In astrology the Moon is the ruling planet of Cancer and is exalted in Taurus. In classical Roman mythology, it was Luna, at times identified with Diana. The Moon is large enough for its gravity to affect the Earth, stabilizing its orbit and producing the regular ebb and flow of the tides. The lunar day syncs up with its orbit around Earth in such a manner that the same side of the Moon always faces the Earth and the other side, known as the “far side of the Moon” faces towards space.
Astrologically speaking, the Moon is associated with a person’s intuition, emotional make-up, unconscious habits, rhythms, memories, moods and their ability to react and adapt to those around them. It is associated for some with the mother, maternal instincts or the urge to nurture, the home, the need for security and the past, especially early experiences and childhood. The 1st-century poet Manilius described the Moon, or Luna, as melancholic. In medicine, it is associated with the digestive system, stomach, breasts, the ovaries and menstruation (which does occur on a monthly cycle) and the pancreas. Despite Manilius’s assignation, the Moon is commonly associated with the phlegmatic humor; it ruled the animal spirits. In modern astrology, the Moon is the primary native ruler of the fourth house, but traditionally it had its joy in the third house.
Astronomical Chart of the Sun and Moon Veit Rudolph Specklin (German, died in 1550) After: Hans Holbein, the Younger (German, 1497 or 1498–1543) 1534, with later alterations
Made for inclusion in Sebastian Münster, Canones super novum instrumentum luminarum, docentes quo pacto per illud inveniantur Solis & Lunae medij & veri motus…, Basel, A. Cratander, March 1534.
Reference: Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Opal, enamel and diamond pendant necklace, ‘La Nuit’, attributed to, Alfonse Mucha, circa 1905 The whimsical design depicting an allegory of the night scene, the face of a woman peeking through a polished opal crescent moon atop billowing clouds applied with plique-à-jour enamel, circular- and single-cut diamonds, the clouds suspending a gold fringe of burning oil lamps, the pendant suspended from a fancy link chain, length approximately 800mm, unsigned, French assay marks.
Sold for 100,000 CHF at Sotheby’s in 2013
Hand coloured etching and aquatint entitled ‘Wierd Sisters: Minister’s of Darkness: Minions of the Moon’, depicitng Henry Dundas, William Pitt and Edward Thurlow, with the moon as King George III and Queen.
Print entitled ‘Wierd Sisters: Minister’s of Darkness: Minions of the Moon’, depicitng Henry Dundas, William Pitt and Edward Thurlow, with the moon as King George III and Queen. Published in London by Hannah Humphrey on 23rd December 1791
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum
Diagram of the Phases of the Moon This diagram illustrates the Moon’s phases in relation to its distance from the Sun. The Earth at center is surrounded by three concentric rings. Along the inner ring are seven discs showing the phases of the waxing and waning moon, indicated by pale yellow wash emanating from the Sun, at right. As the diagram makes clear, and as medieval authorities recognized, the Moon’s phases are determined by the extent of its illumination by the Sun. The cycle begins with the new, crescent Moon at upper right (approximately 2 o’clock) and moves counterclockwise, with the days of the lunar cycle given in red. It ends when the Moon is not visible — that is, when it lies directly between the Earth and Sun, the latter labeled “Sol XXX.”
Reference: The Walters Art Museum
A very fine silvered and gilt petite sonnerie repeating carriage clock with Limoges enamel panels personifying Astronomy The panels signed CP for Claudius Popelin, the movement with trademark P M in an anchor Date: Last quarter 19th century Movement: With platform lever escapement, striking the hours and quarters and quarter repeating on two gongs, alarm with white enamel setting dial planted on the backplate, selection lever for Sonnerie / Silence, no. 13290 Dial: Roman chapters and gilt fleur de lis hands on a panel depicting Astronomy holding the Celestial Sphere beneath an arch with the figures of the Zodiac Case: Cannalee with silvered dolphins and swags of fruit to the corners, the arched side panels with figures of the Sun and Moon, within silvered masks, silvered leaf capped handle, no. 13290 Size: 7 ½ in (19cm) high with handle
Sold for US$ 13,825 (£ 10,620) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2019
The Moon: Diana standing in profile to the right, a moon crescent in her hand; in the upper part, zodiacal sign of Cancer; within oval. 1576 Engraving
Print made by: Étienne Delaune
Reference: © The Trustees of the British Museum
The Moon or Luna is associated with Monday, the word Monday comes from the Old English word for Moon day or Moon’s day, and in Romance languages, the name for Monday comes from luna (e.g., luni in Romanian, lundi in French, lunes in Spanish and lunedi in Italian). Dante Alighieri associated the Moon with the liberal art of grammar.In Chinese astrology, the Moon represents Yin, the passive and receptive feminine life principle. In Indian astrology, the Moon is called Chandra or Soma and represents the mind, queenship and mother. The north lunar node (called Rahu) and the south lunar node (called Ketu) are considered to be of particular importance and are given an equal place alongside the seven classical planets as part of the nine navagraha. Reference: Wikipedia
