La Luna: The Moon
Verse
“Lulled by sweet serenity
the sound of gentle waves
calls you to rest,
but don’t be fooled
it’s yet another test.
In your slumber
you find yourself
on a moonlit shore
by the primordial waters
where illusions and nightmares are born.
The path to morning
is long and winding,
each misstep a promise
of being lost forever
in endless depths.
When your untamed spirit
comes out to play
your intuition can keep you safe
if you listen very closely
and let it lead the way.”
Keywords
Upright: Subconscious messages. Trauma. Illusions. Anxiety. Dreams. Shadow self. Lunar influence. Uncertainty. Listen to your intuition.
Reversed: Repressed shadow self, desires, or emotions. Confusion. Unclear messages. Clouded intuition. Overcoming trauma, illusions, and anxiety.
Correspondences
Sign: Pisces
Aroma: Blue Lotus, chamomile and white lotus
Description
No figure is present on this card because it takes place from the perspective of the dreamer. In this dream world, the moon exists simultaneously in three phases which represent mind, body, and spirit. The Fool’s faithful companion appears again as their journey nears its end. They are here to guide them and keep them rooted in reality while facing the perils of their own imagination. Their reflection reveals the figure of a wolf or their untamed shadow side. The Moon also relates back to the VIII of Cups, both cards being ruled by Pisces energy and representing a difficult spiritual journey. A scorpion emerges from the water. Normally this is a symbolic crayfish, but I chose the scorpion because of the relationship between Scorpio and Pisces, the most compatible water signs, and because I created this card during the full moon in Scorpio. It also represents the rebirth of consciousness, and since Scorpio is the sign of transformation, rebirth and regeneration it is especially apt. The towers exist as a representation of the constructs of man and how you need to surpass them in order to attain enlightenment. In the Hermetic Tarot, this card is known as the “Ruler of Flux and Reflux.”
In a reading, the Moon suggests that there is something going on in your subconscious mind that you need to start paying attention to. This could be trauma from the past, illusions you’re allowing yourself to fall for, general confusion or lack of direction, fear, anxiety, or a neglected shadow self. You may be experiencing vivid recurring dreams or nightmares that are trying to tell you something important. It is an invitation to allow your intuition to guide you through the dark into the light of truth. Pay close attention to the moon cycles and how they affect you. Use them to your advantage when you can and don’t let them sway you in the wrong direction.
Design
I wanted this card to feel dreamy and peaceful but unsettling at the same time like there is something unknown lurking deep beneath the surface of those calm waters.
There is a direct relationship between this card and the VIII of Cups both in meaning and design. They depict the same sort of spiritual journey, but this card exists within a dream or the unconscious, whereas the VIII of Cups exists in reality. You can see the similarities when they are side by side.
This is the only card in the deck I illustrated without the use of any 3D models, which is another way that it exists outside the physical plane and from the perspective of the dreamer.
The moon kingdom inspired my design for the pillars. Just a little nod to Sailor Moon because it was so influential to me.
My own faithful companion, Dusty, was my inspiration for the canine spirit that appears here and with the fool. Also, he is a sweet gentle Pisces.
Key Symbols
The Dog/Wolf - The Fool’s faithful companion appears again as their journey nears its end. They are here to guide them and keep them rooted in reality while facing the perils of their own imagination. Their reflection reveals the figure of a wolf or their untamed shadow side.
The Towers -The towers exist as a representation of the constructs of man and how you need to surpass them in order to attain enlightenment. They are a portal to a higher plane of existence.
The Moons - In this dream world, the moon exists simultaneously in three phases which represent mind, body, and spirit. It also represents the lack of linear time in this dream world.
The Scorpion - In other depictions, this is a crayfish, but I chose the scorpion because of the relationship between Scorpio and Pisces. It represents the rebirth of consciousness, and since Scorpio is the sign of transformation, rebirth, and regeneration I thought it was especially apt. It also makes one question the dangers that lurk within the depths.
Color Theory
Blue: Truth. Clarity. Communication.
Purple: Intuition. Spirituality. Psychic energy.
