Electional astrology is a branch of astrology for determining the most advantageous or favorable timing for an event. This could be launching a business or program, a marriage, travel, a move, or a big investment. It is typically utilized for significant and not for unimportant things. With mundane tasks, there are lesser techniques that only tend to use the hour and moon. Like all things, there is a spectrum to the course. When creating alignment with larger things or talismanic creation the calculations must be pointed.
Electional astrology can be used in two different ways.
The first method is taking the basic rules that astrologers use to gauge strengths and weakness in a stand-alone chart—what is variably different is that we are casting for a moment—similar to the first breath in a natal chart, or to ‘cast life’ into. This approach relies on Traditional Astrology. What it means for the planets to produce the desired energy; whether they are strong or weak if they are in dignity, or auspicious. The basic idea is that when a planet is well-positioned, the aspects of life-related to it or that area of the chart will function more efficiently.
The second is future casting for the nature of the venture in terms of longevity or movement, for a course that best reflects the undertaking. This method does away with the conventional idea that the planets should all be stronger or more honorable in the election chart and instead seeks to discover a chart where the planetary placements’ symbolism is the most evocative or consistent with what you are attempting to start at that moment.
Sometimes these two are mutually exclusive since favorability can be congruent, or what is favorable in one may not be in the other—but a good election will often time harbor both.
Additional qualities and perimeters for Talismanic work may apply because this is a very lose intro, and a strong foundational understanding of Astrology, particularly traditional, needs apply.
When using Electional charts the timing is for when you take the action, the planning should be done before. While this technique seems to be in the trend pool please remember that like with all things it takes practice and with astrology that is time itself.
General Points of Consideration
To Start
Symbolically, what do you want with this chart? When we think of a chart or when looking through the lens of horoscopic astrology we examine the moment of the nativity and here to delineate the future of the object, individual, or endeavor. This is probably the most important part of the whole process—directing your focus via the charts ruler in the amplification and where the planets land accordingly based on the house emphasis.
Knowing when Planets are Dignified
When learning Astrology (iykyk), highlighting in your ephemeris is a great way to learn BUT the best way for easy reference. There as also apps, but honestly doing this physically and having it on hand when planning is the best.
Looking to see when and what planets are dignified in different periods of time. Key points in what you are looking for; dignification, exaltation, or mutual reception. Begin with the slower moving planets, respectively, based on your desired results and then with the Moon.
At least one planet should be dignified at a minimum, and try your best for no unhappy planets. Meaning; in fall or detriment—as we know, especially with the slow boi’s this can’t always be avoided.
*note the Moon is a big deal in this work
What to Avoid
Avoiding debility is strongly encouraged for seeing results. This can show when a malefic is in opposition to the planet(s) you are highlighting. Having an afflicted planet can hinder or even cause an undesired result.
This follows is suit for retrograde planets—after all they’re on vacation. Retrogrades slow things down and may even in some cases make the point of manifestation back peddling.
When the planet is in conj to the Sun, or under the Suns beams this can produce results that are blinded, unseen, or hidden—conditionally of course, there are always work around when needed. For consideration; when the planet is rising with the Sun.
Ascendant
For me this goes back to the getting started. Primarily, at this point, you know the auspicious planet or precision of planets you want to evoke and have a window of opportunity outlined so it is time to narrow that window to an hour and then so one with decan’s and degrees. (when working from a magical premise this will also want to be in the hour of the planet)
The ruler of the Ascendant is exceptionally important and is the planet that characterizes the chart in its overall success. Through the lens of Horary astrology, the ruler of the ascendant is the most highlighted point to the election itself and fills the role of the querent. Because of this planet’s important making sure that the placement is suitable and the peak is the goal. If you do not have a particular planet in mind, whatever planet is the strongest should be the ruler of the Ascendant.
Applying Aspects
When applying aspect is the faster of the two planets or points approaching conjunction, to which issues are the indication of the future, whereas separating aspects are the indication of the past. In elections, separations describe what led to the election, and applying aspects indicate the development of the election once it takes motion.
What you would like to have in an ideal election is the chart ruler applying to a benefit for expansion that will stabilize in the future. Within this concept, you should avoid applying of the malefics, unless you want to combust or tear something apart. If you are wanting an auspicious chart and can’t get away from the malefics have them separate.
The Moon!!!
The Moon is so vastly important in electional astrology, I can’t stress this enough—well second to the ascendant. The Moons placement needs to be as well placed at the chart ruler. If you can have them apply to something positive within 13 degrees. When they are void of course this is not the time for beginning new ventures, and there are various qualities of ingress based on tradition.
The Moon’s placement and condition is an indicators of the circumstances of the beginning followed by the sign ruler indicating the outcome. Meaning the placement of the Moon’s lord should be well placed to avoid problems. So, say you cannot cast the Moon well, but the ruler of the Moon is in domicile—this will issue problems in the beginning but assure a successful outcome.
Houses
What area of life are you wanting this chart for? When possible placing planets in or ruling the house that you want to manifest through. Obviously, having them in the house is ideal but can’t always happen. I.e. for business or public image 10h, money and basic needs 2h, community ventures and organizations 11h…when the planets cannot be in the desired house but that house is in rulership avoid afflictions there. Consider the ruling planet at an angular point, away from the Suns beams et al…also having a benefit in the desired house is always helpful—but really, if you are trying to navigate this much maybe scrap the chart and start over.
By placing the Ruler of the Ascendant in the house you would like to manifest through is advised because it reflects what the subject of the chart is.
Sect
Sect allows you to see what planets are going to be more problematic or helpful. For instance Saturn in a night chart should not be reckoned with. When making magical elections this is also an attribution to how and when we work with the planets, among other things. Place these planets in accordance to how they will support your election.
Reading: If you’d like, Carmen Astrologicum (archive.org torrent PDF download)
The Swans Dialectic 
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