Moon Void of Course (Astro)

The void of course Moon is not a personal phenomenon but refers to the current aspects of the Moon with other planets. There is no relation to your natal chart, and therefore the void of course Moon is not interpreted on a personal level.

When the Moon makes its final aspect with another planet before it enters the next zodiac sign, a phase which we call "Moon void of course" begins. The aspects used for the calculation of the void of course Moon are conjunction, opposition, square, trine and sextile. Aspects to the Moon's Nodes, Lilith and Chiron are ignored. This phase ends with the ingress of the Moon into the next zodiac sign.

Some astrologers assume that the time of void of course Moon is best used for taking a rest, relaxing, meditating, turning inward, or simply for enjoying oneself. In any case, this is not a good time for important decisions or actions which require a positive outcome. The American astrologer Donna Cunningham, for example, advises to use this time for undemanding routine work like housekeeping or organising your desk. She even goes as far as to say that this time can be used for issues which you would prefer to remain unresolved.

The void of course Moon was originally introduced by the astrologer William Lilly in the 17th century. He claimed that a period during which the Moon was void of course was adverse to important decisions and activities. However, Lilly assumed that these periods were favourable when the Moon was in Taurus, Cancer, Sagittarius or Pisces, i.e. in one of the signs of rulership or exaltation of the benefics Jupiter and Venus.

The duration of the void of course Moon can vary greatly. It can be very short - sometimes it lasts only for seconds -, but it may also last as long as two days. It is even possible for the Moon to cross a complete sign without making a single aspect with another planet. In this case the void of course phase re-starts when the Moon enters the sign, or rather continues the void of course phase of the previous sign. This phase ends yet again with the ingress of the Moon into the following sign.