In astrology, the moon is the cosmic presence that rules our emotions, subconscious minds, and intuition, and The Moon tarot card is no different. Similar to The Temperance tarot card, The Moon is an invitation to evaluate your subconscious self and look closely at what your intuition is telling you. Unlike Temperance, however, this major arcana card may be telling you that something isn't right.
While The Moon may provide some insight, it's only enough to point out where the shadows of your subconscious mind reside — whether they're hidden or purposefully ignored. Either way, the presence of The Moon is a necessary but often scary invitation to look deeper within yourself. Read on to understand the symbolism behind The Moon tarot card, its upright and reverse meanings, and its yes and no associations.
The Moon Card Description and Symbolism
The Moon tarot card depicts three animals facing toward a full moon. A dog and a wolf stand alert, representing the domesticated and wild parts of your mind, respectively. A crayfish lies between them, half submerged in a body of water in the foreground. Its other half sits on the bank at the start of a trail that winds its way between the wolf and dog, leading toward two towers and the mountains beyond.
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This crayfish represents bridging the gap between your subconscious mind (symbolized by the water) and the more concrete aspects of your reality (the Earth). The crayfish can see the path before it but knows that it relies on water for its survival. So, too, do we often know what is needed of us in our lives, but we need to stay rooted in our instincts in order successfully move forward.
The Moon Upright Meaning
The surfacing of The Moon in your spread indicates that there are aspects of your subconscious that need examining. Pay attention to your intuition right now. Do you have a gut feeling telling you that something isn't right? The Moon encourages you to explore that intuitive warning and shed light on it. Connect with your subconscious mind to examine this feeling, and release any fear or anxiety that you may be experiencing.
The Moon Reversed Meaning
When The Moon is reversed, your gut is trying to warn you about something you're purposely ignoring. This avoidance is only going to harm you and prolong the inevitable surfacing of these repressed emotions. Your intuition is your greatest gift, but you can't pick and choose when to adhere to it. If your gut is telling you that something isn't right, stop and listen. The sooner you bring whatever's bothering you to light, the less power it will hold over you.
The Moon Yes/No Association
The Moon is an indication that you need to slow your roll. Take a minute to breathe and analyze what your intuition is telling you before you make any hasty decisions. The Moon encourages you to meditate, reflect, and realign yourself with the lunar calendar to better hear what your subconscious mind has to say. Conversely, The Moon warns against jumping to conclusions, making assumptions, and sweeping emotions under the rug.
