Moon (Chandra Dev) is also referred to as Soma Dev in Vedic tradition. In the ancient Vedic scriptures, Chandra is revered as the divine nectar that bestows strength. In particular, the entire 9th mandala consisting of 114 hymns of Rigveda is dedicated only to Soma. This 9th book of Rigveda is known as Soma Mandala.
The personification of Chandra in our dimension is the Moon with the numerological symbol of two. The influence of the Moon/Chandra on the Earth is evident because it has a direct impact both on the course of natural processes on it and on the energy of all living beings living on Earth is undeniable.
Chandra is the embodied maternal life-giving and creative energy. It is believed that the Chandra affects the soul and subconscious of a person, sensory perception, and the emotional sphere. Moon is one of the 9 planets in Vedic Astrology, collectively known as Navagraha.
Nomenclature
The name “Chandra” is derived from the root “Candra,” which in Sanskrit means “to propitiate,” and the word itself is translated in one of the variations as “embodied happiness,” “giving pleasure and happiness.”
Monday is the day of the moon (Chandra dev). This is clearly seen in the very word formation of the days of the week, which we can observe in different languages of the world.
In English, Monday, Lundi (French Lune – moon), Montag (German Mond – moon), lunes (Spanish Luna – moon), and in Sanskrit Somavara.
Appearance and Nature of Chandra Dev
All the planets in Vedic astrology are male, so Chandra – God with royal status has a pleasant appearance and slender but rounded shapes. His constitution is Kapha-Vata; he is full of love, and somewhat passionate, but compassionate and caring.
He has large beautiful magnetic eyes, as if wet, with a veil; speech is intelligent, soft, and euphonious; he has a sattvic nature. Chandra is the founder of the Lunar dynasty in which Lord Krishna was born. The Supreme Deity of Chandra is Lord Shiva, whose forehead is crowned with the bright crescent of the new moon.
Birth of Chandra Dev
The history of Chandra’s birth is described in Srimad Bhagavatam. He is the son of Rshi Atri and Anusuya.
Rishi Atri performed severe penance to have a son who would help ensure the maintenance of the world order. In the manifested form of a triune deity, the Trinity Gods grant Atri and his wife the blessing of the birth of a son, who will forever be remembered by Mother Earth and become useful for humans and other living beings. So, they give birth to three sons: Soma (Chandra), Durvasa, and Dattatreya.
According to the Mahabharata, the moon god appeared during the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the milky ocean by God (devas) and demons (asuras). It appeared from the water depths of the ocean, among many other treasures, at the beginning of the creation of the Universe.
Lord Ganesha Cursed Chandra Dev
Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, had a fondness for sweets and would always accept them when offered. Once Lord Ganesha was returning on his mouse from a mighty feast of Lord Kubera, which Lord Ganesha ate throughout the day until his stomach was full. On his way home, he stumbled and fell, causing all the remaining sweets to scatter and his clothes to tear. It was a moon night!
Chandra Deva, the moon god, saw the incident and laughed at Lord Ganesha’s appearance, which angered him. Lord Ganesha then cursed Chandra Deva to disappear from the sky forever. After Chandra Deva begged for forgiveness, Lord Ganesha lessened the curse to one day of disappearance each month and instructed that those who see him on the Chaturthi would have some problems (listening to the story of Krishna and Syamantaka Gem will solve). As a result, the moon now changes its appearance throughout the month and formation of dark spots in the moon.
Chandra Dev’s effect
1. On Our Planet
Moon patronizes the water element. The seas and oceans on the side of the Earth facing the Moon experience its attraction, and this entails tides, while on the opposite side of our planet, the reverse process occurs, causing low tides.
2. On Human Beings
The human body, on average, is 70% water, which means it is significantly influenced by the moon. It is believed that, depending on the lunar phases, Chandra also regulates the circulation of prana.
Women are especially susceptible to the influence of the Chandra Moon, so, obviously, there is a relationship between lunar cycles and the frequency of energy renewal in the female body. It affects the hormonal cycles in the female body and the course of the pregnancy process; it is also known that some lunar phases are unfavorable for conception.
3. On Plants
Lord Chandra is the patron and protector of the plant kingdom, so the Moon affects the growth and reproduction of plants on Earth. According to the text of the Atharvaveda, Moon is the supreme lord of plants.
4. On Health
The moon receives the seed light of the sun to nurture and nourish it. Therefore, the Moon is responsible for life; it is very important for health. The Moon governs the heart, blood, and energy (prana) of the body.
The weakening of the Moon can bring health problems that have their source in a lack of energy, a failure of its movement, as well as psychosomatics, which weakens the immune system in general and can cause any disease. Therefore, astrologers always strive to work with the Moon, study its problems in the horoscope, and solve problems.
5. Life Cycle
The law of our life is cyclical. Nothing exists forever. Everything that is born will die at some point. The moon teaches us this law: every day, it changes its phase, grows, reaches its peak at the full moon, then decreases to disappear for a moment, leaving the kingdom to darkness.
In the female body, this cycle occurs every month (after all, it is not in vain to coincide with the moon), so the moon represents female energy, the mother principle. Every woman carries within herself the knowledge of life-death life.
6. On Vedic Astrology
In Vedic astrology, the Moon is responsible for the mind, feelings, and emotions and has a very personal meaning for each person. The position of the Moon in the horoscope indicates the areas of life where we feel most comfortable and the main areas of interest in life.
Unlike other planets, it changes signs every 2.5 days. Forecasts for each day are made according to the sign and nakshatra in which the Moon is located.
The growing moon in Vedic astrology is considered a good time for action, expansion, and launching new projects, while the waning moon is good for completing work and relaxing. Therefore, it is better to make all critical decisions and undertakings in the phase of the growing moon in order to have a better chance of success.