarot: symbolism, description, interpretations
• The Moon in Tarot: combinations with other cards
• Reversed Moon in Tarot: main meanings
• The Moon in Tarot: meaning in relationships
• The Moon in Tarot: spread for a man’s thoughts
• The Moon in Tarot: meaning in feelings
• The Moon in Tarot: spread for thoughts
• Tarot Moon: card advice
• The Moon in Tarot: description of a woman
• Tarot Moon: spread for health
• The Moon in Tarot: spread for the future
• Tarot Moon: spread for work
• The Moon in Tarot: Yes or No reading
• The Moon in Tarot: description of appearance
• Tarot Moon: personality description

The Major Arcana Moon is one of the most multifaceted and ambiguous cards. In a spread, it is far from the most desirable guest. Interpreters fear it because of its close connection to the subconscious, which makes it difficult to interpret, and clients are often frightened by its hidden danger. The Moon card indeed serves as a warning sign. It advises not to rush, avoid risks, and be content with what is available. But not everything is so straightforward.

The eighteenth arcana is known by names such as Eclipse, Twilight, Darkness. In “The Magical Book of Tarot. Destiny Predictions” by Daniela Kris, the Moon is considered a continuation of The Star and a precursor to The Sun. It represents the deep and mysterious world of human subconscious, which remains largely unexplored. In this world, there are no clear boundaries between reality and fantasy. The subconscious does not obey reason.

The card depicts the moon with a human face, covering the sun. It illuminates a path that is difficult to reach. On the way, there are towers, a wolf, and a dog, symbolizing human instincts. Water motifs on the card represent what is hidden deep within the subconscious. Distant mountains symbolize overcoming all fears and higher goals that every person strives for.

To better understand the meaning of the Moon in Tarot, pay attention to its surroundings in the spread and its position. Cards appear in upright and reversed positions: this affects their interpretation. The question of the querent and their focus on specific events or people are also important factors.

The Moon in Tarot: combinations with other cards

To accurately interpret the arcana, you need to pay attention to its surroundings. The overall interpretation of the spread depends on the other cards. If the key card is the Moon, examine which other arcana appeared together with it. Major arcana can significantly alter the meaning of the main card, while minor arcana serve as complements. The main combinations with the Moon in Tarot are presented in the table:

The Moon in Tarot has both positive and negative combinations with court cards. The interpretation primarily depends on the reader’s intuition and spiritual experience. There are several basic interpretations. For example, with the Eight of Wands, the Moon has a negative combination: enemies are present in the surroundings. The Page of Cups, on the other hand, promises beneficial acquaintances. Swords foretell health problems: injuries, alcoholism, risk of surgery. Pentacles suggest fatigue: it is necessary to give yourself a rest.

Reversed Moon in Tarot: main meanings

Reversed Eclipse and upright position, the meaning is quite vague. In the reversed position, this sense is significantly amplified. The appearance of this card in such a state indicates that the person’s consciousness is confused. They do not understand where the truth ends and lies begin. Reality and fantasies are almost indistinguishable.

On the other hand, if the querent makes an effort, the reversed Moon in Tarot promises good prospects. Illusions will be destroyed, the fog will clear. Everything will become clear and easy for the querent. There may be liberation from internal restrictions. If there were subconscious prohibitions, the querent will be able to deal with them and become free.

The reversed Moon in Tarot advises preparing for an important life decision that will need to be made soon. Most likely, the future choice will seem illogical. Therefore, it is important to be attentive. It is generally better to avoid situations requiring difficult decisions for a while.

In “The Complete Book of Reversed Tarot Cards,” Mary Greer interprets the Moon as making decisions based on reason. The reversed arcana indicates detachment from everything unseen. The card also symbolizes mental disturbances, such as depression, sleep disorders, and problems with the instinct of survival.

The Moon in Tarot: meaning in relationships

The fact that the Moon is an ambiguous card makes its appearance in a relationship spread undesirable. It indicates that it is currently difficult to bring clarity. It is hard to determine what the partner feels. But one thing is certain: they are dissatisfied with something. The arcana symbolizes uncertainty of feelings. There may be some misunderstandings or secrets. There is a risk that the partner was not completely honest from the start. Most likely, they entered the relationship while still being involved with a previous partner.

The reversed Moon in Tarot in relationships indicates a rather negative spread. It points to scenes of jealousy and misunderstandings. These problems are also related to the partners’ inability to compromise and communicate effectively.

