New Moon in Taurus: Safe Home

Tomorrow morning, the Sun and Moon meet at 28º 25’ Taurus, the end of the fixed Earth sign that values loyalty, dependability, and comfort. Yet here at the end of Taurus, we have the awareness that our physical comforts depend on everything going well–and how often does that happen?

This New Moon initiates a fresh lunar cycle without eclipses, even as the effects of the recent pair of solar and lunar eclipses continue to unfold. We long for security while it still feels well out of reach.

There are clear signs stability will be improving.

Mercury has stationed direct, ending a retrograde that was surprisingly disruptive, given that it too happened in the slow, staid sign of Taurus. Also, Jupiter left behind the fiery tumult of Aries to step into the cool, green pastures of Taurus.

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Neither planet, though, is out of the woods. Mercury only recently left behind a conjunction with the restless North Node of the Moon and is still within their retrograde shadow. A sextile with Saturn provides support, but Mercury will not be completely in the clear until the end of the month, May 31, when they reach the degree where they first stationed retrograde.

Jupiter generally enjoys the slow pace of Taurus, which allows for earthly pleasures as well as long philosophical discussions. Yet 0º Taurus is currently a fraught place.

Jupiter is one corner of a powerful T-square that has been in play and growing stronger for some days. Moving into Taurus made the T-square stronger.

At the New Moon, Mars at 29º 26’ Cancer opposes Pluto at 00º 17’ Aquarius, while Jupiter at 00º 40’ Taurus squares them both. This T-square will reach its peak when Mars enters Leo, placing all three planets in fixed signs. This occurs 24 hours after the New Moon, on Saturday, May 20.

Mars opposite Pluto focuses on issues of power. Pluto rules what is deep and hidden. As such they command immense power. Mars rules action in the physical world, and embodies a readiness to get what he wants no matter the cost. The irresistible force and the immovable object meet.

In addition, Pluto in Aquarius is the dispassionate but deeply committed champion of high principle. Aquarius focus on the community, the greatest good for the greatest number. There is also a strong interest in innovation, the creation of new things that radically reshape the world.

Mars in Cancer, on the other hand, stands up for traditional values. Family, whether created by birth or chosen, comes first. Underhanded methods are no problem and will be deployed to protect what is our own.

Jupiter, squaring both, is expansive. Sometimes, Jupiter makes things bigger until we can’t miss them. Jupiter is also a philosopher and teacher. In Taurus, he asks what is real, possible, and sustainable.

This T-square is now close enough to the Nodes of the Moon to become a Grand Cross. The South Node at 03º 58’ Scorpio supplies the missing corner. Jupiter moves to conjunct the North Node, while the Mars–Pluto opposition squares the Nodes.

This places Mars and Pluto in the positions known as “at the bendings,” halfway between the Nodes, which means, halfway between eclipse points. How planets at the bendings express themselves depends on which side of the square they’re on.

In this case, Pluto is at the South Bending and Mars at the North. Each planet takes on the characteristics of the corresponding Node.

Pluto falls at the point of letting go, and in some cases, alchemizing what is released into spiritual insight or power. Pluto sits at 0º Aquarius but is now retrograde, preparing to revisit late Capricorn one final time.

Capricorn has been difficult territory since the pandemic with its lockdowns began in early 2020. What do we still need to let go of? What remains to be processed and released from those years?

Mars sits at the North Bending, associated with the outward action of the North Node. This suits Mars just fine; he prefers to act. As soon as Mars steps into Leo, direct action and personal expression come into focus.

This association with the Nodes of the Moon gives the connections among Mars, Pluto, and Jupiter a sense of fate, perhaps a feeling of inevitability.

The Sun and Moon form a strong but out-of-sign trine to Pluto, connecting the New Moon to the Grand Cross. Here we see the wariness of the last decan of Taurus exemplified.

The Sun and Moon also sit between the Mars–Neptune trine, sextiling both. Our longing for Taurean comfort and security is rooted in love that is both practical and boundless.

Yes, the New Moon in Taurus wants nothing more than to have a safe place to live, a secure supply of good food, and the comfort of family and friends. Looking at the Grand Cross, though, provides a stark reminder of how limited our abilities are to secure these things in the face of powerful forces outside our control.

Although the world today feels dangerous, this tension between creating a good life and facing into the impermanence of all things has always been with us.

Somehow the very fact that what we value and love the most is and will remain impermanent makes it that much more precious. We celebrate what we have, knowing all things will end.

The Taurus New Moon is ruled by Venus in Cancer. This Venus carries the energy of the Mother and Child, a Venus in mutual reception with the Moon in Taurus. This Venus is also out of bounds, which means our care and concern for those we love most feel deep and important right now.

“Safe home,” is what the Irish say for good bye. Slán abhaile, we say as we all leave the party, or the meeting, or the pub. Safe home, because we know the risks that come with being alive. Safe home, because it is what we most wish for on this New Moon in Taurus.

Safe home.