The Moon in Electional Astrology

Electional astrology is like the cosmic matchmaking of important life events. Just as you'd pick the perfect outfit for a special occasion, electional astrology helps you choose the ideal planetary alignment for your endeavors. Want to launch a business? Plan a wedding? Buy a house? By analyzing the positions and interactions of celestial bodies, electional astrology aims to find windows of opportunity where the universe seems to wink and say, "This is your moment!" It's like tapping into the universe's event planner, where the stars and planets become your party guests, aligning to boost your chances of success and good fortune. So, whether you're seeking the stars' blessings for a new adventure or just want to add an extra dash of cosmic charm to life's milestones, electional astrology might be your glittering guide.

In Electional Astrology, the first general rule is to ensure the Ascendant's ruler is well-placed by sign, house, and aspect is of paramount importance. However, equally significant is the role of the Moon as the second most crucial chart significator. So without further adieu let me show you a couple concepts of the Moon so that you might gain a deeper understanding of her importance when it comes to choosing elections. This one might be more inclusive for those with an intermediate understanding of this branch of astrology, but I hope to break it down so that everyone might gain something. 💗

The Moon and the Pivots

Having delved into Apotelesmatics Book III, I've been captivated by its insights into the Moon's condition and its implications for the potential outcomes of the inception. This intriguing perspective has remained at the forefront of my thoughts ever since and I wanted to share it with you all. Hephaistion an astrologer born in Egypt says this:

"If the Moon happened to be passing through any of the pivots, and her host were in the declines, the beginning of the action will be bright, but the conclusion of it dark and unprofitable; on the other hand, if the Moon were in the declines, and the lord of her house in the pivots, the things at the beginning will be worthless and unprofitable, and it's endings bright.

𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧; 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘨𝘰𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦.

If both of them are on the pivots, both things at the beginning and at the end will be good, but if both are found on the declines, the beginning and the end will likewise be worthless."

This actually reminds me of something my teacher Rob Bailey said about Saturn in response to my tweet below:

"100%. Also consider the idea in horary that the applying planet shows the start of the matter, and the slower accepting planet shows the outcome. So Saturn only brings about endings. He doesn't start shit but he ends it."- Rob B.

The Moon in general is the fastest out of all the planets. If she marks the beginnings and Saturn endings, the condition of the later planets and the moon's relationship with them can mark the outcome. Which is why it is a good idea to pay attention to the lord/dispositor of the Moon.

The Moon holds special significance due to its swift movement, emotional influence, and cyclical phases in relationship to the Sun. It symbolizes our instincts and subconscious energies, impacting the emotional tone of a chosen time. It represents the body and how matters will be brought to fruition. Ill-placed and it can indicate that the future might be affected negatively or not as hoped. There are some mitigations to this idea, but it is definitely something to think about as you play around and try to find a house placement suitable for the Moon. So to give an idea of what this might look like take a look at the chart below. Say this was a chosen election (don't use this lol). Look to the Moon. She is in a pivot house (7th). This shows the beginning of the matter. The Moon is in Pisces. The ruler is Jupiter in Gemini. Jupiter is also in a pivot (10th). She is in an angular house, so the beginning action will be "bright". Both planets are in the pivots, so according to just off this criteria, the beginning and end will be good.

Hypothetical Election

In order to make sure the Moon is in good condition, here are some things to look out for and take into consideration:

1. Close degree based inferior square. This is when the Moon is later in zodiacal order being overcome by a malefic that is earlier in zodiacal order. Overcoming is the concept that the planet earlier in zodiacal order will have a stronger influence over the planet that is later. Malefics can only overcome when in a superior square. Benefics only with a superior square and trine. Sextiles might have influence, but not as strongly.

2. Watching out for a malefic enclosure. This is also known as besiegement. This is where a the Moon can receive or be in harms way.

3. Being in opposition with a malefic.

4. Being ruled by a badly placed malefic.

5. Being ruled by a planet that is retrograde.

Altogether and for context purposes, the Moon is square Mars very tightly as the out of sect malefic. So If I were to look at this election, I think I would be weary about that applying aspect and that the Moon is also copresent with Saturn Rx in Pisces. These texts provide great material, however we need to pay attention to more than just whether she is in the pivots or not.

The Moon in Purchasing and Selling

The Moon's rapid motion through zodiac signs allows for finding opportune moments, while its harmonious aspects with other planets enhance the chances of success. The Moon's placement and her role as a "timer" contribute to aligning events with favorable astrological configurations and placement. In electional astrology, the phases of the moon play a significant role in determining auspicious times for starting new ventures or activities. Besides position, Dorotheus says that we should also keep in mind the phases of the Moon when choosing elections for buying and selling.

"And look in the phases of the Moon. And her phase is when she goes out from under the rays of the Sun until she reaches the left square of the Sun, so that one whose intention is to buy and sell will benefit by truth and faithfulness in that, for indeed one who buys a commodity at that time will buy it at what is equivalent to it in price, with no cheapness nor expensiveness in it." Dorotheus: Carmen Astrologicum, page 324

Moon relationship to Sun for buying and selling

Source: Demetra George. Picture designed by me.

So what does this tell us? The phase of the moon is chosen based on the nature of the activity or goal and her phases in relation to the Sun can determine the success when it comes to purchasing and selling. Some important things to keep in mind is that I think this is great information when it comes to choosing an election for purchasing or selling houses, cars, expensive items.

⬅️ Here are some keywords you can pay attention to in relation to the Moon and the Sun. Notice that the First Quarter Moon's keyword is "decide and build". Its that 90 degree left square relationship that Dorotheus mentions is good for both parties in a buying and selling relationship.

Now look at the Third Quarter Moon. Dorotheus's chart says that this is good for the buyer. So if you are looking to sell and just wanting to get rid of something, might you elect a date where the Moon is 90 degrees behind the Sun.

So below I have a chart, set for the date of November 22, 2024. According to the Moons relationship to the Sun, who do you think this would be good for when it comes to purchasing?

Answer: According to the criteria. The Moon is applying square to the Sun which is estimated to be 90 degrees behind the Sun. This is good for the buyer.

My Concluding Remarks

The excerpt from Apotelesmatics Book III and related quotes provide valuable insights into the significance of the Moon's placement and phases in electional astrology, particularly in matters of condition and the Moon's phasal relationship to the Sun. Hephaistion's observations highlight the critical influence of the Moon's location relative to the pivots (angular houses) and the condition of its ruling planet on the outcomes of actions. Depending on whether the Moon and its ruler are in angular houses or declines, the beginning and conclusion of endeavors can vary greatly in terms of success and fulfillment. Additionally, the phase of the Moon in relation to the Sun, as discussed by Dorotheus, is crucial in electing favorable times for buying and selling. Specific lunar phases such as the First Quarter or Third Quarter Moon offer distinct advantages for different sides of transactions—whether it's beneficial for both parties or advantageous primarily for the buyer. The practical application of these insights involves paying attention to the Moon's condition, including aspects like applying squares and oppositions with malefics, besiegement, rulership and poorly placed planets. Such considerations ensure that the chosen moment aligns harmoniously with the intended outcomes.

In conclusion, these teachings underscore the intricate relationship between celestial movements and earthly events, offering a nuanced framework for astrological electional practices that seek to optimize timing and success in various endeavors. I really hope that this helps deepen the understanding of why the Moon is so essentially important. 💗