Studies in Astrology
by
Elman Bacher
Volume I
Chapter V
The Moon--Principle of Motherhood
In the study of the sign positions and aspects of the
Moon in a horoscope we deal with one of the fundamentals of life-expression:
the basis of feminine polarity. The Moon is one of the cornerstones of a
chart; she is the root from which springs all the other variations of the
passive, receptive, and emotional phases of the personality. The fullest
significance of the Moon vibration can be comprehended only when every human
being is understood to contain within himself, or herself, the essences of
both polarity; every chart has Sun-Mars as well as Moon-Venus, in some pattern
or other.
Physical sex, in the world of forms, is a specialized
emphasis of either polarity for the purposes of perpetuation. But, on the
inner planes of subconscious impressions, feelings, karmic memories, and
racial patterns, the Moon influence prevails. Fulfillment of evolutionary
processes is thus seen to be made in the physical aspects of both polarities,
usually alternating, and since physical sex is attended by a specialization of
experience, everyone must know the life of male as well as female. This
"specialization" is not only of expression but, automatically, of karma; thus
certain lessons can be learned only through incarnation as female. In this
connection, much in the karma of males may be traceable, by cause and effect,
to unfulfillments and misdirections of the feminine urges in past embodiments,
and the Moon, in male charts, is the key to these karmic patterns. The karma
that a man experiences through women is merely the objectification of this own
unregenerate feminine polarity; he is manifesting as male, but, by reflection
through his contacts and exchanges with "the women in his life," these inner
disorders are manifested.
Mars, dynamic and vitalizing, is the function of
impregnation, the essence of male sex; the Moon is that which receives this
energizing and nurtures the dormant seed into form. Thus, the Moon is the link
between Ego and family race. She is the agency through which man as male
projects himself into the streams of life.
Thus, the Moon is seen as the Principle of Motherhood
and, in mundane or objective astrology, this is her primary signification.
Through experience as mother, mankind receives lessons that are second to none
in scope, depth, and importance. It is as mother that the potentials of Mars
selfishness, Mars egotism, Mars domination, and Mars destructiveness receive
their first alchemicalized transmutations through the initiation of self-
sacrifice demanded by the functions of motherhood.
Much has been said, for ages past, about the
sacredness of motherhood; how few people realize that the same urge which
moves a primitive, animal-like woman to lend her body to pain in order that
the stream of life may be perpetuated is, in microcosm, the same urge by which
a Master, through highly developed forms of transmutation and alchemy,
"nurtures" the spiritual life of the race. The primitive woman responds
instinctively to the urges of blood and desire; the Master fulfills his
transcendent aspirations in impersonal love. When the nurture of the life of
another--or others--is concerned, the motherhood principle is expressed.
(Astrologically, of course, the woman in the above example is Moon->Mars; the
Master, as an expression of spiritual Light synthesizes the planetary
spectrum. In his case, the Moon is cosmically expressed as Neptune and Mars is
expressed as Uranus).
How, might be asked, can each child in a large family
have the Moon in a different sign, since all have the same mother? Because of
the quality of experience involved in maternity, and the changes of
"capacity," psychological and emotional levels, and in domestic situations
which may occur during the years of fruition, a woman is not quite the same
person at the birth of her sixth child as she was as a mother of one. Each
child in a family group has an individual pattern, and his, or her, Moon
reflects or indicates an individual "mother picture." Hence, though the mother
is the same individual she is "seen" differently, according to the
consciousness or subconsciousness, by each child. And--and this is very
important--she may have a different kind of karmic bond--some expression of
basic attraction or repulsion--with each child. Thus, each child's Moon
indicates a different pattern of reactions and feelings in his relationship
with the mother.
