Questions & Answers

Welcome to the "instant classroom" segment of Moonscopes. If you have a question about the subject of astrology, please send it to Carol at  moonscopes@yahoo.com
One question will be selected on a regular basis to be answered on this website…it could be yours!
Please note - This is strictly an information service, it is not an advice column. In other words, your inquiry must directed toward learning or understanding something about the subject of astrology.

Examples of questions that will be considered:
"How long does Saturn stay in one part of a chart?"
"What does the term ‘opposition’ mean?"

Examples of advice questions:
"What does my job situation look like for the next couple of months?"
"I plan to take a trip in June; what does my chart show for that month?"

As was noted above, personal advice is not the focus of this service. Please email me about horoscope readings that will address your advice questions.
Questions for this education column will be selected on the basis of clarity, relevance to the subject of astrology, and intent of the inquiry. The inquirer’s first name will be included in each selected question and response addressed on this website. Additional personal information will be kept confidential.  
All submitted questions and responses automatically become the property of Moonscopes and may be included in published works at a later date, with grateful acknowledgement given to the inquirer. 

And now…here is the latest Question 
Hello, I have three children and all of them have their moon in Virgo. I find this fact that all three of them have it very interesting. Would you know if this is significant? Someone told me that it shows that they view their mother as a Virgo.
Thanks very much. Miriam

Miriam, Yes, it's significant. This indicates they were female siblings (no matter what their gender is this time around) in other lifetimes and had a strong emotional connection. They also were close girlfriends in other lifetimes and spent many hours together shopping or going to lunch, etc.
Another scenario from past lives is that they were all female royalty, probably ruling monarchs, at the same time but from different tribes or countries. They maintained connections, probably not always amiable, for mutual purposes.
And yes, that could mean that they view you as Virgo. The one thing for sure is that they have a strong connection with each other in this lifetime. They are simply picking up the emotional bonds they've had before and going from there. It is undoubtedly interesting for you to watch what they do in this lifetime!
Thanks for your interest in astrology. Carol

And here are highlights from previous letters:
Hello, As I believe you are an authority on astrological transits - I am curious to know why is it that there is an extended transit through Air signs?
For example Juno, an asteroid, traveled only a few months in Virgo, but has an extended stay in Libra until September 2007. Also, Chiron traveled through Capricorn for only about (correct me if I'm wrong) a year or year and a half, but has an extended stay in Aquarius for five years. Finally, Mercury, currently in Aquarius, will leave after February 2nd to retrograde in Pisces, and then back to Aquarius late February, early March for an extended stay until May. Neptune in Aquarius, of course, will stay until 2012.
Is it fair to say there is favoritism among Air signs? Are the planets that systematic and predictable until astrologers figure that Air signs will have such an extended transit? Thanks. Sheri 

Sheri, From thousands of years of observation, it has become known that each of the planets has a "normal" predictable time period for its transit through a sign, regardless of whether that sign is earth, air, fire or water. For example, the Moon usually stays about 2 1/2 days in each sign, Saturn usually stays about 2 1/2 years in each sign, and Neptune's usual time period for a transit is 14 years.
When there is a retrograde period, meaning that the planet's speed slows down for a while, then the timeframe will vary considerably and will be extended beyond the usual pattern. (By the way, the Sun and Moon do not retrograde.)
Asteroids, which also have been shown to have predictable patterns, go through retrograde periods that will extend their time in a sign as well. About Chiron - it usually stays in a sign for around 5 years, about twice as long as Saturn does.
So, the bottom line is that sometimes planets and asteroids are gathered in one sign category and sometimes they are spread across several or all the categories.  Carol


Carol, Last year I was introduced to Vedic astrology in which I am a different sign - not Aries, but Pisces. I don't know whether to stick with Western astrology and/or use Vedic astrology as well. Two very different readings for me. Some is true of both.
The Vedic astrologer said something to the effect that up until now I've lived mostly like an Aries, however, that I am changing and the remainder of my life will be lived more closely to a Pisces.
What do you think of this and what tips do you have? Sharon

