As we mentioned in last month’s column, of all the celestial bodies, Jyotish places most emphasis on the Moon, as it takes 28 days (more precisely 27 days, 7 hours 43 minutes) to revolve around the Earth, consequently making us more susceptible to its influence. The Moon, in its orbit around the Earth each month, passes through each of the 12 signs of the zodiac affecting specific areas of our life. The Moon stays in one sign a bit more than two days.

The Moon relates to our innermost feelings and perceptions. In some signs, it motivates us to be more outgoing while in others it necessitates us to be more reflective. This article will introduce a sampling of the diverse influences one can expect as the Moon passes through each sign during the month.

Moon in Pisces, May 15th to 17th

The Moon is now in the emotional water sign, Pisces. This gentle Moon brings with it an openness of mind that is filtered through our sentiments and feelings. This is a positive placement for the Moon, suggesting a sensitive, subtle mind. We are more than likely to be in touch with our feelings and can have an easy, flowing manner of self-expression. We may need to watch, however, that we maintain a balance between our emotions and logic, as we can have a tendency to make emotional decisions. As Rahu and Mars are both aspecting the Moon at this time, the vulnerable, yin Moon may be up for a bit of a tussle. Mars, the warrior planet, can work in one of two ways – it can prompt the Moon, our mind and feelings, to initiate ideas and plans, moving them from thought (Moon) into action (Mars). In contrast, however, as a result of its assertive nature, Mars can inflame our emotions, ones that are already susceptible to being influenced. As a result, we may make hasty, emotional decisions, rather than thinking them out. Rahu, casting its strategic weight upon the Moon, can create some inner confusion and doubt – impairing our intuition.
Over the next few days, then, see to what extent you are experiencing feelings that are intuitively governed or ones that are simply emotion based, provoked as a result of Mars and Rahu. Think of this time, then, as providing the opportunity to do an “emotional stability evaluation”, and to see if you are mostly acting or reacting.

Moon in Aries, May 17th to 20th

The Moon has now moved from the gentle, emotional sign of Pisces to the fiery and actively engaged mind of Aries. Our emotions are ruled by Mars, and we want to get things done. We need to guard, however, against doing things impulsively. Intensifying the fiery temperament of this Moon, Mercury is now aspecting it, electrifying the atmosphere with its own brand of eccentricity.
Saturn is also in aspect to the Moon, and although it can be restrictive in a practical, pragmatic, matter of fact manner, in this scenario it may help create a balance between thought and action. Saturn’s nature is to put a pause on things, and to coordinate and temper other more unruly planetary energies by introducing common sense. Accordingly, with any transactions, contracts or plans that you may be anticipating, Saturn will urge us to “dot the I’s and cross the T’s”, saving yourself from experiencing potential headaches in the future.

Moon in Taurus, May 20th to 22nd

The Moon is now in Taurus, its most favorable placement. Taurus relates to the element earth, whereas the Moon is associated with water. The spontaneous, creative aspect of the mind in this sign is focused and given free rein to flow unhindered, interfered for example through subjective or negative emotions. Think of a riverbed (Taurus – earth element) that provides a channel through which a river (Moon – water element) can effortlessly flow. This Moon placement, then, whether in transit or in a natal chart, indicates a time of creativity whereby we can work more effectively to materialize our thoughts and plans.
Having Ketu aspecting the Moon at this time, however, can create a challenge; we need to stay focused, and not let our thoughts overflow the river banks, flooding our mind with doubts that can deviate us from our original goals. For example, we can get sidetracked, feeling compelled to go after some unfulfilled desire. Ketu has a knack of bringing up old, past issues that can cloud our vision for the present. So keep your priorities in line and don’t get distracted.  

