The symbolism of the moon is wide in scope and very complex. The
power of this satellite was noted by Cicero, when he observed that ‘Every month
the moon completes the same trajectory executed by the sun in a year. . . . It
contributes in large measure to the maturation of shrubs and the growth of animals.’ This helps to explain the important rôle of the lunar goddesses such as
Ishtar, Hathor, Anaitis, Artemis. Man, from the earliest times, has been aware of
the relationship between the moon and the tides, and of the more mysterious
connexion between the lunar cycle and the physiological cycle of woman. Krappe
believes—with Darwin—that this follows from the fact that animal life originated in the watery deeps and that this origin imparted a rhythm to life which has
lasted for millions of years. As he observes, the moon thus becomes the ‘Master
of women’. Another essential fact in the ‘psychology of the moon’ is the apparent changes in its surface that accompany its periodic phases. He postulates that
these phases—especially in their negative sense of partial and gradual disappearance—may have been the source of inspiration for the Dismemberment myth
(Zagreus, Pentheus, Orpheus, Actaeon, and Osiris for example). The same might be said of the myths and legends of the ‘spinners’ (35). When patriarchy superseded matriarchy, a feminine character came to be attributed to the moon and a
masculine to the sun. The hieros gamos, generally understood as the marriage of
heaven and earth, may also be taken as the union of the sun and the moon. It is
generally conceded nowadays that the lunar rhythms were utilized before the
solar rhythms as measures of time, and there is also a possible equation with the
resurrection—spring follows upon winter, flowers appear after the frost, the sun
rises again after the gloom of night, and the crescent moon grows out of the ‘new
moon’. Eliade points to the connexion between these cosmic events and the myth
of the periodic creation and recreation of the universe (17). The regulating function of the moon can also be seen in the distribution of the waters and the rains,
and hence it made an early appearance as the mediator between earth and heaven.
The moon not only measures and determines terrestrial phases but also unifies
them through its activity: it unifies, that is, the waters and rain, the fecundity of
women and of animals, and the fertility of vegetation. But above all it is the being
which does not keep its identity but suffers ‘painful’ modifications to its shape
as a clear and entirely visible circle. These phases are analogous to the seasons of
the year and to the ages in the span of man’s life, and are the reasons for the
affinity of the moon with the biological order of things, since it is also subject to
the laws of change, growth (from youth to maturity) and decline (from maturity
to old age). This accounts for the mythic belief that the moon’s invisible phase
corresponds to death in man, and, in consequence, the idea that the dead go to the
moon (and return from it—according to those traditions which accept reincarnation). ‘Death’, observes Eliade, ‘is not therefore an extinction, but a temporal
modification of the plan of life. For three nights the moon disappears from
heaven, but on the fourth day it is reborn. . . . The idea of the journey to the moon
after death is one which has been preserved in the more advanced cultures (in
Greece, India and Iran). Pythagorean thought imparted a fresh impulse to astral
theology: the “Islands of the Blessed” and all mythic geography came to be
projected on to celestial planes—the sun, the moon, the Milky Way. It is not
difficult to find, in these later formulas, the traditional themes of the moon as the
Land of the Dead or as the regenerating receptacle of souls. (But) . . . lunar space
was no more than one stage in the ascension; there were others: the sun, the
Milky Way, the “supreme circle”. This is the reason why the moon presides over
the formation of organisms, and also over their decomposition (as the colour
green). Its destiny consists of reabsorbing forms and of recreating them. Only
