A comprehensive A-Z reference guide to astrological terms, techniques, and concepts.
89 terms
The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. It represents your outward personality, physical appearance, and how others perceive you. The Ascendant changes approximately every two hours.
An angular relationship between two planets or points in a chart. Major aspects include the conjunction (0°), sextile (60°), square (90°), trine (120°), and opposition (180°). Aspects describe how planetary energies interact.
The 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses. Planets in angular houses are considered especially powerful and prominent in the chart.
Mirror points across the Cancer/Capricorn axis (the solstice axis). Two planets in antiscia are considered to have a hidden connection or mutual reception.
Sensitive points calculated from three chart factors. The most famous is the Part of Fortune, calculated from the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant.
Small rocky bodies orbiting the Sun, primarily in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The four major astrological asteroids are Ceres, Pallas, Juno, and Vesta.
A map of the sky at the exact moment and location of your birth. It shows the positions of all planets, the Ascendant, Midheaven, and house cusps, serving as the foundation of natal astrology.
A planet considered naturally helpful and positive in its influence. Jupiter and Venus are the traditional benefics. In modern astrology, the Sun and Moon are also considered benefic.
A minor aspect of 144° (two-fifths of a circle). Associated with creative talent and unique abilities.
Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. Cardinal signs initiate action and mark the beginning of each season. They are associated with leadership, initiative, and new beginnings.
A planet within 17 minutes of arc of the exact conjunction with the Sun. Cazimi planets are considered extremely powerful, as if sitting on the throne of the Sun.
A minor planet (centaur) discovered in 1977, orbiting between Saturn and Uranus. Chiron represents the 'wounded healer' — our deepest wound and our greatest healing gift.
The planet that rules the sign on the Ascendant. The chart ruler is considered the overall ruler of the natal chart and its placement describes the native's life path.
When a planet is within 8° of the Sun, it is considered combust. Combust planets are weakened and may struggle to express their natural energy.
A chart created by finding the midpoints between two people's natal planets. Used in relationship astrology to describe the nature of the relationship itself.
An aspect where two planets are within approximately 8-10° of each other. Conjunctions blend the energies of the two planets, creating a powerful fusion.
Each zodiac sign is divided into three decans of 10° each. The first decan is ruled by the sign's own planet, the second by the next sign in the same element, and the third by the following sign.
The cusp of the 7th house, directly opposite the Ascendant. It represents the type of partner we attract and how we relate to others in close partnerships.
A planet is in dignity when it occupies a sign where it functions well. The two main dignities are domicile (the sign it rules) and exaltation.
When a planet appears to move forward through the zodiac (the normal direction). Contrasted with retrograde motion.
The planet that rules the sign another planet occupies. For example, if Mars is in Taurus, Venus (ruler of Taurus) is Mars's dispositor.
A planet is in domicile when it occupies the sign it rules. For example, Mars in Aries or Venus in Taurus. Domicile planets are considered strong and comfortable.
A solar eclipse occurs at a New Moon when the Moon passes between Earth and Sun. A lunar eclipse occurs at a Full Moon when Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. Eclipses are powerful catalysts for change.
The four elements — Fire, Earth, Air, and Water — each contain three zodiac signs. Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are passionate; Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are practical; Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are intellectual; Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are emotional.
A table listing the positions of celestial bodies at regular intervals. Astrologers use ephemerides to calculate natal charts and transits.
A planet is exalted when it occupies the sign where it functions at its highest potential. For example, the Sun is exalted in Aries and the Moon in Taurus.
The opposite of exaltation. A planet in fall occupies the sign opposite its exaltation, where it functions with difficulty. For example, the Sun is in fall in Libra.
Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. Fixed signs sustain and stabilize energy. They are associated with determination, persistence, and resistance to change.
Stars beyond our solar system that appear fixed relative to each other. Certain fixed stars are considered significant in astrology when they conjunct natal planets.
