There are times we want to slow down, stop what we’re doing and understand what’s going on with our writing.

But what are the best times to take that break?

Breaks are essential to a creative life. Resting, according to some reports, is just as equal to prioritize as the grind. They balance each other out. But at times, it seems, like taking one quick, simple break could wreak havoc on our creativity. Or worse yet – our ultimate writing goals. Will we miss out on something big? Isn’t that contrary to what all writing forums say? (#Fomo anyone?)

The moon voids can help create a better balance to those feelings. The void, for lack of a better word, is just that for the moon. A vacant and free period during the moon’s cycle, when it’s no longer making strong or direct aspects to other planets. It’s pretty much chillin’ until it enters the next sign.

Quick FYI: The Moon goes through each sign of the zodiac, lasting approximately a day and a half to two days in each.

The void is a great point to not just take a break, but meditate, reason with yourself and most importantly learn to trust your inner inhibitions. Yes, trusting that part of yourself, that merits a break and wants to reassess whatever you’ve been working on, is in itself a honed skill. And before working with astrology or any self-help tools, it’s important to reinforce and trust that inner part of you, know when it speaks, learn to rely on it and flow with what it states for you.

When you need a bit more support, then – and only then – work with the moon voids as a follow-up. The moon voids should be used to create that space between you and your work. Not as an excuse for you to stop what you’re doing.

Below are moon void dates in October. Take a break, meditate, give yourself a brief spiritual retreat. Also, fortunately for the spiritual and not completely astrology-savvy type, there are lunar apps that help you pinpoint these (if you ever need to create your own calendar).

We entered October on a void, which lasted until 2:00 p.m., when it went into Cancer.*

Cancer to Leo void is October 3rd from 4:31 a.m. to 5:12 p.m.

Leo to Virgo void is October 5th from 7:19 a.m. to 7:32 p.m.

Virgo to Libra void is from October 7th from 10:01 a.m. to 9:09 p.m.

Libra to Scorpio void is from October 9th at 4:48 a.m. to October 10th at 12:09 a.m.

Scorpio to Sagittarius void is from October 11th at 7:10 p.m. to October 12th at 5:52 a.m.

Sagittarius to Capricorn void is from October 13th at 8:56 p.m. to October 14th 3:16 p.m.

Capricorn to Aquarius void is from October 16th at 5:47 p.m. to October 17th at 3:35 a.m.

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Aquarius to Pisces void is October 19th from 8:26 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.

Pisces to Aries void is from October 21st at 7:45 p.m. to October 22nd at 2:58 a.m.

Aries to Taurus void is from October 23rd at 2:16 p.m. to October 24th at 10:33 a.m.

Taurus to Gemini void is October 26th from 10:47 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Gemini to Cancer void is October 28th from 12:36 a.m. to 7:26 p.m.

Cancer to Leo void is October 30th from 10:29 p.m. to 10:41 p.m.

*Bold dates are the longest periods. Please keep in mind, these are listed in EDT.