Astro Dictionary (Astrology Meanings)

1st House:

Known as the House of Self. It represents the personality, disposition, health, temperament, and appearance. The 1st House represents how an individual appears to the outside world. It can influence manners and general behaviour. Planets in the 1st House exert a very powerful influence.

The 1st house is naturally associated with Aries and its ruling planet, Mars. The ascendant is the cusp of the 1st house. This house represents the area of life concerned with our sense of self-identity. Signs and planets in this house reflect both who we are and how we meet life. It represents our personal identity, and the need to be a separate and distinct person. The physical body is the material expression of our self-identity, and its strengths and weaknesses are indicated by this house. Another way of viewing the 1st house is as the lens through which we perceive life, and what colours our view of existence.

2nd House:

Known as the House of Possessions. It represents possessions of all kinds and the subject’s attitudes towards them. It can indicate monetary wealth and how a subject may earn a living. It can also indicate general everyday values. It is also concerned with feelings, especially in relationship to a planet appearing in this house.

The 2nd house is naturally associated with the sign of Taurus and its ruling planet, Venus. After establishing our self-identity in the 1st house, we turn, in the 2nd, to our possessions and what we own. This house represents the area of life concerned with the accumulation of wealth and resources as a secure basis from which to act in the world. This can mean the accumulation of money and material possessions, but on a higher level it represents innate or acquired skills and gifts which give us a sense of value, worth and personal security. The 2nd house stabilises the self-identity acquired in the 1st.

3rd House:

Known as the House of Communication. It represents how we communicate particularly between members of family. It can also represent short journeys. The mind, particularly speech is associated with this house, as is the relationship of the subject and his/her environment. Self-expression  is also indicated, as is education and schooling.

The 3rd house is naturally associated with the sign Gemini and its ruling planet, Mercury. After stabilising our self-identity, and acquiring a sense of security in the 2nd, we need, in the 3rd house, to establish our relationship to our immediate environment. This house represents the area of experience concerned with communication, and the exchange of information with our immediate social environment. It represents the activity of learning and the type and direction of intellectual and educational skills. On a more mundane level, the 3rd house is related to short journeys’ immediate relatives (brothers and sisters if any) and their roles in our lives.

4th House:

Known as the House of Home. It represents the home and the influence parents may have on the subject. It also indicates the subjects’ attitude to their responsibilities as a parent. Attitudes towards houses, land, property and private life are also influenced by planets in this house.

The 4th house is naturally associated with the sign of Cancer and its ruling ‘planet’, the Moon. In the 3rd house, we are concerned with communicating with our immediate environment. This leads, in the 4th, to the need to establish a private domain to which we can retreat from the world. The 4th house represents our roots; both psychological and material. In the psychological sense, it is our early family and cultural conditioning, which gives us a sense of belonging, and produces deep inner feelings and habit patterns. The 4th house, together with the opposite house, the 10th, is connected with our experience of our parents. In the material sense, it is our own home, from which we go out to meet the world, and to which we can retreat to rest and recuperate. As well as representing our early home environment, this house is also connected with the conditions surrounding us during the second half of life.

5th House:

Known as the House of Pleasure. It represents creativity, enterprise and new undertakings. Gambling. Romance and instinctive affection for pets, children and lovers. If a planet is seriously afflicted (See Afflicted) It represents looseness of behaviour and over-indulgence.

The 5th house is naturally associated with the sign Leo and its ruler, the Sun. In the 4th house, we establish our material and psychological roots. In the 5th, we seek to express our own creativity. Creativity can be expressed through children as extensions of our physical bodies, or through various art forms as extensions of our inner selves. This house is also associated with leisure activities, sports, gambling, love affairs and the like. In fact, all forms of recreation where we seek to express ourselves freely and without inhibition.

6th House:

Known as the House of Health. It represents attitude towards employees, work and daily routine. It indicates how the subject carries out duties. It does not fully assess the subjects’ health or general well-being . Although physical fitness can be represented.

The 6th house is naturally associated with the sign of Virgo and its ruler, Mercury. Having expressed our creativity in the 5th, the 6th house is where we are confronted with the need to adjust to, and learn from, the demands of the material world. This is the house associated with work and service. The 6th house indicates the nature of, and our attitude towards, our working environment and our relations with co-workers, employees or bosses. It is also connected with health and the interaction of mind and body to maintain the efficient (or inefficient) working of our physical bodies.

