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Glossary
Acronical
place- The position occupied by a planet when it is opposite
the Sun.
Astrological age-A period
of about 2,150 years, or one-twelfth of the Great Year of approximately
25,800 years. It represents the time required for the vernal equinox to
retrograde through the thirty-degree arc of one constellation. According
to many astrologers, the Earth is now moving from the Piscean Age into
the Aquarian Age.
Air signs- Gemini, Libra
and Aquarius, traditionally associated with the air element .
Angles -The Ascendant,
Descendant, Midheaven and Medium Coeli; the four cardinal points in a
horoscope.
Angular houses -The
first, fourth, seventh and tenth houses. In a quadrant system (unequal
house), the angles form the cusps of these houses. They are also referred
to as cardinal house because they are ruled naturally by cardinal signs
and express cardinal qualities.
Aphelion -The point
in a planet's orbit that is most distant from the Sun.
Apheta( Alpheta )-Literally,
the giver of life; A well aspected benefic that occupies an aphetic (hylegiacal)
place in the horoscope, said to have life-preserving qualities.
Aphetic places(alphetical places)
-Those parts of a horoscope from 5° above the Ascendant to
25° below, from 5° below the Descendant to 25° above, and from 5° preceeding
the ninth house cusp to the middle of the eleventh house. Benefics that
occupy these areas are said to be life supportive. Also called hylegiacal
places.
Apogee-The point in
a planet's orbit that is most distant from Earth.
Aquarian Age -The Great
Year that begins around the turn of the twenty-first century and lasts
for two thousand years. Universal developments of an Aquarian nature are
expected to take place during this era.
Arabian Parts- Developed
during the Middle Ages in Arabia, each part derived from three points
in a horoscope, indicates a sensitive point that relates the three factors
involved. There are hundreds of Arabic Parts. The most popular one is
the Part of Fortune.
Arc -In astrology, the
curved path of a stellar body and the angular measurement of this path.
Articulate signs- Signs
that symbolize speaking facility, namely Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius
and Aquarius.
Ascendant -The degree
of the zodiac rising over the eastern horizon of the birthplace at the
moment of birth. This degree forms the first house cusp of a horoscope
and is of great personal significance in the character and life of the
individual.
Ascending node -The
zodiacal point at which a planet crosses the ecliptic from south to north.
Also called the north node.
Ascending planet -Any
planet in the eastern section of a horoscope is ascending, i.e., moving
toward the Midheaven. The term is usually reserved for those planets in
the fourth quadrant.
Ascension (long and short)
-Due to the obliquity of the ecliptic, some signs rise over the horizon
faster than others. Signs of long ascension require more time to rise
than signs of short ascension. In the northern hemisphere, the signs of
long ascension are Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius.
South of the equator, these are signs of short ascension.
Aspect -The angular
relationship between two planets or a planet and an angle. Zodiacal aspects
are based upon zodiacal longitude; parallels and counter parallels are
based on declination, the position of points of interest relative to the
celestial equator. Zodiacal aspects are also called harmonics.
Asteroids- Small planets
(planetoids) or pieces of planets, most of which are found in the Asteroid
Belt, that part of space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Astral twins(astro-twins)-
Two persons who may be unrelated and born at different times and in different
places whose horoscopes are very nearly alike. This term is sometimes
applied to persons whose Sun, Moon and Ascendant coincide zodiacally even
though other planets occupy different positions in the two horoscope.
Astroanalyst -The astrological
equivalent of a psychoanalyst.
Astrologian -One who
teaches astrology.
Astrologist - Non-professional
who believes in or studies but does not necessarily practice astrology.
Astrology -The science
of relationships as measured by correlations between the movements of
celestial bodies and circumstances and events on earth. The art of interpreting
the meanings of these relationships. Some branches of astrology are :
electional, esoteric, horary, medical, meteorological, and mundane.
