The pragmatic New Moon in Taurus at 12:13 am EDT on May 18, 2015, requires us to get back to basics … but keeping things simple now is no easy task. Normally, the seeds of intention we plant at the New Moon grow to fruition by the Full Moon. But it’s not possible for our actions to gain traction now because the Moon jumps into flighty Gemini at 5:27 am, tempting us to change direction mid-stream. Furthermore, the Moon’s opposition to authoritative Saturn a few hours later halts us in our tracks before her hook-up with hot Mars drives us forward once again.

The start-stop-start-stop dynamic of this Taurus Moon cannot be separated from the current cycle of Mercury Retrograde, which also begins within hours of the New Moon. Trickster Mercury continues to move backward until June 11, turning all forms of communication inside-out. Although setting priorities is crucial to choosing the right course of action, we must be prepared for setbacks along the way. But obstacles are not impediments to our success now; instead they are opportunities to improve our game and accomplish more than we thought possible, even if success is delayed.

Learn more about the effects of the New Moon in Taurus by reading your zodiac sign’s horoscope below!

Aries Horoscope (March 21 – April 19)

Building your nest egg is at the top of your list as the solid Taurus New Moon highlights your 2nd House of Money. The cosmic emphasis is on your personal finances for the month ahead, so take stock of your assets and put your accounts in order. However, the judgments you make about yourself impact your earning power more than you think. You can add more value to your life by considering what you have to offer to others and what they give you in return. But a one-time fix isn’t the answer; revisit your progress regularly in the days ahead to generate the prosperity you seek.

Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)

You have a special opportunity to see yourself clearly as the Taurus New Moon falls in your 1st House of Personality. This is a rare chance to re-evaluate your emotional process with a fresh perspective, which could change your life for the better. But unless you act on your newfound self-awareness, you might slip back into old patterns. Maintaining protective defenses may no longer be appropriate. Your life will become more rewarding as you consciously share your vulnerabilities with those you trust. Your heart is like any other muscle; it grows bigger and stronger when you use it.

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – June 20)

The Taurus New Moon happens in your12th House of Privacy, yet moving emotions out of denial and into a shared reality deepens the intimacy in your relationships. It’s an opportune time to uncover any thoughts you have tucked away in your subconscious mind, for some of these hidden stories can now be told. Mercury’s retrograde turn might tempt you to sidestep the intensity by intellectualizing your feelings; instead, seize the moment and open your heart to those you love.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)

Surrounding yourself with allies seems like a natural thing to do while the Taurus New Moon activates your 11th House of Community. Spending time with a group of like-minded people happily sets the social stage for the next few weeks. However, you still might doubt your decisions, but don’t let that stop you from following through with your initial intentions. Trust your original instincts, push through your fears, and keep moving your energy outward. The world is a better place with you in it.

Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)

The Taurus New Moon occurs in your 10th House of Career, casting a bright spotlight on your professional life. Although it’s your time to shine in the public eye, you may want to hide from the attention once you get it. But you might be afraid that you won’t be able to live up to everyone’s expectations once they see your true colors. A healthy amount of humility works as an asset, but your uncharacteristic self-doubt only gets in your way. Fortunately, you can stand up to the scrutiny as long as you are open and honest in all of your interactions with others.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

The earthy Taurus New Moon encourages you to be dependable, yet its influence on your 9th House of Big Ideas destabilizes your plans. You are pulled in opposite directions as you attempt to be practical and philosophical at the same time. Meanwhile, mischievous Mercury’s retrograde turn makes it tougher to resolve the opposing forces. It takes practice to keep your feet on the ground while aspiring toward the heavens. Fortunately, you can soar to new heights as long as you give yourself extra time to honor both approaches.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Courage is your secret weapon as the fixed Taurus New Moon fortifies your 8th House of Transformation. You have more than enough staying power to stick to your position until you learn significant truths about who you really are at your core. This process is not about anyone else, although others may push you deeper and pull you into uncomfortable emotional realms. Have faith; you will emerge from this challenging phase with important insights that can positively impact your life.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

The Taurus New Moon stimulates your 7th House of Significant Others, offering you a magical opportunity to strengthen your relationships. You want to pursue your own interests, yet might not be able to get the alone time that you crave. Nevertheless, don’t fritter away precious energy worrying about your current schedule because you can always find time to be by yourself later on. Ultimately, initiating this emotional dance is more healing than you can imagine. A flower cannot blossom without sunshine and man cannot live without love.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

The utilitarian Taurus New Moon triggers your 6th House of Habits, presenting you with opportunities to improve your diet and exercise program. However, focusing your energy on the nitty-gritty details of life can be annoying for you philosophical Archers. Oftentimes, you are so intent on understanding the big picture that you forgetfully brush aside the more practical concerns. Once you see the mundane things clearly, use your I-can-do-it attitude to carry out your plans. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

The Taurus New Moon emphasizes your 5th House of Creativity, motivating you to loosen up enough to enjoy pursuits that are close to your heart. You might feel more capricious than usual, yet your current lightheartedness won’t totally override your serious outlook on life. Although you may grow preoccupied with expressing your inner child, just take the fun in stride along with your ongoing responsibilities. All play and no work makes a Capricorn uneasy. Striving for balance is healthier for everyone in the long run.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Celebrating your own personal renewal shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially as the Taurus New Moon rejuvenates your 4th House of Roots. Even if you have too many commitments on your calendar, you can still escape from your regularly scheduled responsibilities to be with your loved ones for a while. Or, maybe you just want to carve out a slice of solitude to recharge your batteries. Either way, make yourself comfortable without creating too many distractions. It’s not about the quantity of time you spend honoring your emotional needs, it’s all about the quality.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)

The Taurus New Moon in your 3rd House of Communication brings a constant stream of information into your life, making it difficult to relax. But there’s no reason to be self-critical if you can’t settle into a routine. Minimize the chaos by cutting back your social obligations and avoiding non-essential interactions. Thankfully, the simple act of setting priorities enables you to establish a previously elusive rhythm. Once you’ve handled everything close to home you’ll be free to pursue any distraction you want.