New Moon in Taurus: Perseverance and Balance Amid Conflict
Serena Williams, Rio de Janeiro- Brazil Tennis game during the 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Park. ©Andre Ricardo Paes Dreamstime.com
On April 27th, we have a New Moon in the sign of Taurus that carries a fairly conflictual energy with it. Mars, the god of war, is opposite Pluto, the god of the underworld—a deity associated with power and the things we may not want to confront or acknowledge. When Mars and Pluto are opposed in a chart, it often signifies power struggles. Adding to this tension, this Mars-Pluto opposition forms a T-square with the New Moon.
What is a T-Square?
A T-square in astrology is a challenging planetary configuration involving three celestial bodies. Two of these bodies oppose each other (in this case, Mars and Pluto), while both also form a 90-degree angle (a square) with a third point (here, the New Moon). This creates a "T" shape in the chart. The energies of a T-square are often dynamic and pressurized, pushing us toward action and resolution. The key is to find balance and integrate the lessons of the configuration.
Pluto in Aquarius opposite Mars in Leo in a T-square to the New Moon in Taurus
In the video below, I describe the energy of this New Moon in greater detail. I’ve also attached a modified and expanded Transcript that fleshes out some of what I said in the video.
As always, the lunation will affect you differently depending on the placements in your birth chart. If you have planets at or near 7 degrees of the Fixed Signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) the New Moon is more likely to impact you significantly. If you’d like to know more about how this lunation might affect you, you can book a reading below.
Transcript (modified and expanded)
The New Moon in Taurus: Breaking Down the Energy
This New Moon falls in the first decan of Taurus, which is ruled by Mercury (the god of communication) and Venus (the goddess of love). Mercury governs strategy, planning, and analytical thinking, while Venus embodies beauty, harmony, social justice, and relationships. Together, these two planetary energies influence this part of Taurus, creating a focus on building a foundation that blends practicality and beauty.
Taurus I in Astrology and Tarot
To understand the meaning of Taurus I more deeply, we can look at the tarot card associated with the first 10° of Taurus: the Five of Pentacles.
The Symbolism of the Five of Pentacles:
This card depicts two destitute figures walking through a snowstorm. They are barefoot, clearly struggling, yet they are not alone—they have each other. In the background, there’s a brightly lit church window, symbolizing both exclusion from established structures (like the church) and the potential for refuge or hope. This card speaks to themes of hardship, lack, and perseverance, but also of community and the possibility of finding light in the darkness.Numerology of the Number Five:
In numerology, the number five is associated with conflict and transformation. While the number four represents structure and stability, five signifies breaking free from those structures in order to grow and evolve. This energy can feel disruptive but also carries a creative impulse—similar to the astrological concept of a quintile aspect (1/5 of the astrology wheel), which is often linked to creativity.
5 of Pentacles, Rider-Waite Tarot
People with rising signs or significant placements in Taurus I, such as Serena Williams and Robert Kennedy, often experience themes related to overcoming lack or financial difficulties. They may feel compelled to help others who are struggling and to build something lasting and meaningful out of challenging circumstances.
The energy of Taurus I is about perseverance, hard work, and achievement born from a desire to overcome scarcity and establish oneself in the world. Taurus is an earth sign with fixed energy, which reinforces its hardworking and determined nature.
The Mars-Pluto Opposition and Its Role
Now, let’s look at the backdrop of this New Moon: the Mars-Pluto opposition. Mars is in the first decan of Leo, which is associated with competition and ambition. The corresponding tarot card, the Five of Wands, often reflects situations of rivalry or the need to prove oneself—like being in a competitive work environment where you have to fight to come out on top.
Pluto, on the other hand, is in the first decan of Aquarius, linked to the Five of Swords. This card represents conflict and defeat. It often shows one side triumphing at the expense of the other, highlighting the struggle for power and the potential fallout of such confrontations.
Together, these energies create an intense backdrop for the New Moon. The Mars-Pluto opposition amplifies pressure and can stir fears around scarcity or the need to achieve something significant to feel secure.
Navigating the T-Square: Turning to Scorpio Energy
In a T-square, resolution often lies in the "missing leg" of the configuration. For this New Moon, that missing leg is in the first decan of Scorpio, symbolized by the Five of Cups. This card portrays a figure mourning three spilled cups in the foreground while failing to notice two cups still standing behind them. The energy here is about grieving losses but also recognizing the resources and opportunities that remain.
Rider-Waite Tarot Cards that correspond with the first 10 degrees (decan) of the Fixed Signs. The New Moon is in Taurus I, Mars is in Leo I, and Pluto is in Aquarius I. To balance the energy of this conflict, look to the 5 of Cups which corresponds to the empty leg of the T-square—Scorpio I.
If you feel caught in conflict or tension during this time, it may help to slow down, acknowledge any feelings of loss, and take stock of the resources still available to you. This emotional recalibration can bring balance and clarity amidst the stress.
The Sabian Symbol: A Sleigh Without Snow
Adding another layer to the energy of this New Moon is the Sabian symbol associated with its degree: "A sleigh where there is no snow." This symbol evokes the idea of preparation for future needs, even if the timing isn’t quite right. It suggests planning and readiness, but also the wisdom to wait for the right moment to act.
In Greek, there are two words for time: Kronos (chronological time) and Kairos (the opportune moment). While Mercury’s influence in the first decan of Taurus (Taurus I) might push us to plan and act immediately, the deeper wisdom of this moment may be to slow down, center yourself, and align with Kairos—the right moment.
Practical Takeaways
This New Moon in Taurus asks us to examine our foundations and consider what we need to build in order to feel secure and supported in the world. With Mars and Pluto adding pressure from the background, you may feel a heightened sense of urgency around matters of work, finances, or relationships. However, the advice here is to slow down, reconnect with your inner resources, and approach any challenges with a sense of balance and intentionality.
Psychologically, we know that decisions made from a place of calm and centeredness tend to be more effective than those made in a reactive or fear-driven state. Take the time to ground yourself, honor your emotions, and trust that the right path will become clear.