Progressed Moon

​I can recall the precise moment I discovered the meaning of what is now my favorite tool in predictive astrology. I was in bed, reading the final section of Liz Greene’s “The Luminaries” before my 11AM shift at Nesmon Cafe. As the title suggests, the book focuses on the roles of the Sun and Moon in our natal charts—what astrologers define as the foundation of chart interpretation. As I was nearing the end of yet another thrilling read by Greene, I wasn’t expecting much in the form of new information. Although, knowing Greene, I should have known better. It was in these final pages that she described the function of the “progressed moon,” a term I had never heard of before, even after years of practicing astrology. From that day forward, this information not only altered the way I approach predictive astrology, but also elevated the way I experience the world and my place within it.
 
Tracking your progressed moon is like taking an open-notes exam on your life. The answers are right in front you; it almost feels like cheating. And it’s so simple, astrology enthusiasts of all levels can understand how it works. Many websites such as, astrodienst.com have a Progressed Chart feature that allows you to pull up your current progressions just by inputting your birth info. It’s important to understand that your progressed chart is a separate entity; it won’t match your transits because it acts as a separate chart operating at its own pace. You can follow the path of every planet’s progression, but the moon is the most telling in terms of highlighting the themes of your life at any given moment. When we’re born, our progressed moon is located in the same sign and house as our natal moon. Every two-and-a-half years or so it travels to the following house and sign, forcing us to experience the themes and lessons of that sign along the way. This cycle continues, eventually completing its path once it’s traveled through all twelve signs and houses, about thirty years later. At this point, we’ve experienced our first Saturn Returns in addition to all twelve progressions. With an understanding of each sign’s unique experience and lessons, at thirty, we are more mature, more understanding, and more well-rounded.
 
When I learned about the existence of the progressed moon, mine had just entered the eighth house of intimate relationships. It was during this same time that I had a chance encounter that led to my first serious, adult relationship. Six months later, my boyfriend moved across the country to live in my Los Angeles apartment with me, sharing my bedroom for an entire year—it doesn’t get more intimate than that. Life put me in a scenario where I had to learn the lessons of Scorpio through experiencing its qualities firsthand. Looking back, I cannot fathom the accuracy of it all. Simultaneously, my progressed moon was in the sign of Aries, marking a period of initiating various projects and learning how to stand up for myself as an individual. Now resting in Taurus, those projects I started a year ago are finally finished and tangible. And my intense cravings for poached eggs and gourmet bagels are at an all-time high. Look up your progressed chart to see what themes and lessons the universe has in store for you right now, and find solace in the fact that you’re always exactly where you’re supposed to be.