7th House:

Known as the House of Partnership. It represents the closeness in marriage, physical and professional relationships. It can also indicate divorce and legal difficulties with contracts and negotiations. A sign on the cusp can also be an indicator of a marriage partner.

The 7th house is naturally associated with the sign of Libra and its ruler, Venus. This house represents the field of relationships. If the 1st house is the house of self, then the 7th is the house of others. This house indicates how we express ourselves in our relationships and what qualities we seek in others. In particular, it represents the marriage partner; at least the first major relationship with that kind of commitment. In general, it represents the area of social contact and the need for relationships of various kinds, and can be extended to our dealings with the general public.

8th House:

Known as the House of Sex. Unlike the Second house that rules possessions. The 8th House represents money from inheritance. It also represents birth, death and the life force behind the sexual drive. It also represents big business such as The Stock Exchange and Insurance. Understandably, amongst other representations listed below it is sometimes known as the House of Crime.

The 8th house is naturally associated with the sign of Scorpio and its ruler, Pluto. If the 7th house represents relationships in general, the 8th represents relationships or partnerships in which something is exchanged or held in common. In sexual relationships, there is an emotional exchange. In business partnerships there is an exchange and sharing of finances and resources. This house represents the area of life in which we relate to others on a deeper, more emotional level. It is in this house, therefore, that we often experience emotional pain, crises and death (symbolically that is). Hence this house has various but related meanings. It is the house of sex, beginnings and endings, joint resources and money held in common, and inheritances.

9th House:

Known as the House of Philosophy. It represents mental exploration, extending education from the 3rd House to further education. And in depth study. It also represents long distance travel, interaction with foreigners and languages. Planets in the house can also have an influence on morals, conscience and dreams/ambition.

The 9th house is naturally associated with the sign of Sagittarius and its ruler, Jupiter. After the often painful experiences in the 8th, in the 9th house we seek to understand the meaning of our experiences and our connections to the greater whole. This house represents our search for meaning through philosophy and religion. In this area of life, we also seek to expand our knowledge and awareness through travel and higher education. Hence this house is also connected with all forms of higher education, travel to foreign lands, the law, religion and the use of the higher or more intuitive mental faculties.

10th House:

Known as the House of Social Status. With roots in the 4th House, the 10th House represents ambitions, aspirations and the importance the subject puts on public recognition. It represents work, career paths, reputation and a sense of discipline. It represents the government. In addition to dealing with the influence of the subjects parents, it can indicate the value placed on personal image. The 10th house is naturally connected with the sign of Capricorn and its ruler, Saturn. The beginning, or cusp, of the 10th house is called the ‘Midheaven’. This is the degree of the ecliptic that was at the highest point in the sky at the time and place of birth. The Midheaven and the 10th house therefore represents our ambitions, what we aim for and hope to achieve in the world. In this house we attempt to bring the ideals and aspirations of the 9th to practical realisation. This results in a career or a particular position in the social order. The 10th is also connected with our relations with authority figures in general, and with the way in which we experienced our parents in particular.

11th House:

Known as the House of Friends. It represents acquaintanceships and friendships as well as ruling clubs and other societies. It also represents life’s goals and dreams. It rules how a subject inter-reacts with passing contacts with others. It also rules more intellectual pleasures and interests in the environment and the natural world.

The 11th house is naturally associated with the sign of Aquarius and its ruler, Uranus. Having established a career, public position or our social standing in the 10th, in the 11th house we look to the future and the part we can play as members of various groups or societies. The 11th house therefore represents our hopes and wishes, friends and groups. It is in this area of experience that we seek to act as part of a group that is expressing some greater social need or goal. This house in the chart can indicate how we act in group situations, and also the kinds of groups to which we are attracted.

12th House:

Known as the House of the Unconscious. It represents the subconscious mind and attitudes towards religion and other intangible aspects of life. It also indicates their subject’s  generosity of spirit, helping others, charity and self-sacrifice. It rules their fears, secrets and sorrows. Many planets in this house at one time can also indicate the subjects’ susceptibility to drugs and alcohol.

The 12th house is naturally associated with the sign of Pisces and its ruler, Neptune. After becoming part of a larger group structure in the 11th, in the 12th house we experience the dissolution of our separate individual ego. This house represents the area of experience where we feel that we are influenced by forces and powers that are beyond our control. In this house, we surrender our individual wills to the service of a higher power or ideal, or direct our energies toward greater self-realisation and spiritual goals.

