Image by Christian Schloe

The New Moon comes on May 16 at 4:01 pm ET with reflection, stillness, and a pause between the waning and waxing cycles of the moon. The New Moon brings a time of discernment when we can choose what we want and don’t want in life. It’s also a time when the stars are most visible and shine brightly in the night sky.

It’s a beneficial chart that asks for transformation through identifying and changing old patterns, listening to the inner self, reveling in the beauty of May (Taurus), and looking at love with new insights. (May’s first full moon identified patterns in an uncomfortable way, and the New Moon offers harmony in transcending them.)

Sun (life) and Moon (emotion) are placed in Taurus, the sign of patience, stubbornness, and abundance. Venus (feminine, beauty, love) rules Taurus, and the earth is particularly lovely in the late spring with beautiful trees, singing birds, and tiny flowers that carpet the lawn.

Sun and Moon come together on every New Moon. The Sabian Symbol for their rendezvous is on Taurus 26 is “A Spaniard Serenading His Beloved”.  Rumi referred to the “beloved” as the inner self, and metaphysics states the purest love in life flows from this part of the self. The Sabin Symbol speaks of finding the heart’s desire along with the courage to create it.  Art, literature, poetry, and music urge us to honor and feel the soul.

Sun (life) and Moon (emotion) conjunct Mercury (mind, communication) positively attune the mind for decision making by combining emotions and rational thoughts. It aids with creativity and communication of feelings. Sun and Moon sextile Jupiter (expansion) bestows the energy of growth, increasing confidence and opportunity. Sun and Moon trine Pluto (subconscious, transformation) heightens awareness of underlying patterns and obstacles; it gives life and understanding during a period of transformation, possibly providing breakthroughs, insights, and transformation through willpower and inner strength.

Mercury (mind, communication) in Taurus is calm and deliberate. It’s grounded in reality, and it urges us to speak clearly and firmly—although it can cause stubbornness and a lack of flexibility with new ideas. Mercury conjunct Uranus (sudden change, quantum field) heightens the experience of breakthroughs and greater spiritual understanding. It can also cause impulsiveness. (Think twice.) Mercury trine Pluto (subconscious, transformation) deepens the intellect, gives focus and determination, and links the conscious and subconscious mind.

Venus in Gemini likes chatting, flirting, and mental stimulation. It prefers social events and small surprises. Venus (relationships, love, beauty) sextile Mars (overall energy, assertion) brings a harmonious blend of affection to relationships, balancing the energy between the sexes. Venus square Neptune (illusion, mysticism) increases our ability to perceive beauty, enhances creativity, and may cause periods of laziness.

Mars (overall energy, assertion) in Aries has several faces, including the relentless warrior, the calm warrior who finds assertiveness with goals, dreams, and visions, and the balanced warrior who expresses truth and aspires to end conflicts peacefully. Mars square Jupiter (expansion, good fortune) gives enthusiasm, the desire to expand, and motivation. (Work on one or two goals. Don’t over-expand.) Mars square Pluto (subconscious, transformation) gives willpower and courage, and it asks for understanding of control issues.

Jupiter (expansion, good fortune) sits in Cancer, the water sign ruling  the sea and the home. It encourages examination of how we receive and give nurturing, our relationship with our children, and home life. An honest examination of the self leads to a state of discernment and a greater possibility of change.

Saturn (limitation, karma) is in Aries, a fire sign, which kindles new beginnings with passion. Saturn limits the motion of the first sign of the astrological wheel, asking for intentional action and accountability with goals and actions. Saturn conjunct Neptune (illusion, mysticism) asks for practical actions with dreams and aspirations. Saturn sextile Pluto (subconscious, transformation) Saturn sextile Pluto (subconscious, transformation) gives grace with difficult or intense changes, and it helps in overcoming hardships and limitations.

Uranus is placed in Gemini, the fast-paced air sign that encourages communication, alterations in electronics, AI, and satellites. It may chronicle a period of changes in communication, more instant information, and space travel. Saturn conjunct Neptune (illusion, mysticism) bridges our dreams with practicality. Positivity is important as this can cause lack of self-confidence and/or materialize worries.

Neptune (illusion, mysticism) in Aries, a fire sign, marks a period of associating ideals with bold action during a time of confusion, discouragement, and misinformation. Through meditation and reflection, we can connect and find self-expression on a higher level.

Pluto (subconscious, transformation) in Aquarius has ruled during conflicts and changes in the past, ranging from politics to social structures. Currently, it may bring a period of interest in freedom, human rights, and technology.

Julia Griffin, intuitive healer and owner of One True Self, began her work fifteen years ago under the tutelage of real wolves. Following their direction, Julia sees and reads energy, including animals, plants and people. She works with people in session to find their resonance with the soul, clearing patterns and alignment with their inner path. If you would like to seek additional spiritual change and insight into your life, please contact me for information about an intuitive session.