The moon seen from earth

When we look up at the sky, we see planets and stars traveling around us in a circle. Of all celestial bodies besides the sun, the moon is the one we can see most easily. Most people are unaware of the planets, but the moon, along with the sun, is the celestial body that has the greatest significance both biologically and astrologically.

The moon is also the fastest-moving celestial body and it stays in each zodiac sign for about two and a half days.

The moon and the electromagnetic field

Astrology takes on an entirely new meaning when we understand that our entire world is electromagnetic. Although we cannot see it with our eyes, we are completely submerged in electromagnetic frequencies, with visible light making up less than one percent.

Thus, we are constantly submerged in an ocean of electromagnetism, primarily created by earth’s magnetic field, along with radiation from the sun and the moon. The planets also have a certain impact on this electromagnetic field, but their influence is much more marginal.

The energy of emotions, instinctive reactions and self-esteem

Of all the planets, the moon’s influence is the hardest to describe. This is because the moon affects aspects within ourselves that are difficult to put into words – emotions, instinctive reactions and self-esteem.

Our emotions, instincts and self-esteem develop long before we begin to express our outer personality, represented by the sun. In other words, the moon relates to parts of us that existed before we could clearly and distinctly communicate with others.

Simply put, the moon’s position in the birth chart describes our instinctive reactions, how we spontaneously express our emotions and where our self-esteem resides.

Moon rulership

Throughout history, the moon has come to symbolize a variety of things, including in astrology: home, mother, security, nurturing, homeland, passive receptivity, vessels, containers, yin energy and feminine energy, to name a few.

There are many similarities here with the sign of Cancer, especially regarding the importance of home, basic security and nurturing. Thus, in astrology, the moon is said to rule the sign of Cancer.

In conventional astrology, the moon, along with the sun, is considered the most important celestial body. However, the moon often takes a back seat as conventional astrology is largely concerned with aspects and transits.

Celestial bodies move in a 360-degree circle around us, with varying distances between them. For example, a planet may be 27 degrees from another planet, or perhaps occupy the same spot in the sky. Some of these distances, or angles, are considered especially significant and are referred to as aspects (see more on aspects here).

A birth chart is a snapshot of the planetary positions at the time of your birth. As the planets continue to move, they sometimes come into specific relationships with your birth chart. These are called transits (you can read more about transits here).

Given that, besides the sun and moon, there are eight other major bodies creating aspects and transits, birth chart interpretations can quickly become very complex and detailed. It is easy for the interpretation to become skewed, where both the sun and moon are overshadowed by intricate patterns formed by less significant bodies. And this does not even take into account the astrological houses, comets, asteroids, Arabic points, time lords, and more – all of which drastically increase the complexity to a level that is nearly incomprehensible to a non-astrologer.

Frequently asked questions about the moon in astrology

What does the moon represent in astrology?

The moon represents our inner world, emotions, unconscious mind and personal connection to the past. It governs our spontaneous and reflexive reactions, moods, and need to feel secure.

The moon’s impact on our personality differs depending on its placement in the birth chart (also called natal chart or horoscope). The zodiac sign where the moon is placed shapes our emotional sense of self and self-esteem.

How does the moon’s energy differ from the sun’s?

The sun’s energy determines our personal spirit, identity and outward expression – the part of our personality that we show to the world. The moon’s energy determines our instinctive reactions, emotions and our inner emotional landscape. This is a part of ourselves that people around us do not always see.

In short, the sun is associated with action and normal consciousness, whereas the moon governs intuition and the unconscious.

What zodiac sign does the moon rule in astrology?

Since ancient Greece, the moon is considered to rule Cancer, as there are certain similarities between the moon and Cancer – their emotional nature and connection to home, family and the tides of life.

The moon is also traditionally seen to be connected to the fourth house, that have the same themes of security, home and family in common with the moon and Cancer. However, houses are an unreliable tool in astrology. The moon and other planets may end up in different houses depending on which house system you use, and therefore the interpretation of the birth chart (and the person) changes depending on the house system you use.

How did ancient astrologers view the moon?

Astrologers in ancient times believed the moon held significant influence as a ruler of Cancer. They also believed that people were affected by the moon's phases and that those phases were reflected in people's emotions. This is a belief that still holds true today.

What role does the moon play in the zodiac signs?

The moon’s placement in the zodiac signs affects an individual’s emotional nature and instincts. For example, if the moon is in Pisces in the birth chart, it will give the person an innate sense of empathy with others, but there may also be a tendency toward anxiety and worry. In Taurus, where historically the moon is said to be “exalted” (meaning the energies of the moon and Taurus are very compatible), it gives the person an emotional sense of stability. In Scorpio, the moon will give the individual enhanced emotional depth.

How do the moon’s phases influence astrology?

Traditionally, the full moon represents heightened emotions, while the new moon signifies new beginnings and introspection. Both phases are significant in astrology, influencing moods, personal growth and one’s ability to start fresh or let go of the past. Sunring astrology has a somewhat different interpretation of the influence of the moon, as described above.

What is the connection between the moon and the element of water?

The moon’s nature is closely tied to water. The water element is, just like the moon, connected to our emotions, intuition and the flow of life. There is therefore certain similarities between the characteristics of the moon and the zodiac signs of Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio. The moon influences the emotional tides and the emotional depth within us.

How does the moon shape our personality?

The moon’s position in the birth chart shows how people born under its influence express their emotions, instincts and instinctive reactions. It governs the unconscious, moods and our need to feel secure and loved.

Why is the moon considered vital in understanding the soul?

According to some astrologers, the moon represents the soul’s journey and karma – the emotional undercurrents that connect us to the past and previous lives. Our karma and previous lives cannot be seen in one part of the birth chart only, such as the lunar nodes or Pluto’s position, but is reflected in the birth chart as a whole.