Do you ever get the sense that life is just kinda…loading? Like your day is the embodiment of the ever-spinning rainbow circle, or your week feels like a dreaded iOS update that puts ~everything~ on pause? Your first thought might be that it’s Mercury Retrograde again. But when you check, it’s not. Well, there’s a reason you might feel this phenomenon, and the blame falls upon (*drumroll, please*) the Moon. The void of course Moon, that is.
As you might know, in astrology, the Moon rules our emotions, our instincts, and our inner life. It takes about 28 days to move through all twelve of the zodiac signs, spending two to three days fully embodying each one. The Moon doesn’t create its own light; instead, it reflects and carries the messages of the other planets to us—kinda like text notifications. For astro-newbies, we call these “notifications” planetary aspects.
A day with many aspects is a busy one, with all sorts of cosmic activity. But after the Moon makes its final aspect before leaving a zodiac sign—and before entering the next sign—it enters a period called “void of course,” during which there are no lunar aspects, and no more messages to shoot our way. This empty inbox brings us brain fog and a general lack of momentum (“Wait, what was I doing again?”).
Despite the fact that the void of course Moon tends to ~slow everything down~, you can actually use this phenomenon to your benefit. While it’s not the best time to start new actions, it’s the perfect time for recharging, brainstorming, and daydreaming.
The Moon can be void of course multiple times a week, and it can last from a few hours up to a whole day. So it’s crucial to watch your timing. Use a handy Moon table like this one—look for notes like “VOC begins” and “VOC ends.”
I’m the first to say it: Pamper yourself! The void of course Moon is a perf time for extra beauty sleep or some much-needed TLC. Make time for solitude. Grab your crystals. Do some yoga. Recharge.
Taking action during a void of course Moon is a big waste of time. Don’t start a business, schedule a presentation, send an important email, or ask that cutie out for a first date. If you’re in conflict with someone (a roomie, your POS ex), don’t fire the first shot—but if they do, know that the Moon is on your side. After all, anything initiated during a void of course Moon won’t work out in the end, so you have the upper hand. (You’re welcome.)
While you shouldn’t start anything major during a void of course Moon, you can work on your plans and goals. Lean into your imagination. Daydream. Reflect on your feelings. Sketch out some thoughts. Just wait to put them into action until after the Moon makes its next move.
Don’t make your relationship IG official, update your LinkedIn bio, or buy that new mattress just yet. Starting a relationship or career move (or even a bedroom makeover) on weak ground means it can’t grow to its highest potential, and you may regret sinking the time/$$. Think now. Move forward later.
You’re obsessed with all things astro. Same. Learn more about ~the Moon~ with Cosmo Unlocked.
You don’t need to call out sick just because the Moon is void of course (though please let me know if your boss approves that request). Yes, you can go into work and live your normal day-to-day life, just try to avoid any new, major actions. By staying on your usual path, you’re continuing the normal flow.
While the void of course period is good for spiritual awareness, it is not good for doing energy work, casting spells, or manifestation. Any ~vibes~ you send out now might backfire or else just fizzle out. Save that vision board party for a more beneficial time. Trust me.
