According to Vedic scriptures and astrology, Moon (‘Chandra’ or ‘Soma’ in Sanskrit) is a celestial planet (Graha) that governs the basic habits, behaviors, personal needs and the emotions of an individual. It rules the mental and emotional state of all humans. It reflects the overall personality of an individual in terms of their psychological growth.
The life on Earth is sustained by the luminaries, Sun and Moon. As per Vedic astrology the Sun governs the soul and the Moon governs our emotions and feelings. Moon is our ‘Mann’ or feelings that play a pivotal role in keeping the relationships with other stable. It is considered tender by nature, and signifies beauty and love.
As per the Vedic system of astrology, Moon is associated with functionalities of the mind and is naturally benefic. The position of Moon in a person’s natal chart along with its alignment with Jupiter or other benefic planets determines an individual’s prosperity in life. The planet Jupiter (Barahaspati) denotes wealth and hence the perfect alignment of these two planets (Jupiter and Moon) in a person’s horoscope blesses him/her with wealth and prosperity.
Even though Moon is one of the smallest planets, its close proximity with Earth has a huge effect on the humans. Its direct effect is felt by females as their menstrual periods are dictated by the different phases and movement of the Moon. In the ancient mythology, the Moon is considered to be auspicious and hence special fasts are observed to appease the planet.
The element of Moon is water as it is the element of feelings and sensation. Water is the most impressionable of all elements. A positive Moon represents happiness, enthusiasm and peace of mind, whereas an afflicted or negative Moon leads to fears, stress, pessimism, depression and suicidal tendency.
Astrological Significance of Moon
In our horoscope, the placement of Moon sign is the second most important aspect after the Sun. In Vedic astrology, separate natal charts are prepared using Moon as an Ascendant or the rising sign. In Hindu astrology it holds extraordinary importance as major and sub-periods are based on the Chandra Nakshatras. In astrology, a person’s personality is usually determined as per the Sun sign as it is convenient and easy to find. As the Moon keeps changing signs every two and a half days it is difficult to pinpoint its location the moment a person was born. The position of Moon when a person was born determines his/her interior life. The position of Moon in the natal chart is required to explain why two people with the same Sun sign have different characteristics. If a person’s Sun and Moon are in the same sign then it amplifies the characteristics of that particular sign.
The Moon determines the following traits:
- Emotions, moods and intuition
- Feelings, reactions or personal responses
- The environment in your home and family relations
- Memories, instincts and habits
- Relationship with one’s mother or maternal personality
- Relationship with family members
- Living arrangements and concerns in private life
Lessons The Moon Teaches:
In the Vedic astrology, Moon is the ruler of Cancer. This planet characterizes our inmost personal needs, our basic behavior and responses and our unconsciousness. It is said that the Sun acts while the Moon reacts; the Sun is rational whereas the Moon is irrational. The Moon dictates our following traits:
- How we respond instinctively to problems?
- Our need for a sense of security.
The position of Moon in our natal chart determines these traits. The Moon is said to be the mother and is linked to the feminine energy in the universe. It is our inner child as well as our inner mother as it is responsive, receptive and reflective. It defines not only our spontaneity but instinctual response and the one that makes us energetic. It rules the rhythmic ebb as well as the flow of energy and activity. This planet is the mediator between the inner and outer world as it deals with reactions and responses.
A stronger Moon in our natal charts governs our creativity, imagination, fearlessness, emotional balance, adaptability and introspection. A weaker Moon in our natal charts leads to emotional instability, fears, insecurity, restlessness, moodiness and irrationality.