The Moon XVIII in the 5-Card Spread with the Rider Waite Tarot

The Moon as second card : Challenge / Obstacle
in the Rider Waite Smith 5-Card spread

In opposition, the Moon highlights emotional imbalance, mental confusion, or a loss of inner bearings. The consultant may feel overwhelmed by fears, fantasies, or imaginary scenarios that prevent them from discerning reality. There may be a tendency towards self-delusion, lying (to oneself or others), or excessive mistrust that leads to isolation.

The Moon in opposition can also point to a toxic relationship where intentions are unclear and manipulation or concealment take over. We may be dealing with someone who plays on ambiguity, or in a situation where the real motivations are hidden.

This card, in opposition, warns of emotional illusions, poorly channelled emotions, or immersion in an inner world that cuts you off from reality.

It can also express a difficulty in listening to your true intuition, which is drowned out by projections or anxieties. The danger here is not in the shadow itself, but in the refusal to face it.

This blockage therefore calls for shedding light on one’s fears, distinguishing true intuition from mirage, and anchoring oneself so as not to get lost in dreams or paranoia.

The Moon as third card : Advice
in the Rider Waite Smith 5-Card spread

In an advisory position, the Moon invites you to dive into yourself, listen to your inner world, explore your intuitions, your dreams, and your fears too. It suggests that you don’t try to understand everything rationally, but trust what speaks to you on a subtle, symbolic, emotional level.

This card advises you to take a step back from appearances and overly smooth talk, and to connect with what resonates within you, even if it is not immediately clear. It is an invitation to navigate the fog without panicking, to welcome uncertainty as a space for transformation.

The advice is also to take care of your inner life, your deep emotions, and your shadow side. If you are in a period of uncertainty, don’t force answers: they will emerge on their own, in due course. Be attentive to signs, symbols, and dream messages.

The Moon may also advise you to protect yourself: don’t reveal everything, observe, listen, detect what is being said… and what is not being said. This is a time to feel more than act, to dream more than decide, to welcome more than structure.

The Moon as fourth card : Outcome
in the Rider Waite Smith 5-Card spread

In the outcome position, the Moon indicates an outcome marked by profound inner transformation, but one that is still partially invisible. It may indicate that the situation will not be resolved in a clear or definitive manner, but will evolve in a climate of persistent ambiguity.

This is not a card of clear resolution, but rather of gradual revelation, of subtle unveiling. It is possible that certain truths will remain hidden for a while, or that the consultant will have to go through a period of fog before seeing more clearly.

It can also evoke a period of fertile daydreaming, creativity, or intuitive awakening. The result can then take the form of a deep reconnection with oneself, provided that one has accepted the shadow, slowness, and complexity of the process.

On another note, the Moon as a result can also serve as a warning: not all information is yet known, or someone may be hiding their intentions.

The card therefore invites caution and benevolent vigilance. This is not the time to make any decisions, but to embrace the mystery and move forward with it.