O Stars Above: Taurus New Moon

Energized New Moon

This new moon brings to mind the song lyrics “hitch your wagon to a star.” Normally sedate Taurus hooks up to star-power in the form of Uranus, the electrical, r/evolutionary and revelatory planet moving into its meadow after an eight year rabble-rousing tour of Aries on the new moon (May 15, 4:47 am PDT).

Uranus' last trip through Taurus was in 1934 as it tip-toed back and forth from Aries to Taurus (as will happen later in the year) before settling into its new corral in 1935 until 1941. Many ultra-conservative and totalitarian trends attempted to take hold: Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Mussolini.

In the USA, the infamous Dust Bowls led to innovative and humanitarian action in the New Deal which helped people negatively impacted by nature. Clearly the possibilities are an open field when Uranus settles in its new sign in March, 2019.

Uranus in Taurus brings revolution to both what we value and how we handle money through our banking systems. Think cryptocurrencies and other money changes ahead. How we work with nature is sure to take center stage, too, especially over the next few years with Saturn and Pluto planted in earthy Capricorn, the sign of traditional, established power and legacies. Our most important and valuable legacy is nature itself. Our disastrous impact on earth and earth's own urges, like the volcano in Hawaii, show a need to engage with nature as an interactive, collaborative force rather than something to be conquered.

Mars in a push-pull match with Uranus at the last, unstable degrees of bossy Capricorn and Aries. Both planets move to the next signs, fixed Aquarius and Taurus within hours of the new moon giving us a peek at what entrenched positions we will be bull-ing our way out of over the next eight years. Keep an eye on headlines for clues.

Taurus can be quite self-satisfied and content to loll in the sunshine, smell the roses and sip lemonade on the porch. Stubborn and slow to change is Taurus' middle name but as Uranus gets comfortable in the pasture, those words will shift to restless and changeable, especially with Mars nipping at the Bull's heel for the rest of the year.

Venus, ruler of Taurus, is in Gemini and a lovely relationship with Mercury, ruler of communications, who welcomes Uranus at the farmer's gate. Venus in any sign urges us to find harmony, love, affection, and beauty, diplomacy, and kindness and common courtesy. Speak with love, hold harmonious thoughts in mind, and Uranus, the king of Higher Mind, can elevate any fears around change and security

Taurus says the greatest security we can have is in grounding to our bodies, our inner values and hearts by staying rest, being in nature, and being kind. We can do that - even as we feel the sizzle.

Horoscope May 15 – 29

Taurus, wake-up, little bossie! Get clear about your mission and communicate it as you go. Your mission is to be so rooted in yourself that outer circumstance barely ruffle your hair. Oh, that's always your mission. Well, Uranus loosens up what needs to change so you can grow. Ye-Haw!

Gemini, if you've been working away on what's right for you, Venus in your sign comes as a harbinger of rewards to come. Reach out to friends, find the flow and rest. You wrap up your last year this month and begin to imagine the year ahead. Dream of goals you can manifest and make real!

Cancer, enjoy your broad network of friends and acquaintances. Build bridges and do small things to strengthen the bonds of friendship. You are building a system of strong partners and friends while imagining projects to set them loose on. Watch out world, Mama's here!

Leo, some may think you're in it for stardom. Few know how hard you work to manifest solid results and make magic happen when you are on stage. Steady on as you learn new skills so you can keep your craft alive and worthy of attention. Details, patience and applause!

Virgo, you must have an earthy, pragmatic belief system to see you through life. It's not all about work so use your discernment to cut the cord to what's a waste of time and energy when viewed in the light of your philosophy. You can't be everything to everybody or have skills for every need. Go play.

Libra, behind the scenes, you are sorting through what you will and won't do because some things you just plain don't care about. It's okay. Sort and file, then carry on with your plans. Not everyone needs to know, it's your business. You have the social grace and grease to soothe others AND be you!

Scorpio, your devious mind can go deep but only to set your foundations on bedrock. Ancestors and our families count in more ways than most know – but, YOU know. Root around in your family cellar to find the mysteries that impact your relationship. Then own up to your part of the tangle.

Sagittarius, we all shoot ourselves in the foot sometimes, but you have an angel helping you figure out how you do yourself wrong. Pay attention to your daily life and what works for you and what is a form of compensation and a place to self-soothe. Listen to your body like it knows what you need.

Capricorn, your basic death and rebirth project gets juiced by Uranus' move to Taurus in a good way. Adopt a mantra of “Surrender and let go” even as new life stirs. Be sure new opportunities match your action plans and doesn't simply solve a problem for “them.” It's intense stuff - take a spring break.