Dear Sharon,
Depending on the degrees of a planet's sign, in Vedic astrology a person's planets are usually the sign before (based on the zodiac wheel) the one they are in western astrology.
However, if you have something that is 23 degrees or later (30 degrees in each sign) in your western chart, it will be that same sign in your Vedic chart.
From what I have read and have been told, your main connection this lifetime is with the culture in which you were born. Which means that western astrology would be the primary chart and you could then choose to have a Vedic chart for supplementary information or for information that may not show up in a western chart.
Or if you decide to embrace only the Vedic chart at this time, the situation would be similar to when you have any kind of forecast reading done. Your birth chart stays the same for your whole lifetime. Other charts can then show where things currently are and how that is impacting your life. So you could decide to go with just Vedic readings and then keep your western chart in the back of your mind for additional reference.
It's a very personal choice, and there is no one right or wrong way. Thanks for your question, Carol

Does/could mercury retrograde affect past relationships? If so, how?

Dear Pam,
Yes it most certainly can. For example, you could get a message from someone in your past. You could hear something about a person from your past. You could have dreams about people from your past or get caught up in memories and nostalgia.
A person from your past can actually return to your present life. This brings up the potential to then examine how that person has or has not changed, and also how you are the same or different from when you were with them before.
It's always best to make any big decisions, about anything, after Mercury goes direct though because then you can see things more clearly as the past can get obscured by those "rose-colored" glasses we sometimes put on.
Any situation that might return as a result of Mercury retrograde depends on where the retrograde is taking place in your chart - what house (section of your chart) Mercury is currently traveling through. Each house rules certain activities and types of people in our lives. When planets travel through each of the houses, they bring some energy to that area of our lives.
Thanks for writing, Carol

Saturn will enter my sign Leo on 16/07/05. How long will it be in my sign? Regards, Val

Hi Val,
Saturn will be in Leo through Sept. 2, 2007. At times it will be impacting your sign more than at others. It just depends on the degrees of your natal sign in Leo. I recommend the book "Planets in Transits" by Robert Hand as a reference for reading about current planetary activity in your chart.
You may want to check out the house (the section of your chart) that Saturn is going through while in Leo, as well as any aspects (connections to your natal planets) that the transiting Saturn is making - especially if you have any natal planets in Leo, Aquarius, Taurus, and Scorpio.
Best wishes and thanks for your interest in astrology, Carol

Hi Carol,
My progressed ascendant will be Aries this year and my progressed MC will go into Capricorn at the same time. A lot seems to be happening fast or something. My natal MC is Scorpio and my natal ascendant is Capricorn. I guess a turn of events or something. Progression shows change. A pal of mine said she was fired from two jobs right before her progressed MC changed to another sign. Does this mean a lot of change? Sage

Dear Sage,
Yes, you are right about the MC (Midheaven) having importance in a person's chart. The MC is an astrological point in your chart that usually relates to your career, reputation or place in the community, or something about your life path - so any kind of astrological movement, by sign or planetary aspect, will be significant in some respect in those areas. Carol

Good day - many years ago my mother (a Scorpio) said that for every Scorpio that is born into the family, one of the other Scorpio members will die within a year. Have you heard or do you know of this fable?
I guess I need to know this as I am a Scorpio and my next great grandbaby will be born by "C" section on Nov 17th, which will make her a Scorpio as well. I'm not trying to morbid or plan my death, just making an inquiry.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my probably silly e-mail. It may be just an old wife's tale, but you never know how these things get started. My mother has since died and I can not ask her where it all started. But she was a FIRM believer in astrology and lived her entire life based on such things.
Anyway, thanks again for you input and your help and let me know if you find any of this to be true or false.
Sincerely, D. 

Hello - I have not heard of anything about this. And I don't know where to refer you for an answer. I'll see what I can come up with and let you know if I find anything. 
I don't think your question was silly at all. I just never heard that theory before. Of course, there's always something to learn in astrology, and I will certainly let you know if/when I find out anything one way or the other. Carol

Hello Carol,
I was born on April 20, 1947. I never know what sign I am & usually read both Aries & Taurus and go with the one that sounds more favorable. Thank you. Margaret

Margaret,
According to the birth information you supplied, your Sun sign is Taurus at 0 degrees and your Moon sign is Aries at 29 degrees. Your Sun is at the very beginning of Taurus and your Moon is at the very end of Aries (there are 30 degrees in each sign).
This means that both are right on the cusp (the edge) of each sign and are also right next to each other. This contributes to the feeling that you are sometimes Taurus and sometimes Aries.
In addition to what you are already doing as far as reading your horoscopes, you may also want to read your rising sign. That will probably give you the most pertinent information.
(When I post your letter on the Q&A segment of Moonscopes, I will not list all of your birth information - for privacy reasons.) Carol

