The Taurus New Moon Newsletter🌿
Happy Taurus New Moon!
After several weeks of unsettled weather, it finally feels like Beltane in the Adirondacks – at the time of my writing, the lilac trees are budding, dandelions are poking up from the rich green grass, and tulips have erupted in a splendid parade of beauty and color all over my neighborhood (and by as early as next week, will probably be gone!) Through the magick of flowers, spring presents such a powerful invitation to become present, reminding us that every fleeting moment is the precious product of a unique set of conditions. As witches, we know and understand this – but a little reminder never hurts (and this is what the Taurus New Moon is all about, too!)
You haven’t heard from in a long time because…well, I bought a house! Over the course of the winter, my partner and I began the process of purchasing the home we’ve been renting for two years and had completely fallen in love with. That process was (at times) extremely difficult and stressful; we even considered the heartbreaking possibility of packing up and moving, abandoning the dream altogether in fear we couldn’t pull together the resources to close the deal. But thank the goddess, here we are!
After the transaction was complete (which was on April 15th – yes, we closed during Mercury Retrograde but I wanted to time it to the ultra-powerful Jupiter/Uranus conjunction on the 20th, a fab time for Aquarians generally to purchase real-estate) I kind of felt like I had given birth to something massive and had zero energy for anything – and really, throughout the process, I needed to conserve all my energy into cooking up this vision of the sale going through. But now, I’m back and looking forward to sliding regularly into your inbox for monthly magick, tarot readings, astro insights and more!
So, here’s your astrology update for the Taurus Moon Cycle, plus a tarot spread & gratitude list (yes, I’m bringing that back!) If you’re looking for some other witchy spring inspiration, feel free to check out these oldie-but-goodie posts, including my brief guide to flower magick and my favorite crystals for spring. Grab an iced matcha latte (or your spring bev of choice) and enjoy! 🌷
Tuesday, May 7. Today is the Taurus New Moon sextile Saturn in Pisces – it’s an optimal config for fortifying, restructuring, building and nourishing. The Taurus New Moon is a powerful lunar moment to create new habits, patterns or routines (or to eliminate old ones) and it’s supportive for practical goalsetting and cultivating the conditions for your desired long-term outcomes to thrive. This earthy, sensual moon is typically regarded as an abundance-generator (and yes, it’s a good time to make money moves or set clear financial goals) but it’s potent for any intention-setting work where the goal is for something to thrive, to stand the test of time and even to continue to build on itself or prove fruitful. If you’re trying to curate/manifest something sturdy and sustainable (whether a relationship, a business, a behavioral pattern or a new self-care regimen) make your first moves or tend to it today to imbue the project/pursuit with the energy of longevity (especially if it relates to Taurus themes – i.e. nutrition, health, the body, emotional security or material abundance.) Weather permitting, this is a highly auspicious time to sow seeds or plant things – during a Taurus Moon, roots establish more easily, young seedlings develop resilience against environmental stressors and they’re more likely to send an abundance of flowers or fruit as they mature-- and it’s also a time where we feel more psychically connected to the energies of plant spirits, allowing us to intuit their needs. Because of Saturn’s involvement, this New Moon rewards practical action, deliberation and effort – even small gestures or steps taken toward realizing a goal or tweaking a daily routine could yield massively productive results. And don’t forget to ground into the moment’s heightened sensuality – bodywork (like reiki or massage), tending to a plant, drinking lots of water, and eating delicious, nourishing foods are the best self-care spells of the moment. This New Moon occurs only degrees away from where the highly supportive Jupiter/Uranus conjunction came into exact alignment on April 20th, so it activates this influence and re-introduces or develops something initially in play at the end of last month.
