What I am finding are many different interpretations of horary technique. Some months ago there was a really interesting discussion of the importance of reception vs. aspects in getting a “yes or no” answer, for example. One really good horary astrologer relied almost entirely on reception, whereas the system I learned realied havility on aspects.
I think most of the old strictures are today viewed as cautions against judgement. As in, take note, read the chart anyway, and then reconsider whether the caution is justified.
I do a very simplified form of traditional horary. I’ve generally read the VOC moon as indicating that the present situation is unlikely to change. “Will he propose to me?” comes out as a sort-of no, in that if he hasn’t proposed as of now, he’s unlikely to do so. Similarly, if the question is, “Do I have brain cancer?” A VOC moon suggests that if you haven’t been diagnosed with it already, then probably not. Status quo.
I recall Lilly saying that if the VOC moon is in Cancer, Pisces, Sagittarius, or Taurus, then it really doesn’t impede the action..
But then, of course, I would also look for the other main testimonies about the question itself. The querent-quesited significators, obviously. The moon is just one more data byte.
Somewhere I picked up that the moon shows the querent’s emotional stake in the matter. Which can be super-informative.
Further, in your example, a Capricorn moon (in detriment) may not be a very powerful moon, regardless. If we envision it moving into Aquarius and applying to a sextile with an early-degree Aries planet, which one is it?
I think different astrologers can have varying degrees of success with different methods. And horary truly lends itself to finding out if a reading is successful or not. Either the missing cat comes home or it doesn’t. Either he proposes marriage or he doesn’t.