On a more mundane level, this house is associated with large institutions such as hospitals and prisons, where many people end up if the self-surrender described above is overdone, or made to the wrong ideals. Hence this house is also known as the house of self-undoing.

29th Degree:

Also known as the Anaretic Degree is the final degree of any sign. Each sign being 30 degrees. It is also known as the degree of fate.

Acceleration on Interval:

Used in calculating the Sidereal time, by adding or subtracting 10 seconds for every hour and 1 second for every 10 minutes of the Interval Time. For am. Subtract and for pm. Add.

Affliction:

A planet is said to be afflicted when it receives a negative aspect. If, for instance, it  appears at a particular angle to one or more other planets on a birth Chart.

Age of Aquarius:

Each age lasts 2000 years. We moved from Capricorn to Aquarius around the time of the new Millennium. The influence of Aquarius will become increasingly prominent during this age.

Air Signs:

One of the 4 elements, signs belonging to this element are Aquarius, Gemini and Libra. They represent intellect and the thought process.

Anaretic Degree:

See 29th Degree.

Angles:

The major angles on a Chart are 0 degrees (The Ascendant), 90 degrees (Immum Coeli), 180 degrees (The Descendant), 270 degrees (Medium Coeli). Otherwise known as Cardinal Angles.

Aquarius:

Sun Sign. January 21st to February 19th. Ruled by Uranus (Traditionally Saturn). Keywords are Independent and Humane. People born under this sign are usually humanitarian, independent, friendly, willing, original, inventive, faithful, loyal, idealistic and intellectual. They can also be unpredictable, eccentric, rebellious, tactless, perverse, and unconventional.

Arc:

The measurement of the angle between 2 planets.

Aries:

Sun Sign. March 21st to April 20th.  Ruled by Mars. Keywords are Assertive and Urgent. People born under this sign are usually pioneering with an adventurous spirit. Enterprising, direct, highly energetic and love freedom. They can also be selfish, unsubtle, impulsive, quick tempered, impatient and they tend to always put themselves first.

Ascendant:

The sign rising on the Eastern horizon at the time of birth.

Aspects:

A conjunction is where two planets are at the same place, and their energies are merged together. Trines (120 degrees) and sextiles (60 degrees) between two planets indicate an easy flow of energy between the functions involved; they therefore show aspects of your personality that work harmoniously together, indicating inherent abilities or talents. Squares (90 degrees) and oppositions (180 degrees) show that there is some stress or tension between the two functions involved. Squares and oppositions between planets therefore indicate inner conflicts and tensions (conscious or unconscious) that, throughout your life, you will be forced to recognise and express in a positive way. If you are not conscious of these inner conflicts, they will be confronted through seemingly ‘fated’ external events or in relationships with others; particularly when the planets involved are activated by transits. A tolerance or “orb” of about 8 degrees is allowed either side of the exact aspect, but the wider the orb, the weaker the influence. There are also a number of minor aspects. These are not shown on this chart. They have a smaller orb of influence, and their effects are not always so noticeable.

This is not to say that trines and sextiles are “good” and squares and oppositions are “bad”. A chart dominated by flowing aspects may indicate someone for whom everything comes too easily. They will therefore lack any real motivation and may not achieve much during their life. A chart with many stressful aspects, on the other hand, may indicate someone who driven by his or her own inner conflicts, and can achieve something of real worth in their lives. The stressful aspects are just as necessary to us as the flowing aspects, and most of us are a fairly even balance of both. The activity of each planet is further modified by the sign in which it is placed, and the effects of these modifications in your particular case will be described in the chart analysis.

Aspect Chart:

Usually a box graph indicating which aspects can be found for all combinations of planets on an individual’s  chart.

Astrology:

The study of the planets and how they influence the development of personality, character and the future of a subject. Astrology represents a set of potentials which experience will add to during life. It can produce a blue print for a personality, unique to the subject the chart is being drawn for.

Bi-Quintile:

144-degree Aspect . Seldom if ever used by modern astrologers, Bi-quintile is the weakest of aspects. Rarely used as their effect is so slight.

Birth Chart (Natal Chart):

Also known as the Natal chart, the Birth Chart is a map of the planets at the exact moment of a subject’s birth, as seen from the exact place of the subject’s birth. It includes the invisible sections of the sky below the Horizon. The “stars” are not included, since astrology is interested primarily in the planets of our solar system.

