In the Pacific Time Zone, the New Moon will occur at 1:27 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. This New Moon finds the Moon and Sun conjunct (0°) at 11° of Taurus. To further clarify how this New Moon will impact you on a personal level, locate 11° of Taurus in your birth/natal chart. The issues associated with that house are going to be most influenced by this New Moon’s presence.
New Moons always provide us with an opportunity for a new emotional start in the areas associated with the sign. This time, we are focused on Taurus. The higher expression of this sign includes being down-to-earth, responsible, resourceful, reliable, patient, and loyal. The lower expression can include being overly materialistic, stubborn, resistant to change, and cautious to an extreme.
The symbol associated with Taurus is a bull, which represents the sign’s slow and steady perseverance and determination. The bull prefers to remain in its own pasture. It feels calm, peaceful, and safe when it is in familiar territory. However, we always need to remember that when the bull is pushed too far, it can have a temper and become the proverbial “bull in a china shop.” One way to provoke that type of reaction is by introducing change too quickly. Patience is key with Taurean energy. It’s not that change won’t happen; when a bull is content, it does move, but it moves slowly. Given its inherent determination, it will eventually get to its destination, but it has to WANT to get to this new location. The bull can’t be forced, and it must go at its own pace.
This Taurus New Moon is also a solar eclipse, which magnifies its impact. Usually, solar eclipses are times when we experience new beginnings and we see things more clearly. This time, though, it is only a partial eclipse (i.e., the Moon only partially blocks out the Sun’s rays). Therefore, things may not be quite as clear as they might be with a full solar eclipse. Accordingly, we should take a step back or take a deep breath before making any important decisions. Luckily, given it’s occurring in slow-moving Taurus, we have time to catch anything that might be missed. Additionally, the impact from an eclipse typically unfolds over the next 6 months, so there’s no need to rush.
At the time of the Full Moon and the solar eclipse, the Sun and Moon are conjunct (0°) Uranus. The inclusion of Uranus means that those who are sensitive to energy may feel like our nervous systems are overstimulated. However, we are in luck! All of the Taurean energy gives us excellent insights into how we can best calm any nervous energy (e.g., breathing, getting a massage simplifying our lives, doing “earthy” things gardening or spending time in nature, “being in our bodies” by using mindfulness techniques).
As long as we find ways to calm ourselves, we increase our chances that we can tap into the positive potential of this Uranean energy. For example, Uranus may bring sudden insights that lead to solutions to long-standing problems. However, it often likes to do things in an unconventional way, which means that we all need to be open to considering options that we normally might not consider. For ourselves, we need to take off any blinders and be willing to see outside the box. Going back to the symbol of the bull, Uranus may be trying to show us that the pasture next to ours has a lot of sweet flowers and green grass to eat, but we have to be willing to look outside our safe, familiar field in order to see that a change might be for the better. This influence is also impacting those around us, so we need to be willing to be patient and tolerant if people in our life come up with ideas that we might initially think are “wrong.” We need to keep an open mind, no matter how different the idea sounds. The good news is that Uranus usually will help us be more willing to be flexible and open to unique approaches.
But whenever Uranus is present, it indicates that changes are needed in order to move forward. Having it conjunct this Taurus New Moon likely indicates that changes are needed in how we take care of Taurus-related topics, such as our bodies, our possessions, and/or our finances. It could also involve physical changes to our pasture, which could include our home or the area around our home. The goal with Taurus is to make our “pasture” as enjoyable, beautiful, and safe as possible. In a more symbolic way, Uranus in Taurus could also mean we need to make some changes to the path that we are currently traveling on in order to be sure we end up where we want to be. Normally, Uranus wants quick changes, but luckily Taurus will help support us in making changes in a responsible, slower-paced way.