Athazer -A
term applied by the ancients to the Moon when it forms an exact conjunction,
semi-square,
square, quincunx or opposition with the Sun or is separated from the
sun by 12° or 160°.
Aura -A subtle quality
or atmosphere emanating form a living being, object, or place.
Afflicted-Used to describe
a planet which is unfavorably aspected; squares, oppositions and quincunxes.
Air Signs-Gemini, Libra
and Aquarius. Signs belonging to this Element represent the intellectual
and thought process.
Anaretic degree-The
final degree (29th degree) of any Sign. It is also known as the degree
of fate.
Angles-The lines of
the chart wheel which lie at 0 degrees (the ascendant), 90 degrees (the
I.C.), 180 degrees (the descendant), and 270 degrees (the M.C.). These
are major points in a chart and represent Cardinal Qualities.
Astral Traveling-This
roaming of the spiritual self while the physical body remains inert; involves
the body's energy movements.
Animal signs - Refers
to the animal signs which are: Aries, Taurus, Leo, the second half of
Sagittarius and all of Capricorn.
Aphelion - Every planet
has its own orbit. That area in the orbit which is farthest from the Sun
is called Aphelion.
Application - The approach
of one planet to another planet to the exact degree to form an aspect
or the approach of a planet to the cusp of a house.
ACD - Adjusted Calculated
Date - This is the local date of birth adjusted to GMT.
Barren signs- Gemini,
Leo and Virgo, traditionally associated with infertility. Aries, Sagittarius
and Aquarius are considered semi-barren.
Benefic -Said of planets
and aspects considered to be positive or helpful influences. Traditionally,
Jupiter is the Greater Benefic and Venus is the Lesser Benefic; the Sun,
Moon and Mercury are moderately benefic.
Balsamic Phase-When
a more quickly orbiting planet trails a planet with a slower orbit and
appears to "catch up" with the slower body, and the planets are within
45 degrees of one another in their orbital cycles, astrologers say that
the faster moving planet is in its Balsamic Phase. Deals with your dedication
to your destiny.
Bestial signs- Aries,
Taurus, Leo and Capricorn; so designated because they are symbolized traditionally
as animals. Also called quadrupedian (four-footed) and inarticulate (animals
have voices but lack the power of speech).
Bicorporeal signs -Gemini,
Sagittarius and Pisces. Also called double-bodied and double signs, they
are associated with twins and dual experiences.
Birth Chart (Chart or Chart wheel)-A
'map' detailing the positioning of the planets in the Signs at the specific
moment of an individual's birth. The chart is rendered by using the individual's
place, date and time of birth as the data source for this planetary snapshot.
Cardinal signs -Aries,
Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, which fall naturally at the cardinal points
in a horoscope; east, north, west, and south, respectively, points indicated
by the angles. Cardinal signs are associated naturally with the angular
(cardinal) houses; the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth.
Cataclysmic planet-
Uranus, which combines both magnetic and electric qualities and thus produces
sudden upheavals.
Composite chart -A single
horoscope made up from two or more natal charts by averaging house cusps
and planetary positions of the natal charts. A composite chart gives insight
into the relationship that exists between the persons whose natal charts
are combined.
Conjunction -The aspect
formed when two planets occupy position close together in the zodiac.
Constellation -A
group of fixed stars usually within 8° orb; the first harmonic.
Cusp, cusp line -The
line that separates the house and indicates the beginning of a house.
Cycle -A planet's zodiacal
period; the time it takes a planet to make one complete transit (revolution)
of a horoscope.
Celestial body-A physical
form which exists in space; such as a planet.
Chart - A map of the
heavens with emphasis on the Solar System. The modern Astrological Chart
shows the Eastern horizon as the ascendant and the location of all the
planets in relation to where the subject was born.
Configuration-An aspect
involving three or more planets.
Decanate-The partitioning
of each Sign into three equal parts of 10 degrees each. Each part is known
as a decanate. Every Sign is composed of 30 degrees.
