What Is a Moon Chart in Vedic Astrology? Interpretation & More

Co-authored by Stina Garbis and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: October 18, 2022 References

The birth chart is probably the most popular chart in Western astrology, but many argue that the moon chart, also called chandra kundli, is actually more helpful. So, what is a moon chart and what does it do? Read through our comprehensive guide on Vedic astrology's moon chart to learn more about this important astrological tool.

Section 1 of 3:

What is a moon chart and how does it work?

A moon chart is similar to a birth chart, except the moon and planet placements are shifted. Your moon chart and birth chart will look very similar, but the position of the moon and planets will be different. This means you see planetary placement from an emotional perspective. For instance, the moon chart can show you where you may find happiness or luck in life.^{[1]
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- Some astrologers argue that the moon is more important than either the sun or ascendant sign since it represents everything that's happening in your life. The moon governs the emotions and moods that rule the mind.
- In the moon chart used in Vedic astrology, the moon sign is used as the first house—instead of the rising sign—to determine the house placements of your planets.
- A moon chart delves more deeply into how you perceive events and how they make you feel as opposed to what the events are.

Section 2 of 3:

Finding Your Moon Chart

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Use an online moon chart calculator. Do an online web search for "free moon chart Vedic astrology." Then, enter your birthday, time of birth, and birth location, so the calculator can automatically generate your moon chart.
- The moon passes through the zodiac signs much faster than the sun, so your moon sign changes every 2 1/2 days. This is why it's so important to include accurate, detailed birth information when you make your moon chart.^{[2]
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Shift your moon and planets if you want to manually adjust your chart. If you'd rather make your own moon chart, you'll need your Vedic birth chart. It's a lot easier if you have a blank chart that you can fill in, too. Place the moon in the first house on your empty moon chart. Then, find the moon on your birth chart. Count how many houses you had to move it and then move each planet counterclockwise by that same amount.^{[3]
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- For instance, if your moon is in the Ninth House on your birth chart, you'll move it 4 places to place it in the ascendant or First House. Then, for instance, if you have Venus in the First House, you'd shift it 4 places, so it's in the Fifth House. Repeat this for every planet.

Section 3 of 3:

Interpreting Your Moon Chart

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Check for benefic planets in favorable houses. In Vedic astrology, planets are called benefit planets if they have a positive effect on your life. Look at your moon chart and see if you have any of these benefic planets in these houses:
- Benefic planets: Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury.
- Favorable houses: 2nd, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 12th.^{[4]
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Interpret the meanings of well-placed planets. If your moon is in a chart with positive planets and supportive houses, you can enjoy happiness, great social skills, and physical attraction. You'll probably find that it's easy for you to accomplish your goals and find success.^{[5]
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- For instance, if you have Venus in the Twelfth House, it's a benefic planet, so it will provide support.
- As another example, if you have a benefic planet like Jupiter in the Second House, the house of wealth, it will give you resources.
- If you have a benefic planet in the Seventh House, the house of love, it will give you luck in that area.
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Recognize the challenges from malefic placements in your moon chart. Malefic planets are planets that cause challenges in your life. If malefic planets are placed in houses that should be supporting the moon, you may struggle, become anxious, or feel depressed. Keep in mind that if you have malefic planets in favorable houses, they're not necessarily bad. It just means that these areas won't be as easy or harmonious.Here are the planets and a few placements to watch out for:
- Malefic planets: Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu.
- Challenging placements: Malefic planets in the 5th or 9th Houses suggest troubles with your personality. For instance, Mars in the 9th House could make you come across as reckless or aggressive.

Community Q&A

Question

Here you say the 2nd, 6th, 7th, 8th and 12th houses are "favorable," even though they are the worst houses! Is it different when it comes to the Moon chart, or is it just a mistake?

Tsukiko

Community Answer

2, 6, 7, 8 and 12 are good houses, according to Vedic astrology. Vedic astrology is quite different from Western astrology and is more accurate.