Monday, May 13. The sun conjuncts Uranus today which is like an extra strong shot of astrological espresso. Jumpy and erratic, this transit is conducive to creative breakthroughs, renewed ingenuity and abrupt personal liberation but it’s frustrating if we sense we’ve outgrown something we can’t immediately escape (or if the inspiration emerges at frustratingly inconvenient times or in sporadic, fluctuating surges.) Ideally, we can ride the waves of ingenuity and innovation stirred by this transit and channel them into something concrete (think Pentacles: i.e. more abundance, stability, structure or security) but even if we can’t address any limiting or oppressive factors directly because of Saturnine details, obligations or bureaucracy, it’s a good time to lay the groundwork for a new wave of creative self-expression, thought and ingenuity (and even just acknowledging any inner restlessness can be alchemical.) Venus also harmonizes with Saturn today which is good for tending to the business/admin side of relationships and makes those subtle yet enduring bonds – time-tested and true, even if not glamorous or flashy – easier to spot. If you need to decide something regarding the Venusian areas of life (i.e. relationships, finances, beauty or self-care) or require a clear perspective on these matters, the conclusions you arrive at during this transit are more likely to be sound, discerning and wise.
Wednesday, May 15. Mercury enters Taurus until June which, in the Northern Hemisphere, conveniently overlaps with sowing season. When Mercury transits Taurus, we’re able to psychically communicate with plant spirits – even tending to a houseplant or re-arranging the plant scheme of your indoor space is extra satisfying (and if you’re lucky enough to have access to land, the next three weeks beautifully align with ideal seasonal timing to get seeds in the ground or to select the flowers/herbs/plants for your soil/pots. Let your intuition steer your decision-making as you stroll through your local Garden Center!) Beyond green witchery, our senses are heightened when Mercury transits Taurus – it’s an excellent time to curate or freshen up a stale playlist, to schedule a massage, to browse the disheveled racks of TJ Max or your local thrift store or even to adapt a new personal scent (fun fact: when mixed with our unique pheromones, essential oils smell differently on all of us – like an outfit, scent isn’t one-size-fits-all!) Other gifts of Mercury in Taurus include the ability to more effectively project a vibe of presence and sensuality (or even to talk about intimacy with a vibe of chill eloquence), an intensified mind-body connection (if you haven’t been getting enough sleep or drinking enough water, you’re aware of it now) and the ability to work profound money magick. The downside? People are staunch in their thoughts/ideas/opinions – much more so than usual. Don’t try to talk someone out of something or get them on board with a mindset which challenges the one they already have – for pitches or dialogue which require flexibility and open-mindedness, wait until Mercury enters Gemini on June 3rd if possible.
Friday, May 17. Mercury squares Pluto in Aquarius, unearthing a buried mindset or hidden data/dialogue which transforms an opinion or perspective. This transit illuminates power dynamics in relationships, and it’s a time where even casual dialogue can feel suddenly tense, activating, or accidentally unearth deep feelings or evoke primal, eruptive reactions. It’s not a time to seek clarity or connection with touchy or turbulent individuals or to negotiate around tense or provocative matters; it is a good time, however, to turn Pluto’s probing, penetrating nature toward our own psychology. Exercises like tapping/EFT, hypnosis and even talk therapy are highly effective during this transit, which rewards actively traversing the complex waters of our own subconscious terrain with thought-provoking revelations and empowering transformation. Other downsides of this transit: the inclination toward compulsive or obsessive thinking, power-seething or reviving long-dead rivalries by attributing cryptic meaning to virtually everything. This transit notoriously tests relationships and bonds but develops those which can handle deep dialogue and stark authenticity and if you’d like to morph a mindset or transform a disempowering stance, this astro supports it.