Bowl Chart:

A classification of a subject’s chart if the planets fall either entirely above or below the line of the ascendant, or if they all fall either in the eastern or western side. People with Bowl charts tend to be self-contained, learning and growing with experience.

Bucket Chart:

The Bucket chart contains all but one planet in one hemisphere and the remaining planet in the other (Singleton). The Singleton will often indicate the single most important purpose the subject will be driven towards in life.

Bundle Chart:

The rarest type of chart, the Bundle chart is a grouping of all the planets within 3 or less consecutive signs of the Zodiac. People with Bundle charts will tend to be specialists in one subject and be very narrow and confined in their approach to life.

Campanus:

Campanus is the name of the Astrologer that invented the House division system that bears his name. It used the prime vertical of the celestial sphere as the basis.

Cancer:

Sun Sign. June 22nd to July 23rd. Ruled by the Moon. Keywords are Protective and Sensitive. People born under this sign are usually kind, sensitive, sympathetic, good parents, cautious, thrifty, are good home makers and have powerful imaginations. They can also be over emotional, hyper-sensitive, touchy, moody, sharp tempered, self-pitying , untidy and unforgiving.

Capricorn:

Sun Sign. December 22nd to January 20th. Ruled by Saturn. Keywords are Prudent and Calculated. People born under this sign are usually reliable, determined ambitious, careful, prudent, patient and have a good sense of humour. They can also be pessimistic, miserly, conventional and have a rigid outlook on life.

Cardinal Signs:

A classification of Zodiac signs. The Cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn: Enterprising/Outgoing. See Quadruplicities.

Celestial Equator:

In a similar way to the terrestrial equator divides Earth in two hemispheres, so the celestial equator divides the sky. It has a declination of 0 degrees.

Celestial Poles:

In a similar way to the celestial equator, the direction of the earth’s axis indicates the positions of the celestial poles. 90 degrees North and South.

Celestial Sphere:

This appears to revolve around the earth once per day, although of course in reality, it is the earth that revolves. It is a “map” of the star signs, (Constellations) which allows the positions of the planets to be mapped within the Zodiac for drawing of a Birth Chart.

Chiron:

An asteroid between Saturn and Uranus. It doesn’t belong in an asteroid belt and is 700km in diameter. Associated with healing, both physically and emotionally.

Circumpolarity:

Using the Placidus house system, certain degrees in the Northern hemisphere never touch the horizon, preventing a complete chart being drawn. See Placidus,

Composite Chart:

A merging of two individuals charts to give one chart for a relationship.

Configuration:

When 3 or more planets are in aspect.

Conjunction:

Relates to the proximity of 2 or more planets as seen from earth. An important point on a chart, which stresses the characteristics of the houses and signs that the conjunction is within.

Contra-Parallel:

When a planet is the same distance from the celestial equator as another planet but on opposite sides.

Cusp:

The starting point of either a House or a sign.

Cycle:

The time required for a planet or other celestial body to complete a full revolution in the sky.

Decanate:

The division of each sign into 3 equal parts of 10 degrees.

Decans:

Each Zodiac sign is 30 degrees of the full wheel. A Decan is one third of each sign.

Declination:

The celestial equator has a declination of 0 degrees. Other bodies have a declination measured by their angular distance north or south of the celestial equator.

Degree:

The standard unit of measurement. One degree equals 1/360th of a circle.

Descendant:

The opposite to the ascendant, i.e. the sign  at the western horizon at birth.

Detriment:

An ill placed planet within a sign. A planet in detriment loses some of its positive powers.

Dissociate Aspect:

Where planets are in Aspect but the signs associated with the planets are not. This weakens the effect of the aspect.

Earth Signs:

One of the 4 elements, signs belonging to this element are Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo. They represent duty, reliability and logic.

Ecliptic:

The 360 degree movement of the earth.

Eighth House:

See 8th House.

Electoral Astrology:

Used to calculate the best time to start a new project, or to take an action.

Elements:

Also known as Triplicities: Fire: Enthusiasm. Earth: Practical/Stable. Air: Intellectual/Communicative. Water: Emotional/Intuitive.

Eleventh House:

See 11th House.

