Major Arcana 18 Tarot Moon (Twilight)

Description: The map shows a large moon with two dogs howling at it. Two towers are visible in the distance. You can also see a pond and a crayfish on the map.

The main meanings of the card in the upright position:

1. Cycles of change;
2. Dreams;
3. Intuition and extrasensory abilities;
4. Fear, uncertainty about the future;
5. The path to yourself;
6. Working through your qualities;
7. Working through complexes;
8. The call of the moon, roots in the animal kingdom;
9. Time of passivity and receptivity;
10. Strong emotions;
11. Hidden truths;
12. Medium, otherworldly world;
13. Acting;
14. Entertainment industry;
15. Primordiality;
16. Travel;
17. Escape from reality;
18. Deception;
19. Disturbing images, bad mood;
20. Water travel;
21. Illusions can be used for good.

The main meanings of the card in the inverted position:

1. Practicality outweighs intuition;
2. The period of chaos is ending;
3. Beneficial changes;
4. Clear thinking;
5. Insanity;
6. Misunderstanding;
7. Daydreaming, illusions;
8. Concern about health;
9. Anxious emotions;
10. Warning about danger;
11. Addiction to alcohol, drugs.

A huge round moon brightly illuminates the land and the river. Below, a dog and a wolf howl; an image of a crayfish or fish is often placed in the water. From the river to the horizon, a path leads between two stone pillars (towers): they separate our created world from the world of visions, the world of magic and secrets. The journey has brought us to the threshold of the unknown, which melancholy and fear (symbolized by the wolf and the dog) prevent us from crossing; will a new, amazing image open up to us behind it, or will we ourselves become just an image, a shadow? Only hope supports us.

This card, corresponding to the sign of Pisces, completes the cycle of the signs of the Zodiac in the Major Arcana. On the border of Pisces and Aries, where the zodiacal circle ends and begins again, there is a certain gray, «foggy» zone, considered dangerous: the path is not visible, what will happen next is unclear. It is not for nothing that in ancient times this card was called Crepusculum — «Twilight» (in the Egyptian Tarot — Twilight). Another stage of life's path is coming to an end, this card says; but you cannot stop, you need to go further.

Other names for this card: The Moon, the Child of the Sons of Might.

SPIRITUAL EXPLANATION: The lunar crescent dominates the image of the Moon and reflects the symbolism of the lunar sphere of Yesod on the Tree of Life, the sphere associated with dreams, fertility, and the astral image of the subconscious. The dogs barking at the Moon are sacred to the dark lunar goddess Hecate, reminding us that the Moon is traditionally associated with dark or invisible forces. The magnifying glass symbolizes the constant cycles of change, including biological and psychic ebbs and flows, affecting fertility and creativity respectively.

TARO MEANING: This card is associated with intuition, dreams, and the manifestation of psychic abilities. If you draw this card, pay special attention to subtle changes in your daily life, but do not be fooled by the outward appearance of anything. Trust the messages that come to you in your dreams and listen to the inner voice of your intuition. Recognize also that, like all other intelligent beings, you are a force of Nature and you too have wild, untamed inclinations. This means that you may have to acknowledge aspects of your animal nature and at the same time confront your personal demons.

REVERSED MEANING: Practicality is more important than intuition or hunches. Do not take risks at present. Wait until the storm passes — the period of chaos is coming to an end (finishing). If someone tries to deceive you, do not worry. Their plans will be exposed.

SELF-DEVELOPMENT LESSON: Trust your own spontaneous feelings and the power of your intuition. Listen to the messages from your dreams.

WORK: The Moon card means fear, uncertainty about the future (they might fire you), your own knowledge (I won’t pass the certification), competence (they won’t hire me for the position I want) or abilities (I chose the wrong profession). At the same time, it is always distinguished by a note of irrationality: even having told ourselves that there are no objective reasons for fear, we still continue to be afraid. This is because their roots lie deeper than we think, and the symptom that we are trying to overcome is not the cause, but only a pretext. Therefore, you cannot get rid of them by simply learning to avoid certain situations. In any new situation, these fears of ours will immediately find new food for themselves. Only a genuine and purposeful path to oneself, a path through the abyss of one's own fears gives hope of uprooting them from one's soul.

