The Moon and Compatibility

In honor of the full Moon in Taurus we just had, here’s an excerpt from my discussion of the Moon and chart comparisons:

Although many books have also been written about the Moon in the signs, since this planet plays such an important role in determining compatibility, much more room will devoted in my book to its delineation in the signs. The Moon governs the emotions and the subconscious, two forces that greatly affect relationships, particularly romantic relationships. While you may be able to tolerate someone who conflicts with your Moon if they were just an acquaintance or even a friend, you will most likely find it quite difficult to get along with the same person if they were a lover or an immediate relative. People tend to express their Moon signs more fully in private than they do in public, because while the Ascendant and the Sun are how people in the outside world tend to see you, the Moon is how you are inside, how you often see yourself. It governs habit patterns and the domestic environment, and can affect the way you eat, sleep, and most importantly, how you express your emotions.  In many cultures, emotions are supposed to be kept to oneself, which strengthens the hold the Moon has over the private sphere, as it strengthens the power of the subconscious over our behavior. Any planet that aspects the Moon will therefore strongly affect the subconscious, and as a result, the psychological makeup of the personality.

Interestingly, one aspect that has a similar impact on the personality, no matter what signs are involved, is the opposition between the Sun and Moon.  This aspect takes place during the full Moon, but its effect does not really have anything to do with the craziness associated with that phenomenon.  Instead, it creates very strong, exuberant personalities, who may appear almost like a fire sign if it weren’t for the moodiness they can sometimes exhibit.