Moon in Gemini, May 22nd to 25th

Those with a Moon in Gemini are full of ideas and with a desire to communicate them with others, regardless the mode of communication. It is fitting that Gemini, ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and self-expression, is an air sign. Think of various forms of telecommunication, including simple speech that is made possible as sound vibration requires air for its transmission. In its purest forms, thought and telepathy are some of the most refined examples of our Mercurian potential. Here, as opposed to air, these rely on the ether, the element associated with Mercury.
Now that the Moon is in this Mercurial sign, we may feel more artistic or creative in our activities. There can be an aura of effervescence in the air where we may feel more animated and inclined to speak with others and to share our ideas. Keep in mind that as Gemini is a mutable sign – adaptable and open to new concepts – we need to stay focused, and to seriously look at which of our many ideas is doable.
Venus is aspecting the Moon during this short transit. We need to stick with our original creative plans, as Venus sitting in close proximity to the Moon may “seduce” us into taking it easier. This attitude may simply undermine and delay our creative efforts. So put your nose to the grindstone, do what you need to do, and then enjoy yourself. It’s just a matter of putting the horse and the cart in their proper place.

Moon in Cancer, May 25th to 27th

The Moon is now happily situated in its own sign, Cancer, associated with sensitivity, heightened awareness and intuition. This transit can arouse our emotional, feeling side. Often we may find that we need to tuck this gentler, more tender aspect of our nature out of sight perhaps simply out of self-preservation in order to function in typically stressful life situations. This emotional management may be more evident during this short transit, as Saturn is aspecting the Moon; our emotional and creative spontaneity may feel somewhat restricted. Moreover, Rahu is also influencing the Moon; we may feel constrained to behave according to some inner drive based on some subjective strategy of Rahu in Scorpio which can cause some agitation.
As a great saint once said, “A wise man rules his planets”. Taking all of the above into account, the Moon in Cancer can be a time whereby we overrule any restrictions we may be feeling, recognizing the importance of counterbalancing our more practical logical “life is tough, front lines” mentality, with our deeper, inherently intuitive, sensitive and loving soul nature. Life will always present us with challenging situations; however, it is up to us to not lose our heart and to stay open and creative with the inner satisfaction that we have found balance in an often whirlwind existence.

Moon in Leo, May 27th to 29th

The Moon is now in the fiery sign, Leo. Our thinking and emotions now turn from the yin feeling nature of Cancer to those that are yang in nature; we are enthusiastic and motivated with a strong desire to manifest our ideas into some form of constructive reality. We can easily express our feelings outwardly which can have a positive, contagious effect on those around us.
Mars in Leo is conjunct the Moon. Although this aspect can feel a bit too close for comfort, as Mars can be somewhat pushy, yet it can also be a motivating, propelling force to activate further the Moon’s fiery, passionate temperament. That being said, you may really feel like expressing yourself in very certain terms. Just be careful that you don’t overdo it, as both Mars and Moon are intense in this fiery sign.
A hand-written love letter may end up with friction burns just from the speed and passionate intensity of your pen on the paper. Email is probably the way to go, just don’t fry your keyboard in your sizzling enthusiasm to express your feelings.

Moon in Virgo, May 29th to 31st

The Moon, now in Virgo, is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication. Here again, as the Moon in Gemini, we have many ideas and concepts. Yet Virgo, being an earth sign, we are “down to earth”, pragmatic and practical in how we communicate both our thoughts and our feelings. In our desire to be analytical, detail oriented and organized, we need to guard against being overly critical.
Ketu and Jupiter are both aspecting the Moon, five houses away from their placement in Taurus. As there are often multiple aspects on the Moon from various planets, their combined influence will have interesting and at times complex effects. Ketu’s influence is to provoke us into action, often based on previously engaged past life activity – some of which we may not have been entirely satisfied with. We need to maintain our discrimination and to guard against impetuous, knee jerk urges to act in ways that are not appropriate to our present day situation.
Jupiter in this combination of aspecting planets provides guidance so that we can remain more objective and less reactive. In addition to the planets aspecting the Moon is the unusual stellium (grouping of planets) sitting with Jupiter and Ketu in Taurus, a feature of the chart not yet discussed. There are five planets in total. Whenever there is such a large collection of planets sitting in one house, the imbalance created will have a significant influence depending on which house in the chart they are sitting. Of course, our ascendant, or first house, will determine in which one of the twelve houses these planets will be placed. Knowing this, we can anticipate what we may experience, in addition to the above indications, during this lunar transit.  

