The traditional malefic planets, Saturn and Mars, represent challenging but necessary energies. In Electional Astrology, they are not universally "bad," but they must be used with extreme caution and intentionality. The rule is simple: Avoid them unless their specific energy is the entire point of your endeavor.

Mars (The Lesser Malefic)

• Core Energy: Action, assertion, competition, aggression, courage, cutting, separation.
• When to USE Mars:
  • Starting a competitive business or sport.
  • Scheduling surgery (Mars rules the surgeon's scalpel).
  • Initiating a necessary confrontation or legal dispute.
  • Beginning military action or police training.
  • Launching a high-energy, dynamic project.
• When to AVOID Mars:
  • Relationship beginnings (dates, proposals, weddings).
  • Diplomatic missions, peace talks.
  • Cooperative ventures, signing partnership agreements.
  • Any activity where harmony is the primary goal.

Saturn (The Greater Malefic)

• Core Energy: Restriction, structure, discipline, delay, permanence, boundaries, reality.
• When to USE Saturn:
  • Laying foundations for a building or long-term business.
  • Signing long-term leases or contracts.
  • Starting a budget or savings plan.
  • Architectural work, working with land/stone.
  • Setting serious, binding boundaries.
• When to AVOID Saturn:
  • Beginning anything requiring spontaneity, speed, or expansion.
  • Social events, parties, creative launches.
  • Activities where growth and optimism are key.
  • Starting a journey or marketing campaign.

Key Strategy:
If a malefic must be involved (e.g., Saturn rules your 10th house of business), ensure it is strong in essential dignity (e.g., in Capricorn or Aquarius) and well-aspected, preferably by a benefic like Jupiter or Venus. This "redeems" its energy, turning restriction into stability.

Examples in Practice:

• Example: Electing for Surgery (Using Mars)
  • Goal: A precise, decisive, and successful cutting procedure.
  • Strategy: You want Mars to be strong (e.g., in Aries or Scorpio), direct, and making a harmonious aspect (e.g., a trine) to the Ascendant (you) or the planet ruling the body part. This signifies a skilled, effective surgeon.
• Example: Electing to Start a Long-Term Business (Using Saturn)
  • Goal: A stable, enduring, and reputable company.
  • Strategy: You want the ruler of the 10th House (e.g., Saturn) to be strong in Capricorn, angular, and trine Jupiter. This promises a structured, ambitious business that will grow steadily and last.
• Example of Avoiding a Malefic: A Wedding
  • Scenario: Mars is conjunct the Descendant (7th House cusp) in the election chart.
  • Interpretation: This is a very poor testimony. It injects the energy of conflict, aggression, and separation (Mars) directly into the partnership (7th). This election should be rejected.