The Daughters of the Moon Tarot is a unique and profound tool for spiritual insight, specifically designed to celebrate the consciousness of women and Goddess-centered spirituality. Originally conceived in 1976 as the Matriarchal Tarot, this deck was created by artist Ffiona Morgan as an archive of womanlore and knowledge. Unlike traditional decks, it brings the idea of cycles and gradations of positive and negative to the forefront through its distinct round cards and five-arcanas structure. The deck is a comprehensive feminist work that focuses on womanhood without diminishing the role of men, offering a perspective of empowerment, honesty, and responsibility. It serves as a guide for holistic energy balancing by reconnecting users with feminine strengths and the archetypal energies of the Goddess.
The Daughters of the Moon Tarot is inclusive in its orientation, representing all races, ages, and body shapes. It is a gift to all women, designed to remind them of their own strengths and provide a sense of security, much like the moon itself. The deck’s influence stems from the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition but has been significantly altered to fit a feminist and lesbian worldview, creating a non-hierarchical structure where the Major Arcana is equal to the other suits. This approach to spiritual guidance emphasizes the reclaiming of the feminine in its wholeness, making it a powerful resource for those seeking personal growth and relationship harmony through a deeper understanding of archetypal energies.
Historical Context and Evolution
The history of the Daughters of the Moon Tarot is a testament to its enduring spiritual legacy. The deck began its journey in 1980 as the Book of Aradia, a concept that can be seen in volume III of The Tarot Encyclopedia. By 1984, a black and white version of The Daughters of the Moon was released, representing a re-imagining of the earlier deck. This initial version differed from the current one; for instance, the figure on the Moon card had a long braid, whereas the current version features short hair.
In 1991, a revised color edition of the deck was released, which introduced vibrant and saturated colors that stand in contrast to the muted energies of other feminist decks like Motherpeace. While the Motherpeace deck feels gentle, the Daughters of the Moon deck is described as screaming female power. The most recent black and white edition was released in 2007. The deck was created by a cooperative of ten women, with Ffiona Morgan as the primary artist and visionary. This collaborative effort underscores the community-oriented and inclusive nature of the deck, which has been a pioneering force in the realm of Matriarchal, Goddess, and Feminist Tarot decks.
Deck Structure and Composition
The Daughters of the Moon Tarot deviates significantly from the standard 78-card structure of traditional Tarot decks. It consists of 75 cards, or 73 cards depending on the specific edition and counting method, divided into five distinct arcanas. This unique structure is designed to facilitate a less hierarchical and more fluid approach to divination and spiritual guidance.
The Five Arcanas
The deck is divided into five suits, which include the Aether (Majors) and the four elemental suits: Flames (Wands), Cups, Blades (Swords), and Pentacles. The inclusion of the Aether as a fifth element, or Element of Spirit, elevates the Major Arcana to a position equal to the other suits, rather than superior to them. This structural change reinforces the deck’s feminist philosophy of equality and interconnectedness.
Major Arcana (Aether Arcana)
The Major Arcana, or Aether Arcana, contains 21 cards. While it generally follows the sequence of traditional cards, many names and figures have been changed to reflect a Goddess-centered worldview. The traditional male figures and roles have been removed or transformed. For example, the Magician has become the Witch, and the Hierophant and High Priestess have been combined into the Priestess. The Empress and Emperor are represented by Mawu, an African earth mother goddess. The Aether Arcana includes the following cards: - Dreamer - Witch - Isis - Mawu - Aphrodite - Amazon - Strength - Wise One - Spiderwoman - Maat - Reversal - Phoenix - Temperance - Oppression - Pan or Coyotewoman - Kali - Star - Yemeya - Amaterasu - Celebration - Shakti
Two new major cards have been introduced: Pan (the Trickster, also identified as the Fool) and Coyotewoman. Additionally, there are two Lovers cards: one featuring only females and the other showing a man and a woman, allowing for a broader interpretation of love and relationships.