Moon Tarot: a spread for a man’s thoughts

The Moon Tarot card in many spreads is a sign of warning. It advises not to take decisive steps and, if possible, to avoid situations that require making a difficult choice. When reading the thoughts of a man, the eighteenth arcana also warns to be cautious. Do not trust every word of the suitor. Most likely, he is insincere, as he has not yet fully clarified his situation.

Moon Tarot: a spread for a man’s thoughts – this indicates uncertainty. The arcana suggests that something is preventing him from making a decision. It could be subconscious limitations or emotional issues. There is a possibility that he still does not feel free. In his thoughts, there is no clarity. His mind is like a real “see-saw.” You cannot rely on him.

You should pay closer attention to him. It is especially important to see how well his words match his actions. If he only promises but does nothing, you should keep your distance from such a man.

However, the Moon Tarot card for a man’s thoughts does not always have a negative meaning. The card describes a person with creative thinking and great potential. Perhaps he still finds it difficult to make a decision, but he will definitely figure everything out.

Moon Tarot: meaning in feelings

The eighteenth arcana describes a person with a deep inner world. They react sharply to everything happening around them. The holder of the Moon energy is an empath. They understand other people well. As a result, people are always drawn to them. They value their personal space and the personal space of others.

In feelings, the Moon Tarot card signifies melancholy. The card describes complex sensations. It is a symbol of conflicting emotions, which the querent finds difficult to understand. Sometimes, they may experience an inexplicable and unfounded fear. Instincts surface that the person cannot resist. The feelings that emerge are unclear to them. This only intensifies feelings of fear and hidden danger. But there is a positive side to the situation. In the second half of life, the person will be able to tame their anxieties, leading them to wisdom.

To feel complete, a person needs to have a clear goal. Inaction and the lack of tasks set before them lead to apathy and disillusionment. Without a goal, life becomes colorless. Fear of failure results in complete isolation from others. The person falls into depression. As a consequence, they stop communicating with friends and loved ones, and begin to withdraw into themselves.

Moon Tarot: a spread for thoughts

The main meaning of arcana number 18 is ambiguity. The card describes a tangled consciousness where it is unclear where dreams end and reality begins. The subconscious often lives its own life. The arcana symbolizes internal prohibitions, hidden fears, and a tendency towards melancholy.

Thoughts associated with the Moon Tarot are rich imagination. The holder of the eighteenth arcana not only refines others’ ideas but also generates their own – unique and original. Such a person tends to achieve success in any field. They possess a rich creative potential and can realize themselves in any cultural industry. Being alone with themselves is not boring for this person. They often drift into their inner world, where others have no place. This is how they hide from their problems.

An important property of thoughts influenced by the Moon arcana is materialization. A person’s consciousness depends on lunar cycles. Everything they think about can easily become reality. As a result, the person with this arcana often experiences luck. On the other hand, negative thoughts can also materialize. This means that negative events in the querent’s life are also quite common.

The person with lunar energy has well-developed intuition. Thanks to their heightened sensitivity, they can sense danger in advance. Because of this, others may see them as either a mystic or a pessimist.

Moon Tarot: card advice

“How should I act in this situation?” – this is the most common question asked of Tarot cards. Each arcana can provide valuable advice in any circumstance. The Major Arcana are especially insightful. The Moon Tarot card’s advice is: “Accept your shadow side.” You cannot run away from your true self. It is better to befriend your demons than to try avoiding encounters with them. The card recommends listening to your inner voice. No one knows who you truly are better than yourself.

The card urges you to explore your subconscious. Intuition is what will help you make the right decision. The reversed Moon Tarot card’s advice can be interpreted as: you need to let go of fears and resentments. Holding onto negative energy will eventually make itself known.

Moon Tarot: description of a woman

The eighteenth arcana describes a highly sensitive nature. Such women possess strong intuition. They perceive the world delicately. The Moon woman understands others well. Being an empath, she easily finds common ground with those around her. People are drawn to her because she is approachable and willing to listen. She always offers sound advice and correctly interprets what the interlocutor wants to convey.

Endowed with Moon Tarot energy, this woman tends toward clairvoyance. She is suited for professions related to supernatural forces. She often dreams unusual dreams. She has a talent for interpreting signs of fate. She can often foresee impending troubles. She frequently experiences inexplicable fears. Because of this, others may see her as a pessimist.

The Moon woman has a rich imagination. She is mysterious. She often says things that others do not understand. She has a deep inner world. She is quite comfortable being alone. She is an introvert.

A woman endowed with Moon Tarot energy tends to wear masks. Therefore, it can be difficult for others to read her. She knows how to manipulate people and is prone to betrayal.

