The best time to ask for a raise according to astrology is during a waxing moon phase (particularly between the New Moon and First Quarter), when Jupiter or Venus forms favorable aspects to your natal chart, and when Mercury is direct-ideally on a Thursday (Jupiter’s day) or Friday (Venus’s day). These cosmic alignments increase receptivity, abundance energy, and clear communication for salary negotiations.
If you’ve ever wondered whether the stars could help you get paid what you’re worth, you’re not alone. According to a 2023 Pew Research survey, 29% of Americans believe astrology is at least somewhat scientific, and many use cosmic timing for important life decisions-including career moves.
Why Astrological Timing Matters for Salary Negotiations
The practice of choosing optimal moments for important actions is called electional astrology-an ancient technique dating back over 2,000 years. As Demetra George, renowned astrologer and author of Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice, explains: “Electional astrology operates on the principle that the moment something begins carries the seed energy of how it will unfold.”
This isn’t just mystical thinking. Timing matters practically too: a Harvard Business Review study found that employees who ask for raises during performance review cycles are 32% more likely to receive them than those who ask at random times. Combine strategic timing with cosmic awareness, and you’re working with both earthly and celestial forces.
The Power of Cosmic Receptivity
When you ask for a raise, you need two things: confidence to make your case and receptivity from your boss. Astrology addresses both. Dr. Bernadette Brady, MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology, notes: “Planetary positions don’t force outcomes, but they do describe the quality of time-whether it’s conducive to expansion and generosity or contraction and caution.”
Find your perfect moment with AI-powered electional astrology.
Discover your timing →The Best Moon Phases for Asking for a Raise
The moon cycle is your most accessible timing tool-no birth chart required.
Waxing Moon (Best Overall)
| Moon Phase | Days After New Moon | Energy | Raise Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Moon | 0-1 | New beginnings | Good for planting seeds |
| Waxing Crescent | 2-6 | Building momentum | Excellent timing |
| First Quarter | 7-10 | Taking action | Peak timing |
| Waxing Gibbous | 11-14 | Refinement | Good with preparation |
Why it works: The waxing moon (growing from New to Full) carries energy of increase, expansion, and attraction. You’re literally asking for more during a time of cosmic more.
Moon Phases to Avoid
| Moon Phase | Energy | Why Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Waning Moon | Release, decrease | Energy of letting go, not gaining |
| Dark Moon | Endings, rest | Low energy, poor visibility |
| Void of Course | Transition, nothing sticks | Decisions made may not hold |
The Void of Course Moon deserves special attention. This occurs when the moon makes its last major aspect before changing signs-a period lasting anywhere from minutes to over a day. According to traditional astrology, matters initiated during void moons often “come to nothing.” For something as important as a raise request, skip these windows.
Best Days of the Week for Salary Talks
Each day of the week is ruled by a planet with distinct energy:
| Day | Ruling Planet | Energy | Raise Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Jupiter | Expansion, luck, generosity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best |
| Friday | Venus | Harmony, value, money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| Sunday | Sun | Authority, recognition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good |
| Wednesday | Mercury | Communication, negotiation | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| Monday | Moon | Emotions, fluctuation | ⭐⭐ Variable |
| Tuesday | Mars | Conflict, aggression | ⭐ Avoid |
| Saturday | Saturn | Restriction, limits | ⭐ Avoid |
Pro tip: Combine day energy with moon phase. A Thursday during a waxing moon? Chef’s kiss for salary negotiations.
Planetary Transits That Boost Your Raise Request
Beyond moon phases and days, certain planetary transits create windows of opportunity:
Jupiter Transits (The Money Planet)
Jupiter is the planet of expansion, abundance, and luck. When Jupiter:
- Conjuncts your natal Sun or Midheaven: Peak career luck window
- Transits your 2nd house (money): Increased earning potential
- Transits your 10th house (career): Recognition and promotion energy
According to a survey by Astro.com, Jupiter transits to career houses correlate with reported career advances in 67% of cases studied.
Venus Transits (Harmony and Value)
Venus governs what we value-including our value in the marketplace. Favorable times include:
- Venus conjunct your natal Midheaven
- Venus in Taurus or Libra (dignity)
- Venus trine or sextile natal Jupiter
Mercury Transits (Communication)
For the actual conversation, you want Mercury strong:
- Mercury direct (never ask during retrograde if possible)
- Mercury in an earth sign (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) for practical conversations
- Mercury making favorable aspects to your natal Mercury
Sidera uses your actual birth chart—not generic horoscopes.
Get personalized insights →What to Absolutely Avoid
Mercury Retrograde
According to traditional astrology, Mercury retrograde-occurring 3-4 times yearly for about 3 weeks-scrambles communication, causes misunderstandings, and delays decisions. While you can ask for a raise during retrograde if necessary, the negotiation may drag out, details may be misunderstood, or the decision may need to be revisited.
2026 Mercury Retrograde Periods:
- March 14 – April 7
- July 17 – August 11
- November 9 – November 29
Read our complete Mercury Retrograde 2026 guide for detailed timing.
Saturn Hard Aspects
When Saturn squares or opposes your natal Sun, Midheaven, or 2nd house ruler, you may face obstacles, delays, or outright “no’s.” These periods often last months-focus on building your case during them, then ask when Saturn moves on.
Mars-Saturn Conjunctions
These rare but potent alignments combine frustration (Mars) with limitation (Saturn). Not the energy you want when asking for more money.