that which is beyond the moon, or above it, can transcend becoming. Hence, for Plutarch, the souls of the just are purified in the moon, whilst their bodies return
to earth and their spirit to the sun.’ The lunar condition, then, is equivalent to the
human condition. Our Lady is depicted above the moon, thereby denoting that
eternity is above the mutable and transitory (17). René Guénon has confirmed
that, in ‘the sphere of the moon’, forms are dissolved, so that the superior states
are severed from the inferior; hence the dual rôle of the moon as Diana and
Hecate—the celestial and the infernal. Diana or Jana is the feminine form of Janus
(26, 17). Within the cosmic order, the moon is regarded as a duplication of the
sun, but in diminished form, for, if the latter brings life to the entire planetary
system, the moon influences only our own planet. Because of its passive character—in that it receives its light from the sun—it is equated with the symbolism of
the number two and with the passive or feminine principle. It is also related to the
Egg of the World, the matrix and the casket (9). The metal corresponding to the
moon is silver (57). It is regarded as the guide to the occult side of nature, as
opposed to the sun which is responsible for the life of the manifest world and for
fiery activity. In alchemy, the moon represents the volatile (or mutable) and
feminine principle, and also multiplicity because of the fragmentary nature of its
phases. These two ideas have sometimes been confused, giving rise to literal
interpretations which fall into the trap of superstition. The Greenlanders, for
example, believe that all celestial bodies were at one time human beings, but the
moon in particular they accuse of inciting their women to orgies and for this
reason they are not permitted to contemplate it for long (8). In pre-Islamic
Arabia, as in other Semitic cultures, the cult of the moon prevailed over sunworship. Mohammed forbade the use of any metal in amulets except silver (39).
Another significant aspect of the moon concerns its close association with the
night (maternal, enveloping, unconscious and ambivalent because it is both protective and dangerous) and the pale quality of its light only half-illuminating
objects. Because of this, the moon is associated with the imagination and the
fancy as the intermediary realm between the self-denial of the spiritual life and
the blazing sun of intuition. Schneider has drawn attention to a highly interesting
morphological point with his observation that the progressive change in the
shape of the moon—from disk-shape to a thin thread of light—seems to have
given birth to a mystic theory of forms which has influenced, for example, the
manner of constructing musical instruments (51). At the same time, Stuchen,
Hommel and Dornseif have demonstrated the influence of the lunar shapes upon
the characters of the Hebrew and Arabic alphabets, in addition to their profound
effect upon the morphology of instruments. Eliade quotes Hentze’s comment to the effect that all dualisms find in the moon’s phases, if not their historical cause,
at least a mythic and a symbolic model. ‘The nether world—the world of darkness—is represented by a dying moon (horns=quarter moon; the sign of a double
volute=two quarter moons facing in opposite directions; two quarters superimposed back to back = lunar change representing a decrepit, bony old man). The
upper world—the world of life and of the nascent sun—is symbolized by a tiger
(the monster of darkness and of the new moon) with the human being, represented by a child, emerging from its jaws’ (17). Animals regarded as lunar are
those which alternate between appearance and disappearance, like the amphibians; examples are the snail which leaves its shell and returns to it; or the bear
which vanishes in winter and reappears in spring, and so on. Lunar objects may
be taken as those of a passive or reflecting character, like the mirror; or those
which can alter their surface-area, like the fan. An interesting point to note is that
both objects are feminine in character.

