The Moon – Mother of our Earth Life
Most of us know very little about the Moon. Occasionally we are moved to gaze upon its brightness, or observe its form changing with the waxing and waning as a reminder of the light source in the heavens that dominates in the night skies.
Few of us are capable of exploring the controversial issues that concern astronomers about the origin of the Moon and its relationship to our planet. It would seem enough that we recognize its influence for good and that it is indispensible to life on earth, as we know it.
But from time immemorial humans have understood it to be the preserver of life and the nurturer – the Mother of all life on earth. It was accorded equal spiritual status as the Sun and revered as a Goddess, in contrast with the casual attitude so many people hold today.
We are to some extent aware of it influence in our practical lives. Some gardeners depend upon the phases of the moon to achieve best results with the germination of seed or with the health of their garden vegetables. Fishermen consider its importance in determining their catch. Some choose to consider the moon’s phases when fixing the dates of outdoor social occasions.
We are aware that animals respond to the moon that controls their mating seasons and we know that many pet dogs tend to get excited at times of the Full Moon.
It can affect humans too, and many are familiar with mood changes at different phases, and a certain mental stimulation and inner excitement at its full. In mental hospitals, before drugs were used for the purpose, extra staff were allotted at Full Moon to help control patients who became violent and disorientated at this time.
The Moon asserts its power and influence over women and regulates their monthly menstruation cycle upon which new life depends. We know how it pulls the waters of the oceans and affects the tides and the movements of water as it draws up the sap in plants and the blood towards the brain in humans. The subtle power is unseen but we can best recognize its strength by the part it plays in nature and the environment when destructive rain downpour, flooding and tsunamis occur.
But to most of us the Moon is the symbol of the subtleties and romantic aspects of life and the focus of all ideal female qualities. It can hold our interest as a magnet and intrigues us with its mystical, somewhat mysterious nature in spite of what astronomers are beginning to discover of its physical character. Whatever is our limited understanding of the influence of the Moon over natural life, we must prepare to discover through the traditional wisdom of Astrology how the Moon affects human nature and events.
Once the deeper, spiritual symbolism of the Moon is realized we are ready to look at the placement of the Moon in our Chart to learn the effects of its position in a particular zodiacal sign, in a particular House or section of the Chart, as well as its relationship with the Sun and planets.
The Moon reigns over the subtleties as the Sun rules the obvious. Being sensitive to both the electric energy of the solar power and the magnetic force of the lunar we all share the common task to harmonize these energies in our nature and in our lives.
