By Catherine Carlson
The moon is our fastest moving celestial body. As such, every 30 days it cycles through all 12 zodiac signs. The sun, by comparison takes a full year to get through the signs.
While the sun reflects our personality, the moon reflects our emotional self. It can reflect the mother archetype and how we are cared for as well as how we nurture. It can also represent the health of the entire body. This means our feelings or how we react to things can be more steady, less intense or more amplified depending on where the moon is.
The moon stays in a sign for two to three days, so each month we get to surround ourselves with the energy of eleven signs other than our own and may feel a little like that sign briefly. Being so close to the earth means the astrological energy of the moon has a more intense effect on us and our planet.
Knowing what sign the moon is in can help you navigate your calendar and also understand yourself and your how you are feeling at any given time. If you know what sign your natal moon is in, you might find those are the times when it feels natural since it is the most familiar energy to you.
Here is an overview of the atmosphere surrounding the moon through each sign.
Moon in Water Signs:
The moon is at home in water signs. The gravity of the moon affects all water on earth—the tides as well as we humans (who are made up of approximately 60% water). The moon in a water sign is going to be the most sensitive and introspective of all the elements. These are the times when you may feel the least social and find it the easiest time to let emotions flow.
Moon in Cancer:
Picture a crab on the rocks at night, finally able to come out of its dark hiding place. The moon is the planetary ruler of the sign Cancer, so this is naturally a very emotional transit. You may feel agitated or uncomfortable, or “crabby” during this time. On the other hand, your maternal instincts may be activated and you might feel caring toward loved ones or pets. It’s a good time for healing both internally or externally. Having a cozy meal with friends or family aligns with this energy, as does watching a movie. If you have a party on the calendar and would rather stay home, the moon may be in Cancer. It’s a good time to lay low, stay in your crab shell, and process your emotions. [September 9-10; October 6-7; November 2-4, 30; December 1, 26 (full moon), 27-29].
Moon in Scorpio:
Sensitivity may be present but hidden under a Scorpio moon. Your emotional response during this time may not be obvious since there is often a lot going on beneath the surface. What about those feelings that are buried deep? This is the moon under which dark or heavy subject matters can be addressed. Long lost secrets may be revealed during a Scorpio moon. This energy can also bring about deep healing. [September 19-20, October 16-17, November 12,13 (new moon),14, December 10-11]
Moon in Pisces:
If you feel like the world is just too much, the moon may be in Pisces. It can be an extra-sensitive time of great empathy toward unfortunate situations with friends or strangers. Even if that doesn’t apply, you may still feel the desire to escape reality during this time either through a fantasy novel or a beverage. Of all the moons, this one is most connected to dreams, so don’t be surprised if you have some interesting ones, especially during a new or full Pisces moon. This moon has an energy that lends itself to romance and lovely dates to a concert, opera, or ballet. Drawing up designs, blueprints, or making music all work beautifully with this influence. [September 1, 28-29; October 25-26; November 21-22, December 18-19].
Moon in Air Signs:
The moon in an air sign is going to highlight all kinds of mental activity. This includes how we communicate with each other as well as how we gather information and share it. The moon in air signs won’t be as sensitive as others because it tends to process emotions by talking about them instead of feeling them. If you feel like it’s too much, let the air flow by remembering to breathe. Or better yet, go outside and feel the breeze.
Moon in Gemini:
This is perhaps the most social moon in the sky. It’s a good time to have or attend a party, meet up with friends, start a class, or attend a lecture. Reading or learning about a fascinating subject is perfect since you may feel extra curious. It’s also a fine time to write in your journal or catch up on emails and calls. Communication in all its forms will be the energy du jour, but you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of it with a tendency to feel scattered. [September 6-8; October 4-5, 31; November 1, 27 (full moon), 28-29; December 25-26]
Moon in Libra:
This moon may make you feel more sensitive to your best friend or partner as you strive for harmony and balance in all types of interpersonal relationships. You can also feel very much in touch with your inner designer and make inspired choices for your home or wardrobe. Under the influence of this moon, you may feel more confused overall or indecisive because you can see the benefit of multiple choices making it difficult to make one. [September 16-18; October 14 (new moon solar eclipse) and 15; November 10-11; December 7-9].
