A.
Accidental
rulership Caused by the constant rotation of the Signs in
relation to the Houses. Thus it is possible to have any of the 12 Signs on
the cusp of the 1st, or indeed any, House. The Sign on the House cusp is
said to be the accidental ruler. Also known as Temporary rulership.
Affliction When a planet or
Angle is subject to a difficult aspect it is said to be afflicted.
Air Signs Gemini, Libra,
Aquarius.
Angles There are four; the
ascendant, descendant, Mc and Ic.
Applying aspect This occurs when
two planets approach exactness - zero degrees. Example: Moon at 6 degrees
Sun at 10 degrees. The Moon has a faster rotational speed and will
therefore catch up to the Sun with the passage of time. In this scenario,
the Moon is said to be applying to the Sun. Applying aspects are usually
marked in the aspect grid with a + sign. They are of no importance in
natal charts, but do find a use in future trends.
Aquarius The water carrier. 11th Sign of the Zodiac. Positive,
Fixed, Air. Ruler - Uranus & Saturn.
Aries The ram. 1st Sign of the Zodiac. Positive, Cardinal, Fire.
Ruler - Mars.
Ascendant Usually abbreviated to Asc. It is the eastern point of the
line of the horizon and the cusp of the first House. Considered to be the
most important of the Angles.
Ascendant ruler The planet ruling the Sign on the cusp of the 1st
House.
Aspects When two planets form specific angles to each other they are
in aspect. [See also Orbs and
individual aspects].
Aspect grid Used to display aspects in a chart.
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B.
Benasp Short for Beneficent Aspect. Refers to aspects which are
considered beneficial.
Benefic The planets Venus and Jupiter.
Birth chart The common name for an Astrological chart.
Biquintile An aspect of 144 deg. Not normally used.
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C.
Cardinal Signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn.
Cancer The crab. 4th Sign of the Zodiac. Negative, Cardinal, Water.
Ruler - Moon.
Capricorn The goat. 10th Sign of the Zodiac. Negative, Cardinal,
Water.
Combust Any planet conjunct the Sun. Some consider this planet to be
overpowered by the Sun.
Conjunction A major aspect of zero degrees. Orb is 8 degrees.
Constellation A group of stars. There are many, the most notable
ones are said to outline a mythological figure, such as Taurus the Bull.
These are NOT the same as the Signs of the Zodiac.
Culminate When a planet arrives at the Mc it is said to be
culminating.
Cusp A line marking the beginning of a House.
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D.
Debility A planet in a weak position.
Decanate An ancient division of the Zodiac not used by modern
Astrologers. Each Sign is divided into three divisions of 10 degrees each
one ruled by one of the Signs in the triplicity in their natural Zodiac
order. For example: in the Sign of Aries, the 1st decanate is ruled by
Aries, the second by Leo and the third by Sagittarius.
Declination The distance a planet is north or south of the equator.
Parallels of declination are derived from this.
Decile An aspect of 36 degrees. Not normally used.
Degree The Zodiac is divided into 360 degrees, each Sign is 30
degrees.
Descendant Usually abbreviated to Des. Lies immediately opposite the
ascendant and is the western point of the line of the horizon. Also the
cusp of the 7th House.
Descendant ruler The planet ruling the Sign on the cusp of the 7th
House.
Detriment A planet is said to be weakened when in a Sign of
detriment. An ancient technique not used much these days.
Dignity A planet is said to be in dignity and there fore stronger
when it lies in a Sign it rules or is exalted in. An ancient technique not
used much these days.
Direct This refers to a planet which has been in retrograde motion
and is now moving forward.
Dispositor Any planet in a Sign is ruled by the ruler of that Sign.
This ruler is known as the dispositor. For example; if the Sun, Mercury
and Saturn where in Taurus then the ruler of Taurus - Venus - is the
dispositor of all three planets. Chains of dispositors, some leading to a
final dispositor [See final dispositor] may be formed.
