Update 5/3: While the new moon does indeed occur today it is immediately followed by a “void of course” moon. While the new moon is a time to initiate things- today is not the day to do it if it involves serious work. VOC moon days are good for finishing up little tasks, engaging your imagination, and being more present. Read my article http://miamiastrology.com/2008/12/astrology-basics-the-void-of-course-moon/ for a more in-depth explanation of the void of course moon.
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” Benjamin Franklin
In our fast-paced world of Facebook, Twitter, and email it can be a challenge to stay focused. The ring of a phone; the beep of a new text message; the alerts for replies, comments, and updates seem never ending. With so much that demands our time and attention it’s amazing we can get anything done. During my research for this newsletter I came across a new booked called “We Have Met the Enemy: Self-Control in an Age of Excess
The point of the book is that it takes focus, concentration, and self-control to be successful (even above IQ). He shares this quote from his book, “At least one study of blocked writers has found that they were more productive and more creative when they were essentially forced to write instead of scribbling only when the mood struck them.”
This quote nicely summarizes the new moon’s move from Aries (inspired action) into Taurus (productive persistence).
The Astrology of the New Moon
The new moon (May-2011-New-Moon Chart) occurs on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at 12° Taurus. The new moon is a symbol for beginnings. Taurus is an earth sign and is concerned with stability, security, and productivity. Therefore, this new montly cycle is a time to initiate a steady approach to your goals with am emphasis on persistance and results.
With five planets still in Aries- Uranus, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, and Mars- there will still be the desire to assert, insert, and disrupt. But Aries is the solar “twelfth house” of this Taurus new moon. The twelfth house is considered a place of “self undoing” according to older astrological texts. So what could get your into trouble this month? Selfishness, action without purpose, and being too competitive. Bucking the rules and being a maverick. The answer isn’t complacancy, but presence. Stay in touch with your body and what it’s feeling and avoid the “shoot first, ask questions later,” mentality.
A supportive trine between the new moon and Pluto in Capricorn suggest we’re able to use the power of our goals to steady and support our efforts. One of my favorite sayings, and one that I have posted next to my computer, is “discipline is remembering what you want.” It’s a month to make sense of (Taurus) what’s driving you (Aries).
The new moon also receives a stressful aspect from Saturn, the planet of limits. We may have lofty goals, but there are limits we’ll need to consider. Adjustments may need to be made in order to bring our plans to fruition and these may be in the form of social obligations, limits to our physical abilities, or deficiencies in our skills. Don’t let these hinder your progress, but adjust your plans accordingly and move on.
Between now and Friday take 5 or 10 minutes and set your intentions for the month. Focus on persistence in your efforts, a steady approach to move forward, and productive outcomes – all keywords for Taurus. Here’s to the month ahead!
Namaste’
