Astrology Glossary
Every term you need to understand astrology, defined clearly
A
Ascendant
Also called the Rising sign. The zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the exact moment of your birth. It determines your first house and shapes how you appear to others. The ascendant changes approximately every two hours.
Aspect
The angular relationship between two planets or points in a chart. Major aspects include conjunctions (0°), oppositions (180°), trines (120°), squares (90°), and sextiles (60°). Aspects describe how planetary energies interact with each other.
B
Birth Chart
Also called a natal chart. A map of the sky at the exact moment and location of your birth. It shows the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, houses, and aspects, forming the foundation of personal astrology.
C
Cardinal Signs
Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. Cardinal signs initiate action and mark the beginning of each season. They are associated with leadership, ambition, and the drive to start new things.
Cazimi
A planet within 17 arc-minutes (0.28°) of the Sun’s center. In traditional astrology, cazimi is considered a position of extraordinary strength — the planet is said to be "in the heart of the king."
Conjunction
An aspect where two planets are within 0–10° of each other (orb varies). Conjunctions merge the energies of the two planets, creating a powerful fusion that can be harmonious or challenging depending on the planets involved.
Cusp
The dividing line between two houses or signs. When someone says they are "on the cusp" between two signs, they mean they were born near the date when the Sun transitions from one sign to the next. In modern astrology, you are one sign or the other — never both.
D
Decan
Each zodiac sign is divided into three 10° sections called decans. Each decan has a sub-ruler that adds a secondary influence. For example, the first decan of Aries is ruled by Mars, the second by the Sun, and the third by Jupiter.
Descendant
The point directly opposite the ascendant, marking the cusp of the seventh house. It represents partnerships, relationships, and the qualities you are drawn to in others.
Domicile
A planet is in domicile (or dignity) when it is in the sign it rules. For example, Mars in Aries or Venus in Taurus. A planet in domicile is considered to express its energy most naturally and powerfully.
E
Eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs at a new moon when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. A lunar eclipse occurs at a full moon when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. Eclipses are considered powerful turning points in astrology, often associated with fated events and major shifts.
Element
The four elements in astrology are Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Each zodiac sign belongs to one element. Fire signs are passionate and action-oriented. Earth signs are practical and grounded. Air signs are intellectual and communicative. Water signs are emotional and intuitive.
Ephemeris
A table or dataset that lists the positions of planets at regular intervals (usually daily). Professional astrologers use ephemerides (plural) to calculate chart positions. The Swiss Ephemeris, based on NASA JPL data, is the most widely used in modern astrology software.
Exaltation
A planet is exalted when it is in the sign where it functions with particular honor and strength, though not as naturally as in domicile. For example, the Sun is exalted in Aries, and the Moon is exalted in Taurus.
F
Fall
A planet is in fall when it is in the sign opposite its exaltation. This is considered a position of weakness where the planet must work harder to express its energy. For example, the Sun is in fall in Libra.
Fixed Signs
Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. Fixed signs stabilize and sustain what cardinal signs initiate. They are associated with persistence, determination, and resistance to change.
G
Grand Trine
A pattern formed when three planets are each 120° apart, forming an equilateral triangle in the chart. Grand trines indicate natural talent and ease in the element involved, but can also indicate complacency because things come too easily.
H
House
The birth chart is divided into twelve houses, each representing a different area of life. The first house is self and identity, the seventh is partnerships, the tenth is career, and so on. House positions depend on your exact birth time and location.
I
IC (Imum Coeli)
The lowest point in the chart, marking the cusp of the fourth house. The IC represents home, family, roots, and your most private self. It is the point directly opposite the Midheaven.
Ingress
The moment a planet enters a new zodiac sign. Ingresses are considered significant transition points, especially for slower-moving planets. The Sun’s ingress into Aries marks the start of the astrological new year.
Intercepted Sign
A sign that is entirely contained within a house without appearing on either cusp. Intercepted signs are more common at extreme latitudes and are thought to represent energies that are harder to access or express.
M
Midheaven (MC)
The highest point in the chart, marking the cusp of the tenth house. The Midheaven represents career, public reputation, and life direction. It is one of the most important points in vocational astrology.
