Waning Dark Moon in Taurus, May 19th-22nd

• Waning Dark Moon: Taurus
• Begins: May 19th, 10:11pm EST
• Element: Earth
• Modality: Fixed
• Planetary Ruler: Venus, currently Retrograde in Gemini

ABOUT THE DARK/ BALSAMIC PHASE

The Waning Dark Moon is the phase when it’s still displaying a thin silver line, at the verge of becoming invisible in the night sky as it approaches the Sun. Symbolically, it represents the declining phase of the cycle of life. It begins two nights before the New/Dark Moon, which is when it has lost all of its illumination. Thus, this phase prepares us for the rebirth and new beginning that comes after the exact conjunction between the two luminaries.

RETURNING TO THE CAVE

Further, it always begins in the sign of the last astrological season and thus, of the last New Moon. It represents the time when we’re heading back to the cave, when we return from our journey through the outside and head towards our inner/underworld. In its growing phase (New Moon) we meet the outer expression of that sign during the lunation. Conversely, when it’s waning, we meet its inner expression, as the Sun is no longer in that sign. Further, it invites us to rest, recharge, release from energetic or body toxins, banish or cut the cords that attach us to the past. It’s when we enter the Crone phase, commune with the Dark Goddess and meet with our shadow side.

WANING DARK MOON IN TAURUS: REFLECTIONS ABOUT LAST SEASON, THE NEW MOON IN TAURUS

The lunar cycle of Taurus season was emotionally intense as the New Moon initiated a new emotional cycle of radical change and the Full Moon in Scorpio emerged to the surface the suppressed within, making it highly cathartic. The New Moon in Taurus of April 22nd was conjunct Uranus, the planet that’s associated with The Tower card. It also made a challenging alignment with Saturn, the planet that in its shadow side, represents restriction and limitation.

Merging both symbolisms in a new cycle ruled by earthy Taurus, it gives an image of a volcano. One that has accumulated too much tension and it’s about to erupt, but that it was still not time. This is a metaphor for bringing the change to where there is stagnation. Thus, we may have felt the pressure to move, but also paralyzed and mentally restricted to begin taking action.

THE WANING DARK MOON: BRINGING TO CULMINATION THE EFFECTS OF THE FULL MOON IN SCORPIO

However, the Full Moon in Scorpio erupted this accumulated tension and teared Saturn’s chains. Thus, finally beginning the transformation process, as it may have manifested what needs to be shed so the new resurfaces. Additionally, it may have emerged the hidden and the occult, bringing the deepest truths to light. Hence, transmuting our perspective in situations, preparing us for the New Moon in Gemini which will bring many fated changes. 

PREPARING FOR THE NEW MOON IN GEMINI

This next lunar event, which will occur on May 22nd, will initiate eclipse season and begin a new emotional cycle. One that will open many roads for us to cross and doors to enter. Venus, the ruler of this Waning Dark Moon is retrograde in this sign, and this planet will bring a metamorphosis. It will emerge a new form of expression and begin a new story in matters of relationships, economy, artistry or in our career. However, it will invite us to first revise, reflect or revamp the area of life it transits in our chart. 

This is a part of the radical change that the New Moon in Taurus initiated as Venus is the ruler of this sign, signifying that first, the stagnated needs to be shaken up and to end, which is what the Full Moon in Scorpio illuminated. Now, we meet the Waning Dark Moon in Taurus right in the beginning of Gemini Season, beginning the time to release, purge and banish what emerged from underground with the last Full Moon and bring the situation to a culmination by putting back the earth that was excavated.

CLOSING LAST SEASON’S CHAPTER: THE MOON IN TAURUS’S DANCE IN THE COSMIC SKY.

This Moon will conjunct Uranus and square Saturn, this time retrograde, thus, it will take us back to the energies of that New Moon, which makes it ideal to reflect on the intentions you set or on what occurred during last astrological month. The Moon will make a positive alignment to Mars in Pisces, this brings a magnificent energy to dissolve what want out, to vent in order to release the tension from within that reached a climax during the Full Moon in Scorpio. Hence, what do you want to release from your life? What self limitations you want to dissolve, what vicious cycle you want to end? Or what feelings have remained suppressed? This is now a time to allow them to flow so that they finally pass and disembogue from your body.

ACTIVITIES AND RITUAL SUGGESTIONS

As the Waning Dark Moon is in Taurus, an Earth sign ruled by Venus, it makes it perfect to practice self care and to make sure you nourish your temple during these days. The energies also invite you to ground yourself by spending time in nature and to indulge in pleasure if that’s something you may have been neglecting for yourself. It’s also excellent to do a home/body energetic cleanse to banish the unwanted in order to prepare for the upcoming new cycle. 

During this lunar phase, we have the opportunity to connect with the archetype of the Crone. The Crone understands that endings are a part of the cycle of life and that they are necessary so that the new can come. Reflect on the questions above by connecting with your inner wisdom and then perform the rituals of banishment or of purification. Have a blessed dark-mooning time!