Ephemeris:

A list of zodiacal positions of planets and their satellites with other data for a specific time period. Perhaps some of the oldest evidence of astrology comes from findings of Ice age bone carvings listing moon positions for the time. (Appx.. 32,000 years ago!) They could loosely be termed the first ephemeris known.

Equinox:

The time of equal day and night. Occurs twice per year at the start of Spring and Autumn.

Exaltation:

A well placed planet within a sign. Generally positive.

Feminine Signs:

Signs are alternately masculine or feminine. Feminine signs are: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces. Feminine signs or negative signs indicate introvert tendencies. (Very much an over simplification)

Fifth House:

See 5th House.

Fire Signs:

One of the 4 elements, signs belonging to this element are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. They represent Fiery and ferocious attitudes and nature.

First House:

See 1st House.

Fixed Signs:

A classification of Zodiac signs. The Fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius: Resistant to change. See Quadruplicities.

Forecast:

The planetary patterns symbolised in your chart remain fixed throughout your life, but the planets still continue to move around the Zodiac after birth. Each planet has its own characteristic cycle. For example, Jupiter takes twelve years to complete one full cycle, whilst Saturn takes 28 to 30 years. In doing so they pass through the Houses of your chart, and make aspects to your natal planets, bringing about experiences that are related to the nature of the transiting planet, the House it is passing through and the planet being aspected. The technique of transits therefore allows the timing of specific experiences; from times of opportunity to major life crises. This brings an understanding of why you have experienced certain things in the past, the reasons for your present experiences, and what you may experience in the future. Transits cannot predict precise events but only the types of experience you will have at a certain time. At all times, you have free will as to how you react to these experiences, and whether the planetary energies involved are used positively or negatively.

Fourth House:

See 4th House.

Gemini:

Sun Sign. May 21st to June 21st. Ruled by Mercury. Keywords are Communicative, Adaptable and Versatile. People born under this sign are usually adaptable, versatile, logical, spontaneous, and talkative, have a flair for languages and are youthful in outlook and appearance. They can also be changeable, restless, cunning, superficial and a gossip.

Glyphs:

The symbols conventionally used for the signs of the zodiac and the planets.

Grand Cross:

A Grand Cross is said to occur when 4 planets are separated by Square Aspects (90 degrees) See Square.

Grand Trine:

Planets of the same element, (earth, air, fire, water) arranged in an equilateral triangle on a chart.

Hard Aspect:

Squares and Oppositions are hard aspects.

Horary Astrology:

A branch of astrology that can answer very specific questions. Instead of taking the time of birth of the person the chart is being drawn for, it uses the time of birth of the question, or the time at which the astrologer was asked the question.

Horizon:

The houses up to the 7th are all below the horizon, and are concerned with areas of life in which we seek to establish our own sense of individuality. The houses from the 7th to the 12th are above the horizon, and represent the experiences involved in seeking to function as part of a wider social environment.

Horoscope: Several meanings exist. It refers to the future forecast of a person using their birth details including, date, place and time of birth and is based on their birth chart. It can also be used to refer to short daily and weekly sun sign forecasts on web sites and in newspapers. The term is also used more generally as an alternative word for a Birth or Natal chart.

Houses:

You will see that the chart is divided into twelve sections. These represent the division of the space surrounding you at birth. The sign on the first house “cusp” (the line that marks the beginning of the house) is the sign that was rising over the horizon at the time and place of your birth. This is your rising sign (or Ascendant). The sign on the seventh house cusp is the sign that was setting at the time of your birth; the line between the first and 7th house cusps therefore represents the horizon. Planets in the upper hemisphere were therefore above the horizon at the time of birth, and planets in the lower hemisphere were below the horizon; planets in the left hemisphere (left of the line joining the 10th and 4th house cusps) were rising in the east, and planets in the right hemisphere were setting in the west. Each house represents a specific area of life experience. The positions of the planets in these houses therefore show in what areas of experience the effects of these planets will be most noticeable. The Ascendant is an important point, and has its own particular meaning.

Immum Coeli (I.C):

The point in the sky directly below the subjects’ feet at the time of their birth. Also is where the sun is at midnight.

Inconjunct:

150-degree  aspect. Interpreted to refer to problems that you are not very involved in.

Inferior Conjunction:

When a planet is directly between the Sun and Earth.

Inferior Planets:

All planets whose orbit is nearer the sun than the earth. Mercury, Venus.

