Moon atmakaraka teaches us to express the highest qualities of the Moon.
In Vedic astrology, the Moon represents the mind. Ideally, the mind is constructive and nurturing.
The Moon also rules our dreams and the subconscious. Its energy is feminine and receptive. The Moon is home, security, and mother. The mind relates, responds, reacts, and reflects. The Moon - and our mind - expresses awareness, attunement, compassion, intuition, emotions, and feelings.
The atmakaraka reveals our soul’s desires and purpose in this incarnation. It also reveals the obstacles and karmic blocks that slow down our spiritual progress. Read more about the significance of the atmakaraka here.
The Moon cannot shine on its own; it reflects the light from the Sun. When the Moon is atmakaraka, it is ultimately the soul's desire to have the mind reflect and support who you truly are without distortions.
Here are some ways to strengthen and refine the higher qualities of the Moon.
The most important task for the atmakaraka Moon is to develop calmness. Peace and calmness are the essence of a spiritual Moon. Just like we can see the Moon’s undistorted reflection in the water when the water is calm, a calm mind will reflect the truth.
Meditation is the most powerful tool for developing these soul qualities.
“To find freedom, we must calm the waves of emotion and dwell ever calmly in the consciousness of love and joy.”
–Paramhansa Yogananda
The Moon teaches us the importance of flexibility and living in the moment. It is the fastest-moving of the nine astrological planets and goes through many phases. Each day, it transits a different nakshatra, and each day brings something new.
To practice contentment, we need to seize the moments as they come and release our resistance to change, regrets of the past, and fear of the future.
Contentment means enjoying the good of every moment.
Develop your attunement to truth and your true Self. Paramhansa Yogananda would tell his disciples, “Delusion can’t touch you, if you will keep in tune.”
Truth is a state of consciousness. Receptivity involves paying attention, trying to understand, and listening to the Divine.
Discernment comes when one is receptive to and attuned to this high state of consciousness.
Introspection means looking within to examine your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Self-honesty and self-analysis are essential to spiritual growth.
Keeping a spiritual journal is a good way to work with introspection. One technique is to review your thoughts, feelings, and actions at the end of each day. Acknowledge where you have lessons to learn, pray for guidance, and offer your experience of the day into the Light.
Affirmation
I am what I am; wishing cannot change me. Let me therefore face my faults with gratitude, for only by facing them can I work on them and change them.
–from Affirmations for Self-Healing by Swami Kriyananda
Although the Moon undergoes changes and is the fastest-moving of the heavenly bodies, its rhythm and cycles are consistent and timely.
The mind also needs routines; we want constructive and supportive habits.
One tool for transforming bad habits into positive habits is the practice of affirmations. Positive affirmations repeated with deep concentration can transform negative thoughts and habits.
"A good habit is your greatest friend–a bad habit is your mortal enemy."
–Paramhansa Yogananda
Offering support to others strengthens the positive expressions of the Moon. We can serve and shine the light on the world according to our own nature and ability.
“As you forget self in service to others, you will find that, without seeking it, your own cup of happiness will be full.”
–Paramhansa Yogananda
White increases the Moon’s energy and expresses purity, openness, and virtue. Wear white and have white colors in your home to attract the Moon's energy.
Use cool and calming aromas like jasmine, lotus, gardenia, and sandalwood to increase the Moon's energy.
Astrological gemstones are a powerful way to enhance and strengthen the qualities of the planets, especially when worn so they touch the skin. The primary gemstone for the Moon is pearl. See our gemstones and jewelry for the Moon here.
Feelings and emotions are qualities of the Moon. We can channel them into love and devotion. When we refine and spiritualize our emotions, they open the heart.
Chanting and prayer are powerful ways to develop devotion and awaken the love of the heart.
The Divine Mother embodies the Moon’s highest qualities: compassion and unconditional love.
“The lesson of reincarnation is to neutralize the waves of likes and dislikes, of desire and aversion, by the expression of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion to all, and by steadfast contentment in the Self. We must love others not for their human personalities, but because they are manifestations of God, Who dwells equally in all.”
–Paramhansa Yogananda
Blessings,
Lina
P.S. You can also read about atmakaraka Sun here.
November 2024 is, not unexpectedly, a very intense month. We will see that Mars in Cancer is a major contributor to the drama.