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Subheadings:   First of All Consider Physical Environment    Next Consider Progressed Aspects    Selecting the Day    Selecting the Exact Moment    Less Significant Influences    Buying and Selling    Moon Positions Favorable to Sixty Two Different Human Activities    Ventures Ruled by the Planets    Planetary Hours    Finding the Night Hours    Using Table XII, Planetary Hours

Tables and Charts:  Table XI: Approximate Length of Sunrise, Sunset and Planetary Hours    Table XII: Planetary Rulership of Each Planetary Hour    Example Of Successful Marriage Chart

Chapter 6

How to Select the Best Time for Any Undertaking

Example Of Successful Marriage Chart

ALTHOUGH, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven," only an astrologer is competent to select such a time.

From the standpoint of astrology, the beginning of a project is its birth: the launching of a ship indicates its life, the signing of a contract shows what will eventuate from it, the acceptance of articles of incorporation and by-laws by the board of directors reveals the fortune of a corporation, and the laying of the cornerstone of a building determines its fate. Thus from a chart erected for the time and place of the commencement of any enterprise can be learned the vicissitudes and duration of its life, and from the progressed aspects that form in such a chart can be determined the time and nature of the events which will be attracted to it.

Events, like creatures, are both conceived and born. When a proposition first becomes clear in the mind is the moment of its conception. Its birth is when it first commences to assume independent physical shape. A child may be taken from its mother before gestation is complete, at a time when the planets are favorably placed, and if it lives the chart of its birth shows its life and possibilities. Yet in spite of picking a favorable relation among the planets for the operation, if there is too great variance between the nature of the child and these planetary positions, the child will die at birth. An event, likewise, may be forced and stillborn. But unless it is such a forced delivery, its birth chart indicates its failure or success.

First of All Consider Physical Environment

An impossible venture started under the most favorable planetary conditions will fail because it is still born. Likewise, one may start the most promising enterprise at the wrong time and a venture that under normal conditions would be an unusual success is smashed on the rocks of adverse winds and tides. In neither natal astrology nor selecting favorable times, can we ever afford to overlook the power of physical environment. Inner-plane influences exert a well defined force. But also physical conditions offer, at different times, various degrees of resistance to inner-plane forces. The result on the external plane is always the algebraic difference obtained by subtracting the resistance of physical environment from the inner-plane forces.

That a venture may not be stillborn, therefore, the first thing is to examine the resistance of physical environment. Neglecting this, and considering only inner-plane forces, one might pick a time when the Moon is in Pisces, decreasing in light and well aspected, just as winter is coming on, to plant potatoes. Such an enterprise will be stillborn, because potatoes, due to physical conditions, should be planted in the spring. But if one chooses a time when the Moon is located as stated at the season of year potatoes are usually planted, and gives them ordinary care, there will be a much larger yield than if they were planted while the Moon is increasing in light in Aries.

Next Consider Progressed Aspects

The birth chart of the person expected to profit by the enterprise, and the progressed aspects in his chart, are of far more importance than any other astrological factor in selecting a proper time. They show with much certainty, physical environment not being tremendously adverse, whether or not the venture can have a proper birth. If the positions of the planets in the natal chart and the progressed aspects at the time show he can make no success of the enterprise either the venture will shortly die, or it will pass from his hands only to benefit another.

If, as explained in Course X, Delineating and Progressing the Horoscope, an inspection of the natal chart and progressed aspects reveals that the enterprise may successfully be launched, a time properly chosen for its commencement will insure it much greater success than it otherwise would have. And even when the progressed chart shows little prospect of success, the matter will be much less likely to fail if an otherwise auspicious time is chosen to make the start.

Selecting the Day

To the extent circumstances permit a time should be chosen when a progressed aspect in the birth chart favorable to the enterprise is well within one degree of perfect. It is safer to have it within one-half of one degree of perfect and better that the aspect is applying rather than separating.

Either to take advantage of favorable progressed aspects, or to avoid discordant progressed aspects, or because of circumstances relating to the physical environment, there is usually a time limit within which a given venture must be started. This determined, the next step is to select, within such period, the most auspicious day.

To do this the planet having most influence over the venture should be determined: Jupiter for business, Saturn for real estate and agriculture, Venus for love, Mercury for writing and travel, etc., as later given. Then take the ephemeris for the year in which the venture is to be started and look over all the aspects within the time limit. The object is to select that day on which the planet corresponding to the nature of the enterprise is well aspected, and at the same time there are as many good aspects and as few adverse aspects as possible. As will be explained later, in selecting the proper day particular attention also should be paid to the Moon, the sign she is in, the next aspect she makes, and whether increasing or decreasing in light.

