In Vedic Astrological systems, the Moon (Chandra/Soma) is highly revered. The Sun signifies the soul and our outward identity; however, the Moon describes the Manas (the emotional, mental mind) and signifies our perspective of ourselves and the world around us.

In many ways, the Moon could be even more influential than the Sun in shaping individuals’ eventual outcomes, as it expresses inner peace of mind, happiness, and social functioning, which are essential to our emotional development.

Within the zodiac signs, no other celestial body moves through its orbit more rapidly (2.25 days through a zodiac sign), mirroring our ever-changing emotional states.

The Moon relies on the Sun’s light to shine; the Moon does not produce its own illumination. This truth conveys spiritual meaning through astrological teachings, suggesting that the mind is a reflective surface. When the mind is tranquil, much like a calm reflective surface (i.e., a lake), it accurately reflects the light of the Sun (soul/manas).

Conversely, when an individual’s mind is stressed or agitated, their perception of the light from the Sun is cloudy. Thus, the Moon represents one’s mind and is representative of the individual’s internal harmony and psychological health.

Basic Identity/Essence

In order to learn more about the Moon’s cosmic energy, we must understand the Moon’s core essence. The core essence defines the basis of the way the Moon’s energy operates within our life and, therefore, defines the Moon as possessing “Planetary DNA.”

The Moon is a feminine energy and represents a nurturing, receptive, compassionate quality of mankind. Furthermore, the Moon is associated with the Water element, which is the element that governs all liquids in the body (blood, phosphorous, electrolytes, etc.) as well as the tides of the oceans.

The Moon is classified as a Sattvic planet and strives toward purity, peace, and clarity.

The Moon is exalted in strength in Taurus (earthy, stable, strong) and in debility (weakness) in Scorpio (water, deep, turbulent emotion).

Moon’s Significations (Karakatwas)

The karakatwa of Moon indicates all of the deepest, most personal issues, including childhood issues, and the present condition of mental health.  They are associated with the Moon.

The Primary Meaning of the Moon Is: Mind and Emotion.

The Moon represents the mind -but not in its logical/analytical sense, as does Mercury – but in its instinctive/emotional sense.  The Moon is the source of your gut feeling, your intuition, habitual reactions to situations that arise in your life; for example, your natal Moon will create feelings of love when you experience something you love, or feelings of sadness at times when you feel sad for absolutely no reason.

The Physical Body: Fluids + Vital Energy.

The Moon rules the lungs, blood, and chest area.  The Moon is associated with the element of water; therefore, it represents the balancing of fluids within the body, including the lymphatic system.

For women, especially, the Moon is the most important planet for health due to its ruling of the menstrual cycle and fertility.  The Moon connects biological rhythms with the cycles of the Moon; thus, a well-balanced Moon will often display itself in the form of a healthy-looking complexion, bright and active glares, as well as a high level of vitality within you.

Relationships: Mother + Nourisher

From a societal perspective, the Moon serves as the universal symbol for “mother”, which signifies numerous ways in which a mother provides nourishment, protection, and unconditional love during the first two years of life. 

As such, the position of the Moon within a birth chart provides much insight into the relationship one has had with their mother, as well as one’s ability to care for/not take care of others.  The Moon representation also identifies the home environment and sense of belonging within the family/community.

Professional Careers: Caregiving/Public Service

The Moon is the “public” and the “nourisher”; therefore, careers associated with taking care of others fall under the Moon’s rulership.  Such careers would include nursing, psychology, social work, and the hospitality industry. 

Due to the connection the Moon has with liquids, the dairy industry, marine life, or water management would also fall under its vibration.  The connection that the Moon has to large masses of people creates a connection; therefore, people with successful Moons have the potential of becoming successful politicians or public leaders due to their “magnetic” attraction to large numbers of people.

Astronomical and Mythological Context

The myth of the Moon is a beautiful love story that teaches us how to learn by experiencing ups and downs in life.

The Moon’s story as the 27 wives takes place through the 27 Nakshatras as per the Puranas’ Story of Chandra (the Moon / God of the Moon).

Chandra was a beautiful and bright (radiant) looking Deity and married the 27 daughters of King Daksha. These 27 daughters are the same as the 27 Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions) through which the Moon travels every month. Chandra was deeply in love with his one wife, Rohini, but neglected the other wives.

