In Waite's card, a large moon sits high above a wolf
and a dog. A crayfish emerges from water at the
beginning of a path that leads between the two animals.
Towers are set on either side of the path that leads to
a mountainous landscape in the distance. The Moon is
shown with a face in profile, surrounded by rays as it
rains down drops of light.
Because it is shown as a crescent within a full circle,
there is some debate surrounding the phase of the moon
on this card. As in the Eight of Cups, the moon
represents the ebb and flow of the emotional currents
of Pisces. This relates to the principle of Flux and
Reflux or a flow into and out of form.
The primitive reflex and instinctive behavior exhibited
by all species are represented by the three life forms.
The meanings of this card are often associated with the
etheric or dream realm, but this path may also concern
the simplest level of existence in a physical world. It
shows us what we have to face in order to bring about
change with respect to physical limitation.
The Path of Qoph connects Victory (Netzach) with
Kingdom (Malkuth), and shows us not only the victory of
the natural world, but also the sometimes deceptive
effect of the apparent power of material forces. One of
the lessons in The Moon is to recognize that no matter
how far along we are in our spiritual awakening,
something primitive remains in our consciousness of
ourselves as physical beings in a physical world.
The sun's bright light is reflected in The Moon's
soft colors. The Moon's path leads to the world of the
subconscious. It is where we discover if and why we are
afraid of the dark. It is why fear can strike when one
is "in the dark" about a matter.
The cyclic moon influences the movements of the tides
of our great oceans and seas. A "raining" down of
fifteen small yods connects The Moon to the numerology
of gematria with the Hebrew letter Chai, which has a
numerical value of 15. Some deck designers see these as
drops of blood connecting the path to the female
menstrual cycle and the Moon Goddess.
Standard intuitive interpretation of this card connects
it with things we are instinctively afraid of. The moon
has always been an occult symbol, cloaked in mystery
and associated with superstition.
When this card appears in a reading, your emotional
nature and your intellect may be in conflict. You could
just be doing what comes naturally in your dealings
with others. Instincts may be on high alert, making it
easy for you to read specific moods and feelings in
your associates.
Use caution and pay attention to your dreams. Moodiness
can signify that your personal needs are not being met.
You may need to spend time in deep contemplation,
meditation or prayer. You may need to attune yourself
with the mystical side of nature.
Positive Keywords: Cycle, shimmer, glimmer, sympathy,
empathy, psychic, intuitive, brave, aware, watchful,
reborn; journey, instinct, impulse, ritual, and change.
Negative Keywords: Danger, caution, darkness, gloom,
deception, dissatisfaction, mistakes, hidden enemies,
terror, shyness, uncertainty, lunacy, despair, and
misperception.
Tarot Affirmation: My natural instincts work to help me
be aware of all that is good and bright.