Astrology 101
Astrology: The Meaning and Influence of The Moon on Our Lives
The ruler of our emotions and the queen of the skies
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The moon is the easiest celestial object to find in the night sky. The Moon does not shine with its own light. It reflects light coming from the Sun. The rhythm of the moon’s phases has guided humanity for millennia — for instance, calendar months are roughly equal to the time it takes to go from one full moon to the next.
Science of the Moon
Ocean Tides
Seafaring people have always known there is a connection between the ocean tides and the moon, but no one could offer a satisfactory theory to explain the two high tides per day. Newton produced the explanation: Ocean tides are caused by differences in the gravitational pull between the moon and earth on opposite sides of Earth.
The gravitational force between the moon and Earth is stronger on the side of Earth nearer to the moon, and it is weaker on the side of the Earth that is farther from the moon. This is simply because the gravitational force is weaker with increased distance — Conceptual Physics Twelfth Edition.
When the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned, the tides due to the Sun and Moon coincide. Then we have higher than average high tides and lower than average low tides. These are called spring tides (spring tides have nothing to do with the spring season).
You can tell when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned by the full Moon or new Moon. A full Moon occurs when Earth is between the Sun and Moon. A new moon occurs when the Moon is between the Sun and Earth when the non-illuminated hemisphere of the moon faces Earth.
Spring tides occur at the times of a new or full Moon. Both the Sun and the Moon produce our ocean tides, but the moon plays a greater role because it is closer to Earth.
Astrology of the Moon
As the ruler of the tides, it is fitting that the Moon should be the ruler of our emotions since the human body is mainly made of water. The moon rules things we know without thought — intuitions, hunches, instincts. Where the Sun acts, the Moon feels.
The Moon represents our deepest, innermost needs, our habits, and our unconscious mind. It represents how we instinctively and intuitively respond to our problems. It is our basic need for security. The Moon, in Astrology, is the ruler of Cancer. Cancer is the name of the 4th zodiac sign.
The Moon is associated with feminine energy. It represents the mother and our inner child. The Moon shows how we protect ourselves and others, and in our chart, it makes us feel secure, comfortable, and safe. It is who we are when no one is watching.
The Moon in The Signs
Since the Moon is the closest ‘planet’ to Earth, this satellite literally zooms around the zodiac, completing its circuit in less than a month. It also touches us more deeply than most planets.
Moon in Aries
Nothing quite happens soon enough with this fiery position of the Moon. Lunar Ariens need to act out their needs, with no time to waste. There is an inherent impatience with getting what they want. Life is a series of emergencies. They live in the moment and have a hard time waiting for things to happen. Moon in Aries people possesses inner passion and fire.
Moon in Taurus
There is a serenity to Lunar Taureans that is calming. They are earthy and strong-willed. They feel with their senses and they are rooted in their ways. They love the good things in life. They revel in material comforts and building a solid and comfortable home and foundation helps to keep them feeling safe and content. It isn’t wise to push Lunar Taureans into doing anything, but once they have made a commitment, they’re persevering. Uncomfortable with surprises, these natives value stability.
Moon in Gemini
Lunar Geminis are usually interesting, pleasant, witty, clever, and charming people. They are curious to a fault. An underlying restlessness is common, and many need more stimulation than others. They are sociable and friendly and feel comfortable in crowds. Moon in Gemini people almost always have a way with words. With this airy, mutable position of the Moon, they usually read a lot, talk a lot, and think a lot. They are at their best when they have plenty of things to do.
Moon in Cancer
The Moon rules Cancer and feels at home here. Lunar Cancerians have great potential to get in touch with the feelings and moods of others. Their memories of the past are outstanding, especially for all things emotional. Moon in Cancer people are never detached — they cling to things and people they care for. They seek out security and familiarity in all they do. They look for peace and quiet. These people are wonderfully dependable and loyal, despite their occasional mood swings.
Moon in Leo
Lunar Leos don't like the spotlight as Solar Leos do, but they like being in the spotlight in the comfort of their own homes and with family and friends. When they feel comfortable, they like being the center of attention. They enjoy entertaining others and often take on the comedy role. They feel a need to organize and even control their families and friends. Lunar Leos require lots and lots of love and care to function well in the world.
Moon in Virgo
Lunar Virgos find security in the little things in life. They feel most content when they’ve straightened out all the details of everyday life. Many of them enjoy running errands, paying bills, and balancing the books. They take care of these things happily. Lunar Virgos are quite practiced at nagging and complaining. As long as they are appreciated, however, these people will help you take care of your life, too. They are at their best when they feel useful and needed. If somebody needs help, they are the first to jump up and take on the task.
Moon in Libra
Lunar Librans has a strong need for partnership. It makes them feel safe and secure. Without someone to share their lives with, they feel incomplete. This is why many people with this position get involved in marriages or living-together arrangements quite young. Their drive for harmony, peace, and sharing is so powerful. They are sympathetic and concerned for others, enjoy socializing and revel in a good debate. Both men and women with this position are often charming.
Moon in Scorpio
Lunar Scorpios seeks emotional intensity. No matter what, there is something very intense about them. They can see beyond facades and cut right to the core of a person. This ability to “see” what isn’t obvious to the rest of the world can be intimidating to others or wildly attractive. Their deep-seated need for transformation and rebirth can manifest itself in the lives of Lunar Scorpios in different ways. Moon in Scorpio people radiates strength. Even in the absence of experience, they just seem to know things.
Moon in Sagittarius
Lunar Sagittarians have a strong need for personal freedom and space. They are extraordinarily happy and easygoing folk, as long as they don’t feel caged in. They have a simultaneous need for activity. Going out in the world and travel are all important to their sense of well-being. They love bright, roomy, and open spaces in their homes and environment. There’s a bit of a teacher in Moon in Sagittarius, and definitely a helpful spirit. They remain optimistic no matter what. They believe that everything will work out. They are also hungry for knowledge, new experiences, and mind-expanding ideas. They seek nothing but the truth.
Moon in Capricorn
Being useful and productive are basic needs for Lunar Capricorns. They keep their emotions in control and appear steady, competent, and dependable. This position of the Moon suggests a desire for clear boundaries and realistic goals. Not much for taking risks in life, Lunar Capricorns look for safety and security in most everything they do. Most of them respect authority and tradition, and many are planning well ahead of the rest of us. Lunar Capricorns are often hard on themselves and would benefit from letting their guard down once in a while.
Moon in Aquarius
Lunar Aquarians are extremely observant. They are lifetime students of human nature, loving to analyze why people do the things they do. They often appear detached or even shy. Moon in Aquarius people often grow up feeling different. They are powerful humanitarians. They are unique and unusual people. Although very sociable, they enjoy being alone. They have strong egos and powerful defense mechanisms. Their inner feeling of loneliness and feeling like they don't ‘fit in’ puts them on the outside looking in. When this goes too far, they can be emotionally blocked, distant, and detached.
Moon in Pisces
Lunar Pisceans are known to be dreamy and very intuitive. This watery and mutable position of the moon means they can put themselves in anybody’s shoes. They have remarkable compassion and love. They care about others and are easily touched by suffering. They can easily lose themselves in the suffering of others. They are soft-hearted and sweet. Moon in Pisces seems to know how things feel without experience.
Final Thoughts
Your moon sign is your “I feel”. When you are asked, “How do you feel?” your answers will embody the description of your moon. The Moon is very important in the chart, and the happiest people on this earth are those who identify (without over-identifying) with the Moon’s expression. The Moon shows us what we are at our core.
What is your moon sign? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading.
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