How to Select the Best Time for Any Undertaking

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 birthchart 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 birthchart 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 10, 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 birthchart 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, he 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 nor 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 birthchart.

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 birthchart. 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 birthchart.

To find the time of day, as timed by a watch, it becomes necessary to convert the
LMT into Standard rime, or perhaps into Daylight Saving Time if this is being used.
To find the Standard Time, rules 8 and 9 of Chapter 1 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 1.

At the front of this chapter 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.

At the front of Course 4, Chapter 13 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 birthchart, the
next most important is that denoted by the Sub-Major Progressed aspects in the
birthchart, 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 10.

Not only in reference to them, but in reference also to the aspects of the planets in the
sky, as shown by he ephemeris for the particular period under consideration, it is
important for the individual to determine from an inspection2of his birthchart 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 birthchart 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 birthchart 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
birthchart (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 birthchart, 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 birthchart 18 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 birthchart is afflicted by aspect in the current ephemeris is the
worst time to take the initiative in any matter.

2 See Course 16, Stellar Healing for a discussion of Astrodynes which give a mathematical
analysis of dominant, best and worst planets, signs and houses.

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 birthchart 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.

–A–

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.

–B–

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.

–C–

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.

–D–

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.

–E–

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.

–F–

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.

–G–

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.

–H–

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.

–I–

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

–L–

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.

–M–

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.

–P–

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.

–R–

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.

–S–

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.

–T–

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.

–V–

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.

–W–

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.

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 good will,
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, kidnapping, 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.

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, 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 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 he 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,
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.
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
of Chapter 1, 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, at the front of this chapter (page 195)

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.