In electional astrology there are 4 main important things to consider:
The Ascendant
According to the nature of the action we want to perform, the Ascendant must be in a proper sign: we'd like to see a Sagittarius rising for publishing, Gemini rising for a trip and so on.
The cardinal signs are good for actions that will conclude soon such as selling an item, the fixed signs are proper for things that should last a long time such as a house or a marriage, while the mutable signs are fit for intermediate time range.
The Moon
The phase of the Moon should be elected according to the desired evolution of the situation: if it is a business that we'd like to expand, the Moon should be waxing, increasing in light from the New Moon to the Full Moon, but if it is a situation that we'd like to diminish, such as a diet in order to lose weight or the removal of the excessive body hair, the Moon should be waning, decreasing in light from the Full Moon to the New Moon.
The ancients used the so-called mansions of the Moon, 28 sky sectors for each lunar day, similar to the 12 sky sectors known as the zodiacal signs. They are fairly useful even in modern times, so keep an eye on them and use them, when possible.
The Moon in signs is also to be considered: you might not want to have a Taurus Moon when starting a spiritual enterprise and a Pisces Moon in your business' natal chart.
The Moon's aspects are very important. Never let the Moon be void of course in the chart unless you want the venture to fail or not to yield any results.
The Moon's aspects will tell the story and the last aspect of the Moon before leaving her current chart will tell how the matter will end. Make sure it is a favorable one. If you can't do that, use as the last Moon aspect a conjunction, sextile or trine with the Part of Fortune. This will do the thing and ensure a favorable outcome. Actually the aspects to the Part of Fortune can save the Moon for a while from being void of course, but use this only in extreme cases.
Other elements:
If possible, have a look at the planetary hour and day. Ideally, the planetary ruler of the hour/day is the same as the natural ruler of the matter.
Natural significators
The natural significators of the action should be fairly strong. Place them in their domicile or exaltation sign, if this is not possible then at least make sure they have an essential dignity at that degree (even if it is only by term or face), don't allow them to be peregrine, as they will not have the power to perform the action.
Another thing to consider is to avoid retrograde significators such as retrograde Mercury for a business chart, retrograde Venus for a marriage chart or retrograde Mars for a sports endeavor.
The other important thing to consider is to avoid them to be combust (less the 8.5 degrees from the Sun), the combustion is a important debility.
The connections with the natal chart are also very important to consider: the natal house where the Ascendant of the electional chart falls is the sector of your life that will be influenced by this event. Never allow the electional Ascendant to be in your natal 12th, 6th or even 8th house unless the matter pertains to these houses.
Some ancient astrologers affirm that the connections with the current Solar Return chart are relevant. Play with this one as well if you wish.
Electional chart <=> Horary chart
Remember to read your electional chart as if it was a horary chart. If the answer is 'yes' then your chart is good and you may trust it.
- 1. The chart must describe the endeavor
- 2. The natural significators of the action should be strong
- 3. The electional chart must go well with the natal chart
- 4. The electional chart if read backwards, as a horary chart, must yield a 'yes' answer to the question if the matter will be realized successfully
- Let's talk about each of these issues.