The new moon in Taurus waves its eco-chic wand and casts an emerald green spell over our lives. Just as the springtime buds are exploding into leaves, this new moon calls us into nature’s al fresco temple. The first of the earth signs, Taurus is all about creating the fertile soil to plant our seeds in—both literally and metaphorically. Our focus goes to the foundations during this lunar event. Do we have our feet on solid ground? And are we feeling grounded once we’re there?

Pragmatic and efficient, this new moon helps us whip our lives into shape. Are we eating fresh, healthy food? Managing our time so we aren’t total stress baskets? Doing our work with integrity so we can enjoy the luscious results we create? There’s another green that this new moon is concerned with too, since budgeting falls under Taurus’ domain. There’s no time like the present to call up that financial advisor to help ensure that we don’t burn every penny we earn.

New moons are sparks that light a fire. That fire goes full-blaze six months in the future under the advent of a corresponding full moon. This year, the full moon in Taurus takes place on October 29.  Mark that calendar, as this is the day for manifesting the intentions and wishes we set now. Here are some rituals to maximize the power of the Taurus new moon:

Plant Something Edible

While the gleaming produce displays at Whole Foods make for a delightful walkabout, most of us have little clue what it took to harvest those luscious and edible jewels. And while it’s great to buy organic, we may be far removed from the idea of sticking our hands in the pesticide-free soil, planting heirloom seeds, watering the crop, and nurturing it to full harvest. This earthy Taurus new moon sends an honorable nod to the food producers of the world, encouraging us to “get our farmer on” in some small way. While some of us may have sun-drenched acres at our disposal, others may only have a windowsill and a grow light to work with. Plant what you can, be it a giant bed of Swiss chard or a pot of rosemary.

According to The Hunger Project (thp.org), 925 million people on the planet do not have enough to eat. Growing food is an offering of gratitude to Mother Earth for filling our plates each day. Planting in her soil is an act of abundance, no matter if your efforts yield a bumper crop or a few misshapen (but delicious) sprouts.

Then, there are the health benefits. The increasingly popular farm-to-table movement has more than just a hip, freshness factor as its appeal. Food that’s plucked directly from the vine is chock full of live enzymes that help us digest and metabolize food. Slicing a freshly picked tomato over a summer salad? Yum. For those who can’t get that green thumb going, start a weekly practice of shopping at the farmer’s market or sign up for seasonal produce deliveries boxed each week from a local farm.

Chant, Hum, Sing

Taurus rules the throat and this new moon helps us free our voices. It’s time to make some noise, and make it in an intentional way.  Chanting—which involves repeating a phrase or mantra with conscious breathwork—is both soothing and energizing, and has been shown to boost immunity and reduce anxiety and depression. Many yoga studios offer chanting meditations. Grab your mat, get in the lotus position and open up that passageway with some “om namah shivayas.” Humming can also create a meditative and soothing vibration that energizes the body.

If that’s too “woo woo” for your blood, here’s a lowbrow prescription: head to the nearest karaoke bar or go for a private drive in your car and belt out some jams. As you breathe deeply, preparing to unleash the chorus of Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory,” you’re giving your lungs a workout and freeing up that throat chakra, producing many of the same results as chanting. Who cares if you can’t keep a tune: you might actually learn to with some practice. Besides, a balanced throat chakra allows us to clearly express our truths and live from a place of free will and creativity. Who doesn’t want a piece of that?

PS: Blue is the color associated with the throat chakra. If you want to work with crystals and gemstones to activate or heal yours, try these: sodalite, kyanite, moonstone, aquamarine, turquoise or sapphire.

Invest in one luxury item

Ruled by sensual, decadent Venus, Taurus also loves life’s finer things. There’s no denying it: luxury goods have a special quality to them. The craftsmanship that goes into their creation is human potential at its finest, the living result of some divinely inspired mastermind at work. Owning a piece of luxury brings a rich and special dimension to our lives. While this is not about being a trend junkie or breaking the bank, invest in one luxury item under the light of this full moon. For those on a tighter budget, this could be something as small as tasting a delicious French truffle from the gourmet chocolate shop. For others it could mean investing in a signature piece, like an artfully crafted handbag or an incredible kitchen tool. Remember: Taurus is all about practicality. This purchase must be something that will be treasured but also used on a regular basis, bringing a bonus hit of happiness every time it is utilized.

Ophi & Tali Edut