Doctrine of correspondences An ancient method of categorising
planetary rulership of specific objects, traits, events, etc. Also known
as the Doctrine of Signatures.
Doctrine
of Signatures Another name for the Doctrine of
Correspondences.
Double rulership Refers to the fact that some Signs - Scorpio,
Aquarius & Pisces - have two ruling planets.
Dragon's Head The north node of the Moon. Said to be beneficial but
best ignored.
Dragon's Tail The south node of the Moon. Said to be harmful but,
like the north node, best ignored.
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E.
Earth Signs These are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.
Eclipse This occurs when two planets are in the same degree on the
ecliptic and are also in the same degree of declination. Only solar or
lunar eclipses are used by astrologers.
Ecliptic The apparent path of the Sun through the heavens. Given
this name because eclipses occur on or near to it. It differs from the
equator in that it is inclined at 23 ½ degrees to the equator. This
inclination gives rise to the seasons.
Electional chart This is a specialised branch of Astrology dealing
with the choice of time for an important event to begin based on the best
planetary positions and aspects for that event. Examples of this are
the founding of a business, or best day for a marriage. When this time and
date has been selected, the resulting chart is known as an electional
chart.
Elements These are Fire, Earth, Air & Water.
Emphasis Used to describe any chart factor which stands out in some
way. For example: several planets in a House.
Ephemeris A book containing the planetary positions for each day
over a period of time - usually at least one year. It is usual to find
these calculated for either noon or midnight. Other information, such as
declinations, mutual aspects, times of eclipses, etc. may be included.
Equal House The primary House system used in astrology. Each House
is exactly 30 degrees. The oldest and most reliable House system. There
are others known as Quadrant systems, which although popular among some
Astrologers are unreliable and best avoided.
Equinox There are two, spring and autumn. Occurs when the Sun enters
the Signs of Aries and Libra respectively. The days and nights are equal
when this happens.
Exaltation A planet in a Sign in which it is said to be exalted is
considered to be stronger than normal. An ancient technique not used much
these days.
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F.
Fall Refers to a planet in a Sign in which it is said to be in
detriment and is thus considered to be weakened. An ancient technique not
used much these days.
Fire Signs These are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.
Final dispositor The planet which disposits all the others is known
as the final dispositor and it is considered to be a powerful influence.
Opinions differ, but there is some merit in this.
Fixed Signs These are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.
Fixed stars Used by some Astrologers. Like the planets, they are
said to have meanings.
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G.
Gemini The twins. 3rd Sign of the Zodiac. Positive, Mutable, Air.
Ruled by Mercury.
Geocentric Astrologers assume that the earth is central for the
purposes of their work. In actual fact, the Sun is central, but this does
not mean that we Astrologers believe the earth is the centre of the
Universe in reality.
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H.
Hard aspects Another name for difficult aspects.
Harmonics
A system first proposed by John Addey which opens up a completely new way
of looking at charts by dividing the circle into equal segments, layering
them, and then treating the layered segments as a whole circle. For a
fuller discussion see Techniques [Quick
Select - Harmonics].
Heliocentric Alludes to the fact that the Sun is the centre of the
solar system. A branch of Astrology uses heliocentric charts rather than,
or in addition to, normal geocentric charts.
Horary Astrology A branch of Astrology which attempts to answer
questions based on the chart drawn up at the time of asking the question.
Applauded by some, derided by others. I have yet to see convincing proof.
Horoscope
The old term for a birth chart now largely abandoned due to its
association with Sun Sign readings and other types of fortune
telling. The modern terms are now natal or radix chart. The original name
is derived from the Greek name for the Sun - Horos.
Houses. A division of the earth into 12 parts. Each division
represents a sphere of mundane influences quite specific to the House in
question, such as finances, home, career, etc. The equal House system uses
Houses of exactly 30 degrees, but other systems do exist.
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I.
Ic The planet ruling the Sign in which the Ic is placed.
