Second in the hierarchy
In Western astrology, the position of the Moon in the natal horoscope is the second most important factor in personality. The Sun is the part of nature expressed outwardly, while the zodiac sign in which the Moon is placed represents the depths that only the individual themselves can sense within. Only sense, not consciously realize. The Sun is conscious will, the Moon is emotions, instincts, the subconscious. It is what makes decisions before a person has time to weigh, think, or reason.
Even in Western astrology, which is focused on the meticulous study of the Sun sign, the Moon is given an honorable role. Accustomed to this system, when people say about themselves, “I am a Capricorn!” they are referring precisely to the Sun sign, meaning that at the moment of birth the Sun was positioned in Capricorn. But on that same day, the Moon may have been, for example, in the sign of Aries, which means the Moon sign of this person is Aries. The Moon in the horoscope is a powerful factor that can provide insight into some of the key aspects of personality.
The Moon in Western tradition reflects how a person reacts, their unspoken, often incomprehensible desires—desires that may never even be fulfilled. The Sun, on the other hand, represents what is on the surface, the aspirations a person successfully realizes in the external world.
What cannot be expressed in words
Sometimes we say, “I know this, but I can’t explain why…” At that moment, our soul has heard the voice of the Moon, or rather, its quiet whisper… These situations reveal which area of life is governed by the Moon. “Ineffable” is the precise one-word definition of everything connected to it—a subtler level where words in the dense physical world do not yet exist. And there’s more: something said by chance, something we never intended to say aloud (of course, this does not refer to arguments or quarrels). In such moments, our Moon sign overpowers the Sun sign.
When I am at odds with myself…
If you sometimes feel that your heart is at odds with your mind, studying the positions of the Moon and the Sun will help you understand your inner self and chart a path for personal growth. Suppose your Moon is in Pisces, and your Sun is in Leo. You can imagine how different these signs are. What if these qualities are destined to coexist in one person? It’s no wonder you might feel inner turmoil.
Though not very common, there are people whose Sun and Moon are positioned close together in the same zodiac sign. Naturally, the traits of that sign will be expressed very distinctly. For example, someone with both the Sun and Moon in Scorpio might describe themselves as, “I am a Scorpio through and through…”
Traveling through Nakshatras
If, as we’ve already noted, in Western astrological tradition the Moon is the second most important element of the horoscope, in Jyotish, Vedic astrology, it is undoubtedly the first and foremost. Jyotish is often called “lunar astrology.” In the Vedas, the Moon determines a person’s “subtle body.” This understanding is deeper and more profound than what we’ve discussed above. The “subtle body” is not merely emotions but an archive of all our past existences—thousands, according to Hindu cosmogony. The legacy we have accumulated over countless journeys through various forms of life is concentrated in a specific sign. This is what we have worked toward, what we have achieved over millions of lifetimes, and what we are meant to accomplish in this incarnation. What direction should we strive for? “The main cosmic passport,” as it can be succinctly described, is how Jyotish views the Moon sign.
Jyotish asserts that Chandra gives earthly beings their subtle body (Linga Sharira), the vessel that houses our Higher Self. Together, they travel from body to body; this is what reincarnates. It encompasses the concentration of desires, actions, and moods. That is why the Moon is the “Mana Karaka” (indicator of the mind). The position of the Moon reflects the development of consciousness and the depth of a person’s spiritual experience.
The Moon in Jyotish is an extremely significant significator. The Moon sign serves as an alternative to the lagna (the 1st house and Ascendant). For example, if someone says, “a planet is in a kendra” (a quadrant: 1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th house), the kendra can be calculated from either the lagna or the Moon.
In Western astrology, the Moon travels through the 12 zodiac signs, while in Jyotish, 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) are used. One nakshatra is a sector of the zodiac spanning 13 degrees and 20 minutes. A Vedic astrologer can easily determine whether a person is intellectual, wise, or close in development to an animal. The key factor is not merely the sign in which the Moon is placed but the nature of the nakshatra and the overall structure of planetary interactions in the chart.
Who does Chandra befriend?
Chandra (the Moon), who in Vedic tradition is masculine, is an exceptionally important figure for all earthly beings. Without Chandra, the Moon, we would not be able to harness the energy of the Sun. Chandra, the “alchemist,” reflects solar power, processes it, and transports it. Thus, in Jyotish, the Moon is life itself—without it, humanity would perish.
Chandra is remarkably benevolent and does not feud with anyone in the heavens, yet this does not prevent him from feeling a special affinity for Budha and Surya. If the Moon in a person’s chart is in Virgo or Gemini, and there are no other negative factors, Chandra will be very comfortable there. Consequently, the individual’s personality will be bright, calm, and harmonious. The same applies to the zodiac signs under the rulership of Surya, the Sun. The Moon in Leo also endows a person with the finest qualities. However, if the Moon is weak, damaged by unfavorable aspects from other planets, the person will have a difficult time. Both men and women will be restless, anxious, capricious, and unruly—clearly not a gift to those around them, especially their loved ones.
The Moon is our magical key
In the West, when people are asked about their zodiac sign, there is a 99% chance they will mention their Sun sign. In India and neighboring cultures with similar traditions, the same probability applies—they will name their Moon sign. As recent commentators have noted, “Two worlds—two destinies.” The West, focused on external achievements, and the meditative East. Let us attempt to harmonize these approaches, armed with the knowledge of both traditions, and fully comprehend our depths. Then, we can carry forth what we were meant to bring into this world. After all, this is clearly outlined in our horoscope, and the Moon will guide us on what to do and how.
