Discover the Meaning of The Moon Tarot Card

There’s typically more than meets the eye in any tarot card reading, which is why the meaning of The Moon tarot card may feel even more obscure. The 18th tarot card in the Major Arcana, The Moon, is one of the most difficult tarot cards to interpret. If you’ve drawn this card in your own tarot readings and practices, what might it be trying to illuminate to you?

Today, we’ll review all the potential meanings hidden within The Moon tarot card. Utilizing symbolism and connections to other new-age concepts, such as astrology, we’ll address the meanings of The Moon in both upright and reversed interpretations. Let’s begin by reviewing what The Moon generally represents, regardless of position, question, or otherwise.

The Moon Tarot Card: An Overview

When found in a reading, the meaning of The Moon tarot card is rooted in purposeful obscurity. It is a contemplative and intuitive card that asks us to identify potential deception in our lives and recognize and accept all things uncertain. Regardless of what you ask of The Moon during a reading, it represents the unknown and how we as individuals face such circumstances.

The Moon is often a tricky card to interpret. It is one that holds subtly different meanings when found upright or reversed. Despite Cancer being the only zodiac sign ruled by the Moon, Pisces links to this tarot card instead. This is mainly due to Pisces representing the final zodiac sign and the 12th astrological house of secrets, subconscious, and unknowns.

Emotive, shadowy, and changeable, The Moon is all about how our imaginations get the better of us and show us a new, unique path forward. Just as Pisces represents two fish swimming in very different directions, The Moon represents what might happen when we venture forth despite a darkened path.

But how does The Moon differ in meaning when found upright or upside down?

Meaning of The Moon Tarot Card in a Reading

If you’re new to tarot cards, it’s important to note that every card has two different interpretations. The Moon adopts one meaning when found right side up and another when found upside down. It’s essential to keep this in mind when performing tarot readings. The direction your card faces will significantly affect your reading!

With all this in mind, here’s what The Moon represents in both positions.

The Moon Upright Meaning

When pulled upright, The Moon tarot card means you may face an uncertain future, situation, or event. Perhaps a relationship is unclear, both romantic or professional. Or maybe your career path is uncertain, cloudy, or otherwise obscured. Just as the moon moves through phases and shadows, seeing The Moon in a tarot spread represents the different phases of obscurity we encounter in life.

Tying into the 12th house and the zodiac sign of Pisces, The Moon often represents themes of dreams, fantasies, and illusions. Even upright, The Moon often signifies the potential for lies and misunderstandings of situations, people, and possibilities. This is an important card in many readings. It represents a pivotal moment in identifying where clarity is needed. It may also mean you require a possible dose of reality.

Remember that The Moon card is designed to illuminate things for you. Or, at the very least, it’s meant to set you down a path toward illumination. Are you unaware of anything misguided in your life? Seeing The Moon means it’s time to take stock and make yourself aware of any potential lies in your life. This includes self-imposed lies or otherwise!

The Moon Reversed Meaning

When found in a reversed position, most tarot cards adopt negative or foreboding aspects. However, The Moon is a bit different. Given how its upright interpretation affords little positivity, The Moon offers tarot card readers a bit more enlightenment when found upside-down. This card represents that clarity and certainty are possible — but work must still be done to reach them.

The Moon reversed is all about being on the right path toward positivity. It can also indicate someone willing to work toward a better, less clouded life. But has very little idea as to how to accomplish this best. The Moon reversed in a tarot spread is often best interpreted alongside other cards, as it may directly influence or address its neighbors. 

Given that clarity and less confusion are on the horizon if you’re seeing The Moon reversed, it’s important to remember your sense of calm. The Moon reversed represents all of the same illusions, deceptions, and shadows as its upright companion. But maintaining positivity, optimism, and patience (much like the themes held within The Sun tarot card) can help you reach the clarity you seek!

Advice From The Moon Tarot Card

All in all, The Moon is a card of contemplation, reflection, and meditation. It isn’t a card with a clear meaning, save for a meaning of uncertainty. Still, The Moon is a vital card in the average tarot deck. It reminds every single one of us of the importance of observation, of identifying our shadows and phases so that we can illuminate a way forward!

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