Warning- this is a slightly technical post…

So anyways, as a self-publisher, I get to choose what date I go live on Amazon.

However, as an astrologer, that’s not as easy as it sounds.

Electional charts- which is what we call picking the date charts- are actually quite complicated.

Generally speaking, you want to make the most of both the potential of your chart, the planets in your chart that represent whatever it is that you’re doing, and the transits for when you want to be doing it.

Yes, it’s a stand-alone chart, but one that you want to have an appropriate relationship with to your natal chart.

It’s a lengthy process and, given that there are also usually time constraints involved, one that won’t necessarily guarantee success, but rather maximise your chances of success- considering all other factors.

Before you ask- I don’t do these commercially. I have neither the time nor the inclination. If, however, you are interested in a pick the date chart, I can refer you some names.

The date I’ve come up with isn’t perfect- far from it- but it’s ok. Here’s how I came up with it:

What are my aims in this project?

This book is my first, and I’m realistic about the chances of overnight success. Having said that, it’s the first step in what I intend to be a career in writing and publishing that will take me beyond my current borders.

What timeframe do I have to work within?

When I decided to self-publish “Baby, It’s You,” I wanted the release to be in May- more specifically when I’m on holiday in Bali. This was partly because I finished the first draft of this when I was in Bali in May 2012, partly because the book is partly set in and finishes in Bali, and partly because I’m planning on releasing my second in November and want 6 months in between.

That gives me an effective release window between May 11 and May 21.

Given that I’m on holiday, it’s most unlikely that I’ll be sitting in front of the laptop waiting to press a launch button. I’m pre-scheduling the release, so will be making the most of what is happening on that day- as opposed to a specific point in time.

What planets do I want to be well placed?

• This book is my creative baby, therefore it’s represented by the 5th house. In my chart, that house is ruled by the Moon. The Moon, therefore, should be in a sign suited to it, and if possible, in a prominent position in the chart. Ideally, I’d like the Moon to be in Sagittarius, Pisces, or the last 10 degrees of Scorpio- ie in my 1^st, 10^th or 9^th houses, and feeding into either my midheaven or the grand water trine in my chart.
• Ultimately, writing is my career. Given that my career is ruled by Sagittarius, I want Jupiter to be as well placed as I can make it. This effectively means no difficult aspects to anything. I’d already decided that I would not go live while Jupiter was retrograde- another factor in the May decision. Besides, Jupiter is associated with travel and publication and expansion- everything I want from this project. Jupiter is natally in my 5th house, so if possible, I’d like it to be between 14 and 18 Leo.
• Mars is strong in my natal chart, so I wanted to maximise on this in the release chart. Given that Mars is in his detriment in Taurus, I was keen to wait until Mars moves into Gemini. This happens on May 12. I figured that Mars would have more to say once out of traditionally mute Taurus.
• The Sun in Taurus represents longevity and recognises that success comes with hard work. I was married while the Sun was in Taurus, and that has so far lasted 21 years, so there’s something in that!

What about Mercury?

Ah yes, Mercury.

Mercury is, after all, the planet of communication. Jupiter might represent publication, but Mercury gets the message across.

Although Mercury is retrograde in my natal chart, I’d prefer for it not to be so in my release chart. Mercury goes retrograde on May 19, and even though it is in shadow from, well, now-ish, I have to live with that. Either way, it reduces my window of opportunity even further.

What I came up with…

The date I decided on is the 13^th of May:

• Jupiter at 14 ish Leo is still in my 5^th house and trine my MC.
• The Moon is in Pisces and triggering my grand trine.
• The Sun, Mars and Mercury all are in my 3^rd house, so consistent with the Mercury theme.
• Uranus is applying to conjunct my Venus- I’m actually a little excited by this.

As an aside, I’m loving having access to astrogold on my laptop again!