During these past few strange and intense years, many of us have lost track of time. Sometimes it feels like things are moving quickly, sometimes at a stand still. Everyone is busy, working hard to make ends meet and grapple with economic and political ups and downs. Days of the week don’t have the same meaning and we might lose track of celebrating milestones, holidays and special occasions in the way we usually would. When you’re in survival mode, the rituals and daily supportive practices might start to slip away.
This is where the Moon comes in. We can count on the Moon and her phases. She is constantly changing, waxing and waning, giving us a beautiful reference point to work with and to keep us in tune with the world beyond our immediate surroundings. The Moon reminds us of what is eternal and that we are a part of a bigger story than what we can see right now. We can mark time, and make the most of that time, with the Moon to guide us.
Let’s talk about the New Moon.
The New Moon is a time of setting intentions, and putting them into motion. You can release what is finished or no longer needed, and get excited about what you want to create next. If you commit to an intention, and plant a seed, you can trust that as the Moon grows, your intention will grow and flourish.
An intention to me is a WISH, but it is backed up with energy, focus, and action. By taking the time to create your intention with a New Moon ritual, you are letting the universe know that you’re serious about making something happen.
Here is a Tarot spread that can help you to create that energy and focus, and can also spur you on to action.
Before you read the cards, do a brief meditation to clear your mind and heart. Breathe deeply, and imagine that you are filling your entire body with white moonlight. This light will clear away anything that you no longer need to carry or focus on. When you feel that clarity, allow the light to fade into comfortable and comforting darkness.
Then shuffle and layout your cards, keeping these questions in mind:
How to make the most of this spread:
Card #1 – look at the card and find your own life story and situation in it. What do you see there that can be released? Whether this is a success or a defeat, a happiness or a sadness, it will be a relief to let it go. Thank it, or forgive it, and release it.
Card #2 – This is your INTENTION. Get excited about it, be determined, and trust in your ability to achieve it. Take a moment to visualize it, see it starting small, off in the distance or a bit fuzzy, and then bring it into larger than life focus in your mind.
Card #3 – Come up with a concrete action that you can take. This may be something practical, or a symbolic ritual. Let the universe know that you are committed to your intention, and it is already starting to manifest for you.
Take your time with your cards. Pull as much as you can out of them. Write down your interpretations and impressions. See if you can distill your reading down to a succinct statement of intention or motivating phrase. Write that statement on a piece of paper, put it under your pillow that night, and dream it into being.
Want to know more about magical timing and moon magic and how they relate to Tarot? Check out my book, Talismans and Tarot.