Selecting the Exact Moment

Having tentatively, at least, selected the day which appears most propitious to the venture, the next and final step is to select the hour and minute of that day when the house ruling the enterprise in the erected chart shall be subject to unusually favorable conditions. If the matter is a business enterprise the tenth and second should receive special consideration, etc.

The object is to give this house just as favorable a setting as possible, and so to place afflicting planets that they have as little influence over the things pertaining to the venture as possible. In this arrangement of the planets in the houses, a planet in the house ruling the venture is a far more vital and potent influence than if it merely rules the sign on the cusp of the house. When possible, therefore, to give life and energy enough to the enterprise so that it will not stagnate, it is well to have a favorably aspected planet actually in the house ruling the venture.

A certain amount of trial and error often enters into this matter of finding the best house positions for the planets on the selected day. A good way to start is to note the signs occupied by the various planets as given on the selected day in the ephemeris. Then turn to a table of houses for the latitude of the place where the venture is to be started, and looking down the columns which give the degree and sign on the cusp of each house, find a degree of a sign occupying the cusp of the house ruling the venture that will place well-aspected planets in that house, or at least give a well-aspected planet as ruler of the cusp of that house. And it is better still to have a favorable planet in the house and a favorable planet ruling its cusp.

Using the Sidereal Time in the left-hand column which gives this house cusp, copy the other house cusps into a blank map, thus erecting a chart for this sidereal time. Then as a trial, without calculating the minutes, place each planet in the chart as found in the ephemeris on the chosen day. If this chart shows certain serious drawbacks, try others with the planets situated in different houses, until the best combination for the matter at hand has been determined for that day.

In judging of the merits and demerits of these trial charts the map should be considered in all its details. Every house and planet is significant, but of course the house ruling the matter is of most importance. Thus if it is a business proposition it is well to have Jupiter well aspected, and it is essential that the tenth house and its ruler are not seriously afflicted. If at the same time money is to be made from the venture, the significators of the second should also be well aspected.

The whole chart should be gone over thus: Consider the 1st house as the life and health of the venture then started; the 2nd as the money that will be made from it; the 3rd as its neighboring environment; the 4th as its residence; the 5th as its hazards; the 6th as the labor involved; the 7th as its partners and opponents; the 8th as the people’s money associated with it; the 9th as the advertising it gets; the 10th as its honor and business success; the 11th as its well wishers; and the 12th as the disappointments it will have.

In such charts the aspects formed to the Ascending degree and M.C. should not be overlooked; the Ascendant as influencing the life and personality, the M.C. as influencing the success and credit. To illustrate, let us suppose a ship is launched when the 10th house and 2nd are favorable, but the 1st house is occupied by Mars, and the Ascending degree is afflicted. Such a ship would always find a cargo awaiting her, and every trip completed would yield good financial returns; but she would be in constant danger of loss by fire, explosion, or other accident; and would burn up or run on the rocks as soon as appropriate progressed aspects became perfect in the chart. For a proposition to be healthy it is necessary that the 1st house be strong and not greatly afflicted.

When a chart has finally been selected on the chosen day, the next thing is to determine the time of day when the houses and planets are thus situated, so the venture may be timed by a watch to be started with this birth chart.

In placing the signs on the house cusps the sidereal time for the chart has already been noted. If not, consulting a table of houses will indicate it. Then note down the sidereal time at noon on the selected day. If the sidereal time for the chart selected is less than the sidereal time given on that day for noon, subtract it from the sidereal time at noon. The difference is the LMT Interval before noon, which subtracted from noon (12:00) gives the A.M. Local Mean Time. If the sidereal time for the chart selected is greater than the sidereal time on the chosen day, the sidereal time for noon must be subtracted from it. The difference is the LMT Interval after noon and is thus P.M. Local Mean Time. When a zero hour (midnight) ephemeris is used, the LMT Interval is before or after the zero hour (midnight).

Where great precision is required the correction for the increase of sidereal time at the rate of 9.86s per hour should be included in the final calculation of the chart, just as it should be included in any precise birth chart. With the LMT known, the chart should be erected using the EGMT Interval—or if an ephemeris computed for some other meridian than Greenwich is used, using the Equivalent Standard Meridian Mean Time Interval—to find the exact degree and minute occupied by each planet, just as in erecting any other birth chart.

