In Electional Astrology, the planets represent the core types of energy you are trying to harness or avoid. Unlike in Horary, where they are often specific people, here they are the qualities of the action itself. Your goal is to have the planets that rule your intention strong and well-aspected at the chosen time.

The Seven Traditional Planets and Their Electional Meanings:

1. The Sun: Vitality, Identity, Success. Use for: Launching a personal project, seeking promotion, building confidence, meeting with VIPs or fathers, activities requiring leadership and visibility. Avoid when you need to work behind the scenes.
2. The Moon: The Public, Emotions, Change. Use for: Starting a public-facing venture, initiating a daily routine, family-related activities, gardening, anything involving fluids or the general public. Avoid for things requiring long-term stability, as the Moon changes quickly.
3. Mercury: Communication, Commerce, Intellect. Use for: Signing contracts, sending important emails, starting a course of study, sales, writing, short journeys. Avoid when Mercury is retrograde for final, binding agreements.
4. Venus: Love, Harmony, Beauty, Money. Use for: A first date, marriage, artistic projects, interior decorating, seeking a loan, diplomatic meetings, buying art or jewelry. Avoid for initiating conflicts or aggressive actions.
5. Mars: Action, Competition, Courage, Conflict. Use for: Starting a competitive business, surgery, athletic training, confrontations (when necessary), mechanical work, military action. Avoid for cooperative, gentle, or peace-making endeavors.
6. Jupiter: Expansion, Luck, Growth, Wisdom. Use for: Beginning higher education, long-distance travel, legal proceedings (as the plaintiff), philanthropic projects, marketing campaigns, anything requiring optimism and growth. Avoid for activities requiring austerity or strict budgets.
7. Saturn: Structure, Discipline, Limits, Permanence. Use for: Laying foundations, starting a long-term project, real estate deals, architectural work, creating a budget, setting boundaries. Avoid for spontaneous, quick, or social activities.

Examples in Practice:

• Example: Electing a time to launch a marketing campaign (Jupiter).
  • Goal: To expand reach and attract new customers.
  • Strategy: You would want Jupiter strong—ideally in its rulership (Sagittarius/Pisces) or exaltation (Cancer), and placed in an angular house (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th). A trine or sextile from Jupiter to the Ascendant or Midheaven would be excellent.
• Example: Electing a time to start a construction company (Saturn).
  • Goal: To build a stable, reputable, and long-lasting business.
  • Strategy: You would want Saturn strong—in Capricorn or Aquarius, direct in motion, and well-aspected (e.g., a trine to Venus for profitable structures or to Mercury for good contracts). A weak or afflicted Saturn could lead to constant delays and structural problems.
• Example: Electing a time for a crucial job interview (Sun & Mercury).
  • Goal: To present yourself (Sun) with confidence and communicate (Mercury) your skills effectively.
  • Strategy: You would want a strong Sun (for your vitality and ego) and a strong Mercury (for your words) in the chart. Ideally, these planets would be in good aspect to each other and to the ruler of the 10th House (the job).