Hello,
My Sun sign is Aquarius and I have both an Aries ascendant and Mars in my first house. I was wondering how the Aries ascendant and Mars rising affect my personality and outlook on things. Mathieu

Hello Mathieu,
Here are some keywords for Aries - aggressive, assertive, impulsive, rash, adventurous, straightforward, active, energetic.
An Aries ascendant and Mars in the first house near your rising sign could give you a double dose of those characteristics (unless there is something else in your chart that counters this) since Mars is the planetary ruler of the sign Aries.
To interpret your personality further, I would need to do a chart reading because there are undoubtedly additional planetary placements that contribute to the whole picture.
Thanks for your question, Carol

Hi Carol,
My name is Neldy and I just had a few questions that I was hoping you would be able to help me with. I am new to this whole thing and I'm actually doing a lot of research and reading into my sign and everything with it.
Basically my question is - when you refer to the weekly forecasts does that mean everyone is considered when reading or ....I guess how do I go about reading it? Or should I say how do I interpret it to me or how I can relate it to myself and what is going on at that time?
Oh and when it says ascendant -referring to the natal chart - does it mean the same thing as rising sign?
Outrageously curious ~ Neldy

Dear Neldy,
Yes, ascendant is the same as rising sign. Astrologers use the terms interchangeably. And yes, the weekly forecasts on Moonscopes are meant for everyone. They are based on what the Moon is doing in general and on any planetary situation that currently connects to the Moon.
The Moon travels through the entire zodiac once every 28-30 days. It is located in each sign of the zodiac for about 2 ½ days and is the only planet that has this time frame. Therefore, it is the one planet that is most closely associated with our daily activities.
You can apply the information further to your own chart by looking at the house in your chart that the Moon is currently traveling through. For example, if you have Aquarius rising and the Moon is currently in Cancer, it would be traveling through the 6th house in your chart. And then when the Moon is in Leo, it would be going through your 7th house. When it is in Virgo, the Moon would be traveling through your 8th house, and so on around your chart and through each succeeding zodiac sign.
I will be glad to email a list of suggested reading material if you would like to learn more about astrology and your chart. Just let me know what books you have already read.
Best wishes with your studies, Carol

Does being born while Mercury is in retrograde affect one greatly; if so, is it in a positive or negative manner?
Thank you, Valerie

Hi Valerie,
If you were born with Mercury retrograde, generally you will feel more alert and mentally active every time that planet goes retrograde. This is usually the opposite of what most people would be experiencing during a Mercury retrograde period, which is a kind of "mind mush" sort of thing.
So while you would notice the slower, out-of-sync thing other people are going through and would have to put up with the same frustrations and mix-ups that everyone else runs into during a Mercury retrograde time, you yourself would feel like your brain is running on a clarity high.
You would probably be able to take advantage of this to some extent, but may not be able to implement everything you'd like to because the majority of the rest of the world would be operating at a different pace.
Carol

Hi Guys,
I'm a bit of a newie to all this. I've recently worked out the specific signs for my houses and the placement of each planet within a specific sign at the time of my birth.
What I was wondering is how do I go about working out which of my houses the moon is currently in? Is it a simple matter of seeing the moon's current position and then matching whichever zodiac sign it is in to the particular house within my natal chart that corresponds to that same sign?
If I'm way off track I'd be very grateful if you could help me out.
Yours Sincerely, Mark

Dear Mark, 
You are right on track. If you have an ephemeris or another way of finding out where the planets are by sign and degree on a regular basis, you can look up the moon's position each day. You are also welcome to check my website for the sign the moon is currently in. Then as you said, just match that sign to where it is located (the house) in your chart and put the moon there.
I'm always glad to hear from people who are actively interested in astrology. Best wishes with your study of the subject. Carol