To find the time of day, as timed by a watch, it becomes necessary to convert the LMT into Standard Time, or perhaps into Daylight Saving Time if this is being used. To find the Standard Time, Rules 8 and 9 (Serial Lesson 86, Course VIII, Chapter 7, "How to Erect a Horoscope") are merely reversed. Thus if west of the standard meridian add the difference in time from the meridian and if east subtract the difference in time from the meridian, to or from the Local Mean Time already found, to get the Standard Time. If the watch used registers Daylight Saving Time, to the Standard Time so found it becomes necessary to add one hour to get the proper time for starting the venture by the watch. These various simple mathematical calculations will be made clear by referring to Chapter 7 (Serial Lesson 86).

At the front of this chapter (top of page) and will be found the chart an astrologer selected for the day and time of his own marriage. It will be noted that, to give as much harmony as possible to the house of marriage, he placed the two benefics there in conjunction aspect, and both sextile Mercury and Moon in the fifth house. The life of the venture is indicated by Jupiter ruling the cusp of the first house, the business success by Venus ruling the cusp of the tenth, etc.

In Chapter 13 (Serial Lesson 18), "Historical Degrees," Course IV, Ancient Masonry, will be found the chart selected for the birth of The Church of Light as a corporate entity, and the chart selected or establishing The Brotherhood of Light ESP Research Department.

The time limit, due to the passing of an anti-astrological ordinance, for selecting a chart for the Church was quite limited, otherwise the T-square of Pluto in the house of opponents and the public (seventh) in opposition to Saturn in the first, and both squared by Uranus, could have been avoided. As it was, we placed the religious planet, Jupiter, ruler of the cusp of the first, in the house of churches (ninth), giving it as many harmonious aspects as possible, two other planets in the ninth trine the Moon in the first, and a good strong tenth house.

For the Brotherhood of Light ESP Research Department, we wanted the upper-octave planets as powerful as possible and as well aspected. Pluto rising and Moon conjunction Uranus, and both trine Neptune accomplished this. Uranus is the planet of research, and it dominated the chart. The house (third) significant of the mental activity used in research is occupied by the ESP planet, Neptune. While the inner-plane planet, Pluto, in the house of life (first) is afflicted by Jupiter, it conciliates the opposition of Neptune and Saturn, being trine Saturn and sextile Neptune.

Less Significant Influences

In reference to selecting a favorable time for doing something, the most important influence of all is that denoted by the Major-Progressed aspects in the birth chart, the next most important is that denoted by the Sub-Major-Progressed aspects in the birth chart, then come the Minor-Progressed aspects in order of importance, followed by the Transits and aspects made by the planets in the sky, and finally of least significance the planetary hours. Progressed aspects, including Transits, are fully explained in Course X, Delineating and Progressing the Horoscope.

Not only in reference to them, but in reference also to the aspects of the planets in the sky, as shown by the ephemeris for the particular period under consideration, it is important for the individual to determine from an inspection of his birth chart, his ruling planet, his best planet, his worst planet, his best house and his worst house.

The ruling planet is the planet which is most prominent and heavily aspected in the chart, and thus is shown to have the greatest and most constant influence over the life. The best planet is the one that indicates the kind of things that bring the most fortunate conditions into the life. The worst planet is the one weakest and most afflicted, and thus indicates the kind of things that bring the greatest misfortune into the life. The best house is the house of the birth chart showing the strongest and most fortunate influences and the least discord. It may be the house containing the best planet, or it may not; for the house containing the best planet may also contain an afflicted planet. This house represents the department of life from which may be expected the greatest favors. The worst house is the house of the birth chart showing the greatest discord. It may, or it may not, be the house occupied by the worst planet; for the house containing the worst planet may also contain a harmonious one. This house represents the department of life from which may be expected the most trouble.

When the time of day of an aspect has been found, or is noted in an aspectarian, at the place for which the ephemeris is computed, this time of day may be converted into the Standard Time (common watch time) of any place west of the Standard Time meridian used by the ephemeris maker by subtracting the number of hours west of it corresponding to the Standard Time Meridian at the place where the aspect is to be ascertained. Thus if the aspect is given for Greenwich Mean Time, for the eastern states subtract 5 hours, for Chicago and vicinity 6 hours, for Denver and vicinity 7 hours, and for the Pacific Coast 8 hours, from the time given to find the time by the watch. If the place is east of Greenwich the number of hours east should be added to the time given for the aspect. And where Daylight Saving Time is in use, one hour must be added to the Standard Time so found to get the time as shown by a watch.

On those days, particularly near the time of day when the ruling planet of the birth chart (you) receives strong aspects, as shown in the ephemeris for the current year, good or bad propositions or events, depending on whether the ruling planet is harmonious or discordant in the birth chart, are more apt to come to the person.

