We have an unusual New Moon this month on May 9th at 5:28 p.m. PDT. Solar Eclipse New Moons and Lunar Eclipse Full Moons occur in pairs, two times each year. However this year, the first set of eclipses is comprised of a Solar Eclipse New Moon between two Lunar Eclipse Full Moons.

New Moons are fertile times for new beginnings, for starting afresh, for sowing the seeds of new projects and endeavors. As the Sun is conjoined by the Moon, our outer consciousness and awareness, creative self-expression and will, are infused with the emotional energy of our inner unconscious self. A Solar Eclipse New Moon is especially potent because of the exact alignment of the Sun, the Moon and Earth. It has the potential to break through blockages and barriers so that we may start anew. We may experience increased momentum in our life after a period of inertia. Events that have been long in coming finally manifest. Or we may be forced to make needed changes to clear the deck for the next cycle of manifestation.

This month the Solar Eclipse New Moon is in the feminine earth sign of Taurus at 19 degrees. It’s power is amplified by other planets in close aspect. Mars at 14 degrees Taurus lends its assertive, action oriented drive to push forward. Mercury at 17 degrees Taurus gathers information through the senses with deliberation and care. Pallas Athena exactly conjunct the New Moon applies her feminine intelligence and earthy common sense to set goals, lay plans, design strategies, and implement details.

The South Node at 16 degrees Taurus asks us to unearth the past, to resurrect old patterns that need to change. What old material, attitudes and issues from our history, stored in our bodies as cell memories, need to be transformed, released, and healed? How have we been clinging to the physical, material things of the world for comfort and security in ways that are holding us back? What do we think we need? What old values need to be transmuted so we can build self-worth and self-esteem in practical, grounded ways? Just as a snake sheds its skin, we too need to shed our past.

Taurus infuses physical matter with spirit, with the divine light of creative female intelligence during this New Moon. How can you create a deeper spiritual connection to the Earth, to its Divine Feminine aspect? How can you build a life of serenity and security, of contentment and satisfaction that is spiritually based? Tap into your inner creative intelligence. It will provide ways you can enhance your self-esteem and self-worth that are enduring, stable and have tangible value.

Planets in the sign of Taurus channel their energies through Taurus’ planetary ruler, Venus. In the Solar Eclipse New Moon chart Venus is in Gemini, applying her creative problem solving to create movement and change. The House in your astrological chart where 19 degrees Taurus falls represents the area of life where you can expect shifts or changes. Be in the now. Be flexible, adaptable, open to other options. In time, the changes you experience will lead to greater appreciation for the gifts you have.