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The moon in Chinese astrology

The cycle of the moon
The moon plays a significant role in the entire Chinese culture, not just in Chinese astrology. It is highly associated with the Yin side, the feminine, the Mother and of course with Chinese God of Earth. It is not a coinsidence that a lunar month has about 28 - 30 days equal to the number of days of a woman's menstrual cycle. The Chinese calendar is based on moon cycles. A moon cycle consists of four phases, the new moon, the first quarter moon, the full moon and the last quarter moon (see image below). The Chinese New Year falls on the first day of the first new moon of Aquarius. Each standard year consists of 12 moon cycles while a leap year can have 13 moon cycles. In the image below you can see a moon cycle with the four moon phases:

The moon in Chinese astrology, the cycle of the moon

The phases of the moon
As mentioned before, each moon cycle consists of four phases. Astrologers believe that the four moon phases play a significant role in how the system works. Each phase is being interpreted differently. For example the new moon phase means its a good time for new beginnings, new situations and facts. It also means that all the energy from the previous moon cycle is somehow recycled. A new moon cycle begins. In Chinese astrology it is similarly important for a person to take account of where the Moon was at the time of birth as with Western astrology. Let's see some keywords for the four moon phases:

1st quarter (New Moon): awakening, birth, renewal, sowing
2nd quarter (Waxing Moon): potency, maturity, growth, development
3rd quarter (Full Moon): harvest, collection, expansion
4th quarter (Waning Moon): conclusion, clearance, healing, hibernation, rest

And here's some more interpretation. During the first quarter (Waxing Moon) it is a good period to examine everything that you've started during the new moon and make sure you are on the right path. If you want to reconsider, do it carefully. The full moon is probably the most important phase of the moon cycle. The actual full moon phase lasts about four days including the day that the moon is really full (perfect circle). The effects of the full moon can double the power of your actions. The last quarter moon phase which is the last of the phases lasts until the next new moon. This is a good time to review everything that had happened during the previous phases and prepare yourself for the next moon cycle. It is also a good time to heal yourself and drive away the negativity..

The age of the moon
Each moon cycle lasts about 28-30 days. To find the age of the moon you can count the days that have passed since the last new moon. When the new moon starts the age of the moon is zero (0) days. The age of the moon is about seven (7) days when the phase of the first quarter starts. When the moon enters its full moon state its age is about 14 or 15 days while when it reaches its last quarter phase its age is about 22 days. Just before the moon cycle closes and the next new moon is about to start the age of the moon is about 28 or 29 days.

The Chinese New Year
The first new moon of Aquarius (according to the western calendar) falls between the end of January and the beginning of February. This is when the Chinese New Year falls also. Here is a table with the Chinese New Year dates for the current 12-year cycle (2008-2019) we are at:

2008: New moon and New Chinese Year at February 7, 2008 (This year lasts until January 25, 2009. The next day which is January 26, 2009 is the first day of the first new moon for 2009. As a result it is the day of the Chinese New Year, see below)
2009: New moon and New Chinese Year at January 26, 2009 (This year lasts until February 13, 2010)
2010: New moon and New Chinese Year at February 14, 2010 (This year lasts until February 2, 2011)
2011: New moon and New Chinese Year at February 3, 2011 (This year lasts until January 22, 2012)
2012: New moon and New Chinese Year at January 23, 2012 (This year lasts until February 9, 2013)
2013: New moon and New Chinese Year at February 10, 2013 (This year lasts until January 30, 2014)
2014: New moon and New Chinese Year at January 31, 2014 (This year lasts until February 18, 2015)
2015: New moon and New Chinese Year at February 19, 2015 (This year lasts until February 7, 2016)
2016: New moon and New Chinese Year at February 8, 2016 (This year lasts until January 27, 2017)
2017: New moon and New Chinese Year at January 28, 2017 (This year lasts until February 18, 2018)
2018: New moon and New Chinese Year at February 19, 2018 (This year lasts until February 4, 2019)
2019: New moon and New Chinese Year at February 5, 2019 (This year lasts until January 24, 2020)

The Moon Festival
This is a very common celebration in China and in Chinese communities all across the world. The event falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. During the festival families get together and unite their feeling eating moon-cakes under the gorgeous full moon. It is also common to sing Chinese poems and songs about the moon. Moon-cakes are specialized cakes made just for the festival. The legend says that a great rebellion against the emperor began in ancient China and the resistors used to communicate by putting secret messages inside small cakes. They named those cakes moon-cakes in order to honor the great moon for protecting them. In the end the great Chinese emperor fell!