Saturday, May 18. Venus has been transiting Taurus and approaching the Jupiter/Uranus alignment since April 29th, but she forms an exact conjunction to Uranus today. Aside from the jolt of outer-planetary gravitas she receives from this transit, the Goddess of Love is exalted in this earthy, sensual sign over which she co-rules, allowing her to function especially well here. This results in a collective Venusian Renaissance which began around April 29th and comes to a climax with the Full Moon on May 23rd – it’s an excellent period for re-affirming or establishing our values, commitments, and relationships, for augmenting abundance and embracing sensuality, style, beauty, and bodywork. Because we’re all more firmly grounded into our bodies during this transit, attractions blossom organically and we’re more likely to notice the small daily pleasures we’d typically overlook –a perfectly fixed cup of coffee, a cooling gust of wind, the warmth of the sun or an artfully-curated outfit can elicit tremendous delight or even cue a moment of healing. The 36 hours on either side of this date bring an extra boost of Uranian magick: think surprising attractions, unlikely chemistry or out-of-nowhere flirty encounters and genius breakthroughs within health, fitness, food, relationships, beauty, horticulture or finances (and throughout the duration of Venus in Taurus, we can trust our instincts within these realms.) Venus conjunct Uranus is the antidote for stylistic ruts or stale/stagnating relationships: time an edgy aesthetic change or bold romantic moves to today if possible (and embrace the energy by seeking out something different– purchase an off-brand article of clothing unlike anything else in your closet or start an affair with someone outside your usual “type.”) The sun also conjuncts Jupiter in Taurus today which is fortifying, stabilizing and supportive, illuminating resources – support, abundance, time – we didn’t know we had.
Sunday, May 19. The sun sextiles Neptune today which is fabulous for spiritual and creative inspiration, intimacy and dream-work, but anything with a metaphysical element that’s both spiritually nourishing and body-centric – a breathwork, yoga or meditation practice, gardening, or bodywork, for example – benefits from this supportive configuration.
Monday, May 20. The sun enters Gemini today, a welcome addition of flowy, mutable air energy into the overwhelmingly earthy astro-vibe. We’ve been traversing a Taurus stellium since late April (with Uranus, Jupiter, the Sun, Venus and Mercury all in this sign) which is fab for many things (including money acumen, style, nutrition, creativity, building, grounding, gardening, consolidating and beauty) but it’s not so conducive to the flow and exchange of ideas, communication, flexibility and movement. Gemini Season also marks a distinctly social sector of the year where many of us feel more drawn to connect; the sun in this relational sign supports building relationships and rapport and improves the flow of communication, dissipating heavy, stale or stagnant energy and making space for lightness, fun, levity and movement. If a situation has felt immoveable or inflexible, the energy is likely to shift around this date or new options or opportunities become available – if you’ve felt stuck, uninspired or sluggish, the sun in this cerebral sign is mentally energizing and uplifting.
Wednesday, May 22nd. The sun trines Pluto which – especially with the (nearly) Full Moon in Scorpio – brings astute observations and keen perceptions to the surface, and because this is a lovely trine, it’s all the benefits of a square (insight into the psychological motivations of others, greater access to the depths of our own psyche, creative passion and heightened perseverance and resilience) minus the looming sense of unease, power struggles or an unshakeable vibe of agitation or edginess. It’s a fab day to tackle a doable but difficult undertaking or to push one’s personal limits in an empowering pursuit of victory – we can accomplish impressive feats under this astro and doing so reclaims a lost or depleted sense of personal power.
