Lunar and Solar Sign Connections

When the sun or moon is in a certain zodiac sign, it carries that astrological energy. The zodiacal year starts with the sun in Aries, usually on March 21, and the sun then goes through all twelve astrological signs each month. The moon moves more quickly than the sun and stays in a sign for two days before moving on to the next.

You might notice you feel highly energetic one day and more laid back the next. Why is that? Look to the moon for answers. I recommend consulting a reliable source for tracking the sign of the moon—see Resources, page 141. Keep track in your Book of Shadows of the effect that these solar and lunar connections have for you. You can further enhance these astrological associations by using the associated crystals and colors for your candles with the energy of these signs.

Aries, Mars-ruled sign of the Ram, is a high-energy time, which is good for new beginnings. Associated with diamond, amethyst, topaz, garnet, iron, and steel, and the color red.

Venus-ruled Taurus is the Bull and is very abundant in all ways: money, farming, and love. Associated with coral, sapphire, emerald, turquoise, agate, zircon, and copper, and the color azure.

Gemini is ruled by Mercury and is about smarts, quickness, communication, and travel. Associated with aquamarine, agate, amber, emerald, topaz, and aluminum, and the color electric blue.

Lunar Cancer is connected with family and home, and is most fertile of all for farming. Associated with opal, pearl, emerald, moonstone, and silver, and the colors pearl and rose.

Leo is ruled by the sun and it is romantic, brave, showy, and a time to lead. Associated with diamond, ruby, gold, sardonyx, and chrysoberyl, and the color orange.

Mercury-ruled Virgo is good for health, nutrition, and detailed hard work. Associated with jade, rhodonite, sapphire, carnelian, and aluminum, and the color gray-blue.

Libra is ruled by Venus and is artistic, loving, abundant, and balancing. Associated with opal, sapphire, jade, quartz, turquoise, and copper, and the color pale orange.

Plutonic Scorpio is very sensual and sexual, bountiful, and a time for strategy. Associated with bloodstone, topaz, aquamarine, jasper, and silver, and the color dark red.

Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius connotes philosophy, spirituality, treks, and higher understanding. Associated with lapis lazuli, topaz, turquoise, coral, and tin, and the color purple.

Earth-ruled Capricorn is good for business, money, jobs, goals, and politics. Associated with onyx, jet, ruby, lead, and malachite, and the color brown.

Uranus-ruled Aquarius is a time for intellect, risk, innovation, and interaction. Associated with aquamarine, jade, fluorite, sapphire, zircon, and aluminum, and the color green.

Neptune-ruled Pisces is for psychism, dreams, affection, and creativity. Associated with amethyst, alexandrite, bloodstone, stitchite, and silver, and the color ocean blue.

Phases of the Moon

Performing a spell at the optimal time in the lunar cycle will maximize your power. As you read the rites and rituals in this book, keep this elemental magic in mind: Each lunar cycle begins with a new phase, when the Moon lies between the Sun and Earth so that the illuminated side cannot be seen from Earth. The Moon gradually waxes until it has moved to the opposite side of Earth. When it has reached the far side of Earth, its lit side faces us in the full-moon phase. It then wanes until it reaches the new-moon phase again.

The entire cycle takes a month, during which the Moon orbits Earth. To determine the pattern of astrological signs governing the Moon, you will need a celestial guide or almanac. My favorite is Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide. The Moon moves from sign to sign every two or three days.