the-astrology-book

Void of Course
ty-first century, effective communication of one’s character may be the deciding factor
in gaining employment in very tough job markets. The astrologer is well positioned to
provide essential information in this regard.
Vocational astrology is a growing segment within the broader astrological
career field. The use of traditional charting methods and contemporary computeraided
astrology make this a dynamic branch of a profession that dates back at least to
the Greeks and their Arabian contemporaries.
—Stephanie Clement
VOICE, SIGNS OF
The signs of voice are those signs of the zodiac said to indicate oratorial capacity—
Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Aquarius, and the first half of Sagittarius.
VOID OF COURSE
A planet is void of course after it makes its last major aspect with another planet
before transiting out of a given sign. It remains void of course (often abbreviated
VOC) until it enters a new sign (almost invariably the next sign) in which it will
make another major aspect. This is an old notion, originating in horary astrology, that
has begun to enjoy a new wave of popularity. Many contemporary astrologers pay special
attention to transiting void-of-course Moons, regarding their influence as being
on par with that of retrograde motion—meaning that these are poor periods during
which to sign contracts, initiate new projects, or acquire new possessions. It is a good
time, however, to reflect and “recharge.”
To clarify the mechanics of void of course, imagine that the transiting Moon
has just entered Aquarius. Over the course of several days, as the Moon moves from 0°
to 26° Aquarius, it will make a half dozen or so major aspects (conjunctions, sextiles,
squares, trines, and oppositions) with the Sun and the transiting planets. However, at
26° Aquarius, it will make its last aspect, say, a sextile (60°) aspect with Jupiter. As it
sweeps across the next 4° (taking approximately 8 hours to do so), and until it makes
its ingress (entry) into the sign Pisces, it is void of course. The length of a void of
course varies from a few minutes to more than 24 hours, depending on where the
planets are while the Moon transits each sign.
Al H. Morrison, the widely acknowledged expert on void-of-course moons, has
observed that “actions taken while the Moon is void of course somehow always fail of
their intended or planned results.” Morrison studied law enforcement activities and
found that whenever investigative actions were initiated during void-of-course
moons, individuals violating the law failed to be convicted (although the investigation
always managed to upset their criminal operation). Thus, although activities may
not turn out as anticipated, the result need not be unfortunate. After 45 years of study,
Morrison concluded that the Moon’s last aspect has to be a true major aspect with the
Sun or one of the planets (not Chiron or one of the asteroids). Minor aspects, such as
the semisextile, the quintile, etc., do not save the Moon from being void of course.
THE ASTROLOGY BOOK
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