CONSCIOUSNESS: Here a unique opportunity opens up before us, accompanied at the same time by a great danger. We are about to embark on a journey into the depths of our own subconscious, repeatedly described in myths as «Nekia», that is, a descent into hell, the Underworld. Poets and artists have found an expression for this feeling: «The sleep of reason is full of monsters». Meeting these monsters, fighting them is the most difficult stage of the Hero's Journey, the most difficult test in our lives. The danger that the myths warn us about is hidden in the Knossos labyrinth where we wander, in the gloomy forest through which we are led, as it seems, by spirits who are well-disposed towards us, in forgetting our own name or in accepting the food offered to us by the inhabitants of the Underworld. These mythological images manifest themselves, in particular, in situations where non-traditional psychology and therapy cease to be a means of adaptation to the environment and become an end in itself, when an esoteric group replaces and substitutes real life. Another danger lies in the fact that one can play with the powers of the subconscious so much that even the strongest «spiritual luminaries» will go crazy. The stages and dangers of this Journey are described in detail in the mythodrama «Inanna in Hell».

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS: A romantic, dreamy nature, living with subtle emotions, fantasies and building castles in the air. At the same time, latently, «behind the scenes», there are always feelings of insecurity and fear. This can be a union corroded by jealousy, touchiness or a terrible fear of loneliness of one or both partners. However, if they (or you) got this card, it means that the partners can discover and work through these complexes that come from early childhood in order to get rid of them once and for all. Or that the symbol it indicates is just an illusion, if not a nightmare, which is high time to get rid of.

Names in other languages: La Luna, La Lune, The Moon, Der Mond.

Astrological correspondences: Cancer and the Moon. The Sun in the 5th house as a symbol of the joy of life, creativity and enjoyment of the game.

Kabalistic meaningarcana: reflection.

Occult meaningarcana: cover.

Physical meaningarcana: hidden enemies.

Places: lakes, seas, rivers, swamps; ladies' boudoir; nursery; studio; film or TV studio.

Upright

Keywords and phrases:(Positive meanings) The Call of the Moon. Our roots in the animal kingdom. Events that happened in the past determine our present. A time of passivity and receptivity. Intuition. Strong emotions. Hidden truths Extraordinary abilities. Medium. Carelessness. Dreams. Imagination. Fantasies. The Otherworld. Mother. The Feminine Archetype. Change. Mystery. Confusion. Overwhelming emotion. The creative potential of the subconscious. Fiction. Creative writing. Acting. Work related to illusions. The entertainment industry. Wildlife. The wilderness. Travel.

«Everything in this transitory world is but a semblance» (J. Goethe). «Oh, do not swear by the moon, the fickle moon, which changes its orbit every month»

W. Shakespeare

(Negative meanings) «Moon fantasies»... Escape from reality. Embarrassment. Deception. Fraud. Insincerity. Slander. Lies. Betrayal. Confused thoughts. Infidelity., Cunning. Fear. Deception. Indecision. Bad dreams. Apprehension. Inability to foresee or sense trouble. Nervousness. Overwhelming emotions. Disturbing images. Bad mood. Depression. Secret enemies. Unwillingness to take care of yourself. Gynecological problems. Everything is not as it seems.

Situation and advice:Traditionally, the Moon warns of deception, lies, dishonesty, embarrassment, danger, self-deception and “lunar fantasies” (often what we like in the moonlight turns out to be completely different during the day). Some of the meanings of the Moon card are inspired by associations with the astrological sign of Pisces and with the twelfth house in the horoscope, which implies restrictions and terminations. This can also relate to the peculiarities of the psyche, spirituality and concern less fortunate people.

The Moon card says that you are entering a period of unstable mood and uncertainty. During this period of time, you will have to overcome obstacles at the level of your subconscious in order to be able to move forward. What was invisible or secret will become apparent. You will be able to find a worthy application of your talents in literature, painting, acting, psychology or psychotherapy. Travel is possible, especially by water. You notice how ingrained patterns of the past affect your behavior in the present. Beware of careless actions.

