Drawing Tarot with the moon is a beautiful practice. When we strive to cycle our internal seasons with the earth and the moon we become more aligned with the energies that surround us. The moon has great influence over our bodies and the waters of the earth. If we pay attention, we can begin to feel the ways in which her potent magic swirls in and around our lives. Setting up a sacred space, outdoors under the moon or at a window where you can see the moon, can make this especially magical. There are special energies that are associated with the moon at different times in it’s cycle. You can choose to work with these energies within your tarot readings.
The Dark and Dreaming Time
New Moons are a dark dreaming time. Our sensitivity is heightened making this a quiet time of rest. Enhanced imagination and intuition brings you the gifts of the unseen. A potent period for setting intentions and visioning. Women whose bodies are tuned in with the moon will experience their moontime* (Menstruation). **
New Moon Tarot Spread
1. What am I metaphorically bleeding away? Letting go of?
2. What dreams or intentions should I set?
3. What wisdom am I bringing forth from within me during this dark time of rest?
The Illuminating Time
Full Moons shine a light on what needs to be addressed in our life. When we become illuminated in truth, our creative action propels us forward into manifesting our goals and dreams. This is an energetic moment in the cycle full of sensuality, sexuality and celebration. Women whose bodies are in tune with the moon will experience ovulation.
Full Moon Tarot Spread
1. What is this full moon illuminating for you?
2. What is this moon casting a shadow on? a weak spot or something for you to work on.
3. What to draw into your life at this moment.
4. What do you need to know for the rest of this cycle leading to the next new moon?
5. Something to celebrate.
Aligning With The Moon’s Cycles
I craft spreads every new and full moon. Reading cards under sacred moon dates was my first regular Tarot practice. By continuing these readings, I am more aware of the moon and I find myself doing readings more often. It doesn’t feel too strict or linear. It’s good for me, as I am easily turned off by linear time frames and goals. Getting cyclical is more rhythmic and natural, so because of this I don’t feel like my readings have become a chore or “I said I would so I will.” I look forward to my readings as the excitement builds towards a full moon. I become calmer during the thinning moon, knowing I can relax into a reading that will bring me ideas for new intentions. I hope these spreads resonate with you and help bring you and the beloved moon closer together.
Embracing Moontime
*I prefer to use the term moontime to refer to my bleeding time. Naming it is empowering. For me, coming to terms with my natural body functions was a process. We are culturally shamed and it is ingrained in us that our periods are dirty, inconvenient, and a punishment. I have come to know that it is sacred and holds its own magic. The veil becomes thin during this time of metaphorical and physical shedding of what no longer serves us. Intuition is strong. Connecting with and listening to our bodies can ease pain and bring new insights. Moonblood is a gift. Not a curse. The ability to birth life is sacred.
**(If you are an Elder/crone/wise woman and are no longer experiencing your moontime this means you carry the power of your blood within you. The veil is always thin. Non-binary and trans folk still experience the ebb and flow of the moon within their magically aligned bodies as well.)