Declination-The arc
of measurement in degrees north or south of the celestial equator.
Degree-A degree is 1/360
of a circle. In Astrology, degrees are the commonly-used unit of measurement.
Descendant-The opposite
point from the ascendant, located on the cusp of the Seventh House. This
point explains the nature of our interactions with others.
Earth Signs-Taurus,
Virgo and Capricorn. Signs belonging to this Element represent a practical
nature such as stability, solidarity and practicality.
Eclipse -An occultation,
commonly used in reference to a darkening of the Sun or Moon. Solar eclipses
occur at the times of those new Moons when the Moon, Sun and Earth are
aligned so that the Moon blocks the Sun (totally or partially) from Earth's
view. Lunar eclipses occur at certain full Moons during which the Sun,
Earth and Moon are so aligned that Earth blocks the Sun's light from the
Moon, and the Moon is invisible to earthlings.
Electional astrology-
A system by which one determines the most advantageous time to carry
out a specific action (marriage, travel, business) by first erecting
a suitable
horoscope and working "backward" to calculate the time that is appropriate
to the chosen horoscope.
Elements -Ancients believed
that the universe consisted of four primary elements, air, earth, fire
and water from which the triplicities (also called elements), a four-fold
division of the zodiac, are derived. Signs belonging to the same triplicity
exhibit similar qualities symbolized by the element with which they are
associated.
Elevated planet -A planet
placed high in a horoscope. The most elevated is the planet closest to
the Midheaven; it is considered strong by position and accidentally dignified.
Ephemeris (ephemerides) -An
almanac that lists the zodiacal positions of the planets and other astronomical
data.
Equal House horoscope -One
in which twelve equal houses are derived by taking successive arcs
of 30° each, beginning with the Ascendant and completing the zodiac
circle.
Equator -The plane perpendicular
to Earth's polar axis, which divides Earth into two hemispheres, north
and south. The extension of this plane into space forms the celestial
equator.
Equinox -this
occurs when the center of the Sun is directly over Earth's equator.
The Sun crosses
the equator twice each year, once at the vernal equinox when it enters
0° Aries and again at the autumnal equinox when it enters 0° Libra. The
days and nights are of equal duration all over the world on equinoctial
dates. The vernal equinox occurs on the first day of spring, the autumnal
equinox on the first day of autumn.
Event chart -A horoscope
drawn up according to the date, time and location of a particular happening,
interpreted to gain insight into influences surrounding the event and
an outlook for possible developments stemming from that event.
Eighth House-Also known
as the House of Sex. It describes shared resources, inheritance, alimony,
taxes and surgery. It is also the House of regeneration, death and rebirth.
Eleventh House-Also
known as the House of Friends. It describes friendships and acquaintances,
as well as hopes and dreams. It rules groups, humanitarianism and philanthropic
attitudes.
Feminine Signs-The Earth
and Water Signs, comprised of Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn
and Pisces. Indicates passive and receptive energy.
Fifth House-Also known
as the House of Pleasure. It describes romance, creativity, children,
fun and speculation. It also rules the dramatic and one's artistic ability.
Fire Signs-Aries, Leo
and Sagittarius. Signs belonging to this Element represent a fiery nature.
First House-Also known
as the House of Self. It describes the outer personality. It is the image
we project to the world, our mask.
Fixed Signs-Taurus,
Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. This Quality represents stubbornness and inflexibility.
Flat chart- Alternate
term for natural chart.
Galaxy -One of the billions
of huge cosmic systems, each composed of innumerable stars, planets, etc.
Members of a galaxy revolve as a unit around a common point in space.
Our solar system is part of the Milky Way galaxy.
Forecast-Plotting the
movements of the planets to determine upcoming trends.
Fourth House-Also known
as the House of Home. It describes the residence, real estate, ancestry
and the past. It is also speaks about parental influence.