Thursday, May 23rd. Today is the Full Moon in Sagittarius forming an out-of-sign opposition to the Venus-Jupiter conjunction in the late degrees of Taurus, while Neptune harmonizes with all three planets and the moon sextiles Pluto in Aquarius. While Full Moons in Sag can be fanatical and/or stir conflict born of heated debates, ill-timed (or coarsely delivered) truth-telling or excessive ranting, impulsivity or restlessness, the vibe of this one is fabulously chill, expansive and liberating. The Venus/Jupiter conjunction alone is a climactic style/sensuality/romance catalyst following three lovely weeks of a heightened Venusian vibe – the Full Moon window is an excellent time for a bold move like proposing something within a relationship or asking someone out, and if possible, time any audacious stylistic or aesthetic changes you’ve felt compelled to make to this date for optimal results. We can trust our Venusian instincts this Full Moon; if you suddenly feel called to switch your signature scent, rock an uncharacteristically bold lip color, get bangs, organize your finances differently or to take a friendship to the next level, your intuition is probably spot on. Even micro-moves made now can cue rad results. Otherwise, be observant: notice any food or bodily cravings and any developing crushes, attractions, alliances or rapport. Pay attention to what makes you feel beautiful, sensual or grounded throughout this Full Moon window, as we’re more attuned to what we most need to access our Venusian vibe (and because this alignment is happening in earthy Taurus, the financial and creative potential is emphasized – anticipate big inspiration, opportunities or an influx of resources which allow for more fun, freedom and spaciousness to arrive around this date.) Neptune’s influence heightens our sensitivity and amps the creative/psychic possibilities, while the Full Moon’s sextile to Pluto brings the potential for transformation, passion, intimacy, heightened self-awareness and empowerment. The Sag Full Moon is always a good time for a bold announcement or to share something – opposite the Venus and Jupiter conjunction, it’s supportive if you’re professing an emotional or intimate truth (like how you really feel about someone or something) or if your announcement relates to something Venusian -- a creative project you’ve been working on, a relationship that’s been in the works, an image or piece of art you’ve been cultivating, etc. Spells to activate the moment’s abundance vibe include tending to the Earth (which includes a houseplant), hosting with an open heart and/or committing a single act of generosity (donating even a small amount to a charity you care about – or buying the coffee of the person behind you in the Starbucks line – totally counts.) Just after Venus forms this potent conjunction, she moves into Gemini later in the day until mid-June. Venus in Gemini is an excellent time for casual dating and open-minded meetings and if you’re already in a relationship, don’t neglect the friendship aspect of the dynamic during this three-week period. Bonds with a strong mental affinity/platonic foundation thrive during this transit, and if you think you’re developing a legit crush on someone, it could just be that the witty banter between you is on point.
Saturday, May 25th. Just after Venus enters Gemini, the Love Goddess immediately trines Pluto, continuing May’s vibe of romance, creativity, joyful relationship shifts, deeper intimacy and happy meetings. The 48 hours on either side of this transit serve as a good time to change one’s look or to shift a romantic vibe (and Venus harmonizing with Pluto is always an auspicious time to search your local thrift shop or dig through the back of your closet for an amazing find – reviving an “old” article of clothing or look is a Plutonic beauty spell.) More overarchingly, Jupiter leaves Taurus today where the giant planet has remained since May 16th of 2023, moving into Gemini until the spring of 2025. While old school astrology considers the planet of expansion and luck in “detriment” in the sign of the twins, disregard this archaic notion – this transit has many benefits and though it will impact each sign differently (and affect us more collectively than individually) we can broadly expect an emphasis on communication, learning and adaptability throughout this cycle. Everyone is a little more open-minded and flexible in their thinking (if you’ve been feeling for the last two years like everyone is unwaveringly staunch in their opinions and unwilling to consider other perspectives, this is partly due to Jupiter in Taurus – I think with this shift of Jupiter into Gemini, tensions will alleviate and at the very least, we can all bond over humor, laughter, and a shared willingness to not take ourselves -- or our perspective -- quite so seriously.) This transit rewards a willingness to step outside of our comfort zone, and if we can adapt to evolving circumstances and stay open to new ways of thinking, feeling and moving through the world, we’re rewarded with heightened confidence and magnetism (specifically regarding the themes ruled by the Gemini house(s) in the birth chart.) Jupiter in Gemini is a diplomatic, expansive transit – amidst the grim realities and terrible violence currently plaguing the world, it’s unlikely the sole antidote but could present a supportive astrological backdrop for open-minded discussion, not buying too firmly into any one concept or dogma, and even mediation/humor/learning as a strategy for conflict resolution.