Moon in Libra, May 31st to June 2nd

The Moon is now in Libra, an air sign ruled by Venus. This placement indicates that we can focus on the areas of life that provide comfort. We want to be free to dream and to let our imagination soar without restriction. We don’t want any boundaries to limit this free-wheeling aspect of our creative imagination. Unbounded thinking, however, can have its downside; we can be unpredictable if we get lost in an imaginary mental maze of our own creation.
Saturn is aspecting the Moon at this time. As a result, we may feel somewhat restricted, the “nose to the grindstone” nature of Saturn, being in stark contrast to the unrestrained desires of this Moon. Consequently, there can be a conflict whereby we may be a bit confused, claustrophobic or confined in our consciousness. For example, we may feel that our creative dreams have somehow been derailed. This is, however, Saturn’s way of stopping us in our tracks, enabling us to really see if our plans and ideas are simply castles in the sky or feasible in our power to actualize.
During this short transit, we can take a pause, run our ideas through others, and then follow through with whatever creative ideas (Moon) we have planned based on a solid practical strategy (Saturn) for its successful completion.

Moon in Scorpio, June 2nd to 4th

The Moon in Scorpio, like Cancer and Pisces, is in a water sign, the element indicating our emotions, feelings and perceptions. In addition, this Moon is ruled by Mars, a fiery, yang, and intense force. Together, this combination can be quite formidable; we think and feel deeply and passionately. One drawback, however, is that as a result of Scorpio’s inherent silent and secretive nature, we can become overly cautious, and perhaps distrusting and suspicious. In our “holding the cards close to the chest”, we may deny others access to us; we may not be willing to listen to advice; rather, we like to do things in our manner.
To spice up the pot, there are 5 planets in Taurus – Jupiter, Ketu, Sun, Venus and Mercury –aspecting the Moon from 180 away (an opposition). And, for good measure, a 6th planet is also aspecting the Moon, as Mars is in Leo. The technical term for the potentially disruptive effects of this planetary combination is “mayhem”. Actually not, but you get the idea. For example, geologically there can be more flooding and mudslides. Emotionally, there can be much tension and rash, impassioned behavior.
So we will all need to take a collective breath, count to 10 or even better 10,000 to help us stay calm longer, so that we don’t make any impetuous decisions that we could easily regret in the future.

Moon in Sagittarius, June 4th to 6th  

The Moon has now moved into Sagittarius, a friendly placement ruled by noble Jupiter, and away from the “mayhem” of the last few days. Perhaps, if through our collective unconscious wisdom has prevailed, we are no worse off than before. By the time the Moon has gone into Sagittarius, we will know just how wise we have all been.
Now it’s time for a bit of fresh air; we can come out of ourselves and look to the future with a sense of optimism and enthusiasm with an explorative frame of mind.
Moreover, Mercury is aspecting the Moon from its well-placed and friendly position in the communicative and exuberant sign, Gemini. There is a greater chance that, for example, if détente is needed, it can now be more easily achieved. We have the desire to express ourselves peacefully and with diplomacy as Jupiter, the ruling planet of the Moon in Sagittarius can make us more tactful.
Finally Saturn, still in exalted placement in Libra, urges us to maintain a wise and discriminating outlook with those around us. In all, this short transit heralds a time to move forward with optimism and healthier communication.  

Moon in Capricorn, June 6th to 9th

The Moon is now in Capricorn, a sign ruled by Saturn. Over the next few days, we may withdraw a little, somewhat in contrast to the at times overly enthusiastic, exuberant influence of a Sagittarian Moon. We may be a bit more introspective and prudent, as our mind and feelings have a tendency to be filtered through the Saturnian attributes of caution, discipline and strategy. Consequently, a circumspect, “let’s wait and see” disposition may predominate now; we want to see if something concrete will come out of whatever activity we have been doing.
Jupiter is also aspecting the Moon, adding a healthy dose of enthusiasm and ambition to move things forward, as well as adding a livelier flavor to the days ahead.