Dear Carol,
I'm an amateur astrologer doing my first full report. It's for a much younger family member (she's turning 13), and I'd like to include a few predictions about her future life.
I've learned about progressed charts and solar arc theory, but I'm having difficulty narrowing down time periods on which I should focus my predictions. It seems like there are major aspects and occurrences every year of this girl's life! Any suggestions for how to focus on the important future events?
BTW, I disagree with your answer to Pilar's question. According to Vedic astrology, she IS a Scorpio. Vedic star charts are much more accurate than "traditional" Western ones, in that they describe where the signs actually are now, not where they were 2,000 years ago.
Just because something is "traditional" doesn't mean it's right. Personally, I believe this discrepancy is one of the major sources of derision of astrologers by the astronomical community. We're talking about planets being in certain signs when any yahoo with a telescope can see that they clearly aren't.
Besides, I get much more accurate results with Vedic charts. But that's just my two cents. I hope my opinions in this matter don't prevent you from answering my question.
Many thanks, Kaylee

Dear Kaylee,
I agree with you about Pilar's sun sign in a Vedic chart being Scorpio. I was answering her question strictly from a western chart point of reference. And I also agree that Vedic charts are technically more scientifically correct with signs and planet positions according to where we are now in the time line.
However, I usually use the western chart system because most of my clients are from those cultures and the western system can address things from a psychological point of view, which is something that is important to people in western cultures. I also cast a Vedic (jyotish) chart for the person when it seems to be applicable.
About predictions - I usually use a transit chart rather than a progressed chart because the time periods seem to be easier to nail down. And I usually concentrate on one year's predictions for the person. You can look at the ephemeris and see when planets will be in certain houses and also when they will be in aspect to the person's natal planets, and a year at a time seems to be the best way to keep the information pertinent to the person's current life. (I'm referring to western charts.)
If the Vedic system works best for you and your clients, then by all means carve out that niche for yourself.
Doing readings for people under 21 years of age can be kind of tricky. Predictions seem to be more applicable to adults. You could look generally at some specific time periods coming up for her, such as her 16th birthday or high school graduation or something like that for starters.
Good luck with your readings and your future as a professional astrologer. I am always glad to hear about other people's interest in astrology. Carol

Hi,
My name is Cynthia. My sun sign is Aquarius, my rising sign is Leo, and my Venus is in Aquarius. I know that Aquarius and Leo are opposites, but I was wondering if that causes any conflict with my personality?

Hello Cynthia,
Personality traits can arise from any number of planetary signs, placements, and connections in a chart. So it would be difficult to say exactly whether the Aquarius/Leo opposition is an easy or challenging part of your chart without doing an actual chart reading.
It would seem that the Leo-Aquarius connection would certainly add some interesting flavor to both your social personality (rising sign) and love life persona, which is reflected in the 7th house - where your Sun and Venus probably are, directly across the chart from your rising sign.
Carol

Hi,
I'm a girl born on November 26, 1982, so that makes me a Sagittarius, but I find I have a lot of Scorpio in me. Which is my real sun sign?
Pilar

Hello Pilar,
You are right - your sun sign is Sagittarius. The Scorpio feeling probably comes from a Scorpio rising sign or Pluto near your rising sign or a prominent 8th house. Any or a combination of these things could give a Scorpio tone to your chart.
It's not unusual to feel more like a sign that is not your sun sign. In fact, that's the way it usually is unless a person also has a lot of other stuff showing up in their chart that is the same sign as their sun.
Carol

Dear Carol,
Most astrologers say that you feel best when the moon moves through your natal sun sign. For me, it feels like I'm simply more in tune with the world (and people see my better qualities with very little effort on my part) when the moon is in my own moon sign.
Do you think it's just because my moon sign is optimistic, enthusiastic Sagittarius and my sun sign is in stressball Virgo? Or is it deeper than that?
I feel like the moon transits affect me a lot - do men typically feel this way too or is it mostly women?
Dottie

Dear Dottie,
I don't know if there's any evidence to show that women feel the moon transits more than men do, however it does seem that women at least talk about them more.
Yes, western astrologers do put more emphasis on sun signs. Vedic or jyotish astrologers (India) put more emphasis on moon signs and rising signs. I have always emphasized a person's moon sign (and any strong aspects to the moon), along with the rising sign (along with any strong aspects), when I do a person's chart.
I would have to look at your whole chart to fully examine your preference of Sagittarius over Virgo, but it seems that you are right in line with your moon energy and that is where you feel more of your true self coming forth. So just go with that.
The moon rules our natural daily rhythms and it is very beneficial for a person to be aware of what is happening from a lunar perspective.
Thanks so much for your question. I always enjoy hearing from someone who is interested in astrology. Carol

