The influence of The Moon

The Light Moon may influence physical strength, assertiveness and the capacity to take decisive action, especially in matters of the heart. Extremes of passion are likely at times, particularly if the influence of Mars is also salient. Lack of consideration for others, inconsistent or impulsive behavior, or blatant aggression are likely if a high reading occurs. The Dark Moon may bring clarity to decision-making, but not in matters of the heart. Often associated with periods of calm, or waiting, the influence of the Dark Moon may find the patience of the Aries wanting.

The Light Moon has an influence on the emotions, and this can have a dampening effect that increases the natural patience of Taureans, though the down side of this is complacency. This can become a real problem if rumination turns into a stubborn refusal to get going, or results in a rigid go-slow mind-set when others want results quickly. The Dark Moon can bring the subconscious passions to the surface and depending what they are this may invoke the slumbering power of the Taurean into action. The Taurean's can be as surprised as those around them with the outcomes.

The Light Moon 'speeds up' the natural ability to do many things at the same time, but this can result in trying to do too many things at once. Tension and emotional fluctuations are the unsettling result, and the feeling of being 'out of control'. Contradictory behaviors are likely, especially if the Moon is salient in the birth reading. The Dark Moon, the twin opposite of the Light Moon, raises the Gemini awareness of the unseen forces and spirits. Gemini~Rs are equally at odds with a moonless night or a full moon, preferring the light and dark side in equal measure.

The Moon, Cancer's ruling planet, is the strongest influence, particularly heightening the proclivity to be self-protective, which can work against intimacy. The Light Moon's influence strengthens the nurturing instincts of Cancerians and this influence can extend to increase sensuality and passion and encourage more self-revelation. The changing Moon is associated with fluctuations and upheaval and may add to the Cancerian tendency to employ catastrophic thinking. The influence of the Dark Moon is strongest with the new moon and can be particularly unsettling for Cancerians.

The Light Moon can heighten Leo's innate enthusiasm and the expression of positive energies, especially in the areas of leadership and organization and ardent sexual drive. However, the Moon is also associated with fluctuations and emotionality and during a period of insecurity, it may help spark the expression of negative energies in displays of a dogmatic mindset or arrogance. The Dark Moon's influence is strongest when the Moon is on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. This is a potent combination for the sun driven Leo, and Leo~Rs will need to guard against inappropriate self-expression.

The Light Moon, if working with Mars, assists Virgo to use nervous energy with the considerable mental abilities that Mars, Virgo's ruling planet, encourages. In these circumstances lucid arguments, verbal or written, can be presented without undue sharpness or having to insist. The Light Moon, however, is also associated with disruptions and fluctuations, and at other times anxieties may threaten to sabotage insights or encourage 'headless chicken' thinking. The presence of the Dark Moon can reduce empathy and compassion and if a subconscious drive for power is present, this can be an ugly combination. However if others are not involved the Dark Moon can bring a clarity and self-reliance to Virgo's personal decision making.

The Light Moon, if it is salient in Libra's birth reading, can help to increase the archetypal feminine qualities already brought to the Libran by Venus. In male Librans, it can strengthen the feminine principle. These include empathy for others, peacemaking, tact and diplomacy, and the urge to bring out the best in others. But the moon is also associated with fluctuations and contradictory emotions and there may be a lack of objectivity or the inability to think clearly about a situation. The Dark Moon may bring out the often repressed passion and power of the Libran, which if not well managed can bring uncharacteristic selfishness and cattiness to the Libran persona. If well managed it may enable the Libran to be decisive and deliver the hard message they had been avoiding.

The Light Moon can greatly influence Scorpio's emotions, a phenomenon that may be used in positive circumstances to enhance the positive expression of emotions, or in other circumstances it may inspire jealousy or melancholic brooding. The Dark Moon brings Scorpio in touch with their subconscious self and appetite for power. This awareness appropriately managed assist Scorpio's to make important life decisions.

The Light Moon may enhance Sagittarian optimism, love of a challenge and increase the speed at which the mind works. However, the Moon is also associated with fluctuations and upheavals and may be a disturbing influence when trying to focus on the details of a project or an important decision. The influence of the Dark Moon can lead the Sagittarian to brooding or spiritual contemplation. It may also enable the Sagittarian to let go of the challenge or activity that has taken them beyond their considerable capacity.

The Light Moon's influence increases the 'coolness' of Capricorn's approach, both in public and in private, and this can dampen a usually somewhat repressed emotional life even further. It can also bring a spiritual rigidity to the formal practice of religion. It's influence can also benefit Capricorn's 'cool headed' approach to practical matters and bring common sense or conservatism to the fore. The influence of the Dark Moon can lead to moments of emotional freedom and self-expression, which can be both surprising and refreshing. At its best this can be enlightening, at its worst it can be embarrassing and inappropriate.

The Light Moon's influence is seen in the personal magnetism of the Aquarian individual that others are attracted to, but this influence may intensify a fear of commitment so that others are shut out. At times the influence of Uranus, the ruling planet of Aquarians, may combine with the fluctuation and upheavals brought by the Moon's influence, bringing exaggeration in the form of eccentricity or idiosyncratic spiritual practice. When the influence of the Dark Moon is strong it can lead the Aquarian to desire time alone, although even then they will be aware of the presence of others. If Solitude is unattainable their companions may see a side of the Aquarian they wished they hadn't.

The Light Moon intensifies the Piscean proclivity to experience romantic or sentimental emotions, but Pisces idealism and inclination to passivity, when added to this emotional intensification, may result in others taking advantage. Male Pisceans particularly may find they fall into moodiness or are temperamental, easily offended or defeatist. The Dark Moon influence can bring an unusual clarity to the Piscean's convictions, and if the individual's subconscious desire is understood this can lead to a strong personal resolve to see things 'right'. However if this is not managed carefully this can be detrimental to interpersonal relationships.