Taurus New Moon– 2023

By Tracy Cook

Where should my focus be during this next 29-day cycle? 

When we draft a chart for the new moon, we get a sense of the energy that will be up for processing for the next 29 days.  

Okay what is this cycle about?  Keep our eyes on needed changes that are concrete, grounded in practicality and improve resources, security and comfort.   

Taurus New Moon 

28 Taurus 25

May 19, 2023 

8:53am PDT  

Let’s cut to the chase.  This is a lovely Taurus new moon.  In this chart, the sun and moon sextile Mars and Neptune – and there is a beautiful trine with Pluto.     Wonderful.   The first part of the year had a lot of Astro tumult which makes this new moon and twenty-nine-day lunar cycle very welcomed.  

Taurus is how we find security; it is how we ground ourselves and how we get practical.  We are drawn to substance.  Theories and things that are abstract are put on a shelf; we want results in Taurus.  We also know how to put our head down and do work.  We are not distracted.   Taurus relishes building up something bit by bit. We rely on patience. We slow down.  Taurus take off its shoes and walks in grass.  It seeks earth and nature.   Taurus is not about flightiness or chaos.   Taurus is how we find comfort.   Taurus builds a sweet home and secure world; it relishes nurturing and being nurtured. 

This is also the first Taurus new moon since 2021 not attached to an eclipse.    For the last two years we have been challenged to find what we value and find our own self-worth.  Now on this new moon we lean into our values for twenty-nine days.   Do others value us?   Are we valuing others?  What practical applications of support are we offering others or are being offered to us?  

A sun & moon sextile Mars inspire actions that build up resources.  We see pathways that increase money and investments during the twenty-nine days.  We tap our love and the love from others.   Where we need comfort, we do something, we have the energy to get things done that build up our security.   We act on practicality   

Sun/Moon sextile Neptune: Our psyche is speaking to us this twenty-nine-day cycle.  Our intuition is high.   Our sensitivity is high as we navigate our circles.  People in pain get our attention and, in some cases, get our hands-on help.   Random moments may have more meaning than we think at first blush.    We feel in sync with our world as if there is a cosmic tie especially as we build up our security.   Comfort gets boosts from the Universe.   Opportunities wash up on our shore.   

Sun/Moon trine Pluto:  We have possibility to access deep change and transformation during this twenty-nine-day cycle.  We can feel the strength and power to break stuck patterns.  There may be financial breakthroughs and love breakthroughs.  Areas that we value which have been stuck now get movement.   We dig deep into our reservoir and find what we need to make change.  There is also an accent on new circles and friendships that may provide what we need to build security for ourselves or for others.  

Uranus is also in a wide conjunction with the Sun and the Moon which leans into ‘out of the blue’ moments, people, things.   The great ‘mix it up’ planet could send us some opportunities to be practical in a very new manner and more to the point we are open to shift.   We can enjoy the power of randomness.  

Saturn 

Mar 11 2023     3:05pm     Saturn enters shadow 00 Pisces 31 

Jun 17, 2023    7:42am     Saturn station retrograde 07 Pisces 13

Nov 3, 2023       9:47am     Saturn station direct 00 Pisces 31

Jan 17, 2023     7:00am     Saturn leaves shadow 07 Pisces 13 

On March 7, Saturn left Aquarius and entered Pisces where it will be until 2026.    Pisces is the final water sign and connects to dreams, creativity, mysticism, spirituality, vulnerability, and compassion.   Given Saturn is the hardworking planet this could be a two- and half-year period of productive creative growth for Piscean endeavors.  It can also be an important period for humanitarian causes with concrete solutions.   But how we get to concrete successes, which is what Saturn is always seeking, might start with Saturn’s calling card of frustration, sadness, weakness, and depression.    These emotions can be true of any sign Saturn enters but it is more so in vulnerable Pisces who can feel overwhelmed even on a good day.   Some of you may have felt these emotions since it entered Pisces in March.   However, what we know is that by the end of the Saturn’s journey there will be important results.   Saturn takes hold of something slippery during its time in Pisces and then shapes and modes it into something that lasts.  Such was the case in previous treks by Saturn in Pisces. In the 1870s during the early days of what would become the Impressionist movement or the film industry in the 1930s and certainly the world wide web in the 1990s, all were shaped during Saturn in Pisces.  Saturn brings a practicality to any sign including ephemeral, dreamy, sensitive, slippery Pisces.       

