In astrology, the Last Quarter Moon (also known as the Third Quarter Moon) represents a time of reflection, reevaluation, and preparation for the next phase of the lunar cycle. This phase occurs about a week after the Full Moon and signals that the Moon is halfway between the Full Moon and the New Moon. Let’s take a look at what are the main features of the last quarter moon astrologically, and most of all how these themes overlap with the meanings of certain tarot archetypes.
Reflection and Reassessment
This phase is often seen as a time for introspection, where one reflects on the events and decisions made since the New Moon. It’s a period to evaluate what has been working and what hasn’t, encouraging a reassessment of your life’s direction.
The Hermit (IX)
The Hermit is the quintessential card of reflection. It encourages solitude and inner wisdom, mirroring the Last Quarter Moon’s call for self-assessment and evaluation.
Judgement (XX)
The Judgement card signals a time for reflection on past actions, often calling for a spiritual awakening or rebirth. It aligns with the introspective energy of reassessing one’s direction.
Completion, Letting Go and Release
This is a waning phase of the Moon, meaning the Moon’s light is diminishing. Astrologically, the Last Quarter Moon symbolizes the end of a cycle. It’s a time to let go of what no longer serves you, whether it’s habits, relationships, or projects. This phase is about completion, not just in terms of ending things but also in understanding what those endings mean for your personal growth.
Death (XIII)
Death signifies transformation and endings. It reflects the energy of release, highlighting the importance of letting go to make way for new growth.
The Ten of Wands
This card can represent burdens and the need to release them. The Ten of Wands speak to the necessity of completing cycles and letting go of what’s no longer necessary.
The Eight of Cups
This card shows a figure walking away from something familiar in search of deeper fulfillment. The Eight of Cups embodies the process of releasing attachments or relationships that no longer serve a purpose.
Crisis in Consciousness
This phase can bring about a “crisis” or a pivotal moment where you might feel compelled to make changes or face internal conflicts. Some astrologers refer to this as a time of “crisis in consciousness.” It’s not necessarily a negative crisis but more of a critical point where decisions must be made for personal evolution—it’s when you may face internal conflict between old ways of thinking and new realizations. This can create a sense of tension or need for action to reconcile those differences.
The Tower (XVI)
The Tower represents sudden upheaval, disruption, or realizations that force change. This card embodies the “crisis” aspect of the Last Quarter Moon, where deep internal conflict can spur transformation.
The Two of Swords
The Two of Swords represents indecision and inner conflict, capturing the essence of struggling between two different paths, much like the internal crisis of the Last Quarter Moon.
The Hanged Man (XII)
The Hanged Man suggests a time of suspension and shifting perspectives, aligning with the need to resolve inner tension and embrace a new outlook.
Integration of Lessons Can Lead to Action and Change
As I already mentioned, the Last Quarter Moon asks for introspection and integration of the lessons learned during the previous lunar phases. It’s a time for inner wisdom to emerge, helping you understand the deeper meaning of your experiences. This absolutely connects to the reflection, letting go and so called crisis in consciousness. While not typically a time for new beginnings, with the integration in lessons, the energy of the Last Quarter Moon can push you towards action, particularly in resolving issues or making necessary changes based on your reflections. It’s about taking steps towards what you’ve realized needs to change or be addressed.
Temperance (XIV)
Temperance is about balance and the integration of different aspects of life. It reflects the need to blend experiences and lessons to foster growth.
The World (XXI)
The World represents completion and the successful integration of lessons learned over a journey. It signals that you’ve understood your experiences and are ready to move forward.
The Knight of Swords
The Knight of Swords symbolizes action and decisiveness, especially when clarity has been reached. It represents the readiness to act on the lessons integrated during the Last Quarter phase.
Zodiacal Influence
The sign in which the Last Quarter Moon occurs can color its energy. For instance, if it’s in Aries, there might be an urge for new beginnings or assertiveness; in Libra, it might highlight relationship dynamics or the need for balance.
The Lovers (VI)
The Lovers card is connected to Gemini and represents duality, choices, and communication. It speaks to the Gemini Moon’s influence on the importance of examining relationships and internal dialogues.
The Page of Swords
As an airy and communicative card, the Page of Swords embodies curiosity, mental agility, and the desire to seek out new information, which resonates with the Gemini influence.
Spiritual and Emotional Work
This phase is potent for spiritual practices aimed at release, forgiveness, and preparing for new cycles. It’s an ideal time for rituals that involve letting go, which can be emotionally and spiritually cleansing.
The High Priestess (II)
The High Priestess is a card of intuition and deep spiritual insight, perfect for the introspective and spiritual work encouraged during the Last Quarter Moon.
The Moon (XVIII)
The Moon card represents the subconscious, illusions, and emotional work. It aligns with the need to face hidden fears and emotional blockages, making it relevant for this phase’s focus on spiritual cleansing.
Manifestation Preparation
While not directly for setting new intentions like the New Moon, the Last Quarter Moon prepares you for the upcoming cycle by clearing out old energy, making space for new manifestations during the next New Moon, when new intentions will be set. Last Quarter Moon a good time for spiritual or emotional cleansing, clearing out mental or emotional clutter to make space for the new.
The Fool (0)
The Fool represents a fresh start and the preparation for a new journey. It speaks to the process of clearing out old energy to make space for new beginnings.
The Star (XVII)
The Star offers hope and renewal. It’s a card that suggests cleansing and spiritual preparation, aligning with the energy of manifesting and healing as one cycle ends and another is about to begin.
In essence, the Last Quarter Moon in astrology is a time of critical evaluation, release, and preparation for renewal. It’s about understanding what has been learned, what needs to be left behind, and how to move forward with clarity and purpose into the next lunar cycle. This phase encourages not just an end but a transformative process leading towards new beginnings.
Focus on The Hermit or Judgement for introspection and reassessment, allowing their energy to guide you in evaluating your life’s direction. To release and let go, meditate on Death or The Eight of Cups, visualizing yourself shedding what no longer serves you. For integrating lessons and moving forward, use Temperance or The Fool, which can help in aligning your actions with the wisdom gained.
This meditative practice can deepen your connection to the lunar phase, helping you navigate endings and prepare for new beginnings. Reflect, reevaluate, and let go. Last quarter moon can you prepare for the new opportunities and intentions that will come with the next New Moon. Good Luck!