Now you should listen to your dreams, feelings, premonitions, intuition. It is very important to understand what hidden meaning lies behind the external side of events, what is hidden in the past. Perhaps you should trust your feelings more than rely on logical analysis. Now an interest in the psychological side of human life plays a big role in your life. The Moon card invites us to think about our primitive beginnings, rooted in the animal world and the collective unconscious. If you have asked a fortune teller if you are being deceived, the Moon card suggests that you have become a victim of misinformation or double dealing. Something is happening behind the scenes, but it will soon become apparent, as, indeed, everything secret. The Moon card suggests that your mother or the woman who replaces her will play a significant role in your future affairs.

People: (Positive meanings) Mothers. Women. Travelers. Artists. People endowed with extraordinary psychic abilities. Creative people. Writers. Poets, Oceanographers. Veterinarians. Actors. Unhappy lovers. Psychotherapists. Psychologists. Seers. Those who from time to time turn to their subconscious. Those who love animals.

(Negative meanings) Liars. Cheaters. Deceivers. Embezzlers. Those who pull the wool over your eyes. Impractical dreamers.

Reversed

Key words and phrases: (Positive meanings) Beneficial changes. Clear thinking. The ability to see things as they are. The ability to shed light on what is happening. The end of a period of obscurity. The secret becomes clear.

(Negative meanings) Insanity. Misunderstanding. Escapism. Ambiguity. A path in the dark. Deception. Stalking. Untruth. Misperception. Daydreaming. Illusions. Confusion. Vague fears. Health concerns. Problems with women. Primitive reactions. The dark side of the subconscious. Anxious emotions. Hidden motives. Self-doubt. Hidden fears. Dark secrets. Warning of danger. A test of fidelity.

Situation and advice: Now is the time to step into the light. Don't make any important decisions until the period of uncertainty is over. Soon you will be able to see everything clearly in the light of day. Perhaps, along the way, you will have to face the monsters of your «Id» (the part of your personality that Freud called the It). What was previously difficult to understand is now becoming clearer. Perhaps, soon you will learn about the existence of some secret enemy or a secret threat to your well-being. If the overall layout is negative, the Moon says that you will be able to prevent theft, sabotage, behind-the-scenes intrigue, misunderstanding, or alcohol or drug abuse. Find out how your mother is doing.

People: (Positive meanings) Those who are confused and cannot see events clearly.

(Negative meanings) Emotionally unstable or mentally ill people. People who evade or deceive. Secret enemies. Destroyers. Traitors. Liars.

The Meaning of the Moon (Twilight) Card

you see images and thoughts coming from the depths of your subconscious. You ask yourself: who am I? and seek harmony with the higher powers that rule this world. You have already come close to knowing the Truth; only fear prevents you from crossing its threshold. But you have already come too far to turn back; you need to penetrate further, deeper, get to the very essence of things, and not limit yourself to their superficial examination.

Compared to the Priestess (II), this card represents the lower hypostasis of the Moon, that is, simpler, «earthly».

Therefore, in the layout, the direct Moon can serve as one of the signs of motherhood (pregnancy), in general, mean the predominance of the yin, perceiving principle, as well as the world of illusions.

At the same time, «illusions» can also have a positive meaning, that is, indicate a profession or advise to take up some kind of business such as cinema, television, photography, advertising — after all, the pictures that we see there are also illusions. You can become a storyteller or a magician-illusionist.

And, finally, in a purely everyday sense, it falls to people who are on the threshold of something new in their lives, which they have never experienced before, and this is what causes them fear and anxiety (a new job, a new marriage, a new country). Do not be afraid, says this card, boldly go forward and get down to business, for the new is always better than the old.

True, this advice is true only for those who identify themselves with the Western worldview (American or European, generally Christian). For those who adhere to Eastern teachings, it does not promise anything, but only advises not to make plans for the future.
In the inverted position, the Arcanum of the Moon indicates that there will be no pregnancy, that one should not engage in film and television — or that the «world of illusions» acquires a negative character, that is, it means dependence on alcohol, drugs, or even computer «virtual worlds».