The lunar phase when the Moon is opposite the Sun and fully illuminated. Full Moons are associated with culmination, illumination, heightened emotions, and release.
A pattern of four planets forming two oppositions and four squares. Grand Crosses create intense tension and challenge but also tremendous drive and motivation.
A pattern of three planets forming three trines (120° each), creating an equilateral triangle. Grand Trines indicate natural talent, ease, and flow in the element they occupy.
The ancient Greek tradition of astrology developed from approximately 200 BCE to 600 CE. Many modern astrological techniques have roots in Hellenistic practice.
Literally 'hour watcher' in Greek. Originally referred to the Ascendant; now used to describe the natal chart or the simplified Sun sign forecasts in popular media.
One of twelve divisions of the natal chart, each governing a specific life area. The houses are determined by the time and place of birth and begin with the Ascendant.
The method used to calculate house cusps. Common systems include Placidus, Whole Sign, Equal House, Koch, and Campanus. Each system divides the chart differently.
The cusp of the 4th house, the lowest point of the chart. The IC represents home, family, roots, ancestry, and the private self.
A sign that is entirely contained within a house without appearing on any house cusp. Intercepted signs and their ruling planets may be harder to access but hold important themes.
An asteroid associated with marriage, committed partnerships, and the qualities we seek in a long-term partner. Named for the Roman goddess of marriage.
The largest planet in the solar system, associated with expansion, abundance, wisdom, philosophy, travel, and good fortune. Jupiter takes approximately 12 years to orbit the Sun.
A chart pattern consisting of a Grand Trine with an additional planet opposing one of the trine planets and sextiling the other two. The kite adds focus and direction to the Grand Trine's energy.
A branch of astrology that interprets the natal chart in terms of past lives, karma, and soul evolution. The lunar nodes, Saturn, and the 12th house are particularly emphasized.
The mean or true apogee of the Moon's orbit — the point furthest from Earth. Lilith represents the shadow self, primal feminine power, autonomy, and what we have been shamed for.
The Sun and Moon, the two most important bodies in the natal chart. The Sun represents conscious identity and vitality; the Moon represents emotions and instincts.
The two points where the Moon's orbit intersects the ecliptic. The North Node (Rahu) represents the soul's evolutionary direction; the South Node (Ketu) represents past patterns.
A planet considered naturally challenging or difficult in its influence. Mars and Saturn are the traditional malefics. In modern astrology, Pluto and Uranus are also considered challenging.
The planet of action, desire, courage, and assertion. Mars rules Aries and (traditionally) Scorpio. It takes approximately 2 years to orbit the Sun.
The cusp of the 10th house, the highest point of the chart. The Midheaven represents career, public reputation, life direction, and how we are seen in the world.
The planet of communication, intellect, and learning. Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo. It is the fastest planet, completing its orbit in approximately 88 days.
Earth's natural satellite, representing emotions, instincts, nurturing, the subconscious, and cycles. The Moon changes signs approximately every 2.5 days.
The branch of astrology concerned with world events, nations, and collective trends, rather than individual charts.
Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. Mutable signs adapt and transition energy. They are associated with flexibility, adaptability, and change.
See Birth Chart. A map of planetary positions at the moment of birth.
The planet of spirituality, dreams, dissolution, and compassion. Neptune rules Pisces. It takes approximately 165 years to orbit the Sun, spending about 14 years in each sign.
The lunar phase when the Moon is conjunct the Sun and not visible. New Moons are associated with new beginnings, setting intentions, and planting seeds.
The ascending lunar node, representing the soul's evolutionary direction in this lifetime. The North Node sign and house describe the qualities and life areas to develop.
An aspect of 180° between two planets. Oppositions create tension and polarity, requiring integration of two seemingly opposite energies. They often manifest through relationships.
The allowable degree of separation for an aspect to be considered active. Tighter orbs indicate stronger aspects. The Sun and Moon are typically given wider orbs than other planets.
