You are firm and strong in your opinions and beliefs, and this is particularly so in your individual value system. The possessions and qualities you hold in high regard are even more strongly emphasised today, and their safeguard is your main concern. Attitudes and viewpoints that you were previously unaware of could surface under the universal influences of the moment, and this can be very helpful and beneficial, as it allows you to more fully understand and appreciate the important things in your life.

The New Moon in Taurus is a powerful influence, heralding an auspicious period of self-discovery and insight. You will be able to assert yourself more easily and your need to express yourself clearly and unambiguously will be at an all time high. Because of this coupled with the fact that you are in touch with you own feelings, relations with other people will be harmonious. Try not to let any self doubts to creep in and spoil this day ­ it is yours for the taking.

It is likely you will experience a strong need to spend at least part of the next couple of weeks alone in quiet reflection and reverie. Some deep and possibly even uncomfortable feelings may emerge, but if you look at them in a logical and realistic manner, you will soon realise that what seemed to be particular fears and reservations were quite unfounded in reality. Be bold, face the issues that arise, and the resultant assuagement will give you a whole new lease of life.

The New Moon suggests working with others and being an integral part of a team is an ideal you aspire to, and the coming fortnight it is brought sharply into focus. Your connections to friends and acquaintances, particularly fellow members of groups or associations to which you belong, assumes an especial significance in your life. As you look more closely at your affiliations, and the people you meet through them, you may decide upon some changes you would like to make. This could involve modifying your contribution to established links, or perhaps joining a new group altogether.

Central to your thinking between now and the end of May is how much your professional life and the role you hold in society means to you. Even though you may be happy with your present circumstances, perhaps there are some improvements you would like to make. Whatever your particular ambitions, it is a good time to put any plans or ideas into practice. Talk to your boss about a proposal you have been working on, apply for a new position, or approach a committee for approval ­ changes made now could be very advantageous.

Over the next two weeks you will have a strong desire to broaden your horizons and unless you find a practical means of doing so you may become dissatisfied. It will not take anything too drastic to assuage your need for change, as long as you do something. The need to learn and grow is very intense, so where will you channel all this energy? If you are unable to embark upon a physical journey, then perhaps exploring the cultural expression of another land may interest you, otherwise undertaking a new hobby or discipline will suffice.

It is possible that an intense encounter with someone will spark a depth of feeling that may surprise you. Perhaps it is because they are challenging some of your deeply held beliefs or convictions, or maybe the reason is that their presence in your life is having an unexpectedly strong influence. Either way, it is important to view this incident in a positive light, and to use it to come to a deeper understanding of both yourself and of other people. A psychological change is nigh now.

The New Moon emphasises your need to draw close with other people and in particular with either intimate or business partners. Any problems in these areas could be brought to your attention between now and the end of the month, so as to be dealt with once and for all. Don't avoid the issues, but deal with them to the best of your ability. Make changes if necessary ­ a fresh start may be just the thing to kick-start the relationship on to a whole new level of accord.

Daily routine, and your responsibilities and obligations are a central plank in your thinking processes at present. You would like to bring more organisation and order to your day-to-day life, and so how will you go about it? You may want to concentrate on making improvements by managing your time more efficiently. On the other hand perhaps you will decide to initiate plans for a more overall healthier lifestyle, by adopting a new diet, exercise program or leisure activity. The decision is yours alone.

There is a strong desire in you to break out of old established habit patterns, and to try something more to you current liking and way of thinking. This is an excellent time to do so as the New Moon is traditionally an auspicious time to make a fresh start - the two weeks to come are ideal for you to set your cap at something new and innovative. Do not miss this opportunity, and be creative in your thinking. Artistic endeavours, recreational activities, and your relationships to children and lovers could all benefit, from this influx of energy, so let your imagination have free reign, and enjoy yourself.

Make your main objective over the next fortnight to be in familiar surroundings, and where better than the comfort of your own home. Perhaps you should give the whole place a facelift, so start at the beginning by initiating a major domestic project like changing your address or moving to somewhere new. If you're staying put then spend time considering décor or your residential environment, you might even want to try Feng Shui. Ideas and plans for sweeping changes flood your mind, and this will give you plenty to discuss with the rest of the family.

There will be plenty going on in your locality which can be very much to your liking and introduce something new into your daily schedule. With the New Moon around expect news from all sorts of directions all of which will quicken up the pace of your own life and make you busier than usual, and especially in your interactions with friends neighbours and relatives. Don't just stick to the tried and tested activities, but go with the fresh lunar impetus ­ it does not have to be too exotic to be interesting ­ a short trip, the latest film or book, or communicating from E-mails to phone calls can all lead to offers, plans or ideas that will be a boon to you.