Selene's Gateway: New Moon in Taurus '25
Stern Saturn Summer
“…Though the natural world rejoices around me. The horrors of humanity still flicker across my cell phone screen. My social media equally distributes pictures of natural and cosmic wonder with the truth of the Holocaust being committed by the state of Israel…”
28th day of April 2025
06:19 pdt Portland Oregon
Helios 8’30” Taurus
Day of Luna Hour of Luna
Luna 19’05” Taurus
Manzille #4 Tectonic 8’34” Taurus - 21’25” Taurus
Al Buni “Emnity, hatred, and corruption. Beware of beginning new endeavors. Do not fashion talismans or crafts. Suitable for burying the dead. Burying treasures, Hiding secrets, and digging wells".”
Remedy: Pomegranite and Frankincense
We are deep in the beauty of spring. The undulating, pulsing, throbbing, dripping, and sticky essence of the world. Flowers are bursting as bees and other pollinators rejoice in the warmth and bask in the light of Helios. As the shadows shorten while the day light lingers and inches its way. Deeper and deeper into the evening hours.
Though the natural world rejoices around me. The horrors of humanity still flicker across my cell phone screen. My social media equally distributes pictures of natural and cosmic wonder with the truth of the Holocaust being committed by the state of Israel. My partner and I notice little daisies dotting the grasses around us. While new plots of land are being salavated over for mining projects to profit off of the “Green Economy”.
We can find in Taurus the desire for pleasure and the physical wonder of experience. The comfort of being wrapped in a cozy blanket in front of a fire on a cold winter's day sipping on cider. The laying out of delicious snacks in an open field under the warming but not oppressive sun. The longing for touch and the embrace of those we care for. Music that nurtures the stirring of our soul. The act of intimate art. The plunging of our fingers into the warmth of good soil in our gardens. The warming tones of melodic voices plucking at our heart strings.
With this deep immersive appreciation of “The Good Life’ in Taurus though. We also find those who can not shy away from the struggle. People who rise up against injustice. People who believe “This should be shared! Why isn’t this being shared?!”. Venus has long been associated with Justice. Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Angela Davis, and Che Guevera. These are just a few of the names that can be conjured.
I bring this up because the underlying theme of the Dark Moon (conjunct the Sun) and the New Moon (First visibility) seem to echo this struggle. We can’t ignore what is happening. I do believe we will continue to see people agreeing with that and getting out into the streets. However, now that Mars is no longer disabled in Cancer. They may see the fight coming to them even more aggressively.
The Chart of the Dark Moon on the West Coast is in the 10th house at nearly the highest point of visibility. While the M.C. itself is in Aries in the 9th House. We see this as the People making a strong push and being very loud about it. Venus who Rules the 10th is Strong in the 29th degree of Pisces where she is exalted (not the degree of exaltation). She resides in the 8th house of resources, debts, and taxes.
The Horoscope for the Dark Moon is Leo. With in it ascends Mars and opposing it is Pluto. Leo is a Fixed Fire sign. So this indicates a month of sustained and passionate action. The 12 part of the Asc is Sagittarius. This Points back to the Horoscope for the year where we found Luna ascending. We could see the “Action” in the month being louder and longer sustained efforts by protest communities on the West Coast. However, Mars is no longer trudging through Cancer. So we may see the protests met with harsh response by the “Kings Guard” aka Mars in Leo. On the flip side of this coin is a possible prolonged aggression towards the king. We may see more assasination attempts on leaders of the world. Maybe even the arresting of a ranking official from Israel that has a warrant out from the ICC (My personal bias is showing).
I need to emphasize here though that all bets are off for personal rights of LEGAL IMMIGRANTS OR VISA HOLDERS. In several incidents across the U.S. ICE has attacked the homes of protesters from last year before Trump even took office. The Democratic D.A. of Milwaukee even issued a warrant that allowed the Police to break down the door of students. Confiscate their electronic positions. Detain them. Then release them back out into the world without their personal belongings. This is all an echo of how ICE was used in 2020 against protesters in Portland and Seattle. Listen to the podcast “Uprising: A Guide From Portland” for a clear window into that year.
