The Moon is the eighteenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of the life of the imagination.
The Symbolism of the Moon Tarot Card
This card is represented by both a wolf and a domesticated dog howling at a frowning moon. The wolf and dog imply fears of the natural mind, while the frowning moon shows its displeasure. There is also a crayfish that is crawling out of the water onto the land.
The Moon bears the number “18,” and is the bringer of uncertainty for the Fool after his encounter with the Star.
The General Interpretation of the Moon Tarot Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a period of uncertainty, fluctuation, and confusion. It can mean that you are caught in your own mind, and you can do nothing but wait, clinging to the vague memories of hope and faith that were presented in the Star card.
The Fool, also caught within the subconscious mind, begins to reflect. He realizes that his own personal journey of development is only a lesser part of a greater whole. With this enlightenment, he awaits his rebirth with a calm certainty that it will come.
The Inner Meaning of the Moon Tarot Card
The Moon is the image of the mystery of the subconscious. The High Priestess and Wheel of Fortune interpretations are also related to this theme. These three cards are linked, providing a deeper understanding of the subconscious realm. The Moon is also a card of dreams and nightmares, perhaps indicating that your dreams are trying to tell you something.
This card explores the hidden depths of the subconscious. It is a confusing, chaotic, world, and in this world, you are but a tiny part of the much greater whole. Personal feelings and journeys pale in comparison to this. Your own place in this universe suddenly doesn’t seem as important.
This is also a card of the animal nature, and the instinctive fear of that animal nature. The message of this card is that if you are still and calm, a calm may come upon the animal nature, that it may cease to attempt manifestation. Giving yourself up to this nature may just be the only way to tame it.
It is in the Moon that the Fool finally realizes that there is more to life than just him. There is a greater world beyond his own, a world that cries out to be explored. This is an idea that gives rise to some uncertainty in the Fool.
The Moon is encountered by the Fool after he meets the Star. This occurs while on the path to his meeting with the Sun.
Not all Tarot readers read reversed meanings in their Tarot cards. If you choose to read reversed meanings, then the Star is a good omen, but like many reversed cards, it has its downsides. The Star is usually excellent, upright or reversed, but when it is reversed, you may have to wait a while before your wish is granted. The only other warning is not to waste your talents or your energies by pouring half of them into the wrong receptacle. Your gifts have a purpose, but if you direct them poorly, you'll miss a powerful opportunity.
The Star is the seventeenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of hope for the future and faith that this future will come.
The Symbolism of the Star Tarot Card
This card is represented by a woman kneeling beside a pond. She has one foot in the water, the other on land, much as Temperance did. Above her head, there is a shining star. She holds two jugs, which she is pouring out, one onto land, the other into the water.
The Star bears the number “17,” and the card brings hope for the Fool , following his encounter with the Tower.
The General Interpretation of the Star Tarot Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies an experience of hope, perhaps even faith. However, this card can be difficult to interpret. It may signify the coming of hope, or it could warn against blind hope. The interpretation is best determined by evaluating the other cards in the spread and relying on your own instincts during the reading.
The Star is a welcome relief for the Fool at this stage of his journey. He has passed though fear and strife, and experienced the collapse of all he held dear. Now, he has some hope for the future, and a renewed faith in himself.
The Inner Meaning of the Star Tarot Card
The Star is the image of all that humans cling to: the notion that, no matter how bad things might seem, there is always a glimmer of hope. This card is not one of plans and action, but rather of feeling and emotion. It is a card associated with waiting and patience, much like the Hermit and the Hanged Man.
The Star is not a card of schemes and expectations; instead, it is a card of intuition and instinct. The Star shows the Fool that not everything is a matter of fact or circumstance. Some situations require hope and belief.
This is also a card of renewal. As the lady pours water on both land and sea, she renews the physical and spiritual aspects of the Fool. Once renewed, he can continue upon his journey.
The Star is encountered by the Fool after he meets the Tower, on the path to his meeting with the Moon.
Reversed cards are those that appear upside down in a reading. As a Tarot reader, you can choose whether you will read these cards as reversed. If you don't wish to read reversed meanings, simply turn the cards around so that they are upright. Regardless of your choice, you should either always read reversed meanings or never read reversed meanings. It will keep you (and your cards) from getting confused along the way.
If you do choose to read reversed meanings in your Tarot readings, the Tower, in its reversed position, means that a nasty surprise is on the way. This surprise, although unpleasant, is not disastrous and can be dealt with fairly quickly if you keep a cool head about you. You may already be aware of the problem, so some quiet contemplation may be in order. A minor household problem will irritate you as well. Be prepared to call out a plumber, electrician, builder, or other helper.
