Aligning Love And Stars: Choosing Your Wedding Date With Astrology

Planning a wedding is a big task, and choosing a date is one of the most important decisions to make. Astrology can be a fun and unique way to select the perfect date for your special day.

Astrology can provide insight into a person's disposition and life path, and it can also be used as a tool for decision-making. By studying the movement of planets and their intersections with your birth chart, you can make assessments about how this will impact you and your future spouse. This practice, called electional astrology, involves using an election chart to determine the best dates for significant life events, like weddings.

There are several astrological considerations to keep in mind when choosing a wedding date. Firstly, it is considered auspicious to pick a date within six weeks of your birthday, as the sun's energy is strongest when it returns to its position at the time of your birth, bringing good fortune. Secondly, it is generally advised to avoid Mercury in retrograde, which occurs three times a year when the planet Mercury moves in the opposite direction of Earth, as this can bring foggy thinking and misfortune.

Additionally, it is recommended to pay attention to the moon, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn when selecting a date. A full moon illuminates matters on Earth and is considered a great time for a wedding, while a new moon marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle and symbolizes a fresh start. Venus, the planet of love and relationships, is crucial for a successful wedding day and should be feeling its strongest. Jupiter, associated with luck, growth, and expansion, should also be considered, as well as Saturn, which represents responsibility and the glue that holds long-term relationships together.

By incorporating these astrological insights, you can choose a wedding date that is not only convenient but also aligned with the stars, adding a unique and magical touch to your special day.

Zodiac signs and their compatibility

Zodiac signs are said to influence marriage compatibility. While some signs are considered more compatible than others, every relationship is unique, and star signs are just a fun identity marker.

Fire and Air, Earth and Water

Generally, fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) blend nicely with air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius). Both types are outgoing and fun-loving, eager to try new things. Meanwhile, earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) and water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are more grounded and require more stability. They are more introverted by nature, but their unions will lead to straightforward love.

Opposites Attract

Opposite signs on the zodiac wheel are said to be soulmates, bringing each other balance. For example, a sensible Earth sign might crave the spontaneity of an Air sign, while an Air sign might idolize their partner's drive.

• Gemini – Sagittarius
• Cancer – Capricorn

Same-Element Compatibility

Astrology suggests marrying your zodiac opposite or a star sign that shares the same element as you. Zodiac pairs tend to be a mix or match of fire and air signs, or earth and water signs. These unions will lead to that straightforward love, rather than star-crossed lovers.

• Aries (fire sign): Leo, Sagittarius
• Taurus (earth sign): Virgo, Capricorn
• Gemini (air sign): Aquarius, Libra
• Cancer (water sign): Scorpio, Pisces
• Leo (fire sign): Aries, Sagittarius
• Virgo (earth sign): Taurus, Capricorn
• Libra (air sign): Gemini, Aquarius
• Scorpio (water sign): Pisces, Cancer
• Sagittarius (fire sign): Aries, Leo
• Capricorn (earth sign): Taurus, Virgo
• Aquarius (air sign): Gemini, Libra
• Pisces (water sign): Cancer, Scorpio

Other Factors

While your sun sign is the sign you identify with, other factors can also influence compatibility, such as your moon sign, Venus sign, and Mars sign. Your moon sign is your inner emotional compass, influencing how you connect with others. Your Venus sign speaks to what you value in a relationship and how you experience pleasure. Meanwhile, your Mars sign influences your energy, strength, and sexual style.

Perfect Matches

• Cancer Prince William (born June 21) and Capricorn Kate Middleton (born January 9)
• Leo Mila Kunis (born August 14) and Aquarius Ashton Kutcher (born February 7)
• Geminis Neil Patrick Harris and his husband David Burtka
• Scorpios Nick and Vanessa Lachey (both born on November 9)
• Leos Ben Affleck (born August 15) and J.Lo (born July 24)

Birthdays and birth charts

Your birthday is a great place to start when considering astrologically auspicious dates for your wedding. According to astrologist Susan Miller, the six-week period following your birthday is a lucky time to get married. This is because the sun is returning to where it was when you were born, and its energy can translate into good fortune. You can use an online birth chart generator to track this.

Your birth chart, or natal chart, is like a map that provides a snapshot of all the planetary coordinates at the exact time of your birth. The location, date, and time of your birth are all that is needed to calculate your birth chart. Astrologers interpret this map by looking at the interplay of all your astrological elements and the archetypes that each of the signs represent. Each planet can offer insight into your individual character and clarity about your soul's avenues for growth and personal evolution.

Your birth chart determines your main zodiac sign (also known as your sun sign), as well as additional placements like your moon sign, rising sign, and planetary houses. Together, these create your astrological profile, which can provide insight into how the stars influence your personality.

For example, if you were born with the sun in Aries, your sun sign is Aries. Aries is a fire sign, and according to astrologist Ambi Statham, fire signs generally seek powerful, fiery energy around them during their nuptials, so summer tends to be the best time for these signs to wed. If your sun sign is Taurus, an earth sign, spring and fall are the best times for your wedding, as these seasons allow for comfortable outdoor weddings.

