New Moons signify rebirth, beginnings, a clean slate, the start of a new cycle. This new moon highlights Taurus qualities (determined, practical, devoted, grounded, dependable) and 2nd house themes (material security, values, self-worth). On a spiritual/higher plane, the Moon in Taurus seeks inner peace through stability and contentment. Taurus is natively ruled by Venus.

In Taurus, the Moon is said to be 'exalted' (in its best zodiacal sign placement). As I've explained in previous posts,

perhaps the Moon's greatest "weakness" might be that she's too changeable. It isn't that she can't make up her mind or stick to it. Her decisions are based on her feelings/intuition. Her emotions vacillate as often as she moves one degree every few hours within the sign she is transiting and as she changes zodiac signs every few days. She dons the personality and experiences the wealth emotions from twelve different signs in about 30 days.

Taurus is the bull -- steadfast and reliable, with feet firmly on the ground. Taurus is also comfort-seeking which is a huge plus for the Moon. Simply put, Taurus offers the Moon what she needs -- emotional security -- which is probably all she really wants sometimes ... to be able to feel, yet not get lost in them or be driven to action solely by them.

The Taurus-New Moon (blending of heart & soul) forms a quincunx (an irritating link) with Saturn-rx (reality/restrictions). The New Moon in Taurus is one of two financially-related new moons we get this year. The link with Saturn in Libra could also give a focus on our relationships, including that which we have with the self or the relationship we have with money/material security.

The energy of this new moon might be extra challenging for those of us who are not quite ready to face facts, not mature enough to own up to our part, not committed to making the difficult but necessary changes, or unable to get past what's wrong/broken/unpleasant/unfair.

In addition to our financial status, this is new moon phase is an ideal time to re-evaluate our value system -- what do we truly value in life? how much of our energy are we exerting towards what is valuable to us? how about our own worth (material worth or self-worth)? Determine what is worth our precious time and build upon that.

Elsewhere in the sky, Mars (action/motivation) and Jupiter (expansiveness/opportunities) blend energies while both link harmoniously with the North Node (life path), giving us all a chance to make happen or move towards what we must/should or believe we must/should.

The moon will be new on May 2 at 11:51 p.m. PDT / May 3 at 2:51 a.m. EDT and occurs at 13 degrees of Taurus. Those born within 3 days of May 2 or November 5; or have planets/house angles around 13 degrees of fixed signs may experience the effects of this new moon stronger than most.

How might this new moon manifest in your life? Look to the natal house this new moon will occupy in your birth chart. Match the sign and degree to the sign on the house cusp. Use the list below to identify the Taurus zodiac sign then click here to read about the New Moon in Houses.



Click image to see larger
For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and Rising signs below then click here for an explanation of New Moon illuminating those houses.

• Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 2nd House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 1st House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 12th House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 11th House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 10th House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 9th House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 8th House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 7th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 6th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 5th House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 4th House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 3rd House

Unsure if you have natal planets/house angles on or around 13 degrees of fixed signs? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

I am also available for personal consultations. Are you celebrating a birthday soon? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or ask a question/request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Related articles:

• New Moon in Natal Houses
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Sun in Taurus ~ April 20 to May 21, 2011

Image of the sculpture - "Taurus, Bull" credit and copyright to Loet Vanderveen.