Moon in Astrology

Born from the churning of the cosmic ocean, Chandra emerged as soma—the nectar of immortality—condensed into celestial form. When devas and asuras churned the primordial waters seeking amrita, the Moon arose, luminous and cool, bringing peace to the heated cosmos. Lord Shiva, charmed by Chandra's beauty, placed him upon his head, where he resides as a crescent, cooling the destroyer's fierce third eye.

Chandra governs the realm of Manas—the emotional and instinctual mind. While Surya represents the soul and Mercury the intellect, Moon rules the feeling nature that colors all human experience. Every thought passes through the lunar filter of emotion before manifesting as action. This is why Moon's placement in one's chart is paramount in Vedic astrology, determining the birth star (Janma Nakshatra) and mental constitution.

As the fastest-moving celestial body, completing the zodiac in just 27.32 days, Chandra reflects the changeable nature of human emotions. His sixteen phases (kalas) represent the mind's constant fluctuations. The new moon brings introspection and new beginnings, while the full moon amplifies emotions and psychic sensitivity. Those born under strong lunar influence often possess heightened intuition and emotional intelligence.

The mythology of Chandra is complex and revealing. His twenty-seven wives, the Nakshatras (lunar mansions), represent the Moon's nightly resting places. When he showed favoritism to Rohini, the other wives complained to their father, Daksha, who cursed Chandra to wane. The wives, regretting their complaint, modified the curse so Chandra would wax again, creating the eternal lunar cycle—a reminder that emotional states are temporary.

As karaka of mother and nourishment, Moon's condition in the horoscope indicates the nature of maternal relationship and one's capacity to nurture. A strong Moon bestows emotional resilience, caring nature, and popularity. It rules over water, both in nature and the body—governing blood, lymph, and all fluids. Women's menstrual cycles align with lunar phases, highlighting Moon's connection to fertility and feminine power.

Chandra's relationship with herbs and healing is profound. As Soma, he rules medicinal plants and their extraction. Lunar-influenced herbs are best harvested at night or during specific moon phases. The tradition of moon-bathing and charging water under moonlight stems from understanding Chandra's cooling, healing vibrations.

In mundane matters, Moon governs public opinion, masses, and daily rhythms. Stock markets, ruled by collective emotion rather than logic, dance to lunar cycles. Agriculture, fishing, and all water-related activities prosper when aligned with lunar phases. The Islamic calendar, based purely on lunar months, acknowledges Moon's importance in religious observance.

Spiritually, Chandra represents the reflective quality of consciousness. Just as Moon reflects Sun's light, the mind reflects the soul's radiance. Mental peace comes from understanding this reflective nature—that thoughts and emotions are not the true self but temporary phenomena passing through awareness.

The Moon's node points, Rahu and Ketu, represent karmic factors that disturb mental peace. During eclipses, when these shadows obscure the Moon, collective emotions intensify. Yet these challenging times also offer opportunities for releasing old patterns and emotional healing.

Those seeking lunar blessings wear pearl or moonstone, observe Monday fasts, and offer white flowers to Chandra. The practice of Chandra Namaskar (moon salutation) and meditation during full moon harness lunar energy for emotional healing and psychic development.