In addition to considering your sun sign, you can also look at your moon sign and rising sign for guidance on choosing an auspicious wedding date. Your moon sign represents your emotional self, while your rising sign represents your surface-level self and how you navigate the world.

By understanding the interplay between your sun, moon, and rising signs, you can choose a wedding date that aligns with your astrological profile and maximizes the potential for good fortune and harmony in your marriage.

Astrological seasons

The astrological year is divided into four seasons, each with its own unique set of zodiac signs and characteristics.

Spring: Aries, Taurus, and Gemini

The spring season is associated with new beginnings and youthfulness, marking the Sun's journey through the signs of Aries, Taurus, and Gemini. Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is characterised by boldness and energy, with those born under this sign being skilled at setting things in motion. Taurus, the second sign, is tenacious and pragmatic, combining practicality with talent and a love for pleasure. Gemini, the third and final spring sign, is spontaneous, curious, and sociable, always seeking new pursuits and connections.

Summer: Cancer, Leo, and Virgo

Summer is a season of excitement and vitality, with the Sun shining brightly and the days at their longest. Cancer, the first summer sign, is emotionally acute, sympathetic, and inclined towards domesticity. Leo, the second sign, is vibrant, confident, and determined, with a larger-than-life personality. Virgo, the third and final summer sign, is known for its intelligence, analytical mindset, and attention to detail, often striving for perfection.

Autumn: Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius

The autumn season brings a shift towards relationship-oriented energy and a focus on community. Libra, the first autumn sign, is intellectual, fair-minded, and aesthetically sensitive, prioritising relationships and harmony. Scorpio, the second sign, is intense, magnetic, and instinctual, with a strategic intelligence. Sagittarius, the third and final autumn sign, is independent, adventurous, and philosophically inclined, always seeking new wisdom and experiences.

Winter: Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces

Winter is a time of introspection and spiritual exploration, symbolising the culmination of individual journeys and the ascent into realms of the spirit. Capricorn, the first winter sign, is resourceful, conscientious, and ambitious, navigating both the material and emotional realms with skill. Aquarius, the second sign, is forward-thinking, innovative, and altruistic, dedicated to bringing about positive change. Pisces, the third and final winter sign, is sensitive, compassionate, intuitive, imaginative, and spiritual, absorbing the lessons of all the other signs.

These astrological seasons provide a framework for understanding the unique characteristics and energies associated with each sign, offering guidance and insight into the cosmic influences that shape our personalities and lives.

Retrogrades

Astrologers advise against marrying during Venus, Mars, or Mercury retrogrades, as these can adversely impact weddings and marriages. Mercury, the planet of contracts, is particularly important to consider. When Mercury is in retrograde, thinking can become foggy, and we may rush and make mistakes. Marriage is a contract, so it is best to avoid signing during a Mercury retrograde.

However, if the wedding contract is signed outside of the retrograde period, it is acceptable to plan the wedding ceremony and celebration during a retrograde.

Upcoming Mercury retrograde dates for 2024 include:

• April 1-25
• August 5-28
• November 25 - December 15

Upcoming Venus retrogrades for 2024 include:

May 2 - October 11 (in Aquarius and Capricorn)

Upcoming Mars retrogrades for 2024 include:

December 6, 2024 - February 23, 2025 (in Leo and Cancer)

Moon cycles

The new moon, which occurs every 28 to 30 days, is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings. During this phase, the moon is not visible from Earth as it is located between the Earth and the sun. This phase is ideal for planting new seeds and starting something fresh, making it a popular choice for weddings. It is also believed to be a time of hope and potential, lasting for about four days, making it a romantic and positive energy to set the tone for a marriage.

The waxing crescent moon, which follows the new moon, is a time to narrow down visions and get a clear picture of what lies ahead. This phase can provide a boost of hope and positivity for couples as they embark on their new journey together.

The first quarter moon is a time to take action and embrace challenges. Couples who wish to step out of their comfort zone and overcome obstacles together may find this phase particularly meaningful.

The waxing gibbous moon encourages faith and trust in the universe and each other. This phase is also about preparing for the full moon, which is a time of celebration and self-awareness. If you and your partner enjoy hosting lavish parties, the full moon is an ideal choice for a wedding date.

The waning gibbous moon, which follows the full moon, is a time for reflection. This phase is not commonly chosen for weddings but can provide an opportunity to share faults and release negative energy, making room for positive intentions in the marriage.

The third quarter moon is a time to shed opposing forces and embrace the philosophy of addition by subtraction. This phase is suitable for elopements or minimalist weddings, allowing couples to strip away negative influences and focus on their connection.

The last phase of the moon cycle signifies endings and new beginnings. It is a time to clear energy and bring more positivity, making it ideal for couples entering a second marriage or renewing their vows.

When choosing a wedding date, it is essential to consider the overall energy of the moon cycle and how it aligns with the desired tone and themes of the wedding. Additionally, the position of the moon in different signs, such as Taurus and Cancer, can also be factored in to create a more detailed astrological interpretation.

Frequently asked questions