Moon (Chandra)

The Moon is close to us, and reflects the light of the Sun. The Moon is the most visible planet of all, to us here on Earth, because we can look at it so easily. It neither burns our eyes, nor hides in the deep darkness of space, like the others. Rather, the Moon is up close and personal, showing herself fully to us. The Moon is indeed very dear, close, and friendly. It’s light is very nice and pleasing. Her full bodily lustre each month is a rising sight to see. Unlike Western Astrology where the Sun is most important, in Jyotish the Moon is the first “Graha” to look at and plays a central role in many calculations and predictive techniques.

The Moon rules the mind, the emotions, feelings, nursing, nurturing, mothering and the overall life of the person. An afflicted Moon greatly shapes the personality in the direction of the affliction, whether it is harshness of character, sadness of mind, or an angry and aggressive nature. Similarly, benefic influences upon the Moon in a chart, or a well placed Moon we could also say, bestows the reflections of helpfulness, peace of mind, cleanliness all around, and so forth.

The Moon is best placed in the first few degrees of Vrisha (Taurus) where it is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Vrishchika (Scorpio) it is least auspicious and called debilitated. The Moon is lord of the sign Karka (Cancer) and also of the house where Cancer is located.

Moon signifies: It is a cold, calm and quiet planet and represents mind, reflective, feminine, night, emotions, sensitivity, nurturing, security, past, past-lives, patterns of behavior, receptivity, caring for others, heredity, Mother, motherland, the public or masses, popularity, inner contentment, money, general well-being, home, water, habits, subconscious mind, growth in early childhood, fertility, breast, menstrual cycle, eyes, lungs, liquids and nurses. Direction north-east, element is silver.