Moon Cycles

What is the Void of Course Moon?

The calculations are derived from the observation of the last Ptolemy aspect to the Moon’s ingress into the next sign. In simpler terms, immediately after the Moon forms the last Major Aspect to another planet from the sign that the Moon is transiting, until the Moon moves into the next sign, the Moon is considered to be Void of Course. What is a Major Aspect? If we think of the universe in terms of a huge circle surrounding Earth, we can begin to think of slicing that circle up into sections. The aspects are merely angles formed within the 360 degree circle. A 90 degree angle is referred to as the Square Aspect. Other Major Aspects in Ptolemy are: conjunction, 0 degree; sextile, 60 degrees; trine, 120 degrees; and opposition, 180 degrees. There are many other degrees used in Astrology. In this case, for these VoC tables, only the major aspects will be used to determine the beginning of the Void of Course event.

What should I expect to happen when the Moon is Void of Course?

The Void of Course (VoC) is similar to a short respite or a reprieve of emotions before the Moon journeys into the next astrological sign. The Moon rules over our feelings, emotions, nurturing feminine side (yes, even men have a nurturing feminine influence), as well as our childhood memories and family matters. Depending on which sign the Moon transits, that sign’s energies will be blended into, or at the very least, awash over our natural Moon Sign’s tendencies. This is one reason why our emotions and moods always seem to be in a state of flux, internally. When the Moon begins into a Void of Course period, these areas of our life seem to hit a disconnect. We encounter a short period of emotional confusion, mood fatigue, or even simply feel emotionally and physically rundown. We may not be able to rely on our usual “gut” decision-making. It is not advisable to initiate new concepts during the VoC Moon. For example, many students complain of not being able to remember what was taught during the Moon’s Void of Course transit. From a psychological perspective, Learning and Memory are both closely associated with Emotions. When our emotions are dampened by the Void of Course period, we have a difficult time retaining new information. We must rely on the information that we already have, which may be insufficient once the Void of Course Moon has finished up. This is why so many astrologers describe this period as being “lost time” because we have a harder time staying on task, paying attention to details or flat out missing important information. Yet, the VoC period is useful if we have the ability to kick back, postpone making important decisions, and simply enjoy being “one” with the Void Moon. A great article to refer to on the Moon’s Void of Course energies can be found on The Mountain Astrologer.

How do I use the Void of Course Moon Chart?

The Void of Course (VoC) table is set up to show you two months of VoC beginnings and endings. The table is defaulted to the Coordinated Universal Time, aka UTC or UTC(0). You can adjust the time zone to your region with the plus (+) or minus (-) radio buttons and the hours in the drop down window. If you live in the Western hemisphere, use the minus (-) radio button. Eastern hemisphere residents will use the plus (+) radio button. Let’s use the Pacific Time Zone as an example. During the Standard Time (PST) the time difference from UTC is -8. Click on the minus radio button and select 8 from the dropdown window then click the “Change” button to adjust the time. During the Daylight Saving Time (PDT), the time difference from UTC is -7. Same operations with a slightly different time outcome. If you do not know your region’s Time Zone calculation, you can visit Date and Time | Accessible The Time Now *(The link will open in a new window). Once you find the area closest to your region and convert the time, look for the UTC offset for your timezone. That will be your clue for the time zone offset on this Moon Void of Course date list.