The Chinese Lunar Calendar

The Lunar Months
As mentioned, the Chinese lunisolar calendar works quite differently than the Western one. There are still 12 lunar months except from leap years which have 13. Some astrologers consider the Chinese months as dynamic and the first day of a month is the first day of the new moon. My system though which is based on ancient eastern philosophy considers the month dates static. I observe both the classical lunar calendar and the months with the static dates. To observe the dynamic dates all you have to do is observe the four phases of the moon. Every New Moon a new lunar month begins which ends the lasts day of the Waning Moon (Last warter). The static lunar months can be observed easily and they are also associated with the 12 Chinese Horoscope signs as shown below:

6 Jan. - 3 Feb. --> Month of the Ox
4 Feb. - 5 Mar. --> Month of the Tiger
6 Mar. - 4 Apr. --> Month of the Rabbit
5 Apr. - 4 May. --> Month of the Dragon
5 May. - 5 Jun. --> Month of the Snake
6 Jun. - 6 Jul. --> Month of the Horse
7 Jul. - 6 Aug. --> Month of the Sheep
7 Aug. - 7 Sep. --> Month of the Monkey
8 Sep. - 7 Oct. --> Month of the Rooster
8 Oct. - 6 Nov. --> Month of the Dog
7 Nov. - 6 Dec. --> Month of the Pig
7 Dec. - 5 Jan. --> Month of the Rat

The 28 Moon Houses or lunar mansions (Find your Moon House)
Chinese astrologers observe the stars by dividing the sky into four segments. There are seven regions or mansions for each segment. So there are 28 mansions total (Moon Houses of Chinese astrology). These are:

- Unhorned dragon (1)
- Dragon (2)
- Badger (3)
- Rabbit (4)
- Fox (5)
- Tiger (6)
- Leopard (7)
- Gryphon (8)
- Ox (9)
- Bat (10)
- Rat (11)
- Swallow (12)
- Pig (13)
- Porcupine (14)
- Wolf (15)
- Dog (16)
- Pheasant (17)
- Rooster (18)
- Raven (19)
- Monkey (20)
- Ape (21)
- Tapir (22)
- Sheep (23)
- Horned Deer (24)
- Horse (25)
- Deer (26)
- Snake (27)
- Worm (28)

It is really important for a person to determine his/her House of Moon at the time of his/her birth. In order to do so, one must do the following. Note down the day of birth (1-31) e.g. 27 and then look at the following two tables and locate the month of birth (January-December) and the associated number as well as the Year of birth and the associated number. Finally, these three numbers must be summed up so that you will end up with one final number:



For example, if you were born at July 7, 1972 here are the three numbers that must be summed up:

Month of birth = July = 9
Day pf birth = 7
Year of birth = 1972 = 21


As a result the final number is: 9 + 7 + 21 = 37

After you find the final number, subtract 28 from it once or twice or even more so that you come up with a number equal or lower than 28. This number indicates your Moon House. In our example:

37 - 28 = 9
9 = Ox

And here's some key-phrases for each one of the 28 lunar mansions or Moon Houses. Consider the Moon House as a factor which reveals hidden aspects of one's personality. Read the phrases for your Moon House and maybe you will discover some hidden truths about yourself:

The Unhorned dragon
Reveals a very flexible and communicative person. A sentimental nature. Sometimes can become critical and opinionated. Aggressiveness is a disadvantage. Can exploit plans of others.

The Dragon
Very strong person spiritually and physically. A self controlled nature. Determined and majestic. Imagination and the sense of humor are the strongest weapons. A true orator.

The Badger
Very live and attractive personality. Wants to attract attention. Cares about the opinion of others. Can be dramatic. Needs someone to difuse the bomb. Psychic abilities present.

