The Importance of the Moon in Astrology

The Birth Chart in Vedic Astrology is drawn up to show the exact moment of birth. The Zodiac Sign rising on the Eastern horizon at the time of birth is known as the Ascendant or Rising Sign. Naturally, in the Birth Chart this is the Sign (Rasi) that will be the 1st House (Lagna), and the rest of the Houses will be the Signs that follow the Ascendant in the order of their appearance on the horizon. The Birth Chart gives vital information for the person's life, but if one wants a very accurate insight into the character of the person, and the details of how planetary energies will play out, the Moon Chart is needed.

Photograph of the Full Moon

The Moon Chart is drawn up with the Astrological Sign where the Moon is placed as the 1st House. The position of the Planets will be the same as in the Birth Chart, but they will occupy different Houses.

Chandra the visual representation of the Moon in Vedic Astrology

 Planetary Periods (Dasha) can only be calculated if the exact position of the Moon is known, and knowing the Dasha is one of the most important tool for predictions. The Moon also represents the Mother (or the Feminine). It is a receptive, yet nurturing force, a person's Moon Chart will show the "how" and "when" relating to events predicted in the Birth Chart, as our actions and reactions in life are the product of our mental state and emotional response, which are solely affected by the Moon.

 A wonderful way of working with the Moon Chart is the Sudarsana Chart. In this configuration, the Birth Chart, Moon Chart and Sun Chart are drawn up in concentric circles joined at the 1st House of each Chart. The Sudarsana Chart make it very easy visually to see the different areas of life, as each House (Bhava) is in the same segment of the circle.

The green circle is the Birth Chart (The Ascendant, Virgo is lined up as the 1st House with Taurus and Aquarius in the Moon and Sun Charts respectively)
The white circle is the Moon Chart, and the pink circle is the Sun Chart.
Looking at the Sudarsana makes it very easy to see all the combined effects from Ascendant, Moon and Sun on each House, providing a very thorough look at the different areas of life determined by the Houses.

Pearls, the Gemstones channeling the Energies of the Moon

The Moon represents mental state, mind, emotions, imagination, our link to the subconscious and creativity. This is why in order to see life opportunities and obstacles in Astrology, one has to take the Moon Chart in consideration, as the true life path is determined how will we react to the situations encountered. The position of the Moon in the Chart is given by Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions) The ruling planet of the Moon's Nakshatra is very important, as the character of the Ruler will have a great influence on the person's nature.

Planetary Influences for February 2016

Sun

Sun is in the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn until the 13th, when it moves to the Fixed Air Sign Aquarius. Both of these Signs are ruled by the Planet Saturn. Sun in Aquarius will be under the aspect of Mars after the 21st of February. Life Giving Sun is not happy in Aquarius as it is the "Natural Enemy" of the Sign's Ruling Planet Saturn. 

The aspect from the Warrior Planet, Mars will add some aggression and frustration to the already uncomfortable energy of Sun in Aquarius. As the Shadow Planet Ketu is occupying Aquarius at the moment, it will have further negative effects on the Sun, causing self doubt, lack of confidence, low self esteem.

 

Moon

New Moon will be on the 8th of February in Aquarius. The New Moon in conjunction with the Sun and Ketu in the Fixed Air Sign ruled by Saturn.

Full Moon in Virgo the Mutable Earth Sign of Mercury on the 24th.  Full Moon in Virgo is very well placed, enhancing the positive and very attractive qualities of the Moon, beauty, love, kindness and creativity. The second Full Moon of this year will be a safe and powerful one.

 

Mercury

Speedy Mercury will enter Capricorn on the 9th of February, leaving behind both the Sign and the growth promoting, expanding aspect of Jupiter. In Capricorn Mercury will be under the aspect of Saturn and also in a Sign ruled by Saturn. This double Saturn effect will require some adjustment of business activities and communication, as Saturn is the Planet of Discipline and Hard Work and Practicality.

Venus

Venus, the Planet of Beauty, Art, Love and Luxury will follow Mercury from Sagittarius into Capricorn on the 12th of February. As Venus is in Planetary Friendship with Saturn, ruler of Capricorn, it is very well placed in the sign. Similarly, the aspect of Saturn will be beneficial for the Planet of Love. Auspicious time for Art and Romance.

Mars

Mars leaves the Cardinal Air sign Libra and enters its own sign the Fixed Water Sign Scorpio on the 21st.  As Mars is the ruler of the Sign, this is a very good placement, bringing great opportunities for action and achievements. For the next few months Mars is going to share Scorpio with Saturn. These two have very different energies and they are "Natural Enemies" but in Scorpio Mars and Saturn together can give positive results, if one doesn't let hot headed impulses win over long time considerations. 

Jupiter

Lucky Jupiter is in the Fixed Fire sign Leo, joined by Rahu. Rahu and Jupiter in the House ruled by the Sun can be explosive, so pay attention to desires and greed getting the upper hand over morals and integrity. Right now Both Jupiter and Rahu are under the aspect of Scorpio, so some delays can be expected along with the need to be diligent and hard working. Depending on the Birth Chart, Jupiter-Rahu conjunction can also be a very prosperous time for growth and expansion in business, wealth and social status.

Saturn

Saturn, the Great Disciplinary will remain in Scorpio for the whole month, joined by Mars on the 21st of February. Scorpio is the Sign of Death, Secrets, Mysteries and Hidden Knowledge. While Saturn can cause hardship and delays, this placement is very auspicious for students of the Occult, provided they follow the "rules" of Saturn and they remain disciplined and persevering.

Rahu

Rahu is in Leo with Jupiter for the whole month, both Retrograde, as the Shadow Planets Rahu and Ketu are naturally Retrograde, and Jupiter is in its Retrograde Cycle.

 

Ketu

Ketu in Aquarius will be conjunct with the Sun from the 13th, both receiving the Aspect of Mars after the 21st of February. The apathetic renouncing nature of Ketu will benefit from the energetic and action oriented Mars.