Aquarius, Mars' visit stirs your pot. Innovate, network, investigate, and move to more humanitarian arenas. Stodgy ideas, fixed habits, and childhood programming are due to change. It's time to figure out how you are your own worse enemy! Yep - until December! Talk therapy, anyone?

Pisces, talking about and writing goals are two concrete ways to start manifesting your powerful dreams and imagination. Just be sure to take those next steps and put plans into action. You're guardian angel lifts you up to higher perspectives. Drop whatever weighs you down.

Aries, can you feel the down shift as Uranus takes off for Taurus (8:16 am PDT, May 15)? It takes an adjustment, or at least, a deep breath! Look at the last eight years and see how you stepped into yourself. Tweak the innovation and individuality while the slower energy of grounding flows in.

O Stars Above: Taurus New Moon

Slow Down to Nature's Pace

Skagit Valley Tulips by Debbie Teashon/Rainyside.com

After a tsunami of planets in watery Pisces and a fiery force in Aries, the planetary crowd begins to disseminate, wandering off in their own direction. The new Moon in placid Taurus (April 26 at 5:16 am PDT) joins the Sun in weaving together a plan for the newly released energies of idealism and action beginning with a slow down.

Each sign gathers strength from the actions of its preceding sign. Aries' pioneering turns into farmer Taurus' stabilizing re-actions. Taurus grabs the new horizons uncovered by Aries, builds a barn (or a safe) and hunkers down to protect the assets as they instinctively nurture whatever creates value and security for our bodies, family, and future generations. Children, Mother Nature's plants and animals, resources, and money expand under Taurus's super-power - productive propagation!

Taurus time slows us down to nature's pace. We notice we have a body with five ever-so-delightful senses which bring fundamental pleasures. Taureans will take time to smell the roses, have a massage, and eat a gourmet meal while tending to the business of being a human-animal on this beautiful planet. Apply those fives senses to getting down to procreation, and – oh la la!

Mercury meets up (again) with independent Uranus in Aries to decide just how independent to be while Venus checks in (again) with Chiron, the wounded healer in Pisces, to tend to forgiving old heartaches. Mars in Gemini plows up the neighborhood checking on the latest news and gossip.

What are your most fundamental values and how well are you tending those fields? And, plain and simple, are you in your body? Not sure? Try sprawling on a newly cut lawn with the spring sun warming your face while overlooking the Sound and eating ice cream with your Honey. How does that feel for being in your body? Oh, yea!

Horoscopes April 26 – May 10

Taurus, a new moon with little involvement by other planets allows you to disengage from nurturing duties to focus on yourself. What do you really want from the world? You are modest, but have the assets of quiet charm and charisma to attract it. Get strategic about the power of You!

Gemini, this moon ponder last year's cycle. What have you accomplished? What have you left undone? Complete what calls to be finished. But, use this month to separate from the stress of others and daily life for an internal 'job review.' Take time to dream ahead about being radically you!

Cancer, consider the resources of truly supportive friends. Who are you impatient with because they don't support who you are, what you have and how you dream? Clean house and nurture the ones who nurture you. Feel the heartache of broken promises and release as you can. Tender times.

Leo, when you're in the spotlight, people project their opinions, good and bad, onto you like you are a paper doll. Not a real, live, imperfect human. Separate their views from yours and remember who you are even as you shine and create a broader stage for yourself. The world awaits. Don't hold back.

Virgo, breakout month! Get out of your rut and travel, either far and wide, or out of your regular rut through the neighborhood. Read, take a class, apply the education you have to widening your world of beliefs and philosophies. What part of your essential self is enslaved? Set her free!

Libra, consider talking about how much money you make, spend or save. Think about doing that naked. WHAT?! Vulnerabilities surface immediately, don't they? So, how much are you willing to be vulnerable to break into new areas of intimacy. Not with every one. Just the important ones!

Scorpio, our relationships are our greatest teachers whether best friends or fr-enemies. What do you see in the eyes of those looking back at you? Who do you work to stay up with? Tune into the ways others see you. Do you surround yourself with all critics or cheerleaders? You need both to learn.

Sagittarius, if you aren't whistling while you work, quick, find inspiration. When did work turn into a dirge? Routine and details are necessary but, you of all people, need inspiring co-conspirators and a creative base for your work. You may need more 'feminine' expression or input. Ease up a bit!

Capricorn, fall in love – with something you take for granted - your children, spouse, a new friend, the garden, your pets – open your heart and dive into love and creative self-expression! Notice how you express love/affection and what kind you like when it comes back to you. Ah, spring!

Aquarius, ET, come home! You fly in a cosmic orbit but ground and find your roots. How deep do they go and what TLC do they need to support your many branches? Catch up with the part of you that doesn't change and nurture that timeless essence. Forgive human failures, theirs and yours.

