In Vedic astrology, the Moon (Chandra) holds a special significance, symbolizing emotions, mind, intuition, nurturing, and the subconscious self. Classical texts such as Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Saravali, and Phaladeepika describe the Moon as a planet of immense sensitivity, reflecting one’s emotional nature and mental health.
Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra identifies the Moon as the natural significator of the mind (Manas Karaka), influencing emotional stability, creativity, and psychological well-being. The Moon represents maternal figures, domestic harmony, and one’s innate emotional responses. A strong Moon in the birth chart bestows emotional clarity, compassion, strong intuition, good memory, and harmony in relationships. Conversely, an afflicted Moon may cause emotional instability, mood swings, anxiety, insecurity, and issues related to mental health or motherly relationships.
According to Saravali, the Moon rules the zodiac sign Cancer and is exalted in Taurus, signifying a profound emotional and nurturing strength. It is debilitated in Scorpio, symbolizing emotional turbulence, intense feelings, and difficulty expressing inner vulnerabilities. The Moon gains directional strength (Digbala) in the fourth house, signifying home life, family roots, emotional peace, and a nurturing environment.
Phaladeepika highlights the Moon’s role in spiritual and emotional growth. It recommends practices like meditation, chanting Moon-related mantras (Chandra mantra), and performing rituals on Mondays to harmonize lunar energy and promote emotional well-being.
In Bhrigu Nadi, the Moon governs the mind, emotions, and the mother. It shows the quality of one’s emotional karma and inner purity. When Moon is with Jupiter, it forms the sacred Gaja-Kesari Yoga, giving the native wisdom, memory, and compassion. Moon with Saturn often reveals suppressed emotional experiences from past lives, leading to mood swings or detachment in relationships. A strong Moon indicates maternal blessings and emotional balance; a weak or afflicted Moon shows karmic challenges involving mother, nurturing, or mental peace. The Moon’s position also affects one’s intuitive power and capacity to attract harmony.
Understanding the placement and condition of the Moon in one’s birth chart provides essential insights into emotional patterns, relationships, personal happiness, and overall psychological health, guiding individuals toward emotional fulfillment and inner harmony.