The new moon on 18 May 2015 falls at 26°55′ Taurus on the notorious fixed star Algol. Mars opposite Saturn lines up with this new moon to add frustration and delays to the misfortunes of Algol. On the positive side, the new moon presents ideal conditions for the “cutting off” of addictions and other negative relationships in your life.

New Moon Meaning

A new moon represents the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new 28 day cycle. All possibilities are on the table and you can rightly put yourself in the forefront of new plans for the future. Old habits, behaviors and beliefs can be questioned as you search for new and inventive ways to make progress. This is the ideal time to make a fresh start and start writing down a to-do list on a blank sheet of paper.

However, the impulsive and enthusiastic nature of a new moon means that not all new projects will succeed. The best time for making a fresh start and for beginning new projects is during the first two weeks of a new moon cycle. The waning moon phases in this case lasts from the May 18 new moon until the June 2 full moon.

New Moon May 2015 Horoscope

The fixed star Algol at 26 ♉ 22 will have a major influence on this new moon given it’s close orb of influence at only 0°33′. Throughout history, this star has been considered the most unfortunate of all fixed stars, associated with violence, accidents, and death by “decapitation, hanging, electrocution and mob violence”. With Algol activated by this new moon we can expect  war, brutality and disasters over the next 28 days.

The risk of such misfortune is accentuated given the March 20 solar eclipse was conjunct the equally disastrous fixed star Scheat, giving extreme misfortune, murder, suicide, and drowning. However, like Scheat, the fixed star Algol does have a positive side for those of a spiritual evolved nature. For these people, wisdom and calmness are the reward for conquering fear in all its forms. Fear of death, fear of the past, and fear of the future.

Sun conjunct Mars is not a strong influence with an orb of 7 degrees, but still important given the opposition to Saturn. Mars with the new moon imparts its rashness and aggression, increasing the chance or risky behavior. This will be useful if you wish to start new projects on the new moon, and will give initiative also to turn over a new leave. For relationships, Mars will increase sexual desire and passion, and give the courage to break the ice or pop the question. In worldly affairs, it does however, increase the risk of new wars or new offensives in current wars.

Sun opposite Saturn will have an overall negative influence over the new moon. This is especially so given the Saturn nature of the fixed star Algol. It will make it more of a struggle to bring out the positive side of this star, especially given that fear is also ruled by Saturn. Hardship, restriction and criticism are the keywords of this challenging aspect. This will bring frustration when starting new projects due to delays and restraints. On the positive side, Saturn may tone down the impulsive and overly sexual nature of Mars. This will be most noticeable in love relationships, however it also means that extra effort will be needed in the face of increased opposition or rejection.

One thing this new moon looks to be really good for is breaking old habits. Algol as the evil spirit is associated with alcohol. Mars opposite Saturn is ideal for the cutting off nasty things, whether it be alcohol addiction or other negative relationships in your life.

Given the fixed star influence and challenging aspects in this new moon, it is difficult to find much more in the way of positives. Although misfortune and disaster will not directly impact on the majority of us, we will be forced to confront the fear and depth of sadness which others in our world are facing at this time.