Moon Phase (Elections)

Definition

In electional practice, the Moon's phase — its angular distance from the Sun — used as a primary first-pass timing criterion. The waxing half of the cycle (New Moon to Full Moon, 0°-180° ahead of the Sun) and the waning half (Full Moon to next New Moon, 180°-360°) carry distinct symbolic readings, with the four quarter-phases (New, First Quarter at 90°, Full at 180°, Last Quarter at 270°) marking subdivisions within each half.

In Tradition

In Hellenistic, Persian-Arabic, medieval Latin, and modern Western electional doctrine, the waxing Moon is preferred for beginnings, growth, increase, and the inception of long-term ventures, while the waning Moon is preferred for completions, releases, endings, and clearings. The quarters sub-divide the cycle: First Quarter is read as activation and decisive action against obstacle; Full Moon as culmination and maximum visibility; Last Quarter as assessment and pruning. The phase reading is qualitative and acts as a first filter before more specific electional checks.

In Practice

The electional astrologer first eliminates phase-incompatible windows from consideration: a marriage or business launch is not normally elected on a waning Moon, nor an ending or release on a waxing one. Within the compatible half, finer phase preferences are applied — for example, the first ten days after the New Moon for new ventures, or the days following a meaningful First Quarter for decisive action. Phase considerations are then combined with the Moon's sign, applying aspects, and void-of-course status, plus the broader electional rule-set (angular benefics, dignified Ascendant ruler, protected significator).

Historical Origin

Lunar-phase observation is foundational in Babylonian celestial-omen literature (Enūma Anu Enlil) and is treated systematically in the Hellenistic electional corpus including Dorotheus of Sidon's *Carmen Astrologicum* Book V. The Persian-Arabic transmission preserves the doctrine through Sahl ibn Bishr and al-Biruni's *Tafhim*. William Lilly's *Christian Astrology* (1647; public domain) records the early-modern English form. Modern coverage is broad across electional handbooks.

Etymology

Origin: Greek/Latin. Meaning: From selene (moon) + phasis (appearance) — the Moon's visible phases applied to timing.

Further Reading

  • Dorotheus of Sidon (trans. Benjamin Dykes), Carmen Astrologicum: The 'Umar al-Tabari Translation
  • William Lilly, Christian Astrology (1647; public domain)