Or — that the expected new will not bring anything good.

Well, since the Moon goes around the sky in a month, this card can sometimes mean a period of one month.

For businessmen — bets on show business, cinema, advertising, for the especially cool ones — on computer games, slot machines, casinos. Inverted Moon — it is better to wait a while until the most zealous competitors have had their share of troubles, and then get down to business.

Hidden forces of great energy are at work around you. You may not have the strength to control them, but you can avoid their power over you. Watch your every step.

You have, whether you realize it or not, enormous psychic abilities, mostly latent, hidden. You have obviously made little use of these abilities so far. Now is the best time to develop and control them, for you will need them in the future. But act wisely. Both the misuse of these abilities and the refusal to use them can lead you into a dangerous impasse.

Enormous power can be acquired, but there is also a danger that the seeker must always be aware of. The Moon Tarot represents the temptation of hidden, secret knowledge, obscured truth. Lack of complete information causes mutual misunderstandings and conflicts, makes it difficult, if not impossible, to come to the right conclusions. Make sure that you understand absolutely clearly what you want, what needs to be done before the next step. Do not forget also that the word «sleepwalking», which means not only this disease, but also madness, insanity, comes from the word «Moon», that here there is a danger of madness, despair, even suicide. All this can hinder your search for hidden knowledge and power.

The Moon Tarot has a certain magnetism that attracts and dominates. It appeals to our animal nature, acts on the subconscious, on the will that does not obey rational thoughts. The only way to avoid this danger is to deliberately take control: you must resist its influence and maintain power over yourself. In a nutshell: to avoid the danger contained in the Moon Tarot, you must learn to constantly use your mind, your consciousness. You will not give in to your instincts, you will not succumb to emotions. You learn, following the path of the Tarot, to rely on your consciousness and develop your psychic abilities. But the time has come to put these abilities under conscious control. It is reason that distinguishes people from animals (who are unconsciously influenced by the Moon) and from inanimate elements (for example, from the sea, which is influenced by the Moon). From now on and forever, use your reason or abandon your search. You can no longer act according to your instincts.

Type of person in the upright position: mother; wife; mistress; a person dedicated to home, family, work or other people.

Type of person in the inverted position: stepmother; neurotic; a person who is especially sensitive to themselves; a person who is unable to understand themselves.

Psychological meaning of the Moon (Twilight) Arcana: you may have thoughts and images coming from the depths of your subconscious. Do not be afraid of them. They will help you answer the questions that have been tormenting you for a long time: who are you? where are you from and where are you going? what should you do to become happy? And this will give you the opportunity to feel harmony and connection with the Higher Forces that rule the world. You will come closer to knowing the truth, and only your own fear can hinder you on the way to it. Reject it and open the doors to your subconscious. You have already come too long to turn back. Now — only forward and deep, to get to the essence of all things. But remember that you cannot limit yourself to just a superficial examination of them.

The Moon card introduces us to the mysterious realm of Darkness and Night, to the figurative world of the soul, to the world of our dreams, fantasies and revelations. The bright side of the Moon is romantic dreams, vivid imagination and artistic fantasy. However, this card also has a dark side, opening the way to the very depths of the soul; this is fear, uncertainty, nightmares, gloomy omens, in general, prejudice against everything unknown, invisible. We feel such fear, wandering at night through a dark forest, which seemed so safe to us during the day. The darkness that covers the path has taught us to be afraid. It can also be a fear of the terrible demons of antiquity, which in our time have acquired a new name: bacteria, viruses, milliremes, becquerels, gas pollution, acid rain.

Sources:

1. N. Drewry «Tarot. Step-by-step guide to learning»
2. E. Kolesov «The ABCs of Tarot»
3. A. Khshanovska «The Magic of Tarot»
4. Author unknown «Basic information for reading tarot cards»
5. H. Banzhaf «Self-study Guide to Tarot»
6. Anthony Lewis «Tarot made simple and clear»

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