Monday, May 27th. Mercury sextiles Saturn in Pisces today which benefits business and relationships, supporting clear thinking, heightened biz acumen, diplomacy, eloquence and persuasion. If you need to negotiate around something today or make a professional move which requires you to “win” people over, cultivate alliances or obtain approval, this transit supports it; for optimal results, rely on charm and real authority/qualification in equal measure and be willing to demonstrate a commitment to timelessness/upholding certain standards and adaptability, versatility and trendiness.
Wednesday, May 29th. Mars and Chiron conjunct in Aries today, a passionate configuration which illuminates areas of growth potential. Mars pushes us outside of our comfort zone, but in his ruling sign of Aries, we’re provided with the drive, ambition, resilience and stamina to pursue growth and self-improvement. The downside? We can easily find ourselves slipping into aggression, defensiveness, or whatever tactics we typically revert to when we feel threatened or insecure. Chiron activates our base wounding, and when conjunct Mars, this can manifest as primal, instinctive behaviors we don’t even realizing we’re falling into. To navigate this astro, understand that others are more activated than unusual – it’s not a good time to engage with known turbulent personalities or low-vibe Mars people – but our best management protocol is to embrace challenges as opportunities to show off, especially regarding whatever house in the birth chart occupies Aries (if that’s the seventh house, for example, old relationship patterns could surface while if your first house is in Aries, it could manifest as a crisis of identity. If Aries falls on the cusp of your tenth house, your career or public persona is likely the backdrop of this growth invitation; Aries in the eleventh house could activate insecurities within your friendships or evoke doubt in your sense of belonging.)
Friday, May 31st. Mercury conjuncts Uranus which is exciting and productive – especially in grounded Taurus, it materializes innovative ideas, inventive concepts and breakthrough dialogue, often with an unpredictable element or quirky twist. Anticipate emerging creative ideas and liberating ingenuity which has been on the brink of fruition (especially around Taurean themes like beauty, art, relationships, horticulture, finances, the body, and our greater values), but we have no patience for outdated thinking, excessive sentiment or anything which makes us feel weighed down or stuck in an old mindset. Anticipate flashes of awareness or insight and groundbreaking epiphanies – it’s happening regardless but we can create space for renegade ingenuity by not over-scheduling today.
Sunday, June 2nd. Jupiter trines Pluto in the first degrees of Gemini – it’s traditionally a money configuration so especially in the window of Mercury conjunct Uranus, it’s supportive astro for money magick or an abundance spell. Other possibilities: Empowerment garnered via objectively appraising something, learning a new skill or embracing your versatility or ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Mercury also sextiles Neptune today which supports dreamwork, divination, and anything which benefits from heightened metaphysical perception. Be on the lookout for signs, synchronicities and symbolism today and should an obstacle arise, charm and intuition can be surprisingly useful navigation tools.
Monday, June 3rd. Mercury enters Gemini until June 17th and as this is one of his ruling signs, the Messenger God is especially pronounced here. Generally, the vibe over the next three weeks is more open-minded, tolerant, curious and non-judgmental: heaviness and stagnancy dissipate in favor of levity and lightness, and don’t be surprised if you’re more compelled to socialize or others breeze in with cool invitations, dialogue, or in effort to circle back on old topics with a fresh mindset (or introduce new ideas and perspectives.) Buzzy synergy and interpersonal rapport are cultivated much more easily during this transit, and others are impressed by fluency, adaptability, eloquence and curiosity. It’s also a time where others tend to be more flexible, willing to cooperate and/or multi-task: if you’re wanting to present an offbeat idea or seek assistance from a (usually rigid) individual, propose it now for the most open-minded feedback (and don’t underestimate the importance of eloquent, skillful delivery. Charm and good communication skills can take us far when Mercury transits Gemini.)
