Last year I drove out to Tucson to speak to the local astrologer’s guild. On the day of the talk, I was feeling out of sorts. Pulled by something I couldn’t name, I arrived early to the facility and began walking around the property. To my astonishment, I came upon a labyrinth made of rocks. No one was around. With a prayer of gratitude, I began slowly walking the twists and turns that led to the center. With each step, cares fell away. By the time I’d completed the circuit, I felt renewed – and shortly after, delivered a particularly inspired talk.
It turns out I’d tapped into primal goddess energy. The word labyrinth is derived from the Minoan labrys – meaning double-edged axe. The classical labyrinth shape is similar to a double-axe, or symbol of royal power. Yet way before the Greeks used this design for the labyrinth at the palace of Knossos in Crete, similar ones had been created nearby – usually accompanied by goddess statues. In matriarchal times, the same shape symbolized the power of creation, or the womb. It was the ultimate symbol of wealth and power. Even as late as the 3rd century BC, coins from Knossos were still struck with this symbol.
Over the years I’ve walked many labyrinths, and always felt a sense of calm and strength by the time I was done. So I decided to create a small one in my own backyard to mark the upcoming Taurus New Moon (May 17, 9:13 p.m. PDT). I’ve invited a few close friends to help me construct the labyrinth out of river rocks unearthed during my renovation a few years back. Once it’s complete, we’ll invoke for greater abundance and creative power as we walk the labyrinth at the Wealth New Moon.
The connection with Spirit is strong at this New Moon, because Venus (the ruler of Taurus) is trine mystical Neptune. I chose to build a labyrinth at this time for another reason as well: Mercury turns retrograde the following day (May 18) in its own sign of Gemini, which rules the mind. Although a labyrinth is not the same as a maze (in which you can get lost or hit dead ends), there is something about walking the labyrinthine path that causes you to lose track of direction and the outside world. And that is what retrograde Mercury is about – it’s a time to go deep within, rediscover our lost parts, and get re-centered after what’s been a tumultuous year for most of us.
During Mercury’s three-week retrograde, resist the impulse to jump into new things or you’ll probably regret it. Instead, sift through all those notes you’ve been taking (especially if, like me, you’ve been listening to endless webinars and telesummits!) and separate the wheat from the chaff. True wealth is to be found by connecting with the Earth at this Taurus New Moon. Get out of your mind and into your body. Walk a labyrinth (or build one!). Get a massage. If you need to launch a website, business project or series of classes, postpone it till June 15. Meanwhile, quiet your mind and let Spirit guide you so that by the time you act, you’ll be aligned on all levels.
If you need inspiration on growing your wealth, check out this Taurus New Moon ritual from my book, Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home and Life. You’ll also find a fun little video on that page showing how I helped one woman increase her prosperity by switching things up in her bathroom.
RETROGRADE SPECIAL! If you’ve had a consultation with me before (even just a Snapshot), I’m offering you a special deal on a Power Consultation through the end of May. Regularly $195, this 75-minute recorded phone reading (which includes both the natal chart and cycles) is only $165 for the next two weeks. EXISTING CLIENTS ONLY. Just email me at simone@astroalchemy.com and we’ll get you on the schedule!