Do you feel a sudden urge to hit the brakes just as you started gaining momentum? You might have set big goals earlier this month with the New Moon, but now you feel stuck, heavy, or strangely hesitant.
You are not alone in feeling this friction. In fact, if you are feeling a little stubborn or tired right now, you are right on schedule with the cosmos. This heavy energy is actually a specific cosmic signal inviting you to push harder.
The First Quarter Moon in Taurus on January 26 is your pivotal moment. It offers the grounded strength you need to turn vague intentions into solid reality. It is the checkpoint between the dream and the manifestation.
Here is exactly how to navigate this energy, overcome the resistance, and build something that lasts.

To understand why you feel this way, we first need to look at the lunar cycle itself. The moon’s journey is a mirror of our own growth process.
We plant seeds during the New Moon. It is a time of darkness, quiet, and intention. Then, roughly a week later, we face the First Quarter Moon. In astrology, this phase represents a “crisis in action.” The moon is now half-full and growing brighter. It is building light, and it demands that we do the same.
This is the moment where the universe asks you a critical question: “Do you really want this?”
It is easy to dream in the dark. It is much harder to take the first real steps in the light of day. The First Quarter Moon reveals the obstacles standing between you and your goal. These obstacles are not there to stop you. They are there to test your resolve. They ensure that what you are building is sturdy enough to survive.
This specific First Quarter Moon is particularly intense because of the signs involved. We are currently in Aquarius Season. The Sun is in Aquarius, an air sign that loves innovation, the future, and radical change. Aquarius wants to break the rules and fly fast.
However, the Moon is in Taurus. Taurus is a fixed earth sign. It loves tradition, the past, comfort, and security. It moves slowly, if it moves at all.
This creates a cosmic angle known as a “square.” The Sun and Moon are at a 90-degree angle to each other. This creates tension. It is like having one foot on the gas (Aquarius) and one foot on the brake (Taurus).
You might feel this tension internally as:
This friction is necessary. Without the grounding influence of Taurus, Aquarius ideas would just float away. Without the spark of Aquarius, Taurus energy would never move. You need to use this friction to create a spark.
Resistance is not always a sign that you are on the wrong path. In fact, it often means you are close to a breakthrough. Authors and artists often speak of resistance as a force that grows stronger the closer you get to your soul’s work.
During this First Quarter Moon in Taurus, you might experience specific types of roadblocks.
Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and pleasure. Taurus loves the path of least resistance. You might find yourself self-sabotaging simply because the next step requires hard work or awkward conversations. You might convince yourself that you are “practicing self-care” when you are actually practicing avoidance.
Since Taurus rules the Second House of value, money, and material possessions, your resistance might manifest as financial fear. You might worry about the cost of your dreams. You might hesitate to invest in yourself. This scarcity mindset is a classic Taurus shadow trait that emerges when we are asked to grow.
Both Taurus and Aquarius are “Fixed” signs. This means they are stubborn. You might refuse to adapt your plan even when the current way isn’t working. You might dig your heels in, insisting that the universe should bend to you, rather than the other way around.
Recognizing these feelings is the first step. They are not stop signs. They are indicators of where you need to do the work.
There is a fine line between being stubborn and being tenacious. They are two sides of the same coin.
Stubbornness blocks flow. It says, “I will not move because I don’t want to.” Tenacity creates progress. It says, “I will not give up because this matters.”
Taurus energy is famous for its stamina. Once a Bull gets moving, it is nearly unstoppable. The challenge is just getting it to move in the first place.
Use these strategies to channel Taurus energy correctly:

To harness this energy, you need to work with the element of Earth. This simple ritual helps you overcome inertia and plant your intentions firmly in reality.
What you need:
The Steps:
While everyone feels the Moon, the way it hits your chart depends on your element. Here is how to navigate this transit based on your sign.
The Challenge: You are naturally fast-paced. This heavy, slow Taurus energy feels like walking through mud. You might feel incredibly frustrated that things aren’t happening “now.”
The Fix: Use this time to check your foundation. You have the fire, but do you have the fuel? Use this slow-down to ensure you aren’t burning out before the finish line.
The Challenge: You are in your element, quite literally. The danger here is becoming too comfortable. You might feel a strong desire to just stop and enjoy what you have rather than pushing for what you want.
The Fix: Leverage your natural discipline. You don’t need motivation; you need a schedule. Set a rigid routine for the next 48 hours to bypass your desire for rest.
The Challenge: You have a million ideas (especially with the Sun in Aquarius), but you struggle to pick one and stick to it. The Taurus Moon demands focus on one practical thing, which feels boring to you.
The Fix: Pick the idea that makes the most financial sense. Use the practicality of Taurus to filter your ideas. Which one actually pays the bills or builds a future? Do that one.
The Challenge: Taurus energy blends with your water to create mud. You might feel emotionally stuck or heavy. You might be holding onto old grudges or feelings that are preventing you from moving forward.
The Fix: Focus on self-worth. Taurus asks you to value yourself. Are you holding back because you don’t believe you deserve the success? Nurture your confidence.
You need to move from thinking to doing. Use this simple framework to overcome the resistance of this moon phase.
Remember, the First Quarter Moon is not the end of the story. It is just the first plot twist.
If you feel resistance today, do not judge yourself. Do not think you have failed. Resistance is simply the sensation of your old self rubbing against your new self. It is the friction of growth.
Taurus teaches us that the strongest structures are built brick by brick. They are not built in a day. Take a breath. Ground your feet. Push through the wall. The view on the other side is worth it.

What does the First Quarter Moon mean in astrology?
The First Quarter Moon occurs about a week after the New Moon. It represents a time of action, decision-making, and overcoming obstacles. It is the first major test of the intentions you set during the New Moon. It asks you to prove your commitment to your goals.
How does Taurus affect my mood during this time?
Taurus is a fixed earth sign. You might feel calmer and more grounded, but also more resistant to change. You may feel a strong desire for comfort, food, and rest, which can conflict with the need to take action. You may also feel a bit more stubborn than usual.
Is this a good time for financial decisions?
Yes. Taurus rules money, assets, and material possessions. This moon phase is excellent for reviewing your budget, paying bills, or making a solid plan to save money. It is a great time to look at the practical reality of your finances, but try to avoid impulse spending on luxury items.
What if I feel too tired to take action?
Listen to your body, but do not give in to total stagnation. Taurus energy can be lethargic. Try “active rest,” like gentle yoga or a walk in nature, rather than just sleeping. Keep the energy moving slowly. Sometimes, action creates energy, rather than the other way around.
What crystals are best for the First Quarter Moon in Taurus?
To align with this energy, try using Carnelian for motivation (to overcome the lethargy) and Red Jasper or Hematite for grounding. Rose Quartz is also helpful to tap into the Venusian self-love aspect of Taurus, ensuring you are pushing yourself with kindness, not harshness.