New Moon Tarot Spread Explained

• About
• Latest Posts

Jessica Rosslee

Jessica has been practicing Tarot for twelve years and believes it's crucial to approach the art respectfully and with humility. This is why Jessica focuses on reading for herself and regularly receives tarot readings from others. As a freelance writer, Jessica loves being able to showcase her respect and love for this niche on Tarot Technique.

Latest posts by Jessica Rosslee (see all)

• Horseshoe Tarot Spread Explained: How to Read the Horseshoe Spread - August 1, 2022
• Six of Wands Meaning: Upright and Reversed - August 1, 2022
• Judgement Tarot Meaning For Money, Love, Career, Health and More - August 1, 2022

Using your tarot cards in tune with the moon’s phases can be a great way to tap into your emotions and how the moon influences the inner chambers of our being. And what better place to begin than with the new moon phase.

The new moon is, as its name suggests, the beginning of the moon’s phases. It is also the best time to begin setting intentions and the perfect time to get the ball rolling for manifestations. There is no better time to set intentions, focus our energies, and observe manifestation. 

Why do a New Moon Tarot Spread?

There is no doubt that humankind has had a relationship with the moon throughout the centuries. But despite the moon impacting the largest bodies of water on earth, the oceans, we still don’t seem to comprehend the moon’s impact on ourselves.

There is much that the rational mind still does not understand, and even more that scientists are still uncovering too. But what many of us do know, is that almost all life on earth is affected by the moon’s phases. Whether it be the plants’ growth cycle, an animal’s breeding cycle, an animal’s hunting instinct, or the ebb and flow of oceanic tides. 

And for us humans, who are 75% water, it seems bizarre to discredit any effect the moon may have on us, doesn’t it?

But how much of this are we consciously aware of?

Our days are filled with phone calls, video calls, endless scrolling, and the busyness of the modern-day person. In such a culture of demand and urgency, there’s barely time to ponder the presence of the moon- unless, of course, it is for a snapshot and a cute social media post. But let’s stop and consider something for a moment. The tides, whether we see them or not, will continue to rise and fall with the moon phases. And we can apply this same logic to ourselves: the moon’s phases will continue to impact us whether we are consciously aware of it or not. 

So, the question is, what happens when we become consciously aware of it? Well, I think it’s time for you to find out for yourself. 

For the new moon tarot spread, we are going to have some fun with setting intentions with the moon and our Tarot cards. 

Firstly, you have to ask yourself: what is it that I desire? What is it that I want? 

Using a new moon tarot layout will help you to connect with the energy offered by the new moon. Remember, the new moon is the time to dream big and to be honest with yourself about what it is that ignites your soul. 

What do you want to achieve? What are your goals? Even if you’ve been made to believe that your goals are too big for a person like you (whoever that may be)- the new moon is here to tell you that is false propaganda. You can achieve your goals and you can realize your dreams. 

All you have to do is to know exactly what they are and put in the work required for you to attain them. And the new moon tarot layout is here to help you do just that. 

More on the Moon

The moon’s orbit is typically 29 and a half days long. It is measured from the full moon throughout the cycles until it swells back into full again. 

Use this moon phase guide to know what energies to tap into: 

Full Moon

The full moon brings full power. It is a bright time that illuminates the night sky, and as you can imagine, it can be a time of heightened emotions. The full moon is the ideal moon phase to take action and to make solid decisions. But beware- the full moon is also a time of intense emotions. This is often true for those who tend to hold in their emotions and are wound like a spring. The full moon can often trigger these tightly wound emotions into a full tide of outbursts. 

Waning Moon

The waning moon phase comes after the intensity of the full moon. It is quieter energy, as it is a time to withdraw and reflect. The waning moon is the ideal time for rest and recuperation. Don’t be surprised if during this time you become The Hermit and cancel your social plans. Take the time to meditate and release that which feels like it needs to be let go of. 

New Moon

As we have mentioned, the new moon is the time for manifestations. And as the name suggests, it is the herald of a new phase and a new cycle. There is vibrancy afoot, and you can almost feel the tingle of possibilities on your fingertips. The new moon is the ideal time to set intentions and manifest your goals and dreams. 

Waxing Moon

The waxing moon comes in between the new and full moon phases. Since it comes after the new moon when intentions are set, the waxing phase brings the energy needed to actively pursue your goals. But be ready for a flurry of action and chaos- and remember to rest in between all the action. 

The New Moon: The Perfect Station for Manifestation

The phase of the new moon is the perfect stage for planting new seeds of intention. After this phase, the waxing begins and the moon begins to grow into the full moon again. This is perfectly symbolic- plant the intentional seed in the new moon, and watch it grow to fruition with the full moon. 

The new moon is the time to create. It is the time to set your dreams into motion. 

