A BRAVE NEW WORLD

Slow, steady and earthy; that’s the Taurus way.

But not for this year’s Taurus New Moon.

“This is the most atypical Taurus New Moon that we shall encounter for a long, long time.”

Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology

Or, as I summarize in my forecast:

“The Taurus New Moon invites us to savor the sensuality and physicality of existence.  If only it would allow us to mosey over and sample them in our own sweet time.

“This Moon’s energies are uncommonly highly charged for the sign and allow little chance for snoozing or otherwise missing the excitement.  They may, in fact, send us running in search of solid ground. Or hugs. Or bread and chocolate.”

What makes this lunation break the mold?  Let’s see what astrologers around the Web have to say…

Taurus New Moon

Each year, as spring is in full swing in the northern hemisphere, we celebrate the New Moon in Taurus.

New Moons are a time of new beginnings and new possibilities. In this Venus-ruled Earth sign, this means the sap is rising, and we’ve got an urge to embrace all of the delicious, sensual, fertile things Taurus brings (i.e. this is the time of year we celebrate the fertility festival Beltane for a reason.)

The new beginnings launched by this New Moon come with quite a twist, though.  Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology, sets the stage:

“This New Moon is not about planting seeds and waiting patiently for them to grow.

“It is not about building security. It’s about us beginning to prepare for the upcoming changes.

“It is the pre-seismic activity before the foundational shake.”

What’s so earth-shaking, you ask?

New World Dawning

This New Moon launches more than the usual four-week lunar month. It also ushers in the game-changer move of the entire year — Uranus into Taurus.

Louise Edington puts it in historic context:

“Within hours of the New Moon Uranus moves into Taurus, for the first time in 84 years!  Most of us have never experienced this energy in our lifetimes.

“Uranus moved into Taurus on June 7, 1934, until Oct. 9, 1934, retrograded into Aries as he will this time and then moved back into Taurus from Mar. 28, 1935, until Aug. 7, 1941.

“When an outer planet changes signs there is always a big shift in energies. In the 1930s we saw the rise of Hitler, Stalin, Mao and Mussolini and the Dust Bowl. We also had the US Congress accept The New Deal.

“When Uranus moved into Aries on Mar. 11, 2011, there was the magnitude 9.0 earthquake east of Sendai, Japan, triggering a tsunami killing thousands of people and causing the second worst nuclear accident in history.

“This is the power of the Lord of lightning bolts, revelation and revolution.”

I look back at his time in Aries, and the conjunction he made with Mercury on the way out:

“This New Moon doubles as a goodbye party for Uranus in Aries. The cosmic rebel, awakener and liberator has been in Molotov-cocktail-throwing mode since he entered the sign in 2010.  All his disruptive, awakening and liberating propensities are at max and beyond as he wraps up his time in Aries.

“He’ll be back late in the year for an epilogue, but this moment is his grand finale, encapsulating what the past eight years have been about and blowing up remaining tethers to previous ways of being.

“That’s why the atmosphere has been so crazed, faster-than-fast paced and littered with broken glass, lightning bolts and whiplash-inducing news drops, messages and epiphanies.

“Uranus’s exit begins with a conjunction to Mercury, ruler of what goes into our minds and out of our mouths, as well as how we get around. It’s the meeting of two cosmic tricksters, crazy uncle and wily nephew, blowing our minds, exploding our perspectives and, amid the hubbub, birthing genius and innovation. The planets’ conjunction is exact on May 13, two days before the New Moon, and continues with a meeting by declination on May 16, the day after.”

What can we expect? (Besides the unexpected…) Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology, projects:

“Expect this (roughly) 7-year influence to completely overhaul your approach to security and stability. Old habits will be broken, and outdated values will be left behind.  Whatever this New Moon introduces will be the first rumble of the Uranus in Taurus earthquake.”

Here, There & Everywhere

The Lady of this lunation is Venus, goddess of love and beauty, and ruler of Taurus.

She’s currently enjoying the chatty, breezy air of Gemini. Doubly so since she’s actually trading spaces with Gemini’s own ruler, Mercury.

Her Gemini mode lends flexibility and changeability, too. Those traits may come in handy for managing the floor show at this party.

