Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Timing and the Moon

There is an entire branch of astrology devoted to timing in which the Moon plays a very important role. Although the Moon is not the only consideration, it is a very effective tool in determining a good time to take action. This branch of astrology is called electional astrology - the astrology of timing. But you don’t have to learn this subject to understand how to use the Moon to improve your timing. The Moon is the closest orbiting body to earth and as such she is responsible for setting events in motion. Here we will show you how to work with the Moon’s daily motion, her sign and aspects to improve your timing.

To begin with, we have to find the times during which the Moon is void-of-course. Since the Moon changes signs approximately every two-and-a-half days, she is considered void when she ceases to form any major applying aspect to another planet before moving into the next sign. During these time intervals, things usually don't turn out as planned. As a rule of thumb "nothing of consequence" will evolve when the Moon is void so it's best to avoid planning important events during these times. Routine activities, however, are usually not affected and the void-of-course Moon does favor artistic, creative and leisure activities. 
As a general rule, it is most desirable to begin a new project or one that requires growth after a New Moon. The two-and-a-half week period after the New Moon each month is the Moon's waxing phase. She is increasing in light, going from new to full, and anything done during this time has the best chance for growth, expansion and gain.  The two-and-a-half week period after the Full Moon is the Moon's waning phase. She is decreasing in light, and this is the best time to consolidate, organize and complete that which you began earlier. A decreasing Moon is also desirable for activities where you want to minimize the outcome or result. For instance if you get a haircut on a decreasing Moon it will grow in more slowly than it will on a waxing Moon cycle.

Because the Moon moves so quickly, she may make several aspects during the course of a day. The Moon's first applying aspect at the time you begin something describes how your action gets off the ground and/or the circumstances you may encounter. The Moon's last aspect before she changes signs describes the end result or eventual outcome of your action.

If you were planning to go on a job interview, for example, you would try to pick a time when the Moon is applying to a favorable aspect with another planet. This positive first aspect supports a smooth beginning. A conjunction, sextile or trine falls into this category and the nature of the planet the Moon is applying to will tell you something about what you can expect.
 
If at the time of your interview the Moon first applies to a trine with Mercury, the planet that rules communication, you can expect written and oral communication to go well.  If, however, the Moon is applying to an opposition with Mercury, your interview might get off to a rocky start, as oppositions indicate some disagreement and the need to compromise. This does not indicate the final outcome of your interview. For that we have to look at the Moon's final aspect before she changes signs. If the Moon's final aspect is a sextile to Venus, you have a pretty good chance of getting that job.

But let's say you scheduled your job interview during a time when the Moon was applying to a stressful aspect such as a square to Mercury instead of a trine. This doesn't automatically spell disaster but does indicate you may run into some Mercury related complications. Perhaps you couldn't get your car started and you arrived late for your interview.  Since Mercury also rules automobiles and mechanical devices, this is one possible scenario, and the square indicates the need to overcome something.

The sign the Moon occupies describes the general mood or feel of the day.  The nature of the planet she aspects will tell you something about what you can expect. To help you determine the best time to take action note the Moon’s sign and her aspects:

Moon through the signs

Aires: When the Moon is in Aries people are active and energetic and may be somewhat aggressive or headstrong. The Moon in Aries favors new and innovative projects. Take the initiative. This fire sign favors quick action and immediate results.

Taurus: In Taurus the pace slows down and caution prevails. People tend to be concerned with material security. The Moon in Taurus favors planned, deliberate action. Choose the Taurus Moon when you want your project to have clout.

Gemini: Moon in Gemini indicates restlessness and people have trouble making up their minds. This sign favors doing two things at once but expect to make changes. Choose this Moon sign when you have to do research but postpone a final decision.

Cancer: Moon in Cancer shows sensitivity and people tend to be moody. It is easy to overindulge. This placement favors domestic issues and self-protection. Choose this Moon sign for family matters or to plan a special meal.

Leo: Moon in Leo brings out one's affectionate nature. People are generous and more willing to take a chance. This sign favors taking risks that turn out to be successful. Choose a Leo Moon when you’re planning a party or other entertainment. 

Virgo: Moon in Virgo indicates people will be more discriminating than usual, somewhat critical and concerned about the details. Virgo Moon favors attending to routine tasks. You may have to make an important decision.

Libra: Moon in Libra supports anything that requires teamwork. Cooperation and fairness is emphasized. Choose Libra Moon for marriage or a partnership venture. You can expect others to be obliging.

˜ Scorpio: Moon in Scorpio brings out strong passions and people can be forceful. Scorpio Moon favors doing things behind the scenes. Actions tend to be secrete or not in the open. This is good for investigations and research.

Sagittarius: Moon in Sagittarius brings out the desire for travel and adventure. People are more spontaneous and willing to take risks. Moon here favors licensing, documentation and filing legal papers.                                

š Capricorn: Serious work is on everyone's mind with the Moon in Capricorn. Often people are somewhat pessimistic and things proceed slowly. Capricorn Moon favors lasting results but expect some challenges.

