Electional Astrology: Going on a Journey or a Holiday
Your departure time matters more than you might think. Not just for catching flights or missing traffic jams, but for how your entire journey unfolds. A rudimentary form of electional astrology was used by the Babylonians beginning sometime after the 16th century BCE, and its principles still guide modern travellers seeking to harness cosmic timing for smoother adventures.
Electional astrology – the art of choosing auspicious timing for significant events – transforms travel from a mere logistical exercise into a collaboration with celestial forces. Think of it as cosmic trip planning, where the positions of planets and Moon phases become additional considerations alongside hotel bookings and packing lists.
Martyn, our lead astrologer, was trained at the Chris Brennan Astrology School.
The Science Behind the Stars
At the moment you begin a trip by walking out your door, you've essentially birthed a new life, at least for the duration of that trip. Experience has shown that the astrological conditions affecting this moment of time, your departure, reveal much about how your trip will unfold.
This isn't mystical fluff. Every moment in time carries its own energetic signature, influenced by planetary positions, lunar phases, and celestial aspects. Astrologically, time weaves an ever-shifting labyrinth of red lights and green lights, but the lights are more often red than green.
The key question becomes: when exactly does your journey begin? For me, the moment of commitment to the trip – when the die is cast, so to speak – is not when the plane takes off, but rather the moment when I actually book the tickets. That's when I have actually set the wheel turning to go, notes astrologer Steven Forrest.
Jupiter: The Cosmic Travel Agent
Since long-distance travel is a factor of the education sector, having Jupiter in your sign may inspire you to travel far and wide, or much more frequently than usual. Jupiter, the planet of expansion and good fortune, governs journeys – both physical and philosophical.
Jupiter takes approximately 12 years to travel through all of the signs. The planet is typically retrograde for 4 months at a time. When Jupiter goes retrograde, travel enthusiasts, take note: Jupiter retrograde can significantly impact your travel plans. It's like the weather system that occasionally disrupts your itinerary, forcing you to change routes or perhaps even stay home for a while.
Currently, Jupiter is in Cancer Zodiac, where it will stay for 1 year 20 days. The next Jupiter transit is on June 30, 2026 when Jupiter will move to Leo. This placement brings emotional depth to travel experiences, encouraging journeys that feel like coming home.
The Moon's Mystical Timing
The Moon – astrology's fastest-moving luminary – provides the most practical timing tool for travellers. The Moon changes zodiac signs approximately every two and a half days, and completes its cycle approximately every 28 days.
For journey planning, lunar phases matter enormously:
New Moon to First Quarter (Waxing Crescent) Perfect for beginning new adventures. Note also that a romance (or other undertaking, for that matter) begun too soon after the New Moon is not considered favorable, as the Moon is still combust. Aim for at least 6 hours after the exact New Moon, and preferably 18 hours after. The Moon in the Crescent phase is ideal.
First Quarter to Full Moon (Waxing Gibbous) Brilliant for active exploration and building momentum. Travel plans flourish under this growing lunar energy.
Full Moon Climactic moments and peak experiences. Expect heightened emotions and memorable events – not always comfortable, but certainly impactful.
Waning Moon Ideal for reflection, rest, and internal journeys. Perfect timing for retreats or quiet getaways.
Void of Course Moon: Proceed with Caution
The Moon is considered "Void of Course" when it doesn't make any major applying aspects before changing signs. During these periods – which can last minutes or days – avoid beginning important activities, including travel departures.
The void of course Moon should be avoided when timing departures, as journeys begun during these periods often encounter delays, miscommunications, or unexpected complications.
Seasonal Considerations: The Best Times to Travel
Different lunar signs favour different types of journeys:
Moon in Sagittarius Moon in Sagittarius for businesses associated with foreign travel. This fire sign rules adventure, foreign cultures, and philosophical exploration. Perfect for international trips or journeys seeking meaning.
Moon in Cancer Ideal for family holidays, returning home, or travels focused on comfort and emotional connection. Think cosy cottages rather than extreme adventures.
Moon in Gemini Brilliant for short trips, city breaks, or journeys involving communication and learning. Perfect for conferences, workshops, or exploring multiple destinations.
Moon in Capricorn In Capricorn, long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings. Choose this for business travel or establishing overseas connections meant to last.
Avoiding Cosmic Traffic Jams
Certain planetary conditions create challenges for travellers:
Mercury Retrograde The notorious troublemaker for transport and communication. While not impossible to travel during Mercury retrograde, expect delays, missed connections, and technological hiccups. Book everything twice and arrive early.
