conception of the project, from which to estimate the probable success or failure of the plan,

most of the important particulars connected therewith, the high and low tides that will beset its
progress, and in general forecast the eventual outcome of the project under contemplation. It is
presumed to be effective for whatever length of time is required for the carrying out of the
project.
To make a reliable Election the following considerations must be observed:
1. The Nativity of the person for whom the Figure is to be cast should, if the data is obtainable,
be diligently studied. All authorities agree that this feature is of paramount importance.
2. The radical Ascendant, when used for this purpose, should not be moved against the Earth's
motion; which is to say, it must be moved clockwise rather than in the order of the Houses.
Ptolemy, in the sixth aphorism of his Centiloquy, says: "It is advantageous to make choice of
days and of hours at a time well constituted by the Nativity. Should the time be adverse, the
choice will in no respect avail, however favorable an issue it may chance to promise."
3. The Directions concurrently at work in the Nativity should be taken into account, to make
sure that the proposed project is not beyond the native's capabilities. No useful purpose can be
served by making an Election for a project that is foredoomed to failure.
4. Attention must be paid to the Sign positions and aspects of the transiting planets before
considering the House positions they will occupy in the Election Scheme, since favorable House
positions cannot be expected to offset unfavorable sign positions and adverse aspects. Frequently
it is found impossible to cast an Election that is even remotely favorable, in that the planets
refuse to arrange themselves harmoniously within the time limits at one's disposal. However,
should the project be imperative and impossible to defer but otherwise valid, an Election
arranged with the available forces at one's command will usually be found better than none at all.
Even so, if the Nativity, or the Directions concurrently in force, promise failure, no Ellection,
however astutely conceived, can possibly impart success. Therefore, one should not assume that
the electional technique is a master-key to success; wealth and happiness. However, in such
cases it will often be found impossible to initiate action at the elected time, one obstacle after
another entailing delay, until finally the project can be initiated at a more favorable season, with
eventual success.
5. The planet disposing of the project should be free from the adverse rays of the Infortunes Mars, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto; and, when possible, should tenant its chief Dignity.
6. No Infortune, nor any planet that is retrograde, combust or otherwise notably debilitated by
Sign, degree or aspect, should hold any Angle of the Figure, unless said Infortune happens to
dispose of the affair in question, is well dignified, strong by Sign, well disposed toward the other
two signs of its Triplicity, largely unafflicted, and as distant as possible from the Luminaries. If
it is less than 8 from the Sun, or 12 from the Moon, the project will suffer many hindrances and
delays. The parallel of declination has an influence similar to that of a conjunction, and both of
these along with the trine aspects constitute the most powerful adjuncts to success. The sextile is
notably weaker, while the square and opposition are notably adverse.
7. By reason of its proximity to the Earth, its reflections of solar light and retransmission of
planetary vibrations, and its swiftness as compared to the motions of the planets, the Moon is
deemed the most important element in any Electional Figure. Therefore a time must be chosen