Astrology Dictionary

Mirror points across the Cancer/Capricorn axis. Planets in antiscia are considered to be in a hidden or secret relationship with each other.

The eleventh sign (January 20 – February 18). Air, Fixed. Ruled by Uranus (and Saturn). Themes: innovation, community, freedom, and humanitarianism.

The first sign of the zodiac (March 21 – April 19). Fire, Cardinal. Ruled by Mars. Themes: courage, initiative, leadership, and new beginnings.

The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. Changes every ~2 hours. Represents the outer personality, physical appearance, and the lens through which life is experienced.

A geometric angle between two planets or points in the chart. Aspects describe how planetary energies interact with each other.

The lunar apogee — the point where the Moon is farthest from Earth. Represents the shadow self, suppressed power, and raw authenticity.

The fourth sign (June 21 – July 22). Water, Cardinal. Ruled by the Moon. Themes: nurturing, intuition, home, and emotional depth.

The tenth sign (December 22 – January 19). Earth, Cardinal. Ruled by Saturn. Themes: ambition, discipline, structure, and responsibility.

A dwarf planet representing nurturing, nourishment, and the mother archetype. Shows how you nurture and what you need to feel nurtured.

The planet that rules the Rising sign. Acts as a guiding planet for the entire chart.

A minor planet (centaur) representing the 'wounded healer.' Its sign and house show your deepest wound and greatest healing gift.

A chart created by finding the midpoints between two people's natal planets. Represents the relationship itself as a third entity.

An aspect of 0° (same degree). Planets in conjunction merge their energies. Can be harmonious or challenging depending on the planets involved.

The boundary between two signs or two houses. A planet on a cusp is influenced by both signs or houses.

A planet is in debility when it is in a sign opposite to its rulership (detriment) or exaltation (fall). Debilitated planets may struggle to express their energy clearly.

Each zodiac sign is divided into three 10-degree sections called decans, each with its own sub-ruler. Decans add nuance to planetary placements.

The point directly opposite the Ascendant. Represents the 7th house cusp and describes the qualities sought in partners and relationships.

A sign opposite to a planet's rulership, where the planet is considered to be in a challenging position. For example, Venus is in detriment in Aries and Scorpio.

A planet is in dignity when it is in a sign it rules or is exalted in. Dignified planets express their energy more fully and effectively.

A Solar Eclipse occurs at a New Moon when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. A Lunar Eclipse occurs at a Full Moon when Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. Eclipses are powerful catalysts for change.

The house of transformation, shared resources, death, and sexuality. Ruled by Scorpio and Pluto.

The house of friendships, groups, hopes, and humanitarian goals. Ruled by Aquarius and Uranus.

A house system where each house is exactly 30° wide, starting from the Ascendant degree.

A sign where a planet expresses its energy with particular strength and honor. For example, the Sun is exalted in Aries, the Moon in Taurus.

A sign opposite to a planet's exaltation, where the planet is considered to be in a weakened position. For example, the Sun is in fall in Libra.

The house of creativity, romance, children, and self-expression. Ruled by Leo and the Sun.

A Hellenistic timing technique that divides life into planetary periods. Each planet rules a period of years, describing the dominant themes of that time.

The house of self, identity, appearance, and new beginnings. Ruled by Aries and Mars. The Ascendant is the cusp of the 1st house.

The house of home, family, roots, and the private self. Ruled by Cancer and the Moon. The IC is the cusp of the 4th house.

When the Sun and Moon are in opposition (opposite signs). A time of culmination, illumination, and release.

The third sign (May 21 – June 20). Air, Mutable. Ruled by Mercury. Themes: communication, curiosity, duality, and adaptability.

A configuration of four planets in two oppositions that square each other. Creates intense tension and challenge, but also extraordinary drive and resilience.

A configuration of three planets each in trine (120°) to each other, forming an equilateral triangle. Indicates great natural talent and ease in the element involved.

One of 12 divisions of the birth chart, each governing a different area of life. The houses are determined by the birth time and location.