To see the moon in your dream, represents some hidden, mysterious aspect of yourself. It is often associated with the feminine mystique and intuition. Alternatively, the moon signifies your changing moods.

To see the eclipse of the moon in your dream, signifies that your feminine side is being overshadowed. Or it may mean that some hidden aspect of yourself is coming to the surface.

To see the crescent moon in your dream, indicates cyclic changes, renewal, and movement. You are progressing smoothly toward your life path. A full moon signifies completion and wholeness, while a new moon symbolizes new beginnings.

To dream of seeing the moon with the aspect of the heavens remaining normal, prognosticates success in love and business affairs.

A weird and uncanny moon, denotes unpropitious lovemaking, domestic infelicities and disappointing enterprises of a business character.

The moon in eclipse, denotes that contagion will ravage your community.

To see the new moon, denotes an increase in wealth and congenial partners in marriage.

For a young woman to dream that she appeals to the moon to know her fate, denotes that she will soon be rewarded with marriage to the one of her choice. If she sees two moons, she will lose her lover by being mercenary. If she sees the moon grow dim, she will let the supreme happiness of her life slip for want of womanly tact.

To see a blood red moon, indicates war and strife, and she will see her lover march away in defence of his country.

Seeing the moon in your your dream, represents something hidden, mystery and the feminine aspect of your self. In particular, a full moon means completion, whereas a new moon symbolizes new beginnings. Dreaming that the moon in odd in any way means infidelity of your lover and disappointments in business. Seeing the eclipse of the moon in your dream means that your feminine side is being overshadowed. It also foretells of illness of someone near you. Seeing the crescent moon in your dream indicates cyclic changes, renewal, and movement. You are progressing smoothly toward your life path.

The Moon is an interesting symbol that signifies feminine energy; it is associated with the irrational and the intuitive. The Moon affects the ocean tides, and it has been linked to madness. As a dream symbol is can represent all of these things and more. As always, pay attention to the details in the dream before making conclusions. The moon could represent romance and our earthly impulses and passions. It could reveal things about the nature of soul and the unconscious. The Moon can also reflect inner peace and feelings of serenity and security.

Often associated with the destination or repository for souls after death. The gods adn goddesses of the underworld, the realm of the dead, are often lunar deities. The association of the moon with death and rebirth is due to it's waxing and waning: every 28 days, teh moon "dies" and is "re-born". The ancient Greeks believed the moon to be a midway point for souls traveling from Earth to Heaven or visa versa. The souls of the newly dead first went to the moon where their astral bodies were cleansed before continuing on to Heaven. According to the Upanishads, the sacred Hindu texts, the souls of unenlightened people go to the moon after death where they await reincarnation. Enlightened souls who have been liberated from reincarnation go to the Sun.

Astrological Sign: Pisces.
Positive associations with this tarot card:
imagination, unexpected possibilities, illumination.
Negative associations with this tarot card:
fear, confusion, highly charged emotions, bewilderment, lies, deceit.
When The Moon appears you can be sure it will be a time of highly charged emotions and confusion .
Despite any fear you may have, the wan light of The Moon will illuminate the way, and even if the path you are on is tough, all will turn out right in the end.
Upright and in a favourable position in a reading this card is a good omen if you are involved in a clandestine affair, otherwise it may signify that your secret may be exposed.
The Moon can lead to artistic expression through art, writing or music, which may lead to unexpected opportunities.
Negatively this card stands for lack of progress because of deep rooted fears and anxieties. It tells of failure of nerve, it also warns of lies and deceit - perhaps this is the cause of your worries.

To see your own family in your dream, represents security, warmth and love. It could also symbolize bitterness, jealousy, or rivalry, depending on your relationship with your family. Alternatively, it could mean that you are overly dependent on your family, especially if the family members are in your recurring dreams .Consider also the significance of a particular family member or the relationship you have with them.

To dream of one's family as harmonious and happy, is significant of health and easy circumstances; but if there is sickness or contentions, it forebodes gloom and disappointment.

Seeing your own family in high spirits in your dream, symbolizes harmony and happiness. Seeing them gloomy, foretells of disappointment and sadness.

The first people in your life with whom you have any social interaction are the members of your family. Therefore, a dream about a family member can represent any waking life social situation. For example, if you are arguing with your mother or father in a dream, you may be having a problem with another authority figure, such as an employer, in your waking life. If you dream that an older sibling is teaching you how to do something, you may be hoping that you will receive assistance with something from someone else in your waking life.

A family can also represent security and community.

The meaning of a dream about family will largely depend upon your personal experiences with your own family members.

An emblem of faithfulness, and it is in this sense that it appears so often
at the feet of women in the engravings on mediaeval tombs; in the same way the
lion, an attribute of the male, symbolizes valour (20). In Christian symbolism, the
dog has another sense, deriving from the function of the sheep-dog: that of guarding and guiding the flocks, which at times becomes an allegory of the priest (46).
In a more profound sense, though still related to the foregoing, the dog is—like the
vulture—the companion of the dead on their ‘Night Sea-Crossing’, which is
associated with the symbolisms of the mother and of resurrection. It has a similar
significance when it appears in scenes depicting the Mithraic sacrifice of the bull
(31). In alchemy, it was used as a sign rather than as a symbol. A dog devoured by
a wolf represents the purification of gold by means of antimony.

