The Moon Tarot Card As Intentions

Let’s talk about one of the most confusing, yet revealing, moments in a tarot reading. You’ve laid out your cards, you’ve asked that crucial question—”What are their intentions towards me?”—and the card that flips over is The Moon.

You can almost hear the record scratch, can’t you? Your heart sinks a little. You were hoping for the straightforward passion of the Knight of Wands or the open-hearted offer of the Ace of Cups. Instead, you’ve been given a riddle wrapped in a mystery, shrouded in fog.

What does it mean when someone’s intentions are as murky and elusive as The Moon itself? Is it bad? Are they lying? Do they even know what they want? Don’t you worry. Let’s get the kettle on and light up  these shadowy motives together.

The Heart of the Matter: Intentions from the Subconscious

When The Moon card represents someone’s intentions, the first thing to know is that these motives are not coming from a clear, logical place. They are bubbling up from the deep, often chaotic, waters of the subconscious mind. This person is likely acting on instinct, feeling, and unexamined desires rather than a clear-cut plan.

They Might Not Even Know Their Own Intentions

This is the most common meaning. The person themselves is confused. They are the crayfish crawling out of the psychic soup on the card – driven by an ancient, primal urge they can’t yet put into words. They might feel intensely drawn to you, but if you asked them what they wanted long-term, they’d probably just stare back with a blank look. Their intention is a feeling, a pull, a magnetic force—not a conscious decision. They are navigating by starlight, and the path ahead is anything but clear.

Their Motives are Shrouded in Fear and Insecurity

The Moon is the realm of our deepest anxieties. When it shows up as someone’s intentions, it’s a huge sign that their desires are being filtered through a thick layer of fear. For example, their genuine intention might be to open up to you and build a real connection. However, their fear of rejection or past hurts (the two wolves of the wild and tamed self) are holding them back. This conflict causes them to act in confusing ways—pulling you in close one minute, then retreating into shadow the next. Their intention isn’t to play games; their fear is simply hijacking their behaviour.

There’s a Risk of Illusion and Deception

Now for the pointy bit. Yes, The Moon can signify intentions that aren’t entirely honest. But it’s rarely the straightforward, malicious deception of a card much like the Seven of Swords. The Moon’s deception is more subtle, like a mirage. The person might be projecting some kinda fantasy onto you. Their intention is to connect with the idea of you they’ve built in their mind, not the real, complex person that you are. Alternatively, they could be hiding a key piece of information – not necessarily to hurt you, but because they’re scared of the consequences, maybe if the truth comes out.

What Moon Intentions Look Like in Practice

This all sounds very theoretical, but what does it actually look like when you’re dealing with it? Let’s break it down.

In a Romantic Context

This is prime territory for The Moon. If you get this for a potential partner’s intentions, buckle up. It means they are infatuated, romanticising you, and likely very unsure of what they want. Their intention is to explore the feeling you give them, but there are no solid plans. This is the classic “It’s complicated” status. They might be harbouring unresolved feelings for an ex or be deeply insecure about whether they are good enough for you. The intention is “I feel something powerful,” not “I intend to build a stable future with you.”

In a Friendship

Here, The Moon points to unspoken issues. The person’s intention might be to maintain the friendship on the surface, but underneath there are hidden resentments or jealousies. It can signify passive aggression—where their actions don’t match their words. They might say everything’s fine, but their intention is to subtly express their discontent because they’re too afraid to have an honest natter about it.

In a Business or Work Setting

My advice? Proceed with extreme caution. The Moon in a business context is a massive warning sign. The intentions of your potential partner, client, or employer are deliberately being kept from you. They are not showing you the full picture. There could be hidden clauses in a contract, false promises about the company culture, or a “too good to be true” offer that is exactly that. Their intention is to get what they want by maintaining an illusion. This is a call to do your homework and trust nothing at face value.

When the Intentions are The Moon Reversed

Right, let’s flip this slippery card over. Seeing The Moon reversed can often be a huge relief. The fog is finally starting to clear!

This means the person’s intentions are becoming clearer—both to you and, crucially, to themselves. The period of confusion, fear, or self-deception is ending. They are starting to understand their own motives and are finding the courage to be more honest. A truthful conversation is often just around the corner. The secrets are coming to light, which allows you to finally see the situation for what it is and make a clear decision. It’s a sign that the truth, whatever it may be, is coming out to set you free.

How to Handle The Moon as Intentions

So, what’s the game plan? The Moon as an intention is not a “no” and it’s definitely not a “yes.” It is a universal sign to pause. It’s the universe grabbing you by the shoulders and saying, “Hold on, you don’t have all the facts yet.”

Do not push for clarity. Pushing a person with Moon intentions will only make them scuttle back into their shell. You cannot force the sun to rise. Instead, this card asks you to turn inward. Trust your own intuition. What is your gut telling you? Watch their actions, because in the realm of The Moon, actions speak the absolute truth while words are just mist.

Ultimately, The Moon’s appearance is never a curse. It’s a protective gesture from your deck, giving you the invaluable gift of awareness. It’s telling you to slow down, to observe, and to wait for the light of truth to dawn. And for that, we can be very grateful indeed.