Chandra’s favouritism caused King Daksha (father-in-law to Chandra) to curse Chandra to wither away and lose his brightness. Chandra sought help from Lord Shiva, who changed the curse (modification) to waxing and waning cycles for the Moon. This story explains the waxing and waning of the Moon and is an excellent example of the importance of maintaining balance and fairness in our emotional lives.

Vimshottari Dasha: The Decade of Motion

In the Vimshottari Dasha system, the Moon receives a 10-year term. During a Moon Mahadasha, one tends to focus on themselves and their internal world, their home, and their sense of emotional security or stability. The time frame represents a lot of change for an individual in relation to their living arrangements or family structure. If the Moon is strong in the chart, this period will yield great mental or emotional calm, success, and recognition within society.

Relationship with other planets

The Moon is unique in its relationship to the other planets because it is the most responsive and sensitive Planet of the Grahas.

Friends: Sun and Mercury. The Sun gives the Moon (Chandra) its Light to reflect, and Mercury gives Chandra the intellectual foundation on which to understand its emotions.

Enemies: The most interesting fact about the Moon is that it does not consider any of the other planets to be enemies; its very nature is to be all-inclusive. However, when the Moon and Rahu or Ketu align, the Moon experiences distress.

Neutral: Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn can be considered neutral from their relationship to the Moon, but it will depend on their Position.

Analysis of Behaviour

The position of the Moon in your natal chart will make up your default emotional settings, whether you feel anxious most of the time or if calmness is your default setting.

”Dignified Moon” (the “Strong Mind”)

When the Moon is “strong”: particularly being Full Moon (Purnima) or positioned in the Moon’s own sign of Cancer or its exaltation sign of Taurus, we have a person who has great mental stability and intuition. The person will prove to be naturally empathetic and will be considered to have a ‘healing’ avocation.

As an excellent listener, this person generally will not have much difficulty rebounding from emotions, and typically will enjoy a very peaceful, happy domestic life. The person possessing a strong Moon will also be able to remain calm during chaotic events around them.

“Afflicted Moon” (the “Restless Heart”)

An afflicted Moon (i.e., a weak Moon, such as when it is within close proximity of the Sun or when it is in its debilitation, or if it is the Moon in Scorpio) can also cause an individual to be emotionally “restless” (i.e., full of angst). An individual possessing an afflicted Moon may suffer from mood swings, anxiety and/or feelings of insecurity.

The individual may be unable to concentrate and is generally very sensitive to how others perceive them. Physical manifestations of an afflicted Moon include: respiratory problems, fatigue and low energy. An individual with an afflicted Moon often feels “homeless” emotionally; even when they have an actual residence they can occupy.

Remedies and Rituals

Vedic astrology offers remedies to help balance out the Moon’s energies, as it is closely related to our mental peace through the use of various charged crystals.

Crystals: The primary crystal associated with the Moon is the pearl. When placed in silver and worn on the little finger of the right hand, pearls help to calm the mind and reduce outbursts of emotion.

Mantras: The sound waves of mantras have proven to be very effective for the Moon.

Seed Mantra: Om Shram Shreem Shroum Sah Chandraya Namah.

Gayatri Mantra: Om Padmadwajaya Vidmahe Hema Roopaya Dheemahi, Tanno Chandrah Prachodayat.

As Mondays are considered the day of the Moon and a day to fast in honour of Shiva, who has the Moon in his hair, fasting, or doing a puja for Shiva, on Monday, is a great way to increase mental clarity.

Charity: Giving to others on Monday evenings by donating white (milk, rice, white clothing, and silver) to help relieve the Moon.

Lifestyle changes: Pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation are the best forms of remedy for the Moon.

Drinking water out of a silver cup is also said to help calm the Moon; however, spending time with your mother or nurturing women to help heal the Moon is the most effective.

In addition, being near large bodies of water (ocean/lake) helps with emotional instability and resets an unsettled mind.

The Moon is a constant reminder that all of its cycles are temporary, just as are our low emotions. Understanding your Moon will enable you to master the skill of regulating your emotions, which ultimately leads to true inner peace.