Immum Coeli Ic for short. One of the four chart Angles, it equates
to the north point in a chart and is directly opposite the Mc. Relates to
matters of the home and has similarities with the 4th House.
Inceptional
charts Similar to birth charts except used in non-human affairs,
such as the founding of a business. Not to be confused with electional
charts in which a special time is chosen for the commencement of an event.
These charts are drawn up for the time and date when something actually began -
after the event.
Inferior
planets Not to be taken in its literal sense. Refers to planets
lying between the orbits of the Sun and the earth. These are Moon, Mercury
and Venus.
Ingress The entrance of a planet into a new Sign or House. Major
changes can often occur when this happens.
Intercepted One of those nonsensical terms used in quadrant systems
to cover up the inadequacies of the system. When a Sign does not lie on a
House cusp it is said to be intercepted. As a result, the planetary ruler
of this Sign cannot rule a House!
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K.
Keyword A word or phrase used in interpretation which embodies
specific information about a planet, Sign or House.
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L.
Latitude The distance north or south of the equator in degrees.
Leo The lion. 5th Sign of the zodiac. Positive, Fixed, Fire. Ruled
by the Sun.
Libra 7th Sign of the Zodiac. Cardinal, Positive, Air. Ruled by
Venus.
Longitude The distance east or west of the Greenwich meridian
measured in degrees.
Long ascension So called because they take a long time to rise over
the horizon. Cancer to Sagittarius inclusive.
Luminaries Sometimes known as the 'lights'. They are the Sun and
Moon.
Lunar return Used in future trends. When the Moon returns to its
birth position a chart is erected which indicates future trends until the next return. Probably overrated, but is
useful in a general sense. As the Moon moves so quickly, the time of birth
needs to be quite accurate to give accurate lunar returns. See Techniques [Quick
Select - Return Charts].
Lunation The time period between one new Moon and the next. Around
29 days.
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M.
Mc ruler The planet ruling the Sign in which the Mc is placed.
Medium Coeli Mc for short. Also known as the Midheaven. This is the
highest point of the ecliptic at any given time. It is the south point of
the chart and so has similarities with the 10th House.
Malefic Many opinions on this. Generally, Mars and Saturn are
considered malefic (bad) but in truth any
planet can be malefic due to bad aspectation. The modern planets, Pluto
and Uranus are also classified as malefic. Probably best ignored.
Major aspect Not to be taken as implying that these aspects are
stronger than the minor ones. Conjunction, sextile, trine, opposition
& square.
Malasp Refers to planets having difficult aspects.
Meridian An imaginary circle passing round the earth from pole to
pole through the zenith of the observer. The Sun crosses this at midday.
Midheaven Another name for the Mc.
Midpoints
The point in space lying exactly between two planet (using the shortest
distance) is considered to be a sensitive point which embodies the
qualities of both planets. The planets need not be in aspect. For a fuller
discussion see Techniques [Quick
Select - Midpoints].
Minor aspect Semisextile, Semisquare, Sesquiquadrate, Quincunx. Not
to be interpreted as being lesser in effect to the major aspects.
Modes A name used to describe the Qualities, Elements & Polarity
of Signs.
Mundane Astrology Generally deals with national and worldly affairs
using various 'base' charts to predict events.
Mutable Signs These are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.
Mutual aspects Used to describe aspects between planets in a
progressed chart.
Mutual reception Caused when two planets are in each other's Signs.
For example; Mars in Cancer - Moon in Aries. The planets do not have to be
in aspect but are obviously stronger if they do. Not used much.
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N.
Natal chart Another name for a birth chart.
Natural rulership This alludes to the natural affinity between Signs
and Houses. Aries naturally rules the 1st House, for example. Also applies
to planets and Houses. For example; Aries rules the 1st House because it
naturally rules Aries which, in turn, rules the 1st.
Negative Signs These are the Water and Earth Signs.