The sign position of the Moon in the chart of a girl--
a potential mother--shows, basically, what kind of a mother she will, or can
be; the Moon aspects describe her basic motherhood experiences. In a boy's
chart, by reflection, the Moon describes the general trend of his domestic
experiences and the essence of his attitudes toward women generally. There is
an important point to be made in this connection: because of the transition of
the mother of a family, the father may, in his children's life, have to take
her place; his Moon is indicative of his ability to fulfill this
responsibility. In other words, he, then, must be mother as well as father and
not only his Sun-Mars but his Moon as well are all given direct expression.
The reverse holds true: a woman's Sun-Mars indicates her ability to exercise
the power and initiative to make a living for her family if the father passes.
Both polarity patterns are then synthesized through the Uranus vibration for
the transcending of relationship responsibilities and family karma.
The Moon as a mental factor: The Moon symbolizes the
processes of the subconscious "mind of feeling," not of detached, impersonal
thought. She is opinion, based on family or racial patterns which may,
or which may not, have much reference to actuality. In other words, she is
"thought that is motivated by feeling response." Here the Moon is seen as
"personal viewpoint" which is certain to make itself evident when a person
discusses anyone or any thing while in a state of emotional disturbance. As
the basic factor of the mental triad--Moon, Mercury, Neptune--the Moon finds
her regeneration through the processes of emotional discipline and control and
the development of personal detachment. We are connected to people and things
only to the degree--and in the kind of degree--that we have feeling about
them. It is our feelings that make for "reality" as far as personal reference
is concerned. It is only when feeling has been eliminated, prejudice removed,
parental and family influences transcended, and inner poise developed that
"things are seen"--through Mercury--"as they are in themselves."
Thus Mercury says: "This hat is blue." An impersonal
fact. The Moon might say: "I think this hat is lovely--the color is just like
my baby's eyes." Personal feeling. These are, of course, trite examples, but
they serve to indicate how personal feelings can influence our interpretation
of facts.
This trick of the Moon to disorder our perceptions,
by feeling, can manifest in larger ways to produce tragic results. A young
woman is "jilted" by her sweetheart; she reacts, in feeling, with intense
resentment and suffers for years with the (subconscious) conviction that " all
men are cheats and liars." (We can just see her tense face and hear the shrill
words). She is not thinking with her intelligence but with her feelings of
disappointment, outraged pride, and loneliness. A man suffers some unkindness
or injustice at the hands of another man of different race or nationality. He
reacts with bitterness that spills out on his children. One of his sons "takes
in" this unhappy impression, and, because one person gave his father a "bad
time" he, the son, is from then on prejudiced against the people of that
nationality and he feels the strong urge to condemn them all, without
reservation, to perdition. In this example, a weakness in the son's make up is
revealed. He was not using his own ability to think, but left himself wide
open to the negative impulses of the father's disturbed emotions. And, until
he strengthens his power to discriminate and think--consciously--he will
continually victimize himself, through his uncontrolled feelings, in his
attitudes about that particular nationality.
This retention of subconscious patterns, through
feeling, represents on a large scale that which is known as "race memory," and
in this connection the Moon, as "mother," stands for identification of the
individual with his nationality or race. Mars urges us to fight for our
country, but through the Moon we love our country as a child loves its mother.
The symbolism is paralleled, exactly. As long as race consciousness pertains
to the subconscious patterns of a person, he is in the same kind of bondage to
his "feeling of nationality" as a child is "in bondage to his mother" when he
sees, in the protective security of her love, the be-all and end-all of his
living. These states of mind are, in essence, identical; one is infantilism
with reference to an individual, the other is infantilism in reference to a
race pattern. When emotionality is matured, all mothers are Mother, persons of
whatever nationality are Brother and Sister, and any--or all--nations can be
Home. However, in the scale of things, each race pattern provides a "nurturing
mold"--or home--for specific and evolutionary purpose. Each is "good in its
own time and for its own purpose," just as each mother is, "the right mother
for each child."