As was true in the Last Moon update, Saturn is still squaring (90°) the North and South Nodes. The squares aren’t quite a tight this time, but it’s still very likely that we are in the process of seriously reviewing structures in our lives, our responsibilities, and our future goals to make sure we are headed in the right direction. At the time of this lunar event, Mercury is in a rather wide square (90°) to Saturn. Given Mercury just moved into its home sign of Gemini, it’s pretty powerful; therefore, any conclusions that are drawn from our review may require that we change how we are thinking or communicating. It could also be that what someone says or something we read will in some way impact that review of those areas in our life.
But as has been the case with the last few Moon Updates, there are a large number of supportive aspects present to help us along the way, especially with this Taurus New Moon. (REMINDER: (a) Sextiles (60°) and trines (120°) are always supportive and (b) the closer the planets are to each other [i.e., the smaller the orb], the more powerful the interplay between their energies.)
- We are still experiencing the spiritually expansive impact of the conjunction (0°) between Jupiter and Neptune. However, Venus has temporarily joined them in Pisces. In fact, at the time of the New Moon, Venus is exactly conjunct Jupiter (i.e., an orb of only 0°2’). Venus and Jupiter are traditionally referred to as the “minor and major benefics,” respectively. They are both believed to bring helpful energy that often leads to a positive outcome. Although the lower expression is that they can go to extremes, it’s more than likely we will all be feeling the beneficial impact from both Venus and Jupiter. Given this meeting is occurring in Pisces, there will likely be a spiritual overlay to our thoughts and activities. We may find that things seem to magically fall into place. It is possible that even profound changes can be made without much effort. And with Neptune added into the mix, our interactions with others may benefit from increased compassion and gentleness.
- This same grouping of 3 planets (i.e., Venus, Jupiter, Neptune) are all sextile (60°) transformational Pluto, and the sextiles between Venus and Pluto and between Jupiter and Pluto have orbs of less than 1°. Overall, these sweet astrological gifts indicate positive social interactions, including the potential for new levels of intimacy. They also may have a very positive impact on financial arrangements or legal cases, and they may provide us with opportunities for new spiritual experiences.
- Mercury in Gemini is in a trine (120°) to Pluto in Capricorn. Our minds can be powerfully focused and attentive, and our communication may be intense or passionate. We have extra power now to explore our motivations and the motivations of others, and we may find ourselves thinking or talking about issues related to psychology, spirituality, leadership, and the correct use of power.
- Mercury is also forming sextiles (60°) to both Venus and Jupiter. This supports us in making social contacts of all kinds, but especially those interactions that are mentally active, bring new ideas to the table, and involve learning new things. We feel friendly and want to have fun! We may also be thinking a lot about our future, and perhaps we are better able to see the path ahead.
- Mars in Pisces is forming sextiles (60°) to the Sun, Moon, and Uranus. The sextiles to the Sun and Moon are fairly close (i.e., orbs of 1°26’). Mars provides us with extra energy and a willingness to take risks when it comes to any needed changes. We probably aren’t afraid to experiment or act independently. But with Mars located in Pisces, we may feel motivated to go after something that is spiritual or idealistic. We may also be ready to courageously put our emotions or needs “out there.” Creativity can definitely be enhanced.
On Friday, April 29, Pluto is the first of the 5 outer planets to start the summer “retrograde season.” (NOTE: Saturn will be next in early June.) Pluto moves slowly; consequently, it will be in retrograde until October 6. Pluto is known for being the planet of transformation and healing, and we will not stop experiencing its impact in our lives. However, while moving in retrograde, we often find that we are experiencing its impact internally rather than externally. It’s a time when we often are reflecting on issues related to how we use our personal power in our lives and how those around us are using their power. It can also support us in doing deep psychological healing work (e.g., Pluto retrogrades are always a good time for counseling or any form of self-reflection and self-exploration).
