Electional Astrology
The Fine Art of Seizing the Moment
by Steven Forrest
"When beginning a major project, look for a strong, well-supported Saturn. Speculation or risk? Jupiter. Starting an educational or literary endeavor? Mercury. An adventure? Mars — and, ideally, Jupiter too. Domestic or familial actions? The Moon. Creative work? Venus and Neptune. Psychotherapy or a necessary confrontation? Pluto.
The practical key is to realize that the daily transits of the planets around the horizon put them either in the spotlight or in the background, minute by minute. Any planet is strongest when it is in an angular house (the 1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th), especially when it is actually conjunct an angle — rising, setting, culminating, or crossing the lower Meridian.
Say that Saturn is currently squaring Jupiter. If you were to elect a chart with Capricorn rising, Saturn then becomes the chart ruler, and you’ve really emphasized the problem — not a good move. Tuck Saturn into the background as much as possible.
The Moon plays such a dominant role in Electional astrology that it can effectively rule out a chart that otherwise looks perfect. You simply cannot ignore the Moon. The most critical concept here is perhaps the notion of the Moon being void of course. This refers to a situation where the Moon will not make any more major aspects before it leaves the sign it currently occupies. This is a simple concept, but it’s absolutely pivotal that we understand it perfectly.
It is important to understand the precise meaning of a void Moon. Never think of it as “bad” per se. What it tells you is that “nothing will come of the matter.” In Horary astrology, there’s a dictum: No aspects, no action. It’s a very solid and reliable principle in Electional astrology, too.
Even when the Moon for an Election is not void of course, we need to be careful how we handle it. Pay attention to the last aspect the Moon makes before leaving the sign it currently occupies. That aspect is always relevant to how the matter turns out in the end. Better to have the Moon moving toward a trine, sextile, or a happy conjunction.
In summary, regarding the Moon, there are two principles to keep in mind. First, steer clear of a void-of-course Moon in an Electional chart, unless you have good reason to use it. Second, make sure that the final aspect the Moon makes, before leaving the sign it currently occupies, supports the results you are seeking. Generally, that means you are looking for the Moon to make a trine or sextile to any planet or a conjunction to a gentle one.
Remember Principle Number One: Electional astrology works within the limits of the consciousness of the individuals using it. Even a “perfect” chart can turn sour. That’s not astrology’s fault — or yours."