The 12th part of the Dark Moon is Leo. So this emphasizes this point. We’ll see on Thursday if a protest on May Day (the international Labor Day) breaks out. Though we might not even see it covered by National U.S. news corporations.
Once visible, Luna will be making some quick deliveries and connections to a lot of planets. Connecting circuits between Uranus and Saturn almost simultaneously (this showed up right away on Monday as a “Power Outage” throughout Spain and Portugal). Then a Sextile to Venus before changing signs to Gemini where Luna will connect to Neptune in Aries, Pluto, and Finally Mars. That is a lot of connections. So this should be a very loud and impactful month. Supported by the Dark Moon being very visible in its chart.
However, that is enough “World Astrology”. There are more tenured Astrologers covering a lot of this information in greater detail. Specifically The Astrology Podcast with Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock.
For the individual trying to navigate these energies. Look to Leo in your chart. Especially if you are in a timing period signified by the Sun right now. Mars is bringing conflict, strife, but may also bring confidence and the ability to overpower adversity. Mars likes to challenge us. This may also echo into the Mars ruled parts of your chart (Aries and Scorpio).
Taurus has been having it’s soil uncomfortably toiled by Uranus since 2018. Since this Dark Moon happens in that part of the chart see if you can find a continuity to late April and May since then. Is there a project that has been fluttering through your mind. Is there a restlessness that arises here. For me I unlocked a goal and skill that I have been building towards for almost 15 years. Sometimes you just need the right circuit to connect in order for everything to fall into place.
Challenges are baked into this chart though. Especially that Pluto Mars opposition. Uranus is connected through the Mirrors of Anticia and Contra Anticia. So sudden challenges that may cause life changing power dynamics could also occur. I can’t shy away from that and neither should you. My favorite basketball star Damian Lillard tore his Achilles Tendon sunday night which will alter the course of his life forever.
Mars will look us in the eyes and demand things from us that we think are impossible. Until we match them and blow our own personal expectations out of the water. Pluto though brings a added intensity and pressure that we may crumble under. If you can’t accomplish your goals this month. Dust yourself off, rest, and heal. When you’re ready, get up and try again. Maybe you’ll learn something about where you could’ve done something differently that would make your life easier. Maybe you just need to get kicked on your ass.
For the dignity shift this month we’ll see Venus enter Aries on the same day Mars finishes it’s retrograde. We’ll See Mercury transfer from Aries to Taurus. Then land at home in Gemini right before the next New Moon. We’ll see the Fallen Full Moon supported by a dignified Mars instead of a fallen one for the first time since January 6th. We’ll also get “Stern Saturn Summer” in Aries starting on the 24th of May until September. That’s right a whole summer with the dark, depressing, rule master, trying to wrangle all your fun into community service projects you don’t support.
The Cards for the month are The Empath and The Queen of Pentacles. The Empath is special and specific to the Journey of Oz and Wonderland Tarot Deck. It’s one of 4 added Major Arcana and I think fits the intricacies of Neptune. Though we, as astrologers, still need to be more on the observational side of Pluto, Uranus, and Neptune. I do think that this card speaks to the dissolution of one’s personal boundaries. The empath feels beyond themselves and makes choices based on that wider sphere of understanding at their own cost. This Card also reminds me of the Portland Protest Motto from 2020 “Be Like Water”. Life is dynamic and protests that move, change, flow, and adapt will give the fascist the biggest headache.
The Queen of Pentacles reminds us to not overspend our resources. That taking care of each other includes knowing when to be conservative as well as resourceful. We don’t really know what’s a head for us on an interconnected economic web. So if you have the ability to stockpile resources like dried and canned goods. Jugs of Water or medicine. It may come in handy at some point this summer.
I know. I am not the brightest eyed astrologer. I do feel compelled to be real and frank. Honestly, though, this practice is reflective of my observations. My observations are not finite, all inclusive, or complete. Seek others out there. Spencer Michaud Astrology, Amalie Wiel (Antler Mythos Astrology), and Nicholas Polimenakos (Sparkles of Gold) are some of my favorites.
May your Taurus season bring you the stubbornness to fight for the world you deserve to cuddle in.
May the fire inside guide you,
Devon Malone
The Esoteric Butcher
End: 19:26 pdt Portland Oregon
Day of Mars Hour of Luna