On June 17 Saturn stations for its first retrograde in Pisces.    For those people who have been feeling melancholy or pessimistic about something in their life or in the world, the retrograde may at first double the intensity of the emotion.  But Saturn retrograde is not prone to collapse into the emotions or lean into ‘what’s the use.’  Instead, Saturn seeks solutions.   How to find those solutions will first mean sharing your vulnerabilities with others.  You may seek professional help (very Saturn).   If your personal relationship is fraying, a therapist could be helpful, if your body is problematic, a doctor or new doctor may need to be called. If your business is wonky, a lawyer or financial advisor may need to be brought in.  If you are overwhelmed by issues in your community now you may need to reach out to your electeds or community activists.   At the same time, you may also need to get structured about self-care and find ways to restore your body, emotions, and psyche.   Remember Saturn is not afraid of problems.  In fact, Saturn looks for them so that he can fix them.   In Pisces, Saturn is very much like one of those home make over tv shows.   The designer and contractor enter the house that is falling in on itself.  They see the damaged floors, disgusting plumbing, or a mess left over by a hoarder.   It is enough to overwhelm anyone.   But the team points out the good bones, calls in demo people and the junk hauler.  They are disciplined, they know their budget and they stay on task and by the end they have a beautiful new home.   That is Saturn in action.  Between June 17 and November 3 use Saturn retrograde to look and find your inner team that will help you stay on track, strengthen your resolve and in the end support your ability to tap faith.  And remember this can be a very creative time, use Saturn to help you make an important dream or two a reality.    

Pluto 

Pluto which has been retrograde since May 1, returns to Capricorn on June 11^thwhere it will stay until January 2024.   We still have work to do in Capricorn which rules big business and big government, and this date is around the debt ceiling drama in the USA.  For this last round of Capricorn, if leaders in general are not on their game, they will be called out.  For those people with planets between 27 -29 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn you continue to experience changes that have long lasting effects.  You are cutting away that which is obsolete so that new can come in.   Your psyche knows what no longer is serving you and Pluto is poking you to do the actions.   Breathe.    Remember once Pluto leaves Capricorn it will never return in our lifetime.        

The hard landing of lovely new moon

While the new moon is a positive, sweet and a lovely lunation, we may not feel the calmness as soon as it arrives due to a transitional planetary hot zone between May 16 and May 22.

May 16: Jupiter enters Taurus 

May 17: Jupiter square Pluto 

May 19: Taurus New Moon 

May 20: Mars enters Leo 

May 22: Mars oppose Pluto 

May 22: Mars square Jupiter

When Pluto entered Aquarius, it activated a new era with all the other planets.   Once a planet hits zero degrees of fixed signs it sets off Pluto at zero Aquarius.   To know exactly how this played out the last time Pluto was in Aquarius would mean going back to the 1780s.   Obviously, a mercury square Pluto for example, in the 18^thcentury versus 21^st century has different ramifications.   And although it is fun to think of Benjamin Franklin making an indiscriminate post on Instagram, we really are in new territory with planetary aspects and Pluto.   This new moon lands right in the middle of Jupiter & Mars getting into it with Pluto.  

