astrology. Water, like the Moon is responsive and adaptable. Just as water assumes the
shape of any container that it is put in, the Moon responds to changes in the environ-
ment. The Moon is exalted in Taurus, and in debilitation or fall in the sign of Scorpio.
The Moon represents emotions and feelings in the modern natal chart. Daily
habits are indicated here, as well as memories of the past. The sign and house placement
of the Moon indicate the emotional expression and response of the individual. Planetary
aspects to the Moon indicate the areas of life where emotional strengths and weaknesses
will develop. Contemporary astrology tends to think of the Moon as representing the
unconscious mind as compared to the Sun, which represents the conscious mind.
The Moon is an indicator of early childhood environment, when the first
emotional patterns are laid down. In this way, the Moon represents the mother who
provides nourishment and guidance. It is the mother who teaches how to respond to
external stimuli, and exist in the world. Therefore the Moon is the greatest symbol in
the natal chart for how the individual perceives and responds to the external world.
Particular attention is paid to the lunation cycle, which provides insight into
the psychological development of the individual. Secondary progressions of the
Moon, or advancing the natal chart one day for each year of life, can indicate the long
term cycles of an individual’s life.
The basic nature of the Moon in Hellenistic astrology is collection and inclu-
sion. The essence of the Moon is pronoia,a type of fate suggesting “forethought” and
providentiameaning “foresight.” The Greeks, who loved analytical thought, consid-
ered the concept of “foresight” a virtue. There was also an aspect of protection, as
Providentia deorumwas the protectress of the imperial family and the empire. These
qualities of forethought, foresight, and protection or continuation of family or empire,
are all essences of the Moon in ancient Greek astrology.
In Hellenistic astrology the Moon is the significator for the mother, concep-
tion, money, property, travel, and the populace. The Moon rules night births and
becomes ruler of the lunar sect, which includes Venus, Mars, and Mercury when an
evening star. In Hellenistic astrology the Sun and the Moon are called “the giver’s of
one’s all.” The Sun represents the conditions of the soul, while the Moon represents
the conditions of the physical body.
In Vedic astrology the Moon, called Chandra, symbolizes the mind (manas),
the mother, and the home. In a culture that values stability these are the most impor-
tant elements. Ambition was not as highly regarded as the ability to lead a happy, con-
tented life. For the ancient Indians, this required a peaceful and calm mind, which
was cultivated by a virtuous mother and proper home life. In Vedic astrology the
Moon is the key indicator the of the native’s ability to enjoy happiness.
Just as the Moon reflects the light from the Sun, the Moon represents the soul
expression through consciousness. The Moon represents our personality, or how we relate
to others, and our popularity in general. The Moon is considered strongest when waxing
towards a full Moon, and weaker when waning. A strong Moon indicates a strong, clear
mind allowing productive involvement in family and society. A weak Moon indicates a
wavering or confused mind that prevents productive participation in life.The Moon
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