Moon signs: the secret to better self care
Galileo Moon phase sketches from Sidereus Nuncius (The Starry Messenger), source
When I see a client burnt out or overwhelmed, I have to ask how they’re taking care of themselves. Self care has become co-opted by capitalism trying to sell us more and more crap. Still, we need emotional care. If you're lost and not sure what would support you, the first place I go is to your moon sign.
Here are some different ways to think about care by your moon sign.
By element
☁️ Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius):
You may need more intellectual/talking to process your feelings. If you can't wrap your mind around the issue, that's where you get stuck.
🌊 Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces):
Especially for Cancer and Pisces, it can be easy to lose yourself in other people's needs. You need space to emote/feel whatever you feel. Whether you cry into a pillow or surround yourself with art that evokes the feeling.
🔥Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius):
You need space to burn off your energy/feels and maintain motivation. That can be physical movement, artistic expression or simply expressing your feelings.
🍃 Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn):
Y'all are grounded and practical. Remember self care is part of getting shit done. Grounding practices like meditation, gentle movement can be super helpful. It can be as simple as spending time in nature.
By modality
Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn)
As the signs that start our seasons, these moon signs love being able to evolve and try new things. You may enjoy things like coming up with the idea for volunteering or trying out a new craft project.
Compassion tip: It’s ok to not follow through on everything.
Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius)
These moons are in the middle of each season. If there’s anyone that craves consistency, it’s y’all. How can self care be a habit that you do regularly? Maybe you need to schedule a weekly phone call with your bestie. Or, you could add a walk in the park with your morning coffee.
Compassion tip: Not everything needs to happen forever. If something no longer serves you, it’s ok to let it go.
Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces)
Some may see you as wishy washy, but the truth is? Y’all embrace feeling multiple things at once. Kahlil Gibran, a Sagittarius Moon, said it well:
Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.
As the ‘double bodied’ signs in Greek, you may find practices that let you process with someone can help. That could be chatting with a good friend or body doubling on a bad day. What works for you emotionally will change just as much as you do.
Compassion tip: you can be too adaptable to situations and ignore your needs. It’s ok to be a squeaky wheel sometimes and ask for what you need.
By house
Why does the house matter? Ithighlights what areas of life you seek self care or tend to more easily access care. It can be a great sign post for more ways to tend to yourself beyond the sign.
1st house
The first house is all about your sense of self. It represents our identity, the body and appearance. When your moon is in the first, you. might find that taking care of yourself physically helps you. This could be how you dress or taking a hot bath to help self regulate.
Reflection: How can you create physical comfort? Does clothing impact your mood?
2nd house
The focus here is on your personal material and financial possessions. When your moon is here, you may find money and material security is critical for emotional safety. Or, you may find having certain kind of objects around you helps you feel grounded.
Reflection: How do your finances relate to your moods? Does organizing or cleaning your stuff soothe you?
3rd house
The moon loves being here. When your moon is here, you might connect deeply with your local area and the people who live close by. You may find day trips to be especially great if you need some fresh air. Also a spiritual practice might be something you lean on too.
Reflection: How do you foster relationships with people who live near you?
4th house
When the moon is here, homebody is your middle name. You may find that the most nourishing thing is to have a relaxing home environment. The fourth house also deals with family and our lineage. You may enjoy spending time with family (chosen counts). Or, traditional cultural practices could be an important part of tending to yourself.
Reflection: How do you feel about your home environment? In what ways could it be a better sanctuary for you?
5th house
These moon signs need play and creativity. This is the house of games, pleasure, sex, and children. You may find indulging your inner kid with hobbies like game night are key to your self care. Or, you may just love spending time around kids.
Reflection: What are activities that bring you joy? How can you bring play back into your life?
6th house
This is the place of service, work, health, and pets. If your moon is in the 6th house, you may especially focus on caring for others. Whether it’s volunteering or spending time with your pets, you can easily forget to take care of yourself. It’s especially important for y’all to have a health or wellness practice that works for you.
Reflection: What acts of service are fun or enjoyable for you? What forms of movement are fun?
Image by 愚木混株 Cdd20 from Pixabay
7th house
7th house moons are deeply invested in close relationships. It could be marriage, business partnerships, or long term friendships. Basically, its our ride or dies. These moons need time and connection with their favorite people. Ya’ll need to be careful — it’s very easy for you to focus on caring for others.
Reflection: Do you feel cared for? Do you feel seen by these people?
8th house
This is a place of resources we get or give to other people. The 8th house is known traditionally for taxes, debts, inheritances. These moons understand care is not just a feeling, it’s about resources.
Reflection: How can you ask for what you need? How do finances or possessions impact your closest relationships?
9th house
If you have the moon in the 9th house, you may have a case of wanderlust or relentless desire to learn. The 9th house is all about long distance trips, philosophy, religion, and higher education. Self care for y’all can look like:
travel
learning about other places
meaningful spiritual practices
Publishing or sharing your views and beliefs.
Reflection: What are you excited to learn more about?
10th house
Up at high noon of the chart, these moons find care in their visible life/legacy. The 10th house is all about career and what we are known for. It’s important to have some work or public things you do that feel meaningful to you. It is also important for you to feel seen for what you do.
Reflection: How can you delineate between visible impact and needing external validation?
11th house
When the moon is here, social connection and community is rewarding. The 11th house is all about friends, supporters, and our larger alliances. These folks especially seem to engage in 3rd spaces and community building.
Reflection: How can you build a varied social life?
12th house
Hidden in the 12th, these moons need retreat and isolation for TLC. It may require being able to escape into a fantasy book or a quiet retreat for a few days. The 12th house can also be places of isolation such as hospitals, prisons, and ashrams. With your moon here, you may find it rewarding to work on these topics like prison reform.
Reflection: How do you prioritize alone time?
There are so many more ways to go deeper on understanding your emotional needs. Whether it's the house your moon is in, where Cancer is in your chart, and so much more. If you want to get a better sense of your own moon, consider getting a birth chart reading.
