Millionaires don't use astrology, billionaires do. —J. P. Morgan
Confession: I mainly use astrology for business planning. It's insanely useful for timing. In fact, once I started to apply astrology to my biz, I watched it grow by leaps and bounds. Better yet, I was aware of what problems might arise and have been better equipped to work through them with a minimum of drama. People often ask me, “What's the secret to your success?” I'll answer with “hard work,” but the secret sauce is astrology!
Before I make a move, sign a deal, or host an event, I check the stars. Knowing what's happening up there helps me succeed down here.
Always observe the phases of the Moon.
New Moons are best for launches, new projects, and opening businesses. Full Moons are ideal for finishing up projects or work already in motion. The Full Moon is also the right time to end things. For example, if you're thinking of closing down an offer or firing a client, wait until the Full Moon if at all possible.
Can you do a launch during a Full Moon? Yes. In fact, I have. But before I do, I like to make sure the Moon is on my side as much as possible. How do I do that? I make sure the Moon is in my Sun sign.
If the Moon is in my Sun sign, it's a power day for me. The cosmos has my back! But if the Moon is in the opposite to my Sun sign, it's a weak sauce day and better for me to chill out. Super simple, but totally useful for biz. In fact, I've noticed that when the Moon is opposing my Sun, it tends to be a harder work day in every way. I keep my schedule as light as can be and put off any sort of aggravating crap until the Moon is in the next sign.
I avoid making decisions or starting new projects when the Moon is void-of-course. What's void-of-course? That's when the Moon makes its last aspect before changing signs. The void-of-course represents a cosmic time-out best suited for work already in motion . . . or rest. Void-of-course Moons can last anywhere from a few minutes to a whole day. When you see 'em in the calendar, use that time wisely by kicking back or keeping on top of current work. Here's an example: if the Moon in Taurus makes a trine to Venus and then moves into Gemini four hours later, that four-hour period is the void-of-course.
Eclipses can bring dramatic changes to your business if they hit your second, sixth, eighth, or tenth houses. I do not recommend starting anything new around an eclipse. Instead, I have found that they are better left alone unless you are tearing down some aspect of your business in order to create something entirely new.
Mercury retrograde can wreak havoc on business. The best plan when this cosmic shit storm arrives is to back up your tech as well as your website, slow down, avoid business travel if you can, prepare for delays, and be patient. Do not sign contracts or buy new gear for your business. Let that stuff wait until Mercury is direct. Lastly, try not to launch anything new during this transit. That being said, a relaunch or rebrand is a perfect activity to do when Mercury is retrograde.
Venus rules money, negotiations, and partnerships. When Venus is direct, these areas tend to move forward without too much trouble. But when Venus is retrograde, business relationships can hit a wall. This period can bring out challenging, high-maintenance clients or pain-in-the-ass partners. Expect to engage in more client care during this transit. Your boundaries could be tested, so be ready to enforce your policies.
What is Mars doing? When it's direct, take action. If Mars is making favorable aspects to other planets in your chart, move forth with gusto. If Mars is making gnarly aspects to the planets in your chart, be ready to push through some mighty big obstacles.
Like Mercury retrograde, Mars retrograde is not good for any sort of launching, especially a new business. If you're thinking of opening up the doors, wait. I have seen many companies over the years fail after an opening during a Mercury or Mars retrograde. This is also not a good time for picking fights with clients or online trolls. You'll also want to avoid lawsuits. Keep this in mind: whoever starts the argument during the Mars retrograde loses. In business, a losing lawsuit or internet tussle could spell doom.
Jupiter shows where you're lucky and able to expand. If it's moving through your first, fifth, or tenth house, amp up your PR. Be visible! If it's in your second or eighth house, invest in your business. You might be making more money now too. Yay! Showing up in your ninth house? Pitch that publisher. Jupiter in the sixth is the perfect time to upgrade your office. It might also indicate more work. Network your face off when Jupiter moves through the seventh or eleventh houses. The one thing to keep in mind with Jupiter: don't play small. When opportunity knocks, open that door and say hello!
Lastly, pay attention to Saturn. If it's making hard aspects to planets in your second, sixth, eighth, or tenth, the business can slow down considerably. Obstacles can arrive that may feel difficult to resolve. Your reputation could take a severe hit, especially if you drop the ball. Be patient and disciplined. Structures are essential during this period, especially if Saturn is holding court in your second or eighth houses. The more discipline you bring to your business and your finances, the less trouble you have. If you're the type of person who tends to be orderly and organized, you'll sail through any Saturn issues like a champ. If you're the other type, the one who runs your biz by the seat of your pants, Saturn transits could be the kick in the butt you need to begin stepping up your game. Saturn doesn't play around. Be a pro, yo.
