The Moon Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

The Moon Keywords 

• Upright: uncertainty, inner mysteries, sensitivity, imagination, illusions, intuition, subconscious ideas
• Reversed: misinterpretations, emotional disturbance, deception, releasing fears, clarity, vulnerability

The Moon: Description and Symbolism

As number ‘18’ in the Major Arcana, the Moon presents the soul’s most profound mysteries and sensitivities. The pool of water at the front of the card represents unconscious forces. Out of the water emerges a black crayfish, symbolizing subconscious fears and illusions of the mind. The presence of water also highlights the element’s themes of intuition and emotions.

A dog and a wolf look up to the Moon, symbolizing the duality of human instincts. You can either tame your emotional impulses or let them control your path. The two gray towers in the background further support the theme of duality, representing the opposing forces of conscious and unconscious energy. A yellow path weaves through the mountains and in between the towers, suggesting that the viewer of the card has already endured the lessons of these opposing influences. The path ends at the pool of water, symbolizing the need to look within to clarify the emotions of a given situation.

The Moon itself symbolizes cycles, changeability, and duality. The Moon is depicted to look like the Sun, representing the coexistence of conscious and unconscious energies within. The golden drops of light in the blue sky signify the divine messages that are reflected through the Moon’s light. The crescent symbolizes the Moon’s phases, and therefore, waves of emotion and psychic insights. The face depicted on the Moon represents personal stories that are revealed through cycles of subconscious experience.

Astrologically, the Moon card is traditionally associated with the zodiac sign Pisces. As a mutable water sign, Pisces’ energy represents themes of vulnerability, dreams, and imagination. This sign is no stranger to psychic messages and signs from the Universe. The Moon card’s correspondence with Pisces emphasizes the importance of understanding your unconscious drives to approach a situation with clarity.

Note: This description is based on the depiction of the Moon in the Rider Waite-Smith tarot deck.

The Moon – Upright Meaning

When the Moon appears upright in a reading, you may be experiencing more dreams or signs from the Universe than usual. You could also have a resolved fear or feeling suddenly re-emerge. Whatever might arise, you are encouraged to reflect on its deeper meaning. There is a message or lesson to be learned from these subconscious forces, so pay close attention.

The Moon card could also signify a period of heightened sensitivity. Perhaps you are feeling more susceptible to others’ judgments, or an event may be forcing you to acknowledge emotions you have kept repressed. You will find peace by giving your feelings a creative outlet at this time. Let your imagination inspire a new hobby or project to feel more in tune with your surroundings.

Alternatively, the Moon may suggest that you are going through a situation that brings feelings of fear and uncertainty. Trust your intuition to guide you at this time. 

Love Meaning – The Moon Upright

When the Moon card appears in a love context, you could be feeling confused or uncertain within your connection. Perhaps you had a recent argument that brought on many emotions, or you just had a strange dream about your partner. Before addressing your concerns, you are encouraged to reflect on the meaning of your feelings. You could feel more prone to quick reactions without giving yourself clarity outside of your interactions.

The Moon could also indicate heightened emotional reactivity in your interactions. Past fears could be surfacing as you date new romantic interests. You could also feel like you need clarity about previously resolved arguments within your relationship. This card reminds you not to get discouraged as you navigate uncertainty in love. Sensitive topics are making you aware of the needs you haven’t yet advocated for. 

As how someone feels, the Moon represents someone who is intrigued by the prospects of a relationship with you. You may need to give this romantic interest time to flesh out their fears and needs before moving forward with the connection.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Moon Upright

In a career context, the Moon card suggests that you are going through a period of uncertainty with your work or finances. Perhaps unexpected concerns are arising at meetings, or unprecedented events are costing more than you planned to spend. Whatever is leaving you doubtful about your next steps, it is important to be gentle with yourself. Your surfacing fears and feelings could be a sign to shift your focus slightly.

Alternatively, the Moon card could be encouraging you to invest in a creative hobby or passion project. Your imagination is running wild right now, and it is likely to lead to some great ideas. Even if it doesn’t serve as another stream of income, it could be worth it to have a new creative outlet. 

Health Meaning – The Moon Upright

In a health context, the Moon emphasizes the importance of paying attention to your inner world. The thoughts and feelings that have gone unaddressed could slow you down in your pursuits without the proper outlet. Consider taking a cleansing bath, journaling, or trying a new form of entertainment. Once you find a way to release these repressed energies, you will feel more inspired and connected with your surroundings.

Spirituality Meaning – The Moon Upright

The Moon card could signify a powerful opportunity for spiritual growth. Take note of the dreams you have been having and any synchronicities you have noticed in your day-to-day life. These subconscious and universal influences could make you aware of a deeper meaning behind your recent experiences.

