Sun and Moon Contacts - Planetary Aspects Explained, Part 1

The Sun aspecting Moon brings the self-identity function (symbolized by the Sun) in contact with the emotional/subconscious function (symbolized by the Moon). The Sun and the Moon are the two “luminaries” in the astrological chart. They represent the two most important and dominant functions of the psyche—functions that are opposed in many ways. In fact, the Sun and Moon symbolize the inherent duality of the psyche and the cosmos, in many ways similar to the symbol of the Tao (Yin-Yang). Like the Moon, the Tao itself is dual—having a light side and a dark side. The Sun is all brightness and unity. But, this unity is contained within the duality, as well as encompassing the duality. Thus, a consciousness of self and identity, symbolized by the Sun, both are juxtaposed against and is contained within the subconscious world, symbolized by the Moon. Therefore, any Sun-Moon contact represents, at some level, the mediation between consciousness and the unconscious. This mediation between consciousness and the subconscious plays out in the relationship between the self and all of the impinging and conditioning influences received from its environment (the “unconscious other”), as well as from its personal subconscious. A subset of this is the affect of the emotional and the irrational on the conscious and rational self-identity. Another subset is comprised of the conditioned habits and behaviors that define the self’s identity.

The Sun symbolizes an inherent need to define and validate self- identity. A Sun-Moon contact suggests the importance of the emotional base, subconscious conditioning and those other functions and qualities that are symbolized by the Moon in defining the self’s identity. The aspect existing between the Sun and the Moon suggests the ease or difficulty with which the Lunar functions and qualities affect the self and define its identity. It also suggests the ease or difficulty with which the conscious self establishes its relationship with the unconscious, the emotional and the irrational.
The Sun is associated with the Sky-Father archetype (to be distinguished from the Old Man/Father archetype symbolized by Saturn). This archetype conveys creativity, vigor, and lordship. The Moon is associated with the archetype of the Cosmic Mother, from whom all things are born and out of whom all Becoming takes place. From this archetype springs the Moon’s association with mothering, family, security, rootedness and the past. Thus, a
Sun-Moon contact suggests some relationship between the polarized cosmic masculine and cosmic feminine energies of the universe. Another side of this polarization is that between Being (the Sun) and Becoming (the Moon).
As in any oppositional relationship, the positive potential exists for the Sun and Moon functions and qualities to complement and balance each other. A positive Sun-Moon contact (or a difficult one that has been worked through)
can suggest a well-rounded individual who has brought their conscious/ rational and subconscious/emotional sides into balance. Positive contact can also indicate the potential to exercise your sense of self to control your habits and behavior.

If a difficult aspect is present, or if your psyche is operating at a lower, ego-bound level of consciousness, dysfunctionality between the conscious and subconscious states of mind is likely to occur. This often involves conflict or confusion involving self-identity and your emotions. Other manifestations of the Moon—particularly subconscious conditioning and the influence of your mother and family—also may play into the dysfunctional dynamic.
The transcendent potential of the Sun-Moon contact occurs involves the positive actualization of the polarity between the states of Being and Becoming, and the archetypal masculine and feminine. In order to accomplish this, the subconscious must be entered consciously and transformed into super-consciousness. Personal self-identity must be abandoned and you must realize the mystery of the essential unity that overcomes duality while circumscribing and preserving duality.