LEARN TAROT

XVIII. THE MOON

The light of the moon is limited.

Pisces. (Water) — Changeable, intuitive.

Illusion, deception, fear, mystery.



Meaning

The information available to you right now isn’t complete. There are illusions at play. Not everything is as it appears. Misunderstandings. Self-deception, delusion. Ensure you know fantasy from truth. Reality from dreams. Your imagination may be getting the best of you. Some hidden truth must be discovered, for what you are seeing now may just be a trick of the light. Secrets, confusion, uncertainty, complexity.

You need to get to the bottom of things, not only the intentions of others but also your own emotions, desires, and motivations. Things may be hiding in your unconscious; old attitudes, beliefs, or ideas clouding your judgment. Deep memories and fears must be let go, and the negative energies must be released and turned into something constructive. Search for the hidden forces that must be unraveled. Unveil. The dark side of the moon and unconscious realms. The dark night of the soul. Fear and facing the unknown. You need to be aware of the situations that are causing you fear and anxiety, whether it is now or in the future. Do not allow inner disturbances and self-deception to take the best of you.

In the dark of the night, you are taking a path that you are unsure of, and there could be danger lurking in its depths. The moon's light can bring you clarity and understanding and you should allow your intuition to guide you through this darkness. Rely on your intuition and work with your dreams. Your intuitive body will support you unerringly if you do not interfere with or try to control what you perceive. Trust your instincts and intuitions. Listen to the body and its unique wisdom. Rely upon your inner resources as your best source of support and security.

Doubles. Two sides to everything, two possibilities. A wolf and dog, feral and tamed, our animalistic and civilized natures. Crossroads. Two towers, representing good and evil, which are often difficult to distinguish.

Have faith and trust, knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel. Your best option may be to meditate, do nothing, and let nature carry you.

Examples of what you might find around relationships that affect your ability to accept love: Are past relationships haunting you? Have you lost faith in love? Do you believe you are unworthy of love?

Other: Bewilderment, insecurity, feminine, cycles, occult forces, obstacles, moods, emotions, ebb and flow of tides, shadow.

Reversed Meaning

You may be in an intuitive period or recently battled confusion, fear, anxiety, and self-deception. Improving. The forces of night are dissipating. If so, it’s liberating. Clarity, direction.

Alternatively, the reversal can represent the dark side of the moon. A worsening confusion, unhappiness, uncertainty on what to do. If so, it’s time for shadow work -- deal with your anxiety and fears, overcome them. Believe in yourself and move forward.

Hidden obstacles may be in your path. Step carefully. Deception.

You might be deluding yourself, exaggerating or embellishing your version of a situation. Consider whether you are repeating an emotional, dramatic rendition of events rather than keeping to the bare facts. The temptation to let yourself be swept away emotionally or psychically is understandable, but it doesn't help you find your balanced center in chaotic times.

Sometimes delusion is well-intended, to spare feelings. But it’s never sustainable.

Other: Escapism. Mental illness, fear, anxiety, depression. Misunderstanding, misinterpretation, confusion. Understanding.