By Michelle McClunan

On 26th April we have a new moon in Taurus , which celebrates the  recent re-emergence of the Venus from the underworld.

The planet of love and money (ruler of this new moon) has turned direct after her  retrograde journey, which happens only once every 18 months. This is often  likened to Persephone’s descent into the underworld, where she gets to face her shadow, amongst other things. During a Venus retrograde period (especially if Venus features prominently in our charts) we face the parts of ourselves which we dislike or disown.  In addition to this, any fears or insecurities about money, love, safety and self- worth very often come bubbling up to the surface.  This has been emphasised in 2017 due to Venus also being locked into a tight square with stern, restrictive Saturn.

The good news…( yes there is good news!)…. is that not only has she turned direct again,  but she is also separating from the square with Saturn,  and is about to embark on a brand new journey on the 29th April when she enters Aries.

This beautifully gentle new Taurean moon ushers in some very welcome earth energy, after all the fire and brimstone of the past month, which has left many of us scorched and gasping for breath… and for an oasis of some sort.  We need to be aware that there are still some sparks flying around, which could easily start more blazes if they’re not tended, but generally the energy seems to have quietened down a little.

This new moon is a good time to integrate any learnings we’ve received during our time underground and to set new intentions regarding money, security or relationships.

Taurean energy is not fast or fiery. It’s slow and stable, methodical and sensual. Remembering that we still have 4 planets retrograde (more about that in my last UPDATE), this is not all about forward motion and climbing the next mountain. It’s about being present and patient and then taking the next step and then the next. It’s always possible to deal with this moment and the moment 60 seconds from now!

The sun’s passage through Taurus and this  new moon also  encourage us to reconnect with mother nature in a big way.

With all that’s going on, Earthing or grounding is essential right now.

Earth is an electrical planet, and we are bio-electrical beings.  Emerging science  has revealed that direct contact with the EARTH gives us an  energy infusion, which can help to restore and stabilize the circuitry that governs our  physiology and organs, harmonise our basic biological rhythms, boost self-healing, reduce inflammation and pain, improve our sleep and engender feelings of calmness. This  must be why we always feel better when we spend time in nature!

If you’re still feeling fiery, anxious,  burnt out, sluggish, frustrated, or exhausted, take some time to reconnect with Mother Earth and ask her to  recharge you. Walk barefoot as much as you can. Try lying down on the grass for a while and allow her beautiful  energy to seep into your being. Revel in those small, simple, sensual  moments of comfort or joy – luxuriate in a bubble bath, sit under a tree, dip your toes in a stream, slow down, stroke a cat, bask in the sunlight, read a good book, sip or eat something delicious… and enjoy the long weekend!

Check out the upcoming  ART OF EARTHING workshop on 20th May. If you’d like to do the workshop but can’t make the date, let me know and I might schedule another one.

In life and light

Michelle