Reading by moonlight, a guide to each phase
The moon is one of our oldest timekeepers. Every 29.5 days, it waxes, wanes, disappears, and returns, reminding us that everything moves in cycles. The moon is a constant reminder that nothing is static, and that our own lives move in patterns of growth, release, and renewal.
Tarot is much the same: the Fool takes his hero’s journey through the majors, and we see in the pip cards the ups and downs of daily life. The World, the final major arcana card, symbolizes coming “full circle.”
This is all to say: a reading doesn’t just show a moment in time; the cards reflect the patterns, shifts, and repetitions that shape our lives.
Working with the moon in your tarot practice doesn’t have to be complicated or ceremonial. You don’t need to be an astrologer (or even own a deck) to let the moon guide your reflection. Think of each phase as a check-in point, each with its own questions and energy to explore — whether you’re pulling cards for yourself, receiving a reading, or just journaling.
🌑 New Moon — Planting seeds
Energy is quiet and inward, but full of potential. It’s a time to start fresh, and consider what might be next. Dream as big as you want!
Ask: What do I want to invite in? Where do I want to direct my energy?
Cards: The Fool, Ace of Wands, The Magician
🌒 Waxing Crescent – Building a vision
The first sliver of moonlight signals momentum beginning to grow. This is a time for setting intentions in motion. Take action towards what you hope to accomplish.
Ask: What small step can I take today? What resources do I need to gather?
Cards: Two of Wands, Three of Pentacles, Page of Pentacles
🌓 First Quarter – Taking action
With energy building, challenges may start to appear. It may be unclear how to achieve your goal. This phase is about action, problem-solving, and commitment.
Ask: What action will move me forward? How can I meet obstacles with clarity?
Cards: The Chariot, Seven of Wands, Knight of Swords
🌔 Waxing Gibbous – Refining and making adjustments
You’re close to the peak. This is a time to fine-tune plans and stay committed to your vision. Assess what might need to change as you approach the finish line.
Ask: What needs to be adjusted before completion? Where can I be more intentional?
Cards: Temperance, Eight of Pentacles, The Emperor
🌕 Full Moon – Clarity and completion
The moon is at its brightest and represents the culmination of all your hard work. It’s a time of illumination, completion, and often high emotion. Feel it all!
Ask: What’s been revealed? What’s ready to be celebrated or released?
Cards: The World, Ten of Cups, Ten of Swords, The Star
🌖 Waning Gibbous – Reflecting on progress
As the fullness begins to wane, so too does active progress. Energy shifts toward reflection, self-assessment, and sharing your insights with others.
Ask: What have I learned that could help me (or others)? How can I honor my progress?
Cards: Six of Wands, The Hermit, Queen of Cups
🌗 Last Quarter – Releasing to reassess
This is the clearing phase, to make space for what’s next. Consider what must go to help you move ever closer to what you’ve been working towards.
Ask: What am I ready to leave behind? What no longer supports me?
Cards: Death, Six of Swords, Five of Pentacles
🌘 Waning Crescent – Resting and restoring
The final phase before the new moon is a time for rest, retreat, and quiet preparation for the next cycle. Take a bath and blanket yourself in some calm.
Ask: Where do I need rest? What can I surrender for now?
Cards: Four of Swords, The Hanged Man, Nine of Wands
You don’t have to follow this cycle perfectly. Plenty of full moons have passed me by and all I’ve done is appreciated its glow from a nearby window. Life doesn’t unfold in neat lunar phases. But using the moon’s rhythm as a guide can give you a natural framework for reflection, whether you check in once a month or once a week.
Change is constant, and whether you’re exploring its impact through the cards or not, it’s exciting to think of its promise: every ending contains the start of something new, and every beginning will someday take shape.