Venus is also currently tripping beyond her usual path around the Sun, spending a few weeks in what astrologers call “out of bounds.” When she’s out of bounds, she’s much more sassy — and more than happy to entertain mavericks and madmen…

Which is perfect timing, she’s just started her flirtatious sextile with that crazy genius Uranus.  Over the next weeks, as the sextile gets stronger, she’ll serve as his escort into her own sign Taurus, giving him the keys and helping him get acquainted with his new residence.

How Deep Is Your Love?

This earth-focused Moon is also more intense than usual, thanks to an energizing trine from Pluto, lord of the underworld and bringer of unavoidable change.

Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, explores the aspect:

“New Moon trine Pluto results in intense and deep experiences.  You will have greater power and influence over your own life, allowing for positive transformations.  You can also exert this greater power and influence over the events in your life and over the people around you.  Personal or professional problems can also be more easily resolved now.”

The trine also coaxes undercurrents to the surface. Because Pluto is retrograde, some of these involve revisiting terrain we have already covered, says Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology:

“Pluto Rx digs even deeper as it goes back over old ground, and these reviews/intensified transformations will be part of this new beginning.”

Darkness may surface, cautions Marina Marcario, Darkstar Astrology:

“The sensitive Moon combined with the sometimes hellish transformation of outer-planet Pluto is going to be hard for an individual to carry on a personal level.  In the collective, this should be easier, depending on what events are transpiring at the time.

“The harmonious aspects can at least channel this intense, penetrating and occasionally ruthless energy into something creative.  Moon trine Pluto will always carry the tinge of the underworld and will make powerful political statements.  Art will be profound and involve deep exploration of the shadow.  Sometimes there is an obsession with exposing corruption.  This New Moon will give us the opportunity to explore these subjects…..We need to face the monster squarely and without fear.”

Outta My Way!

 Another reason this Moon breaks from the leisurely Taurus norm is her trine to action-hero Mars. His juice overcomes her desirous haze and makes us get up and go after what we want.

“There will be an ambitious drive to make things happen.”

Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology

The Moon and Mars come into this trine highly charged.  My forecast explains:

“Both are focused and insistent thanks to recent contacts they’ve had with the clarifying scythe of Pluto, lord of all the lies beneath and cosmic agent of unavoidable change. The linkages serve as the benediction after a graduation ceremony, with the Moon and Mars escorting us out of the Uranus-in-Aries era, and the upheaval he kicked up with Pluto from 2012-2015. Time to move on; time to move into the physical constructs that now exist in the wake of – and because of – that upheaval.”

Wham! Bam! Pow!

And yet another reason for the uncommon activity:  an exact square from Mars to Uranus, agent of volatile, unpredictable change. Each is operating at max power, since they are in the last degrees of their respective signs.

Louise Edington elaborates:

“Mars and Uranus will be squaring each other on the New Moon at the last degrees of Capricorn and Aries, and then continue the square aspect into their new signs.

“There’s something shocking about this.  Major surprises, revelations, lightbulb moments.  Rapid changes, new innovations.  The energy of creation and innovation is the signature of this New Moon with the two planetary sign changes.”

The clash is high voltage and explosive.  I explain:

“The New Moon comes … with the big bang, the explosion that shoots the capsule into reentry, the cyclone that uproots and swirls and transports us all: the tight action-demanding square between the two most fractious forces in the sky.

“It’s as if they’re using each other as a push off into their next tours of duty.  This contact would be powerful at any degree; coming at the very end of the signs intensifies the shove. (Mars is at the last degree of Capricorn, where he will return late this summer during his retrograde, and on the verge of Aquarius, where he will spend most of the rest of the year.)”

Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology, looks more at the aspect’s timing and impact:

“The exact of this square aspect happens a day after the New Moon, at just 00°02 degrees of Taurus and Aquarius, and it is the first of the three successive squares that the two planets will make, the second one on Aug. 2 and the third on Sept. 19.

“This electrifying square is associated with: instability, impulsiveness, rushed excitement, reckless action, sudden jolted reactions, revolutionary drive, assertion that shocks, boldness and impatience, bursts of anger, accident proneness, tension and ego drive.”

The Mars/Uranus combo is a recipe for fast-breaking action, says Marina Marcario, Darkstar Astrology:

“The square is a Mars aspect so we get the doubling up of sex and speed here, sometimes both at the same time.  Passionate, fast and furious is its style because of the square’s raging war to conquer and modernize. Uranus can cool Mars a little, though, and the fast movement stirs up a refreshing breeze. Even though this is a square I don’t think it actually creates violence or malefic intent. What we get most of all is impulsiveness.

