Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the the Sabian symbol for the new moon in Taurus
The May 2023 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.
This new moon cycle invites us to settle, to take a moment to breathe deeply and ground our energy after the tumultuous energies of the previous eclipses. Consider where you find comfort and warmth, and focus on those activities and people. Make time for things that are pleasurable, for your creative practices and hobbies, and schedule some time to catch up with friends and loved ones. Soak in some Taurus vibes — love, beauty, relationships and pleasure — during this new moon cycle.
Astro-tarot influences for the May 2023 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 Daily Pause Oracle Deck
I designed this beautiful, 40-card oracle deck to bring in some stillness, to give us a word or an idea to reflect on as we go about our day.
Supported by the four elements – earth, air, fire, water – and a carefully thought-out structure that connects the cards, The Daily Pause oracle will help you to listen to and trust your own inner knowing.
There’s no learning curve involved with using this deck. Just get quiet, shuffle the cards, pull one out, and reflect on the word you’re presented with.
“Mary, Mary, quite contrary
How does your garden grow?”
Those lines from the popular nursery rhyme popped into my mind as I was contemplating the figure on the 7 of Pentacles — a somewhat tired looking man leaning on his garden plough, looking over at the garden he has been tending.
He must have planted the seeds some time ago, wondering if they would sprout; I imagine his joy at seeing delicate green shoots pushing their way out of the earth; at all the time he must have spent nurturing his garden, ensuring it had all the nutrients it needed to grow. I wonder how many months {or years, perhaps?} of hard work it must have taken for the tree he is leaning next to, to now be so close to harvest.
He’s tired, but his work isn’t quite done yet. There’s just a little more way to go.
And isn’t that how most of our goals play out too? We write them down, plan them out, work consistently towards them — all without knowing for sure if we will succeed. Knowing that there is a chance of failure. Of needing to recalibrate our expectations, go back to the drawing board, tweak things and pivot.
At this moment, though, the Taurus new moon reminds us to zoom out and create some perspective. Reflect on how far you have come, how much you have achieved, and also how much you have changed. Take a few moments to rest and replenish, to gather your energy, to fill up your own cup, so that you can find the reserves you need to go that last mile.
There’s a little way to go yet, but the end is probably in sight. Do you see it?
Sabian Symbol for the May 2023 Taurus new moon
The Sabian Symbol for Taurus 28 degrees is Two Cobblers Working Side By Side At A Table.
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This symbol speaks to me of co-working sessions. Two {or more!} friends getting together at a cafe or on zoom to work together. There’s a different energy to co-working that cannot be captured working solo, or even in an office. Periods of focused work with combined brainstorming sessions, segueing into a bit of “water cooler” chatter.
As Linda Hill writes in 360 Degrees of Wisdom: The Sabian Oracle, “Two or more people can bring not only their special talents but also their individual tools and perspectives. By sharing the task without ego or competition, the outcome is not only better, but more harmonious and satisfying.”
This may be a good time to consider how you can invite collaborators on your project.
Tarot spread for the May 2023 Taurus new moon
Here’s a tarot spread to tap into the energy of this new moon.
Drawing sustenance: Where/how can you finding some comfort and sustenance at this time. Look at this card as a way to also ground into/integrate what may have come up for you around the last two eclipses
Refueling for the journey: The energy/motivation you need to continue working on your long-term goals
The next step: What to focus on next
Mamma moon says: This is always an encouraging message
If you share your spreads on Instagram, please use the hashtag #moontarotstories or tag me @moderngypsy.in so we can connect with each other.
Journaling questions for the new moon in Taurus
Not a cardslinger? No problem. Here are some journaling questions for you instead.
What goals or projects have you been focused on in the last few months? Take a step back and look at the big picture — list out all that you have already accomplished, and then list out a few of your next steps.
What resources or support do you need to take those next steps towards your goal?
How can you build some spaciousness into your days? A bit of time to unwind, to relax, to do something just for yourself?
Join us for a year of working with the cycles of the moon
Are you interested in spending an entire year cycling with the moon, creating art, journaling, and deepening your connection with mama moon? Would you like to learn art witchery, establish your own art witch practice, and use mixed media art as a spiritual tool? Join me on Moonshine 2023 – a year-long journey into the realm of moon-based art witchery in all its glorious forms, hosted by Effy Wild!
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Here’s what you get:
- Membership in this year’s Moonshine Coven + Lifetime membership in Moonshine Cafe (both on Facebook).
- Lifetime access to the course materials.
- A monthly PDF of written musings, including an art witch primer with suggested activities and resources that, when collected over the course of the year, forms a complete training system in art witchery. Included within the course materials are art witch tips, new essential oil blends, astro-tarot forecasts, oracle reading layouts, herbal lore and crystal lore.
- A full-length monthly painting tutorial (downloadable video + PDF walkthrough).
- Documentation for each full and new moon, both of which include astro-tarot forecasts and oracle reading layouts.
- A new painting demonstration for the new moon (filmed live on Zoom so we can paint together + offered as a downloadable replay for those who can’t attend live).
- A new painting demonstration for the full moon (offered as a downloadable pre-recorded speed painting) with notes on how I’m engaging the current energies.
- A live activation gathering on Zoom in the first week of the month (also offered as a downloadable replay). In these gatherings, we read the content together, do Q&A, check-ins and draw a tarot card to establish our ‘coven work’ (optional) for the month.
- A coupon code for $90 off for Moonshine 2024.
This experience is meant to give you deep training in art witchery AND mixed media art as a spiritual tool with an emphasis on establishing your own art witch practice based on thorough, scaffolded guidance that will get you sound, self-possessed, and in pursuit of your most deeply held desired outcomes.
Sounds interesting? Click the button for more details + to sign up!
