Talking Electional Astrology with Erin of Trine the Streets Astrology

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Erin of Trine the Streets Astrology about electional astrology. I am a huge fan of her electional astrology posts on Instagram, and I’m delighted to share our conversation with you.

Erin is an astrologer from Southern California who balances an astrology practice with a full-time job and being a mom. 

In this conversation, we talk about her background as a traditional astrologer, the Uranus/Saturn square that’s contributing its unique flavor to 2021 and 2022, and her tips for getting started with electional astrology.

Ada: You are in my personal top 5 list of astrologers I think of when I think of electional astrology. Your posts on Instagram are just so fantastic. 

How did you get into electional astrology?

Erin: Thank you so much for inviting me to do this. Electional astrology is one of the 3 branches from the Hellenistic period: Natal, Electional, and Horary. After I learned the “traditional rules” by practicing natal astrology I knew the next step in expanding my studies would be electional. I feel like they very much go hand in hand. The 3 branches are very enjoyable to study together. Also, as my friend Kate brought to my attention one night, electional astrology gives you a sense of control that just isn’t there with natal astrology. 

You don’t like the current planetary weather? Electional astrology allows you to wait for something better. 

Ada: I love that philosophy! One of the things I appreciate about your work is that you’re so grounded in tradition, and you’re not fatalistic about it. When I read your stuff, I feel like the emphasis is on: What do we do with this?

I love traditional astrologers, but it seems to me that your type of pragmatism is unusual. 

What got you interested in traditional astrology?

Erin: [laughs] t’s a balance for sure to use traditional astrology and not come across as pragmatic. I definitely got exposed to traditional astrology through Chris Brennan’s The Astrology Podcast, then I realized the amount of ancient texts available which I’m still enthralled by.  I am also a huge fan of Ben Dykes and am looking forward to starting Debra Houlding’s Horary class in February. I am thinking that will open some different perspectives on the traditional astrology I’ve learned. 

I know that a lot of traditional astrology comes across as very black and white, very good or bad, but I think it really depends on who’s reading the chart and adding their own touches.  

So I’m still very interested in studying the subject, and I have much more to learn. I always think I’d like to learn some more modern techniques, but then something about the ancient stuff sucks me back in and has my full attention. I enjoy studying and practicing astrology that I discovered at a time when I needed a hobby so it’s worked out pretty well for me I think. 

Ada: The subtitle of Chris Brennan’s book on Hellenistic astrology is “The Study of Fate and Fortune.” Fate is a big subject that always comes up in discussions of traditional astrology. 

What is your position on fate, and how does it come into your practice?

Erin: I think of the positions of the planets as an omen of things that may happen on earth. And I relay information that way when dealing with astrology for someone else. I think there is always free will, choices to be made that don't set the astrology in stone. Which is why it’s such a powerful tool. It can influence the decisions you make and the paths you take. Each chart has a promise,  a path of least resistance, and if you’re not aware of this it will seem fated, but awareness of the natal chart shines light on the options. 

However, some of the techniques such as zodiacal releasing when used kind of freak the free will out of me at times. Even still I do believe there’s always a choice, a response, that changes things up. I don’t think there’s anything in any chart that can’t be worked with and shaped to better suit the native. 

Ada: How have you been handling the astro weather in 2021? Have you been working with the Uranus/Saturn square, or do you prefer to focus on the traditional seven planets? 

Erin: I do focus on the seven traditional planets especially when looking at a natal chart. I always include outer planets when considering transits and I don’t ignore them for electional purposes. I think the tension of the Saturn/Uranus square in the air has been a prominent mood in our society, a very obvious battle of responsibility and freedom going on, a fixed square, too--both sides standing their ground. The conflicts and topics are very stressful to me, actually, and I just try to stay busy and healthy. 

Ada: You mentioned that the Uranus/Saturn square is a fixed square. I have 5 planets and my AC/DC axis in fixed signs, so the fixity of that aspect feels like business as usual for me. 

You’ve mentioned to me that you identify as a mutable person. I’m curious how the fixity of that transit feels to you? 

