Expert: Scott Petullo - 5/8/2007

Question
QUESTION: my moon is in leo, at 0 degrees. what, if any, impact does this have on the importance of this placement in my birth chart? What does a strong leo moon mean?
ANSWER: Hi Barbara,

The overall symbolic impact of a Moon at 0 degrees Leo depends where it is placed in the basic natal chart, where its ruler (the Sun in this case) is located, and several other related concerns. Since you didn't supply your birth date or time, along with the location, it's not clear.

From memory, I don't believe there are any harsh (negative) fixed stars within a degree of 0 degrees Leo, but that's only one consideration.

The short answer would be that a strong Leo Moon (in strictly a positive sense) indicates the need for recognition, respect, drama, and an active romantic life.

However, any individual consideration must be viewed in relation to the collective energy of the other considerations in the comprehensive charts.

In which house is your Moon located? If in a cadent house (3rd, 6th, 9th, or 12th), which is a weak house, it brings down the energy of the Moon quite a bit. Also, if it is afflicted by being, for example, in hard aspect (conjunction, square, or opposition) with a malefic (e.g., Mars or Saturn), it would not be considered a healthy Moon.

Furthermore, where is the Moon's ruler in your basic natal chart? The Sun rules Leo and since your Moon is in Leo, you must assess the Sun in this case. If in a cadent house (although 9th isn't nearly as bad as 6th, or worse, 12th) or in hard aspect with a malefic, then it brings down the Moon's symbolic energy quite a bit.

There are many other possible afflictions to weigh too, but the aforementioned are some of the more obvious.

Not to worry :) If your Moon isn't that healthy, you may very well have other positive considerations that make up for it (in the astrology and numerology charts).

However, if your Moon happens to be the strongest or one of the stronger planets in your natal charts, which could happen due to various configurations (e.g., good placement, mutual reception with another planet in Cancer or Taurus, etc.), then it means, among other things, that women are important in your life. What kind of women? Since your Moon is in Leo, women considered to be more along the lines of "fire women," (Leo is a fire sign, a fixed one at that) or at least those who are more showy and "Leo-like" than average. But careful of generalizations.

I could also ask you if you're referring to a strong Leo Moon in relation to what, exactly? In relation to money, love, recognition, or something else?  

By the way, the Moon entered the sign of Aquarius less than two hours ago (Moon changes signs every 2-3 days on average), which is opposed to Leo Moon. Generally, the transiting Moon opposing your Moon isn't favorable. The more representative power in your comprehensive charts your Moon holds, the more important the Moon's transits, and other predictive methods involving the Moon, are to consider.

Sincerely,
Scott Petullo
www.ScottPetullo.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for such a quick response. I understood most.  To answer your clarifying question...the moon is in the first house. I have a sun in Aquarius in the 8th house, with cancer ascendant. born 2/13/76 in walla walla, washington at 2:02 in the afternoon. i don't know if you need that, but you mentioned that i didn't supply it :). thanks for helping me with this...it has been a question of mine for a few years now.  

Answer
Hi Barbara,

You're welcome. In looking at your basic natal chart, you're right, you do in fact have Moon in the first house in Leo.

Although it is conjunct Saturn (which is considered an affliction), Saturn being in Cancer delivers dignification to the Moon (Moon rules Cancer) through reception, making the conjunction with Saturn better than at first glance.

Reception also improves the state of your Saturn (from Venus) and Venus (from the MC). I might add that 6th house matters play a significant role in your money acquisition.

Sincerely,
Scott Petullo
http://www.scottpetullo.com
http://www.mystictwins.com