Grand Cross-A configuration
in which four planets form mutual squares. It creates much tension.
Grand Trine-When three
planets, generally of the same Element, meet each other to form a triangle.
The energy of this configuration is harmonious.
Great Year -The
astrological ear based on the time it takes Earth's axis to complete
on revolution
around the pole of the ecliptic, about twenty-five thousand years. A
Great Year is divided into twelve "months" of about two thousand years
duration.
Hard Aspect-Aspects
which create tension and friction. Squares, oppositions and quincunxes
are all hard aspects.
Gregorian calendar-
The calendar now used internationally, devised by Pope Gregory in the
1580s to replace the Julian calendar, which by then had accumulated a
ten-day discrepancy with the solar year.
Horary astrology - The
branch of astrology devoted to answering specific question by means of
a horoscope drawn up for the time a question is asked.
Horizon -The visible
juncture of Earth and the sky, represented in a horoscope by the Ascendant-Descendant
axis.
House- One of the twelve
mathematically derived sections (houses) of a horoscope, each of which
represents a particular area of life. The size of a house and the zodiacal
degree that appears on its cusp depend upon the house system used.
House cusp- The zodiacal
degree at which a house begins.
Harmonics-The term for
the Aspects describing the relationship between two points, bodies or
Signs.
Holistic - That which
seeks to take the whole body, soul and mind into consideration in any
prognosis or interpretation.
Horoscope- It literally
means the 'marker of time,' and it is a map of the heavens at the time
of one's birth (It is synonymous with 'birth chart').
I-Ching-The
I-Ching, or "Book of Changes," is an ancient Chinese oracle book that
deals with philosophy and divination.
Imum Coeli (or I.C.)-One
of the four major angles of a birth chart; this one falls at the bottom
of the chart wheel. It is the start of the Fourth House and is one of
the most personal points of the chart.
Jupiter-Represents luck,
philosophy, religion, higher learning, ethical values, expansion, abundance
and excesses. It also rules long distance travel, aspirations and judgment.
Line of Advantage -An
imaginary axis that connects the third decan of the third and ninth houses.
The Moon's North Node east of this axis is thought to be in a favorable
or advantageous position.
Light collection-
A term used in horary astrology to describe developments when two planets
not in aspect (strangers) both apply to a third, slower planet that "collects
their light" (unites their energies), symbolically establishing a relationship
between the two.
Local Mean Time -The
actual time in a given location based upon the Sun's position at the Midheaven
(noon) of the place. Abbreviated LMT; also called True Local Time (TLT).
Locational astrology -The
practice of casting a horoscope for the place in which a person resides,
or would like to reside, rather than the place of birth. This system is
often used to determine the location likely to prove most congenial to
a particular individual.
Lunar period -The time
it takes the Moon to return to a particular point in the zodiac; the Moon's
zodiacal period, a little less than twenty-seven days, eight hours. Also
called a sidereal month and periodical lunation.
Lunar return chart -A
chart cast for the time the Moon returns to the exact degree, minute,
and second it occupied at the moment of an individual's birth.
Lunation cycle- The
Moon's phases relative to the Sun as it moves from one new Moon (Moon/sun
conjunction) to the next; the time interval between two successive lunations
(new Moons), approximately twenty-nine and one-half days, a lunar month.
Malefic-The belief that
some planets, like Mars and Uranus, are destructive, negative influences,
while others like Jupiter and Venus are positive and beneficial.
Mars-Represents action,
passion, drive and determination. It deals with one's sexuality, force,
daring, courage, competitive nature, aggression and assertion.
Map -A horoscope.
Meridian -A great circle,
encircling Earth, that passes through the North and South Poles. A line
of longitude.
Meteorological astrology (Astro-meteorology)
-The use of astrology for forecasting the weather conditions, earthquakes,
and severe storms. Also called natural astrology.
Midheaven -The most
commonly used term for Medium Coeli, usually designated by the initials
M.C.
