*Eleditor’s note: Astrology isn’t a religion. We’re not sure it’s a science, either. It’s magic, maybe. But, as with feng shui, say, things affect things. So as long as we don’t go blaming our problems on the stars, as long as we assume responsibility for our own actions…well, hell, a little auspicious coincidence and applicable wisdom can’t hurt. And so, with that grain of salt…enjoy!

~

“The moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It does not try to crush others. It keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently influences. What other body could pull an entire ocean from shore to shore? The moon is faithful to its nature and its power is never diminished.” ~ Ming-Dao Deng

The New Moon is perhaps my favorite lunar phase.

The New Moon will occur May 6 at 19:29 UTC.

I see it as ever hopeful, the signal for all new beginnings, and when it happens to be a spring moon, I am even more infatuated with its influence on the human condition.

May’s New Moon is indeed going to be a spectacular event, as it is also a Perigee Moon (or Super Moon). The moon will be at its closest to Earth in its orbit. But even more magical than that, it is under the influence of five planetary retrogrades—Mercury, Pluto, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter.

Before we fall into despair over how to survive these astrological and astronomical shenanigans, let us remember that all of these events are simply a call for awareness.

We can do more than survive the upcoming lunar cycle by following a few conscious steps.

While some may say that anything in Taurus is a tedious journey, I personally am grateful for the Earthy sign, which lends a degree of the reliable and practical to a moon dancing within retrograde energy.

Since the moon will be much closer to Earth this month it will tug strongly on our emotions.

We are already feeling unbalanced from the frenetic energy of Mercury Retrograde, and perhaps struggling with relationships as they relate to communication. Add to that Mars Retrograde, the planet of war and sex and we shouldn’t be surprised to see sparks flying between partners. For some, those sparks may mean the beginning of new relationships or the renewal of old ones, with passion at the forefront. For others, it could mean arguments about the smallest things. Either way, we must watch our emotional reactions to what is in front of us or more importantly, what we perceive to be in front of us.

The new moon means new beginnings.

But what shall we begin?

A new direction at work, in love or inspiration?

Or is it a new philosophical direction in life?

Typically, when the moon is new in Taurus we would do well to begin long-term projects with an eye toward completion. The problem with anything long-term is maintaining our enthusiasm for it. Taurus is a good teacher of determination—as long as we do not become too rigid in our expectations.

Let your plans come to light as Luna turns from new to full. Be expectant of good results. Often it’s our attitude that determines our success.

Like the moon, we will be unfolding and springing into action.

2016 has been a whirlwind so far. Tap into this energy with the new moon—line all of your ducks in a row and make a push toward the unknown. Isn’t that always the hardest part of any new beginning? When the new moon light is still low, we cannot get the full perspective of what we wish to accomplish. We have to have faith that all will be revealed in due time.

Areas to pay attention during this new moon are love, finances and health.

As Taurus would advise, eat well but with a tendency toward cleansing/spring foods like spinach, asparagus, fresh salad greens and plenty of lemon water. This will allow for renewed energy and create healthy space in the body and psyche.

In finances, be wise in your spending but not stingy. Spend where needed—if it is a new business and requires a faithful leap, this is the time. However, purchase what will move the business forward and avoid frivolities. For example, you may need to spend on quality advertising, but you could probably wait for the fancy letterhead.

I am making the biggest move of my life during the retrogrades this May, (hardly advisable), and the new moon is spurring a lot of activity around my house preparing for said move.

I am grateful for this energy to add to my own initiative.

Normally, I would refrain from taking such a huge step during all this planetary madness.

Here’s the thing—are we going to be able to organize all of our affairs according to what is happening with the moon or the planets? Of course not! An awareness of outside influences is what is most important here.

Love could become a confusing conundrum, even though it’s normally advisable to begin a new relationship with a new moon. But with the influence of the retrogrades, we encounter our shadow side—a good teacher if not somewhat over the top. Just take things slowly, if starting something new. Set good boundaries, and remember that vulnerability, while seemingly a risk, will take you places you never expected with a lover.

While the moon waxes from new to full, and the month is in the exciting stages of new growth, we can practice these things:

Remain Present:

While making plans for the future, remain conscious of each passing moment and remember that today is all we truly have. It is good to prepare for the future, but life is lived moment by moment. Do not lose today to worries of tomorrow or regrets about yesterday.

Jump wholeheartedly into new beginnings, but keep sight that it is the beauty of each present moment layering with the next present moment that will make your dream come true. Enjoy the process.

Practice Conscious Awareness:

Awareness is accepting what is and allowing all that is to move through you without judgement.

“Instead of reacting to the content that arises in your life—thoughts, external events, other people, the scenery, and so on, allow the content to be. That is, instead of identifying with what arises in the now, become aware of the now itself, beyond the phenomena that arises in it. To become aware of the now itself means that you become aware of the stillness that underlies everything.” ~ Eckhart Tolle

Be the observer, as obstacles come up in the next few weeks. See them for what they are, a challenge to overcome, not to get so caught up in the struggle that you lose sight of your goal.

Let Go:

Luna will ebb and flow and so will you. As anger, or frustration or disenchantment arises, learn from them and then let them go. Letting go isn’t easy, and believe me, much will be kicked up as the moon traverses all of these quirky retrogrades.

To stay sane, and not lose any sleep over what else could go wrong, breathe through the tension and consciously decide to release.

Because communication may be compromised in the next few weeks, things could easily escalate from a discussion about how to squeeze the tube of tooth paste to contemplating divorce. A waxing moon is no time for letting things run away with themselves. Just let go of the little things that our partners do, and forget about trying to prove who’s right or wrong.

“The moon is a loyal companion. It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human. Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.” ~ Tahereh Mafi

Above all, enjoy the mystery that surrounds you.

We are creatures of the Universe, all connected through a unifying matrix. There is beauty in the workings of the heavens, and since we are beings made of ancient stardust, we will always be influenced by the movements of the moon and planets.

But the truth is, we influence them too. As above so below, as the old alchemical saying goes.

Namaste, and happy New Moon blessings!

Relephant:

Mindful offering:

Zafu Meditation Cushion

Author: Monika Carless

Editor: Ashleigh Hitchcock

Photo: Pixabay