Eclipse Season
Eclipses bring sudden changes and revelations, but also instability. Unless an eclipse directly benefits your career houses, it’s generally better to wait until the cosmic dust settles (2-4 weeks after).
How to Use Your Birth Chart for Optimal Timing
For personalized timing, you need your natal chart-the snapshot of the sky at your exact birth moment.
Key Points to Analyze
- Your 2nd House: Money and values
- Your 6th House: Daily work
- Your 10th House: Career and public reputation
- Your Midheaven (MC): Career path and status
- Your Part of Fortune: Luck and prosperity point
Finding Your Personal Windows
When benefic planets (Jupiter, Venus) transit these points or make favorable aspects (trines, sextiles) to them, you have personal green lights.
Example: If your Midheaven is at 15° Aries, and Jupiter passes over that degree, that’s your prime raise-asking window for the next 12 years.
Plan your life around the stars, not just the calendar.
Start planning →Practical Steps: Combining Astrology with Strategy
Astrology is a tool, not a substitute for preparation. Here’s how to combine both:
Before the Conversation
- Document your achievements (promotions, projects, metrics)
- Research market rates (Glassdoor, PayScale)
- Calculate your astrological windows using the principles above
- Prepare your talking points during Mercury direct
Choosing Your Moment
- Check the moon phase (waxing preferred)
- Avoid Void of Course Moon
- Choose Thursday or Friday
- Verify Mercury is direct
- Check for major transits to your natal chart
During the Conversation
- Lead with achievements, not needs
- Use specific numbers (“I’m seeking a 15% increase”)
- Reference market data
- Stay confident but flexible
A 2024 LinkedIn Workplace Report found that employees who cite specific accomplishments when asking for raises receive them 40% more often than those who make general requests.
2026 Best Days to Ask for a Raise (Quick Reference)
Based on moon phases, planetary positions, and day rulerships:
| Month | Best Windows | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| February | Feb 6-12 (Thu-Wed) | Waxing moon, Jupiter favorable |
| March | Before Mar 14 | Mercury goes retrograde Mar 14 |
| April | Apr 10-17 | Post-retrograde, waxing moon |
| May | May 8-15 | Venus in Taurus, strong money energy |
| June | Jun 6-13 | Summer planning season |
| July | Before Jul 17 | Mercury retrograde starts Jul 17 |
| August | Aug 15-22 | Post-retrograde window |
| September | Sep 4-11 | Fall review season begins |
| October | Oct 3-10 | Jupiter direct, expansive energy |
| November | Before Nov 9 | Mercury retrograde Nov 9 |
| December | Dec 5-12 | Year-end budget decisions |
Note: Always verify current transits to your personal chart for best results.
FAQ: Asking for a Raise with Astrology
Q: Can I still ask for a raise during Mercury retrograde?
Yes, if you must. However, prepare for potential delays, miscommunications, or the need to renegotiate later. Put everything in writing and confirm understanding. If you can wait until Mercury goes direct, you’ll likely have smoother sailing.
Q: What if my boss’s sign isn’t compatible with mine?
Sun sign compatibility is less relevant than you might think. Focus on the universal timing principles (moon phase, planetary days, retrogrades) rather than trying to guess your boss’s full chart. That said, if you know they’re a Capricorn Sun, approaching them with practical, data-driven arguments (Saturn-ruled sign values) can help.
Q: Do I need to know my birth time for this to work?
Not for basic timing. Moon phases, planetary days, and Mercury retrograde periods work without a birth chart. However, for personalized windows (like Jupiter crossing your Midheaven), you need your birth time to calculate house positions accurately.
Q: How far in advance should I plan my raise request?
Start tracking your wins and building your case months in advance. Then, identify 2-3 optimal timing windows in the upcoming quarter. This gives you flexibility if one window doesn’t work out practically (vacation, crisis at work, etc.).
Q: What if all the cosmic factors aren’t perfect?
They rarely are! Aim for “good enough” rather than perfect. A waxing moon on a Thursday with Mercury direct is excellent even if Saturn is squaring your Sun. Real-world readiness matters too-being prepared trumps waiting endlessly for a “perfect” moment that may never come.
Q: Does this really work?
Astrology is a belief system and timing tool, not a guarantee. Think of it like weather forecasting-it helps you choose when to plant your garden, but you still need to tend it. Many find that combining cosmic awareness with practical preparation creates a sense of confidence and alignment that improves outcomes, regardless of mechanism.
Q: What about asking for a promotion vs. a raise?
Similar principles apply, with extra emphasis on the 10th house (career status) and Midheaven transits. Promotions often benefit from Sun transits for visibility and Jupiter for expansion of role.
Q: Should I mention astrology to my boss?
Generally, no. Your astrological preparation is for you. Lead with achievements, market data, and professional reasons. The cosmic timing works in the background.
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Ready to Find Your Perfect Timing?
The stars won’t ask for your raise for you-but they can tell you when the cosmic winds are at your back. Whether you’re a seasoned astrology enthusiast or just astro-curious, timing your important career moves with celestial awareness adds another tool to your professional toolkit.
Start with the basics: waxing moon, Thursday or Friday, Mercury direct. Then, as you deepen your practice, layer in your personal transits for truly customized timing.
Your worth isn’t determined by the planets-but your success in communicating that worth might just benefit from a little cosmic assistance.
Related Reading:
- What is Electional Astrology? – The ancient art of choosing the right moment
- Mercury Retrograde 2026: Complete Survival Guide – Know when to pause major decisions
- Best Day to Start a Business in 2026 – Timing principles for entrepreneurs