My advice is simple: a relaunch or grand reopening. This will shift the energy. Pick a new date that is cosmically aligned for success. A New Moon would be best—preferably one in your Sun sign or hovering over your Midheaven.
Hint: You can also create an astrology chart for your business! Cast the chart on the day and time the company is “born” just like you would for a natal chart. I prefer using the natal chart for one-person businesses because I have found that if you're an entrepreneur who runs a small gig, your business becomes an extension of yourself, whereas a bigger venture is better suited for a chart that is strictly for the business.
Getting married? An auspicious date stacks the odds in your favor and gets you off on the right foot. (Note: It doesn't guarantee a happy ending though. You still gotta work on your relationship, pardner.)
First things first: make sure Venus is direct. Venus retrograde often spells wedding day disaster. Some astrologers feel that it also indicates relationship trouble. Venus direct tends to favor a smooth, trouble-free event as well as a positive path for the marriage going forward.
Next, look to see what sign Venus will be in. The best dates are when Venus is in Pisces, Taurus, or Libra. Venus in Pisces is exalted and symbolizes true love. Taurus and Libra are ruled by Venus; this puts a romantic aura around the relationship.
Next, try to avoid Mercury retrograde if you want to steer clear of travel drama on the honeymoon as well as other aggravating mishaps. (The wedding planner didn't show? The ring bearer lost the ring? Let's not take any chances!) I also recommend that Mars be direct too. Remember: Mars signals passion. An event when Mars is direct is more likely to be filled with excitement, whereas Mars retrograde could indicate arguments and drama. While drama makes for good soap opera fodder, you don't want your day or future spoiled by bickering!
Look at the Moon. A New Moon is ideal, of course, especially if it's in Taurus, Cancer, or Libra. Remember: Cancer is the Moon's ruler, so the energy is sensitive and sentimental. The Moon in Taurus or Libra lends a sweet romantic vibe to the day. Also, the Moon is exalted in Taurus, creating lovely, grounded energy. Does the Moon make happy aspects to planets or angles in your chart? How does it affect your partner's? Look to see if there are a few positive angles for each of you.
Lastly, if possible, pick a day when Venus makes harmonious angles to your or your partner's natal Sun, Moon, or Venus. Heck, if you both have some sweet Venus energy, even better! Stack those astro-odds in your favor.
What about when you've already picked a date, and the planets suck? Or perhaps the only time that is available for your location is on a crappy astrological day? My advice: just like I suggest in business, you'll want to consider some sort of additional ceremony when the planets are friendly. This could be a little cocktail party celebration, a quick legal union at the courthouse on a good day, or even some sort of handfasting or another ritual on a better day. Nothing has to be formal, nor do things need to be on the same day; it's all about creating energy. As long as you get one solid astrological day to kick off your nuptials, you're golden. After the big day, the rest is up to you two kids.
I planned my children by astrology. Not kidding.
But hear this: this approach is not foolproof. Instead, it's a gamble because there are no guarantees that your body—or the baby—will cooperate!
Here's what I did: I decided which signs I would prefer my children to be. Then, I started trying to conceive nine months before that sign showed up. In other words, I was getting busy nine months before August because I wanted a Leo. Luckily, I was Fertile Myrtle, so my plans went off without a hitch. Well, except my daughter arrived three weeks early and just made Leo. Can't control everything!
When clients are expecting a C-section, they will often come to me to pick a good date. What I look for: Mercury and Mars direct if at all possible. Next, we look at the Moon because the Moon has a lot to do with mothering. If the Moon is in the mother-to-be's Sun sign or in a harmonious aspect to her Moon, it's a green light. We also try to determine a favorable Ascendant (when all else fails, I choose Libra Rising because it's a goody). Now keep in mind that not every doctor is going to go for it. After all, saying “Well, my astrologer says . . .” isn't convincing. You may have to find another angle!
One of my clients was looking at a C-section and the only day that seemed right was on a Sunday. She insisted to her doctor without telling him the reason why, and the doctor actually went for it! Needless to say, her son is charming, loving, easy-going, and a gifted athlete. Astrology! BAM!
When it comes to travel, there are two rules. First, always try to plan your trips when Mercury is direct. If you can't do that, just make sure that you have extra time outlined in your schedule for possible delays.
Second, check out what may be transiting your third and ninth houses. Is Jupiter moving through your ninth? See the world. Sun in the ninth? Go somewhere hot. Mars ripping through your third? Load up the car and go on a quick road trip. Saturn and Mercury retrograde hanging touch in your ninth? Stay home and watch the travel channels.