Moon Phases & Tarot Meanings

The New Moon marks a fresh slate and is ideal for setting intentions, planting seeds of hope, and connecting with your inner vision. Tarot readings during this time often focus on what you want to create, who you wish to become, and where to direct your energy. Good cards to explore include The Fool (beginnings), Ace cards (potential), and The Magician (manifestation power). This is also the perfect moment to clear mental clutter and create a vision board to inspire your path. The energy feels quiet yet fertile, making meditation and journaling especially powerful now. Many people perform simple rituals like lighting a candle or writing their intentions on paper to set the tone for the cycle ahead. By aligning your actions with the lunar energy, you create a strong energetic momentum for your goals. You may also feel a heightened sense of possibility and excitement during this time. Trust that even small steps now can lead to significant results later. The New Moon is about embracing beginnings without needing to have all the answers yet.

Questions to ask: “What do I want to begin?” / “What is calling to be born in my life?” / “What belief will empower my path forward?”

This phase is about nurturing your intentions. It’s a time of quiet building and momentum. Tarot can reveal areas where support is needed or where self-doubt may arise. Look for cards like Page of Pentacles (learning), Two of Wands (planning), or Strength (inner courage). The Waxing Crescent invites you to commit to the goals you set during the New Moon. It’s also a reminder to be patient, as not all progress will be immediately visible. Surround yourself with people, resources, and environments that inspire consistent action. This is a good time to track your progress and adjust strategies where needed. If challenges appear, treat them as opportunities to strengthen your resolve. Creative brainstorming and skill-building activities are highly favored now. Even small acts of daily discipline will compound into meaningful growth over the lunar cycle.

Questions to ask: “What supports my vision?” / “Where should I invest my energy?” / “What’s still growing beneath the surface?”

As tension builds, this moon phase teaches resilience. Obstacles or resistance may surface, which is why tarot during this time should address action, confrontation, or decision-making. Powerful cards include The Chariot, Justice, or Five of Wands. The First Quarter Moon can feel like a test of your commitment to your goals. This is the moment to take decisive steps rather than waiting for perfect conditions. You may need to stand your ground, negotiate, or make adjustments to your plan. Confront fears head-on and lean into the discomfort of growth. This phase encourages boldness, but also discernment—choose battles worth fighting. It’s an ideal time to break through limiting beliefs and prove your own capabilities. Think of this stage as a rite of passage where courage meets action.

Questions to ask: “What’s blocking my progress?” / “What choice must I make now?” / “What inner strength do I need to activate?”

This phase is about refinement and preparation. You’re close to a breakthrough, but small changes may be needed. Use tarot to examine what’s aligned and what may need tweaking. Cards like Temperance, Seven of Pentacles, or King of Swords are common here. The Waxing Gibbous invites you to fine-tune your approach, whether in personal projects or relationships. Pay attention to feedback and subtle signs pointing toward necessary adjustments. It’s a time to organize, perfect, and strengthen the foundation before a major reveal. Avoid rushing—polished work now will shine brighter under the Full Moon. This stage also supports deep research, practice, and skill mastery. Think of it as editing before publication or rehearsing before a big performance. The more focused your energy is, the more powerful the upcoming manifestation will be.

Questions to ask: “What needs clarity?” / “Where should I refine my efforts?” / “What is nearly ready to bloom?”

The Full Moon is a time of maximum energy and clarity. It brings illumination, truth, celebration, and sometimes emotional overwhelm. Tarot readings under this light can reveal your highest truths, desires, or what has come to fruition. Cards like The Moon, The High Priestess, or Ten of Cups may guide you. This is the moment to acknowledge what you’ve achieved since the New Moon and honor the journey. Emotions can run high, so balance celebration with grounding practices. Rituals like gratitude lists, moonlight meditation, or releasing what no longer serves can be transformative. Relationships may reach pivotal moments of truth and clarity. The Full Moon also amplifies psychic awareness and intuitive downloads. Pay attention to dreams and sudden insights, as they can hold powerful guidance for your next steps.

Questions to ask: “What am I celebrating?” / “What truth is being revealed?” / “What emotional energy needs release?”

After the intensity of the Full Moon, this phase is for integrating lessons and sharing wisdom. Tarot at this time can highlight what you’ve learned, what you’re ready to teach, or how you can support others. Helpful cards include Six of Pentacles, Queen of Cups, or The Hierophant. The Waning Gibbous invites reflection on the bigger picture and appreciation for all growth. This is a time to offer guidance to others, perhaps becoming a mentor or sharing your story. Acts of generosity, whether emotional, financial, or spiritual, are deeply rewarding now. You may find yourself naturally drawn to community connections and heartfelt conversations. Creative projects might shift from production to presentation. This phase reinforces the value of gratitude as a tool for sustaining abundance.

Questions to ask: “What wisdom have I gained?” / “How can I be of service?” / “Where am I ready to give thanks?”

The Last Quarter Moon is about release, endings, and clearing space. It’s a powerful time for shadow work, emotional detox, and realignment. Use tarot to find what must be released or healed. Look for Death, Eight of Cups, or The Hanged Man. This phase invites you to reflect on what is no longer aligned with your growth. It’s a moment to consciously detach from old habits, toxic dynamics, or outdated goals. Letting go creates space for new inspiration in the next lunar cycle. While endings can feel bittersweet, they often carry a quiet sense of liberation. This is also a good time for rest, detox rituals, and simplifying your environment. Trust that what you release now is making room for greater alignment ahead.

Questions to ask: “What no longer serves me?” / “What should I release with gratitude?” / “What internal shift is needed now?”

This deeply spiritual and restful phase invites surrender. It’s a time to rest, dream, and listen to your inner wisdom. Use tarot spreads that focus on intuitive messages, soul whispers, or dream interpretation. Resonant cards include Four of Swords, The Star, or The Hermit. The Waning Crescent supports deep meditation, spiritual healing, and energy replenishment. It’s a chance to let your mind and body restore before the New Moon begins again. Pay attention to recurring dreams, synchronicities, and subtle emotional cues. Quiet practices like journaling, gentle yoga, or breathwork can be powerful now. This is also a good moment to connect with your higher self through prayer or ritual. Accept that stillness is a form of progress and a vital part of the cycle.

Questions to ask: “What guidance is coming from within?” / “How can I nurture myself now?” / “What is gestating in my soul?”