Hi! My sun sign is Aquarius and my rising and moon sign are both Leo. What is the significance of having the same moon and rising sign? I have also heard that the Aquarius and Leo signs are polar opposites. What effect does this have on my personality?
Just wondering, Natalie

Dear Natalie,
When you have the same moon and rising sign, it makes the effects of that particular sign even more significant.  Having both moon and rising sign in Leo gives you a double Leo characteristic, meaning that the sign Leo is very strong in your chart.
With two out of three (sun, moon, rising) very personal parts of your chart in that sign, it will always be an important sign for you to pay attention to.
Yes - Aquarius and Leo are directly across from each other in astrological charts. To comment on what effect this would have on your personality, I would need to see your whole chart in case there are other things involved too. I could do a Mini-Reading for you about this if you would like to order one.
Thanks for your interest in astrology, Carol

Hi,
Myself and 3 other friends just realized that all our birthdays fall on the same day of the week - one each in September, October, November, and December. This year they all land on a Wednesday. We also noted we are each one of the four elements, air, water, earth, fire. We all found this interesting that each of our birthdays fall within a month of each other, the birthday falls on the same day of the week, and we're all one of the four elements.
Does this mean anything? We're really interested in finding out.
Thanks, Kim

Dear Kim,
Yes, it does indeed mean something. One thing for sure is that the four of you have been bonded together in other lifetimes. And here you are again!
Another thing is that you are together to promote balance in each other's lives. You each bring a perspective that will help one or more of the rest of you at any given time.
I hope you enjoy your current lives together, Carol

Carol ~
Could you explain 'progressed sun' to me and what amount of significance it has compared to your regular sun position and your rising sign? What is the order of importance?
Hugs from the desert ~ Brenda

Brenda,
Progressed sun - well, it's kind of like a layer of another sign on top of your natal sun sign. With the starting date depending on the degrees of the sign of your birth sun, your sun sign will "move" through additional signs as you go through life years.
Your basic (natal) sun sign always remains the same however; the progressed sun adds information about your life experiences. The progressed sun sign can change about every 30 years, with the first change's start and finish date depending on the degree number that your sun sign started with at your birth.
Remember - your basic sun sign always will be your sun sign at birth. The other signs that you travel through just add layers to your birth sun sign.
So you may want to try out reading horoscopes for all three, that is unless it muddies up the water too much, and see what works for you. If it all gets too complicated, then just read for your rising sign.
I always read for my rising sign, and then sometimes I read my sun sign and maybe my progressed sun sign for some additional information that may be relevant to what is currently going on for me.
Hope this helps, Carol

Hello, 
My rising sign is Libra - what do all of the Virgo planets in my 12th house mean? I am so confused. I have Virgo in the 12th and Pisces in the 6th. How in the world will this affect me? I have felt like a hermit lately, just taking time to regroup. I am wondering about the Pisces/health/job 6th house problem.
Oh, and I have had a lot of Virgo people in my past. Could Mercury retrograde bring back one of them?
Just curious. I just found this site and I already love it.
Thank you, Lorri 

Dear Lorri,
I would really have to do a chart reading for you to answer your question about Virgo in the 12th house and Pisces in the 6th house. If you'd like, you could click on the "Order Now" button at the top of the Moonscopes website page and place an order. I suggest a Mini-Reading; however please feel free to select whatever you think will best fit your needs.
The answer to your question about Mercury retrograde in Virgo is a definite yes. Mercury retrograde always has the possibility of bringing back people or situations into our lives, especially those associated with the sign it's in during the time of the retrograde or the house it's traveling through in your chart.
The 12th house is a part of the chart that contains stuff from the past, especially from other lifetimes. So whenever Mercury is retrograde in your 12th house, the possibility for something from the past coming up is increased because of the nature of that house. In your case it will likely be connected with the sign Virgo, but sometimes may not.
When Mercury is retrograde in another sign, check out where that sign is located in your chart because situations connected to that particular house may show up as well as something or someone connected to whatever sign it is going through during the retrograde. I'm so glad to hear that you like Moonscopes. Thanks for your feedback. Carol

Hi,
I was born on the cusp of Taurus/Gemini and the person that I am in love with was also born on the cusp of Taurus/Gemini. Are we soul mates or does the fact that we were both born on the cusp diminish that?
Regards, Tamie