To see a dog in your dream, symbolizes intuition, loyalty, generosity, protection, and fidelity. The dream suggests that your strong values and good intentions will enable you to go forward in the world and bring you success. The dream dog may also represent someone in your life who exhibits these qualities. Alternatively, to see a dog in your dream, indicates a skill that you may have ignored or forgotten. If the dog is vicious and/or growling, then it indicates some inner conflict within yourself. It may also indicate betrayal and untrustworthiness. If the dog is dead or dying, then it means a loss of a good friend or a deterioration of your instincts.

To dream that a dog bites you on the leg, suggests that you have lost your ability to balance aspects of your life. You may be hesitant in approaching a new situation or have no desire to move forward with your goals. Alternatively, it symbolizes disloyalty.

To see a happily barking dog in your dream, symbolizes pleasures and social activity. You are being accepted into some circle. If the dog is barking ferociously, then it represents your habit of making demands on people and controlling situations around you. Are you "barking" too many orders? Alternatively, it could also indicate unfriendly companions.

To dream that you are buying a dog, indicates your tendency to buy your friends or buy compliments and favors. Alternatively, it suggest a need for you to find companionship. If you are being guided by a dog, then it suggests that you are having difficulties in navigating out of a situation or problem.

To dream that you give or send your dog away, indicates that the decisions and choices you are making now may be misinterpreted as disloyalty. You have to do what is right for you and not worry about what others think of the decision. Alternatively, it signifies rejection of friendship.

To dream that you are dressing up your dog, signifies your attempts to cover up your own character flaws and habits.

To see a black colored dog in your dream, symbolizes the shadow aspect of a friend. The dark side of someone close to you is being revealed and you are able to see through to their true intentions.

Also consider the notions associated with the word dog, such as loyalty ("man's best friend") and to be "treated like a dog".

Seeing a dog in your dream, indicate a skill that you have ignored or forgotten, but needs to be activated. Alternatively, dogs may symbolize intuition, loyalty, generosity, protection, and fidelity. Your own values and intentions will enable you to go forward in the world and succeed. If the dog is vicious and/or growling, then it means some inner conflict within yourself. It may indicate betrayal and untrustworthiness. If the dog is dead or dying, then it indicates a loss of a good friend. Alternatively, it represents a deterioration of your instincts. Dreaming that a dog bites your on the leg, suggests that you have lost your ability to balance aspects of your life. You may be hesitant in approaching a new situation or have no desire to move forward with your goals. Seeing a happily barking dog in your dream, symbolizes pleasures and much social activity. If the dog is barking ferociously, then it represents your habit of making demands on people and controlling situations around you. It could also mean unfriendly companions. Dreaming that you are buying a dog indicates your tendency to buy your friends or buy compliments/favors. Alternatively, it suggest a need for you to find companionship. Dreaming that you are dressing up your dog means your attempts to cover up your own character flaws and habits.

Dogs in dreams could symbolise a large variety of ideas and concepts, but mostly they are symbolic of the dreamer's defensive structure and may represent personal boundary issues. Carefully consider all of the details and the mood in your dream. First, if you have a dog, it may be natural to dream about him. We become emotionally attached to our dogs and we dream about them just as we dream about anything else that is important to us. Otherwise, dogs could symbolize loyalty and hard work.

If you hear a barking dog in your dream, your unconscious could be warning you of danger. A growling dog can be a warning that someone you know is being untrustworthy.

If you dream of being bitten by a dog, you could be engaging in activities that will cause you problems later on in waking life.

If someone calls you a dog, it is a negative reflection on your personality. If you are being treated like a dog, you are most likely being abused in some way.

On the metaphysical level, dogs are considered to be the guardians of the underworld. Finally, dogs could represent the more basic or "animal" parts of our nature and some think that they specifically represent male energy.

Dog Meaning and Dog Symbolism

To me, dog meaning and symbolism rings my bells in the realms of communication, and I elaborate on that the theme of communication on my "Dog Meaning and Symbolism in the Tarot" article.

I'll let you in on a little secret: Once upon a time, the sound of barking dogs put my nerves in a "tilt." Worse than scrapes down a chalkboard; barking and yapping dogs would send me in a nervous tailspin. I'm an audio-attuned person, and certain sounds just send rancor through my nerve-ranks.