“Those touched by this New Moon will need freedom of movement.  This aspect is a risk-taker and racer.  It feeds off adrenaline and has very little patience.  It is a revolutionary and can easily rouse a crowd to act with speed and efficiency.  Mars in hard aspect to Uranus is so electrically charged that it works like a power battery, therefore they can really inspire and enthuse others into action.”

More on impulsiveness, from Jamie Partridge, Astrology King:

“Mars square Uranus gives a tendency to act rashly without regard for the consequences.  This could lead to great disruption and increases the risk of violence…. An original outlook may lead to works of creative brilliance or scientific breakthroughs but you should avoid impulsive actions and taking dangerous risks. Lack of attention and concentration can lead to accidents, especially as when driving or working with electricity or technology.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes

Softening the action, this New Moon comes with a luscious trine between beneficent Jupiter in intense Scorpio and transcendent Neptune in all-encompassing Pisces.  The pair links the deepest and highest parts of our beings.

“Jupiter trine Neptune reaches full potency on May 25.  It is encouraging hope, generosity and community spirit. You may undertake a spiritual quest to seek the truth.  As your personal value system or morals reach a higher standard, you will find that selflessly helping others brings great satisfaction.  Your charitable nature may extend to environmental causes or animal welfare.  Social justice becomes important with more interest in human rights and the plight of refugees and other innocent victims or war and greed.”

Jamie Partridge, Astrology King

Other Considerations

The sky is vast, and so are the number of ways astrologers have found meaning in the heavens above.

Let’s look at how some of these add meaning, nuance and depth to the Taurus New Moon.

Fixed Stars

The Moon is near the fixed stars Capulus and Algol in Perseus.  Befitting Pluto’s link to the Moon, they are spooky guys indeed.

Marina Marcario, Darkstar Astrology, explains:

“[With] Capulus [we might have] ‘To be in or have to deal with a hostile environment.  Difficulties with women, or being concerned with the difficulties that women experience.’ [quoting Bernadette Brady] [With] Algol: ‘Violent death or extreme sickness.’ [quoting Vivian Robson] ‘Plagued by personal tragedies, one’s own or other peoples.  To have a strong social conscience.’ [quoting Bernadette Brady]

“Algol is found in the decapitated head of Medusa, which Perseus is holding.  This star has a terrible reputation as you can see from the traditional interpretations ‘Of the nature of Saturn and Jupiter.  It causes misfortune, violence, decapitation, hanging, electrocution and mob violence, and gives a dogged and violent nature that causes death to the native or others.  It is the evilest star in the heavens.’  It is important to look at the original interpretations because in mundane astrology they sometimes can be astoundingly accurate.

“Algol was known as the blinking demon as it is a binary star.  The Chinese gave Algol the grim title ‘Piled up corpses.’ The Hebrews called it ‘Satan’s Head’ and it is also associated with Adams first wife Lilith, branded as a nocturnal vampire and succubus from the underworld.  Algol’s contribution towards Taurus 3 could be perhaps an abnormal sex drive, too much or too little.  Some keywords: Creating monsters, splicing, plastic surgery, mutation, playing god, weird heads, unusual hair, perversion, deformities, potency versus impotence, stunning, spine-tingling.”

These stars do have silver linings, points out Jamie Partridge, Astrology King:

“However, Capulus and Algol both have a very positive side to them.  If a person lives life with an honest sense of purpose to it, or at least to tries to live up to a philosophy, religion or ideal, then all will go well….

“A New Moon conjunct Algol can lead to good things if you approach your New Moon goals with an honest sense of purpose.  When setting your new moon goals and working towards them, try to live up to a philosophy, religion or ideal.”

Asteroids

The Moon is conjunct Hephaistos, the club-footed god of blacksmiths, metal workers, sculptors and artisans.  Alex Miller, Alex’s Asteroid Astrology, shows what this might light up:

“Hephaistos represents skill and craftsmanship, artistry; lameness or crippling (or problems with arms or legs which fall short of actual crippling); rejection or abandonment, especially by parents; and mismatched unions, between persons ill-suited to each other.”

