Spiritual Forum

Timing with the Moon

Timing with the Astrological Moon
Electional Astrology - Techniques for Determining Ideal Days

The Moon is the fastest moving planet (luminary), and it is used extensively for timing in predictive astrology (in progressions, for example), horary astrology (charting the moment a question is posed), and in electional astrology (choosing the best time to do something, such as start a business).

The Moon changes zodiac signs approximately every two and a half days, and completes its cycle approximately every 28 days.

On this Page:

The Void of Course Moon
Electional Astrology Using the Moon
Phase of the Moon
Moon Signs
First Meeting Chart
Current Month's Moon Tables
Void of Course Moon Tables

The Void of Course Moon.

The Moon is considered "Void of Course" when it doesn't make any major applying aspects before changing signs. When determining the Void of Course Moon period, traditional astrology only considers major aspects (that is, the conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition) that are applying. Applying aspects occur when the planets forming the aspect are moving closer to the point of contact. In practical terms, the faster-moving planet (when the Moon is involved, it is always the faster-moving planet) is at a degree that is less than the slower-moving planet. For example, if the Moon is at 25 degrees Aries, and the Sun is at 26 degrees Libra, the Moon is forming an applying aspect (an opposition) to the Sun.

After the Moon has made its last major aspect before changing signs, the Void of Course phase begins. Therefore, in our example, if the opposition to the Sun is the last aspect the Moon will make before it changes signs (in this case, moves to 0 degrees Taurus), the Moon will enter the Void of Course phase (at 26 degrees Aries until 0 degrees Taurus in our example).

According to theory, most activities should be initiated when the Moon is not Void of Course. New ctivities started during the void period generally don't work out to our liking, or they need some serious adjustment in order for them to meet any success. Therefore, if possible, one should avoid going on a first date, a job interview, starting a business or project, and so forth, during the Void of Course Moon. In Horary Astrology, in which a person asks a question and then the astrologer draws a chart of that moment in order to find an answer, if the Moon is Void of Course, we generally consider that "nothing will come of the matter".

When is the Moon Void of Course? Refer to our chart below for the current months. Notice that our charts show the last major applying aspect the Moon makes before changing signs (for example, it squares Mars). You can also use this table to see the Moon's sign for the months shown! The date and time the Moon changes sign are shown in the chart.
What is a Void Moon Good for?
Finishing up projects that have already begun before the void of course Moon.
Taking stock, making to-do lists, and finding lost objects.
Editing, refining, and reviewing.
Social events with established friends and with family.
Rest and sleep will be more peaceful during the void of course Moon.
Getting rid of excess.
What activities should be avoided during the Void Moon?
Meeting new people with whom you might want a long-term relationship.
Job interviews, presentations of new ideas
Making important, large purchases (items bought now may not be used, might not turn out as expected, etc.)
Beginning new projects, launching a new business or starting a new job.

Electional Astrology using the Moon:

If you are interested in timing the initiation of a project or important activity according to a favorable Moon position, you should consider 2 major factors:

The Moon's first applying aspect after you begin your activity, which will symbolize how your undertaking begins. You should aim for that aspect to be a sextile or trine, and in some cases (depending on the nature of the planet), a conjunction.

The Moon's last applying aspect before it changes signs (shown in the tables below), which will symbolize the outcome of your undertaking. You should also aim for that aspect to be a conjunction (to an easy planet), sextile, or trine.

In addition to the nature of the aspect, the nature of the planet that the Moon is aspecting should be considered. It will describe the circumstances surrounding your undertaking.

Another important timing factor involves the phase of the Moon. As a general principle, starting a project is more favorable during the waxing period of the Moon (from New Moon to Full Moon). You will want to conclude projects or do preparation work for a new project (not start a new one) during the waning phase of the Moon (from Full Moon to New Moon).

Each phase of the Moon is associated with a particular power or purpose. The New Moon is a time to begin new things, to be spontaneous. The Crescent Moon phase is an information-gathering phase, and a time to implement initial plans. The First Quarter Moon is a confrontational period when problems should be addressed, and laying of the foundations of plans is favorable. The Gibbous Moon phase is a time to make adjustments and refinements. The Full Moon Phase is a time for fulfillment. It is a point of unveiling and revealing. The Disseminating Moon phase is a social period and a time when sharing and understanding is highlighted. The Last Quarter Moon is a time of letting go, and the Balsamic Moon phase is a time of rest and reflection. Read more about Moon Phases here and see the Moon Phases Calendar here.

From http://www.cafeastrology.com/timingwiththemoon.html

Calendar http://www.moontracks.com/cgi-bin/astrology-calendar.pl

Harmonizing With the Moon

Do you know what phase the moon is in today? With the busy lifestyles modern people lead it is
easy to lose track, but becoming aware of the moon and its monthly rhythms was the first step
that led me to become more connected with the natural world. Appropriate timing is very
important when working with Magic and Ritual. The goal is to perform a rite or spell at the time
when the forces at work in the natural world complement your intentions.

Each year the Moon has thirteen Lunar Cycles per year, each with four phases

The New Moon is the best time to cast spells for new beginnings and new projects. It's influence
can also boost ambitions and careers. This is the time to plant seeds for things you want to
manifest.

Any month that has a second new moon (called the black moon) is more powerful than the first in
the cycle. Seeds planted at this time will manifest more quickly.

The Waxing Moon is a good time for building up strength, manifestation, expansion and growth.

The Full Moon Use this moon's energy for expansion and growth. This is the best time for The
Blue Moon is the name for the second full moon in a month. It is a powerful time to manifest
spells begun at new moon.

The Waning Moon is the time for decrease. This is the most powerful time to cast spells to
remove problems, protection and neutralizing adversaries. It's also a good time for
reflection,meditation and study. Use this moon's energy to banish harmful energies.

The Moon spends a day or two each month in each of the twelve signs of the zodiac. The sign the
moon is transiting through can be used to good advantage during spellwork. Void-of-Course Moon
or v/c is the time the Moon is "between signs". It is when the Moon moves from the sign of
Gemini, but has not yet moved into the sign of Cancer. Void-of-Course can last for a few minutes
or a couple of days. Spell working should be avoided when the moon is void of course as the
energy is unpredictable. V/C is a time of disruption when nothing works as expected. Knowing
when the moon is void of course will eliminate a lot of frustration and wasted effort.

From: http://www.liminallandscapes.com/vcmoon.html

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