The Moon Card As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Moon card suggests heightened fear and sensitivity. You may notice that you are more aware of others’ feelings than you would like to be at this time. Consider setting boundaries to protect your energy from external influences.

The Moon Card As Actions Meaning – Upright

As actions, the Moon represents daydreaming and creative expression. You may be having vivid ideas and visions that could be used as inspiration for a new project.

The Moon – Reversed Meaning

When the Moon appears reversed in a reading, you may be going through a time where it feels challenging to face your fears and emotions. Repressing your feelings is more likely to lead you astray at this time, so be gentle with yourself as you address them. There may be a deeper meaning behind the experiences causing distress, so take some time to reflect. Creative pursuits would also help you process these subconscious forces.

Another interpretation of the reversed Moon card is that you are actively releasing your fears. You are ready to address the feelings that have been weighing on you. This card suggests that this situation calls for more vulnerability and trust in your intuition.

Love Meaning – The Moon Reversed 

When the Moon appears reversed, you may be finding it challenging to face your feelings within your connections. Perhaps tension is building around a particular topic with your partner, or you are realizing that you haven’t confronted your grief from a past connection before dating again. Whatever could be surfacing now, you are encouraged to give those concerns the time and space to breathe. You are more likely to misinterpret your partner or romantic interest’s intentions if you don’t address your fears first.

The reversed Moon card could also represent a relationship dynamic that is actively working to release fears that have blocked clear communication. You and your partner are ready to be more vulnerable about your needs and concerns. This period is likely to bring deeper understandings and mutual growth.

When reading for how someone feels, the reversed Moon card represents someone confronting their deepest needs and fears about love. It may be necessary to give this romantic interest time to clarify their intentions before pursuing a new connection.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Moon Reversed

In a career context, the reversed Moon may suggest that you have fears built around your desired career path. Perhaps you are experiencing imposter syndrome within your current role, or another opportunity has surfaced that you are afraid to apply for. When this card appears, you are encouraged to trust your gut about your work decisions. Avoiding fulfilling commitments will only build your sense of dissatisfaction, so consider what you can do to release your fears.

The reversed Moon card could also represent confusion about your work and financial goals. Rather than going wherever the wind blows, it would be a good time to reflect on what path would be most fulfilling. You may feel more susceptible to others’ opinions of your decisions at this time, so be sure to put your intuition first and foremost.

Health Meaning – The Moon Reversed

When the Moon appears reversed in a health context, it would be a good time to let go of the worries that have been building up. You may notice more stress or tension from having an overactive mind at this time. Consider picking up a creative hobby or leaning on your support system for advice to help clear your mind.

Spirituality Meaning – The Moon Reversed

In a spiritual context, the reversed Moon card encourages you to lean into moments of clarity. You could be experiencing a variety of different fears and feelings that are preventing you from seeing your circumstances objectively. This card gently reminds you that these inner forces give you an opportunity to understand yourself better. Realign with your path by sorting through your ideas to find the most calming ones. Meditation and cleansing practices will support you greatly now.

The Moon Card As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Moon card represents suppressed fears and feelings. There is a need to be vulnerable with yourself about the factors that have confused you in your current situation. 

The Moon Card As Actions Meaning – Reversed

When the Moon appears reversed, it can represent either stagnation or release. If you are uncertain about your next steps, it could be time to purge outgrown fears and beliefs. Otherwise, this card suggests you are actively facing the forces that have left you feeling trapped in the past.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

When the Moon card appears in the ‘past’ position, it represents a previous period of uncertainty. You had fears, emotions, or intuitive messages that brought your attention to your innermost needs. The lessons you learned from these subconscious forces are informing your present situation.

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, the Moon suggests that you are going through a period of heightened intuition and sensitivity. You are encouraged to listen to your inner voice to find clarity about your present situation.

Future Position

The Moon card in the ‘future’ position predicts a wave of unexpected emotions as a result of your current situation. Attune to your fears and feelings now to feel a sense of control through future uncertainties.

Yes or No Meaning of The Moon Card

• The Moon Upright and Reversed: No

When the Moon card appears upright or reversed in a reading, it gives you a ‘no’. There is a need to look within to gain more clarity on the present circumstances.

Advice and Message of The Moon Card

The Moon card serves as a reminder to listen to the voices within. Your thoughts and visions are giving you profound messages at this time if you give them a proper outlet. Any situation that is causing you fear or uncertainty can be successfully navigated if you learn to trust your intuition. 

Summary of The Moon Tarot Meaning

When the Moon card appears in a reading, you are reminded to attend to your deepest needs. Your current situation may be triggering old fears and emotions. Rather than allowing these forces to overwhelm you, it would benefit you to channel this energy into a creative practice. If the Moon appears reversed, you could be struggling to find the meaning behind your feelings. So long as you embrace vulnerability by giving your inner voice time to speak, you will be following the Moon’s advice.