New Moon in Taurus - The Courage to Stand Up

 On Sunday April 27 we have a New Moon at 7 degrees of Taurus. New Moons occur when the Sun and Moon are in the same sign of the zodiac, so represent the conscious mind (Sun) working with the subconscious mind (Moon). It is also the start of a new lunar cycle, with the Moon growing, or waxing. in the sky until it reaches the Full Moon. That is why it is great for setting goals as we are at the beginning of a growing cycle and can use the energies of the Sun and Moon to focus both our emotions and rational mind towards a goal. This New Moon is in Taurus, which is a fixed earth sign. This makes it great for setting long term goals, particularly those of a practical nature. This is also an excellent time to set goals for topics like finances, material goods, beauty, nature, food or gardening as these are all Taurean topics.

Moonology Oracle

 

This New Moon is more dramatic than most as it will be forming a square, a 90-degree stressful aspect, with both Mars and Pluto, who are opposite each other. This is what is called a T square and is a time of tension and potential confrontation. Something has to give, and often this can lead to a breaking point where a decision of some kind has to be made. Mars represents our drive, ability to act and how and what we fight for. He is in the fiery and proud sign of Leo, showing that we are driven to take the lead, express ourselves and are called to take courageous action. Mars is opposite Pluto, the planet of the underworld, the dead and of power. In Aquarius this can represent the power of the collective, and of technology, but also how those powers can be abused. We may see those in leadership positions trying to assert power over the collective. Another possible interpretation is that individuals will take action to express themselves against the oligarchs in charge of technology. The Mars Pluto opposition goes exact the day before on April 26 but will be in effect still and possibly triggered by the New Moon on Sunday. There may be events that challenge our values, finances or sense of beauty and comfort that spur us to take courageous action. Even on a personal level, you may be forced to choose or find a balance between self expression and conforming with the group.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is "A Sleigh Without Snow." This symbol is about planning for the future and anticipating change. When there is no snow on the ground the sleigh may seem useless, however given time, snow will fall again, and the sleigh will be needed. This asks us to think long term about our plans and choices. It is about acting in the best interests of tomorrow, rather than the immediate. This symbol is also about creativity. How can we use the resources we have now to help us today. This New Moon we are asked to think creatively and to use our gifts with courage and foresight to create a better tomorrow, even if it is challenging today. 

 

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Full Moon in Taurus - Coming together in Times of Darkness

On Friday November 15 we have a Full Moon at 24 degrees of Taurus. Full Moons are a time of heightened energy as the Moon, which represents the subconscious and our emotions is at her apex. With any Full Moon, the Sun is in the opposite sign, so this can mean that one is faced with a choice or to try to balance between the two opposing energies. The Sun in Scorpio asks us to look within, to focus on our inner worlds, including the psychological, the sexual and the spiritual. We are asked to go deeper and to examine the darker or hidden areas of our lives. The Moon in Taurus brings in earthy energy that reminds us to look at the beauty of the outside world and the physical realm. It reminds us to eat good food, to go out in nature, and to balance out the internal reflection, with being in the material realm and enjoying physical pleasures. 

 

Astro Codes Oracle and Moonology Oracle

 

 This Full Moon in closely conjunct Uranus, the planet of chaos, change, and inspiration. This Full Moon will bring some surprising events in the Taurus realms of money, nature, food and labour. These events could be disruptive and destructive, or they could inspire us. With Uranus, you never know what you are going to get, so expect the unexpected. To see how it will affect you, look to the Taurus house in your birth chart. Both this Full Moon and Uranus are conjunct the fixed star Algol, also known as the Head of Medusa or the Demon Star. This is a star that is associated with decapitation, falls from grace of the powerful and violence. This won’t affect most people on an individual level, but I am expecting to see some dramatic events on the world stage. 

 

Also on November 14, Saturn, the planet of rules, boundaries and order, goes direct after several months in retrograde. While we often don’t notice Saturn retrogrades on a personal level, we may notice it more on the days he turns retrograde or direct. Saturn is in Pisces currently, which can make people more melancholy, sensitive and somber. When he goes direct, we often find there are more restrictions, more rules and things slow down. Saturn in Pisces stationing direct or retrograde has also often coincided with disasters at sea.

