What Do Moons Symbolize on Tarot Cards?

Moons are found on these Tarot cards:

Scroll down to see each card

Moons are a subtle symbol used on five individual cards in the seminal Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck.

The same symbols don't necesariliy appear in all, non-Rider Waite decks, but a large number of modern Tarot sets often feature variations of the same, widely recognized Rider-Waite symbology.

Here's What a moon symbol means in Tarot

Aside from The Moon card where Moon symbolism is expected, the image of the Moon appears on a few additional cards in the Tarot deck.

The Moon symbolizes intuition, psychic energy and the influence of emotions

The Moon symbolizes intuition, psychic energy and the influence of emotions. The Moon is also representative of cycles of all kinds, and reminds us of the ever present cyclical nature of our Universe.

Moon symbolism in Tarot is primarily associated with the female gender or female energies.

Here Are the Five Tarot Cards in Which Moons Appear

The Eight of Cups

NOTE: The Moon high above on the Eight of Cups card is unusual because it shows us the Moon in two simultaneous phases: A crescent moon, and full moon. This unusual representation reminds us of time, and the importance of cycles. The doubled moon-phase in the Eight of Cups may also point to a deeper mystery within the story of the Tarot: Is it possible that this hunched figure clad in tattered clothes and walking with a long staff towards the mountains, is actually a younger version of the old man in the Hermit Tarot card? Is it possible that this is the moment of his departure from society? Is the superimposed moon-phase hinting at this cycle?

The Two of Swords

The High Priestess

NOTE: The low-slung placement of the crescent Moon on this card, at the High Priestess' feet, hints at a mastery of the Moon's energies and self-control of emotions and dreams.

The Chariot

The Moon

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