Welcome to The Psychology of Tarot, a series that offers a Jungian reimagining of the cards as pathways into the psyche. Each episode draws on a key psychological concept and archetypal themes to offer insights that deepen both inner work and your tarot practice.
Today I’m exploring the relationship between The Moon and the unconscious. Often associated with the chthonic underworld, dream-like states, illusion, distortion, and the imaginal realm, The Moon evokes the hidden and mysterious dimensions of the psyche.
Drawing this card hints to us that powerful forces of the unconscious are at work, shaping our perceptions, stirring our emotions, and inviting us into the unknown. It is a threshold moment, a movement into darkness that illuminates psychic life.
In this episode I cover:
The classic definition and interpretations of the The Moon
Quotes from 78 Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack, Tarot for Change by
, Civilization in Transition by C.G. Jung and On Divination and Synchronicity by Marie-Louise von FranzHow the The Moon reflects the unconscious aspects of the psyche
A Jungian perspective on recognizing unconscious material and patterns
The Moon as an opportunity to meet the unconscious and communicate with the deeper layers of the psyche
Example readings and approaches to interpreting the card in a psychological context
Join the conversation
What are some of the ways you connect with the unconscious? How do you typically read The Moon? Which card should I explore next in the series?
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Discussion about this episode
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Hi Alyssa,
I've just pulled the Moon card as my spark card for the decan that starts tomorrow which, coincidentally, is also the start of a six day art and tarot retreat with a friend. By the way, spark card is just my term for the card I focus on, trying to work with its energies for the time. This episode was a very helpful support for my retreat plans which will involve lots of art, active imaginations, and freewriting.
I'd love it if you'd do an episode about the Hermit card please -- a nice connection to the Moon (1+8) and my birth card.
Hi Karen, so glad to hear the offering brought further reflections and depth to the Moon card. The retreat sounds wonderful and like the perfect time to dive into themes of the Moon and the unconscious.
The Hermit is on my list! It came up in a reading for me recently, so I’d love to dig into that one soon. Thank you for the request!
This is an interesting topic and very relatable for me currently. I may have been experiencing or lived a situation when something misaligned with my life. This past few weeks I haven't been dreaming. This wasnt the case before as I was in touch with my dreams, as I was having 1 or 2 per week. I've been feel really disconected, anxious and restless.
Do you work with tarot?
You might try pulling the Moon card out of your deck, then draw another card with this prompt: What aspects of the unconscious do I need to be aware of and connect to?
Then consider how the second card can help you work through the disconnect and restlessness. Good luck!