Who Are You by Your Moon Sign?
In Western astrology, the position of the Moon in the natal chart is the second most important factor in determining personality. The Sun represents the outwardly expressed part of our nature, while the zodiacal sign in which the Moon is located reflects the inner depths—something only the individual can feel within themselves. Not clearly understand, but merely sense. The Sun is conscious will; the Moon is emotions, instincts, and the unconscious—the force that makes decisions before a person has time to weigh everything, to think, to reflect.
Even in Western astrology, which focuses heavily on the Sun sign, the Moon holds an honored role. We’ve grown accustomed to identifying ourselves by saying, “I’m a Capricorn!”—referring specifically to the Sun sign, meaning that at the moment of birth, the Sun was positioned in Capricorn. But on that same day, the Moon might have been passing through Aries, which means this person’s Moon sign is Aries. The Moon in the horoscope is a powerful factor that can describe some of the core aspects of personality.
In the Western tradition, the Moon represents a person’s reaction patterns and their unspoken, often unconscious desires—desires that may never be fulfilled. The Sun, by contrast, represents what is on the surface: obvious aspirations that a person successfully manifests in the external world.
What Cannot Be Put Into Words
Sometimes we say, “I know this, but I can’t explain why…” At such moments, our soul has heard the Moon’s voice—more precisely, its quiet whisper. These situations reveal which area of life is governed by the Moon. “The unspeakable”—this single word perfectly captures everything related to the Moon. It’s a subtler level, for which there are still no adequate words in the dense physical world. Also: something accidentally said, something we never intended to voice aloud (of course, this does not refer to arguments or quarrels). At such moments, our Moon sign has overcome the Sun sign.
When I’m at War with Myself…
If you sometimes feel that your heart disagrees with your mind, studying the positions of the Moon and the Sun can help clarify inner conflicts and point toward paths of self-development. For example, suppose your Moon is in Pisces and your Sun is in Leo. One can imagine how different these signs are. And what happens when such opposing qualities must coexist within one person? It’s no wonder one might feel inner turmoil.
Admittedly, not very often, but occasionally we encounter people whose Sun and Moon in the birth chart are close together, in the same zodiac sign. Naturally, all the traits of that sign will be expressed very clearly. For instance, someone with both Sun and Moon in Scorpio might describe themselves as: “I’m a Scorpio among Scorpios…”
Traveling Through the Nakshatras
As we’ve mentioned, in Western astrology the Moon is the second most important element in the horoscope, but in Jyotish, or Vedic astrology, it is undoubtedly the first and foremost. In fact, Jyotish is often called “Lunar astrology.” In the Vedic system, the Moon determines the “subtle body” of a person. This understanding is deeper and more serious than what we’ve discussed above. The “subtle body” is not merely emotions—it is the archive of all our past existences, of which, according to Hindu cosmology, we have experienced many thousands. This heritage in the current incarnation is concentrated in a specific zodiac sign. It reflects what we have managed to cultivate, what we have achieved through millions of journeys in various life forms—and what must be accomplished in this lifetime, in which direction we must strive. “The main cosmic passport”—this briefly expresses Jyotish’s view of the Moon sign.
Jyotish teaches that Chandra (the Moon) gives earthly beings the subtle body (Linga Sharira)—the sheath in which our “Higher Self” resides. Together, they move from body to body; this is what reincarnates. It is the concentration of desires, actions, and moods. Therefore, the Moon is also “Manas-karaka” (the indicator of the mind). The way the Moon is positioned reflects the level of consciousness and the depth of a person’s spiritual experience.
In Jyotish, the Moon is a paramount significator. The Moon sign can serve as an alternative to the lagna (the 1st house and Ascendant). For example, when it is said that a planet is in a kendra (angular house—1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th house), the kendra can be calculated either from the lagna or from the Moon.
In Western astrology, the Moon travels through 12 zodiac signs, whereas Jyotish uses 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions). One nakshatra is a 13-degree and 20-minute sector of the zodiac. A Vedic astrologer can easily determine whether a person is intellectual, wise, or close in development to animals. And it’s not so much about which zodiac sign the Moon occupies, but rather the nature of the nakshatra and the overall structure of planetary interactions in the chart.
Who Is Chandra’s Friend?
Chandra (the Moon), who is male in the Vedic tradition, is an extremely important figure for all earthly beings. Without Chandra—the Moon—we would not be able to utilize the energy of the Sun. Chandra, the “alchemist,” reflects solar power, transforms it, and transmits it. Therefore, in Jyotish, the Moon is life itself—without it, people would simply perish.
Chandra is remarkably benevolent and has no enemies among the celestial bodies, yet he feels a special affinity toward Budha (Mercury) and Surya (the Sun). If the Moon in a person’s horoscope is placed in Virgo or Gemini, and there are no other negative factors, Chandra feels very comfortable there. Thus, the individual’s personality will be bright, calm, and harmonious. The same applies to zodiac signs ruled by Surya—the Sun. The Moon in Leo also endows a person with the best qualities. But if the Moon is weak, afflicted by inharmonious aspects from other planets, the person is not to be envied. The man or woman will be restless, agitated, capricious, and uncontrollable—clearly not a gift to those around them, especially to their closest ones.
The Moon—Our Magical Little Key
In the West, when someone is asked about their zodiac sign, 99 times out of 100 they will mention their Sun sign. But in India and neighboring countries close to its culture, people will just as likely name their Moon sign. As recent television commentators put it: “Two worlds—two destinies.” The West, oriented toward external achievements, and the meditative East. Let us try to harmonize these approaches, armed with the knowledge of both traditions, to fully comprehend our inner depths. And then, to bring to others the purpose for which we came into this world. After all, this is clearly indicated in our horoscope. And the Moon will guide us on what and how to do it.