On May 16, Jupiter entered zero degrees Taurus, and the very next day formed an exact square with Pluto.  Then on May 20^th Mars hit zero Leo, forming an opposition with Pluto and on May 22 Mars squares Jupiter.    This is a lot of tension.   Mars in Leo has the most in-your-face explosive potential however Jupiter in Taurus is hard to explode.   Jupiter spent the last year in Aries, being noisy, setting off sparks wherever it traveled.   Now in Taurus, Jupiter settles down.  It longs to own, construct, and seeks big security.   Pluto in Aquarius does not like rear view mirror thinking.  It wants new thoughts that speak to the revolutionary, it itches for new technology and wants to lean into ‘all’ not just “one”.  Mars in Leo relies on the power of one, personal strength and talents, loyalty, pride and being the big shot.   Between May 16 – May 22 we feel the pressure of wanting something that perhaps we can’t get but darn we want it.   We want to tussle with anyone who can’t see our strengths and talents.  We are craving new thoughts and revolutionary thinking that could better our personal world, but we can’t seem to get there.    There will be stories in the news of egos run amok, lack of resources or greed, misbehaviors of those who are pushing out of bounds, or crossing boundaries both international and personal spaces.   

Obviously, that is a bumpy time for such a lovely Taurus new moon to land but luckily as the days move forward, we will get distance from that tumult and the beauty of the Taurus cycle will unfold.     Enjoy the new moon, get your Taurus on, and walk around barefoot, wiggle your toes and remember your self-worth from the the ground up to your crown.    You deserve the joy of this cycle.  

The 8 phases

Taurus New Moon 

28 Taurus 25

May 19, 2023 

8:53am PDT  

New moon: Plant seeds, make calls, activate, start projects.   Activate something that will ideally lead you to more.  This is the phase where INTENT is critical.  Even if the results are not immediate, the intent is there.  You may not have all the answers or road map, but you should put out your Intent.

This focus:     Where do you need comfort?  Where do you need to build up support?  What area means a lot to you that needs focus?  Where do you need security?  How can use the Taurus energy to build a practical path to support that need?  How can you take care of your money?  How can you take care of your assets?  How can you support your ability to share love?  

Special note:

5/20: Mars enters Leo.  Big, bold actions that tap strength, self-esteem & pride. 

5/20: Mars oppose Pluto (see above)  

5/21: Sun enters Gemini

5/21: Sun trine Pluto:  Thinking that stimulates authentic transformation.   Cracking the stubborn to get the fresh and new.  

5/21: Sun sextile Mars:  New Actions that tap strength, pride, and creativity

5/22: Mars square Jupiter:  Actions based on ego are in conflict with practicality.  Authenticity is the answer.  

Crescent Moon Phase

May 23, 2023

6:01am PDT  

Crescent:  We will receive information, we will research a bit more, perhaps get feedback on stuff that we planted on new.  Perhaps get some information that will help down the road on a seed we planted a while ago.  We can collect some data now.  Even if you think you are not getting information, stop, and re-look at everything.  Who called you?  Even the silliest things when they come up during Crescent are note worthy.  A parking ticket.  An argument with a spouse?  A refund check from the phone company?  All of it needs to be considered a message from the universe.  How can this information help you?

Focus on: What are your feelings telling you about practical changes you need to make?   How is your home a reflection of your values?  How would you feel if you fixed what is broken?   What are you learning through your feelings?    What practicality do you need to bring to family?  

Special Focus

5/26: Venus sextile Uranus.  Out of the blue pleasure, joy, money, love highlighted.  

5/26: Mars square N Node.    Stuck versus action.  What needs to die so something closer to the heart is born?  Or fighting for that we love.  

First Quarter Moon 

May 27, 2023

8:22am PDT 

First quarter: We do more actions based on the information that we just received. Or we feel our instincts guide us on something.  We pursue again.  We make another call, or we see someone. We mail something.  We stir the pot again.  This can be a time when we realize that the goals, we planted on new need more action from us, perhaps actions that involve breaking away.   Are there people who say they have our best interest in heart but fear us growing away from them?  Maybe we need to get help from others not the usual suspects.  Some independence may need to be exerted. 

Focus on:  How are you taking actions that address your daily actions?  What practicality are you bringing to your calendar?  What does your schedule say about your values?   

Special Note

5/28: Sun square Saturn.   Frivolous versus compassion.  Snappy versus sensitivity.   Light versus moody. 

