In astrology the moon (among other things) represents the womb. In our unconsciousness, as we are being “knit together” in our mother’s womb, what pervades our earliest instincts is the emotive state of being nurtured on all levels, of being in a protected environment.  Here we are safe, here our needs are being met at that very base level.  What differentiates the moon from the representations of the other planets in our birth chart is that the moon’s influence on us is almost primitive.  Whenever we feel stressed we instinctively return to that primeval point to find solace.

Depending on the circumstances at the time of your gestation, that instinctual sense of warmth and protection may mean different things to different people.  The moon’s position in your birth chart, both by sign and by house will indicate what warmth and nurturing will mean to you.

Below are examples of the moon in each of the twelve astrological signs:

aries

taurus

gemini

cancer

leo

virgo

libra

scorpio

sagittarius

capricorn

aquarius

pisces

aries: here the nurturing sense is all about what I want.  The nurturing state is fulfilled through action.  With the moon in aries emotions may be impulsive, excitable and enthusiastic and there may be a sense that these emotions need to be fulfilled immediately.

taurus: here the nurturing sense is all about what I have.  The sense of safety and security is fulfilled around what we own, our material possessions, our money.  With the moon in this sign we feel more cautious, more reserved and less likely to make changes in our life.

gemini: here the nurturing sense is all about what I think.  Here we are nurtured through new thoughts and ideas and many of them.  There is an almost childlike sense of curiosity, a never ending inquisitiveness that feels like it can never be satisfied.  You may feel like your mind is never at peace during this period.

cancer: here the nurturing sense is all about what I feel.  Whilst the moon is this sign we are in an emotional playground.  We can experience a whole range of emotion over the period from a black depressive emotion to a highly euphoric state of bliss. The cancer moon can also be satisfied through nurturing and caring for others. 

leo: here the nurturing sense is all about what I create and for the Leo moon in its positive state it can create a real sense of fun and playfulness or to the other extreme where childlike tendencies such as attention seeking and temper tantrums come to the fore.  The leo moon is generous, warm and loving.

virgo: here the nurturing sense is all about what I learn.  There is a need to want to analyse and understand our emotions which may not always be a healthy state for while the moon is in virgo we can also find ourselves in highly self critical states.  The feelings displayed at this time are around being reserved, meticulous, serious or just being quiet within oneself.

libra: here the nurturing sense is all about what I unite.  The need at this time is for harmony, balance and unity and one may find themselves striving for these states with the people and situations around them and also within themselves.  It is quite stressful while the moon is libra to be in a position of conflict or argument.

scorpio: here the nurturing sense is all about what I desire.  Whilst the moon is in this position our emotions are deepened and intensified.  Whatever your natal moon sign at this time those natural emotions unique to you will be further amplified.  One may experience feelings of jealousy, possessiveness and/or resentfulness.

sagittarius: here the nurturing sense is all about what I seek.  At this time we find ourselves wanting the freedom.  We may be perceived as irresponsible at this time but in fact it could be more a case of wanting to explore possibilities.  While the moon moves through this sign we have more of a tendency towards carefree, cheerful and optimistic emotions.

capricorn: here the nurturing sense is all about what/who I use.  The moon in capricorn is not in a very cheerful position.  For by nature the moon is about nurturing and warmth and mothering but while the moon moves through this sign the tendency is to work towards self achievement at all costs –often to the detriment of those around.

aquarius:  here the nurturing sense is all about what I think.  Big picture scenarios are the source of emotional satisfaction.  Social causes and group situations are more important at this time than close intimate relationships and because of this whilst the moon moves through aquarius we may feel detached or aloof from those we would normally care for.

pisces: here the nurturing sense is all about what I believe.  At its best while the moon is in pisces we can feel dreamy, imaginative, psychic, creative or even romantic.  At it worst the moon in pisces has tendencies towards moodiness, a tendency towards escapism or an overindulgence in negative emotions.  This is a highly compassionate and inspirational placement.