Since the Moon, as a mental factor, pertains to the
interpretations of the horoscope for a psychological or psychiatric standpoint
and so cannot be dealt with in detail here, we offer a few points of basic
interpretation of the Moon, as Maternity, in combination with the other
planets.
The degree or intensity of maternal capacity is
indicated by the sign position of the Moon, "experience-patterns," by the
aspects made to the Moon by the other planetary bodies. In the sign Cancer the
Moon is at her most motherly position; the urge to nurture is here the most
marked. The next two best signs for maternal capacity are Taurus and Pisces.
In Leo, the Sun sign, she glows with warmth and power, but with a positive
quality that contrasts with her basic passivity of nature. In Libra she blends
beautifully with the Venusian vibration of the partnership sign which
emphasizes the seventh house impulses. In Gemini and Aquarius she is at her
most purely mental, and in Aquarius the Moon is as impersonal as she can get--
detached, scientific, and friendly rather than purely motherly in feeling. In
Capricorn she blends with the form side of life through the Saturn vibration;
here she is practical, capable, dependable, but somewhat lacking in the
responsiveness and sympathy that mark the maternal urge. In Scorpio she is
intensely emotional and generative, but the watery Mars vibration emphasizes
force and severity. This position is considered unfavorable for the Moon from
a physiological standpoint. In a man's chart it does not reflect a
particularly harmonious or happy "picture of women." In Aries, the Moon is
most definitely "un-herself." Here she expresses with a dynamic, egoistic, and
masculine quality that is the antithesis of her feminine nature--the keyword
is "self-assertion."
It must be emphasized that the Moon focuses
the maternal urge, but there are several kinds of "variation of experience."
These are indicated by planets which are found in the sign Cancer, ruled by
the Moon; these planets are said to be disposited by the Moon. Also, planets
in the fourth house--regardless of sign--indicate, to a large degree, the
objective side of the "home-consciousness;" it is through "home experience"
that these planets find their chief channel of expression and highest
potential for fulfillment.
The faculty of instinct is one of the keywords
of the Moon function. In this connection, the Moon symbolizes a "race urge," a
"biological compulsion." She represents the most deeply rooted expression of
the drive of the feminine polarity. Though passive and receptive in nature,
the Moon finds her rulership and detriment in Cancer and Capricorn, both
cardinal signs; thus a certain dynamic or generating faculty is seen in the
Moon functioning.
To the degree that the Moon is allied with signs that
are congenial to her, she expresses with strong drive, deep fulfillment needs;
when she is allied to uncongenial signs, she must express her urges through
qualities that are not congenial to her basic keynote; to the degree that she
is well-aspected, she promises fulfillments, harmony of give-and-take in
experience, and health; to the degree that she is afflicted, she indicates
"feminine karma," both objectively and subjectively, the needs for
transmutation and regeneration of feeling, physical disharmonies--particularly
in women--; and the indications of transmuting the feminine expression are
shown by any affliction to the Moon in the charts of men as well as of women.
The following interpretative notes must, of
necessity, remain basic and simple, for clarity's sake. Remember that the Moon
rules the function of the subconscious mind, and any afflicted aspect
represents a negative "picture" which brought over from the past is "close to
the surface of consciousness," and will manifest, definitely in childhood. The
transmutation of a horoscope starts with the transmutation of afflicted Moon
aspects.
Moon-Sun: The maternal impulse is here identified, in
some way with Power. Afflicted, feeling and purpose are in conflict--either
one tending to predominate; excess of the Moon influence tends to
deterioration of inner strength; with excess of Sun influence, maternity is
expressed in terms of domination and tyranny. This is a disintegrative aspect
because the person, through "feeling about herself," is not fully aware of
inner capacities, therefore, self-assurance is lacking; to regenerate this
aspect, power, in domestic experience, must be redirected for Moon
fulfillments, not expressed just for its own sake. Benefic, feeling and
purpose are harmonized; maternal experience is expressed and fulfilled with
capability; a certain " positiveness " is found, thus indicating the
possibility that the mother may be the "leader" in the family. Moon in good
aspect to the Sun, is a redemption in any chart because it shows an
integration of basic polarity.