Before the new moon, we had the waning phase. The waning is the grieving phase, the phase where all the old weeds were rooted out. You released what you needed to before setting the scene for new intentions. If you have recently transitioned through a grievous period and let go of things that might have been difficult to let go of, then you are ready for the new moon. 

You see, you needed to make space for the new, to make space for your dreams to come into reality. You can’t grow new plants in a bed filled with old weeds, can you? So, if you find yourself here after a period of letting go and release, take heart. It’s time to welcome in the new. 

And there’s no better time to do that than with the new moon tarot spread. 

The New Moon Tarot Layouts 

Use these new moon tarot spreads to help focus your energy and intentions. 

Here is the first New Moon Tarot Spread. I like to use this spread when I am determined to see my intentions manifested. 

First Spread: New Moon Manifestation Tarot Layout

This spread will use six cards. 

After shuffling the cards, cut the deck and draw six cards, laying them in two rows of three (or however you prefer to lay them). You can leave them face down and flip them over successively, or simply draw them and lay them face up immediately. There is no right or wrong here- it is up to you. 

But just as a tip, if you do lay them face up be careful not to delve too much into the cards before you go through them. If you are prone to excitement like this, rather leave the cards facing down and flip them as you get to each card. That way your mind can stay relatively uncluttered as you interpret each card. 

• Card 1: What have I released?
• Card 2: Where am I at now?
• Card 3: What is happening within me?
• Card 4: What do I wish to cultivate (within myself or in life)? 
• Card 5: What steps do I need to take to bring my intentions to manifestation?
• Card 6: What help, extra information or resources do I have as I manifest my dreams?

Each card and imagery will have a specific connection with the doors in your subconscious. So, while guides can show you what these cards mean for the consensus, only you can draw the personal meaning yourself. 

Top Tips for Interpreting Tarot Cards in the New Moon Layout

If you find yourself a bit unsure, don’t worry. It is completely normal. Use these tips to help you:

• Take some time to tune in and find out what it is that you want. 
• Remember to ask for things according to your highest good. Sometimes, what we want is not what will help us in the long term. 
• Write down your intentions. If you are not sure what it is that you want to manifest, try intuitive journaling. Just start writing about what you think it is that you want, and allow your writing to flow. By the end of it, I am pretty sure you’ll find what it is that you want. 

Some Tips for After the Reading

Okay, so you’ve done your reading. Now how do you transform these intuitive messages into reality? You could ask the tarot deck for further help, but be careful not to fall into the trap of too much digging. The act of asking for guidance and help can become addictive- make sure you are understanding the messages and applying them in life as well. 

Once you’ve done your reading and have a clearer idea of how to manifest your dreams and goals, it’s time to relax and release. 

As counterintuitive as this may seem, if we hold on to these intentions too tight and with too much tension, how on earth are we supposed to relax enough to welcome them into our lives? 

You see, life responds to what we provide. So if we relax and let life’s divine timing do its thing, we will know that we did everything that we could to achieve our dreams. And whatever comes our way is for our highest good. If you want, you can do a mini fire ceremony and burn the piece of paper with your intentions written on it. Be careful with the flame, and don’t set anything else alight. 

When the full moon comes around, as it always does, you can reflect back on your new moon reading and see just how far you’ve come. There are also full moon readings for you to do as well, keep an eye on the blog for the best full moon tarot layouts and spreads. 

Second Spread: New Moon Manifestation Tarot Layout

This spread will use five cards.

• Card 1: What should I focus on this new moon?
• Card 2: What is my current energy like this new moon?
• Card 3: What can I expect from this new moon? 
• Card 4: What is manifesting this new moon?
• Card 5: How can I focus my energy/where should I focus my energy for my intentions to manifest this full moon? This final card can also show the archetypal energy that will help you during the manifestation process for the new moon. 

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The moon is the silent governess of all the water on this earth, including the 75% of water within our bodies. Our emotions are closely linked to the water element as well. If you think for a moment, imagine all the world’s oceans- they cover a vast area, don’t they? The moon has an incredible effect on the oceans and governs the tides coming in and going out. The moon’s phases are important for all life on earth- that is a fact and not some superfluous advice dished out by hippies. When we want to work in harmony with life, we follow the natural rhythms that flow through life. Aligning our energy and intention with the moon’s phases does exactly that. 

Use this new moon to set your intentions and manifest what you desire. Does it always work out the way we picture it in our minds? No, it doesn’t- but maybe it is not meant to. Set your intentions, do the tarot spread, and then act with the advice you receive. You might just be surprised how your life can change in the matter of a mere moon cycle. 

Continue reading:

Horseshoe Tarot Spread Explained: How to Read the Horseshoe Spread

Celtic Cross Spread Explained: What Does it Mean?

The New Year Tarot Spread Explained