This month’s New Moon in Taurus will rise in the sky on 18 May, the same day that Mercury turns retrograde. Like a cow in a sunny field of lush green grass our responses to life will become slower, we’ll feel more relaxed and ready to live life at a more gentle pace. The New Moon in Taurus steadies our emotions and is a good time for grounding ourselves and reconnecting with the Earth and our physical bodies.

As long-time readers will already be aware I’m not one to get too worked up about Mercury retrograde periods. Sure it can bring crossed wires and malfunctions in communication, leading to annoying mishaps and delays as well as misunderstandings, but to my mind its benefits outweigh its challenges. In this fast paced, mind-dominated reality Mercury retrograde prompts us to turn inwards and become reflective. You can explore this concept further in my article Fear Not the Mercury Retrograde.

In her excellent article The Wise Trickster Melanie Reinhart expresses the energy of Mercury retrograde beautifully: “If you are experiencing a Mercury Rx Cycle through a flurry of glitches and things mis-firing in general – try to just STOP your momentum, as in the phrase ‘Don’t just do something, sit there’! Very often, these Mercurial ‘signals’ are prompts to slow down (as Mercury does when turning), change gear, turn around (as he does) and be reflective rather than active for a while.”

Of course the New Moon is always a good time to begin new projects and set intentions for the coming month. During the New Moon in Taurus financial investment and home renovations are traditionally favoured, as is anything to do with the soil such as planting a new garden or building a compost heap. Think practical rather than intellectual during this time.

To make the most of this lovely sensual New Moon in Taurus energy, focus on grounding your consciousness in your body. Enjoy yoga, go walking in nature or spoil yourself with an indulgent massage. Take time to prepare a special meal that nourishes your body and enlivens your senses. Being in the body reminds us of how dramatically our emotions affect our health and physical well-being. Carry this awareness with your through the coming month.

For my husband and I this New Moon in Taurus marks the beginning of a three month period of wandering. At first this may seem strangely at odds with the energy just described, but it makes more sense when you consider that this road trip is all about finding a place to settle down, a little corner of the world where we can plant a garden and build a home. All very Taurean! Beginning this journey during a New Moon in Taurus feels very auspicious and gives me courage during this uncertain time.

What else is happening during this New Moon in Taurus?

Venus, planet of love and relationships, is currently in tenderhearted Cancer and during the New Moon will make a trine aspect to Neptune in Pisces. This will bring a dreamy, compassionate and nurturing quality to relationships, which goes very nicely with the sensual qualities of the New Moon in Taurus! This aspect is exact on the 16 May and will last for two to three days. I recommend indulging in a long, lazy dose of cuddling!

Uranus and Jupiter have been in trine aspect for some time now – you can read more about that in my article Jupiter trine Uranus: Free Yourself. During the New Moon in Taurus Mercury makes brief contact with both planets by sextile, allowing this expansive, electric energy to be expressed intellectually. To access its inspiration find a pen and get writing; just let the words flow out without thinking. You may be surprised by the insights that emerge.

Mars has recently moved into Gemini so don’t expect this month to be one of determined focus! In fact during and after this New Moon in Taurus you may find yourself somewhat scattered and distracted in your energies. Mars is currently in opposition to Saturn in Sagittarius which tends to cause frustration. Flighty Mars in Gemini is eager to get his fingers in as many pies as possible, and with a square aspect to Neptune many of his plans are not very practical. Saturn would prefer we plan things out first and may cause obstacles.

Immediately following the New Moon in Taurus, Venus will spend five to six days in opposition with Pluto, exact on 21 May. This aspect is typically characterised by power struggles as Pluto can make us feel so strongly that it’s hard to see things from another person’s point of view. The need to control a situation can see us manipulating others for our own ends. Stay especially conscious of your motivations between 19 and 25 May and keep a close eye on the power dynamics in your relationships.

If you’re prone to fears of rejection or betrayal you may find they raise their ugly heads during this time. Venus in Cancer has a strong need for nurturing and with a close contact to Pluto we can sometime become a little possessive or demanding. Unfortunately this usually leads to our loved ones withdrawing, which can leave us feeling threatened and insecure. Observe yourself closely and be sure to give your loved ones the space they need.

How will the New Moon in Taurus affect you?

The New Moon in Taurus, along with all the other transits discussed above, will only have a really pronounced affect on those whose personal natal planets are touched. If none of your natal planets are involved you may not experience any of these affects at all, especially if you’re experiencing a major transit from a slow moving outer planet that is completely overwhelming any subtler energies.

For example with the Sun and New Moon at 26 degrees Taurus you’ll feel the energy strongly if you have planets between 22 and 30 degrees of an Earth sign (Capricorn, Taurus or Virgo). With planets between 22 and 30 degrees of the other fixed signs (Scorpio, Leo or Aquarius) you’ll likely experience some of the less desirable qualities of Taurus, such as stubbornness, jealousy or attachment to material possessions.

The same goes for the other planets discussed. Check their (approximate) location in your own chart to get a feel for how you may experience this New Moon in Taurus.

Mercury 13°

Venus 11°

Mars 4°

Jupiter 14°

Saturn 2°

Uranus 18°

Neptune 9°

Pluto 15°

Your turn…

There’s quite a lot going on during this New Moon in Taurus. How do these transits interact with your chart? What do you expect to learn and experience during this time?

The beautiful living sculpture above is by the Eden Project.

If you don’t have one yet, you can get a free birth chart at astro.com. To understand how to read your birth chart, and follow the transits in your own life, download my free ebook The Language of Astrology.