Intercepted House (Sign):

Since each sign consists of 30 degrees of the full chart and are so all the same size. However,  as you get further from the equator the area that is covered by each house becomes greater. Therefore,  the further from the equator the more likely it is that a sign falls solely within one house.

Interpretation:

The art of reading and explaining the various aspects on a chart and how the interactions effect the meaning of a chart. With my astrology reports the interpretations look at character, future, love life and much more depending on the report that has been selected.

Interval Time:

The difference between the GMT time and noon on the day a chart is being drawn for.

Jupiter:

An important source of radio waves, which has an astrological effect as an expansive life changing force.

Leo:

Sun Sign. July 24th to August 23rd. Ruled by The Sun. Keywords are Creative, Impressive and Powerful. People born under this sign are usually magnanimous, generous, creative, enthusiastic, broad minded, a good organiser and have a sense of drama. They can also be dogmatic, a bully, pompous, snobbish, intolerant, patronizing, power mad and conceited.

Locomotive Chart:

This is when about one third of a chart is empty. This is possible because signs all remain the same size whereas the houses enlarge the further from the equator you get. People with this chart type are ruled by one specific planet. Find the empty part of the chart and move anti clockwise. The first planet you reach is the dominant planet to someone’s character.

Longitude Equivalents:

On occasion the total degrees that the signs cover can total more than 360 degrees. If this occurs, subtract 360 from the total to give the Longitude Equivalent.

Libra:

Sun Sign. September 24th to October 23rd. Ruled by Venus. Keywords Harmonious and Together. People born under this sign are usually charming, easy going, romantic, diplomatic, idealistic and refined. They can also be indecisive, resentful, changeable, gullible and frivolous.

Lights:

The Sun and Moon are the astrological lights. They govern the spiritual life, and growth whereas the other planets govern the physical aspects of life.

Line of Horizon:

Divides the birth chart in two. Planets are either above or below the horizon.

Major Aspect:

See Conjunction, Sextile, Square, Trine and Opposition.

Medium Coeli (M.C.):

The point in the sky directly above a subject at the time of their birth.

Mars:

Associated with strength, positivism and liveliness. Strength of character and determination. Also associated with heat.

Masculine Signs:

Signs are alternately masculine or feminine. Masculine signs are: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius: Masculine signs or positive signs indicate extrovert tendencies. (Very much an over simplification)

Medium Coeli:

See Midheaven

Mercury:

The planet of mental activity and nervous reaction. At inferior conjunction, Mercury effects electrified particles from the Sun. These affect the human nervous system.

Meridian:

The line or axis between the Immum Coeli and the Medium Coeli (Midheaven.)

Midheaven:

The position of the sun at midday, or the middle of the sky. It represents ambitions, and reputation.

Midpoints:

The midpoint between any 2 planets or other features on a chart. Take the degrees of each planet on the chart, add them together and divide by 2 to get the midpoint.

Minor Aspects:

See Semi-Sextile, Novile, Semi-Square, Sesquiquadrate, Septile, Quintile, Bi-Quintile and Inconjunct.

Modes:

See Cardinal Signs, Fixed Signs and Mutable Signs.

Modalities:

See Quadruplicities.

Moon:

Associated with response to conditions and fluctuation. Effects tides and other liquids on earth. Humans are largely water and therefore affected. Effects most rhythmic characteristics of life on earth.

Mundane Astrology:

Looks at how the position pf planets and star signs impact on world events. Often done by examining charts of both world leaders and countries, it can be used to attempt to predict forthcoming world events.

Mutable Signs:

A classification of Zodiac signs. The Mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces: Adaptable/Changeable. See Quadruplicities.

Mutual Reception:

A planet is in mutual reception with another planet when each falls in the sign ruled by the other. The two will work together for the benefit of the subject.

Natal Chart:

See Birth Chart

Neptune:

Not discovered until 1846, it was already considered astrologically important centuries before then! Thought to represent secrets and hidden truth.

Ninth House:

See 9th House.

Nodes:

The north and south point at which the moon crosses the ecliptic.

Novile:

40-degree  Aspect. Infers a waiting period before being influenced by planetary positions.

Opposition:

Where 2 planets on a chart are separated by around 180 degrees this is said to be in Opposition.

Orb:

The difference between an actual angle on a chart and an aspect. EG.  A Square aspect may actually measure 95 degrees. Therefore,  the Aspect would be Square with an Orb of 5 degrees.

