A couple of weeks ago, people around the world experienced a rare, spectacular lunar phenomenon: a total eclipse of a blood moon. It was a stunning, awe-inspiring, dare-we-say-it mystical occasion. Because we’re all about balls this month, we thought, “Well, what about that really big ball, the moon?” Astrological amateurs that we are, we turned to our in-house expert on such matters, Lori Bell of The Standard, Miami Beach, for some answers. Specifically, we wanted to know what role the moon plays in the world of astrology and how we should use its phases to our advantage.
STANDARD CULTURE: Can you describe the significance in the larger field of astrology?
LORI BELL: The moon is the heart of the natal chart. It has many facets: it's our emotional body, our instinctive knowing, our inner world. It represents our needs, feeling, and security. When we listen to our moon, we are listening to our hearts. The moon is the deep core within us. It’s where the magic occurs.
What is the significance of the recent blood-red super moon? Do eclipses have any kind of special significance in astrology?
The blood-red super moon does not have significance, but eclipses certainly do. Think of a full moon or new moon, but 1,000 times stronger. They are often called wild cards in the zodiac because you never know what to expect, except change, especially when it hits your personal planets. Lunar eclipses very often bring endings or culminations. Changes can be internal or external. They are turning points in the sky. You cannot remain stagnant when an eclipse hits your chart.
Lori Bell, resident astrologist of The Standard, Miami Beach
Generally speaking, how do the phases of the moon play into our astrological charts?
Hugely. Knowing your moon sign without knowing the phase does not get to the heart of your moon; it adds a deeper dimension. Let's say two people have the moon in Cancer, yet one is born on a full moon and the other is born on a new moon—it’s a different expression of the same moon sign. The lunar phase is an indicator of our life's purpose and basic personalities.
By extension, how does the moon affect our moods and circumstances?
The moon affects the way we feel about ourselves and even our reactions on an hourly basis. The moon is the fastest moving planet in the zodiac, changing sign every two-and-a-half days, and it goes through the entire zodiac in 28 days. Every two and a half hours, it moves one degree. Every two hours, it literally affects our mood. On days when you’re more moody then usual, blame it on the moon.
Are there any benefits (that you know of) to moon bathing?
Connecting with the cosmos and gazing at moon is always good for your soul.
How can/should the phases of the moon affect decision making?
The moon is excellent for timing daily events. It’s incredibly useful to know when to initiate or lay back. The new moon is for planting seeds, making a vision for the future, setting intentions, and setting forth the theme for the month. The full moon is the culmination, the burst, life at its peak. When the moon is void, nothing much is happening—it’s best to finish up projects and not initiate new things.
Why do people refer to the moon as having “energy” properties?
The moon taps into out our intuition and our gut feelings—it's instinctual. The moon has powerful energies that are within. We can access them through the moon. It's the moment when you "know" and have no clue as to why, yet it's a deep knowing. On full moons, many people are much more in tune with their emotions. Thus we say the moon is magical.
The moon obviously has an effect on tides, so does being closer to water have any particular effect?
Other than high tides, no. Wherever we live, people feel the effects of the moon. The intensity is the same whether you are on the coast or in the mountains. The moon's power is universal.
Is there any astrological connection between the moon and fertility?
The moon has been associated with childbirth since ancient times. Ancient and modern astrology both have techniques showing the best time to conceive. While the moon is included, other planets, such as Venus and Jupiter, have a role in fertility. William Lily, a 17th-century British astrologer, wrote in detail about astrology and fertility. Dr. Pat Harris, from Astrologer Fertility, is an astrologer researching the connection between the two. When a woman wants to conceive, why not get advice from the stars?
Anything else we should know about the moon?
The moon rules. If you really want to know about yourself and others, find out where the moon is. It is the key to our happiness.
The moon is excellent for timing daily events. It’s incredibly useful to know when to initiate or lay back. The new moon is for planting seeds, making a vision for the future, setting intentions, and setting forth the theme for the month. The full moon is the culmination, the burst, life at its peak. When the moon is void, nothing much is happening—it’s best to finish up projects and not initiate new things.
Why do people refer to the moon as having “energy” properties?
The moon taps into out our intuition and our gut feelings—it's instinctual. The moon has powerful energies that are within. We can access them through the moon. It's the moment when you "know" and have no clue as to why, yet it's a deep knowing. On full moons, many people are much more in tune with their emotions. Thus we say the moon is magical.
The moon obviously has an effect on tides, so does being closer to water have any particular effect?
Other than high tides, no. Wherever we live, people feel the effects of the moon. The intensity is the same whether you are on the coast or in the mountains. The moon's power is universal.
Is there any astrological connection between the moon and fertility?
The moon has been associated with childbirth since ancient times. Ancient and modern astrology both have techniques showing the best time to conceive. While the moon is included, other planets, such as Venus and Jupiter, have a role in fertility. William Lily, a 17th-century British astrologer, wrote in detail about astrology and fertility. Dr. Pat Harris, from Astrologer Fertility, is an astrologer researching the connection between the two. When a woman wants to conceive, why not get advice from the stars?
Anything else we should know about the moon?
The moon rules. If you really want to know about yourself and others, find out where the moon is. It is the key to our happiness.
