Full Moon Tarot Spread – A Ritual for Monthly Reflection

There is something undeniably powerful about the full moon. For thousands of years, cultures across the world have marked this moment in the lunar cycle as a time of heightened energy, emotional intensity and profound insight. The moon sits at its brightest, fully illuminated by the sun, casting its glow across the night sky. It is a moment of culmination, completion and clarity.

For tarot readers, the full moon offers an ideal window to connect with the cards on a deeper level. Your intuition tends to be sharper during this phase. Emotions rise to the surface. Things that have been hidden or ignored suddenly become visible. This is why a full moon tarot spread has become such a beloved practice among those who work with the cards. It turns a simple reading into a monthly ritual, a chance to pause, reflect and realign with your intentions.

If you have never tried reading tarot by the light of the full moon, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From understanding the energy of the full moon to setting up your sacred space and choosing the right spread, you will have all the tools you need to make this a meaningful part of your spiritual practice.

The full moon occurs once every 29.5 days when the moon sits directly opposite the sun in the sky. The sun’s light reflects fully onto the moon’s surface, which is why we see that perfect circle of illumination. In astrology, this opposition creates a tension between the sun, which represents our ego and outward identity, and the moon, which represents our emotions and inner world. This push and pull can make full moon days feel intense, emotional and sometimes overwhelming. But it also creates an opportunity for balance and awareness.

Each full moon falls in a different zodiac sign, bringing its own flavour and focus. A full moon in Aries might stir up questions about independence and courage. A full moon in Cancer might bring family matters or emotional security to the surface. Paying attention to the sign of each full moon can add another layer of meaning to your tarot reading. However, even without diving into astrology, the general energy of the full moon remains consistent. It is a time of illumination, release and harvest.

The full moon is traditionally associated with completion and culmination. Seeds planted during the new moon two weeks earlier now come to fruition. Projects reach their peak. Relationships reveal their true nature. This is why the full moon is considered the perfect time to release what no longer serves you. Just as the moon will begin to wane after reaching fullness, you too can let go of old patterns, limiting beliefs and stagnant energy. The full moon tarot spread is designed to support this process of reflection and release.

Before you begin your reading, it helps to create a space that feels sacred and intentional. This does not need to be elaborate. The goal is simply to step out of your ordinary routine and signal to yourself that this is a meaningful moment. Find a quiet spot where you will not be disturbed for at least twenty to thirty minutes. This might be a corner of your bedroom, a spot by a window where you can see the moon, or even a garden if the weather allows.

Clear away any clutter from your space. A clean environment helps create a clear mind. You might want to lay down a cloth to define your reading area. Many tarot readers use a dedicated cloth for their cards, often in colours like black, purple or deep blue that feel connected to the night sky and lunar energy.

Next, gather any items that help you feel grounded and connected. Candles are a popular choice because their soft light mirrors the glow of the moon and creates a calming atmosphere. White candles work beautifully for full moon rituals, but you might also choose silver or pale blue to honour the lunar energy. If you prefer scented candles, lavender, jasmine or sandalwood are all lovely choices that promote relaxation and intuition.

Crystals can also enhance your full moon tarot practice. Moonstone is an obvious choice given its connection to lunar energy, intuition and emotional balance. Clear quartz amplifies intention and clarity. Amethyst supports spiritual insight and calm. Selenite is named after the moon goddess Selene and is known for its cleansing and purifying properties. You might place these crystals around your reading space or hold one in your hand while you shuffle your cards.

Incense or smoke cleansing can help clear the energy of your space before you begin. Sage, palo santo and rosemary are all traditional choices. Light your bundle or cone and let the smoke drift through your reading area. You can also pass your tarot deck through the smoke to cleanse it of any residual energy from previous readings. If smoke is not practical for your space, you can use a cleansing spray made with essential oils or simply visualise white light filling the room.

Once your space is prepared, take a few moments to ground yourself. Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Take several slow, deep breaths. Feel your feet on the floor and your body supported by the chair or cushion beneath you. Imagine roots extending from your body down into the earth, anchoring you. Then imagine a soft silver light descending from the moon above, filling you with calm, clarity and intuition. When you feel centred and present, you are ready to begin.