Moon-Mercury: Afflicted, feeling and maternal concern
conflict with thought; the mother with this aspect needs mental disciplining
because she tends to "interpret" according to her feelings at the moment, and
not in line with actuality. She should watch her words carefully and not give
way to overmuch talking while she is emotionally disturbed because she is apt
to commit herself to untruths and injustices. "Take time to think" is a good
policy for redirecting this impulse, and, when this aspect is found in the
chart of a child, the mother will recognize that the child is very
impressionable to her words--she must not inflict on his mind her negative
impulses and thoughts. Many people who have this aspect have been, karmically,
impressed with the negative expressions of their mothers' emotions, and have
lived for many years with unhappiness because of the "pictures" which were
impressed on their subconscious minds in childhood. In either ease, mother or
child, mental discipline and emotional poise, are of prime importance to
creating happiness and success. Establish the habit of "finding out the
facts," (Mercury) and by acting in accordance with them, feeling can be
controlled.
Moon-Venus: These two form the basis of the fulfilled
feminine polarity in the sense that they indicate woman's emotions as mother
and as mate. Since Venus is "cultivation and refinement," her inharmonious
patterns with the Moon indicate a lack of sympathetic feeling; depending on
which of the two is the more strongly emphasized in the chart, the maternal
urge will obscure the "response to the other fellow," or the esthetic or
partnership urge will obscure the needs for motherhood. This is an aspect
symbolizing an inharmonious relationship with the mother, as far as emotion is
concerned. And, in the chart of either a man or a woman, it represents a need
to balance and complete the feminine patterns. This process may be done by
(for the Moon) taking advantage of opportunities to express the urge to
nurture and (for Venus) development of courtesy, cooperation, "thinking in
terms of the other fellow"--which, after all, is the basis of all civilized
(Venusian) living. Benefic aspects between Moon and Venus indicate a basic
cultivation of the emotional nature. Refinement and charm, courtesy and good
taste have been built in; these qualities may be reflected, physically, as
beauty and grace. Harmonious relationships with the mother, or women
generally, are promised. Cultivation of esthetic faculties are also indicated,
since the subconscious mind has been strongly impressed by the redeeming
factor of "thinking and acting in terms of harmony."
Moon-Mars: This, in whatever form is a touchy aspect,
since the two form the basis of "primitive emotion." Intensity of subconscious
impressionability is indicated and the maternal feelings are highly charged.
If negative, particularly the square, this is "hot-temper," irritability,
jealousy, and resentment. The urge to dominate is strong and such mothers tend
to "lead their children by the nose." This aspect indicates the possibility
that ambition and the "urge-to-achieve" is stimulated by the experience of
motherhood--such women feel the urge to "fight for their children." With the
negative aspects, this urge is expressed with great force; the "law of fang
and claw" is much in evidence. Potentialities of hatreds and enmities are
strongly evidenced by Mars afflicting Moon, since the subconscious mind is
keenly impressed by the "urge to defend and defeat." Harmonious patterns of
Mars-Moon indicate the possibilities of much more constructive action--energy
is expressed through the urge to achieve rather than the impulse to destroy.
This is a courageous mother, intrepid and valiant, who is capable of living
her maternal experiences in terms of positiveness and hard work. A good
Saturn, Venus, and/or Jupiter aspect to the Moon--patience, harmony, and/or
benevolence--are good correctives for Mars-Moon afflictions.