The Rabbit
Very diplomatic person and a kind nature. Doesn't change opinion easily. Likes to collect antiques. Tendency for the arts is present. Could survive in any working environment.

The Fox
Reveals a very smart person who survives based on flexibility and diplomacy. Very ambitious. Usually conquers success easily. Can be rigid and dictatoric. Brilliant talker

The Tiger
A secretive person. Very hard to understand. Complicated nature full of contradictions. An independent spirit. Prefers isolation than social meetings. Attracted by metaphysics.

The Leopard
This person loves to travel and live an adventurous life. Changes opinions very easily. Very fast thinker and good decision maker. Protects others from deception.

The Gryphon
Very artistic nature and genrally a moody person. Can be influenced easily. Cares for others and is ready to help them. Very charming and a strong fighter.

The Ox
Farsighted and hilarious person. Doesn't take this world seriously. Seeks order and discipline. Can't obey the rules of others. Very spiritual nature with a lot of visions.

The Bat
A very popular person with hidden psychic abilities. Attracted by the night. Symbolizes the underworld. A deep thinker and a fast mover. Has a strong sense of duty.

The Rat
A sweet personality usually adored by others. Has the skills of a true leader. Loves publicity. Could fight for justice and for the less fortunate people.

The Swallow
Very materialistic person but at the same time really sensitive. Responsibility is a big advantage. A friendly individual ready to share advice and experience.

The Pig
Very calm and cute. Can be really generous. Can take control of any situation. Good in business knows how to handle economic issues brilliantly. Loves nature.

The Porcupine
A low-profile person who hides a lot inside. Sometimes slow and not very flexible but very patient and hard working. Can love others truly. Dedicated to family.

The Wolf
Kind hearted and optimist, this person conquers life. Has a strong mind. Sometimes can be impulsive. Needs someone to trust. Imagination is more important than knowledge.

The Dog
Very diplomatic and dynamic personality. Usually popular, cares about outer appearance. Has many talents that need to be discovered. Attracts money on behalf of others.

The Pheasant
A pure-blooded person. Inspires magnificence and self-confidence. Beliefs are unshakeable. A combative nature. Can be influenced by flattering. Attracts power and publicity.

The Rooster
Very delicate but introvert nature. Likes to invent new things. Makes the best plans for anything. Very ambitious and sensual. Can give good advice and support.

The Raven
Changes moods easily. Loves nature and excursions. Can be stubborn at times. Likes to lead a team of people. A very lucky person who gets many chances to succeed in life.

The Monkey
Humility and modesty are two big advantages of this character. Capable of understanding the most complex situation or problem. A lovable and popular person and a great advisor.

The Ape
This person is capable of dominating all areas of life. A shining star. Can magnetize others easily and convince them of everything. Follows the mind instead of the heart.

The Tapir
A fearless personality. A hard worker full of pride. Can give good advice but is very opinionated. No one wants to be an enemy of this person. The strongest fighter.

The Sheep
A honest, responsible and gentle person. Very practical and methodical. Hates injustice and protects the less fortunate. A brave altruist. The standard for a social worker.

The Horned Deer
The greatest heart hides inside this person. Knows how to give. Drives away bad influences. Very good in conversations and long talks. A rare spirit and a lovable but mystic character.

The Horse
This person takes life very seriously. Likes writing and reading. Can become famous. Very capable in business. Has an adorable attitude but can become selfish at times.

The Deer
An innocent but powerful person. Talented at improvisation. Has a nice voice and sings well. Has many dependencies. Usually meets fulfillment in life. Attracts others easily.

The Snake
A born thinker. Capable of using a large brain percentage. Can solve the most complex problem. Spiritual abilities present. A person full of grace.

The Worm
Very patient and organized personality with a strong sense of duty. Usually underestimated by others. Very smart and communicative. Prefers the backscene.

The Moon House is just one of the many factors that reveal a person's true character. For more information about personality types have a look at the article about the Chinese Horoscope Secrets where you will find secret key-phrases about the 60 Element-Sign combinations.






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