Midnight Ephemeris-
An ephemeris that lists astrological data exact at the beginning of the
day, 12:00 A.M. Also called zero hour ephemeris.
Mundane astrology -That
branch of astrology that deals with world events and universal trends
rather than the individual.
Masculine Signs-The
Fire and Air Signs, comprised of Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius
and Aquarius. It represents assertive and self-assured energy.
Mercury-Represents communication,
intellect, consciousness, transportation, dexterity and the mind.
Mundane Astrology-The
branch of Astrology which deals with places as opposed to people; world
events and universal trends are the focal point.
Mutable Signs-Gemini,
Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. This Quality represents a flexible nature.
Natal-Synonymous with
'birth.' Natal chart and birth chart are terms which can be used interchangeably.
Natal astrology- The
branch of astrology dealing with the individual. The horoscope cast for
the birth time of the individual, showing life potentials, is called a
natal horoscope, geniture, radix, or nativity.
Nativity -A natal horoscope.
Natural chart -A
chart with 0° Aries on the cusp of the first house that shows the natural
horoscope position of signs. Also called a flat chart.
Orb -The number of degrees
by which an aspect may vary from partile (exactness) and remain effective.
Orbit -The path a heavenly
body follows as it travels around another stellar body.
Planet - describes any
heavenly body which when viewed from Earth appears to move, as distinguished
from fixed stars.
Neptune-Rules music,
television, movies, fashion, glamour, dreams, illusion, drugs, the intangible
and the elusive. It also represents abstract thought, alcohol, the universal
subconscious and the oceans of the Earth.
Ninth House-Also known
as the House of Philosophy. It represents religion, travel, foreign countries,
in-laws, higher education, publishing, import/export and ethics.
Quadrant -One of the
four sections of a horoscope, each bounded by two angles not opposite
each other.
Nodes-The two points
in a planet's orbit which intercept the Earth's path around the sun .
Progression - A secondary
movement in Astrology measured as one day equaling a year.
Pluto-Rules transformation,
regeneration, rebirth, destruction, annihilation, power and elimination.
It also represents atomic power, intensity, crime, death and the underworld.
Qualities-The Signs
are classified by their Qualities: Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable. Also referred
to as modalities or quadruplicities.
Quincunx-An arc of 150
degrees. Also known as the inconjunct; this aspect creates a certain uneasiness
and a feeling of discomfort.
Quintile-The quintile
is an aspect of 72 degrees. It is an easy minor aspect often signifying
human endeavor and accomplishments.
Report-An interpretation
of one's birth chart. Also known as delineation. radical chart.
Retrograde-When a planet
appears to be traveling backwards from our perspective on Earth. The energy
of a retrograde planet is less assertive and more internalized.
Rising Sign-Also known
as the Ascendant. The degree at which the Zodiac rests over the eastern
horizon of the birthplace at the moment of one's birthA new Sign rises
approximately every two hours. The Rising Sign represents one's persona
and image to the world.
Sidreal Time -
The amount of time required for a fixed star to revolve around the
planet Earth and
return to the exact same position in the sky. A sidereal day is equal
to twenty three hours, fifty six minutes and four point zero nine seconds
(23hr 56' 4.09").
Sign - A constellation
of the zodiac.
Solar Arc Directions -
A secondary movement in Astrology which takes the daily movement of the
Sun and interprets that with a year of life.
Solar Return - The solar
return chart occurs once a year at about the time of one's birthday.
Solar chart- A horoscope
that is set up with the placement of the Sun positioned at the Ascendant.
This type of chart is sometimes used when the hour of birth is not known.
Table of Houses -An
astrological reference table, correlated with a particular house system,
which lists the zodiacal positions of house cusps at various latitudes
according to sidereal time.
Saturn-Represents discipline,
responsibility, ambition, restriction, limitation and delays. It also
rules older people, tradition, authority, structure, patience and wisdom
through perseverance and age. It teaches us our lessons in life.
