The art of choosing the perfect wedding date is a fascinating one. Electional astrology, as it is called, involves selecting a chart that is most conducive to a successful event. It can help accentuate positive trends and connections, giving you a smooth start to your married life. While the electional chart does not override the planetary placements in your own chart, it can enhance the energies available.
Think of electional astrology as a ritual. It makes you contemplate your ultimate goal and how you want it to manifest. It helps you focus on what is truly important.
When it comes to wedding elections, there are specific rules to follow that make the process a little easier. However, it is equally important to understand the charts of both partners and the synastry between them. This understanding will allow you to amplify the most positive connections and potentially downplay the more challenging ones.
It's crucial to remember that there are no perfect charts. Even if you find what seems to be the "perfect" chart, there may be other practical considerations to take into account. For example, the chart might fall on a day when you are unable to get married or when your desired wedding location or officiant is unavailable. Instead of panicking, focus on avoiding the most challenging aspects while staying within reason. Remember that not every marriage is doomed because of challenging configurations.
How to Choose Your Wedding Date with Astrology - Electional Guidelines
Here are some guidelines for choosing your wedding date with astrology:
Step 1 - Rule out Retrogrades
Ideally, it is best to marry when Mercury, Venus, and Mars are direct. Avoid the following retrograde dates:
- Mercury Retrograde: 5th January to 25th January, 28th April to 22nd May, 30th August to 22nd September, and 19th December to 8th January 2017.
- Venus Retrograde: No retrograde in 2016.
- Mars Retrograde: 17th April to 29th June.
Step 2 - The Condition of Venus
As the ruler of love, Venus should be strongly placed. Look for dates when Venus is in her own signs (Taurus or Libra) or in her sign of exaltation (Pisces). Avoid Venus in Aries, Venus in Scorpio, and Venus in Virgo, as these are signs of detriment and fall.
Step 3 - The Condition of the Moon
The Moon plays a significant role in electional astrology. Consider the Moon's phase, sign, and aspects. Choose a date when the Moon is waxing (from New Moon to Full Moon). The Moon is strongest in Taurus, Cancer, and Libra. Avoid the Moon in Scorpio and Capricorn, as these signs are fall and detriment, respectively.
Step 4 - Other Factors to Consider
Pay attention to anaretic/sensitive degrees. Avoid planets at 0 or 29 degrees of a sign, especially the personal planets. Look for positive aspects between the Sun and Moon, as well as between Venus and Mars, while avoiding challenging aspects with Saturn. Consider the best synastry aspects and echo transits between your charts.
Step 5 - Take Note of Transits to the Natal Charts
Besides considering the potential of the natal charts, analyze the transits going on in each partner's chart. Ensure that the wedding date doesn't reinforce any challenging transits. Imagine if the wedding chart were the chart of a person, would this person get along with both individuals getting married?
Step 6 - Choosing the Time
Once you have narrowed down potential dates, choose the exact time of the wedding chart. Seek a fixed Ascendant (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) for stability and longevity. Consider positive aspects between the rulers of the 1st and 7th houses. Avoid challenging aspects between the 7th house ruler and outer planets. Remember to keep Mars, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto away from the Ascendant, Descendant, IC, and MC.
These guidelines provide a foundation for electing a wedding chart. While you can't avoid every challenge, there is a lot you can do to strengthen the chart. If you find that your chosen date has unfavorable aspects, consider having a quick legal marriage at an astrologically "good" time and following it with a family ceremony on the already booked date. Alternatively, you can perform a ritual of intention under a date and time when the planets are aligned favorably.
Keep in mind that challenging aspects can be worked with productively. Embrace the lessons they bring and consider how they can manifest in a positive way within your marriage. Remember, your mindset and intention play a significant role in shaping your experience.
Please note that I am unable to answer specific queries related to wedding elections in the comments.
Painting - The Wedding, Church Of St. Roch, Paris by Frederick Hendrik Kaemmerer
Caption: The Wedding, Church Of St. Roch, Paris by Frederick Hendrik Kaemmerer