Other things being equal those days, and near the time of day, when the Best Planet in the birth chart is well aspected in the current ephemeris is the best time for taking the initiative in any matter, and the time when a favorable impression on others is most easily made. Other things being equal those days, and near the time of day, when the Worst Planet in the birth chart is afflicted by aspect in the current ephemeris is the worst time to take the initiative in any matter.

Buying and Selling

To sell to good advantage here should be a strong influence from Jupiter; for Jupiter inclines people to be liberal in their expenditures. To buy at a bargain there should be a strong influence from Saturn; as Saturn contracts and influences toward a cheap price.

Other than the influence of these two planets to expand or contract, in buying, selling, trading, or other dealing the positions in the heavens influence primarily the person taking the initiative. Therefore, either in offering to sell or buy it is well to have the planets as well aspected as possible; but if another comes to you with something to sell, or to induce you to sell, while the planets are badly placed, he will be in a poor position to make a favorable trade, and may force the transaction at a loss to himself.

Moon Positions Favorable to Sixty Two Different Human Activities

When planets come within orb of an aspect, while the aspect is applying the influence indicated by the aspect is on the increase. It reaches its greatest power when the aspect is perfect, and consequently, as the aspect separates from perfect, its power wanes. To take advantage of the full influence of an aspect, a time for action should be selected just before the aspect is perfect, but while very close to perfect.

The Moon has much influence over the affairs that come up from day to day in human life. Yet as there are ten planetary orbs, all of which have an influence, a complete and detailed picture can be had only from a birth chart carefully selected for that purpose. Ordinary activities, however, do not justify so much pains; even though many of them do warrant the trouble it takes to glance in an ephemeris and note the chief aspects present between the planets, in addition to the position and aspects of the Moon.

As illustrating applying and separating aspects, when the Moon has left a discordant aspect and its next application is a harmonious aspect is a better time to act than when the Moon is just past the perfection of a harmonious aspect and is next applying to a discordant aspect. When the Moon is past the discordant aspect, yet within orb of it, but applying to a harmonious aspect, a matter that then starts badly will tend to improve; but if separating from a harmonious aspect and applying to a discordant aspect, a matter that starts well tends to have a poor ending.

The conjunction aspect of Moon and Sun constitutes the New Moon. The opposition aspect of Moon to Sun constitutes the Full Moon. From New Moon until Full Moon the Moon is INCREASING in light. From Full Moon until New Moon the Moon is DECREASING in light. From the conjunction with the Sun until the first square aspect of the Moon to the Sun, the Moon is in the First Quarter. From the first square aspect of the Moon to the Sun until Full Moon, the Moon is in the Second Quarter. From Full Moon until the Moon again makes the square aspect with the Sun, the Moon is in the Third Quarter. And from this square aspect of the Moon to the Sun until it again reaches New Moon, the Moon is in the Fourth and last Quarter.

The exact conjunction, opposition, first square, or last square, or for 24 hours before or after these aspects, is not a good time to start any matter; for the aspects are discordant and the project becomes diseased. This eliminates eight days from each month as unsuitable for starting any venture. For a proposition to have a strong vitality and long lease of life, continuing to grow for a lone time and reach full size, it should be started soon after (but not within 24 hours of) the New Moon. Publicity, and vegetables that are to make their crop above the ground, should be started, or planted, while the Moon is increasing in light. A business or other proposition that needs forcing to quick maturity should be started a short time before Full Moon. Things which are to be kept secret, and vegetables which make their crop below the ground, should be started, or planted, while the Moon is decreasing in light. If they need forcing, the start should be made shortly before (but not within 24 hours of) the New Moon.

Each planet has special rulership over certain matters; and its aspects, therefore, are specially important in relation to their activities. The Moon rules planting, husbandry, nursing and the home; and much experience has accumulated to prove that it has a powerful influence over affairs associated with them; and an influence which should not be neglected even in other enterprises. This explanation should make it plain that in presenting the following alphabetical list, the condition indicated in connection with a given relation of the Moon will follow only to the extent that other things not mentioned are equal.

Advertising, gets better results if displayed while the Moon is increasing.

Affectional Interests, prosper more if undertaken while the Moon is in Taurus or Libra and applying to a harmonious aspect of Venus.

Automobiles, purchased or repaired while the Moon is increasing and applying to a harmonious aspect of Uranus, or well aspected in Aquarius, give better satisfaction.

Baking, progresses better while the Moon is in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn; and rises better while the Moon is increasing.

Buildings, will better resist destruction if first dirt is turned, cornerstone laid, or otherwise commenced while the Moon is in Taurus, Leo or Aquarius.

Buying, can be completed at a lower price while the Moon is applying to a harmonious aspect of Saturn, or Saturn is otherwise well aspected.