Pick up your tarot deck and hold it in your hands. Think about the energy of the full moon and what you hope to explore in this reading. You might set an intention silently or speak it aloud. Something like, “Show me what I need to see,” or “Help me understand what I need to release,” works well. Then begin shuffling your cards in whatever way feels natural to you. Some people shuffle traditionally, others prefer to spread the cards on the table and swirl them around before gathering them back together. Do whatever helps you feel connected to your deck.

When you feel ready, draw your cards and lay them out according to your chosen spread. There are many full moon tarot spreads to choose from, ranging from simple three card layouts to more complex arrangements. Here are a few options you might try.

The simplest full moon spread uses just three cards. The first card represents what you have manifested or achieved since the last new moon. The second card shows what is currently being illuminated or revealed in your life. The third card indicates what you need to release as the moon begins to wane. This spread is quick but powerful, perfect for those nights when you want a focused reading without spending too much time.

A five card spread offers more depth. The first card shows what the full moon is illuminating in your life right now. The second card reveals something hidden that you need to acknowledge. The third card represents what you should celebrate or feel grateful for. The fourth card indicates what you need to release or let go of. The fifth card offers guidance or a message for the coming lunar cycle. This spread gives you a fuller picture while still remaining manageable.

For those who want an even deeper practice, a six card spread can be arranged in a shape that mirrors the full moon. Lay the first card at the top, the second and third cards in a row beneath it, the fourth and fifth cards in a row beneath those, and the sixth card at the bottom. The positions are as follows. Card one shows how far you have come since the corresponding new moon. Card two reveals where you are right now. Card three shows what you are becoming aware of. Card four indicates what is being released. Card five highlights what external lessons or guidance you should pay attention to. Card six reveals the likely outcome if you follow this path. This spread works well for those who like to track their progress across the lunar cycle.

As you lay out your cards, pay attention to your first impressions before looking up any meanings. What do you notice? What feelings arise? Trust your intuition. The full moon enhances your inner knowing, so give yourself permission to interpret the cards through your own lens before consulting a guidebook.

Once you have reflected on each card individually, look at the spread as a whole. Are there patterns or themes emerging? Do certain colours, numbers or symbols repeat? How do the cards relate to each other? Sometimes the real insight comes from seeing how the pieces fit together rather than analysing each card in isolation.

After your reading, take some time to journal about what came up. Writing helps you process the messages and gives you something to look back on later. You might note down each card, your interpretation and any actions or intentions you want to carry forward. Some people like to leave their spread out overnight, letting the cards sit on their altar or reading space until the morning. Others prefer to gather them up and return the deck to its resting place straight away. Do whatever feels right for you.

You can extend your full moon ritual beyond the tarot reading if you wish. Many people like to write down things they want to release on a piece of paper and then safely burn it in a fireproof bowl, symbolically letting go of what no longer serves them. Others make moon water by placing a jar of water under the moonlight overnight, then using it for cleansing, drinking or adding to a bath. A full moon bath with salts, essential oils or flower petals can be deeply restorative after an emotional reading.

The beauty of a full moon tarot practice is that it creates a rhythm in your life. Every month, the full moon returns and invites you to pause, reflect and recalibrate. Over time, you begin to notice patterns in your readings. You see how your intentions from the new moon play out by the full moon. You track your growth, celebrate your progress and gently release what is holding you back. This monthly check-in becomes a form of self-care that goes far deeper than surface-level relaxation.

If you are new to tarot, the full moon is a wonderful time to start. The heightened intuition makes it easier to connect with the cards. If you are experienced, the full moon offers a chance to deepen your practice and explore spreads you might not try on an ordinary day. Either way, approaching the cards with intention and reverence transforms a simple reading into something truly meaningful.

The moon has guided humanity for millennia. Farmers planted by its cycles. Sailors navigated by its light. Healers and mystics tracked its phases for ritual and reflection. When you sit down with your tarot deck under the full moon, you join a long tradition of people seeking wisdom, insight and connection through the rhythms of the natural world.

So the next time the full moon rises, set aside some time for yourself. Light a candle. Lay out your cards. Let the moonlight guide you inward. You might be surprised by what you discover.