Thankfully, that nerve-crushing reaction subsided when I met with an Iroquois native. Naturally perceptive, she noticed my jangled state while we were passing a group of neighborhood canines. Acting on her observations, she took the time to explain the intricacies and importance of "dog-speak." She shared with me how canine language is complex and vital to how dogs communicate their well-being (or otherwise), their views and the status of their community. Embracing her Iroquoian wisdom, I viewed (heard) dog-speak in a whole new light.

Now, every time I hear dogs baying in my awareness - I get quiet. I listen. I realize their speech is an opportunity to gain vital information on the status of my environment (and theirs). Intonation, pitch, guttural inflection, repetitious patterns....they all contribute to the overall message a dog is conveying. If you listen close, you can pick up on their language. It can be a true oracle. Try it sometime.

A short-list of dog meaning includes symbolic attributes like:

Fidelity
Loyalty
Assistance
Intelligence
Obedience
Protection
Community
Cooperation
Resourcefulness
Communication
Sensory Perception

The theme of communication becomes heightened when we peer into histories and discover dog meaning and symbolism is connected to the metaphysical realms. The dog has long been considered a liaison between the physical and non-physical dimensions. Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Celtic and beyond have all prescribed the dog as a sacred guardian of the Otherworlds - those realms outside our daily/mundane experience. If you hear of dogs being symbols of death - this is the connection: Dogs are the guardians of ephemeral domains, and can even serve as spirit guides in non-physical journeys.

Consider Anubis, the Egyptian god whose charge is to insure safe transitions from common reality (physical life on Earth) into the Afterlife experience. With the head of a jackal (of canine ilk), Anubis dons the super-powerful sensory perception of the dog. Further, that dog connection represents the epitome of protection, guidance, loyalty and adherence to the flow of unseen spiritual energy. To be sure, safe passage from "life" to Afterlife will be seen to success under the governance of the dog/jackal-headed Anubis. In this ancient light, we get distinct impressions of: Security, Guardianship, Protection.

Dogs are sacred to Hecate, the Greek-Roman overseer of lots of things - but surely a matron bound to protect that which is misunderstood. It seems (to me) where there is senseless lashing out against that which is misunderstood, Hecate comes ferociously in justification - her dogs baying with equal verve at her side. Death, darkness, wild wandering, lunar moodiness, midnight journeying...Hecate defends the soul's right to wander in these little-known, oft-misunderstood alleyways. With her highly perceptive hounds guiding the way (and protecting the body as the spirit wanders), astral travel becomes eons easier.

Interestingly, Hecate and her hounds will also speak for (and protect) those who cannot do so for themselves. Newborns. Hecate and her dogs represent an Alliance for Defense and Protection to those who cannot defend themselves: Babies, Children, the Meek, the Mild, the Mad and the unjustly Maligned.

In Celtic symbolism, dogs are a representation of heroism. They embody heart-pounding attributes such as: Courage, Persistence, Virility. This, in large part is due to a Celtic dog's role in hunting. Dogs were even trained by the ancient Celts to assist in battle. So here we see that same thread of defense, protection and action for the good of the clan. An interesting paradox: Celtic dogs are also symbolic of healing. They are often associated with Nodens, a Celtic god of nutritive waters, hunting and healing (water is often synonymous with healing in Celtic wisdom). Dogs have also been portrayed with Sucellus, the Celtic god of protection and provision (from an agricultural view).

Native American Indian tribes have long depended upon the dog for their helpful guidance and assistance in everyday chores. Before horses, there were dogs and they were trained to help the tribe in agricultural efficiency as well as hunting. In fact, when horses were introduced to North America by the Spaniards, the term "sky dogs" was dubbed for horses because they were as helpful as their canine allies. In Native American wisdom dogs convey symbolism of: Assistance, Fidelity, Community, Protection, Friendship and Communication.