Canning, should be done while the Moon is decreasing, and gives better results if the Moon is in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces.

Cement, should be poured while the Moon is decreasing in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius.

Clothing, including jewelry, should not be bought or first worn while the Moon is in Scorpio or Leo, nor should cloth be cut while the Moon is in Leo; best signs are Taurus and Libra.

Credit Purchases, should be made while the Moon is increasing, as when decreasing the payments are harder to meet.

Debts, are more easily collected while the Moon applies to a harmonious aspect of Jupiter, or Jupiter is otherwise well aspected; but not when the Moon is in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius.

Dental work, should not be done while the Moon is in Aries or Taurus. Extractions should be made while the Moon is increasing and in Gemini, Virgo or Sagittarius; fillings and plate impressions, while the Moon is decreasing in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius.

Eggs, should be set to hatch while the Moon is increasing in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces; Cancer is best. For quick maturity, the Moon should be in second quarter; for size, in first quarter.

Employees, should be hired while the Moon is applying to a harmonious aspect of Saturn, but not while in Scorpio or Capricorn. They remain longer if hired while the Moon is in Taurus, Leo or Aquarius.

Employment is more readily obtained while the Moon applies to a harmonious aspect of the Sun, or the Sun is otherwise well aspected.

Entertainments, are more successful while the Moon is increasing and applying to a harmonious aspect of Neptune, or Neptune is otherwise well aspected.

ESP, or other psychic endeavor, is facilitated while the Moon is in the second quarter, especially just as it comes to full, and while it applies to a harmonious aspect of Neptune or Pluto.

Favors, are more readily granted while the Moon applies to a harmonious aspect of Jupiter, or Jupiter is otherwise well aspected.

Fishing, is best three days before and three days after full Moon. Fish bite well while the Moon is in Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, and on those days when the Moon makes the conjunction, square or opposition of the Sun.

Flowers, for fragrance and beauty should be planted while Moon is increasing in Libra or Taurus. For abundance of bloom, plant when the Moon is increasing in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces. Plant bulbs for seed while Moon is decreasing in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces.

Fruits, picked while Moon is decreasing and not in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces, keep better.

Furniture, first used while Moon is in Taurus, Leo or Aquarius and applying to a harmonious aspect of Saturn, gives good service. For beauty, purchase while Moon is in Taurus or Libra.

Grafting, pollinating, budding, etc., should be done while the Moon is increasing in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces.

Grain, should be planted in the second quarter of the Moon in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces. To keep well as for seed, it should be harvested just after full Moon while Moon is in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius or Aquarius.

Hay, should be cut while the Moon is decreasing in Gemini, Libra or Aquarius; leaves shatter less when in Aquarius.

Hair, should be cut while the Moon is increasing. For beauty it should be in Taurus or Libra, and if applying to a harmonious aspect of Venus, so much the better. For luxuriant growth it should be in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces. Treatments to increase growth should be started while the Moon is increasing in Scorpio, subsequent treatments while increasing in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces.

Healing, is more readily accomplished while the Moon is increasing and applying to a harmonious aspect of the Sun.

Hedges, trimmed while the Moon is above the earth in the first quarter, especially while it is applying to a harmonious aspect of Venus or Jupiter, grow better.

Irrigation, is most satisfactory while the Moon is in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces.

Legal Matters, are best commenced while the Moon applies to a harmonious aspect of Jupiter, or Jupiter is otherwise well aspected.

Livestock, should be timed to bear young a little more than 24 hours after new Moon while the Moon is in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces.

Manicuring, is more satisfactory while the Moon is increasing in Libra, Gemini, Aquarius or Taurus. Do not cut ingrown nails while the Moon is decreasing.

Meat, killed while the Moon is increasing in Aries, Leo or Sagittarius keeps well. The joints cure better and there is less shrinkage.

Moving, while the Moon is increasing in Taurus, Leo or Aquarius insures a longer stay in the new location. Never move while the Moon is in Scorpio.

Painting, should be done while the Moon is decreasing, and in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius; Scorpio is best.

Parties, are better attended and enjoyed while the Moon is increasing, and in Libra, Taurus, Gemini or Sagittarius.

Permanents, last better if obtained while the Moon is in Taurus.

Posts, should be set while the Moon is decreasing and in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius.

Potatoes, keep longer if dug while the Moon is decreasing in Aries, Leo or Sagittarius, especially Leo; last quarter is best.

Pruning, should be done while the Moon is decreasing in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces.

