More than any other event, a request to choose a wedding date can cause an astrologer to leaf frantically through the ephemeris in quest of the perfect day and then to throw her arms up in despair. Given the marriage statistics, it won’t surprise you to hear that ideal days are hard to come by — and that even astrologers get divorced.
Still, certain celestial events improve your chances of making it past your paper anniversary. One of the most encouraging is a transit of Jupiter through your seventh house of marriage. The problem is that Jupiter only returns to your seventh house every twelve years, and you may not want to wait that long.
Some astrological influences, on the other hand, occur fairly frequently and are worth waiting for. Here’s what to look for when you name the day:
- Make certain that Venus, the planet of love, is direct. If it happens to be retrograde, postpone your wedding for a few weeks.
- Choose a day when Mercury is direct, not retrograde. With retrograde Mercury, misunderstandings and problems in communication are likely to arise, either immediately or down the line. Also, it’s never a good idea to sign a contract when Mercury is retrograde. Marriage, whatever else it may be, is a legal agreement — and you will have to sign on the dotted line.
- Choose the position of the Moon with care. A New Moon, with the Sun and the Moon conjunct, classically signals a new beginning. The best possible Moon for a wedding is a New Moon in your sign (or your partner’s), in your seventh house of marriage, or in Libra.
- If a New Moon isn’t possible, for whatever reasons, at least get married when the Moon is waxing — that is, when it’s between New and Full, becoming larger and more luminous every night. A waning Moon has passed its peak of luminosity and is on the downward slide, getting smaller and dimmer every moment. Who needs that symbolism?
- Look for an auspicious angle between the Sun and the Moon. A sextile (60°) or trine (120°) creates harmony. A tight 90° square or 180° opposition generates tension and conflict.
- Look for trines and sextiles involving the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter — the more the better.
- Make sure the Moon isn’t void-of-course. And make sure that your schedule has room for error, just in case the flower girl is late.