Pisces, okay, you're shy and psychic. But there is a thin line between projecting onto people and tuning into them. Use your words and talk up a storm. Set up projects with everyone around you as an excuse to work together and talk while your hands are busy. You might be surprised at what you learn.

Aries, are you exhausted? OMG - the last few months! Pull it all in and sort out what was most valuable to you. Maybe talk it through with a mentor. What could you have done without? Where did your ego get into a huff? Focus on the essential, then proceed with your usual joie de vie.

Stars Above Kitsap/Aries Total Lunar Eclipse

Alert! Do NOT unfasten your seat belt! The trip to healing and wholeness is not a free ride, and we have work to do before arrival. The stars are shouting, “Wake up - now - express your god-inspired ideas, and quit playing small and petty. Pick up the reins of your life and steer a path closer to your heart's desires.”

Eclipses trace twenty-year cycles which set up life themes. Think back to what you were doing in 1995. What did you drop then that you'd like to pick up again? A lunar eclipse moves security issues and unconscious patterns aside and gives us time to evaluate un-emotionally how we must move forward.

Aries is the initiating, life-giving energy of the Zodiac. It's the 'I'm in!' and 'Let's get 'er done!' excitement. The shadow side of Aries is...well, rude and dominating. This eclipse points to finding ways to express the dynamics of Aries leadership within collaborative partnerships (Libra) so all can move forward harmoniously. Speaking our truth with courage and courtesy could work miracles now.

On April 5-8 the stars illuminate important insights to the questions and uncertainties the past few years unleashed. We have worked too hard to miss the message, so tune in, focus on the future, and listen for directions.The Winter of 2015 charts guided us through an endgame equivalent to the final chapters of the The Lord of the Rings trilogy. There is no going back: bridges were burned, systems demolished. It will take the noble qualities of 'The Fellowship of the Ring' participants who battled together to rebuild a better future. Those archetypes exist in each of us. Activate them now – starting with the future-facing courage of Strider, the Aries warrior-king.

Horoscopes – April 4-18
Note: Read your Rising sign or Ascendant, and your Moon, if you know them, too.

Aries, such exciting times for you and a new year to boot. You can't go it alone so seek your natural buddies. Your go-get-'em personality is on fire so pick your target and don't throw that energy around all wily-nily! Initiate through deliberate action, cowboy.

Taurus, Mars comes to visit -use it to plod forth knocking on doors and being seen by those you want the attention of. Colleagues are congenial and helpful. Take time to review last year. Resolve what needs attention and look at how you undermine yourself. (Yea, you!)

Gemini, Mercury in fire inspires you to spread your wings and fly. Shake the networking tree - friends can facilitate changes you seek. Once the door opens, be deliberate to get what you want. Dreams are talking to you. Clever you, change AND relaxation!

Cancer, so much going on at work, so much desire to be home. This eclipse says re-invent yourself at work. Ask for help. It feels risky, but you more than pull your weight and there are those who will help. Be brave, ask - you could get home sooner.

Leo, oh, my goodness, you want a spring break. Take it if at all possible and watch new ideas ignite. You worked hard all winter setting cement at the foundation of your chart. Finally, you are getting noticed. Can't leave? Adventures of the mind work - gather friends on a sunny deck.

Virgo, part of intimacy is speaking up for yourself. Sometimes it just seems you have to yell to be heard. Lower your voice, pick your moments and ask your guardian angel to help. (Really! Who do you think helps with your to-do-lists?) A little future dreaming together works.

Libra, your full moon in eclipse and your partners or clients looking to you for what- everything!? Try to see their point of view even though you feel vulnerable. Deep-seated patterns are coming into sight. Easy does it. A time-out and quiet reflection may be the ticket.

Scorpio, man, it's all about work lately. Work, work, work with its strategies and intrigues is fun for you. Be sure health routines can sustain the extreme sport of work. Oh, 'honey' does need attention, if you don't want 'honey' hot and bothered. Well, maybe you do.

Sagittarius, you are hyped up for adventures with sporty-types. Saturn, the task master, let up a bit, but you know in your heart you're about to embark on a journey that will call forth your inspiring self. Find your mission and embark. The Earth needs you!

Capricorn, such deep changes over the past few years, but rebirth is at hand. Retreating home is a necessity. Still, you're digging to find your true voice and act on it. Work-wise, diplomacy and some mental health days are called for. You deserve it!

Aquarius, okay, Chatty Cathy, it's all about you! Places to go, people to see – it's simply inspiring to be you and that is okay. Remember to include your significant one and listen to other points of view. Are you blogging? Publishing? What's the new focus?

Pisces, frankly, the more you take charge, the more money you make. And the better you feel about yourself which leads to new ventures. Chat openly with a best friend who helps you clarify your intentions so even you are clear.