Orbits:

The path around an object that a planet takes. E.G The moon around Earth or Mars around the Sun.

Outer Planets:

The planets beyond Saturn – Uranus, Neptune and Pluto – move through the signs so slowly that the sign positions of these planets refers more to the generation of which we are a part, rather than individual characteristics. It is the house position that shows where we will meet with the principles expressed by these planets in our lives. The aspects of these planets to the personal planets shows how we get on with the principles they represent.

These trans-Saturnian planets cannot be seen without the aid of a telescope. Therefore, they represent powerful forces that are beyond conscious control. These planets connect us with forces and levels of reality beyond our experience as individual human beings. They do this by breaking down the boundaries of the ego (symbolised by Saturn), allowing the inflow of higher ideals and goals into our ego-centred minds. This can often mean the total disruption (or destruction) of the outer and inner structures of our lives in order to make this possible.

Parallels:

Where a planet is the same distance from the celestial equator as another planet.

Pisces:

Sun Sign. February 20th to March 20th. Ruled by Neptune. Keywords, Impressionable, Nebulous. People born under this sign are usually humble, compassionate, sympathetic, sensitive, adaptable, kind, intuitive and receptive. They can also be vague, careless, secretive, easily confused, weak willed and indecisive.

Placidus:

A system used for drawing a chart. An unequal house system. The nearer to the equator a subject is born the more equal the houses.

Planets:

The Sun, Moon and the planets – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto – represent specific functions, drives, or urges within the total personality. Just as in the body the various organs (heart, kidneys, liver, etc.) perform their own specific functions, yet operate as part of a total system, so the planets can be regarded as symbolising the ‘organs’ of your total personality. The aspects (angles) between the planets show how these functions interact with each other.

Pluto:

Only discovered in 1930, originally thought to effect elimination, violence and renewal. However, this could be because of the turmoil the world went through in the late 30’s and early 40’s. Very distant, so unless it is especially prominent in a Birth Chart, it is unlikely to exert a great influence.

Polarity:

There are 2 uses: First it means the opposite point on a chart to the Sun. Secondly, elements share polarity. IE: Air and Fire signs or Water and Earth signs.

Profile:

The description of a person’s character, interests and life as portrayed using astrology.

Progressions:

The method of moving the planets forward on the chart from the day of birth to any date in the future. Emphasis is put on the changes to the aspects from the starting date.

Quadrulplicities:

Also known as Qualities or Modalities. A classification of Zodiac signs. Cardinal (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn): Enterprising/Outgoing. Fixed (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius): Resistant to change. Mutable (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces): Adaptable/Changeable.

Qualities:

See Quadruplicities.

Quincunx:

See Inconjunct.

Quintile:

72-degree  Aspect. Interpretation is in regards to creativity.

Regiomontanus:

Regiomontanus is the name of the Astrologer that invented the House division system that bears his name. It used the celestial equator of the sphere as the basis.

Retrograde:

A planet is in retrograde when a faster moving planet overtakes the earth, or when a slower moving planet is overtaken by a faster moving planet. This gives the appearance of a planet going backwards.

Rising Sign:

See Ascendant.

Sagittarius:

Sun Sign. November 23rd to December 21st. Ruled by Jupiter. Key words, Exploring and Free. People born under this sign are usually jovial, optimistic, versatile, open minded, dependable, sincere and possess good judgement. They can also be tactless, careless, irresponsible, an extremist and tend to exaggerate.

Saturn:

Associated with limitation and the force that keeps you within certain bounds. This was the case, long before its rings were discovered! Has a satellite called Titan, about the same size as Mercury, which is, however, usually  ignored for astrological purposes.

Scorpio:

Sun Sign. October 24th to November 22nd. Ruled by Pluto (Traditionally Mars) Keywords, Intense and Passionate. People born under this sign are usually very imaginative, discerning, subtle, persistent, determined have a good imagination and a sense of purpose. They can also be jealous, resentful, stubborn, obstinate, secretive and suspicious.

Second House:

See 2nd House.

Semi-Sextile:

30-degree  Aspect. Interpretations include reluctance to take action and going against planetary influence.

Semi-Square:

45-degree  Aspect. Interpreted as avoiding other people problems.

Septile:

51-degree  Aspect. Refers to the unusual or bizarre events in life. Perhaps on a milder way of describing this you could simply say the unexpected or unexplained.