Tuesday, June 4th. Venus harmonizes with the Nodes and conjuncts the Sun in Gemini, a lovely continuation of May’s Venusian Renaissance. The Venus/Sun alliance (with Mercury not far) assists networking and diplomacy initiatives, accentuates mental affinities and platonic connections, illuminates fresh ideas and perspectives, dissipates stale mindsets and allows us to more easily project a smooth, charming demeanor and deploy eloquence/wordcraft to garner an optimal outcome. Sextile the North Node in Aries and Trine the South Node in Libra, it evokes Venusian memories – today invites us to stumble back into something that we forgot was extremely pleasurable. Especially with Venus conjunct the sun, it’s rejuvenating for fashion, creativity, art, relationships, beauty and style – we can more easily form soul-centered alliances and the possibility of weird synchronicities or unlikely meetings is heightened today. It’s a good day to affirm/establish a connection, to brainstorm a creative idea, to amend a conflict or to open yourself to the lucky nature of this transit by placing yourself in new, unfamiliar situations. Mercury also trines Pluto and conjuncts Jupiter in Gemini today, so this is big Mercurial energy – few dilemmas aren’t solvable during this transit via charm, adaptability, quick-thinking, wit and humor, all of which are augmented now. With Mercury trine Pluto, the ability to cultivate deeper intimacy in our connections with others is accentuated – we can traverse usually touchy topics with sensitive individuals and it’s exceptionally good astro for re-visiting an issue you’d genuinely like to clear the air around, understanding it without provoking an eruptive response. The only caveat? When Mercury conjuncts Jupiter, our words carry a lot of meaning. We can also find ourselves making massive assumptions or bold, hyperbolic statements which then circle back in a pesky way.
Wednesday, June 5th. Today is the dark moon in Gemini, an excellent time to de-clutter your devices (yes – emptying inboxes, designating spam accordingly and creating virtual folders can be hugely cathartic today.) It’s also a fab Dark Moon for banishing pesky thoughts a la Louise Hay – it sounds cliché but words, thoughts and mindsets hold extra power during the Dark Moon in Gemini, so reciting affirmations in the mirror (especially those which seek to dispel a subtly limiting mindset or belief – and during the Dark moon, we perceive these more easily) is a powerful practice for today’s lune vibe.
New Moon in Taurus Tarot Spread:
Card 1: How can I lovingly cultivate the conditions for my New Moon Intentions to blossom into fruition?
Card 2: What does this “seed” or desire need from me to thrive?
Card 3: What routines, small actions or mindsets can I employ daily to achieve my long-term goals?
Card 4: How can I best take care of my body through this process?
Card 5: My guiding archetype card to keep me centered, grounded and committed to my vision throughout the Taurus Moon Cycle and the rest of the year.
Things I Love:
Lavender nails 💜 Short, freshly-trimmed bangs 💇🏻♀️Burger nights with my man, complete with freshly-made zhoug mayonnaise, North Country creamery dill havarti and local ground beef 🍔 Depositing big checks 💵 Being gifted a bottle of Veuve Clicquot by our (former) landlord — thanks, Carol! 🍾 When the nail polish glides on perfectly on the first application! 💅🏻 Coffee on the front porch in the morning with my man ☕ The magick of Amazon 🚚 Re-reading my favorite oldie-but-goodie newsletters — currently assembling a spring-themed crystal spell pouch for myself as I type! 💎 Pasta Puttanesca was created by prostitutes to lure clients with it’s satisfying aroma!? 🍝 The hyacinth in bloom under my mailbox 💐 When my man sends me sweet photos of him snuggling our kittens 🐾 How much re-arranging just a few things can shift the energy of a space 🌿 Re-watching Insecure on Netflix for all the laughs, tears and feel-good moments (and fashion inspo) 📺 Being complimented about my style 👢 Listening to a wild overnight spring thunderstorm while my kittens and my man are snuggled up beside me in bed, lightning flickering in the windows and rain hitting the tin roof ⚡ This honey Dijon vinaigrette recipe over greens with dried cranberries, honey goat cheese and my favorite veggies — I'm obsessed! 🥗 Re-indulging my favorite childhood treats 🍨
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