Moon in Aquarius, June 9th to 11th

In addition to Capricorn, Saturn – the planet of discipline, focus, and strategy – also rules the Moon in Aquarius. And although Saturn is considered a first-rate malefic, ultimately, when we do the work associated with this planet, we create greater structure in our lives. We become more serious and profound, embracing far-reaching objectives. We recognize the importance of our thoughts and actions, and their consequences on others and ourselves.
Accordingly, the thoughts and feelings of those with the Moon in Aquarius partake of these Saturnian qualities. We are visionary and humanitarian. During this short transit, then, we have the potential to lighten up a bit from the more cautious, practical and down to earth nature of the previously experienced Capricorn Moon. Aquarius is an air sign, enabling greater movement, freeing us up to widen our vision and not to get caught up in any one frame of mind.
During this transit, Mars is aspecting the Moon. Mars is an outgoing, forceful, and fast-moving energy coming up against the more introspective, interiorized, and slow-moving energy of Saturn (Aquarius). This can cause some upsets, as these two energies are in contrast to each other. Be careful that you don’t become too self-willed, stubborn, and agitated, holding on to a point of view – one that at any other time could be discussed more agreeably. If you have to agree to disagree, go ahead; there will always be another more peaceful day to come to an agreement.

In summary, by being aware of the Moon’s transits throughout the month, you can familiarize yourself with your innermost feelings and responses. If you would like to learn more about the effects of the Moon, especially how it is affecting the particular house it is transiting in your astrological chart, I would be more than happy to share my insights with you.

Moreover, as astrology can be defined as our response to planetary influences, being a spark of the Infinite, we have the free will to overcome or at least minimize any negative influences. Consequently, through an analysis of your astrological chart, preventive measures can be suggested to help you achieve this end.

Next month, we will look at the effects of the Moon’s position from June 11th to July 9th, 2012.

Moon Position throughout the Signs

The timetable below indicates when the Moon enters each of the 12 signs throughout the month.

As we mentioned in last month’s column, of all the celestial bodies, Jyotish places most emphasis on the Moon, as it takes 28 days (more precisely 27 days, 7 hours 43 minutes) to revolve around the Earth, consequently making us more susceptible to its influence. The Moon, in its orbit around the Earth each month, passes through each of the 12 signs of the zodiac affecting specific areas of our life. The Moon stays in one sign a bit more than two days.

The Moon relates to our innermost feelings and perceptions. In some signs, it motivates us to be more outgoing while in others it necessitates us to be more reflective. This article will introduce a sampling of the diverse influences one can expect as the Moon passes through each sign during the month.

October 12 to 14 — Moon in Aries
The Moon in Aries indicates that we have strong feelings and can, at times, make impulsive and emotional decisions. In addition, Venus is aspecting the Moon, tending to exaggerate our need for comforting circumstances. As Mercury is also aspecting, we may put an extra push on satisfying our wants and needs. Together this combination suggests we may rush headlong into creating a situation that, in the end, may not be as rewarding as we may have wanted. Fortunately, Jupiter, the planet of expansion, optimism and good counsel, watching over our ambitions, is also aspecting the Moon. In the end, the positive guidance of this planet can help us navigate towards achieving our goals by putting things into perspective. We are enabled to take a step back, consequently saving ourselves from jumping into the fry pan.

October 14 to 17 — Moon in Taurus
The Moon in Taurus is a super placement. Having this Moon in our natal chart indicates joy and creativity; we have an inherently nurturing nature. Now, then, is the time to tidy up projects that have not yet been finished. However, we cannot allow ourselves to be disturbed as Ketu – associated with eclipses of the Sun and Moon – can be a bit overpowering. As such, we can feel somewhat agitated and even a bit pressured – a characteristic not normally associated with this Moon placement. Recognizing that you may feel this way during this transit, go ahead with your plans; just don’t try and achieve more than you should wisely go for, as Ketu in Taurus can push you to believe that all things are possible. Although we should keep this expansive attitude in mind, we still need to do, as the great sage Paramahansa Yogananda prescribed, “the right thing, at the right time, for the right success.”

