What’s your Sun sign?  Most people know the answer to this question.  Not everyone, however, knows that the Moon sign in the astrological chart is equally important.  In fact, in the areas for which astrology is commonly used – relationship compatibility and event timing – the Moon takes on great significance.

If you’ve had an astrological birth chart calculated before, you know your Moon sign and some of its strengths and weaknesses.  Your Moon sign is the sign through which the moon was traveling -- or transiting -- on the day you were born.  The sign in which your Moon is positioned can tell you about your general emotional nature, as well as about the types of people with whom you are most likely to share long-term associations.  For example, if your natal moon is in Virgo, you may be hard working, detail-oriented and health-minded.  You’ll want to look for partners and friends with the earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) represented in their birth charts for greatest long-term compatibility.

Another very valuable way to follow the moon is to look at the moon’s current or transiting position in the Tropical zodiac.  [Since Western astrology uses the Tropical zodiac, the positions of the moon will vary by a sign or so from those that appear in the sky, which are based on the Sidereal zodiac.]  Since the Moon changes its sign every 2-1/2 days, it can be fun to follow the Moon.  Did you know that gardening and domestic activities are most likely to be successful when the moon is in Cancer or Pisces?  Or that more police officers tend to be on the roads when the Moon is in Scorpio or Capricorn?  Or that parties tend to be more successful when the Moon is in Gemini, Leo, Libra or Sagittarius and when the Moon is in a positive relationship with the planet Venus?  These are just a few of the practical ways that following the position of the Moon can help you effectively plan your activities.

To learn the Moon’s position on a given day, consult an astrological calendar such as Jim Maynard’s Pocket Astrologer or Celestial Guide, Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide, or the Farmer’s Almanac.  Start by looking up the current date, and noting the sign the moon is in on that date.  It’s easiest if you get a calendar constructed for the time zone you live in, so you don’t have to repeatedly calculate the time difference in your head.  After you know where the Moon is on a given day, focus on learning the meaning of the sign energy of that moon position.  For example, when the moon is in Aries, people around you may exhibit Aries qualities.  They may be energetic, impulsive or impatient.  They may be outgoing, angry, have high energy levels, or want to start new projects (but not be inclined to finish them!).  One reason an Aries Moon is considered a poor choice of Moons for a wedding date is that, like the hot and fast sign of Aries, the wedding may be passionate but short-lived.  But an Aries Moon is good for breaking new ground on many types of projects.  When the Moon is in Pisces, people are more likely to be relaxed, compassionate and intuitive.  They may want to withdraw from the crowd.  Following the Moon as it transits each sign is a good way to learn the basic nature of each sign, as well as to plan activities that correspond with the sign energy.

For you advanced Moon followers, the next step is to notice how the transiting Moon interacts with your individual birth chart.  As the Moon moves around your chart and conjuncts your birth planets, the Moon acts as a kind of trigger, activating events and issues related to the planets, signs and houses that it contacts.  For example, if the Moon is moving through Taurus, and it conjoins natal Venus in your Second House of personal values and income, you may receive extra money (Second House), purchase something beautiful (Venus), or decide to get a massage (Taurus).  If the Moon is in Leo, moving past Saturn in your natal Fifth House, you may want to plan (Saturn) some playtime (Leo) with your children (Fifth House).  Or you may need to confront a responsibility or limit (Saturn) involving your children or recreational pursuits (Fifth House).

A couple of handy Moon hints:  1) When the Moon is moving through your natal Sun or Moon sign, these tend to be pleasant and productive days for you.  (There are exceptions if you have challenging aspects to the Sun or Moon, but for most people these days provide an extra emotional boost.)  2) When the Moon is waxing (moving from New to Full), it’s a good time to begin new projects or relationships.  When the Moon is waning (moving from Full back to New), it’s best to finish up existing projects, rest and reflect, and prepare behind the scenes for another new beginning at the next New Moon.

As the Moon transits each sign and shines its reflected light on your birth planets, you can maximize the unique opportunities each of your chart planets offers, and time your activities for greater effectiveness and pleasure.  Of course, if all of this Moon following feels like too much to tackle on your own, your astrologer can help!  Enjoy following the Moon.