Lunar Tunes

The Moon has fascinated humankind from our very beginnings. Its constantly changing shape and cyclic appearance in the heavens has inspired poetry and song. Even the most conservative scientists will grant that the Moon exerts an actual physical effect on our planet, giving us the ebb and flow of the tides. Not only do the oceans rise and fall, but the earth itself has been found to rise and fall (slightly, but measurably) under the pull of the Moon. Luna also exerts a pull on the fluids of the body, and incidents of excessive bleeding tend to occur when surgery is performed during the period around the full Moon. There have been other, more controversial scientific studies on the effects of the Moon on human behaviour and biology. The full Moon as long been associated with bizarre behaviour, and some studies have shown dramatic increases in extreme behaviour and biological function - crime, suicide, mental/emotional disorders and birth rate - under the full Moon.

Like the waxing and waning Moon, our emotions are constantly in a state of flux, but each of us has a basic underlying emotional nature. This is signified by the Moon's sign and relationship to the other planets at the time of birth. The Moon in the horoscope tells a great deal about your early conditioning, the type of nurturing you need to receive and tend to give. It describes your relationship with your mother, your most basic emotional disposition and what you need in order to feel safe and secure.

Whereas the Sun represents the light of consciousness, the Moon represents the unconscious aspect of your behaviour. Just as understanding your Sun-sign helps you to define your identity, understanding your Moon-sign gives tremendous insight into your long-standing habit patterns and habitual emotional responsive behaviours.

Because it moves so quickly, going around the whole zodiac in one Lunar month, finding your Moon's position requires an accurate birth time and skilled calculation. It is worth finding out, however, as it can give you considerable understanding of how you handle and express your feelings.

The obvious connection of the Moon and women is seen in the monthly female cycle as it correlates to the lunar cycle. However, men also respond to the tug of the Moon on the emotional tides. The Moon's swift motion suggests how quickly moods and feelings can change. Watching the daily position of the Moon gives Astrologers a sort of emotional weather report.
If you want to know how to push someone's buttons or assuage their wounded feelings, find out about their Moon - it is their soft spot. If you want to make someone feel nurtured, look to their Moon sign.

In general, Moon in Aries needs to be "Number One" and, like the other fire signs, Leo and Sagittarius, they need to be active. For the Taurus Moon, security is a major issue, and like their fellow earthy signs, Virgo and Capricorn, producing something tangible is important, and literally touching the earth is very soothing emotionally. With Moon in Gemini, there is a need to be bright, clever, scintillating and informed, they share the need for information, communication and relating with the other Air signs, Libra and Aquarius. While the Taurus Moon tends to focus on material security, those with Moon in Cancer need to be emotionally secure, especially in the family. A need for emotional connection and the soothing effects of water on the emotions are common to all three Water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Leo Moon needs to be respected, loved and honoured, to be seen as special. The Virgo Moon's need to be correct, exact and insightful, can make them excellent critics, though they are often most critical of themselves. Fairness is essential to the Libra Moon, they need to be appreciated, attractive and popular. Scorpio Moon needs to be in control, and to probe the depths, particularly about subjects that may be regarded as taboo (sex and death, for instance). A Sagittarius Moon needs freedom ad adventure, and to have their opinions respected. People with Moon in Capricorn need to be in a position to make things happen and to be seen as capable and responsible. Aquarian Moons need to be socially significant, often by being unusual and/or rebellious. Those with Moon in Pisces need to identify the ideal, understand impressions and work with the intangible, whether in a creative or psychic sense. Of course, there is much more to each Moon sign than can be characterized in a few words.

Looking at the placement of our earth's satellite in your birthchart will describe just how 'loonie' you are.