The dog is a totem of faith, reliability and mentoring. Its basic instinct is to serve a master, and even though it is often mistreated, it always answers with love. Since the dog strives to be respected by its master, it is, of course, possible to spoil it with the wrong training. Ultimately, the dog is the guardian of its master and willing to do anything for him, possibly even follow him into death. Traditionally, the dog is also guardian of secret areas and ancient knowledge. The dog's heart is filled with compassion, and it is willing to overlook human weakness. The dog can help bring these qualities to life in a person. He teaches us about mentoring, that is being the person who believes in us more that we believe in ourselves. The dog teaches us to examine one's loyalty toward one-self and others, and if a dog has arrived in your life it is a question about whether you are truly giving support.

Protection, companionship, faithfulness, warnings. Dog is a symbol of friendship and the unconditional ability to love and accept. They exhibit loyalty and are fierce protectors when needed. Examine the type of dog and what it says about you. What behaviors do you have or would like to have of the dog? Are you showing compassion for others? Are you a good companion and protector balanced with playfulness and joy? Are you serving humanity in the best way you can? Dog can teach you strength in the above qualities.

To see friends in your dream, signify aspects of your personality that you have rejected, but are ready to incorporate and acknowledge. The relationships you have with those around you are important in learning about yourself. Alternatively, dreaming of a friend, indicates positive news.

To see your childhood friend in your dream, signifies regression into your past where you had no responsibilities. Things were much simpler and carefree. You may be wanting to escape the pressures and stresses of adulthood. Consider the relationship you had with this friend and the lessons that were learned. Alternatively, the childhood friend suggests that you have been acting in a childish manner. You need to start acting like an adult.

To dream that your best friend is dying, suggests that some aspect or quality that your best friend possess is dying within your own self.

To dream of friends being well and happy, denotes pleasant tidings of them, or you will soon see them or some of their relatives.

To see your friend troubled and haggard, sickness or distress is upon them.

To see your friends dark-colored, denotes unusual sickness or trouble to you or to them. To see them take the form of animals, signifies that enemies will separate you from your closest relations.

To see your friend who dresses in somber colors in flaming red, foretells that unpleasant things will transpire, causing you anxiety if not loss, and that friends will be implicated.

To dream you see a friend standing like a statue on a hill, denotes you will advance beyond present pursuits, but will retain former impressions of justice and knowledge, seeking these through every change. If the figure below be low, you will ignore your friends of former days in your future advancement. If it is on a plane or level with you, you will fail in your ambition to reach other spheres. If you seem to be going from it, you will force yourself to seek a change in spite of friendly ties or self-admonition.

To dream you see a friend with a white cloth tied over his face, denotes that you will be injured by some person who will endeavor to keep up friendly relations with you.

To dream that you are shaking hands with a person who has wronged you, and he is taking his departure and looks sad, foretells you will have differences with a close friend and alienation will perhaps follow. You are most assuredly nearing loss of some character.

Seeing your friends in your dream means aspects of your personality that you have rejected, but are ready to integrate these rejected part of yourself. The relationships you have with those around you are important in learning about yourself. Additionally, this symbol foretells of happy tidings from them and the arrival of good news. Seeing your childhood friend in your dream means regression into your past where you had no responsibilities and things were much simpler and carefree. You may be wanting to escape the the pressures and stresses of adulthood. Consider the relationship you had with this friend and the lessons that were learned. Alternatively, the childhood friend may be suggesting that you have been acting in a childish manner and you need to start acting like an adult. Dreaming that your best friend is dying, suggests that some aspect or quality that your best friend possess is dying within your own self.

To dream of talking, denotes that you will soon hear of the sickness of relatives, and there will be worries in your affairs.

To hear others talking loudly, foretells that you will be accused of interfering in the affairs of others. To think they are talking about you, denotes that you are menaced with illness and disfavor.

To dream that you are talking does not have any significance unless it is unusual or bizarre. What are you saying specifically. Consider also if what you say evoke strong feelings or behavioral reactions. The dream may simply be highlighting your need improve your communication skills or learn to express yourself more clearly.

Dreaming that you are talking does not have any significance unless it is unusual or bizarre. Consider also if what you say evoke strong feelings or behavioral reactions. Hearing others talking loudly in your dream means that you will be accused of not minding your own business and butting into everybody else's affairs.