Second House-Also known
as the House of Possessions. It describes your material assets, monetary
income and the potential ways it may be earned. It also indicates what
you value throughout life.
Semi-Sextile-An arc
of 30 degrees. This aspect creates unease; it is a minor aspect.
Semi-Square-An
arc of 45 degrees, or "half a square." A minor aspect indicating stress
and tension, requiring action to release the tension.
Sesquiquadrate-An
arc of 135 degrees, a "square-and-a-half." A minor aspect indicating
tension and challenge.
Seventh House-Also known
as the House of Partnership. It represents marriage, joint partnerships,
ventures and business partnerships. It also rules divorce, legalities,
open confrontations, contracts, lawsuits and negotiations.
Sextile-An arc of 60
degrees; this is a favorable aspect. The planets involved are usually
in compatible Elements. A sextile allows the influences of the planets
to work in harmony; it brings forth opportunity.
Sixth House-Also known
as the House of Health. It is about your job, routine, daily responsibilities,
diet, employees, pets and physical fitness. It also addresses a fulfillment
of duty and the conscious mind.
Solar Eclipse-The point
at which the Moon, Sun and Earth are aligned and the Moon blocks the Sun,
making the Sun seem either totally or partially invisible. Occurs during
a New Moon.
Solstice-When the Sun
reaches its maximum declination. This occurs twice a year, at the beginning
of Summer and Winter.
Stellium-A meeting of
three or more planets or points, usually occurring within one Sign or
House. It is a focal point of energy.
Sun-Represents the ego,
self, willpower, your uniqueness and your individuality. It is your identity.
It also represents the Father and male influences in one's life.
Sun Sign- It is the
position of the Sun in the Zodiac at the moment of one's birth. The Sign
placement of the Sun shows an individual's basic character. It is the
core of one's potential and uniqueness as an individual.
Synastry-Comparing natal
charts to find strengths and weaknesses in the area of compatibility.
Transit - The movement
of the planets through the sky in real time. The planets moving through
the sky right now are called today's transits.
T-square-The configuration
formed when two planets in opposition both square the same third planet
(and form a 'T' in the heavens). This is a challenging focal point for
planetary energies.
Tenth House-Also known
as the House of Social Status. It represents one's vocation, career, profession,
ambition, reputation, authority, prestige and achievements, and it also
rules government. It addresses one's parental influences.
Third House-Also known
as the House of Communication. It is the way in which we express ourselves
and think on an intellectual level. It also represents consciousness,
siblings, neighbors and our local environment, as well as early education,
mechanical dexterity and short trips.
Trine-An arc of 120
degrees; the most harmonious aspect. In most cases, it joins planets in
congenial Signs of the same Element. These energies combine with ease.
Twelfth House-Also known
as the House of the Unconscious. It represents the hidden or unknown,
the subconscious mind, the intangible, sleep, dreams, karma and spiritual
debt. It rules solitude, confinement, fears, sorrow, secrets, hidden enemies,
non-reality, institutions and charity.
Uranus-Represents the
erratic, the bizarre, and the different. It rules freedom, inventions,
originality, computers, technology, science, electricity, revolution,
rebellion and change. Uranus breaks through barriers and tradition.
Venus-Represents love,
romance, beauty, culture, the aesthetic, affection, one's social appeal
and acceptability, good taste, harmony and values.
Void of course-A term
describing a planet that does not make a major aspect before changing
Signs. It is used primarily with respect to the Moon.
Water Signs-Cancer,
Scorpio and Pisces. Signs belonging to this Element represent an emotional,
sensitive and intuitive nature.
Zodiac- literally meaning
'circle of animals.' A band in the heavens divided into twelve Signs,
each containing 30 degrees of longitude and acting as the barometer for
various human traits.
Zulu Time - GMT - Greenwich
Mean Time. Also Universal Time or World Time.
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