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Can monthly lunar motions reveal insights about
our inner selves?
“Swear not by the moon, the inconstant
moon, That monthly changes in her circled orb, Lest thy love prove
likewise variable.”
Juliet,
Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare
The ebb and flow of the oceans are part of the ever-changing
constants of life, and the Moon’s gravitational pull on Earth’s
waters is the biggest influence on tides. It’s often been said that
since our bodies are at least seventy percent water (estimates vary),
then the Moon must have some effect on the watery aspect of our
nature, creating some version of shifting tides within us.
In alchemical symbolism fire represents projective
masculine energy while the element of water is seen as feminine
and receptive. Likewise water symbolizes our emotions and like the
ocean can change its nature from calm and nurturing to violent and
destructive. Water also represents subconsciousness and the part
of our psyche that exists below the level of waking consciousness.
Terra and Luna
Since astronauts have walked on the Moon, and returned
home with moon rocks, scientists have been able to study the Moon’s
origins first hand. In the past multiple theories competed to explain
how the Moon came to be circling Earth. As a result of analyzing
the geology of the Moon, and using high-tech computer-generated
images, scientists now believe that 4.6 billion years ago there
were two planets circling the Sun where the Earth and Moon are now.
In this scenario, a Mars-sized planet, traveling
in a tight orbit with Earth, collided with us, stirring up and jettisoning
a great deal of planetary matter. After cooling and coalescing our
Moon formed and settled into orbit around Earth. So rather than
planet and moon, we are two planets, poetically termed Terra and
Luna by astronomers, moving in a circular pas de deus around the
Sun. No wonder our bond with the Moon is so strong; she is more
sister than satellite.
Astrological interpretation has long understood this
intimate and symbiotic relationship. Astrologically, the Moon represents
our instincts, memories, the past, our habitual behaviors and our
inheritance. The Moon is seen symbolically as our lost psyche, separated
from our waking consciousness as we journey through time. The Moon
reflects our instincts and our evolving personality. The hidden
side conceals our habitual selves and unconscious patterns which
need to be healed or reclaimed. The cycles and phases of the Moon’s
reflected light offer periodic illumination into our individual
and collective nature. Just as space travel has given us a glimpse
of the Moon’s hidden side, the relationship between Earth and Moon
is a journey of ever-changing, but ever-increasing, light and consciousness.
Constant of Change
As Earth goes around the Sun each year it creates
the illusion that the Sun is moving through the sky. Using the seasons
of the year as signposts, the Sun appears to travel through each
of the twelve signs of the Zodiac. These are divisions of space
based on the solar year, not to be confused with the constellations
which gave them their names thousands of years ago. So as Earth
moves in a year, changing signs, the dance of the Moon follows,
highlighting a different kind of energy in turn. Each planet in
the solar system likewise occupies a Zodiac sign from our viewing
perspective on Earth. There is intensity or focus of the energy
of whichever sign they occupy.
Although Juliet’s remark about the inconstant Moon
may seem true on the surface, the changing patterns of the Moon
are remarkably consistent over time. The Moon has two cycles each
month. It takes about 27.5 days to complete the Sidereal period
where the Moon moves through the complete Zodiac. What is termed
the Synodic cycle of about 29 days is the time from New Moon to
New Moon. The second period is longer because the Earth is also
moving around the Sun, and the Moon has to catch up. There is a
third and longer lunar cycle, similar to the solstices of the Sun,
which takes 18.6 years to complete, in which the Moon slowly moves
from its extreme northern position to its most southern position
in the sky.
In contrast to the Sun’s annual journey, the Moon
passes through all twelve signs each month, creating a microcosm
of the Sun’s apparent motion. As the Moon orbits the Earth each
month her shape and place in the sky changes. This is a result of
the relationship between the Sun and Moon from our perspective.
If we could see this motion from above it would resemble an oscillating
sine wave pattern which has its trough at the New Moon and crests
at the Full Moon.
Constant of Change
As Earth goes around the Sun each year it creates
the illusion that the Sun is moving through the sky. Using the seasons
of the year as signposts, the Sun appears to travel through each
of the twelve signs of the Zodiac. These are divisions of space
based on the solar year, not to be confused with the constellations
which gave them their names thousands of years ago. So as Earth
moves in a year, changing signs, the dance of the Moon follows,
highlighting a different kind of energy in turn. Each planet in
the solar system likewise occupies a Zodiac sign from our viewing
perspective on Earth. There is intensity or focus of the energy
of whichever sign they occupy.
Although Juliet’s remark about the inconstant Moon
may seem true on the surface, the changing patterns of the Moon
are remarkably consistent over time. The Moon has two cycles each
month. It takes about 27.5 days to complete the Sidereal period
where the Moon moves through the complete Zodiac. What is termed
the Synodic cycle of about 29 days is the time from New Moon to
New Moon. The second period is longer because the Earth is also
moving around the Sun, and the Moon has to catch up. There is a
third and longer lunar cycle, similar to the solstices of the Sun,
which takes 18.6 years to complete, in which the Moon slowly moves
from its extreme northern position to its most southern position
in the sky.