The same day (i.e., Friday, April 29), Mercury enters Gemini. Although Mercury usually remains in a sign for about 3.5 weeks, it is about to turn retrograde on May 10 (see more below). Because of this, Mercury will be in Gemini for a total of about 6 week, but it will happen in two different phases. After about 3 weeks in Gemini, Mercury will back-up into Taurus on May 23 and then re-enter Gemini toward the middle of June for another 3-week stay. Mercury isn’t complaining about traveling through Gemini because Mercury is the ruler of this sign. Up until the beginning of the retrograde period on May 10, we should all be feeling more communicative and social than usual. Our minds will be very active and alert, although we probably will only want to learn superficial knowledge and nothing “too deep.” The only warning with this placement is that we can be mentally distracted, which can sometimes result in “foot in mouth disease” unless we consciously think before we speak (or write).
Then on Monday, May 2, Venus enters Aries, where it will remain until May 29. Venus is the planet most associated with love, so during this time we may approach existing or potential love interests courageously. Although the influence of Aries could cause us to be impatient or want to maintain our independence, it usually has a positive impact on any relationship in which we love the other person (romantically or otherwise). Venus in Aries can also have a positive impact on our finances, our creative projects, or anything that we desire in life.
As mentioned above, Mercury will begin its second retrograde period of 2022 on Tuesday, May 10, which will end on June 1. Whenever Mercury is in retrograde, our attention will be drawn inward; therefore, we all need to be extra careful that we don’t misread, miswrite, or misspeak. If something is important, we should carefully double (and triple) check important information, such as travel plans, documents, and contracts that need to be signed. Patience with ourselves and others is always important during retrograde periods; but when Mercury is retrograde in Gemini, it often helps to include a lighthearted sense of humor.
However, there is a strange juxtaposition of energy on that same day (i.e., Tuesday, May 10). Mercury may be turning inward, but that is also the day that Jupiter leaves Pisces and enters outgoing Aries. Jupiter will remain in Aries until the end of October, at which time it will retrace its path back into Pisces due to turning retrograde at the end of July. While in Aries, Jupiter will help us be more optimistic and hopeful. Good things happen to those willing to be courageous, enthusiastic, initiating, inspiring, and willing to be in the spotlight and even take on a leadership role. Although we should be careful that our expansion isn’t going too far or is being undertaken in an aggressive manner, it’s definitely not a time to sit back and wait for things to come to us. Perhaps until Mercury turns direct again on June 1, this will be a good time to actively think about the actions we want to take once Mercury goes direct. Interestingly, the courageous and optimistic energy provided by Jupiter in Aries could help us cope more effectively than usual with any challenges with communication that occur while Mercury is retrograde.
Overall, this Taurus New Moon and solar eclipse is one of those rare times when I get to convey good news! We may still experience challenges around the time of the New Moon. However, many of us could be pleasantly surprised with how effectively we cope with any challenges and how easy it is to experience a positive outcome. We are being given a gift of great creative potential, including insights into alternative solutions to issues that we have been struggling with for some time. But we should remember that this is still a New Moon in earthy Taurus; therefore, anything new should be concrete, and we need to make changes at a pace that doesn’t provoke resistance in the bull. Luckily, the solar eclipse means that we probably don’t have to change all at once. Although we may have sudden insights into what needs to change or how to change it, we have the next 6 months to allow our goals to come to fruition. For now, we can focus on planting the seeds that will take root during this time. If we do this, then we will have a productive harvest by the next eclipse season toward the end of this year.
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THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN BY
- Anne Reith, Ph.D. (AnneReith.com)
- For information about Dr. Reith’s downloadable eBooks and meditations, feel free to visit her online Store
SOME INFORMATION TAKEN FROM
- The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
- Various online sources (e.g., www.cafeastrology.com)
REMINDER
- New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.
FULL MOON
Full Moon at 11° of Taurus
- Saturday, April 30, 2022, 1:27 p.m. PDT
- Saturday, April 30, 2022, 4:37 p.m. EDT
- Saturday, April 30, 2022, 8:27 p.m. GMT
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By Anne Reith, Ph.D.