User:STS17

PvE
Moonkin have three primary abilities that are key to surviving in PvE - Cyclone, Entangling Roots, and Barkskin. Cyclone is obtained at level 70 and allows the druid to temporarily encase a target in a cyclone which makes him immune to all forms of attack (lasts 6 seconds). Entangling Roots snares a target in place for up to 27 seconds and does damage every 3 seconds, however damage to the scared target can remove the effect. Both of these abilities give the Moonkin CC abilities which are essential for those "whoops I pulled one too many" moments. Barkskin reduces all damage taken by 20% and prevents pushback on your spells for 15 seconds. Obviously Barkskin is useful for mitigating damage but it also allows the druid to shift back to caster form and cast some HoTs. Lifebloom and Rejuvination, along with the bonus healing from Lunar Guidance, increases a Moonkin's survivability considerably. Now one might ask, "both those HoTs are instant so why should I wait until I cast Barkskin to shift out and use them?" The answer to that is simple, when you shift out, you lose the 360% bonus to your armor, so you take significantly more damage, Barkskin helps to reduce that loss of armor.

PvP
Moonkin truely shine in PvP. Starfire and Wrath can quickly chip away at an enemies health while the DoT from Moonfire finishes off anyone who runs away. One thing that should be taken to heart, Moonfire spam is fun and ticks a lot of people off but absolutely destroys your mana supply. Moonfire spam should only be used to finish off a fleeing opponent, or as a last ditch effort to survive. Also, by spamming Moonfire, you never allow its DoT to begin its course, because every time you cast Moonfire, its timer resets. If you insist on spamming Moonfire, cast your highest rank first then switch to your second highest, this still deals massive damage but it also allows your DoT to run its course. Also, Insect Swarm does decient damage per point of mana and its marginal reduction in hit chance isn't too shabby. Entangling Roots, unfortunately, is becoming less useful as time passes because more and more classes are being given ways to escape snare effects. If anything it still delays a player from reaching you which usually will give you the time to cast a Starefire/Moonfire combo.

Most players will suggest begining fights in Cat Form, if you are a Night Elf (and patient) simply shadowmeld and wait for your target to come in range then suprise them. Starting from Cat Form has its advantages though. If you are a compitent "stance dancer" (you should be if you wish to be a Moonkin) you can Pounce and then Rip your target then switch to Bear Form before they recover from the stun. From Bear Form meelee your target once (possibly twice if you are unlucky) to get enough rage to Bash your target. This gives you enough time to switch to Caster Form and place a Rejuvination on yourself and switch back into Moonkin. Once back into Moonkin Form, Moonfire your target. At this point the stun should be wearing off. The rest is up to you.