Many cultures’ creation stories paint frightening pictures of our universe’s origins. Scientists have several theories on how the moon was created, some equally gloomy and chaotic. One idea, the giant-impact hypothesis, suggests that the moon resulted from a massive cosmic collision. Astrology and astronomy are two entirely different disciplines, but recent scientific findings can add deeper meaning to the moon’s astrological role.
The Giant-Impact Hypothesis
Both Earth and its moon have scars–namely, impact craters from collisions long ago. The giant-impact hypothesis holds that a Mars-sized planet collided with Earth over four billion years ago. The collision ejected huge amounts of debris into space, which later coalesced into our moon. The Mars-sized object was named Theia, after the legendary Greek titan and mother of the moon goddess Selene.
How did Theia end up slamming into Earth? Before the collision, the hypothetical planet orbited the sun on a similar path as Earth. A nearby object, most likely Venus, disturbed gravitational forces in the region and sent Theia on a collision course with Earth.
Those favoring the giant-impact hypothesis don’t quite agree on where Theia came from. Some scientists have studied lunar samples to solve this huge mystery. A March 2020 Science Alert piece mentions oxygen isotope measurements from different types of lunar rock and soil. Those from near the moon’s surface had lighter isotopes, like rocks from Earth. Samples from deeper origins had heavier oxygen isotopes.
If the moon has a core with even heavier isotopes, it’s possible that the core came from Theia and not Earth–which could point to origins in the outer planets. A September 2020 Space.com article reveals other possible differences between Earth and moon rocks. Lunar samples showed more heavy chlorine isotopes and other heavy halogens than terrestrial rocks.
A Quick Overview of Moon Signs
A lot of popular astrology focuses on “sun signs,” or the constellation that the sun is in at the time a person is born. Yet each planet represents some aspect of an individual’s psyche: what attracts that person, approaches to communication, and so forth. The moon is no different. In fact, it’s one of the “Big Three” that points to our core personalities–sun, moon, and ascendant.
Astrostyle describes the moon as representing the inner person. Emotions, the unconscious mind, deeper needs, and emotional security are tied to one’s moon sign. It can also amplify or cool down sun sign traits. A Leo with an Aries moon may be more passionate, direct, and aggressive, while a Leo with a Pisces moon may seem more sensitive.
Science and Spirituality Meet
We’ve been looking up at the moon for ages, seeing the same glowing disc that our ancestors saw centuries ago. Although it’s right up in our skies, it still seems foreign, untouchable, and ineffably different. It’s no wonder that lunar deities like Thoth, Selene, and Chandra exude an air of mystery.
Our moon’s proposed origins evoke a similar sense of mystery. On their surfaces, both it and our planet are somewhat alike. After all, they’re similar in composition. Yet the lunar landscape is strange and alien: inhospitable, frigid, and lightless, like the underworld or a kingdom shrouded in night. And if it was forged from both terrestrial and otherworldly elements, what does that mean for us? Perhaps if we avoid what our moon signs could tell us–our emotions, subconscious, and deepest needs–these qualities become alien. By failing to acknowledge them as parts of ourselves, our inner landscapes remain undiscovered.
More Mysteries To Unlock
Scientists may see the moon as a puzzle to solve. Unlocking additional details could shed more light on our solar system’s beginnings. Meanwhile, astrology brings its deeper symbolism into our everyday lives. While they seem like complete opposites, science and astrology can complement each other in some surprising ways.