Moon Tarot: a spread for health

The Moon Tarot card in health primarily relates to emotional well-being. It is responsible for mental disorders, depression, irritability, and sleep problems. If the eighteenth arcana appears in a health spread, it indicates that you should prioritize and perhaps give yourself some rest. The card advises taking care of your sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to deterioration of both mental and physical health.

The card also suggests that it may be necessary to consult a specialist. If stress is not identified and addressed in time, it can lead to more serious health issues. The eighteenth arcana might indicate problems with the kidneys or heart. When the Moon is reversed, the health message is: seek help from a psychologist. It is quite possible that soon the querent will have thoughts of suicide.

In “Tarot for Beginners” by Teresa Francis-Chong and Terry Silver, the eighteenth arcana signals the need to review one’s diet. For those concerned about their figure, the appearance of the Moon in a spread is a good sign. The arcana advises against exhausting diets. Simply adding some healthy foods to your meals and remembering to exercise can help you get in shape.

Moon Tarot: a spread for the future

The Tarot card carries a warning tone. In a future spread, it has a rather ambiguous connotation. It cannot be called negative: it does not predict anything critically adverse. In a certain sense, the Moon Tarot’s future is a advice for overcoming internal limitations. The card indicates that something is preventing the querent from understanding the current situation. Therefore, the arcana recommends looking inward and exploring the subconscious.

The Moon card hints that there are hidden meanings hindering decision-making. Perhaps, in the future, one should expect enemies, lies, and misunderstandings.

The Moon Tarot also has a positive aspect regarding the future. It warns of a transition to a new life stage filled with creativity and positive energy. It should not be surprising if suddenly there is a desire to try oneself in a new field. And it is important not to resist this emerging desire. Perhaps, this is the querent’s true calling.

There is nothing critically negative about the reversed Moon either. In this position, the arcana symbolizes the emergence of negative energy, which can be directed into a positive channel. The main thing is to resist any temptations.

Moon Tarot: a spread for work

When the Moon Tarot appears in a work spread, the querent should be cautious: now is not the best time to make major decisions. The card indicates a lack of stability in professional life. Something is preventing the individual from understanding what they truly want to do and what their calling is.

The upright Moon Tarot in a work context advises to listen to your intuition. It is a much more valuable source of information than the advice of others. It is important to understand your motivation. If your life goal is not clear, it can lead to apathy and disillusionment.

The reversed Moon has a nearly identical meaning. It also indicates instability in the professional sphere. The card suggests to the querent that their anxiety is justified. It is quite possible that they will soon make a mistake that could lead to dismissal or other complications.

Moon Tarot: Yes or No reading

Tarot cards are often used for quick yes or no answers. Arcana provide clear guidance when the question is well-formulated. The question should be as precise and unambiguous as possible. Usually, in the upright position, the card indicates “Yes,” and in the reversed position, “No.”

However, with the Moon Tarot card, the answer is much more complex. If it appears in a yes/no spread, it means the querent will not receive a definitive answer. The question asked by the querent is either vague or ambiguous. This means that simply saying “Yes” or “No” is not possible. The person needs to look deeper into themselves, explore their emotional depths, and eliminate confusion.

The main message of the Moon card in this case is that it is more important to rely on intuition than on rationality. The arcana symbolizes the dominance of intuition over reason. It prepares the querent to accept that they may need to wait before getting a clear answer to their question. The answer will come not from Tarot, but from the individual themselves. Everything depends on the internal state of the querent, their ability to listen to themselves, and analyze their own desires.

Moon Tarot: description of appearance

Tarot cards provide a clear description of each personality endowed with specific energy. However, with the help of divination, you can also analyze external characteristics. This is especially relevant if you are wondering: “What will my other half look like?” With Tarot cards, you can learn everything: from eye and hair color to clothing preferences. The main aspects of the Moon Tarot appearance are presented in the table below:

The Arcana can also describe a person from a different age group. This could be someone much older than 30 years, but still lacking confidence in themselves or in the future. They are reserved, looking at the world without interest. Their gaze often wanders.

Tarot Moon: Personality Description

The eighteenth Arcana describes a person who is not lacking in imagination. They have a rich fantasy and highly developed intuition. A personality endowed with the energy of the Moon Tarot often lives in their own world. Such a person is not bored when alone. Their inner energy gives them strength. They are distinguished by their erudition and cultural development. They know everything about everything.

The Moon Tarot personality can also be “in the negative.” Primarily, this means that the person is overwhelmed by negative thoughts. They experience self-doubt and have difficulty communicating with others. They lack the strength to fight bad situations. They try to escape from reality and hide in their own world. If there is no goal in their life, they become apathetic. They do not live, but merely exist.