#18: The Moon
The Moon is the card of intuition, illusion, and the subconscious. It represents the unknown, the things that lie beneath the surface, and the mysteries that shape our inner world. In queer spaces, The Moon speaks to the fluidity of identity, the experience of navigating uncertainty, and the power of embracing what is not yet fully understood. It invites you to trust your intuition, even when the path ahead is unclear.
UPRIGHT
Intuition, mystery, the subconscious, illusion, hidden truths
REVERSED
Fear of the unknown, deception, confusion, avoiding inner truth
The Moon Overview
The Moon is a guide through the unknown. It does not offer clear answers, but instead asks you to trust your instincts. This card appears when things are not as they seem—when uncertainty, dreams, and emotions are guiding you more than logic. It invites you to explore your inner world and uncover what lies beneath the surface.
If The Moon appears in your reading, it is a call to listen to your intuition. What feels true, even if it isn’t clear yet? Where are you being led by something deeper than logic? Trust the journey, even if you don’t have all the answers yet.
Symbolism and Imagery
The Moon with Two Towers – Represents the unknown and the gateway between illusion and truth.
The Wolf and the Dog – Represent our wild, instinctual nature (wolf) and our tamed, trained self (dog), showing the balance between logic and intuition.
The Crawling Crab (Or Lobster) – Symbolizes deep subconscious emotions rising to the surface.
The Path Leading into the Distance – Shows the journey into the unknown, where clarity comes only with time.
Upright Meaning
Upright, The Moon encourages you to trust your intuition and navigate uncertainty with patience. Things may not be clear right now, but your inner guidance is strong. Let mystery lead you rather than fear it.
In a reading, ask yourself: What is my intuition telling me? What hidden truths am I ready to uncover?
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, The Moon suggests confusion, deception, or avoiding inner truth. You may be struggling to see a situation clearly or ignoring a deep knowing within you.
In a reading, ask yourself: Am I avoiding something my intuition is telling me? How can I embrace uncertainty rather than fear it?
Final Thoughts
The Moon reminds us that not everything needs to be known right away. Trust your instincts, embrace mystery, and know that clarity will come in time.
#18: The Moon
Queer and Transgender Meaning
The Moon is uncertainty, self-discovery, and the deep emotions that come with questioning everything you thought you knew. It is the journey through dysphoria, the fog of doubt, the fear of stepping into the unknown. But it is also intuition, dreams, and the quiet voice inside that knows the truth. This card reminds you that even in the dark, your inner knowing will guide you home.
UPRIGHT
Self-discovery, uncertainty, intuition, navigating dysphoria, deep emotions, transition in progress
REVERSED
Clarity, overcoming doubt, coming into self, embracing truth, dispelling illusions
The Moon and the Trans Experience
The Moon is the journey of questioning. It is the time spent unsure, lost in the fog of self-doubt, wondering if what you feel is real. It is the moment before you say the words aloud—the long nights spent asking, Am I really trans? What if I am wrong? What if this feeling never goes away?
For many trans people, The Moon represents the confusion and fear that can come with gender exploration. It is the discomfort of dysphoria, the struggle to find words for feelings that have always been there. It is moving through the unknown, step by step, without a clear roadmap.
But The Moon is also about intuition. Even when the path is unclear, even when fear and doubt are loud, something inside you already knows the truth. This card invites you to trust that knowing, even if you cannot see the whole picture yet.
The Moon asks: What fears are holding you back? How can you trust your intuition? What truths are waiting in the shadows, ready to be seen?
Symbolism and Imagery
The Moon’s imagery is all about uncertainty, hidden truths, and deep self-discovery.
A full moon illuminating the night sky – A symbol of mystery and revelation. The truth is there, even if you cannot see it clearly yet.
A winding path leading into the distance – The journey of self-discovery is long, but it must be traveled.
A wolf and a dog howling at the moon – The contrast between instinct (wildness) and domestication (conditioning). This represents the struggle between internal truth and societal expectations.
A crayfish crawling out of the water – The first steps toward awareness, the slow emergence from confusion into clarity.
Upright Meaning: Embracing the Unknown
When The Moon appears upright, it is a sign that you are in the process of deep self-discovery, and uncertainty is a natural part of the journey.
For trans people, this might mean:
Questioning your gender and sitting with the unknown – Allowing yourself to explore without needing all the answers immediately.
Feeling dysphoria but not knowing what to do next – Understanding that discomfort is a signal, not a final destination.
Trusting your feelings, even when they are unclear – Your emotions are valid, even if they are complicated.
Letting intuition guide you – Even if fear is present, listen to the part of you that already knows.
This card reminds you that you do not need certainty to move forward. You just need to trust the process.
Reversed Meaning: Overcoming Fear and Finding Clarity
When The Moon appears reversed, you may be stepping out of confusion and into truth.
For trans people, this can look like:
Realizing your gender identity more clearly – The fog is lifting, and things are starting to make sense.
Overcoming internalized fear – Recognizing that the doubts and anxieties were never proof that you were wrong, just part of the process.
Naming your truth after a long period of questioning – The moment when everything finally clicks.
Releasing shame and embracing authenticity – No longer hiding from yourself.
The Moon reversed is the moment you see yourself clearly for the first time.
Final Thoughts
The Moon is the journey through self-doubt, dysphoria, and uncertainty—but it is also the promise that clarity will come.
This card says: Even when the path is unclear, you are still moving forward. Trust yourself. You already know the way.