Renting, should be done while the Moon is applying to a good aspect of Saturn, or Saturn is otherwise well aspected. If it is to be permanent, the Moon should be in Taurus, Leo or Aquarius. To get a comfortable place, the Moon can be in Leo; for neatness and beauty, in Taurus or Libra.

Sauerkraut, tastes better when made just after full Moon while Moon is in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces.

Selling, can be accomplished more readily, and at a higher price, while the Moon is applying to a harmonious aspect of Jupiter, or Jupiter is otherwise well aspected.

Sheep, sheared while the Moon is increasing in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces, especially when it is applying to a harmonious aspect of Venus, insures a better growth for the next shearing.

Shellfish, are best when caught at full Moon.

Shingling, should be done while Moon is decreasing, and in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius.

Shoes, should not be purchased or first worn while the Moon is in Capricorn or in discordant aspect with Saturn. They will give more comfort if the Moon makes a harmonious aspect to Neptune, or is well aspected in Pisces

Sign Papers, when the Moon makes a harmonious aspect to Mercury, or Mercury is otherwise well aspected.

Speeches, including those given by radio, are better received while the Moon is increasing and is in Sagittarius, or when it applies to a harmonious aspect of Jupiter.

Spraying, should be done while the Moon is decreasing and in Aries, Leo or Capricorn.

Surgical Operations, are best performed when the Moon is two signs past the sign ruling the part of the body operated on. The humors of the body, and the tendency to hemorrhage and inflammation, tend to follow the course of the Moon. Thus the Moon will have ten signs to go before it again reaches the part of the body operated on. Never pierce with iron the part of the body ruled by the sign occupied by the Moon. Never castrate animals while the Moon is in Virgo, Libra or Scorpio.

Timber, cut while the Moon is decreasing seasons better, and will not warp or decay so readily if cut while the Moon is in Aries, Leo or Sagittarius. Avoid Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.

Transplanting, should be done with the Moon located as for the original planting of the same thing.

Travel, when the Moon is in Gemini or Sagittarius and makes a harmonious aspect to Mercury, or Mercury is otherwise well aspected.

Trees, to live long and make good growth, should be planted while the Moon is increasing and in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces.

Vegetables, that make their crop below the ground should be planted while the Moon is decreasing and in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces. If larger growth is wanted, plant soon after full Moon. If quick tender growth is wanted, such as for turnips and radishes, use the last quarter.

Vegetables, that make their crop above the ground should be planted while the Moon is increasing in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces. For rank growth, plant in the first quarter. But if quick tender growth is desired, such as for green corn, peas, string beans, tomatoes and melons, use the second quarter.

Weaning, should be done while the Moon is in Sagittarius, Capricorn or Aquarius, and it is better to have it decreasing.

Weeds, are best destroyed when cut while the Moon is decreasing, especially in Aries, Leo or Capricorn.

Winter Wheat, should be sown as soon after Full Moon as the Moon can be found in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces. It needs a good root system.

Wire, should be stretched while the Moon is increasing in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius.

Write, when the Moon makes a harmonious aspect to Mercury, or Mercury is otherwise well aspected.

Table XII: Planetary Rulership of Each Planetary Hour

Ventures Ruled by the Planets

The SUN rules people in authority, politicians, the government, the vital forces, the male sex, children, and speculation. In any action which involves the good will of those in authority, and in seeking a position or promotion, see to it that the Sun receives a good aspect from the Moon and is otherwise well aspected. All affairs concerning health and vitality should be commenced while the Moon applies either to the first sextile or to the first trine. The best times of day for any of these matters are the planetary hours of the Sun.

The MOON rules the common people, nurses, liquids, groceries, the home, music in general, and females. In any dealing where these are involved see to it that the Moon applies to good aspects, and is in a sign where strong. For wide and favorable publicity the Moon should be in the tenth, well aspected. The best times of day for such matters are the planetary hours of the Moon.

MERCURY rules writers, students, writing, printing, speaking, teaching, contracts, travel, and mental work in general. In any enterprise including one of these things see to it that the Moon applies to a good aspect to Mercury, and Mercury is otherwise well aspected. For any activity requiring fluency of speech, clear thinking, or an alert mind, choose a day when Mercury is well aspected. The best times of day for any of these matters are the planetary hours of Mercury.

VENUS rules artists, social matters, friendship, love, marriage, singing, dancing, art, finery, and has some influence over ready cash. For success in such activities see to it that the Moon applies to a good aspect of Venus, and that Venus otherwise is well aspected. Buy or make things requiring taste and artistic appreciation at such a time. The best times of day for such matters are the planetary hours of Venus.