Modality
The three modalities are Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. Each modality describes how a sign approaches action: Cardinal signs initiate, Fixed signs sustain, and Mutable signs adapt and transform.
Mutable Signs
Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. Mutable signs are adaptable, flexible, and skilled at transition. They mark the end of each season and prepare for the next.
N
Natal Chart
See Birth Chart. A map of the sky at the exact moment and location of your birth.
Node (North/South)
The lunar nodes are points where the Moon’s orbital path crosses the ecliptic. The North Node represents your soul’s growth direction and karmic purpose. The South Node represents past-life gifts and comfort zones you are meant to evolve beyond.
O
Opposition
An aspect where two planets are approximately 180° apart. Oppositions create tension and awareness between two opposing forces. They often manifest in relationships, where one person embodies each end of the opposition.
Orb
The range of degrees within which an aspect is considered active. A tight orb (0–2°) means the aspect is strong and exact. A wider orb (5–8°) means the aspect is present but weaker. Different astrologers use different orb allowances.
P
Placidus
The most widely used house system in Western astrology. Placidus divides the chart based on the time it takes for each degree of the ecliptic to travel from the ascendant to the midheaven. It can produce unequal house sizes, especially at extreme latitudes.
Polarity
The twelve signs are divided into six pairs of opposite signs (Aries/Libra, Taurus/Scorpio, etc.). Each pair shares an axis of meaning. Opposite signs are not contradictions — they are two sides of the same coin.
Progressed Chart
A technique where each day after birth represents one year of life. Progressed charts reveal how your personality and inner motivations evolve over time. A progressed Sun sign change, for example, can shift your entire sense of identity.
R
Retrograde
An apparent backward motion of a planet through the zodiac, caused by the relative speeds of Earth and the other planet. Retrograde periods are traditionally associated with review, revision, and delays in the planet’s areas of influence.
Return
When a transiting planet returns to the exact position it held in your birth chart. The Saturn Return (~age 29) and Jupiter Return (~age 12) are the most discussed. Returns mark major life transitions and new chapters.
Rising Sign
See Ascendant. The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth.
Ruler
Each zodiac sign has a planetary ruler that governs its energy. For example, Mars rules Aries, Venus rules Taurus, and Mercury rules Gemini. When your chart ruler (the planet that rules your Rising sign) is well-placed, it strengthens your overall chart.
S
Saturn Return
Saturn takes approximately 29.5 years to orbit the Sun, so your Saturn Return occurs around ages 29–30, 58–59, and 87–88. It is widely considered the most significant astrological transit, marking a transition from youth to maturity.
Sextile
An aspect where two planets are approximately 60° apart. Sextiles are harmonious aspects that create gentle opportunities. They require active effort to realize their potential, unlike trines which flow naturally.
Solar Return
A chart cast for the exact moment the Sun returns to its natal position each year (on or near your birthday). Solar return charts are used to forecast themes and events for the coming year.
Square
An aspect where two planets are approximately 90° apart. Squares create tension, friction, and the motivation to take action. They are challenging but are often the aspects that drive the most personal growth.
Stellium
Three or more planets clustered in the same sign or house. A stellium concentrates energy intensely in one area of life, making that sign or house a dominant theme in the person’s chart and personality.
Synastry
The comparison of two birth charts to analyze relationship compatibility. Synastry examines how one person’s planets aspect the other’s, revealing areas of harmony, attraction, tension, and growth potential between two people.
T
Transit
The current position of a planet in the sky relative to your birth chart. When a transiting planet forms an aspect to one of your natal planets, it activates that part of your chart. Transits are the primary tool for astrological forecasting.
Trine
An aspect where two planets are approximately 120° apart. Trines are the most harmonious aspect, creating natural flow and ease between two planets. They indicate innate talents and areas where things come easily.
T-Square
A pattern formed when two planets in opposition both square a third planet. T-squares create dynamic tension and a strong drive to resolve the conflict represented by the focal planet (the one receiving both squares).
W
Whole Sign Houses
A house system where each house corresponds exactly to one zodiac sign. The ascendant’s sign becomes the entire first house, the next sign becomes the second house, and so on. This was the original house system used in Hellenistic astrology.
Frequently Asked Questions
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