Timing the Hour 1*4*06

How to use astrology to get (or not get) pregnant.

When looking at questions, we look at the moment and project in advance what is most likely to happen. For timing events, we do a similar process in reverse - we select what we'd like to happen, then choose a moment to initiate that event to maximize chances of success. This process can be used for anything important - launching a website or product, an important meeting or contract, getting married, having a child. If you know some astrology and have software to watch the movements as they unfold during the day, then all kinds of things can be timed for greater effect.

Medieval astrologers were keen on the pregnancy issue. Not only did many babies die in early years of life, but when working for royalty it was a good idea to have the next King (and presumably one's future boss) be a royal sort of chap. As usual in traditional astrology, the rules are quite complex. If you are serious about timing this or any other important matter, contact me. For people who know enough to read an astrology calendar, here are a few ideas.

The primary indicator of children is Jupiter, the planet that enlarges all things including bellies. When Jupiter is in fertile signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, it is easier to get pregnant. When Jupiter is square to Saturn as it was recently and will be again later this year, or conjunct the South node as it was much of 2005, or in a sterile sign like Virgo as it was in 2004, pregnancy doesn't happen as easily.

In all astrology we look to the Moon. For pregnancy we'd want a bright moon applying with good aspect (sextile or trine) to Jupiter. We'll get these throughout the year, but one of the very best is this week. The night of January 12th is night of Moon with Moon very bright in Cancer and applying to trine Jupiter. If you wanted to get pregnant this is an excellent opportunity. If you don't, watch out!

When I time events for clients, we also factor in their natal charts. If their own Jupiter was in Sagittarius, then pregnancy might be more likely next year, even if technically speaking Jupiter is more fertile this year in Scorpio. We also look at key positions like their Ascendant, Sun, Moon and Part of Fortune.

Here are some additional considerations for pregnancy:

Better not to get pregnant with an afflicted Moon because vitality won't be as strong. This means the Moon very dark in light or conjunct, square or opposed Saturn or Mars. We also do our best to avoid hard aspects to the modern planets.

Ditto with afflicted Sun. This primarily means Sun conjunct, square or opposed Saturn or Mars; and we watch out for the modern planets here too.

In all cases keep your own goals in mind. Sun near Neptune might be just great for a pair of artists, but not so great if alcoholism runs in the family. If you want someone beautiful then go for a well placed Venus; if you want someone smart then watch for a speedy and dignified Mercury. Venus contacts with Jupiter are usually positive.

Disclaimer: if you are planning a pregnancy, consult your health professional. If you'd like to also use the aid of astrology, consult a professional.