By Aparna Patni
A detailed and structured analysis of the Moon’s astrological, scriptural, astronomical roles and practical effects
The Moon ranks second after the Sun among the nine planets, yet its nearness to human experience is profound. In Vedic thought it signifies the mind, mother, emotional balance, peace, travel, wealth, blood, the left eye and the chest. It rules Cancer and the constellations Rohini, Hasta and Shravana. Its motion is swift, taking about two and a quarter days to cross one sign, hence Vimshottari, Yogini and Ashtottari dashas are based on lunar motion. The sign occupied by the Moon at birth is the Moon sign, the anchor of the horoscope. Traditional texts regard the Moon as auspicious, gentle and cool in nature and feminine.
When the Moon is in the ascendant it enhances beauty, attraction, courage and adherence to principles. It fosters love for travel, strong imagination and emotional sensitivity. Saving money can be relatively difficult.
A strong Moon brings mental peace, creativity and cordial relations with the mother. The mother’s health tends to remain good and the family setting stays balanced.
Affliction may cause mental distress, weak memory and hurdles to the mother’s health. Water shortage at home can appear as a sign and in extreme cases suicidal tendencies may arise.
Under malefic influence the Moon may lead to brain pain, headache, stress, depression, fear, asthma, blood disorders, epilepsy and even insanity or fainting.
Juicy fruits and vegetables, sugarcane, sweet potato, saffron, maize, silver, pearls and camphor fall under lunar influence.
Hill stations, water bodies, tanks, wells, forests, dairies, stables and cold regions are lunar domains.
Dog, cat, white rat, duck, turtle and fish relate to the Moon.
Root: Khirni
Gemstone: Pearl
Rudraksha: Two Mukhi Rudraksha
Yantra: Chandra Yantra
Color: White
Observing a fast on Monday and reciting the Moon’s mantras is considered beneficial.
Original
ॐ इमं देवा असपत्नं सुवध्यं महते क्षत्राय महते ज्यैष्ठ्याय महते जानराज्यायेन्द्रस्येन्द्रियाय।
इमममुष्य पुत्रममुष्यै पुत्रमस्यै विश एष वोअमी राजा सोमोअस्माकं ब्राह्मणानां राजा।।
Transliteration
Om imam deva asapatnam suvidhyam mahate kshatraya mahate jyaisthyaya
mahate janarajyayendrasya indriyaya. Imam amushya putram amushyai putram
asyai visha esha vo ami raja somo asmakam brahmananam raja.
Meaning A prayer for unobstructed strength, leadership and worthy esteem, invoking Soma as king among the learned, seeking protection and welfare for descendants and community.
Original:
ॐ सों सोमाय नमः
Transliteration
Om Som Somaya Namah
Meaning
Salutations to Soma for calmness, clarity and nourishment of the mind.
Original
ॐ श्रां श्रीं श्रौं सः चंद्रमसे नमः
Transliteration: Om Shram Shrim Shraum Sah Chandramase Namah
Meaning: Invocation to the essence of the Moon for peace, intuition and gentle prosperity.
Astronomically the Moon is Earth’s satellite. Its gravity generates tides. It is the brightest object after the Sun. When it passes between the Sun and Earth a solar eclipse occurs.
In the Hindu fold the Moon is worshipped as Chandra Deva, linked with the water element and is adorned on the head of Lord Shiva. Monday is favoured for worship. Texts describe Chandra as the son of Sage Atri and Anusuya, endowed with sixteen arts.
Nearness of the Moon raises high and low tides. Traditional astrology holds that human emotions and mood respond to lunar phases.
Customary understanding holds that the Moon guides a large share of thought currents. Its natal placement shapes many decisions and experiences. Conjunction with Jupiter is viewed as a sign of prosperity.
The Moon is naturally benefic. Many practitioners analyse from the Moon as ascendant, hence Chandra Lagna based readings are common. The Sun is regarded as king and the Moon as queen. Cancer is the Moon’s sign and in computations the sequence is often marked clockwise from Cancer toward Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The Moon’s position frames our outward response to the world. In favourable state it shows joy, calm and contentment, in adverse state stress and anxiety. Feminine qualities of care, compassion and nurture belong here. For night births it strengthens inner power. In combinations the Moon reflects partner traits, for instance when within ten degrees of Mars one may show courage, impulse and simplicity.
Twelve houses reflect distinct life fields. Where the Moon resides it indicates emotional fulfilment, deep attachments and the direction of conscience.
State | Sign and Degrees | Key Effects |
---|---|---|
Exalted | Taurus up to 3 degrees | Creativity, prosperity, social honour |
Debilitated | Scorpio from 0 to 3 degrees | Mental strain, confusion, family discord |
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Day | Monday |
Color | White |
Direction | North West |
Karaka | Mother |
Average time in one sign | About 2.25 days |
Time to circle the zodiac | About 27 days |
Constellation lordship | Rohini, Hasta, Shravana |
Nature | Gentle and peaceful |
Friendly planets | Mars, Jupiter, Moon |
Enemy planets | Saturn, Rahu, Ketu |
Neutral planet | Mercury |
Own sign | Cancer |
Mool Trikona | Taurus |
Exaltation | Taurus |
Debilitation | Scorpio |
Metal | Silver |
Mark | Beautiful round face |
Gemstone | Pearl |
Vimshottari Mahadasha | Ten years |
Bodily rulership | Heart, fluids, eyes, lungs |
Representation | Mother |
Possible ailments | Tuberculosis, cough, cold, weak vision, stress, cardiac and respiratory issues, depression |
Benefits | Prosperity, intellect, imagination, intuition |
Harms | Ego, jealousy, indifference |
The Moon forms Sunapha, Durudhara and Gaja Kesari yogas that strengthen fortune, courage and wisdom, whereas Kemadruma yoga is considered inauspicious.
Experience: 15
Consults About: Family Matters, Muhurat
Clients In: MP, Delhi
Share this article with friends and family