Most people are familiar with their sun signs, which are simply determined by the date of your birth and which of the twelve zodiac signs the sun was traveling through at that time. The sun signs start with Aries, which lasts from March 21 through April 19, and end with Pisces from February 19 through March 20. This is what people are talking about when they ask “what’s your sign” to pick someone up at bar or party and it is also what daily horoscopes are written about. The sun is not the only celestial body that controls our astrological inclinations, though. The position of the moon at the time of your birth is also believed to have a huge effect on your temperament and personality.

The influence of the moon is quite different from the influence of the sun in terms of astrology. The moon is believed to control our instincts, as well as our emotions and unconscious side. We all have a side of ourselves that reacts before we even have time to think, and the moon is what controls that. The personality you keep hidden, whether you realize it or not, is more than likely influenced by your moon sign. This side of yourself might feel things you don’t want others to know about, such as forbidden fantasies. It might also be controlled by fear, hate or other undesirable emotions.

The moon’s influence on your personality is about more than just skeletons in the closet, though. Your moon side influences how you feel spontaneous feelings of joy and intense pleasure. Your moon side is also stimulated by sensory experiences such as the feeling of fresh grass underneath your feet or the scent of your favorite flowers. Moon signs rule the five senses and also control your emotional receptivity to other people. So the moon is not to be taken lightly – it can influence your romantic relationships and affect how you experience life.

Determining what your moon sign is can be a bit more difficult than finding out what your sun sign is. First of all, you must find a moon table. Basically the moon spends about two and a half days in each sign during every 29-day period. When you locate your moon sign in a table you will start by finding your year of birth, and then you will find the month of your birth. The table will typically list every date that the moon moved into a new sign for that month. You can also have your birth chart done by an astrology expert, which will include your moon sign and many other valuable pieces of information. This is the most accurate and in-depth way to find out more about your astrological self.

Sometimes your exact time of birth can have an affect on your moon sign if you were born on a day that the moon moved into a new sign. If you were born at five minutes after midnight on a day that the moon moved from Aquarius to Pisces, for example, you might find that you exhibit more of the Aquarian moon traits. This is why it’s a good idea to read the descriptions of the previous moon sign if you were born on one of these days.

The side of yourself that lies beneath the surface, which is believed to be controlled by the moon, can have a great affect on all aspects of your life and relationships. Understanding your true moon sign will allow you to have a better understanding of yourself.

- Gaia Veenis

On December 22, 2008, the Sun will meet Pluto in the sign of Capricorn for the first time in over two hundred years, during the longest night of the year. As the passing of an aging and feeble king is necessary before a younger, more vital ruler can take control, the Sun’s meeting with the planet of death and regeneration offers us a chance to examine and transform the fundamental structures of our lives.

Pluto, along with Uranus and Neptune, is often seen as having an influence over entire generations rather than over individuals. But when it comes in contact with the Sun, even slow-moving Pluto can touch each one of us on a personal level. Scorpio and Leo, the signs ruled by Pluto and the Sun, respectively, will be especially affected: Scorpio natives may find themselves energized by the conjunction, while Leo may want to take the day slowly. Whatever sign you were born in, this is a good time to take stock, not so much of your goals and values, but of the means you use to achieve them. Are you pursuing your dreams in an effective, efficient manner, or are you squandering your energy on side projects and flights of fancy?

Pluto in Capricorn

Pluto entered Capricorn to stay on November 27, 2008, after a brief foray earlier in the year. It will stay in the authoritarian, businesslike sign of the Goat until 2024. This promises to be an era of earth-shaking changes in the political and business world, in which unnecessary or ineffective institutions and traditions crumble like old buildings, and new structures arise in their place. The last time Pluto was in Capricorn, between 1762 and 1778, the American colonies revolted against Great Britain following a decade of unrest, and the political climate of Europe was shaken by colonial wars, rebellions, and peasant unrest. Patterns of colonialism and monarchy that had become oppressive were shaken by Pluto’s passage through Capricorn.

Transformation doesn’t need to be as painful as a revolution. If we work with the forces of change, rather than clinging to old patterns, the transfer of power from old to new can be peaceful and constructive; we can tear down walls that restrain us, or we can wait for them to fall over when we don’t expect it.

Although most of the effects of Pluto are felt in the events that change the world, they can also be noticed and used in our own lives, especially when Pluto makes a conjunction with as important a force as the Sun. Pay attention to the authorities and rules that govern your life, whether at work, at home, or in your own mind. Do they seem meaningless, arbitrary, and burdensome? If so, they have probably outlived their usefulness. Take steps to replace them with more responsive attitudes. Is your desk or your schedule cluttered with pointless projects and time-wasters? Clear out the dead weight so you can attend to the things that really matter.

The Sun at Midwinter

In the Northern hemisphere, December 21 is the winter solstice—the shortest day, and longest night, of the year. In many ancient societies, this symbolized the Sun’s passage through the Underworld, the time when we confront our deepest fears and beliefs about the world, as everything we’ve held on to disappears and we are free to decide what will come next. The winter solstice also marks the Sun’s passage into Capricorn. This earthy sign lays the groundwork for the upcoming year. It is up to us whether we create a firm, solid foundation on which to build, or allow ourselves to react to habits and old insecurities.

In the United States, the Sun’s conjunction with Pluto will become exact sometime around midnight, depending on the time zone. Symbolically, this meeting with the Lord of the Underworld—Pluto is named for the Greek god of the dead—reinforces the astrological significance of this night as a time to make choices that will have profound effects on us and on our world. This shadowy meeting in the darkness of the solstice may be frightening if we are not ready to let go of our old ways, but if we face ourselves honestly and courageously, it will provide an unmatched opportunity for personal liberation and transformation.

- Daniel Nighting

Medical astrologers can identify health issues you may encounter based on your astrological chart or profile. Depending on your basic constitutional type—fire, earth, air or water—a medical astrologer can guide your diet and suggest what you can do to retain your well being.

For example, fire signs can be prone to hypertension, heart problems, ulcers or inflammations. Excess fire can be brought back into balance by foods that are moist, cold, and heavy, or slow-burning foods like vegetables and grains.

Air people, on the other hand, are easily stimulated, often thrown off kilter and overwhelmed. Here, a diet rich in earthy foods can help draw down this energy. A diet that includes grains and root crops would serve air people well.

Water signs are tied to the reproductive and lymphatic systems and body liquids—your blood, mucus and lymph. If you’re a water sign, you’re unusually sensitive to the environment, especially to viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Excesses in this sign can be balanced by vegetables steamed and served with spices. Avoid heavy, oily foods, dairy, sweets, yeasty foods, breads and salt.

The earth signs comprise the skeletal and eliminatory systems. They are essential to growth, reproduction and tissue repair. If you an earth sign, you may encounter weight issues, tumor growth or glandular disorders. Take care not to over eat, for a diet consisting of heavy foods can lead to a lack of exercise to cause a number of health issues.

- Alex A. Kecskes

This article is not intended as a substitute for care from a qualified physician. Consult your doctor for any medical condition or change of diet.