Moon Symbolism in The Last Jedi
With the TLJ I've always vividly remembered this shot of Rey after she's just finished her Force Bond talk with Kylo, which leaves her questioning Luke's credibility and is called to the 'dark' cave on Ahch-To.
As you can see, there appears to be a moon in the night sky — a Waxing Crescent in terms of moon phases:
This moon shot is also in the TLJ comic:
And I thought this visually linked nicely to the first flashback shot of the peaceful Jedi Temple/Ben's hut in Luke's retelling, because lo and behold there are not one but TWO Waxing Crescent moons in the opening shot. A big one and a tiny one (a link to Luke and Ben?).
Waxing Crescent Moon symbolism
The meanings that are associated with the Waxing Crescent Moon are: signifies intention, ideas are willed into fruition, new ideas put forward, opportunity for new intentions to take place.
The events that follows these two shots are: Rey is intent on seeking the truth, and thus ventures down into the 'dark' cave for answers, then later confides in Kylo and they form a bond. While at the Jedi Temple, Luke momentarily has the idea of killing his nephew, ~things happen~, this results in to the Knights of Ren forming, and Ben becoming Kylo Ren. So lots of “new intentions/ fruitions” take place after these Waxing Crescent moons appear.
You may think that this is quite a leap — and maybe it is. But obviously, all these moons are CGI so they were purposely put in there. And with the Rey Ahch-To shot, it feels very obvious that the moon is the focal point because its the only thing lit up in a very dim scene. But there's something else...
This is where it gets really interesting
Before this Reylo Force Bond scene even takes place, on the same night we see a scene where Luke ventures out onto the ledge, and for the first time reconnects to the Force. BUT the moon in this shot is a FULL MOON. WhaAtt?!? And according to the Wookipedia page, Ahch-To has two suns but only one moon...
One again its also in the TLJ comic:
So this leaves me very confused, because I don't think Rian would have a glaring lack of continuity with these back to back Ahch-To scenes (since these moons are deliberate CGI). So this leads me to believe either Ahch-To does in fact have two moons, OR these moons are purely visual symbolism because...
In terms of the significance of a Full Moon phase it: signifies release and sealing of intention, reap what we have sown, harvest the bounty, peak emotions.
Interestingly enough, over at Canto Bight earlier in the film, we're shown TWO Full Moons (a link to Fin and Rose?), in the opening Yacht, and beach chase, scenes. And yes the planet Cantonica does have at “least two moons”.
Finn and Rose freeing the faithers, and Luke reconnecting with the force are related to “reaping what has been sown” and the “sealing of intent” of a Full Moon. All three characters are unable to escape the consequences of their actions. Finn and Rose have done a good deed and freed the fathiers and accept the repercussions that they may be caught (but they’re saved by DJ and BB-8). While Luke is finally acknowledging his ‘failure’ of Ben Solo and that he’s been cowardly/selfish etc, and decides to face his demons and actively connects with the force again.
And if you've stayed with me this long, I'm going to point out something else too
Yes, I know Crait is not a moon. But visually, it is lit up like a Waning Crescent phase...
And the meanings associated with the Waning Crescent Moon are: signifies surrender, letting go, relaxation and recuperation, feeling free, at peace or completely empty and alone, preparation and purging, ready for new beginnings (i.e. The New Moon).
I'm sorry — but that's just too damn fitting and poetic.
(FYI here's a moon phase chart in cause your unfamiliar with the cycle)
