The exact New Moon occurs on Friday, Apr. 24, at 11:24 PM, EDT
(Apr. 25, at 8:54 AM in Gujarat) in the I Ching hexagram "Opposition".
The image is fire above and water below. Clearly this is a time of
contrast and struggle. Two opposing forces are meeting. This will not be
a comfortable encounter. On a personal level this is a battle between
clarity and pleasure. You can see what you want or desire but can you
perceive the implications of your desires? Are you clinging to your
possessions and comforts at the expense of others? Or are you
prepared to give up what you have so that others may benefit?
Most people live in their own little worlds or castles collecting things and
enjoying what they have accumulated. Perhaps one even worries about
how to maintain what one has. Outside of this personal protected home
is the rest of the world, out there. Usually our worry for protecting what
we have from what is out there eclipses any concern for the welfare of
others. It also blocks the ability to sit in inner peace and true
contentment. The battle between them and us, or me and mine rages.
The cost is a loss of innocence and heartfelt feeling. This is a serious
barrier to meditation. There is a conflict between outer clarity and inner
or personal pleasure. We can see what is needed, but can we give up
what we want?
Even in the world today the battle between fire or heat and water is in
an extreme balance. The ice caps are melting. Pollution is increasing
and the very waters of life are threatened. Does anyone think that this
situation will improve without significant personal discomfort? Clarity
versus pleasure! Quality of life is being challenged by necessity.
We can be paralyzed in fear about this, or realize that God works within
and without, even though not everyone is listening, or trying to help.

This is a Taurus new moon, the new moon of Spring. Beauty abounds.
Nature is radiating aliveness and new beginnings. This new moon is
ruled by Venus the planet of love and beauty and wealth. It is also the
planet of overindulgence, greed and lust. When one wants something
too much, it is usually better to leave it alone. Everyone seems worried
about maintaining what they have or want. How many people are
actually concerned about sharing or giving away what they have to help
others?
To give or to receive is the question. What you will do is the answer.
Venus represents true values and self-worth. Value can be measured in
quantity or quality. What is the nature of your self-worth?
Chanting God's name with sincere feelings is called bhava or devotion.
It is a special quality in bhakti yoga, the yoga of love and devotion. This
loving quality is the essence of devotional service to God, that is,
repeating His name with love and sincerity. This is can be felt in the
incredible faith of Christians singing and praying to God and in the
devotion of Hindus, and in the prayers of Muslims. The chanting,
praying or singing of God's name is the essence of Venus' true worth.
Cultivating inner self worth has greater value than accumulating outer
resources.
To chant or pray on the Taurus new moon really enhances the beauty
and quality of both the chanting and our lives. Are you listening to good
sounds or other sounds? Can you improve the quality of sound in your
life? A heart felt prayer or chant will resonate up to the heavens. By
doing it you make it happen. Don't just listen to a cd or watch a video.
Slow down, sit down and do it yourself! Hari Om!
On this new moon there are two very challenging aspects in the
horoscope. One, there is a distinct impulse to go for and get what you
want at any cost, and to consider anyone interfering with you as an
enemy. This is the Venus Mars Uranus conjunction squaring Pluto. Two
there is an ability to convince yourself, or intellectually justify anything
you desire. This is the Neptune Mercury square. The first factor is
insensitive and ruthless, The second is deceptive and unrealistic. Both
of these factors tend to pull us out into the world and its concerns.
Through action and the desire for power we fight to get what we want.
Through speculation and deception we convince ourselves that we are
justified and correct.
Both of these factors pull us out into the outer illusions of life. They pull
us into what is called maya. Is the world a dream? What is real. What is
true? What is valuable?
The challenge of this new moon is to remember true worth and inner
value and of course God. Chanting at this new moon will have special
power and may actually be the only force capable of breaking through
the outer illusions. Do we have to fight for what we want? Or can we
trust that God is in control of everything and will take care of our needs?
A little inner peace will have a tremendous effect. It cannot be obtained
by force but by openness and surrender. Selfishness is an obstacle to
spiritual growth.
In this Age of Kali or darkness and quarrel, it is said that chanting the
name of God is the most potent way of finding God and enlightenment.
What will you do with this new moon in Taurus. Will you chant and
remember a name of God? I will chant for you. Will you chant with me?