Timing with the Moon

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

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.

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. Activities 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".

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:

1. 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.

2. 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, 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.

The Moon's Sign on a Particular Day:

The Moon favors these kinds of activities:

In Aries, quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.
In Taurus, substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.
In Gemini, mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands.
In Cancer, domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.
In Leo, creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.
In Virgo, mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

In Libra, relationship issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.
In Scorpio, taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.
In Sagittarius, adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, advertising, sports, physical activity.
In Capricorn, long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.
In Aquarius, unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.
In Pisces, imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.