Tamie,
This would be a difficult question to answer without doing complete charts on each of you and looking at the whole relationship. I would be glad to do this kind of reading for you. Just click on the "Order Now" button at the top of this page and order a reading there. You could select a Mini-Reading or something more in-depth, whatever meets your needs.
Cusp situations always make things very interesting, to say the least. There isn't any evidence that it will diminish anything, that much is for sure.
Carol

Hi,
I was born on the cusp of Gemini and Cancer. I was curious if there was a way in which people who were born on the cusp could pinpoint their true sign--or if they display traits of both signs and they should not attempt to classify themselves as one specific sign. Do children born on the cusp tend to display traits that don't fit into either sign? Thanks for your help!
Karin

Karin, 
Yes, you can find out your true sun sign by having a reputable, professional astrologer do your chart for you. And yes, from time to time you will notice that you do indeed display traits of both signs. You will have only one absolute sun sign however, and that stays with you for this entire lifetime even if you find that sometimes you feel like you are the other sun sign. 
Anyone born on the cusp seems to have a more complex, layered life in general. It's difficult to be absolute about any interpretation of traits without doing a chart reading though. And if you notice people displaying traits that don't seem to fit into either sign involved in the cusp situation, it's highly likely that they are coming from another part of their chart - moon sign or rising sign for example. 
I would be glad to draw up your chart for you and send it to you, along with a list of the signs and houses your planets are in, if you'd like. Just click on the "Order Now" button at the top of this page and order your chart there.
Carol

Hi:
I am very interested in knowing, once and for all, if there really is significant information that can come from reading one's rising and moon sign? For example, if one has Leo rising, will Jupiter be bestowing them with gifts as well? If their Moon is in Cancer, what does that placement mean considering the Saturn shift in June?
Thanks, Joy

Hi Joy,
The rising sign (ascendant) is the key part of a person's chart. It defines where everything else will be placed in that chart. So yes, reading a horoscope or other kinds of astrological chart analysis for your rising sign will give you pertinent, significant information.
Some people do read horoscopes for their Moon signs; most people however just read horoscopes for their Sun and/or rising signs in western astrology.
Jupiter would not necessarily be connected with Leo rising unless you were born with Jupiter in Leo as well. Or - if there is some type of transit situation where Jupiter is crossing through your first house (as it would be right now if indeed you have Leo rising) or aspecting a planet in your first house, then this planet will be having an effect for that timeframe.
If your Moon is in Cancer, the Saturn shift into Cancer will definitely be an important transit to consider. This would best be addressed in a personal reading of some kind (such as a Transit reading or a Mini-Reading).
Carol

What does the moon rising mean?
Maxine

Maxine,
Usually when astrologers say this, they mean that a person has the Moon located very near their rising sign (ascendant) in their birth (natal) chart.
This means that the Moon would be located either in the12th or 1st house of your chart and also very close by degrees to your rising sign.
Your rising sign would then be interpreted not only from the perspective of the characteristics of its own particular sign, but also from the influence of the Moon's location as well.
A person can also be said to have the Moon rising when they have Cancer as their rising sign, because the Moon rules the sign Cancer.
This same principle applies to all of the other planets as well. For example, a person is said to have Mars rising if the chart indicates the rising sign is Aries (the sign ruled by the planet Mars).
Carol

Hi,
What is the underlying principle for integrating reading the natal chart together with the progressed chart and the transits chart?
Dave

Hi Dave,
I don't really know - I give separate readings for natal charts and transit charts.
Some astrologers combine chart readings into a single astrology session. In that case, an astrology reading is an all-purpose reading. And whatever the astrologer or the client wants to focus on would be the order of the day, so to speak. 
And then there are some astrologers (myself included) who use different kinds of charts for different kinds of readings. Usually this calls for a specific chart to be drawn up, using the natal chart as a base point, and then building the reading around what the client is asking about.
The style of chart reading given by an astrologer all depends on personal preference. I prefer to give each kind of chart interpretation its own reading in order to do something in-depth in that area. 
Carol

Hi!
A question....Until you started doing my horoscopes I would read my sun sign and moon sign daily horoscopes. Then, I can't tell you why, but I stopped reading my moon sign and read my sun sign & rising sign.
Now I've gone back to the first two. At times those fit best of all. At times, only parts of my rising sign fit. Then there was something you said about moving into the next sign as we progress in life, or something like that.....maybe I've muddied the water too much, so please give guidance.
Silvia

