May 2021: Tarot spread for the new moon in Taurus

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast, exploration of the the Sabian symbol, and additional resources for the Taurus new moon.

The May 2021 new moon falls in the sign of Taurus. The Taurus archetype is grounded and steadfast, calm and composed, firm and also somewhat stubborn. This is a sign that is practical and earthy, and is associated with material pleasures, desires, luxuriousness, and abundance.

Spiritually, the Taurus archetype teaches the principle of belonging through presence…our presence as sacred human beings…honouring the body temple…honouring the flow of life. This can be difficult given the society we live in, which praises the hustle over reverence and treats time as money rather than a finite resource that should be used wisely in the pursuit of the things that give us meaning.

The May 2021 new moon also brings into focus the ways in which we communicate and the power of owning your voice. This isn’t always an easy thing – to speak your truth. There’s a lot of anxiety that it can bring up, around how we are perceived; how our words translate; and what people may think of us. It can lead to fears of being “found out” or ostracized – neither of which is a rational fear!

You could also find yourself in a reflective mood at this time, teasing over a particular long-held belief or way of showing up in the world. Or perhaps, you may just need some time to rest or introspect. If that is the case, do honor that impulse.

This quote, from Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming, feels very pertinent for the energy of this new moon:

“So many of us go through life with our stories hidden, feeling ashamed or afraid when our whole truth doesn’t live up to some established ideal. We grow up with messages that tell us that there’s only one way to be American – that if our skin is dark or our hips are wide, if we don’t experience love in a particular way, if we speak another language or come from another country, then we don’t belong. That is, until someone dares to start telling that story differently.”

Or until we start telling our stories differently!

Astro-tarot influences for the May 2021 new moon

To throw some more light on the May new moon astrology, let’s take a look at the astro-tarot influences of this lunation. The Taurus new moon falls in decan 3, which is represented by the Seven of Pentacles. This is to be interpreted in conjunction with The Hierophant, which is associated with Taurus.

The Seven of Pentacles points to the importance of taking a long-term view on projects and on the hard work and labor that underpins any stories of “overnight success”. It also speaks to the need to re-assess, review, and reflect on the journey so far. The Hierophant is traditionally associated with religious order and social and hierarchical structures. It is also associated with teachers, healers and gurus, and with unquestioningly conforming to societal norms and expectations.

This, then, asks us to examine if what we are working on is truly nourishing us, or if it is something that we think we should pursue because it is what is expected of us.

Perhaps you have already put in a lot of hard work towards achieving something. But if what you’re working towards no longer interests you, is it really necessary to keep on keeping on?

We live in a society that tells us success is “just around the corner.” That until we don’t hit that goal, we shouldn’t give up, because what if we were “almost there” and gave up just before things were about to take a turn for the better?

This thinking can keep us spinning our wheels for much longer than is healthy. Because the truth is there are times when no matter how hard we try, things simply don’t work out. This is an aspect of life that isn’t discussed too often. And yet, it is simply a part of living.

Take some time to pause, reflect, and retreat if needed. Spend some time checking in with your goals, the things that you are striving for and towards, reevaluate them, and tweak or change course as needed.

We often end up hustling or feeling like failures because we don’t take the time to regularly check in and see where we are going. Sometimes we achieve our goals but feel numb despite it. At other times, we drop our goals and feel like failures, like we cannot see things through to the end.

I think this happens mainly because we don’t take the time to check in with our goals, to determine if they still excite and interest us.

{P.S: I’m teaching a lesson on this very topic in Pull Pen Paint 2021! Join me there.}

There are also times when our shadow triggers push us on a certain path. We can think we want something, but when the time comes to execute and act on that want, we approach it half-heartedly. Or we try, but we know we are not trying hard enough or we give up without even really trying properly. It can take time to uncover those triggers. And it takes courage to question why we are doing what we are doing, and to hear the answer, and to trust that our answer is valid.

Sabian Symbol for the May 2021 new moon in Taurus

The Sabian Symbol for Taurus 21 degrees is A White Dove Flying Straight and Fearlessly Over Troubled Waters

This symbol speaks to me of strength and bravery in times of adversity. There’s a sense of optimism – or perhaps hope – that the sight of a white dove evokes. It does, after all, represent freedom, peace, and redemption.

I also associate this symbol with shadow work. As Lynda Hill writes in 360 Degrees of Wisdom: The Sabian Oracle, “This Symbol shows the need for hope and help to be delivered to those who need it. Although there may be trouble all around, you will be able to rise above it and find safe ground.” That’s a pretty hopeful start to any shadow work – or deep enquiry – session!

Tarot spread for the May 2021 new moon in Taurus

Here’s a tarot spread to tap into the energy of this new moon.

1. Me now: Your energy or what is arising for you in this moment
2. What’s working: This could reflect your internal environment or an external situation
3. What’s not working: This could reflect your internal environment or an external situation
4. What needs to change: Start with your first impression on this card, and then question a bit deeper
5. Mama moon says: This is always a supportive message

Journaling questions for the May 2021 Taurus new moon

Not a cardslinger? No problem! Here are some questions to reflect on instead.

1. What’s your relationship to your voice? Do you find it easy to speak your truth, or do you hesitate or second guess yourself?
2. What holds you back from speaking your truth?
3. Take a few moments to just reflect on your life over the recent few weeks. Where have you been focusing your attention? Is it nurturing you? If not, what would feel supportive at this time?

If you share your tarot readings using this spread on social media, please use the hashtag #moontarotstories so we can connect with each other.

Take a deep dive into astrology, tarot, mixed media and developing your intuition!

Are you ready to take your self-discovery, personal improvement, and spiritual journey to a new level?

Are you eager to explore a little practical woo-woo?

To connect more deeply with your intuitive voice?

Then join me for Pull Pen Paint, an interactive online course, where you will learn to trust your intuition more fully, deeply, and more intentionally.

You will learn how to use oracle and tarot cards more intuitively, journal using your intuitive insights, and even take it a step further and use the cards to spark your creative practices! (Psst: It doesn’t matter if you’ve never used a tarot deck before, there will be plenty of opportunity to explore, learn, and grow.)

You will also be introduced to mindfulness, energetics, numerology, meditation, breath work, and other holistically connected systems that will help you to cultivate a deeper understanding of who you are so you can navigate the world more confidently.

And, to top it off, there are FOUR virtual retreats designed around the four elements, where you can be in deeper conversation + community with the teachers and other students. It’s going to be amazing! {All live sessions are recorded, so you can watch and re-watch them at your leisure!}

PLUS, there are a number of create and chat sessions; study sessions; and special focused sessions sprinkled between the retreats, offering you plenty of opportunities to deepen your connection to the lessons and practices.

You will end the program with pages and pages of notes, art, and information to refer to for years to come! I do hope you will join us!