The Moon is the smallest planet; it is smaller than the earth and is only 250,000 miles away from us; its influence on earth and its inhabitants is immense. The sexual urge in human-beings and animals is found to be intimately connected with the different phases of the Moon. In fact, the significance of the Moon is so great that it is called Chakshusi, eye-sight. The Sun and Moon are considered the two eyes of the universe.
The symbol of the Moon, if carefully considered, is the most enigmatic one and the planet itself is not less so. The symbol of ever-rising arcs signifying the surge in the psyche resulting from the downward pressure towards materialism, and upward attraction to divine unity may reveal much more dangerous and vulnerable influences flowing from the Moon. The stability and growth of a human being largely depends upon his psycho-mental nourishment and wellbeing. The Moon symbol in a very simple manner shows the mystic nature of the planet and its relationship with the Sun.
The Sun is the soul of the Universe, and the flow of the Sun's rays is channeled through the Moon. The Moon does not shine with its own light but reflects the life-giving energy flowing from the Sun. The Sun is giver of life to the whole planetary system, while the Moon specifically directs life to our globe. The Moon being a reflecting medium, it is incapable of causing any real harm. The life-giving quality of the Moon makes it "born of water," for water is the element which sustains all living creatures. The Sun represents the positive, or yang polarity, the father principle, whereas the Moon represents the yin polarity, the mother principle. She is passive, womb-like, protective, strengthening the growth of her progeny, taking interest in every action of her child. The qualities of the Moon emphasize its role as the universal principle, capable of producing good or evil depending on its associations with other planets. Astrologically, the Moon strengthens any planets associated with her except Saturn, which stifles the blossoming life-energy at every level.
The Moon reflects the joy and sharing that comes with having peace of mind, though an afflicted Moon indicates the neglect and withdrawal we experience when faced with losing that peace. The Moon is the soul descended into matter, which it experiences through the sense mind and body. It is where we are the most easily hurt and the most vulnerable. The Moon shows the quality of our nurturing and our capacity to nurture others. It shows the clarity of our perceptions and how they are distorted as well as our basic desires to have peace of mind. The Moon is like the window we are looking through. Whatever affects the Moon, deeply affects our life and outlook. (Astrology Weekly)
