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. 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".
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 is shown in
the chart.
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, 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.
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.
Using the
Moon to see where a Relationship is Headed:
The condition
of the Moon by sign, its first and last applying aspect, the
phase of the Moon, and more can be used to predict where a
relationship is headed. The theories behind the Moon in
Electional Astrology can be applied to the "first
meeting" chart of a relationship. See our example of
the delineation of a "first meeting chart" here.
Current
Position of the Moon (this is at GMT):
Current
Phase of the Moon:
Void of Course Moon Tables:
September 2011 to (Times given
Eastern Time) Void of Course Moon (DST is observed at appropriate
times)
[The Moon is
Void of Course from the time that its last aspect is
listed until the Moon enters a new sign. For example,
the Moon is Void of Course from January 26th, 2011 at
11:52 PM
(EST) when it makes its last major aspect (an opposition
to Mars) in
the sign until January 27th at 1:28 PM, when the Moon changes signs to
Aries.]
For Pacific Time, subtract 3 hours from the given
times. For example, the Moon enters Aries on
January 27th at 10:28 PM Pacific Time.
Sep 1, 2011 1:35 PM Moo Trine
Nep V/C
Sep 1, 2011 2:48 PM Moo enters
Scorpio
Sep 3, 2011 3:41 PM Moo Sqr Nep V/C
Sep 3, 2011 5:03 PM Moo enters
Sagittarius
Sep 5, 2011 8:30 PM Moo Sxtil Nep V/C
Sep 5, 2011 10:03 PM Moo enters
Capricorn
Sep 7, 2011 4:35 PM Moo Oppos Mar V/C
Sep 8, 2011 5:42 AM Moo enters
Aquarius
Sep 10, 2011 1:32 PM Moo Conj Nep V/C
Sep 10, 2011 3:26 PM Moo enters Pisces
Sep 12, 2011 9:45 PM Moo Oppos Ven V/C
Sep 13, 2011 2:49 AM Moo enters Aries
Sep 15, 2011 1:10 PM Moo Sxtil Nep V/C
Sep 15, 2011 3:25 PM Moo enters Taurus
Sep 18, 2011 3:09 AM Moo Sxtil Mar V/C
Sep 18, 2011 4:06 AM Moo enters Gemini
Sep 20, 2011 12:34 PM Moo Trine Nep V/C
Sep 20, 2011 2:53 PM Moo enters Cancer
Sep 22, 2011 9:22 PM Sun Sxtil Moo V/C
Sep 22, 2011 9:55 PM Moo enters Leo
Sep 24, 2011 10:39 PM Moo Oppos Nep V/C
Sep 25, 2011 12:49 AM Moo enters Virgo
Sep 25, 2011 3:47 PM Moo Trine Jup V/C
Sep 27, 2011 12:51 AM Moo enters Libra
Sep 28, 2011 9:51 PM Moo Trine Nep V/C
Sep 29, 2011 12:05 AM Moo enters
Scorpio
Sep 30, 2011 10:17 PM Moo Sqr Nep V/C
Oct 1, 2011 12:42 AM Moo enters
Sagittarius
Oct 3, 2011 1:37 AM Moo Sxtil Nep V/C
Oct 3, 2011 4:16 AM Moo enters
Capricorn
Oct 5, 2011 1:58 AM Moo Sqr Ven V/C
Oct 5, 2011 11:18 AM Moo enters
Aquarius
Oct 7, 2011 6:08 PM Moo Conj Nep V/C
Oct 7, 2011 9:13 PM Moo enters Pisces
Oct 8, 2011 12:51 PM Moo Sxtil Jup V/C
Oct 10, 2011 8:57 AM Moo enters Aries
Oct 12, 2011 8:08 PM Moo Oppos Mer V/C
Oct 12, 2011 9:35 PM Moo enters Taurus
Oct 15, 2011 6:51 AM Moo Sqr Nep V/C
Oct 15, 2011 10:15 AM Moo enters Gemini
Oct 17, 2011 6:18 PM Moo Trine Nep V/C
Oct 17, 2011 9:38 PM Moo enters Cancer
Oct 19, 2011 11:30 PM Sun Sqr Moo V/C
Oct 20, 2011 6:06 AM Moo enters Leo
Oct 22, 2011 8:35 AM Sun Sxtil Moo V/C
Oct 22, 2011 10:41 AM Moo enters Virgo
Oct 23, 2011 4:47 PM Moo Sxtil Ven V/C
Oct 24, 2011 11:49 AM Moo enters Libra
Oct 26, 2011 8:18 AM Moo Trine Nep V/C
Oct 26, 2011 11:08 AM Moo enters
Scorpio