Erin: Yes, I do think I am pretty noticeably mutable. Though I do have a fixed chart ruler in Aquarius, and Venus in Taurus is the most dignified planet in my chart. I have mutable angles, one of which houses my sun and mercury. 

It’s really longevity. I really feel like can’t we just be on a new chapter already? Now that could very well be just that slower moving planets are involved in the square or the fixity of the whole thing. Hopefully, it leads to lasting results though. 

Ada: What is your relationship with Uranus and Saturn like overall?

Erin: Well, I do have Uranus in the 1st house, so I’m very random and abrupt. But as for Saturn, I am so grateful for Saturn. I have Saturn in the 12th where he rejoices. Maybe he keeps my hidden enemies quiet. 😂 He’s really been easier on me than I’ve seen others experience,  which makes me lean even heavier on sect. 

Ada: I’m guessing you have a day sect chart where Saturn isn’t as difficult to work with? 

Erin: Yes! I do have a day chart, though my sun is in the 7th. So, it’s darn close. 

I really love clients in their Saturn return having Saturn explained to them and knowing they feel a lot better after understanding. For me, I’ve come to enjoy solitude more than the company of others, and this came with age so that’s something I credit to Saturn.

Ada: I reached out to you to do this interview with me because my Patreon patrons have developed an interest in electional astrology, and I wanted them to hear from someone who specializes in it.

One of my patrons would like to know about times when electional astrology has worked well for you personally and when it hasn’t met your expectations.

Erin: You know sometimes you didn’t know you needed an election and life just happens. So when something good happens I always pull the chart of the moment to see what it’s looking like. Same when something unfavorable happens. That way when I do have something to prepare for. I know what has worked out better in the past. The chart for the beginning of anything is known as an inception. And the one thing that comes to mind is starting something with a particularly bad inception. I was buying a car online and completed the process and looked at the chart of the moment as soon as I finished. I think mercury was in retrograde, angular malefics. It was a chart I would’ve avoided had I prepared. Well, long story short I didn’t end up with the car due to an odometer discrepancy, which, of course, I’m glad I didn’t buy a car with that issue, but I really did want to make the purchase. So the outcome definitely wasn’t what I wanted.

Electing and being patient has almost always had a better outcome than when I do things hastily. I’ve learned parties or social events I host are so much more enjoyable when elected or at the very least the condition of the moon is considered. So, that’s always worth an election to me. A lot of time, the time frame is small and you have to work with what you have, but I think working with the most decent election in said time frame is better than using no election for things that matter to you. 

Ada: What do you recommend for people who are interested in getting into electional astrology and are overwhelmed by the available resources and techniques? Where do you suggest they start?

Erin: I would recommend technique wise learning to identify maltreatment and  bonification, Chris Brennan’s explanation of this in his book is very digestible and includes visuals. It’s an ancient concept, so it can be hard to grasp by reading translations. He breaks it down very well. it’s important because when electing there are certain things you will want bonified and things that can’t be maltreated. As well as quickly identifying applying and separating aspectsFor some reason that second one was harder for me than it should’ve been. 

If you have knowledge of dignities and good and bad houses the next step would be to study the stuff that goes on in your own life. Try electing small things and see how it worked. Adjust as needed. I still do this. 

As far as books, Ben Dykes (of course) “Choices and Inceptions” on traditional electional astrology.  I am also willing to tutor on the subject. Natal Astrology is extremely popular and knowledge of it is very sought after. I’d love to help someone understand some electional stuff though, it’s an equally powerful tool. 

Ada: Do you have anything exciting coming up that you’d like to share? 

Erin: I actually just got a website and I am really hoping to devote some time to blogging on there so checking that out will encourage me to write more. 

I currently offer natal and electional services as well as tutoring through the website, and I am fairly active on Instagram. I post some positive elections for the month ahead with an explanation of what makes them positive, so check that out as well. 

Ada: Thank you so much for having this conversation with me! I’m looking forward to watching your blog as it develops.