ASTROLOGY GLOSSARY

The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. It represents your outward personality, physical appearance, and how others perceive you first.

The angular relationship between planets in a birth chart. Major aspects include conjunction (0°), sextile (60°), square (90°), trine (120°), and opposition (180°).

Smaller celestial bodies in astrology, including Chiron, Juno, Pallas, Vesta, and Ceres, that add nuance to chart interpretation.

A map of the sky at the exact moment and location of your birth, showing the positions of all planets, the Sun, Moon, and other celestial bodies.

Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn—signs that mark the beginning of seasons. They are initiators, leaders, and pioneers.

An aspect where two planets are in the same sign and degree, blending their energies together intensely.

The beginning point of a house in an astrological chart, or the boundary between two zodiac signs.

The zodiac sign on the western horizon at birth, representing partnerships, relationships, and what we seek in others.

A 10-degree subdivision of each zodiac sign, adding nuance to sun sign interpretation. Each sign has three decans.

A powerful astronomical event when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align. Solar eclipses occur at New Moons; lunar eclipses at Full Moons.

The four elements in astrology: Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces).

A table showing the daily positions of celestial bodies, used by astrologers to cast charts and track planetary movements.

Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius—signs occurring in the middle of seasons. They are stable, persistent, and determined.

A chart pattern where four planets form a cross, each in square aspect to two others and opposition to one. Indicates major life challenges.

A harmonious triangle formed by three planets in signs of the same element, each 120° apart. Indicates natural talents and flow.

One of twelve sections of the birth chart, each governing different life areas (self, money, communication, home, creativity, health, partnerships, transformation, philosophy, career, community, spirituality).

The lowest point in a birth chart, representing your roots, home, family, and private life. Opposite the Midheaven.

The planet of expansion, luck, wisdom, and growth. It rules Sagittarius and represents optimism, abundance, and higher learning.

In astrology, the spiritual lessons and unfinished business from past lives, often indicated by the Moon's Nodes and Saturn.

A calculated point representing the lunar apogee, associated with our shadow self, repressed desires, and feminine power.

Points where the Moon's orbit crosses the ecliptic. The North Node represents karma to develop; the South Node, past life patterns.

A period when Mercury appears to move backward in the sky, traditionally associated with communication mishaps, technology issues, and delays.

The highest point in a birth chart, representing career, public image, reputation, and life purpose.

The zodiac sign the Moon was in at your birth, representing your emotional nature, instincts, and inner self.

Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces—signs at the end of seasons. They are adaptable, flexible, and versatile.

A snapshot of the sky at your exact birth moment, forming the foundation of personal astrology readings.

Planet of dreams, intuition, spirituality, and illusion. Rules Pisces and governs creativity, compassion, and escapism.

A 180° aspect between two planets, creating tension and awareness between opposite energies seeking balance.

The allowable degree of deviation from exact aspect. Tighter orbs indicate stronger aspects.

Celestial bodies including Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, each representing different energies.

Planet of transformation, power, death, and rebirth. Rules Scorpio and governs deep psychological processes.

A predictive technique where the birth chart is advanced, with each day after birth representing one year of life.

One of four sections of the chart divided by the horizon and meridian, each emphasizing different life orientations.

When a planet appears to move backward from Earth's perspective, associated with review, revision, and delays in that planet's themes.

The zodiac sign ascending on the eastern horizon at birth, shaping your personality, appearance, and first impressions.

The planet that has traditional rulership over a zodiac sign, influencing how that sign expresses itself.

When Saturn returns to its natal position (around ages 29 and 58), marking major life transitions and maturity milestones.

A harmonious 60° aspect between planets, indicating opportunities and talents that require some effort to activate.

A challenging 90° aspect between planets, creating tension that drives growth and action through obstacles.

The zodiac sign the Sun occupied at your birth—the most well-known aspect of astrology and your core identity.

The comparison of two birth charts to analyze relationship compatibility and dynamics between two people.

The current movement of planets and how they aspect your natal chart, used for timing and prediction.

A harmonious 120° aspect between planets in signs of the same element, indicating natural flow and gifts.

Planet of revolution, innovation, and sudden change. Rules Aquarius and represents originality, rebellion, and breakthroughs.

Planet of love, beauty, money, and values. Rules Taurus and Libra, governing relationships, aesthetics, and pleasure.

When the Moon makes no major aspects before leaving its current sign, traditionally a poor time to begin new projects.

The 360° belt of sky divided into 12 signs, each 30°, through which the Sun, Moon, and planets appear to travel.