A Void-of-Course transit of the moon is a period of time between the last aspect of the Moon while transiting in one sign and the point that the Moon enters the next sign (ingress). It takes approximately 27.5 days for the moon to loop all the way around the Earth. Many interactions (aspects) are made between the Moon and the various planets as it cycles around the Earth. Typically, each aspect will last only for a few hours since the Moon’s transiting cycle is the shortest (fastest) of all the planets. There will be approximately 13 Void Moon periods per month. The Void can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the placements of the planets.

The Void-of-Course (VOC) is similar to a short-lived rest or a recuperation period for the Moon before it starts on its next emotional path into the fresh astrological sign. The Moon’s transit through a sign sets the stage for our feelings. In addition, the aspects that it makes to the planets while transiting a sign tends to put a quick “spotlight” of focus to those feelings. Our frame of mind may be influenced during particular transits and aspects. Plus, the nature of that final aspect leading into the VOC will add a bit of flavoring to our emotional state during the Void Moon. We tend to feel a little lost during a VOC, because the Moon, representing our moods and emotions, is taking a bit of a nap. We may feel out of sorts, confused, frustrated, or rundown. But since the VOC is relatively short, we may not even really notice it all that much. It may have passed before we have even had the chance to put a finger on our feelings.

It is believed that new ideas or new tasks should not be implemented during the VOC because the time will be misspent or the task will be done incorrectly and need to be redone later. This “loss” may be caused by an inattention to details or missed information. On the other hand, the VOC is an outstanding time to plan for an upcoming project or to reflect on an event. Or, better yet, just take a rest, right along with the Moon!

From Al H. Morrison who traced the knowhow of Void Moons from the ancient times of Firnus Maternicus through Elizabethan times to the present, come these thoughts:

“Every couple of days there comes a time which is best used for subjective, spiritual non-material concerns, like prayer, yoga, play, psychotherapy, or passive experience, sleep or meditation. This period may last a few seconds, or it may be three days and nights in a single session. It begins when the Moon in transit makes the last major aspect it will make before it changes from one sign of the zodiac to the next. It ends when the Moon enters the next sign. The name of this period is Void of Course Moon. You may call it a silly season, or vacation from normal living.”

“Decision making in such periods turns out later to be unrealistic. Creativity diverges into unpleasant directions, improvisations, false starts, error. Business moves fail to generate profits, or meet unexpected difficulties. If you buy any object it usually fails of its intended use.”

“Human judgment is more fallible than usual during the time the Moon is Void of Course. This is the principle factor in all observed experience thus far. Routine proceeds readily, but often requires an adjustment later. Defects or shortages come to light. Delay and frustration are commonly experienced while the Moon is Void of Course.”

“Historic events during such periods have a wild, Pandora’s Box impact on cultural evolution. The first two dozen successful spaceshots were all launched with the Moon Void of Course, to open an all-new age in which old concepts and ideas are corrected or disproven.”

“In every presidential election from 1900 through 1972 one of the two major party candidates was nominated with the Moon Void of Course. Every one of the candidates nominated with the Moon Void of Course lost. Jimmy Carter’s 1980 nomination came in a Void of Course Moon.”
[John Kerry’s 2004 nomination and Al Gore’s 2000 nomination came in a Void of Course Moon. —DK-S]

Only observation can demonstrate what the Void of Course Moon indicates in your daily living. Check it out for yourself. Design your own experiment with the Void of Course moon and see how your own life is impacted by your more intimate relationship with the Moon’s Void of Course movement.