Moon-Jupiter: The maternal urge is expressed through
benevolence and abundance. Afflicted, the mother may be inclined to over-
indulgence--she seeks to "overprotect" her children; a superabundance of
maternal concern is indicated, and though the motives may be utterly sincere
and unselfish, the mother with Moon afflicted by Jupiter is lacking in
judgment--her feelings obscure her sensible evaluations and she tends to
weaken her children by making things "too easy for them." She must discipline
herself by, to some degree, disciplining her children. She must allow them the
privilege of developing through the exercise of their own initiative and in
fulfillment of responsibilities. In thus "freeing herself" from them she, to a
degree, gains in perspective and emotional control. Benefic aspects between
Moon and Jupiter form a very beautiful pattern of amplitude, generosity,
sincerity, and balanced judgment. Such a mother expresses herself abundantly
and healthily. She is a radiation of warmth and comfort, a source of well-
being for her family, both physically and psychologically. This aspect is an
astrological portrait of Ling Sao, the mother in Pearl Buck's book, "Dragon
Seed."
Moon-Saturn: Here the maternal experience is
identified with the form side of life through Responsibility. The conjunction
of Saturn with the Moon makes the maternal experience something of a
crucifixion--even beyond the ordinary meaning of the word. Maternity, in this
instance, "nails" a woman to the exigencies of life, and through domestic
experiences, she must fulfill herself through many obstacles which may be
actual, but which also may be because of her subconscious viewpoint. This is a
pattern of "narrowing"--much has to be done through a limitation of scope.
Inflicting Venus and/or Jupiter, Moon conjunct Saturn presents a rather sad
picture--a domestic experience lived rather joylessly and in terms of
limitation of means. Afflicting Saturn and/or Mars, the vitality and "thrust"
are depleted--achievement is made against the counteractives of restraints and
inhibitions. Saturn square or opposition Moon steadies the temperament and may
prove a necessary counter-active to dynamic afflictions, but the Saturn
influence will be felt as impediment, restriction, or inhibition. The
position of Saturn will show a channel through which the maternal urge will
express for the fulfillment of responsibility. The benefic aspects between
Moon and Saturn indicate control of feeling and integration of practical
abilities. This is the strong, competent mother who lives in an orderly,
methodical manner. She is a pillar of dependability and, whether or not she is
particularly emotional or loving, she still is reliable and able to put the
domestic side of her life on a sound, practical basis. Perhaps somewhat
lacking in "expressiveness," she is a loyal and devoted mother who expresses
her maternal love in her desire to protect and stabilize.
Moon-Uranus, Moon-Neptune: In these patterns, an
indication is shown whereby the basic maternal urge may be redirected into
impersonal spiritual, universal, or creative channels. In contact with Uranus
and Neptune the indications of the Moon take on a scope that she does not have
with the lesser planets. The subconscious mind is sensitized and vitalized by
attunement to what might be called "cosmic patterns"--intuition and the
psychic faculties may be unfolded. Moon-Uranus is much more dynamic and
creative; Moon-Neptune is more sensitive, emotional, receptive and
compassionate. However, the interpretative approaches to these aspects
must be made from a comparison with the Moon's aspects to the lesser
planets--since they form the "first steps on the ladder;" Moon trine Uranus,
square Mars is not as easy as when Moon is sextile or trine Mars. In this
example, much control and direction is required of Mars before the Uranus
trine can express constructively. Otherwise Uranus, backed by a disorderly
Mars, may express destructively. Moon trine Neptune, square Sun is a very
sensitive Moon, impressionable, psychic; but with disorder between Purpose and
Feeling, or depleted vitality; the sensitivity of Neptune may result in some
form of negative psychism and mental confusion. Study the Moon-Uranus aspects
by synthesizing the Moon with the other dynamic planets that she may aspect;
Moon-Neptune--compare her patterns with Venus and Saturn. We must know how the
subconscious mind is aligned to either the masculine or the feminine
polarities--this gives us a key to the basic subconscious quality. Moon in
aspect to either Uranus or Neptune is a clue to "latent universality" since
these aspects show the directions by which the primitive, basic "flesh and
blood" urges of the Moon will, in time, be expressed in terms of impersonal,
or cosmic fulfillments.