Silvia,
In jyotish astrology, the rising sign is the most important part of a chart, followed by the moon sign. 
In western astrology, most people know their sun signs and go by that, although astrologers advise that the rising sign is the key element in the chart.
So, it is kind of up to you. All three - sun, moon, rising - are the basic components of your chart.
I have not been able to test the theory of reading horoscopes for a moon sign on myself because I have the same sign for both rising & moon. I do check out horoscopes for my sun sign and progressed sun sign from time to time.
I have found, by experience, that the horoscope for my rising sign is consistently the most accurate for me.
And yes, some people read their progressed sun sign (we add sun sign layers as we go through life) for a horoscope as well. 
As far as muddying up the waters, astrology is so complex by its very nature that it's difficult to say that one way is right more than any other. It is meant to be a guide, so use what works best for you.  
Carol

Dear on-line professor (Carol),
I was blessed with a Grand Earth Trine with my Sun in Capricorn in the 4th house, Moon (conjunct Chiron) in the 8th house, and Mars (conjunct Jupiter) in the 12th house; all of these are water houses.
Do you know of anyone else with this sort of configuration? What can you tell me? I guess what I'm looking for is someone else to identify with, based on our planets, so I can better understand my own position.
I hope you choose my question! Thanks for your time and energy!
Natasha

Natasha,
I do not know of anyone right off the top of my head who has that same configuration in those same signs. If I think of anyone, I'll see what I can do.
Meanwhile, here's something I could do right now if you'd like - I could put your question on the Q&A portion of the Moonscopes website and offer to give your email address to anyone who has something similar to what you have. They could then contact you.
Carol

Hi Carol,
Could you refresh my memory? What is the difference between a transit chart and a progressed chart? And does a solar return chart give different information from the transiting chart and the progressed chart?
Thanks, Tina

Tina,
A Transit chart shows what is actually happening in the heavens at a particular time and then applies that information to your Natal (birth) chart. It tells you which areas of your life are going to be highlighted for the next year or so, and it tells you how that energy is going to manifest. By that I mean it tells you where the challenges are going to be and for how long, and it tells you where the opportunities are going to open up and for how long.
A Progressed chart will give some additional information, usually in a more broad or general scope. A number of years need to pass between progressed readings in order for some changes to show up in your chart since a Progressed chart reflects the longer term cycles of experience in your life.
A Solar Return chart will give you some additional info also and is used as a guide for tracking personal growth as well. It focuses on a few months before & after your birthday in one specific year, based on your current location. 
So - I always recommend the Transit chart reading to people who are wanting an astrological update, because it covers all the areas of your life and it covers the present as well as the future.
Carol

Carol~
I have somehow noticed that soooooo many of my friends and acquaintances have experienced life-altering experiences in 1990. Everything from losing their jobs, divorces, accidents, loss of lifetime savings, nervous breakdowns, loss of children by premature death, diseases, loss of spouses by death, etc., etc. And the continuing thread that I keep hearing is that it occurred in 1990 and that "their lives will never be the same again". Over and over I'm hearing it. It's almost uncanny. Are you aware of any cataclysmic happening that went on in 1990? There had to be some overall "doozy" that was going on in the universe. I'm dying of curiosity.........
Brenda

Brenda,
In 1989 & 1990 the asteroid Chiron was traveling in opposition to the transiting Saturn. Chiron deals with pain, wisdom, and healing; it was in the sign of Cancer at the time. Saturn is about foundations, long-term commitments, and what needs to be cleaned out (among many other things); it was in Capricorn at the time.
Therefore, when we start putting the puzzle pieces together, what we find is that generally speaking, many people were probably reviewing situations, especially re: emotional relationships, where they were living, career, and their upbringing. Undoubtedly, some unpleasant things were addressed and some experiences required beginning all over again within a new framework. I know several people who were going through some of the things you mentioned, too.
Chiron is in Sagittarius right now and has been in close touch with Pluto for a while. A lot of people are having to face things now that they have been sweeping to the side in the past. So if you hear that some of your friends are in a "do or die" scenario (not literally - but are really at a crossroads or a fork in the road) you’ll know why. There is about about one year left of that particular line-up.
Carol