The lowest point in the chart, directly opposite the Midheaven. Represents home, family, roots, and the private self. The 4th house cusp.

A sign that is fully contained within a house and does not appear on any house cusp. Planets in intercepted signs may be more internalized or harder to access.

An asteroid representing committed partnership, marriage, and the qualities sought in a long-term partner.

Represents expansion, wisdom, abundance, and good fortune. The sign and house of Jupiter show where you find growth and opportunity.

When transiting Jupiter returns to its natal position (~every 12 years). A time of expansion, opportunity, and new beginnings.

The fifth sign (July 23 – August 22). Fire, Fixed. Ruled by the Sun. Themes: creativity, confidence, self-expression, and generosity.

The seventh sign (September 23 – October 22). Air, Cardinal. Ruled by Venus. Themes: balance, harmony, partnership, and beauty.

The points where the Moon's orbit intersects the ecliptic. The North Node points to the soul's evolutionary direction; the South Node represents past patterns.

The eight phases of the Moon's monthly cycle: New, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

A chart cast for the exact moment the Moon returns to its natal position each month (~28 days). Describes the themes of the coming month.

Represents drive, action, desire, and energy. The sign of Mars shows how you take action and pursue what you want.

Represents the mind, communication, learning, and short-distance travel. The sign of Mercury shows how you think and communicate.

The highest point in the chart (Medium Coeli). Represents career, public reputation, life direction, and the relationship with authority. The 10th house cusp.

Represents emotions, instincts, habits, and the subconscious. The sign of the Moon shows your emotional nature and what you need to feel safe.

When two planets are each in the sign ruled by the other. For example, Venus in Scorpio and Pluto in Libra are in mutual reception. Creates a strong supportive bond between the planets.

A map of the sky at the exact moment and location of birth. Also called a birth chart or horoscope. Shows positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and key points in the zodiac signs and houses.

Represents spirituality, dreams, illusion, and transcendence. The sign of Neptune describes a generational spiritual and artistic theme.

When the Sun and Moon are conjunct (same sign and degree). A time of new beginnings, setting intentions, and planting seeds.

The house of philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, and spirituality. Ruled by Sagittarius and Jupiter.

A mathematical point representing the soul's evolutionary direction in this lifetime. The sign and house of the North Node show the qualities and experiences you are here to develop.

An aspect of 180°. Planets in opposition are in a state of polarity. Can indicate tension, projection, or the need for balance and integration.

The allowable degree of deviation from an exact aspect. For example, a trine is exactly 120°, but with an orb of 8°, planets at 112°-128° apart are still considered trine.

An asteroid representing wisdom, strategy, and creative intelligence. Shows how you solve problems and where your strategic gifts lie.

The twelfth sign (February 19 – March 20). Water, Mutable. Ruled by Neptune (and Jupiter). Themes: compassion, spirituality, imagination, and dissolution.

The most commonly used house system in Western astrology. Divides the chart based on time rather than space, creating unequal houses.

In astrology, the 10 main celestial bodies used: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Each represents a different aspect of life and personality.

Represents transformation, power, death and rebirth. The sign of Pluto describes a generational theme of deep collective transformation.

An ancient timing technique where each year of life corresponds to a house. The activated house and its ruler describe the year's themes.

A predictive technique where the natal chart is 'progressed' forward in time. Secondary progressions use the symbolic correspondence of 1 day = 1 year.

An aspect of 150°. A minor but significant aspect indicating adjustment, awkwardness, and the need to reconcile two very different energies.

When a planet appears to move backward in the sky from Earth's perspective. In transit, retrogrades are times for review and reflection. In the natal chart, retrograde planets express their energy more inwardly.

The planet that has the strongest affinity with a particular sign. For example, Mars rules Aries, Venus rules Taurus and Libra.

The ninth sign (November 22 – December 21). Fire, Mutable. Ruled by Jupiter. Themes: wisdom, freedom, philosophy, and adventure.

