Timing and Astrology
A member had asked me about timing. Specifically, what is the best time to do something according to the transits.
The moment something starts is crucial and is what you should be paying attention to. Next in importance is when something finishes. This can be timed down to the second and a chart cast for that moment, essentially becoming a birth chart for the venture. There's a complex branch of astrology called Electional Astrology that covers this, and getting an electional reading before your wedding/business launch/big move etc. can pinpoint the best energies to support the issue and how you can minimize negative energies. The event chart is also compared to your chart and anyone else involved in the venture.
This post is not an exhaustive description of electional rules. There is much, much more to consider than what I've written here. It is a very general overview of when to start or finish something. If you're serious about timing a major event, you should get an electional reading.
General timing rules listed in order of importance:
Void of Course Moon: the time between the Moon's last aspect to a planet (not asteroid or Node or Chiron) in a sign and its ingress to the next sign (VOC ends when the Moon enters the next sign). Not good for starting anything new (events tend to fizzle during a void Moon) but if you want something to not work out or you want plans to be cancelled, try scheduling it so it occurs during a Void Moon.
Waxing Moon (between a New and Full Moon): a time of increase, good for anything you want to grow. Best to schedule a few days after the New Moon
Waning Moon (between a Full and New Moon): a time of decrease, good for anything you want to end
Hard (square, opposition) aspects between the Sun and Moon: avoid if possible whether you're in a Waxing or Waning phase, because this can hinder progress. These are the two, main players in the sky and when they are in conflict, the overall vibe is tense. Applying aspects are stronger, separating aspects are losing their power.
Harmonious (conjunction, trine, sextile) aspects between the Sun and Moon: excellent if you can time your event when this is occurring because it supports the chances of success. When the two, main players are in agreement things are more likely to work out. Applying aspects are best- separating aspects don't have as much oomph.
Mercury, Mars and Venus Rx: generally not great for starting anything brand new, especially if the event coincides with the planet (scheduling a wedding during Venus Rx is a huge No). Minds/hearts/details change once the planet goes direct and during the Rx there can be confusion, delays, etc. But going back to something from the past can work out, because retrograde motion is "going backwards" and you always want to work with the energies of the current transits.
Harmonious, applying aspects between the transiting Sun, Moon, Venus or Jupiter: a nice boost of expansion, social favour, optimism or favourable attention for your event
Hard, applying aspects between the transiting Sun, Moon, Saturn, Mars, Uranus or Pluto: very difficult to work with and best to avoid, if possible. Suggests unpleasant surprises, restrictions, violence or power struggles.
Applying conjunction of any transiting planet to the transiting South Node: excellent if you're trying to shut a door, permanently. Outer planet transits (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) will have more impact.
Finally, there are no perfect moments. There will always be some crummy square or nasty Saturn aspect to deal with. What you try to do is make the most of the good stuff and minimize the negative stuff.
