Void of Course Moon

Every now and then a particular astrological phenomenon catches mainstream popularity and brings another slice of astrology into our awareness. The Mercury Retrograde and The Saturn Return are a couple of celestial events that have become more mainstream in recent years probably because their impact is hard to ignore and the concept is easy to grasp. The newest member to enter the Astrological Mainstream Hall of Fame is "The Void of Course Moon" (or the VOC moon). After all, It does have an impact and though it may be more difficult to explain to the non-astrologically minded, it's certainly not beyond our reach of understanding.

It sounds something like a lost traveler, one without direction or course and by golly that's essentially what it is, a time when the moon will be making NO contact with any other planet before entering a new sign. Since the moon will "Go Void" about every other day, it is helpful to note those times when making plans because these moons can be tricky to navigate.

The moon regulates our emotions and can provide us with a stable foundation from which we can approach the world, giving us a sense of confidence; she also helps to refine our instincts allowing for a better sense of things around us (intuitive comes to mind). As she enters a new sign (about every two and one-half days) we adjust our focus. For example, when the moon is in Pisces we tend to be more emotional, melancholy, and sensitive. Under this moon we are more likely to listen to our inner voice or instincts in a quiet, reflective manner. Two and one-half days later the moon will enter Aries where we pick up strength and evoke a warrior consciousness that pushes past the Piscian softness with an energy that seems extreme by contrast. Now our instincts are primed for the battle; like that Monday morning most of us face after having a lazy Sunday.

While in Pisces (or any sign) the moon will form a mathematical relationship with every planet, a basic geometric pattern that connects her with her celestial siblings. During that time we also feel the stability of the moon, which we reflect in our own lives. It is in the last hours of her stay in a particular sign when she finishes her contact with each planet that we begin to feel the shift of her energies. It is in those final hours, without connection that we call her "Void of Course" (VOC).

Don't be too discouraged if you don't completely understand the "why" of the VOC moon because what matters most is the "when". Most astrological calendars (including my monthly planner) will make note of the VOC hours (sometimes days) giving you an insiders look at how to plan your activities and you will soon find that knowing those times can be invaluable.

Think of the VOC moon as a time when we are free from connection. Imagine that you went to a big department store to find a shirt for your colleague's birthday and the staff was gone. No cashier, no floor help, just a bunch of strangers shopping around you. At first you may not notice but as you start getting more serious about finding the shirt you may also start looking more seriously for some sales help. As time moves and irritation sets in your mind starts to wonder just what is going on. Perhaps you should just take the shirt or perhaps there is a fire in the store and the clerks just saved themselves, or maybe you are being tested with secret cameras, or there is a robbery in progress and the staff is being held hostage. There you are in the middle of the store being flooded with questions and possible scenarios. Eventually, overwhelmed by your choices you may just decide to leave. By the time you get home you call the store and no one answers, then you watch the news to see if there are any answers to end your curiosity and before you know it, you are at work the next day, the day of your colleague's birthday, without a gift. Completely sidetracked.

Though exaggerated to show the point, that's the general tone of the Void of Course moon, unpredictable disorienting or possibly freeing (perhaps you really didn't want to buy that shirt). As is typical in astrology you'll find that many texts say different things about certain phenomenon. Some say that things you buy under a VOC moon won't give you as much use as you thought, dentists appointments may misdiagnose you or cancel on you due to confusion with the time or some texts say that it's the best time to go shopping because you are likely to find an unadvertised deal. Again, just like our department store scenario, the possibilities are endless but the point is you are less likely to be grounded and clear during these times than other times and that isn't always a bad thing. I have had some of the best conversations during a VOC moon. I've hit on slot machines under a VOC but couldn't really feel the magic. For me, a Lunar ruled Cancer, I feel somewhat internal during them but you may feel "unhooked" and less guarded while experiencing a VOC moon.

This isn't a manifesto warning of the VOC moon dangers, there just aren't any. In fact, seemingly negative results have just as little effect on you as positive ones which is why the VOC moons are simply times to help you understand why you may feel a bit separate from the rest of the world and the more connection you have to your own natal moon the more separate you are likely to feel. VOC moons are great times to reflect, to get mindless, to distract yourself with projects that you have avoided doing because you are less likely to find them as difficult. If you can avoid having important appointments scheduled under them then do so OR schedule them just to see what the big deal is.

Your options are endless but your opportunity to experiment with these times is invaluable. Find out when the VOC moon is (I note them on the daily planner) and make note of how they affect you. I find that the best way to do this is to look at your calendar AFTER you have had your day; that way you won't fulfill any preconceptions you may have. If you tend to be too emotional you may find a reprieve during these times and conversely if you aren't emotional enough you may find it oddly easy to shed a tear.

Each of us experiences celestial events differently because we each have different charts, which give us different perspectives. Make astrology yours, don't just take my view, experiment but remember that what you find to be true for yourself doesn't make it a law for the rest of us. That's how we start bad astrological rumors.

Peace!
Mark