Moon in Aquarius:
Under this moon you might find yourself the most detached from what you are feeling. Emotions can easily bypass a physical reaction. Because of this there can be a lack of inter-personal sensitivity and you may go against the status-quo, even if at other times this is not your normal behavior. At the same time there can be a desire to be with the group and an awareness of the needs of a collective. You may feel like lending support to a humanitarian cause, for example. [September 25-27; October 23-24; November 19-20; December 16-17].
Moon in Earth Signs:
The moon in an earth sign creates a solid and stable atmosphere. Overall, you may respond logically. If the energy of the moon in earth becomes overwhelming, try to have patience and remember to slow down which will allow you to feel your feelings rather than respond in a practical way.
Moon in Taurus:
This is considered to be one of the most comfortable placements as the moon is quite content in the sign of Taurus. It’s a slower pace and it’s reflective. You may naturally be drawn to cooking, gardening or creating beauty in or out of your home. You may also be prone to bouts of stubbornness or feeling a lack of physical or financial security as this energy is concerned about stability. [September 4-5, October 2-3, 28 (full moon lunar eclipse) & 30; November 25-26, December 23-24]
Moon in Virgo:
Virgo is a wonderfully predictive moon. You may find yourself tackling your list with greater ease or feel inspired to organize your drawers. This is a good time for volunteer work or lending a helping hand in all manner of ways. You may feel inspired to improve your health. Virgo’s desire for perfectionism is strong here, so you may be inclined to be a bit hard on yourself, or judgmental of others. Take care to watch for that and build in some relaxation. [September 14(new moon),15; October 11-13; November 7-8; December 5-6].
Moon in Capricorn:
“Taking Care of Business” is the theme song of this moon which lends itself to the need to have some degree of control or responsibility over our world. It can highlight all managerial or business matters. The desire to set goals and reach levels of achievement may be strong. Feeling grumpy can be common especially when things aren’t done to a certain degree of excellence. [September 23-24; October 21-22; November 17-18; December 14-15].
Moon in Fire Signs:
When our emotions are held to the fire, we can be quick to react and may not even be aware of what we’re saying or doing. We may impulsively express honest and true feelings and be surprised at ourselves or others when they are let loose. Awareness, apologies, and time to cool down are key.
Moon in Aries:
Aries is the beginning, the first in line! This is a high energy moon that generates sparks of ideas and ignites passion. This is the best moon for exercising because the energy wants to move. You may find yourself a bit more self-focused during this moon. An Aries moon produces the shortest fuse of all so calming the fire may be necessary. [Sept. 2-3,30; October 1, 27-29 (full moon); November 23-24; December 20-23]
Moon in Leo:
Romance, children, and life pleasures take center stage. Loving the limelight, Leo moon brings out the drama, the romance, and the fun. This is a great moon for creative projects, letting your children take the lead, or going on a date to a rock concert or Broadway show. It’s a good time to share the wealth. People may be overly dramatic and not having your way under a Leo moon can lead to being pouty or even a full-blown temper tantrum. [September 11-13; October 8-10, November 5-6, December 30-31]
Moon in Sagittarius:
The Sagittarius moon is optimistic and freedom seeking. Restless feelings of wanderlust may be present. You may feel the need to get in the car and go for a drive. Travel and spiritual retreats are perfect for this time. Under this moon you could find yourself in a group telling jokes or talking philosophy and religion long into the night, with copious amounts of food and wine. The Latin saying, “In Vino Veritas” (there is truth in wine) is applicable here as this moon can promote truth telling and you might be startled by words that are spoken. [September 21-22; October 18-20; November 15-16; December 12 (new moon), 13]
The moon is like a weekend guest, paying a short visit to each sign before it moves on to the next. You might just be reaping the benefits and then find it’s gone. For sensitive folks, it can be intensely felt so a couple of days is plenty. If you enjoy some of the energy you experience with the moon, the good news is, it’ll be back again every month! A quick Google search will tell you what sign the moon is in on any given day. There are also several free lunar apps that will tell you the phase and sign of the moon each day such as My Moon Phase or Moon Phases and Lunar Calendar.
Ann Arbor native Catherine Carlson is an astrologer who offers consultations for adults and children. She can be reached at catherine-carlson.com or catenka@mac.com.
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