Minor Arcana and Court Cards
The Minor Arcana consists of the four suits: Flames, Cups, Blades, and Pentacles. The suit cards from 2 to 10 feature picture scenes, providing visual narratives for interpretation.
The Court Cards have been radically restructured to eliminate traditional patriarchal hierarchies. Instead of the four cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King), there are only three: Maiden, Mother, and Crone. These represent three archetypes of the Goddess and are distributed across the suits as follows: - Crone (replaces the Queen) - Mother (replaces the Knight) - Maiden (replaces the Page) There are no Kings or male figures in the court structure, save for Pan in the Major Arcana.
Furthermore, each court card is associated with a specific Goddess and an astrological sign, adding layers of esoteric meaning. Examples include: - Crone of Flames: Cerridwen and Sagittarius - Mother of Pentacles: Corn Woman and Taurus
This detailed association allows users to connect with specific archetypal energies and planetary influences during readings, enhancing the deck’s utility for holistic energy balancing and personal growth strategies.
Physical Characteristics and Companion Materials
The Daughters of the Moon Tarot is physically distinct, featuring round cards that symbolize the cycles of the moon and life. The cards are 5 1/4 inches in diameter (or 5.25 x 5.25 inches), which can present a shuffling challenge for those with smaller hands. The card back design is purple with a white crescent moon, a motif that is consistent across both black and white and color editions.
A companion book, titled Daughters of the Moon Tarot, is available to accompany the deck. Authored by Ffiona Morgan, the book is 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" and contains 105 pages (11th edition, 2000). It serves as a guide to the deck’s philosophy, card meanings, and usage. An instruction sheet of 16 pages is also included with the deck, providing essential guidance for beginners. The language of the card titles is English, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Spiritual and Philosophical Orientation
The Daughters of the Moon Tarot is deeply rooted in Goddess-centered spirituality and feminist philosophy. It is designed to speak uniquely to women, offering power, beauty, and wisdom. The deck encourages users to embrace their female strengths and reclaim the feminine in its wholeness. It demands honesty and responsibility, making no excuses but offering a path to empowerment.
While it is a feminist work, it avoids an attitude of superiority and does not diminish the role of men. Instead, it focuses on balancing energies by highlighting the often-overlooked feminine perspective. The deck’s energy is described as vibrant and powerful, distinct from the gentle energy of other feminist decks. It is a tool for those seeking to explore archetypal energies, understand life’s cycles, and achieve a sense of security and balance through the symbolism of the moon and Goddess figures.
Usage in Holistic Energy Balancing and Spiritual Growth
For homeowners, business owners, and spiritual seekers, the Daughters of the Moon Tarot offers a unique approach to personal growth and energy harmonization. By focusing on the cycles and archetypes represented by the Maiden, Mother, and Crone, users can gain insights into different phases of life and business. The deck’s emphasis on inclusivity and representation of all races and body shapes makes it a welcoming tool for diverse individuals seeking spiritual guidance.
The round shape of the cards and the cyclical nature of the arcanas align with natural rhythms, making it suitable for those interested in holistic living and aligning personal energy with universal flows. The companion book provides the necessary framework to understand the card meanings and apply them to real-life situations, such as relationship harmony, personal development, and decision-making.
Conclusion
The Daughters of the Moon Tarot stands as a revolutionary and enduring spiritual tool. From its inception in 1976 to its various editions in black and white and color, it has remained true to its mission of celebrating female consciousness and Goddess-centered spirituality. With its five-arcanas structure, round cards, and reimagined archetypes, it offers a non-hierarchical, inclusive, and empowering experience. The deck’s unique court cards—Maiden, Mother, and Crone—and its association with specific Goddesses and astrological signs provide a rich tapestry of symbolism for deep spiritual exploration. For those seeking to balance energies, understand archetypal influences, and grow personally and spiritually, the Daughters of the Moon Tarot is a profound and vibrant guide.