Represents discipline, structure, responsibility, and karma. The sign and house of Saturn show where you face challenges that build strength.

When transiting Saturn returns to its natal position (~age 29 and ~58). A major life review and restructuring period.

The eighth sign (October 23 – November 21). Water, Fixed. Ruled by Pluto (and Mars). Themes: transformation, depth, power, and intensity.

The house of money, possessions, values, and self-worth. Ruled by Taurus and Venus.

An aspect of 30°. A minor harmonious aspect indicating subtle connections and opportunities between planets.

An aspect of 45°. A minor challenging aspect indicating friction and irritation.

An aspect of 135°. A minor challenging aspect similar to the semi-square, indicating tension and the need for adjustment.

The house of partnerships, marriage, and open enemies. Ruled by Libra and Venus. The Descendant is the cusp of the 7th house.

An aspect of 60°. A harmonious aspect indicating opportunity, ease, and flowing energy between the two planets.

The zodiac system used in Vedic astrology, based on the actual positions of the constellations. Currently about 23° behind the tropical zodiac.

One of 12 zodiac signs (Aries through Pisces), each representing a distinct set of qualities, themes, and archetypal energies.

The house of health, daily work, service, and routines. Ruled by Virgo and Mercury.

A chart cast for the exact moment the Sun returns to its natal position each year. Describes the themes of the coming year.

The point opposite the North Node. Represents past life patterns, natural talents, and comfort zones that you are meant to move beyond.

An aspect of 90°. A challenging aspect indicating tension, friction, and the need for action. Squares are often the source of drive and achievement.

The moment when a planet appears to stop before going retrograde (station retrograde) or before resuming direct motion (station direct). Stationary planets are considered very powerful.

Three or more planets in the same sign or house. Creates an intense concentration of energy in that sign or house's themes.

Represents the core identity, ego, and life purpose. The sign of the Sun shows the main theme of who you are and what you're here to express.

The comparison of two birth charts to understand relationship dynamics. Planets from one chart are overlaid on the other to see how they interact.

A configuration of three planets: two in opposition with a third squaring both. Creates significant tension and drive, with the apex planet showing the key challenge and gift.

The second sign (April 20 – May 20). Earth, Fixed. Ruled by Venus. Themes: stability, sensuality, abundance, and loyalty.

The house of career, public reputation, and life direction. Ruled by Capricorn and Saturn. The Midheaven is the cusp of the 10th house.

The house of communication, siblings, short trips, and early education. Ruled by Gemini and Mercury.

The current position of a planet in the sky as it moves through the zodiac and makes aspects to natal planets. Transits describe timing and themes in your life.

An aspect of 120°. A highly harmonious aspect indicating natural talent, ease, and flowing energy. Planets in trine work together effortlessly.

The zodiac system used in Western astrology, based on the seasons. Aries begins at the Spring Equinox (0° Aries = March 21).

The house of the unconscious, spirituality, hidden matters, and self-undoing. Ruled by Pisces and Neptune.

Represents innovation, rebellion, freedom, and sudden change. The sign of Uranus describes a generational theme of revolution and awakening.

Represents love, beauty, values, and attraction. The sign of Venus shows how you love and what you find beautiful.

An asteroid representing devotion, focus, and sacred service. Shows where you are most dedicated and what you hold sacred.

The sixth sign (August 23 – September 22). Earth, Mutable. Ruled by Mercury. Themes: analysis, service, discernment, and precision.

The period after the Moon makes its last major aspect in a sign before entering the next sign. Traditionally, actions begun during this time may not develop as expected.

The phase from Full Moon to New Moon when the Moon is shrinking. A time of releasing, reflecting, and letting go.

The phase from New Moon to Full Moon when the Moon is growing. A time of building, expanding, and taking action.

A house system where each house corresponds to exactly one sign. The Ascendant's sign becomes the entire 1st house, the next sign the 2nd house, etc.

A configuration of two planets in sextile, both quincunx a third planet. Indicates a special destiny or mission, with the apex planet showing the area of life that requires adjustment and focus.