New Moon Used by some Astrologers to predict future trends. When the
declination is small the new Moon becomes an eclipse which is considered
to be a powerful influence.
Nodes Every planet has its nodes which are the intersection of a
planet's path with the ecliptic, but only those of the Moon are used. Of
dubious value.
Nonagesimal The point at 90 degrees from the ascendant. Not used
much.
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O.
Opposition A major aspect in which two planets are 180 degrees
apart. Indicates difficulties and stress. The orb is 8 degrees. Some
Astrologers consider this the be the aspect of perfect hatred!
Orbs Applies to aspects. The orb of a planet (or Angle) is the
number of degrees either side of the planet's position in which an aspect
can be formed. Varies according to the type of aspect. See Standards
[Quick
Select - Aspects].
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P.
Parallel
Short for parallels of declination. There are two types - parallel
and counter parallel. The first occurs when two planets are within 1
degree of each other either north or south of the equator. This is similar
in action to a conjunction. The second occurs when two planets are within
1 degree of each other on opposite sides of the equator. This is similar
to an opposition.
Part of fortune One of the numerous Arabic Parts. It is a
mathematical point in space derived from the relationship between the Sun, Moon and ascendant. Said to indicate
fortune. May have some merit, but little used.
Pisces The fishes. 12th Sign of the Zodiac. Negative, Mutable,
Water. Ruled by Neptune and Jupiter.
Polarity Used to describe the condition of a Sign, either Positive
or Negative.
Positive Signs These are the Fire and Air Signs.
Progressions Used in predicting future trends. The chart is moved
forward in time and then compared with the original, deductions being made
from any aspects formed between the two charts or any changes in Sign or
House by planets. There are many systems of progression, the main one
being Secondary progressions. See Techniques. [Quick
Select - Progressions].
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Q.
Quadrants The division of the heavens into four equal parts. Some
Astrologers use these in a similar way to the hemispheres in order to
deduce character traits.
Quadrant systems Are quite different to the equal House system,
using complex mathematical rules to derive Houses. Also, the Mc and Ic are taken as the cusps of the 10th and 4th Houses
respectively. There are many systems, among the most popular are:
Regiomontanus, Placidus, Koch, Porphyry, Campanus, Alcabitus, &
Topocentric. Controversy rages as to which is the best, the eventual
reason for a preference seems to be 'because it seems to work'. Apart from problems with Signs having no House rulership
and planets being in the wrong Houses, it is impossible to produce charts
at certain latitudes. Best ignored. See Standards. [Quick
Select - Houses].
Quadruplicities See Qualities.
Qualities Also known as quadruplicities, these are the three
conditions of Cardinal, Fixed & Mutable.
Quartile Another name for a square aspect.
Quincunx A minor aspect of 150 degrees. Implies difficulties and
strain. An orb of 2 degrees is used.
Quintile An aspect of 72 degrees. No longer used.
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R.
Radix Another name for birth chart.
Rectification The process of attempting to correct inaccurate birth
times by various means. Not as scientific and certain as some would have
you believe.
Retrograde Under certain conditions, a planet can appear to be
moving backwards in the heavens and is said to be in retrograde motion.
Retrograde planets are said to cause delays, frustrations and
introspective thinking and going back over old ground. There is some merit
in this with transits and progressions, but they are of no consequence in
natal charts.
Return
charts When a planet returns to its natal position, a chart can be erected which
can be used to determine future trends. Only the solar or lunar returns are of any real
value. The other planets cause problems due to retrograde action, not to mention the limits
on accuracy imposed by calculation. See Techniques.
[Quick Select - Return charts].
Rising Sign Usually known as the ascending Sign, it is the Sign on the
ascendant at birth.
Rulership A complex series of interrelationships between planets, Signs
and Houses. It is a powerful tool in Astrological work.
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S.
Sagittarius The archer. 9th Sign of the Zodiac. Positive, Mutable, Fire.
Ruled by Jupiter.