Sesquiquadrate:

135-degree  Aspect. Similar to Semi-Square in effect, but more leaning towards ignoring or being oblivious to, rather than avoiding.

Seventh House:

See 7th House.

Sextile:

Where 2 planets on a chart are separated by around 60 degrees this is said to be a sextile aspect.

Sign:

During the course of a year, the Sun, as seen from the earth, appears to move in a circle against the background of the stars. This circle is known as the ecliptic. The axis of the earth’s rotation is inclined at an angle to the plane of the ecliptic, so, if the earth’s equator is imagined to be extended into space, it cuts the plane of the ecliptic at two points that are known as the equinoxes. One of these points, the vernal or spring equinox, is taken to be the beginning of the circle, and is known, both in astronomy and astrology, as the first point of Aries. Astrologers then divide the ecliptic into twelve sections of 30 degrees each; thus generating the twelve signs. The autumn equinox is directly opposite the first point of Aries and is the beginning of the sign of Libra. When the Sun is at these points, days and nights are of equal length. During the summer months, the Sun appears to rise higher and higher in the sky, reaching its highest point at midsummer or the summer solstice (the beginning of the sign of Cancer). This is the time of the longest day and shortest night. Similarly, it reaches its lowest point in the sky in midwinter or the winter solstice, which is the beginning of the sign of Capricorn. This is the time of the shortest day and longest night.

Therefore, the signs of Zodiac have nothing to do with actual star constellations, but are based on the relationship between Sun and Earth.

Singleton:

The single planet falling in the opposite hemisphere to all the other planets in a Bucket chart.

Sixth House:

See 6th House.

Square:

Where 2 planets on a chart are separated by around 90 degrees this is said to be a Square Aspect or Grand Cross.

Star Signs:

The twelve signs or the Zodiac. See: Aries, Leo, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.

Stellium:

Where there are four or more planets in the same zodiac sign, or when there are four or more planets in the same house.

Subject:

For the purposes of this dictionary, Subject is anyone or anything that a chart is drawn for.

Sun:

Associated with power, energy and self-expression. Human types are expressed largely by their solar characteristics. Solar activity can effect life. E.g. There were a large amount of solar flares during the Second World War.

Sun Signs:

See star signs.

Superior Planets:

All planets whose orbit is further from the sun than the Earth. Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Synastry:

This is used when a relationship between two people is being looked at. It is the way that two birth charts are compared to enable the astrologer to judge how well a couple are matched in all the various aspects of a relationship.

Taurus:

Sun Sign. April 21st to May 21st. Ruled by Venus. Keywords, Possessive and Permanent. People born under this sign are usually practical, reliable, persistent, affectionate, trustworthy have good business sense, and love luxury and good food. They can also be possessive, lazy, stubborn, obsessed with routine and lack flexibility.

Tenth House:

See 10th House.

Third House:

See 3rd House.

Transits:

The movement of the planets across the sky.

Trine:

Where 2 planets on a chart are separated by around 120 degrees this is said to be a Trine Aspect.

Triplicities:

Also known as The Elements: Fire: Enthusiasm. Earth: Practical/Stable. Air: Intellectual/Communicative. Water: Emotional/Intuitive.

Twelfth House:

See 12th House.

Unaspected Planets:

When one of the major planets in a birth chart is not in Aspect with any other planet, it stands alone. It affects how someone can act on a day to day basis, either physically or emotionally.

Uranus:

Astrologically thought to exert control over generations rather than individuals, this is because it has an unusual axial inclination causing one night to last 21 earth years!

Venus:

Associated with harmony and love, shares a special partnership with the earth, its axial rotation is locked to ours. Possibly the reason love is so important to humans.

Virgo:

Sun Sign. August 24th to September 23rd. Ruled by Mercury. Keywords, Critical and Analytical. People born under this sign are usually discriminating, analytical, careful, exact, modest and tidy. They can also be fussy, hypercritical, conventional and argumentative.

Void of Course:

The Moon is Void of Course when it does not appear in Aspect with any other planet on a chart.

Water Signs:

One of the 4 elements, signs belonging to this element are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. They represent love, caring and nurturing natures.

Zenith:

The point directly overhead. Often thought to be in 10th House.

Zodiac:

The set of 12 star signs or 30-degree  section of the celestial wheel. E.g. Aries Taurus etc.