Brotherhood of Light Tarot: Arcanum XVIII. The Moon
The Moon appears after the light of the Star dissipates. Darkness sets in upon entering the world of shadows–the mystery of possibility, an illusion of hidden potentiality. Some call it lunacy, but all who have dreamt with a walk in the moonlight come to know each side of duality—those structures and forces of positive and negative philosophy, each acquaintance with the two loyal dogs. The Moon illuminates invisible forces much less pronounced—appearing as subtleties, though ever existent upon the surface reality. Only the eye of the Moon envisions potentiality or each intervention by an invisible force of doom. The dog of light—a servile force has been trained to offer friendly flattery—to sit opposite the jackal of dark—a hostile force conditioned to strike. Both appear loyal, yet surveying what lies below, we see that each opinion in constant opposition always threatens to bite. Even the scorpion creeps into sight—a force of destruction not yet met that finds our downfall to its own benefit. To remain silent is now our only asylum. In perceiving the perilous play the mind sets, we search the soul for an undefined ground where nothing “known” can be found. The Moon only knows that which is in constant motion requires no definition.
If this is your card, prepare to be swept up in the illusion. You may be seeing double or feeling rather moody about the shiftiness of things or people around you. It is as if you have begun to connect the surface of words and actions to each subtle motive that begs the attention of intuition. In drawing connections between the mind and matter of each experience, it is easier to see how even an enemy offers us guidance. View a climb to great heights by the highs and lows—the bad in happiness and the good of suffering are both assets to obtain ultimate prosperity. The unchallenged life leads us to negative structures, while the enlightened path leads to growth by opposition in positive systems of spiritual wisdom—a key to obtaining freedom. There will be no question the Moon is above, when it’s “three o’clock in the morning, day after day.”
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cc: Tor Even Mathisen