Electional astrology is ‘the art of the possible’ – i.e. choosing the perfect moment to launch a particular project or event so as to give it the best chance of success. The idea is that the chart of the launch moment should symbolically reflect the nature and goals of the project as well as those of the person(s) responsible for it.

The following chart has been elected by Ms T for the launch of her new magazine, the remit of which is to provide effective and practical advice to authors of children’s fiction.

9 August 2017

07:25 BST

Oxford, UK

1. Of prime significance is the placement of the Moon, which plays a dominant role in electional astrology not the least because it the fastest moving planet in the chart and hence, key to timing. In this chart, the Moon is in Pisces, conjunct Neptune – giving a ‘double dose’ of creativity – as Liz Greene reminds us (The Astrological Neptune) – Neptune is closely associated with artists because it is the ‘stuff of the imagination’ – it is the ‘ability to make something out of nothing’ – something that is fanciful and magical – something that is divinely inspired. Sounds good for children’s fiction, doesn’t it?
2. Beware, however – Neptune also is also associated with loss, delay, and deceit – so Ms T must take care with any small print and not lose heart if/when the going gets tough – the point is to use this Neptunian/Piscean energy as positively as possible – i.e. artistic endeavour and not get caught out with the negative stuff. In this respect, it’s a good thing that Ms T has a goodly dose of Piscean energy (Sun, Venus, and Saturn in Pisces trine Neptune) in her own natal chart. Hence Ms T is no stranger to the illusive energy of Neptune/Pisces– she definitely has what it takes to use this energy to her advantage!
3. The Moon is strong in the 7^th house (angular and ‘other’ people’). This gives it power to manifest its goals in the material world. That the Moon also makes an aspect to the chart’s Ascendant (4 Virgo 02), is good. The Ascendant gives the overall flavour and with Virgo rising, this means attention to detail and practicality/usefulness).  Add the Moon in Pisces, and enhanced creativity also becomes an essential part of this magazine. It would have been nice for a new venture like this one to commence on a New Moon – or at least a waxing moon – however, for a variety of reasons this was not possible – so, fingers crossed & hope for the best.
4. Because the 3^rd house would naturally govern magazines (communications/circulars), we would normally want the ruler of that house (in this case, Mars) to make an easy (trine or sextile) aspect to the Moon.  This also was not possible for a number of reasons. The good news, however, is that any hard aspects (i.e. square or opposition) from the Moon – to a ‘malefic’ like Mars would be harmful – so must be avoided at all costs – and this we have managed to do.
5. But note that Mars does make a close conjunction with the Sun – whether or not this works out OK remains to be seen. Many planets do not do at all well ‘under the beams’ (i.e. too close) of the Sun. Fingers crossed that Mars can manage! I think that it can do. Both Mars and the Sun function best in fire signs and, after all, Leo is ruled by the Sun. Mars/Sun in Leo lend an assertive, highly motivated air to the project (and its leader) although hopefully, such assertiveness will not be abrasive – as both Mars and Moon are ‘hidden’ from view in the 12th house.
6. If this were primarily a money-making venture, we’d want the ruler of the 2^nd house (in this case Mercury) to be as strong as possible. Ms T has said that while she’d like to make a profit, her goal is not to ‘get rich quick’. This is good because although Mercury is strong in Virgo and effective re: manifesting goals, it does make an opposition to Neptune – and so again – CAUTION – unreality and illusion (Neptune) as to finances of the project are a possibility. Here the problem would be more of a slow but steady drain (Neptune) rather than a big blow-up – so Ms T must  keep a constant eye on finances re: cost/benefit analysis.