In contrast to the Sun’s annual journey, the Moon
passes through all twelve signs each month, creating a microcosm
of the Sun’s apparent motion. As the Moon orbits the Earth each
month her shape and place in the sky changes. This is a result of
the relationship between the Sun and Moon from our perspective.
If we could see this motion from above it would resemble an oscillating
sine wave pattern which has its trough at the New Moon and crests
at the Full Moon.
Phases of the Moon
Each phase of the monthly lunar cycle is characterized
by an angular relationship. At the New Moon the Sun and Moon seem
to be in the same place in the sky and are in conjunction, or in
the same Zodiac sign. At the quarter moon they are separated by
ninety degrees or in square relationship which places the energies
at odds. At the Full Moon they are on opposite sides of the sky
from our perspective with Earth in the Middle, creating 180 degrees
of separation, and highlighting issues of polarity.
All the planets in the solar system orbit the Sun
on the ecliptic although Pluto’s orbit is more elliptical and erratic.
This circular plane of space is the apparent path of the Sun and
gets its name because this is where eclipses occur. Whether by random
chance or divine design the Sun is nearly four hundred times the
size of the Moon but is almost that many times as far from Earth,
so from our vantage point the Sun and Moon appear to be the same
size. The Earth and Moon are also tilted on their axes, so eclipses
happen when the horizontal alignment of Sun, Moon and Earth is exact
enough to cast a shadow on the Moon or block the Sun’s light, providing
breathtaking sky-watching events.
Moon in Aries - Ardent, passionate, putting
the force of feeling into everything with an emotional intensity
that can be difficult to contain. Can be a risk of emotional domination
and “my needs first” attitude which can’t see the emotional needs
of others.
Moon in Taurus - Taurus Moon seems to attract
physical abundance. Sometimes there is so much “stuff” that possessions
become a burden. Here the receptivity of the Moon combines with
the element of earth in a fertile combination, but the inner motive
is always security.
Moon in Gemini - Here the airy nature of Gemini
creates a restless search for truth and security. The mind is in
constant motion, seeking a safe place to rest. But even when at
rest physically the mind still races.
Moon in Cancer - The Moon is said to rule Cancer
as the energy is most similar, so the feelings are hypersensitive
with strong ties to home and tradition. The image of the crab with
the hard shell to protect a soft center, scurrying sideways to avoid
a threat is an appropriate image.
Moon in Leo - Engenders a noble spirit with
a great deal of pride. Often desires to be the power behind the
throne, needing to wield influence for change. The lion’s need to
be ruler is focused on the domain of feelings which are powerful
and protective.
Moon in Virgo - Proper and conservative with
a desire to serve others. Analytical and potentially too fussy about
details. Virgo’s innate quest for perfection becomes personal so
there is frequently a deep sense of inferiority and lack of perfection
which must be healed.
Moon in Libra - Gentle and sweet on the surface,
masking an inner strength. Wants desperately to be liked and can
desire peace at any price which of course is not peace at all. The
will is directed to maintain the illusion of harmony while suppressed
emotions can eventually be stormy.
Moon in Scorpio - Brooding and often impatient.
This is the classic case of still waters run deep. Tends to hold
onto hurt feelings whether real or imagined. Needs to learn to forgive
and forget and direct powerful emotional currents into constructive
channels such as healing.
Moon in Sagittarius - Outgoing with a generous
spirit, restless and constantly wants to be on the move. There is
a tendency to overdo because of a buoyant internal optimism, which
believes anything is possible and then runs out of gas on the metaphorical
highway.
Moon in Capricorn - Feelings crystallize as
a result of past hurts or erect shields in fear of potential hurts.
The individual needs to feel very safe to be vulnerable. The influence
of parents is strong for either good or ill and will leave a lasting
mark on the psyche.
Moon in Aquarius - Original thinkers and often
progressive in outlook. The feeling nature in not engaged here and
there is an emotional detachment which borders on coldness. Get
of the “head” and perceive the feelings of others and cultivate
a sympathetic outlook.
Moon in Pisces - Romantic, visionary, dreamy
and sensitive. Can feel almost cursed with a sort of “divine discontent”
that nothing in earthly life will remove. Sympathetic and compassionate
to others. Often carries the emotional weight of the world.
Kaleidoscope
The Moon can be seen as a lens or a magic mirror,
continually reflecting sunlight through the colored panes of the
Zodiac signs, creating a spiritual Kaleidoscope. If we learn to
move in tune with these changing patterns we can sense the resonance
of Creation, turning, shifting, changing form, but always seeking
a balance of light and dark.
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