Lunar Cycles and Influences Contents: The Function of the Moon The Archetypal Cycle of Relationship The Eight Solar-Lunar Types (and chart) Comments on Each Zodiac Sign (chart) Sun in the Zodiac Signs (chart) Moon in the Zodiac Signs - Modifications to Sun Sign (chart) The Function of the Moon The placement of the Moon is the indication of a person’s Personality. This differs from Individuality as signified by the Sun in the Personality is the many-faceted vehicle through which the Individuality (the Spirit) expresses itself. The Sun’s relationship with the Moon is one of cyclic change. However, the Moon itself does not change. Instead, it is the solar-lunar relationship that changes; the Moon simply reflects the changing relationship. Many people identify with these changes and are not aware of the differences in their life-rhythms. A lack of awareness places one at the mercy of their emotions and they are slaves to their immediate feelings and impulses. Those who are aware of their natal lunar placement and the lunar cycles learn to control their Personality so it can be used as a tool of their Will. To draw an analogy to nature, the Sun is far too bright to be gazed upon directly. The face of the Moon mediates the solar light forces to the earth, as the Moon’s influence on our personality allows the interaction of our Will to others. In the horoscope, it is very important that the Sun and Moon be situated in a harmonious relationship so that the will of the Individuality and the feelings of the Personality can be coordinated in confronting one’s life circumstances. If the Sun is strong and the Moon is weak, a man will not know how to interact with other people or how to balance his own desires against prevailing conditions. The Moon represents the ability to attract people and shows how one deals with others. If the Moon is strong, and the Sun is weak, the person will have many friends and opportunities but will not have the strength to follow though on ideas and relationships. A inharmonious connections between these two Lights does not mean that an individual will not be successful. It may just indicate increased difficulty in succeeding. In the process of learning how to balance the will with the feelings, a man may learn some very important lessons necessary for the total growth and development of his Being. Rewards without work are seldom meaningful. On a more mundane level, the Moon in the natal chart indicates one’s domestic life and love of family. The Moon is the significator of one’s mother, the wife in a man’s horoscope, and the nature of one’s pregnancies and childbirths in a women’s. The strength or weakness of the Moon’s natal position is most important in the determination of one’s personal magnetism, imagination, and general sympathies. The Archetypal Cycle of Relationship Relationship is dynamic and cyclic by nature; life implies relationship, and relationship means change. In astrological terms any cycle of relationships begins with a conjunction, culminates in an opposition, and ends, only to begin again, at the next conjunction. The following conjunction, while identical in form, never takes place at the same point as the precedent. To understand the cyclic process, one must consider both the phase and the position of the relationship. Every cycle contains two distinct hemicycles. The waxing hemicycle covers the span from the New Moon (conjunction) to Full Moon (opposition). The process of this hemicycle is characterized by spontaneous and instinctual growth/action. Organic structures are built and developed during this cycle. The waning hemicycle covers the Full Moon to New Moon, when the Moon’s light is decreasing. The process of this hemicycle is one of release of and conscious growth in meaning and self-hood. The structures built during the waxing cycle are released as their meaning and significance are synthesized into the basic personality of the individual. The two hemicycles can be divided into four quadricycles. Type Position Process Function New Moon to First Quarter Moon 0° to 90° ahead of Sun Instinctive and unconscious activity, little differentiation between internal and external realms. The search for definite sense of self. First Quarter to Full Moon Moon 90° to 180° ahead of Sun Development of structures for future use of the "builder’ and attainment of status and authority within a group though the employment of these structures. The building of a firm basis for personality. Full Moon to Third Quarter Moon 180° to 90° behind Sun Gradual release of meaning and significance; growth and expansion of consciousness. Repolarization. Outcome is determined by success of waxing hemicycle experience into the personality. Third Quarter to New Moon Moon 90° to 0° behind Sun Breaking down of old images. Completion and assimilation process. The challenge of old and antiquated forms and social structures. Re-formation of social-collective ideals and formation of seed.   The Eight Solar-Lunar Types A framework may now be devised that will enable one to understand the basic manner in which the individual’s personal, social, and cultural relationships are polarized and manifested. The determination of how the soli-lunar relationship at the time of birth fits into this structure should offer significant insight into the person’s purpose of living (Sun-Moon). This framework also guides us in the fruitful use of the Moon’s and Sun’s monthly cycles. Moon Type Position Keyword Temperament Process New-Moon 0° to 45° ahead of Sun Emergence Subjective and impulsive; responds to relationship instinctively Projection of one’s personal ideals and concepts upon outer world. Crescent-Moon 45° to 90° ahead of Sun Assertion Confident in one’s self and having the need to make an impression on the outside world. Challenge of old forms left over from the former cycle. Repolarization from personal emphasis to individual concern.   First-Quarter 90° to 135° ahead of Sun Action Strong-willed. Ego emphasis or ego-building activities predominant. If negative: exploitive and ruthless Crisis in action. Building of structures to serve the person in actualization of his objectives and purposes. A need for direct action and a feeling of urgency.   