 

There are positive aspects to this Full Moon with a supportive sextile to Neptune in Pisces. Whatever disruptive events may happen, Neptune asks us to dream a bigger dream and to look towards the future with optimism. He also asks us to remember our connections to others, that we are all one. As long as we don’t escape into fantasy or delusion, we can use these dreams to create positive change. Another supportive aspect is Pluto at the end of Capricorn. Pluto encourages us to let go of the past, to embrace the changes that are coming so that we can walk in to the new Pluto in Aquarius era (Pluto moves into Aquarius for the next 20 years starting on November 19, 2024) free of being encumbered. 

 

The Sabian symbol for this Full Moon is “A Public Park”. While this symbol may not seem to match the dramatic aspects of this Full Moon, it does give us a clue as to how we can approach any disruption we may face. A public park is a place of respite and relaxation that we all share. By coming together in a spirit of relaxation and harmony, and focusing on our shared values and humanity we can overcome obstacles. The park is also a place of recreation and fun, and a place to find contact with nature. By going out into nature, and having fun we find a way to de stress and get away from the noise and confusion. It reminds us to balance out the darkness and seriousness of the times we are in with the joy of being present and alive and connected to each other. 

 

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Beltane Astrology - The Pleasure of the Physical Realm

 May 1 marks Beltane/May Day in the northern hemisphere and Samhain/Halloween in the southern hemisphere. Both of these are what are called cross-quarter celebrations, marking the halfway point between an equinox and a solstice. Being in the northern part of the world I will be referring to this day as Beltane, but please keep in mind that if you are in the southern hemisphere that the astrology of the day still applies, even if the seasons are different. 

Astro Codes Oracle

 

Beltane is the halfway point between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. It is the height of spring and depending on your latitude, will determine how green it is and how many flowers are in bloom. Even here where I live on the northern prairies, the trees are budding, the birds are returning, and green shoots are emerging from the ground. It is a time to celebrate spring, nature and beauty, all things considered to be in the realm of Taurus, the sign the Sun is now in. Wherever you live, Taurus season is a good time to slow down and appreciate the realm of the physical, with good food, sexy times and a walk in nature. Joining the Sun in Taurus is Venus, the planetary ruler of this sign, adding extra emphasis this May Day to themes of beauty, sensuality and pleasure. It’s a great time to get a beauty treatment, go to the spa, or make art inspired by nature.

The astrology of the day had some challenges but is overall quite positive. One challenging aspect is that the Moon is at the waning quarter, in Aquarius, squaring the Sun, Venus and Jupiter in Taurus. This can lead to a lack of energy and a sense of cool detachment. This can be helpful if we use our logical side in service to our earthy and sensual side, rather than trying to separate the two. Another challenge is that Venus is also squaring Pluto in Aquarius, which can bring up issues around power dynamics in partnerships or creative projects. It can also be representative of the tensions between embracing change, especially technological advancements, and the desire to slow down and be more in nature. Again these two things do not have to be at odds with each other. It is about finding a way to blend or balance out the two.

Mars the planet of action, energy and war is separating from his conjunction with Neptune that occurred on April 28, in the sign of Pisces. On the challenging side, this can be confused actions, or acting on misinformation or deception. Avoid knee jerk reactions or getting involved in a fight now as you don’t have all the information to make a decision or form and opinion clearly. On the good side, this aspect can help fuel creative projects or bring energy to your spiritual life.

Further helping things on this day is that Mercury is now out of retrograde, so communication and travel are smoother. Being in the sign of Aries, we have the ability to ask more directly for what it is that we want. We are also still experiencing the optimism of the Jupiter Uranus conjunction in Taurus. This aspect brings positive energy, a sense of momentum and even inspiring breakthroughs. This is a time that presents us with opportunities that can create a big leap forward or propel us towards our dreams. Say yes to what life has to offer you now!

Overall this Beltane is a good time to revel in the pleasures of the physical, and to celebrate the abundance and hopefulness of spring. It is great for artistic projects, beauty and inspiration. Whether you are in the northern or southern hemisphere, take advantage of the positive aspects of this day to celebrate life, nature, beauty and abundance. 

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