MARS rules doctors and surgeons, mechanics, soldiers, warfare, machinery, the use of iron and steel, and building and manufacturing in general. When starting anything dependent on such things, see to it that the Moon applies to a good aspect of Mars, and that Mars otherwise is well aspected. The best times of day for such matters are the planetary hours of Mars.

JUPITER rules clergymen and professional work, legal matters, charities, banking, publishing, religion, philosophy, finances, people of wealth, goodwill, salesmanship, patronage, and general good luck. When commencing any activity dependent on such things see to it that the Moon applies to a good aspect of Jupiter, and that Jupiter otherwise is well aspected. The best times of day for any of these matters are the planetary hours of Jupiter.

SATURN rules miners, farmers, common laborers, hard work, business in general, mining, real estate, elderly people, agriculture, and secret and hidden things. When commencing any activity dependent on such things, see to it that the Moon applies to a good aspect of Saturn, and that Saturn otherwise is well aspected. The best times of day for any of these matters are the planetary hours of Saturn.

URANUS rules lawyers and astrologers, unusual methods in business, astrology, occultism, invention, electricity and ingenious mechanisms, automobiles, radical ideas, exposures, reforms and agitation. When commencing any activity dependent on one of these things see to it that the Moon applies to a good aspect to Uranus, and that Uranus otherwise is well aspected. The best times of day for any of these matters are the planetary hours of Mercury.

NEPTUNE rules actors and psychics, feeling ESP, promotions, involuntary servitude, stock companies, utopian ideas, dramatic expression in all its mediums, aviation, submarines, gas, oil, drugs and poisons. When commencing any activity dependent on one of these things see to it that the Moon applies to a good aspect to Neptune, and that Neptune otherwise is well aspected. The best times of day for any of these matters are the planetary hours of Venus.

PLUTO rules those of great spiritual attainment, intellectual ESP, dictators, gangsters, spirituality, inversion, kidnaping, the inside of things, the inner plane and inner-plane activities, coercion, radio, television, cooperation, groups, and group activities of all kinds. When commencing any activity dependent on one of these things see to it that the Moon applies to a good aspect to Pluto, and that Pluto is otherwise well aspected. The best times of day for any of these matters are the planetary hours of the Moon.

Table XI: Approximate Length of Sunrise, Sunset and Planetary Hours

Planetary Hours

Of less importance than the aspects present among the planets in the sky are the planetary hours. They are the least significant of the astrological influences we shall consider; yet people are called on to do things when the time limit is a day or even half a day, and there is no opportunity to select even a favorable aspect of the Moon. Also while Moon aspects are favorable, there often is opportunity to select in addition a planetary hour favorable to the matter at hand.

Planetary hours, as handed down from ancient times, are not of the same duration as clock hours; but each is an equal division of a given day measured from sunrise to sunset, or of a given night measured from sunset to sunrise. The planetary hour of any day measures exactly one-twelfth the time from sunrise to sunset; and the planetary hour of any night measures exactly one-twelfth the time from sunset to sunrise.

The first planetary hour after sunrise is always ruled by the planet that rules the day. Thus the first hour after sunrise on Sunday is ruled by the Sun; the first hour on Monday by the Moon, etc. The rulership of the planetary hours always follows each other in this order: Sun, Venus (or Neptune), Mercury (or Uranus), Moon (or Pluto), Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Saturn, etc., on through all the hours of the day and night, and through the next day, and on through the months and years without a break in the order of sequence.

A fact all too often overlooked by those using planetary hour books is that the time indicated is Local Mean Time. In using such books, and in using Tables XI and XII at the front of this chapter (Serial Lesson 92), the time obtained being Local Mean Time, before it becomes available for events timed by a watch this must be converted into Standard Time, or perhaps into Daylight Saving Time.

To get the precise time of the commencement and end of the planetary hours on a particular day, the time of sunrise and sunset must be found, and the interval between divided by 12 to get the length of each day hour, and the interval between sunset and sunrise divided by 12 to get the length of each night hour. But in Tables XI and XII (pages and ) I have given a condensed table by which the approximate time of commencement of any planetary hour of any day in the year may be determined from about latitude 25° to latitude 55°. Both in this table and in planetary hour books approximate results only are attained; because there is a slight variation in the duration of the planetary hour from day to day and for each different degree of latitude. Nevertheless, the results obtained from these tables are close enough for ordinary purposes; and where more precision is required the precise time can be ascertained by calculating the exact time of sunrise and sunset as already indicated. The latitudes given in the table are 30°, 40°, and 50°; but the intermediate latitudes may easily be determined by interpolating such differences as are necessary.

