Astrological Glossary

A planet receiving challenging aspects (squares, oppositions) that may inhibit its natural expression or create obstacles.

The 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses. These are the most powerful house positions, representing action-oriented areas of life.

Fixed air sign (Jan 20-Feb 18) ruled by Uranus. Keywords: innovation, independence, humanitarianism, rebellion, originality.

Cardinal fire sign (Mar 21-Apr 19) ruled by Mars. Keywords: leadership, pioneer, courage, impulsiveness, new beginnings.

The degree and sign rising on the eastern horizon at birth. Represents persona, physical appearance, and approach to life.

Angular relationship between planets that creates dynamic interaction. Major aspects: conjunction (0°), opposition (180°), square (90°), trine (120°), sextile (60°).

Map of planetary positions at the exact time and place of birth. Also called natal chart or horoscope.

Cardinal water sign (Jun 21-Jul 22) ruled by the Moon. Keywords: nurturing, emotional, protective, intuitive, home-oriented.

Cardinal earth sign (Dec 22-Jan 19) ruled by Saturn. Keywords: ambition, discipline, authority, responsibility, achievement.

Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn. Signs that initiate seasons and represent leadership, action, and new beginnings.

Two planets within 8-10° of each other, blending and intensifying their energies. The most powerful aspect.

The beginning degree of a house or sign. Planets near cusps are emphasized.

Each sign divided into three 10° sections, each with its own sub-ruler and characteristics.

The degree and sign setting on the western horizon (opposite Ascendant). Represents partnerships and how you relate to others.

A planet in the sign opposite to its rulership, where it operates with difficulty or in a foreign manner.

Normal forward motion of planets through the zodiac, opposite of retrograde motion.

Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn. Practical, grounded, material-focused, stable, and security-oriented.

The apparent path of the Sun through the zodiac over the course of a year.

Four basic energies: Fire (inspiration), Earth (practicality), Air (communication), Water (emotion).

Table showing planetary positions for specific dates and times, used for chart calculation.

When day and night are equal length. Vernal equinox (Mar 21) marks 0° Aries.

Sign where a planet operates at its highest and most refined expression.

Sign where a planet is in its weakest position, opposite to its exaltation.

Aries, Leo, Sagittarius. Energetic, enthusiastic, inspiring, action-oriented, and spontaneous.

Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius. Signs that stabilize and maintain what cardinal signs started.

Mutable air sign (May 21-Jun 20) ruled by Mercury. Keywords: communication, versatility, curiosity, adaptability, learning.

Three planets forming an equilateral triangle (120° apart), creating natural talent and easy flow in one element.

Twelve divisions of the birth chart representing different areas of life experience, numbered 1-12 starting from the Ascendant.

Bottom of the chart (4th house cusp), representing roots, home, family, and private foundation.

A sign completely contained within a house without touching any house cusp. Can indicate hidden or undeveloped energy.

Social planet ruling Sagittarius. Represents expansion, wisdom, higher learning, philosophy, and good fortune. 12-year orbit.

Fixed fire sign (Jul 23-Aug 22) ruled by the Sun. Keywords: creativity, leadership, drama, confidence, self-expression.

Cardinal air sign (Sep 23-Oct 22) ruled by Venus. Keywords: balance, harmony, relationships, diplomacy, justice.

The Sun and Moon, the two most important bodies in astrology representing conscious (Sun) and unconscious (Moon) self.

Personal planet ruling Aries. Represents action, desire, drive, passion, and how you assert yourself. 687-day orbit.

Personal planet ruling Gemini and Virgo. Represents communication, thinking, learning, and mental processes. 88-day orbit.

Top of the chart (10th house cusp), representing career, public image, reputation, and life direction.

Luminary ruling Cancer. Represents emotions, instincts, subconscious, needs, and nurturing. 28-day cycle.

Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces. Signs that adapt, change, and prepare for transitions.

Birth chart showing planetary positions at the moment of birth. Foundation of personal astrology.

Outer planet ruling Pisces. Represents spirituality, dreams, illusion, compassion, and dissolution. 165-year orbit.

North Node (future growth) and South Node (past karma) showing evolutionary path and soul purpose.

Planets 180° apart, creating tension and polarization that demands balance and integration.

Allowable degree range for aspects. Exact aspects are most powerful, wider orbs weaken the influence.

Mutable water sign (Feb 19-Mar 20) ruled by Neptune. Keywords: spirituality, compassion, imagination, intuition, sacrifice.

Outer planet ruling Scorpio. Represents transformation, power, death/rebirth, and deep psychological change. 248-year orbit.

Opposite signs that complement each other: Aries-Libra, Taurus-Scorpio, Gemini-Sagittarius, Cancer-Capricorn, Leo-Aquarius, Virgo-Pisces.

Three modes of expression: Cardinal (initiating), Fixed (stabilizing), Mutable (adapting).

Planets 150° apart requiring constant adjustment and adaptation. Also called inconjunct.

Apparent backward motion of a planet from Earth's perspective. Indicates internalized, reviewing, or karmic energy.

The Ascendant; the sign rising on the eastern horizon at birth. Your persona and approach to life.

The sign a planet "rules" or has natural affinity with. Each planet rules one or two signs.

Mutable fire sign (Nov 22-Dec 21) ruled by Jupiter. Keywords: philosophy, adventure, higher learning, optimism, truth-seeking.

Social planet ruling Capricorn. Represents discipline, structure, limitations, lessons, and achievement. 29-year orbit.

Fixed water sign (Oct 23-Nov 21) ruled by Pluto. Keywords: intensity, transformation, depth, mystery, power.

Planets 60° apart creating opportunities and cooperative energy that requires some effort to activate.

Planets 90° apart creating friction, challenge, and dynamic tension that motivates growth.

Three or more planets in the same sign or house, creating intense focus and emphasis.

Central luminary representing core identity, ego, vitality, and life purpose. Your zodiac sign is your Sun sign.

Three planets forming two squares and one opposition, creating concentrated challenge and growth through the focal planet.

Fixed earth sign (Apr 20-May 20) ruled by Venus. Keywords: stability, sensuality, patience, determination, material security.

Current planetary positions and their aspects to natal chart positions, indicating timing of events and themes.

Planets 120° apart creating harmony, natural talent, and easy flow between planetary energies.

Outer planet ruling Aquarius. Represents innovation, rebellion, sudden change, and liberation. 84-year orbit.

Personal planet ruling Taurus and Libra. Represents love, beauty, values, attraction, and harmony. 225-day orbit.

Mutable earth sign (Aug 23-Sep 22) ruled by Mercury. Keywords: analysis, service, perfection, health, practical skills.

Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces. Emotional, intuitive, nurturing, psychic, and feeling-oriented.

The 360° circle divided into 12 signs of 30° each, representing the Sun's apparent yearly path through the constellations.