Gibbous-Moon 135° to 180° ahead of Sun Expression Mental and associative. Questioning and searching for some kind of revelation or illumination. Introspection. Personal growth and a need to contribute to society or culture in a creative way.   Full-Moon 180° to 135° behind Sun Fulfillment Open and Full. Theoretically objective and fulfillment oriented. Functionally objective, rather than instinctive. Fulfillment of relationship. If negative, separation and divorce from reality.   Disseminating 135° to 90° behind Sun Synthesis Assimilative, evaluative, and innovative. Dissemination of what one has learned or experienced. The need to impress and inspire others and release new ideas.   Third-Quarter 90° to 45° behind Sun Reorientation Future oriented and inventive. May lack flexibility and may be forceful on issues. The embodiment of personal ideals and philosophy into an organized system or institution. The application of universal principles to practical and historical affairs. Balsamic-Moon Moon less than 45° behind Sun Release Future oriented, yet aware of past and its influences on the future. A feeling of "destiny" and the will to sacrifice one’s self for the well being and future growth of humanity. The release of seed ideas and the assistance of the future growth of the greater whole. The imparting of visions of the future of humanity.     Comments on Each Zodiac Sign Zodiac Sign Glyph Ruler Comment Aries Mars () The beginning of the circle. Restless – "Grant me patience NOW!" Taurus Venus () Perseveres when less determined fall by the wayside. Gemini Mercury () The quintessentially human sign – intelligence, adaptability, and communicativeness. Cancer Moon () Ruled by the Moon, and can be likened to the shifting tides. Leo Sun () Loyalty beyond question. You are devoted to yourself. Virgo Mercury () The drama is inside with a strong desire to improve. Libra Venus () Charming, a superb listener, and can draw others out. Scorpio Pluto () Bundle of contradictions encompassing the best and worse in human nature. Sagittarius Jupiter () Too interested in what is going to happen tomorrow to fret about what is wrong today. Capricorn Saturn () Ambitious and marked by a purposeful pursuit of their destiny. Aquarius Uranus () A visionary. Unorthodox, original people. Pisces Neptune () The end of the circle – sign of eternity, reincarnation, and spiritual rebirth.   - Sun in the Zodiac Signs Zodiac Sign Glyph Ruler Keyword Likable Trait Qualities Aries Mars () I Am Courage Active, energetic, excitable and impulsive, optimistic, open to change and new experiences Taurus Venus () I Have Dependability Quiet, affectionate, patient, stable determined and practical, stubborn and resistant to change Gemini Mercury () I Think Responsiveness Lively, energetic, versatile, intellectual, lives primarily in the mind rather than emotions, and is extremely adaptable to new situations. Cancer Moon () I Feel Loyalty Receptive, sensitive, imaginative, sympathetic, kind, and possesses an active, shrewd, and intellectual mind. Leo Sun () I Will Exuberance Enthusiastic, powerful, expansive and creative, generous and extravagant, dogmatic and fixed in opinion. Virgo Mercury () I Analyze Conscientiousness Reserved, modest, practical, discriminating and industrious, analytical and painstaking, seeking to know and understand. Libra Venus () I Balance Charm Active, artistic, easygoing, peaceable, prizes beauty and harmony, is diplomatic, polished, and very socially inclined. Scorpio Pluto () I Desire Idealism Imaginative, passionate and emotional, subtle, persistent, intense, obstinate and unyielding. Sagittarius Jupiter () I See Optimism Energetic, ambitious, generous, freedom-loving, and a seeker of challenge, open to new ideas and exploration. Capricorn Saturn () I Use Steadiness Reserved, prudent, patient, uses cunning instead of force, seeks security, is acquisitive, disciplined, determined, and quick to seize opportunity. Aquarius Uranus () I Know Friendliness Assertive, independent, progressive, analytical, original and inventive, has strong dislikes and firm opinions. Pisces Neptune () I Believe Compassion Receptive, intuitive and emotional, imaginative, romantic, impressionable and mystical, adaptable, and very changeable.   - Moon in the Zodiac Signs – Modifications to Sun Sign     Zodiac Sign Glyph Adds "Bright" Side of Moon "Dark" Side of Moon Aries Self-Confidence Energetic, enterprising, optimistic, open to change, idealistic Impulsive, opinionated, domineering, impatient, vain Taurus Patience and Determination Trustworthy, determined, warm, affectionate, artistic Obstinate, possessive, rigid, overcautious, a slave to routine Gemini Versatility and Intellectualism Versatile, witty, charming, lively, amusing Disorganized, inconsistent, superficial, cunning, manipulating Cancer Creativity and Emotionalism Imaginative, sympathetic, protective, tenacious, loyal Possessive, moody, critical, self-pitying, a nag Leo Warmth, Vitality, and Charisma Exuberant, creative, broadminded, colorful, fun, loving Self-indulgent, self-centered, conceited, overbearing, bullying Virgo Caution and Seriousness Intellectual, meticulous, industrious, steadfast, responsible Critical, high-strung, standoffish, argumentative, hypochondriac Libra Refinement and Grace Adaptable, creative, charming, good-natured, diplomatic Indecisive, self-indulgent, dependent, frivolous, changeable Scorpio Persistence and Intensity Imaginative, determined, ambitious, emotional, idealistic Obstinate, secretive, jealous, resentful, domineering Sagittarius Optimism and Expansion Adventurous, optimistic, exuberant, open-minded, sincere Restless, extravagant, irresponsible, careless, uncommitted. Capricorn Steadfastness and Dedication Determined, responsible, disciplined, patient, committed Rigid, pessimistic, opinionated, materialistic, over-excited Aquarius Intelligence and Individualism Idealistic, creative, tolerant, a humanitarian with a progressive outlook Unpredictable, contrary, aloof, fixed in opinion, tactless Pisces Creative Imagination and Sensitivity Compassionate, sensitive, loving, creative, loyal Indecisive, discontented, vague, secretive, easily confused