The New Moon in Taurus is one of my favorite lunations, because Taurus enriches our senses and our lives. Here in the northern latitudes, we are surrounded by new growth, beauty, and the wonderful green smells of spring.

For those of us who live in our heads, the New Moon in Taurus can pull us back into our bodies, for a change.

At 5°03′ Taurus, this New Moon squares the degree of the solar eclipse at 6°29′ Aquarius on January 26, providing an opportunity to evaluate our progress (or lack thereof) since that time. Aquarius focuses on the ideal and Taurus on the physical reality, making this lunation the perfect time to see if we’re living in la-la land or the real deal. If we aren’t seeing the progress we’d like, then how do we adjust our vision? Is idealism standing in the way? Are we cutting off our nose to spite our face? Keep in mind that compromise is not a dirty word.

As Jupiter approaches conjunction with Neptune and Chiron, we are going to be challenged to stay in touch with reality. We are aided by Mercury in pragmatic Taurus, squaring this stellium in Aquarius. Still, it’s tough going. This aspect reminds me of those cartoons in which the character runs off the cliff and stops in mid-air before dropping straight down. The proliferation of misinformation available on the internet has reached staggering proportions, and we need the grounding provided by Taurus to sort this out. It’s all about having good, solid information on which to base our decisions.

The sextile between Uranus in Pisces and Mercury in Taurus can aid in the search for ways to resolve the issues raised by the square between Mercury and the Aquarius planets. Taurus is noted for taking a position and sticking with it, but if anyone can gently persuade the Bull to change his mind, it’s Pisces – master of subtlety and the indirect approach. In other words, avoid butting heads and direct confrontations, if possible.

Another dynamic square is between Venus and Mars in Aries with Pluto in Capricorn. Venus is now direct and newly returned to Aries, which will kick-start creative projects put on hold six weeks ago. Mars moved into Aries on April 22 and is a totally happy camper for a change, because this is the sign he rules. I see Pluto squaring these two as generating a huge amount of energy as well as a preview of possibilities coming up next year when Uranus moves into Aries, squaring Pluto. So hang on to your hats and be prepared for lots happening in the next few weeks.

Saturn in Virgo plays a background role in this chart, providing another planet in earth to support the earthy Sun, Moon, Mercury and Pluto. Earth is the dominant element of this New Moon chart, making it a great time to treat yourself to a massage, indulge in aromatherapy, or fill your home with fresh flowers and beautiful music.

The Sabian symbol for this New Moon is 6 Taurus, Cantilever bridge across a deep gorge, with the keywords CONQUER OBSTACLES. Even the most creative leap needs to be counterbalanced by roots in reality. If we wish to build connections across what divides us, we need to reach out with compassion and practicality.

The importance of forgiving ourselves and those we love is something to keep in mind now and over the coming months as the conjunction between Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune tightens. Our imperfections illuminate our beauty rather than detracting from it. We have the practicality of well-grounded Taurus energy supporting us now, so use this time well. Practice forgiveness and kindness daily!

Note: The New Moon falls on Friday, April 24, in the Western Hemisphere and Saturday, April 25, in the Eastern Hemisphere.

posted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, April 20, for her thoughts on events in the sky.

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

Image: New Moon, only 6 hours old – photo by Michael Myers from his website, The Moon.