Gibbous Moon

May 31, 2023  

7:19am PDT  

Gibbous:

We refine our information.  We pick and choose, we discriminate, and we organize to be ‘Virgo’ like.  We sort through details.  Have we missed something?  How are we sifting through the information?  Go back and make sure something hasn’t been neglected.  Refine our actions.  

Focus on:  How are you refining your relationships?  How are you refining your need for balance?   How are you refining your ability to sit back?   What does it look like to do nothing?     

Special focus

5/31 : Mercury exits shadow.  We are finally done with the last vestiges of Mercury retrograde. 

6/1: Jupiter conjunct N. Node.  Big ideas, big plans, big opinions connected to values, self-worth, comfort and security. 

6/2:  Venus trine Neptune.  Gentle mystics are tapped.  Compassion and humanitarian issues get support.  

June 3, 2023

8:41pm PDT

Full Moon

13 Sagittarius18

Lunar Eclipse 

Full Moon:  We make the needed adjustments on the things we planted. Usually, emotions are up and running and for those people who perhaps did not utilize the new moon and the rest of the waxing moon, this is when emotions can get the better of us.  There can often be a big emotional break, for no other reason than to get back on track.   Some partnership will offer up some balance.  The moon is bright and full and there is no room for shadows, what is reflecting on you?  

Focus on:     How are you expanding your world?  How are you embracing things that are ‘foreign’?  How are you seeking advisors or teachers?  Where are you offering your own wisdom?  

Special focus 

6/4 :  Mercury conjunct Uranus.  Practical thoughts that create breakthroughs and breakout.   Random revolutionary thoughts.

6/5 : Venus enters Leo

6/5 : Venus oppose Pluto.  Being bold for self-versus being out there for others.   The power of love and the love of power.   

Disseminating

June 7, 2023

4:05am PDT       

Disseminating: Share information; find a teacher or someone who has more knowledge. Perhaps there was a big ol’ blow out on the full and one feels in need of support and help, this is the phase to reach out to one who knows more. This is when we find a rabbi or a minister or therapist who gives us more insight.   And of course, you too may be ready to teach and share your own information.  

Focus on:   What advice are you offering that speaks to friendship?  How are you showing abilities to tie people together for a likeminded cause?   How are you able to find those who seek similar goals?   

Special focus:

6/8: Venus square N. Node.  Selfishness, drama for personal endeavors versus sensible practical. 

6/9: Mercury sextile Neptune.  Inspired thinking that touches the quiet inner mystic. 

Last Quarter Moon Phase

June10, 2023 

12:31pm PDT    

Last Quarter moon:  Now we do the final adjustments to the seeds we planted on new. The final call, the final letters to send, we follow all the trails that came up that still make sense.  And we let the other parts lay fallow. It is a time of action but wise action.  It is a time for living “The serenity prayer” 

God, grant me the Serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change Courage to change the
things I can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference.

Focus on:

How are you taking actions that connect you to your humanitarian side?  How are your actions lining up with creativity?    How are you tapping and acting on your inner mystic or religious nature?  

Special focus 

6/11: Pluto enter re-enters Capricorn (see above)

6/11: Mercury trine Pluto  Thinking that accesses power through release.  

6/11: Mercury enters Gemini 

6/11: Venus square Jupiter.  Spending, eating and loving too big.   Finding moderation is hard. 

Balsamic Moon Phase

June 14, 2023 

2:12am PDT 

Balsamic:   We let go.  By releasing we can prepare for the new.  

Focus on:  How are you releasing your stubbornness?  How are you releasing greed?  How are you releasing an over reliance on being ‘comfortable’?  

Special focus:

6/15: Mercury square Saturn.   Tough talk, tough thought but cutting through the nonsense can be helpful. 

6/17: Mercury sextile Venus.  Fun, playful, joy are easily found and amplified. 

6/17:  Saturn stations retrograde 7 Pisces 13 (see above) 

June 17, 9:37pm  New Moon PDT 26 Gemini 43