October 17 to 19 — Moon in Gemini
The Moon in Gemini indicates an intuitive, communicative, and enthusiastic nature. At this time, the quick moving Mercurian energy associated with this placement can urge us to move quickly with many ideas. The temptation, however, is to bite off more than we can chew. Moreover, Pluto – a formidable yang force not to be taken for granted – is aspecting the Moon. We must maintain our composure, otherwise the pressure of this planetary influence can cause agitation and impatience. We would be urged to seek wise counsel before making any important decisions, as we may not be able to entirely trust our feelings. With good advice, we can manage to move forward quickly without feeling pressured to rush our plans –  those that will be more effectively realized spurred on by an unhampered flow of ideas.

October 19 to 21 — Moon in Cancer
The Moon in Cancer is associated with beauty, sensitivity, and intelligence. During this short transit, you may feel the urge to beautify everything around you. We can use our sensory abilities to bring out the best in others by creating a forgiving environment that prompts others to open up and appreciate the good things of life. For example, inviting friends over for a pleasant evening – including an appetizing meal – creates an ambiance whereby our hearts open. As Mars is aspecting the Moon at this time, we need to keep an eye out for some potential agitation. For example, if someone wants to help you in the kitchen, perhaps a territory you guard with your life, lighten up and see this as an opportunity to learn detachment and even have fun doing it.
Moreover, Rahu is aspecting the Moon which can skew our judgment; this together with a forceful Mars could be a dangerous combination. This is not the time, then, for dangerous activities that involve, for example, speed. So be careful.

October 21 to 23 — Moon in Leo
Those with the Moon in Leo are sincere and loyal, with a strong dynamic mind. As Jupiter is beneficially aspecting the Moon, it would be a good time for a job interview or to make an important decision that you have been holding off. Neptune’s coinciding aspect on the Moon, however, can inject a bit of emotional subjectivity that we need to be conscious of as this can bring a certain confusion. In fact, old emotional hurts can potentially surface at this time. Issues of this nature can impinge negatively on our conscious, taking the enthusiasm out of the Moon in Leo. Therefore, keep your focus, as this is a great time to use your creative ingenuity.

October 23 to 25 — Moon in Virgo
Typically, the Moon in Virgo relates to analytical, selective, and critical thinking. Two planets, Saturn and Uranus, are both aspecting the Moon at this time. Saturn’s nature is structured and cautious, interfering with the more intuitive and idealistic mind associated with the Moon. The sudden, surprising, and destabilizing nature of Uranus, on the other hand, tends to disintegrate or shatter structures, often those in our life that have become stale, having served their purpose. This can inject a fresh breath of freedom, unshackling the Moon from the overly structured grip of Saturn. As neither planet is entirely positive or negative, at this time we need to take the best that each has to offer. Consequently, go slowly, using our discrimination (Saturn), without letting the disruptive nature of Uranus skew our purposeful direction as a result of any unforeseen circumstances.  

October 25 to 27 — Moon in Libra
The Moon in Libra is conjunct the Sun, Mercury, and Venus. This is the time of Diwali, an important spiritual event that comes once a year according to specific planetary combinations. Significantly, Diwali occurs at the New Moon – a time to meditate and contemplate far reaching goals, ultimately spiritual attunement or God realization. We could try at this time to let go of any frustrations or personal difficulties so that we can focus on our unfolding karmic destiny. As such, all positive ideals contemplated or initiated now have the blessings of the planets in your favor.