Example: If I live near latitude 40° north, and on Friday, during the month of August, a person comes to me with a proposition at 11:00 A.M. Local Mean Time, and I wish to know the planetary hour in which the matter was presented to me, I first turn to Table XI. I there find that during August in latitude 40 sunrise occurs approximately at 5h 4m A.M., and that the approximate duration of the planetary hour is 1h 10m. Now 11:00 A.M. is within the planetary hour just before noon, which is, as indicated in Table XII (page ), the sixth planetary hour after sunrise. There are always six planetary hours between sunrise and noon, noon and sunset, sunset and midnight, and midnight and sunrise. I therefore look in Table XII for sunrise, and follow across the page until I reach the sixth hour after, then ascend the column until I find the horizontal line following Friday. I there find the word Mars. It was a Mars hour.

Finding the Night Hours

In using the tables for night (from sunset to sunrise) always use the duration of the day planetary hour for the opposite month, instead of the day hour for the month under consideration. The opposite month is given just above or just below in Table XI, Approximate Length of Sunrise, Sunset and Planetary Hours (this page). As night is the opposite of day, this should give rise to no confusion, and permits the table to be greatly condensed.

Example of Night Hours: Suppose I wish to find the earliest Jupiter hour on some Saturday night in December for selling something of considerable value to a prospect who can only be contacted over the dinner table. If I am in New York, Chicago, Denver, or Salt Lake City, I use the table for 40° latitude, and find from Table XI that sunset occurs in December about 4:35 P.M. But as it is a night hour, I do not use the length of hour given under December, but the one given under June, which is immediately above in the table. The approximate duration of the hour is there found to be 1h 14m.

I now look in Table XII for sunset on Saturday. The first hour after sunset is there shown to be ruled by Mercury, the second hour by the Moon, the third hour by Saturn, and the fourth, which is the hour I am looking for, by Jupiter. Therefore, three full planetary hours of 1h 14m duration each must elapse after sunset before the commencement of the Jupiter hour. I multiply 1h 14m by 3, which gives 3h 42m. To 4:35 P.M. (sunset) I add 3h 42m. This gives 8:17 P.M. Local Mean Time as the commencement of the Jupiter hour, and as it lasts 1h 14m it lasts until 9:31 P.M. Local Mean Time. Then, to be able to time the dinner and the interview by my watch I convert this Local Mean Time into Standard Time. Thus the time by a watch at New York at the beginning of the desired planetary hour is 8:13 P.M., and the hour lasts until 9:27 P.M.

In All Cases When L.M.T. Is Given, to Find the Standard Time, use Rule 8 and Rule 9 (Serial Lesson 86, CSVIII, Horary Astrology, Chapter 7 "How to Erect a Horoscope"), but add when the place is west of the standard meridian, and subtract when the place is east of the standard meridian; just the reverse of finding the L.M.T.

Using Table XII, Planetary Rulership of Each Planetary Hour

It should be noted that when midnight is passed the following day begins, and therefore from the line in the lower left-hand quadrant giving a certain day when midnight is passed it is necessary to drop down one line in the lower right-hand quadrant.

Thus the last hour on Saturday is ruled by the Sun, given on bottom line of lower left-hand quadrant; and the first hour (starting with midnight) of Sunday is ruled by Venus, given on second line of right-hand lower quadrant. The last hour of Sunday is ruled by the Moon, given on second line of lower left-hand quadrant; and the first hour (starting with midnight) of Monday is ruled by Saturn, given on 3rd line of right-hand lower quadrant. The last hour of Monday is ruled by Mars, given on 3rd line of lower left-hand quadrant; and the 1st hour (starting with midnight) of Tuesday is ruled by the Sun, given on 4th line of lower right-hand quadrant. The last hour of Tuesday is ruled by Mercury, given on 4th line of lower left-hand quadrant; and the 1st hour (following midnight) of Wednesday is ruled by the Moon, given on 5th line of lower right-hand quadrant. The last hour of Wednesday is ruled by Jupiter, given on the 5th line of lower left-hand quadrant; and the 1st hour (following midnight) of Thursday is ruled by Mars, given on 6th line of lower right-hand quadrant. The last hour of Thursday is ruled by Venus, given on 6th line of lower left-hand quadrant; and the 1st hour (following midnight) of Friday is ruled by Mercury, given on 7th line of lower right-hand quadrant. The last hour of Friday is ruled by Saturn, given on 7th line of lower left-hand quadrant; and the 1st hour (following midnight) of Saturday is ruled by Jupiter, given on lower line of right-hand lower quadrant. Then the last hour of Saturday is ruled by the Sun, and the rotation of planetary hours continues indefinitely.

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