Satellitium Another name for stellium.
Scorpio The scorpion. 8th Sign of the Zodiac. Negative, Fixed, Water.
Ruled by Pluto & Mars.
Secondary progressions
The main system used to progress a chart for the
purposes of deducing future trends. See Techniques.
[Quick Select - Progressions].
Semiquartile Another name for semisquare.
Semisquare As its name implies, it is half of a square - 45 degrees. A
minor aspect, said to be difficult and stressful. Orb is 2 degrees.
Semiquintile An aspect of 36 degrees. Not normally used.
Semisextile A minor aspect of 30 degrees. There are mixed opinions on this
aspect. My own work suggests that this is a difficult and stressful aspect. The orb is 2 degrees.
Separating. The exact opposite of applying [which see]. Said to be weaker
in effect than normal or applying. Of no use in natal charts, but in the case of progressions and transits,
there is no doubt that once a planet has reached exactness, its power and effects are greatly
diminished.
Sesquiquadrate A minor aspect of 135 degrees. Indicates difficulties and
strain. Orb is 2 degrees.
Sextile A major aspect of 60 degrees. An active and beneficial aspect. Orb
is 6 degrees.
Sidereal time Differs from clock time in that it is based on the earth's
rotation compared to a fixed point in space - zero degrees Aries. Used in Astrological calculations.
Significator Various meanings for this. Taken to mean a specific type of
keyword which can be described.
Shaping Refers to the distribution of planets around the Zodiac forming
certain patterns which have meaning.
Short ascension
Signs which rise fairly quickly over the horizon.
Capricorn to Gemini inclusive.
Soft aspects Another name for the major aspects.
Solar return A very important method of charting used in future trends.
Generally not used by most Astrologers in this country but is gaining favour. Depends on ascertaining the exact
time when the Sun return to its birth position. The resulting chart is then used to
determine the future trends for the coming year. Very accurate. See Techniques. [Quick
Select - Return Charts].
Solstice There are two, summer and winter. Occur when the Sun enters the
Signs of Cancer and Capricorn respectively.
Spring equinox Occurs when the Sun enters the Sign of Aries around the
20th March each year.
Square A major aspect of 90 degrees. Difficult and stressful, but could be
a spur to achievement. Orb is
8 degrees.
Stationary The point at which a planet appears to stand still before going
retrograde or moving from retrograde to direct motion. Of no use in natal charts but can be useful
in future trends.
Stellium Sometimes known as a satellitium. It refers to a group of three
or more planets in a Sign or
House. Indicates emphasis.
Synastry
A branch of Astrology dealing with relationships by comparing the
charts of two people. See Techniques. [Quick
Select - Synastry].
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T.
Taurus The bull. 2nd Sign of the Zodiac. Negative, Fixed, Earth. Ruled by
Venus.
Temporary rulership Another name for accidental
rulership.
Transits A term used to describe the movements of the planets in the
heavens over the points of a natal chart. Used to predict future trends. Although some sources advocate using
all the planets, this is going too far. In actual fact, Pluto, Neptune and Uranus transits are
very useful. Saturn and Jupiter are of limited use, while the rest can safely be ignored. An
orb of 1 degree is used between transits and natal planets. See Techniques. [Quick
Select - Transits].
Trine A major aspect of 120 degrees. Beneficial and fortunate, although it
does not incline towards the grasping of opportunities like the sextile. An orb of 8 degrees is
used.
Triplicities Another name for the elements.
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V.
Vernal equinox Another name for the spring equinox.
Virgo The virgin. 6th Sign of the Zodiac. Negative, Mutable, Earth. Ruled
by Mercury.
Void of course
Not used much, except in Horary Astrology. A planet -
usually the Moon - is void of course when it reaches that point in a Sign where it can make no further aspects
before it leaves the Sign.
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W.
Water Signs These are Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces.
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Z.
Zodiac A division of the ecliptic into 12 equal Signs of 30 degrees.
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