The Moon reflects the light of the Sun.

The Moon’s energy is important for our own receptivity to light, including spiritual light.

The Moon rules our mind and emotions. A good connection to the Moon is important for balance, both mentally and emotionally.

The Moon has influence on our relationship with our mother as well as our home and domestic life.

The blessings of the Moon can include psychic gifts and excellent intuition.

The Moon can teach us flexibility as the Moon undergoes constant change. The Moon grows (waxes) from New Moon to Full Moon and shrinks (wanes) from Full Moon to New Moon.

Our ability to respond to change and the manner of our responding comes from the Moon.

The Moon’s placement reveals things about our minds and emotions. An astrologer will look at the sign and house where the Moon is placed as well as the star the Moon is in.

Characteristics: nocturnal, cold, changeable, moist, receptive, feminine, negative (opposed to positive polarity of Sun)

Behavior when strong or well placed:

• ease in making connections with ideas and people
• nurturing
• good family life & private affairs
• peace
• open to change and adapts well
• stable environment
• long journey
• fruitful
• constructive dealings with masses of people
• good relations with women

Behavior when weak or poorly placed:

• neglectful
• timid
• vacillating
• unsettled
• insecurities
• freaked out by change
• digestive problems
• “lunacy” (the Latin word “luna” refers to the Moon)
• menstruation difficulties
• negative outlook
• challenges relating to women

The timing of the Moon is different from a 24 hour solar day. One or more Moon phases can start within a solar day. The Moon moves approximately 13 degrees each day; however this varies depending on proximity to Earth, etc.

Mythology: In Vedic tradition, the Moon’s favorite wife among the 27 stars is Rohini. In one story, he spent too much time with her, and the other 26 wives complained. The Moon was reprimanded with the condition of shrinking (waning), and then he was given a remedy that he would regain his luminosity after bathing at Prabhasa and promising to visit all 27 wives (stars) on regular basis. To remind him of his promise, he now waxes and wanes on a regular basis.

Science: the Moon influences water and fluids/liquids. The ocean tides respond to the Moon as do the liquids in our own bodies.

The timing of the Moon is different from a 24 hour solar day. One or more Moon phases (called tithis in Sanskrit) can start within a solar day. The Moon moves approximately 13 degrees each day; however this varies depending on proximity to Earth, etc.

Dr Pillai encourages everyone to pay attention to the phases of the Moon which we will discuss in a later thread.

Written by Valli Wells

Valli is available for ½-hour and 1-hour Live Astrologer Consultations (LAC) at AstroVed (USD global version only). She encourages people to create a free account at AstroVed and run free reports about their own Birth Chart, Birth Star, Moon Sign, and Planetary Influences. This is a simple way to begin to make friends with astrology. She invites everyone interested to learn more about Vedic astrology to join a newly formed Facebook group for Astrology Club – AstroVed.

Reminder: All the planets like it when we help others in need. Please consider making a donation to Dr. Pillai’s non-profit charity Tripura Foundation.