Oct 28, 2011 7:49 AM Moo Sqr Nep V/C
Oct 28, 2011 10:45 AM Moo enters
Sagittarius
Oct 30, 2011 9:30 AM Moo Sxtil Nep V/C
Oct 30, 2011 12:39 PM Moo enters
Capricorn
Nov 1, 2011 5:00 PM Moo Sxtil Ven V/C
Nov 1, 2011 6:08 PM Moo enters
Aquarius
Nov 3, 2011 11:40 PM Moo Conj Nep V/C
Nov 4, 2011 3:18 AM Moo enters Pisces
Nov 5, 2011 4:05 AM Sun Trine Moo V/C
*** Daylight Saving Time ends ***
Nov 6, 2011 2:02 PM Moo enters Aries
Nov 9, 2011 12:46 AM Moo Trine Mar V/C
Nov 9, 2011 2:45 AM Moo enters Taurus
Nov 11, 2011 11:27 AM Moo Sqr Nep V/C
Nov 11, 2011 3:10 PM Moo enters Gemini
Nov 13, 2011 10:42 PM Moo Trine Nep V/C
Nov 14, 2011 2:19 AM Moo enters Cancer
Nov 16, 2011 12:22 AM Moo Sqr Sat V/C
Nov 16, 2011 11:17 AM Moo enters Leo
Nov 18, 2011 2:05 PM Moo Oppos Nep V/C
Nov 18, 2011 5:19 PM Moo enters Virgo
Nov 20, 2011 5:21 PM Sun Sxtil Moo V/C
Nov 20, 2011 8:16 PM Moo enters Libra
Nov 22, 2011 6:04 PM Moo Trine Nep V/C
Nov 22, 2011 8:58 PM Moo enters
Scorpio
Nov 24, 2011 6:04 PM Moo Sqr Nep V/C
Nov 24, 2011 8:57 PM Moo enters
Sagittarius
Nov 26, 2011 7:06 PM Moo Sxtil Nep V/C
Nov 26, 2011 10:04 PM Moo enters
Capricorn
Nov 28, 2011 6:01 PM Moo Sqr Sat V/C
Nov 29, 2011 2:02 AM Moo enters
Aquarius
Dec 1, 2011 6:26 AM Moo Conj Nep V/C
Dec 1, 2011 9:45 AM Moo enters Pisces
Dec 2, 2011 1:06 PM Moo Sqr Mer V/C
Dec 3, 2011 8:51 PM Moo enters Aries
Dec 6, 2011 6:13 AM Moo Sxtil Nep V/C
Dec 6, 2011 9:34 AM Moo enters Taurus
Dec 8, 2011 6:39 PM Moo Sqr Nep V/C
Dec 8, 2011 9:52 PM Moo enters Gemini
Dec 11, 2011 5:24 AM Moo Trine Nep V/C
Dec 11, 2011 8:26 AM Moo enters Cancer
Dec 13, 2011 11:05 AM Moo Sqr Sat V/C
Dec 13, 2011 4:48 PM Moo enters Leo
Dec 15, 2011 8:20 PM Moo Oppos Nep V/C
Dec 15, 2011 10:58 PM Moo enters Virgo
Dec 17, 2011 9:29 PM Moo Trine Ven V/C
Dec 18, 2011 3:06 AM Moo enters Libra
Dec 20, 2011 4:49 AM Moo Sqr Ven V/C
Dec 20, 2011 5:33 AM Moo enters
Scorpio
Dec 22, 2011 4:49 AM Moo Sqr Nep V/C
Dec 22, 2011 7:03 AM Moo enters
Sagittarius
Dec 24, 2011 6:36 AM Moo Sxtil Nep V/C
Dec 24, 2011 8:47 AM Moo enters
Capricorn
Dec 26, 2011 8:36 AM Moo Sqr Sat V/C
Dec 26, 2011 12:14 PM Moo enters
Aquarius
Dec 28, 2011 4:31 PM Moo Conj Nep V/C
Dec 28, 2011 6:45 PM Moo enters Pisces
Dec 30, 2011 8:37 AM Moo Oppos Mar V/C
Dec 31, 2011 4:48 AM Moo enters Aries
Jan 2, 2012 3:07 PM Moo Sxtil Nep V/C
Jan 2, 2012 5:16 PM Moo enters Taurus
Jan 5, 2012 3:46 AM Moo Sqr Nep V/C
Jan 5, 2012 5:44 AM Moo enters Gemini
Jan 7, 2012 2:52 PM Moo Oppos Mer V/C
Jan 7, 2012 4:05 PM Moo enters Cancer
Jan 9, 2012 9:25 PM Moo Sqr Sat V/C
Jan 9, 2012 11:35 PM Moo enters Leo
Jan 12, 2012 3:23 AM Moo Oppos Nep V/C
Jan 12, 2012 4:44 AM Moo enters Virgo
Jan 13, 2012 8:58 PM Sun Trine Moo V/C
Jan 14, 2012 8:28 AM Moo enters Libra
Jan 16, 2012 10:28 AM Moo Trine Nep V/C
Jan 16, 2012 11:33 AM Moo enters
Scorpio
Jan 18, 2012 1:31 PM Moo Sqr Nep V/C
Jan 18, 2012 2:29 PM Moo enters
Sagittarius
Jan 20, 2012 4:49 PM Moo Sxtil Nep V/C
Jan 20, 2012 5:40 PM Moo enters
Capricorn
Jan 22, 2012 8:38 PM Moo Sqr Sat V/C
Jan 22, 2012 9:53 PM Moo enters
Aquarius
Jan 25, 2012 3:33 AM Moo Conj Nep V/C
Jan 25, 2012 4:11 AM Moo enters Pisces
Jan 26, 2012 11:52 PM Moo Oppos Mar V/C
Jan 27, 2012 1:28 PM Moo enters Aries
Jan 30, 2012 1:08 AM Moo Sxtil Nep V/C
Jan 30, 2012 1:28 AM Moo enters Taurus
Feb 1, 2012 2:06 PM Moo Sqr Nep V/C
Feb 1, 2012 2:14 PM Moo enters Gemini