The Moon in Your Chart
Updated: Oct 26, 2022
PART 1
Maybe it’s because I’m a Cancer Sun, or maybe it’s because I’m in a deeply devotional relationship with the Goddess, but the Moon has always held my attention. I know I’m not alone in this because more books are published every year about the Moon than any other planet and yet, despite all the books and the white-cloaked priestesses and the circles, she continues to shimmer with mystery. Because, she is Mystery. To be in a relationship with the Moon is to be one with Mystery.
In modern astrology, the Moon represents our emotions and our safety needs but there is so much more to the Moon. Older texts do an excellent job of describing the Moon.
“The Moon: a fortune.” - al-Qabisi
“...(she) is a multitude of forgetting, timid, a flawless heart, cheerful to people, revered by them, flattered by them.
“ … abounding in the seeds of the earth.”
“...a protectress.”
Dykes, Ben, Introduction to Traditional Astrology Abu Ma’shar & al-Qabisi
The Moon rules our emotions, our physical body, our general wellbeing, fortune, procreative abilities (fertility and creativity) and in predictive astrology describes changes in location as well as shifts in lifestyle and health.
In addition to your astrological studies and chart interpretations, here are three other ways to learn about the Moon.
Direct experience which entails observing the Moon and keeping track of her changing face and your mood or sense of wellbeing.
Starting and maintaining a devotional practice.
Reading good books about subjects under her dominion which includes but is not limited to books on the Ocean, Water, Food, Parenting and Psychology. My favourite astrological book on the Moon is Steve Forrest’s The Book of The Moon.
When considering the Moon always begin with the astrological basics. The Moon is cold and moist. And her element is Water. She rules Cancer and is exalted in Taurus. She is comfortable in Water and Earth signs and less comfortable in Air and Fire signs.
For a man (or anyone who identifies as male) the Moon describes all the important women in his life. For women (or anyone who identifies as female), the Moon is her entire life.
Your Moon's placement in your birth chart describes the lens through which you experience the world and how you choose to express yourself. The Moon also describes your past, shapes your future and defines your relationships.
Learn more about The Planets & You self-paced course here.
It's easy to assume that because the Moon is at home in watery Cancer and exalted in Taurus, an earth sign, that she expresses herself in a congenial way in all water and earth signs. However this is not how it works. You have to consider the planetary ruler of the sign in which the Moon finds herself in your birth chart. The planetary ruler influences the Moon's expression.
+++A few things before we dive into quick interpretations. As with everything Moon-related, the Moon’s phase at the time of your birth plays a critical role in describing your personality.
If you don’t know where your natal Moon is, you can download your free birth chart from astro.com. For a deeper and more nuanced interpretation please schedule a reading with me here.