The phases of the moon are among most fascinating astronomical behaviors we can observe with the naked eye, and deeply rich sources of thought and interpretation in Astrology. Among the 9 phases – New, Waxing Crescent, 1st Quarter Half, Waxing Gibbous, Full, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter Half, Waning Crescent, and Balsamic – the New and Full Moons capture most of the attention.
This article will look at the current New Moon and suggest a “creation activity” associated with the sign of this New Moon, based on the work of Jan Spiller, from her book: New Moon Astrology: The Secret of Astrological Timing to Make All Your Dreams Come True.
New Moon – Let’s Start Something!
The Taurus New Moon will occur on May 19th at 28 degrees and 25 minutes; in my Eastern Standard Time zone, it will happen at 11:54 am.
It takes 29.5 days from one New Moon to the next, spending approximately 2 and ½ days in a sign. Just before the New Moon begins, the last period (3 days) of the previous moon phase (Waning Crescent) is known as the Balsamic Moon. That period is ideal for meditating, reflecting, and releasing; all in preparation for the New Moon.
The first 12 to 24 hours after the New Moon begins is an ideal time to initiate energy. We will explore each New Moon using Jan Spiller’s suggested actions to see how best to take advantage of this period of inspiration and creation.
New Moon energy is ideal for a first date, trying something you have not done before, going somewhere for the first time, or creating with art and words. Each month, if you keep track of the New Moon, you should endeavor to do something new or begin something by aligning with the “newness” of the Moon in the sign it happens to be moving through.
New Moon in Taurus
Since Taurus is an earth sign, ruled by Venus, this New Moon is in energy that feels the need to be safe, trusted, and comforted. We will feel the need to focus on our personal finances, our basic needs, and our home. Taurus is the “I establish” energy of the Zodiac. Where, within yourself, do you feel your strongest desire to be grounded, stable, and protected?
This New Moon will occur at 28d25m of Taurus, making its Sabian symbol 29 Taurus, “Two cobblers working at a table.” According to Marc Jones, “This is a symbol of the co-operative wisdom by which men make their world their own, solving all its special problems through the simple communion of functions performed in a genuine division of labor. Here is emphasis on man’s discursive reason, or the balancing of pros and cons in his mind as he works out his ideas with general assistance of his fellows.” The key word is: CAPABILITY.
The Numbers of This New Moon
This New Moon will occur on 05/19/2023, so the number for this day is 22, a master number, which reduces to 4. The number 4 represents foundations and persistent effort. This numerology is very stabilizing for this New Moon, helping us be persistent and grounded in our goals.
The Major Arcana cards for this number are the Emperor (4) and Death (13), which represent control and transformation, respectively. The Emperor teaches the Fool how to be a leader. Death teaches the Fool about the powerful and dramatic changes we will experience at key times in our lives.
The number for the day of this New Moon is 19, which totals 10, which reduces to 1. The Number 1 has a strong vibration for individuality, pioneering, and adventure. Since Taurus is the 2nd sign of the Zodiac, its number is 2. Thus, this is a month in which we need to learn about our relationships (2) and what they mean to us (and what we mean to others).
New Moon Wishing (A Tribute to Jan Spiller’s Work)
I enjoy the practical uses of Astrology, and there are many. So, I was immensely pleased when I came across Spiller’s book: New Moon Astrology: The Secret of Astrological Timing to Make All Your Dreams Come True.
Spiller writes, “Wishing is really a matter of deciding what we WANT to create and getting clear on our intention.” (New Moon Astrology, 2) This technique is an act of conscious responsibility, not lazy entitlement. There is actual work to do. This work involves knowing the time of the New Moon in your time zone and preparing to act within the first 8 to 24 hours AFTER the New Moon has activated.
Once the New Moon is active, you need to get a note card or a piece of paper to write your wishes down, or invest in and use a nice leather-bound journal. I know we all have a notes option on our cell phones, but hand writing the wishes/intentions is part of the energy ritual.
Spiller recommends making up to 10 wishes, but no more, because too many requests will disperse energy. I generally do around 5, sometimes less (3-4) or more (6-7) depending on which New Moon it is and what is going with my life at the time. One constraint that helps the wishing/intention process is making statements in line with the New Moon in the sign of the day you write your wishes/intentions.
Wishes/Intentions
Knowing your chart will help you understand which New Moons will be stronger, while others may be weaker. So, here’s the “nuts and bolts”. Sit down somewhere you can be comfortable, get your favorite pen, and write your wishes/intentions. Wording is very important, and Spiller suggests starting each sentence with, “I want …”.
Here’s what to wish for when the New Moon is in Taurus: money, sensual pleasure, contentment, perseverance, patience, self-worth, and releasing stubbornness. And here are three examples of the types of wishes/intentions I will write about on this New Moon:
- I want to keep being productive and earning a great living doing my work.
- I want to be able to appreciate what I have without the need to constantly be searching for more.
- I want to have patience in challenging situations, so I can persevere through them successfully.
Once you have them written down, put them somewhere you can store them and go back and review them after time has passed. A good place for a journal, or box, to put wishes in, would be in your bedroom in a night stand by your bed. Keep in mind that the quality of the paper, the pen, and the storage location all matter. Being intentional in all aspects of the process is important.
And lastly, consider getting Spiller’s book; this is just a primer article. If you want to find out how deep the well is and how fresh the source, then there is no substitute for reading all 312 pages of her book!
Happy New Moon Wishing!