October 27 to 30 — Moon in Scorpio
The Moon in Scorpio is not in its most favorable position. We can hold our emotional cards close to the vest and, as such, can harbor hurt feelings from any past injuries. Moreover, the Moon is sitting with Venus and Rahu, both also not favorably placed, creating a challenging combination. We can be overly enthusiastic, intense, and craving pleasure and comfort at any cost. Obviously, this is not a good time to make decisions, as we may be predisposed with personal and subjective expectations. We need to take it easy during this transit, as there can be powerful latent forces within our subconscious that rather than be acted upon, need to be neutralized. As we all carry past life memories and karma, it is important to make sure that what we do at this time will be for our long-term happiness and emotional health.

October 30 to November 1 — Moon in Sagittarius
Those having the Moon in Sagittarius emotionally invest a great deal in achieving their far-reaching goals. They are enthusiastic and possess a speculative, adventurous mind. As such, during this time, the intrepid nature of this Moon needs to be tempered with caution, as Pluto – a formidable outgoing, yang energy to be reckoned with – is aspecting an already venturesome Moon. A welcome addition here is the aspect of Jupiter whose capacity is both to rein in and guide what could otherwise be “unbridled” enthusiasm. This is, then, a good time to cohesively move forward with your plans and adventurous spirit to achieve whatever you are longing to do.

November 1 to 3 — Moon in Capricorn
The Moon in Capricorn, ruled by cautious, practical Saturn, has a tendency to permeate our feelings with doubt and an overly questioning mind. Moreover, we tend at times to be too practical, conservative and cautious. At this time, then, we have an opportunity to benefit from these qualities, making sure that they are applied in ways to enhance our success rather than delay it. Moreover, Ketu is aspecting the Moon, coercing us to think objectively; it can generate an inner controversial dialogue whereby we are forced to take a stand with our convictions. Consequently, this transit provides an opportunity necessitating that we listen to our consciousness. As always, meditation provides a direct intuitive channel that we can rely on - so if you haven’t already started, now’s a good time.

November 3 to 5 — Moon in Aquarius
The Moon in Aquarius, although equally ruled by Saturn (see Moon in Capricorn) is an air sign. This breezy element lightens up our way of thinking, removing it from the more practical, cautious way of thinking associated with Capricorn, an earth sign. Consequently, the Moon in Aquarius indicates a visionary, humanitarian mind, that functions best when given the time to properly organize a plan of action. However, the fast moving dynamic energy of Mars is aspecting the Moon, urging it to go faster. Now then is the time to benefit from both energies of thinking and planning (Saturn) and activation (Mars) to get things moving. As all aspects of Mars on the Moon can create agitation, it is important to remain calm in the face of this added pressure to move quickly. However, if you can cohesively marshal both energies, the synergy created can result in great achievements.

November 5 to 8 — Moon in Pisces
The Moon is happy in Pisces. Those with this placement are intuitive and believe in people, yet they can also be vulnerable and at times indecisive. During this transit, these qualities can be put to the test as Uranus, Rahu, and Mars are all aspecting the Moon, making for a challenging combination. Mars tends to create agitation when associated with the Moon; the electrifying nature of Uranus with the Moon can give rise to nervous, anxious feelings; and Rahu can promote drastic and subjective emotional reactions. At this time, remember the wise counsel given by Vedic sage and astrologer Swami Yukteswar, that “A wise man rules his stars.” Don’t get agitated and don’t react to these planetary vibrations. Think that you’ve just been given another opportunity to flex your spiritual muscles.

In summary, by being aware of the Moon’s transits throughout the month, you can familiarize yourself with your innermost feelings and responses. If you would like to learn more about the effects of the Moon, especially how it is affecting the particular house it is transiting in your astrological chart, I would be more than happy to share my insights with you.

Moreover, as astrology can be defined as our response to planetary influences, being a spark of the Infinite, we have the free will to overcome or at least minimize any negative influences. Consequently, through an analysis of your astrological chart, preventive measures can be suggested to help you achieve this end.

Next month, we will look at the effects of the Moon’s position from November 14th to December 12th.

Moon Position throughout the Signs

The timetable below indicates when the Moon enters each of the 12 signs throughout the month.