Minor Aspects

The Moon is making the minor aspect of a semi-sextile to her ruler Venus. This may indicate potential that requires growth to manifest. Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, sees opportunities:

“New Moon semi-sextile Venus is a subtle but positive influence.  It creates opportunities for love and money if you can take the initiative in these areas.  Being proactive in relationships by simply giving love can heal any old wounds.  So a hug and a kiss may be all it takes to put any dramas behind you with loved ones.”

Decans

Each astrological sign can be divided into three sections, known as decans (10-degree divisions of the Zodiac).  This Moon is in Taurus decan 3, which is ruled by Saturn.

Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology, explores this decan:

“Saturn’s influence as the decan’s ruler often means there are great obstacles to surmount on life’s testing path.  However, Moon Taurus 3 does not totally prevent success.  At this new moon, any fame will come with a certain amount of notoriety.  The Moon is susceptible to the melancholia of its Saturn rulership.

“This period is good for those who can make a career out of doom and gloom.  Others could find the pain that comes with such a sensitive moon intolerable.

“The temptation to self-medicate with drugs (especially alcohol) can be high at this time and depression could be a problem too.  There is a tendency toward self-destruction and those touched by this moon might feel their lives are fated, even cursed for the next month.  However, at the end of this period, you might realize that if fate hasn’t killed you then it has actually made you stronger!  Generally, the Moon in Taurus 3 supports those who are life’s troopers!  Bruised and sometimes battered, they will get back up to proudly show off their battle scars.”

Sabian Symbols

Over the years, astrologers have devised systems to assign meaning to each degree of the Zodiac.  The most popular of the past century has been the Sabian Symbols, proposed by Marc Edmund Jones.

Lunar Mansion

Beyond the familiar 12-sign solar Zodiac, there’s also a 28-sign Lunar Zodiac.  Astrologers in India called them the naksatras, but Arabic Astrologers named them the Lunar Mansions.

This lunation graces Lunar Mansion 5, which the Arabs called Al Hak’ah(The White Spot).  Donna Woodwell of Donna Philosophica nicknamed it “The Crown” to make it easier to remember.

She says the mansion’s purpose is “for applying creativity and intelligence.”

She advises:

“Solve problems.  Seek a job or a raise.  Engage in intellectual pursuits.  Make wishes and set intentions. Travel.  But don’t follow the crowd or seek to convince someone else to do your work for you.  It’s your time to shine, but from your own efforts.”

Summing It Up

Catalyzing, disruptive and propelling us into change: this New Moon is not your ordinary Taurus new beginning.

Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology, sums it up:

“The New Moon starts out in a controlled fashion, but everything will speed up and head in surprising directions.  This can be a surprise breakthrough or a breakdown.  You won’t have control over everything, but your intentions when you first start out will still be important.  For the best results (even if things develop in weird ways) it’s vital that you focus on healthy and empowering changes.

“…. In keeping with Taurus energy, you can expect this beginning to have staying power.  It’s likely to be visible/physical (Taurus is an Earth sign) and involve values, money or resources.”

How to wrangle the energies? Here’s my advice:

“Set your mind and intentions for what you would like to have grow in this new terrain.  No falling back on the usual list, either.  You are in a new phase and a new world, and they require new approaches.

“What would make present time feel safe and secure? What does present time make you want more of? What would present time have you enjoy?  Update your druthers.  Settle into your body and experience life through it.  You’ve been through a lot to get here.  Enjoy it.”

And a final word from Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology:

“Consider what you want to manifest and what you want to free yourself from.  Earth signs are all about making it real, and Taurus (and Aquarius) are fixed signs.  So even though there will be some teeth-rattling action and electric events, you’re still looking at long-term change.”

Lunaria Datebook

Last Moon Phase: April Full Moon in Scorpio

Next Moon Phase: May Full Moon in Sagitarius 

May New Moon Times and Dates:

San Francisco: Tuesday, May 15, 4:47 a.m. PDT
New York: Tuesday, May 15, 7:47 a.m. EDT
São Paulo: Tuesday, May 15, 8:47 a.m. BRST
London: Tuesday, May 15, 12:47 p.m. BST
Istanbul: Tuesday, May 15, 2:47 p.m. TRT
Mumbai: Tuesday, May 15, 5:17 p.m. IST
Tokyo: Tuesday, May 15, 8:47 p.m. JST
Sydney: Tuesday, May 15, 9:47 p.m. AEST

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