An Arabic Part calculated from the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. It represents the point of greatest harmony and natural abundance in the chart.
The most widely used house system in Western astrology, developed in the 17th century. It divides the chart based on the time it takes for a degree to rise from the Ascendant to the Midheaven.
The planet of transformation, power, death, and rebirth. Pluto rules Scorpio. It takes approximately 248 years to orbit the Sun, spending 12-31 years in each sign.
A predictive technique where each day after birth corresponds to one year of life. The progressed chart shows the internal evolution of the natal chart over time.
One of four sections of the natal chart, each containing three houses. The quadrants relate to personal development, social interaction, and public life.
A minor aspect of 72° (one-fifth of a circle). Quintiles are associated with creative talent, unique gifts, and special abilities.
When two planets are in each other's signs of rulership or exaltation, they are in mutual reception. This creates a supportive exchange of energy between the two planets.
The process of determining an unknown or uncertain birth time by working backward from known life events to find the Ascendant and house cusps.
When a planet appears to move backward through the zodiac from Earth's perspective. Retrograde planets are associated with internalized, reflective, or delayed expression of their themes.
See Ascendant. The zodiac sign on the eastern horizon at birth.
Each zodiac sign is ruled by a planet. The ruling planet is said to be in domicile in its sign and functions most naturally there.
The planet of discipline, structure, karma, and responsibility. Saturn rules Capricorn and (traditionally) Aquarius. It takes approximately 29.5 years to orbit the Sun.
When transiting Saturn returns to its natal position, approximately at ages 29-30, 58-60, and 87-89. Saturn Returns are major life milestones associated with maturity and restructuring.
An aspect of 60° between two planets. Sextiles indicate opportunity, ease of communication, and harmonious interaction between planetary energies.
A predictive technique where all natal planets are advanced by the same arc (approximately 1° per year) to create a directed chart.
A chart cast for the exact moment the Sun returns to its natal degree each year. The Solar Return chart describes the themes of the coming year.
The descending lunar node, representing past patterns, comfort zones, and karma from previous lifetimes or early life. The South Node sign and house describe what to release.
An aspect of 90° between two planets. Squares create tension, challenge, and friction that motivates growth and action. They are considered challenging but productive aspects.
Three or more planets clustered in the same sign or house. Stelliums create a powerful concentration of energy in that sign or house.
The central star of our solar system, representing conscious identity, ego, vitality, and life purpose. The Sun takes one year to travel through all 12 signs.
The comparison of two natal charts to assess compatibility and relationship dynamics. Synastry examines how each person's planets interact with the other's.
A pattern of two planets in opposition with a third planet squaring both. T-Squares create intense tension and challenge, with the apex planet indicating the focal point.
The current position of a planet in the sky relative to natal chart positions. Transits are the primary tool for timing events and understanding current themes.
An aspect of 120° between two planets. Trines indicate natural talent, ease, and harmonious flow between planetary energies. They are considered the most beneficial aspect.
The planet of innovation, rebellion, awakening, and sudden change. Uranus rules Aquarius. It takes approximately 84 years to orbit the Sun, spending 7 years in each sign.
The planet of love, beauty, values, and pleasure. Venus rules Taurus and Libra. It takes approximately 225 days to orbit the Sun.
A sensitive point in the chart associated with fated encounters and significant relationships. It is calculated from the intersection of the prime vertical and the ecliptic.
The period when the Moon has made its last major aspect before leaving a sign. Traditionally considered inauspicious for starting new ventures or making important decisions.
An ancient house system where each house corresponds to an entire zodiac sign, beginning with the Ascendant's sign as the 1st house. Increasingly popular in modern astrology.
A pattern of two planets in sextile (60°) with a third planet quincunx (150°) both. Yods are associated with a special mission or destiny, requiring adjustment and redirection.
The band of sky through which the Sun, Moon, and planets appear to travel, divided into 12 equal signs of 30° each. The tropical zodiac begins at 0° Aries at the spring equinox.
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