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Electional Astrology
Alfred John Pearce (1889): The Text-book of Astrology
Text Copyright 2007 J. Lee Lehman
This material is excerpted from pages 423-425 of Pearce's work:
Pearce, Alfred John. 1889. The Text-book of Astrology. London
ELECTIONS
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens.” – Solomon
Dryden, the poet, recognized the truth of astrology and the advisability of electing propitious moments for the commencement of new and important works; he wrote÷
“Fortune at some hours to all is kind:
The lucky have whole days, which still they choose:
The unlucky have bout hours, and those they lose.”
To make the election of real service, the nativity must be studied. In affairs of partnership, the nativity of each partner must be compared; otherwise, no safe election can be made. The figure for the year, i.e., the Sun’s ingress into Aries, must also be compared, if the business be of a public company. Thus, when the same sign ascends at the vernal equinox as at birth, with the planetary ruler of that sign well situated, or Jupiter in the ascendant, the affair will be likely to succeed well if commenced when the same sign shall ascend and the ruling planet be well placed. “Directions” and transits will, also, need to be studied before the election be made. It is never advisable to begin any new business when the Moon is afflicted, however good the other testimonies may be. Zadkiel's Almanac gives the days on which the Moon forms benefic aspects with the Sun and planets, under the head of “Lunar Influences.” If the business require to be quickly brought about it should be commenced, if possible, when the Moon is quick in motion, and increasing in light. The Moon should not be in a cadent house at the commencement of any business.
The planet ruling the business should be free from the rays of the infortunes, and, if possible, in its chief dignity; or in either the midheaven or ascendant, according to circumstances. No evil planet should be in either of the angles, nor in the “house” ruling the business, unless it (Mars or Saturn) happen to be the planet influencing the affair. It is advisable to place the Sun and Moon, if possible, in trine with the place of the Sun in the nativity.
These precepts may be considered ridiculous and unnecessary by persons who are unacquainted with astrology: but there can be no harm in observing them. We should prefer observing them when possible, to running the risk of failure by beginning an important transaction at an unfortunate moment. Apart from astrology it is difficult to understand why some businesses fail notwithstanding that capital, energy, and industry have been brought into them; or why one ship, whose keel was laid at one hour proves a fortunate investment, while another, whose keel was laid at another hour, proves a most unlucky one. Some transactions seem doomed to failure from their inception and even the enemies of astrology speak of such “ill-starred” affairs, although unaware of the meaning of this expression.
At page 18 of this work, Flamstead’s election figure for the laying of the foundation stone of Greenwich Observatory is given; the greatest success attending the Royal Observatory and its freedom from misfortune make for astrology. Possibly, had Flamstead not understood and believed in the science, an unlucky moment might have been chosen. Many proud buidlings have been destroyed very soon after their completion, the founder of such being of course too “really scientific” to give heed to astrological precepts.
The Moon, on account of her proximity to the earth, her reflection of the Solar light, and the swiftness of her motion, is considered to be the most powerful significator in astrology. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that the Moon be free from affliction and in close aspect with either one of the fortunes, or the Sun, or the planet ruling the business in hand, when election of an opportune moment for the commencement of such business is desired.
In many cases, there is not time either to elect the best possible moment for commencement of a new undertaking, or even to wait for such a favourable moment if determined upon. Many persons have not a sufficient knowledge of astrology to enable them to elect a suitable moment and to accurately cast the figure of the heavens. In such cases as these, the most that can be done is to see that the Moon’s aspects are of the right kind; or to consult Zadkiel. It must be borne in mind that the parallel declination acts like the conjunction and that the conjunction, p.d., and trine are the most powerful aspects for good, the sextile being much weaker; the opposition is the most powerful evil aspect.
As to the signs of the zodiac, the ancients said that it is best to have the Moon in an earthy sign (Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn), when sowing or planting; or repairing building; in Cancer for travelling by sea; in Sagittarius for buying horses and cattle.
In commencing any work or business which it is desired to be durable, either the Moon should be in a fixed sign (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius), or a fixed sign should ascend.
In any case, the moon should be more than 12 degrees distant in longitude from the Sun, or the business will be hindered.
Uranus and Neptune, being unknown to the ancients, had no influences
assigned to them. Observation has shown that Uranus influences pecuniary
affairs to some extent, inventions, and all extraordinary occurrences.
It is not advisable to begin any business of great importance when the
Moon is in conjunction, square, opposition, or parallel declination with
Uranus; neither to marry under such aspects. Neptune’s influence
is more evil than good, and seems to bring crises rather than to affect
the ordinary daily business of life. It is better not to begin any affair
of importance when the Sun or Moon happens to be in conjunction, quartile,
or opposition with Neptune.
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