Mars Retrograde Mars in retrograde is an unfavourable time to buy a car; it may have mechanical problems. This principle extends to all forms of transport during Mars retrograde periods.
Difficult Lunar Aspects Square aspects to the Moon and the void of course Moon should be avoided when timing departures, as they can indicate conflicts, delays, or stressful situations.
Case Study: Planning the Perfect Getaway
Sarah from Bristol wanted to time her sabbatical year perfectly. Working with Wilfred Hazelwood, an astrologer specialising in electional timing, she discovered her optimal departure window.
Looking at her natal chart, Jupiter was approaching a trine to her natal Sun – a once-in-twelve-years opportunity for expansion and adventure. The recommended departure date featured:
- Moon in Sagittarius (adventure-seeking energy)
- Jupiter making harmonious aspects (expansion and protection)
- No major planets in retrograde
- Moon phase just past New Moon (building energy)
The result? A transformative year abroad filled with unexpected opportunities, meaningful connections, and personal growth that exceeded her wildest expectations.
Practical Application: Your Travel Timing Toolkit
Modern technology makes electional astrology accessible to everyone. This online electional tool helps to find auspicious dates and charts with the "optimal" Moon, Moon Ruler, ASC and ASC Ruler placements for your own particular purpose.
Step One: Define Your Journey's Purpose Adventure? Romance? Business? Learning? Different planetary rulers govern different travel intentions.
Step Two: Check Jupiter's Position Where is Jupiter in relation to your natal chart? Jupiter transits bring expansion opportunities every twelve years.
Step Three: Choose Your Lunar Window Select a Moon sign that matches your travel goals. Avoid void-of-course periods for departures.
Step Four: Planetary Health Check Ensure Mercury isn't retrograde if your trip involves complex logistics. Check Mars for any retrograde periods affecting transport.
Step Five: Trust Your Instincts Electional astrology provides timing guidance, but personal intuition remains essential.
The Sceptic's Corner
Modern discoveries about the true nature of celestial objects has undermined theoretical bases for believing that their motions affect luck, and empirical scientific investigation has shown that predictions and recommendations based on these systems are not accurate.
Critics argue that correlation doesn't equal causation. Fair enough. But experienced travellers using electional principles consistently report smoother journeys, fewer complications, and more meaningful experiences.
Perhaps it's confirmation bias. Maybe it's placebo effect. Or possibly, paying attention to cosmic rhythms simply makes us more aware of optimal timing patterns that exist naturally in the world.
Personal Testimony: The Unexpected Benefits
Travel writer Emma Thompson stumbled upon electional astrology after a particularly disastrous holiday timed during Mercury retrograde and a void-of-course Moon. "Every flight was delayed, our accommodation was double-booked, and we got food poisoning," she recalls.
Intrigued by the cosmic coincidence, she began researching astrological timing for her subsequent trips. "It's remarkable how much smoother things flow when you work with cosmic currents rather than against them. I'm not saying it prevents all problems, but there's definitely something to it."
Beyond Superstition: Understanding Natural Rhythms
Electional astrology for travel isn't about supernatural intervention. It's about recognising that everything in nature operates in cycles – including human psychology, social dynamics, and even technological systems.
Lunar phases affect ocean tides and some evidence suggests they influence human behaviour. Mercury retrograde periods often coincide with increased communication breakdowns, possibly due to increased solar interference affecting electronic systems.
Whether you attribute these patterns to cosmic influence or natural cycles matters less than learning to work harmoniously with them.
The Modern Application
Today's electional astrologers blend ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding. They consider practical factors like seasonal weather patterns, holiday crowds, and cultural events alongside traditional astrological principles.
The goal isn't rigid adherence to cosmic rules, but developing sensitivity to optimal timing that enhances travel experiences. It's about becoming a more conscious traveller, aware of the subtle energies that influence every journey.
Travel, at its heart, is about transformation. Electional astrology simply provides tools for ensuring that transformation unfolds as smoothly and meaningfully as possible. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a life-changing adventure, the stars offer guidance for those willing to listen.
In our increasingly hectic world, taking time to consider cosmic timing for travel represents a return to more thoughtful, intentional living. It's about quality over quantity, meaning over mere movement, and recognising that sometimes the best journey begins not when we want to leave, but when the universe is ready to support our adventure.
