Moon (Chandra)
The Moon (Chandra) signifies the mind, emotions, the mother, comfort and nourishment. In Vedic astrology it is as important as the ascendant: your Moon sign and nakshatra shape your rashifal, dashas and matching.
Also known as: chandrama, soma, chandra graha
Chandra rules manas, the feeling mind. Its sign shows your emotional temperament, and its house shows where you seek comfort and security. It also signifies the mother, home life, popularity with the public, water, travel and the rhythms of daily habit.
The Moon rules Cancer, is exalted in Taurus and debilitated in Scorpio. A waxing, bright Moon is a benefic; near the new moon it is weaker. Because it moves about 13° a day, the Moon’s nakshatra at birth sets your Vimshottari dasha, and its daily movement drives the tithi and nakshatra of the Panchang.
A strong Moon steadies the whole chart; a stressed one can show as restlessness or changeable moods, which rest, routine and caring relationships do much to ease. Traditional supports include Monday observances, worship of Shiva and a pearl, worn only on an astrologer’s advice.