Tarot & The Moon: Spreads and Rituals for Each Lunar Phase

She is the mirror of mystery, waxing and waning through the veil of time. The Moon does not speak in straight lines—she sings in spirals.

The Moon is not a light of her own making. She borrows brilliance, shape-shifting across the sky, reminding us that power is not static—it is cyclical. As we walk the Tarot path, we can look to the Moon as both compass and companion, using her phases to guide reflection, intention, and inner alchemy.

When you read Tarot under the Moon’s gaze, something ancient awakens. The cards whisper softer, the veil thins, and your intuition rises like the tide.

The Lunar Cycle & You

Each phase of the Moon brings a different energetic current. When you align your Tarot practice with these rhythms, your readings deepen—and your rituals root into something timeless.

Let the Moon be your guide. Below are poetic spreads and gentle rituals for each major phase of the lunar cycle.

🌑 New Moon: The Seed in the Dark

Theme: Stillness, intention, dreaming the future.

Ritual: Light a single candle in total darkness. Whisper a wish into the flame. Pull your spread in silence.

Tarot Spread – What is gestating within me?

1. What inner seed is ready to be planted?

2. What do I need to release to make room?

3. What energy supports this new beginning?

The Moon is empty, yet full of promise. A blank page for your spirit’s ink.

🌒 Waxing Moon: The Growing Light

Theme: Momentum, clarity, committing to action.

Ritual: Write your intention on paper and place it beneath your Tarot deck overnight. Let the cards absorb your desire.

Tarot Spread – How do I grow toward my intention?

1. What step can I take now?

2. What strength is awakening in me?

3. What challenges may require patience or persistence?

The crescent slices the sky like a silver scythe—cutting away doubt, sharpening the will.

🌕 Full Moon: Illumination & Release

Theme: Revelation, culmination, celebration.

Ritual: Bathe your deck in moonlight. Read your spread outside, if possible. Speak your truths aloud.

Tarot Spread – What is being revealed? What is ready to be released?

1. What truth has come to light?

2. What emotional weight am I ready to lay down?

3. How can I honor this turning point?

Under the full moon, nothing can hide. Shadows stretch, but so do blessings.

🌘 Waning Moon: The Gentle Letting Go

Theme: Rest, reflection, surrender.

Ritual: Burn a dried herb (like mugwort or lavender). Let your spread be an offering of gratitude for lessons learned.

Tarot Spread – What am I outgrowing?

1. What cycle is coming to a close?

2. What wisdom can I carry forward?

3. What part of me needs tenderness during this release?

The Moon thins again, pulling you inward. The spiral does not end—it folds back into itself.

Final Thoughts: Walking in Time with the Moon

Reading Tarot with the Moon is more than a technique—it’s a remembering. You’re not just drawing cards; you’re drawing water from the deep well of self.

Let each phase be a mirror. Let your readings ebb and flow. You don’t have to force insight—just wait for the tide to rise.

She is not lost, only turning.

Until next time, may your path be illuminated, your readings insightful, and your intuition ever strong.

Carrie Slayton | Tarot Traveler ©2025