First Quarter Moon in Taurus ☽ Feb 1, 2020

Saturday, Feb 1 at 5.43pm PST

The quirky Aquarian sun squares the earthen moon in Taurus. The moon will rise at noon, peak at dusk and set at midnight all over the world, no matter your time zone. Luna initially enters Taurus on Jan 31. She will stay here until Feb 3, then move on to Gemini for the next 60-hour round. The moon is waxing, gathering momentum for fullness. On Feb 7 she enters Leo in preparation for the full moon.

At this first quarter moon, our eyes are freshly cleared by the new moon/Chinese New Year. At this phase, we decide what to carry forward. What do we need to change? Quarter phases clarify our plans.

The first quarter moon in Taurus brings grounding and stability amidst whirlwind traveling within/without. Taurus lives slowly, and with real richness. From Taurus we learn the art of comfort. Taurus is an incredible hostess. This moon phase is all about good company, good food, or whatever makes you feel at home. Though moon phases during the Aquarius cycle generally signal travel, in this case travel might lead you home.

At this quarter moon last year, my partner and I made a short trip to the hot springs where we used to live. Though it isn’t our home any longer, it still feels like home. We were lucky enough to visit again on New Year’s Eve 2020. As a Taurus, I appreciate so many aspects of this land. It is off-grid: no power lines, no wifi, no buzzing, no weird high-pitched noises. We stay in a small cabin with a wood stove. We bring only a few solar lights, so the glow remains low and relaxing. Outside is the marvelous soaking pool and tub. In the morning when the trees are powdered with snow, steam rises in a great column from behind the bathhouse nestled in the foothills.

Deepest moss green, crystalline blue peeking through the clouds, and silvery, opalescent rainbow flecks bouncing off the freshly fallen snow. We sit naked in the hot water piped straight out of the earth, breathing deeply, eyes closed. The sound of trickling water enters my spine, bubbles up my neck. Hot minerals cascade down slimy rocks into a dense patch of mint. From the tub, sweet herbal aromas rise in heavenly waves.

It is the sensuality of Taurus which I find most captivating and rewarding: the sheer amount of pleasure we derive. A soft towel on hot skin; the squish of mud and grass on bare feet; the ache of your body after chopping wood; the smell of wood smoke between the trees; chocolate melting on your tongue; sprays of crimson and chartreuse dotting a wintry mountain.

This quarter moon will form a lovely trine to Jupiter in Capricorn. I consider all trines with Jupiter to be categorically positive. Jupiterian influence is expansive, joyful, and spontaneous. Because the trine falls in earth signs, it has the added benefit of making us feel calm and centered. You really can’t go wrong with Jupiter involved.

In ancient Egypt, Taurus was known as Hathor, goddess of motherhood. Hathor is known for her special connection to music, the gem turquoise, and a necklace called the menat, worn exclusively by women in ancient Egypt. Wear a blue scarf or necklace to invoke Hathor’s gentle power and protect your throat (ruled by Taurus). I also highly recommend using a neti pot every morning. Stay strong and rooted with Taurus Yoga. In meditation, focus on the heart chakra. To find your personal moon sign, click here.

Affirmation:  I have everything I need