Mystical Cats Tarot - Moon XVIII

Onaorkal

What looks like a silver Ocicat or Bengal cat is facing us, their left paw stepping forward, all claws visible. They seem to be in hunting mode. The large white glow and aqua coloring of their eyes is due to the tapetum lucidum, an eye component allowing to see better in the dark.
It is night time, the sky is a very dark grey color and the full moon is clearly visible among several stars. The Moon is surrounded by a white halo.
The cat seems to be in an open area with no tree close to them, only sparse grass and bioluminescent (glow in the dark) mushrooms. In front of the cat, the ground seems to be made of plain soil and rocks.
A few insects are present. Some are around the mushrooms and barely visible, but there's also one big Luna moth flying over the cat.
In the background, a few trees are visible, along with some radiation fog (also called ground fog). Behind them, sereval trees are discernable with the Moon hovering right above.


Colors : Shades of grey


This card tells us about the need to use our unconscious mind and intuition when 'darkness' falls upon us. ''Allow time for more to be revealed, and don't trust what you see as being the complete truth.'' In other words, remember that your perspective may change as you manage to see better through the confusion.
I'm pretty sure a lot more could be said in relation to spiritual and/or psychological concepts, but they're not that easy to grasp and I won't venture on that for now.


Symbols :

Ocicat or Bengal cat : I truly couldn't manage to identify this one for sure, as the cat has characteristics from both breeds (which can be very similar looking anyway). In any case, the symbolism would be the same. Both breeds are made to resemble wild cats. I think it suits well the meaning of this card, since it is about illusion and deceiving appearances. When encountering this cat in the dark, you might believe at first that you are facing some dangerous wild feline, while in fact it's a domesticated kitty. (Doesn't mean they can't be dangerous I know huhu.)

Grey cat : As the saying goes 'At night, all cats are grey'. Is it really a silver/grey cat or is it an illusion? Who knows? Once again, we are reminded that appearances can be deceptive. Also, grey is the color of uncertainty, like when talking about a 'grey area'.

'Hunting mode' : Whether the cat is in hunting or defensive mode, one thing is certain : they look very alert yet calm. It's good to rely on all your senses when you feel lost, but beware of the false visions your brain try to invent when you start to panic. If you stay calm, you will be able to differentiate between what's true and what's not.

Glowing eyes : Like cats, we must adapt and learn to see in the 'dark'.

Night : Associated with the unconscious mind.

Darkness : Symbolizes periods of confusion and fear.

Full Moon : The Moon is a common symbol for the unconscious and intuition. In the folklore of many cultures, the full Moon is associated with mysterious events, insanity and fears. In the middle of the night, when it is high in the sky, the full Moon somewhat lights up the world, but at the same time creates a lot of unsettling shadows. It also relates to the 'deceptive' aspect of the Moon card. When seen from the Earth, the Moon looks like a very lightened celestial body, when in fact it simply reflects light from the Sun.

Stars : Represent goals, faith, inspiration, spiritual self and hope. They don't seem to glow as much when the full Moon is out, but they are still there to guide us along the way.

Mushrooms : Whether they 'glow in the dark' or not, mushrooms are typically associated with stories of mystery and magic. They tend to grow more during night time and are often associated with it for this reason.

Luna moth : Moths are basically nocturnal butterflies and are associated with the typical night-related themes : the unconscious, intuition, inner shadows, etc. They use moonlight to help them navigate in the dark. Here we can see a Luna moth, with its name directly inspired by the Moon (luna = Moon in Latin). Butterflies often symbolize the chase for freedom and moths in particular are related to spiritual awakening/growth.

Fog : Symbolizes the unconscious mind and confusion.

Trees : Hold varied symbolism, but here it would be about wisdom, protection and spiritual growth.

Forest : Associated with life, mystery and the unknown.