Astrology Glossary

The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world. Astrology uses the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars to provide insights into personality, relationships, and life events.

An astrological chart or diagram representing the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and astrological aspects at a specific moment in time. Horoscopes provide predictions and guidance based on these celestial positions.

A belt of the heavens within about 8° either side of the ecliptic, including all apparent positions of the Sun, Moon, and most familiar planets. The zodiac is divided into 12 equal parts, each named after a constellation.

One of 12 astrological signs, each representing approximately 30 degrees of the zodiac circle. The 12 signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.

The zodiac sign that the Sun was in at the moment of your birth. This is the most commonly known astrological sign and represents your core personality and ego.

Also known as the Ascendant, this is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth. It represents how you present yourself to the world and your outward personality.

The zodiac sign that the Moon was in at the moment of your birth. It represents your emotional nature, inner self, and how you process feelings.

One of four fundamental categories that zodiac signs are grouped into: Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Each element represents different energies and characteristics.

The planet that has the strongest influence over a particular zodiac sign. Each sign is associated with one or more ruling planets that shape its characteristics and energies.

The angular relationship between planets in an astrological chart. Common aspects include conjunctions, oppositions, trines, squares, and sextiles, each representing different types of planetary interactions.

The movement of a planet through the zodiac and its relationship to planets in your birth chart. Transits indicate periods of change, opportunity, or challenge.

The apparent backward motion of a planet as observed from Earth. When planets are retrograde, their energies are said to be internalized, causing delays, reflection, and review in the areas they govern.

Also known as synastry, this refers to how well two zodiac signs work together in relationships. Compatibility is determined by analyzing how signs' elements, ruling planets, and astrological aspects interact.

Numbers that are believed to be particularly favorable for a zodiac sign during a specific time period, derived from astrological calculations and numerological associations.

A color associated with positive energy for a zodiac sign based on astrological and elemental correspondences. Wearing or surrounding yourself with your lucky color can enhance your sign's natural energies.

Also called a natal chart, this is a map of the sky at the exact moment and location of your birth. It shows the positions of all planets, signs, and houses, providing a complete astrological profile.

One of 12 divisions of an astrological chart, each representing different areas of life such as self, money, communication, home, creativity, work, relationships, transformation, philosophy, career, friendships, and spirituality.

The boundary between two zodiac signs or houses. If you were born on a cusp date, you may exhibit characteristics of both adjacent signs.

A period when Mercury appears to move backward, typically occurring three to four times per year. This transit is associated with communication issues, technology problems, travel delays, and the need to review and revise plans.

A period when Venus appears to move backward, occurring approximately every 18 months. This transit affects relationships, values, finances, and artistic expression, often bringing past relationships or unresolved issues to the surface.

A period when Mars appears to move backward, occurring approximately every two years. This transit affects energy, motivation, action, and assertiveness, often causing frustration and requiring patience.

The lunar phase when the Moon is not visible from Earth, occurring when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun. New moons represent new beginnings, fresh starts, and setting intentions.

The lunar phase when the Moon appears fully illuminated from Earth. Full moons represent culmination, completion, release, and heightened emotions.

An astronomical event where one celestial body moves into the shadow of another. Solar and lunar eclipses are powerful astrological events that bring significant change and transformation.

An astrological aspect where two planets are in the same sign or very close together (within 8-10 degrees). Conjunctions blend planetary energies and create intensity.

An astrological aspect where two planets are 180 degrees apart. Oppositions create tension, polarity, and the need for balance between opposing forces.

An astrological aspect where two planets are 120 degrees apart. Trines create harmony, ease, and natural flow between planetary energies.

An astrological aspect where two planets are 90 degrees apart. Squares create tension, challenges, and the need for action and resolution.

An astrological aspect where two planets are 60 degrees apart. Sextiles create opportunities, positive connections, and potential for growth.

Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. These signs initiate seasons and are associated with leadership, action, and new beginnings.

Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. These signs occur in the middle of seasons and are associated with stability, determination, and resistance to change.

Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. These signs occur at the end of seasons and are associated with adaptability, flexibility, and transition.

A configuration where three planets form trines to each other, creating a triangle in the chart. This represents natural talent, ease, and harmonious energy flow.

A configuration where two planets are in opposition and both square a third planet. This creates tension and the need for resolution through the third planet's energy.

A configuration where three or more planets are in the same sign or house, creating intense focus and emphasis on that sign's or house's themes.

Also called the Finger of God, this is a configuration where two planets are in sextile and both quincunx a third planet, creating a need for adjustment and integration.

An astrological aspect where two planets are 150 degrees apart. This creates a need for adjustment, integration, and finding balance between incompatible energies.

A significant astrological event occurring around ages 28-30, 58-60, and 88-90 when Saturn returns to its position in your birth chart. This marks major life transitions and maturity.

Also called the MC (Medium Coeli), this is the highest point in your birth chart, representing your public image, career, reputation, and life direction.

Also called the Imum Coeli, this is the lowest point in your birth chart, representing your roots, private life, home, and innermost self.

Also called the Rising Sign, this is the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at your birth time. It represents your outward personality and how others perceive you.

The zodiac sign setting on the western horizon at your birth time, directly opposite your Ascendant. It represents relationships, partnerships, and what you seek in others.

A map of the sky at the exact moment and location of your birth, showing the positions of planets, signs, and houses. This is your unique astrological blueprint.

A chart calculated by advancing your birth chart forward in time, showing your personal evolution and development over the years.

A chart calculated for the moment the Sun returns to its exact position in your birth chart each year (your birthday). This provides insights into the themes and energies for your upcoming year.

A chart calculated for the moment the Moon returns to its exact position in your birth chart each month. This provides insights into monthly emotional themes and cycles.

The comparison of two birth charts to analyze relationship compatibility. Synastry examines how planets in one person's chart interact with planets in another person's chart.

A chart created by finding the midpoint between two people's planets and chart points. This represents the relationship itself as a separate entity.

A relationship chart created by finding the midpoint in time and space between two people's birth data. This represents the relationship's unique energy and purpose.

Small celestial bodies used in advanced astrology to provide additional insights. Popular asteroids include Chiron (wounds and healing), Ceres (nurturing), Vesta (dedication), and Juno (partnership).

Also called the True Node, this represents your soul's purpose, karmic lessons, and the direction you're meant to grow toward in this lifetime.

The point opposite the North Node, representing past life experiences, natural talents, and comfort zones you may need to move beyond.

A calculated point in your chart representing areas of natural luck, happiness, and where you can find joy and fulfillment.

A sensitive point in your chart representing fated encounters, significant relationships, and important turning points in your life.

A comet-like celestial body representing deep wounds, healing, and the integration of pain into wisdom. Chiron shows where you can help others heal.

Also called the Dark Moon, this represents your wild, untamed nature, repressed sexuality, and the parts of yourself you may hide or suppress.

The apogee point of the Moon's orbit, representing your shadow self, raw feminine power, and what you may fear or reject within yourself.

A period when the Moon makes no major aspects before leaving its current sign. Actions taken during this time may not come to fruition as expected.

A system dividing each day and night into 12 equal parts, each ruled by a different planet. Activities aligned with planetary hours can be enhanced.

The practice of choosing the best time to begin an activity or event based on astrological conditions. This is used for timing important decisions and events.

The branch of astrology that studies world events, politics, and collective trends based on astrological cycles and planetary transits.

The practice of using astrology to understand health, illness, and the body. Each zodiac sign and planet corresponds to different parts of the body and health conditions.

The practice of using astrology to understand economic trends, market cycles, and financial timing. This combines astrological cycles with financial analysis.