Tarot (ta·rot, pronounced tear-oh) is the art of using cards to tell the future or provide insight into a particular problem or question, dating back to around the 16th century. Have you heard of Tarot cards? Some people believe they are as powerful as the gossip your mom seems to know about everyone while others give it an eye roll and compare it to astrology. And like many things that have a somewhat complicated history, it’s usually discredited for having absolutely no scientific support and therefore must just be mumbo jumbo. But hey – we think that it’s important to keep an open mind to all things.

Due to its exposure in TV shows and movies Tarot is often associated with the dark arts and the scary things of medieval witches. But when they were first invented some 5 centuries ago, they were nothing more than simple playing cards. Popular in both France and Italy, they didn’t have any spooky uses, just simple entertainment. Do we consider divination spooky? Well not really, but people in the 18th century definitely did, especially when they didn’t even have electricity yet!

The Tarot Cards

Every deck consists of 78 cards in total with 22 Major Arcana cards representing the stages and experiences that are common to most people. The remaining 56 cards are known as the Minor Arcana, which are more specific and represent the people, events, and feelings that we all experience in our own unique ways.

How the Moon Phases Affect the Tarot Cards

When someone is practised in the art of Tarot reading, they understand that each of the Moon’s phases can alter the cards as much as a rainy day can ruin an all-white outfit, or golden hour can make you shine. Here’s a quick look at how your Tarot reading may be affected during different Moon Phases:

New Moon

When there’s a New Moon, and you cannot see any part of the Moon illuminated, your readings may be more or less stunted. The mystics required for a good reading are seen to be clouded during this time as there is a lack of Moonlight.

Waxing Phases - Crescent, First Quarter and Gibbous

These phases are often associated with the creation of things in your life, new projects, challenges, relationships etc., and this is the best time to ask the cards questions, about what can be added to your life.

Questions like whether you should expand your family, with a child or furry friend, change professions, or if you should continue your education.

Full Moon

This is a time of wholeness, enhanced intuition and wisdom. Most Tarot readers claim that the cards give the clearest answers during the Full Moon phase. It reflects the improved intuition of the diviner. To put it simply: a reading that is done during the Full Moon is said to be the most powerful. Remember that even in ancient times, the Full Moon would bring out strong emotions and everything was a little crazy.

If you’ve never had a reading done, then by these accounts make sure you schedule one for the next Full Moon to get your money’s worth!

Waning Phases - Gibbous, Third Quarter, Crescent

If during the Waxing phases the cards do the best to concentrate on things to add to your life, then it can be said that during the Waning phases it’s about what can or should be removed from your life. This is the time to purge, any relationships, physical or emotional burdens that are weighing down on you and aren’t doing you any favours.

If something feels a little off in your life and you are unsure of whether or not it has a place in your future, the Waning Phases are the optimal time to consult with the cards.