Aquarius: Moon in Aquarius favors group activities and getting together with friends. Though people are friendly they are somewhat impersonal. Moon here favors doing something different, spontaneous and unplanned.  

œ Pisces: Moon in Pisces heightens sensitivity and people can be somewhat distracted or imaginative. Misunderstandings are possible so it’s best to clarify everything. When the Moon is in Pisces people want to help you or vice versa.

When beginning something new take note of the Moon’s first and last aspect before she changes signs. These are the two most important considerations. Her first and last aspects tell you what to expect as you begin and the likely outcome of your project respectively. 

Moon’s aspects

 Conjunction: is usually a favorable aspect; it supports the beginning of something new or the early stages of development. It brings people together. You should initiate action.  If it is the Moon’s final aspect it suggests the end result is a new beginning.

Æ Sextile: is a favorable aspect offering opportunity, information and generally favorable circumstances. You can get the facts. If it is the Moon’s final aspect you end up getting the help you need. 

Å Square: is a stressful aspect although the obstacle can be overcome with effort on your part. Often this indicates the need to work hard to get things going. If it is the Moon’s final aspect it can be difficult to overcome the challenge but not impossible.

Ä Trine: is a very favorable aspect; little effort is required to get things going because luck is on your side. It brings good results, which you often know about ahead of time. If it is the Moon’s final aspect it shows a successful outcome.  

à Opposition: is a stressful aspect – but you are fully aware of the problem. You may be able to come to an agreement if you are willing to give up something. If it is the Moon’s final aspect it shows the need to compromise otherwise the matter is dropped.

The Moon has more to say and each planet she aspects will tell you something about the circumstances about to unfold. When she applies to:

¢ Sun: interaction with those in positions of power; administrators, executives, employers, superiors or children. The Sun describes people who make an impression and are in a strong position. It often defines one who is influential and respected and who may be able to help you.  

£ Mercury: contact with agents, brokers, salesmen, and mechanics. You may sign a contract or reach an agreement with someone. Mercury describes people who are versatile, intelligent and can be indecisive. It suggests you may need to gather more information before making a decision.

¤ Venus: transactions with bankers and financial experts; artists and musicians; teachers and counselors; decorators and designers; beauticians and hairdressers. Venus describes people who are interested in social standing and equal rights. When the Moon apples to Venus an atmosphere of balance prevails.

¥ Mars: contact with dynamic, assertive people; or craftsmen, dentists, and mechanics. Mars describes people who are willing to take on a challenge or circumstances that require courage and self-reliance. When the Moon applies to Mars you should take the initiative but beware of possible conflicts and disagreements.

¦ Jupiter: exchange with advisers, advertising agents, travel agents and professors. Jupiter describes people who are generous, principled and trustworthy. They can be intellectual or philanthropic. When the Moon applies to Jupiter legal issues can be resolved through negotiation. A conciliatory atmosphere prevails.

§ Saturn: interaction with those in authority – employer or boss; managers and department heads; older people and elders. Saturn describes serious circumstances and people who are cautious and may want control. They can be reliable, dependable or problematic. When the Moon applies to Saturn expect delays. You have to persevere.

¨ Uranus: contact with astrologers and other unusual people; technicians and electricians; creative and eccentric people; scientists and inventors. Uranus describes quick changing circumstances and an unexpected outcome. When the Moon applies to Uranus try to be flexible and go with the flow.

© Neptune: contact with musicians and artists; intuitive and creative people; chemists and druggists; ailing or sick people. Neptune describes dubious circumstances and people who do not have all the facts or are withholding something. When the Moon applies to Neptune there is likely to be confusion regarding the outcome of your project.

ª Pluto: contact with detectives and policemen; tax and insurance agents; healers and doctors; large groups of people. Pluto describes people who do not reveal their intentions; also questionable circumstances are afoot. When the Moon applies to Pluto something is hidden and problems are revealed later on.   

In timing with the Moon remember she is allowed all applying aspects and it doesn't matter how long it takes her to complete these.  So if you begin your project on Monday at 11:00 AM when the Moon is applying to a conjunction with another planet, just look ahead to the Moon's final aspect before she changes signs to determine the final outcome. The applying or next aspect must be in effect at the time you begin your activity. So if you scheduled an 11:00 AM appointment, the applying aspect is the next one that occurs after that time. Then look ahead to her final aspect to learn the outcome.

In summary: 1) try to choose a positive applying Moon aspect at the time you begin your activity 2) avoid the times when the Moon is void-of-course 3) take into account the Moon sign as it sets the tone 4) if you are beginning a long-term project that requires growth, choose a waxing Moon 5) the Moon’s final aspect should be a positive one to support the best outcome

Once you get into the habit of watching the Moon you will be better able to time your initiatives for optimum results. The reward – more successful outcomes many times over!

© Copyright 2005-2013 by Joann Hampar
Joann Hampar is the author of Electional Astrology: The Art of Timing
 (Llewellyn, 2005)
Electional Astrology Planning Guide app for iPhone and Android
Electional Astrology Planning Guide e-Book
Astrology for Beginners: a simple way to read your chart (Llewellyn 2007)
web site: Astrological Insights: www.astroinsights.com 

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