Astrology Glossary
Over 92 essential astrology terms defined — from zodiac signs and planets to houses, aspects, and advanced concepts.
Showing 92 of 92 terms
1
10th House
The House of Career, governing public reputation, achievements, authority, and one parent (traditionally the father). Its cusp is the Midheaven (MC).
Learn more: Houses →11th House
The House of Community, governing friendships, groups, social causes, hopes, and wishes.
Learn more: Houses →12th House
The House of the Unconscious, governing hidden matters, spirituality, isolation, karma, and self-undoing.
Learn more: Houses →1st House
The House of Self, governing your appearance, personality, and how you present yourself to the world. It begins at the Ascendant.
Learn more: Houses →2
2nd House
The House of Possessions, governing personal finances, material resources, values, and self-worth.
Learn more: Houses →3
3rd House
The House of Communication, governing short-distance travel, siblings, early education, and daily interactions.
Learn more: Houses →4
4th House
The House of Home and Family, governing your roots, domestic life, real estate, and one parent (traditionally the mother). Its cusp is the Imum Coeli (IC).
Learn more: Houses →5
5th House
The House of Pleasure, governing creativity, romance, children, hobbies, and self-expression.
Learn more: Houses →6
6th House
The House of Health, governing daily routines, work environment, service, and physical well-being.
Learn more: Houses →7
7th House
The House of Partnerships, governing marriage, business partnerships, and one-on-one relationships. Its cusp is the Descendant.
Learn more: Houses →8
8th House
The House of Transformation, governing shared resources, inheritance, sexuality, death, and rebirth.
Learn more: Houses →9
9th House
The House of Philosophy, governing higher education, long-distance travel, religion, and the search for meaning.
Learn more: Houses →A
Air Signs
Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Air signs are characterized by intellect, social awareness, communication skills, and an analytical approach to ideas.
Learn more: Elements →Aquarius
The eleventh sign of the zodiac (January 20 - February 18), a fixed air sign traditionally ruled by Saturn and modernly by Uranus. Aquarius is associated with innovation, humanitarianism, and independence.
Learn more: Zodiac Signs →Aries
The first sign of the zodiac (March 21 - April 19), a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars. Aries is associated with initiative, courage, and assertiveness.
Learn more: Zodiac Signs →Ascendant
The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the time of birth, also called the Rising sign. It defines the 1st house cusp and represents your outward persona and first impressions.
Learn more: Houses →C
Cancer
The fourth sign of the zodiac (June 21 - July 22), a cardinal water sign ruled by the Moon. Cancer is associated with nurturing, emotional depth, and home.
Learn more: Zodiac Signs →Capricorn
The tenth sign of the zodiac (December 22 - January 19), a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn. Capricorn is associated with ambition, discipline, and responsibility.
Learn more: Zodiac Signs →Cardinal Signs
The four signs that begin each season: Aries (spring), Cancer (summer), Libra (autumn), and Capricorn (winter). Cardinal signs are initiators and leaders.
Learn more: Modalities →Cazimi
When a planet is within 17 arc minutes (less than 0.3 degrees) of the exact center of the Sun. Unlike combust, cazimi is considered a position of great strength and empowerment.
Chart Ruler
The planet that rules the sign on the Ascendant. The chart ruler is one of the most important planets in the birth chart, influencing your overall life direction and personality.
Chiron
An asteroid/comet orbiting between Saturn and Uranus, known as the "Wounded Healer." Chiron's placement shows your deepest wound and your capacity to heal others through that experience.
Combust
When a planet is within approximately 8 degrees of the Sun, its energy is said to be overwhelmed or "burned up" by solar intensity, weakening the planet's expression.
Composite Chart
A chart created by calculating the midpoints between two people's natal planets, representing the relationship itself as a separate entity.
Learn more: Composite Charts →Conjunction
An aspect formed when two planets are at or near 0 degrees apart. Conjunctions merge planetary energies, intensifying their combined expression.
Learn more: Aspects →Cusp
The dividing line between two zodiac signs or two astrological houses. Being "born on the cusp" means your Sun is near the boundary between two signs.
D
Decan
A subdivision of each zodiac sign into three 10-degree segments. Each decan modifies the sign's expression, with the first decan being the purest expression of the sign.
Degree
The unit of measurement used in astrology. Each zodiac sign spans 30 degrees, and the entire zodiac circle contains 360 degrees. Planet positions are measured in degrees within their sign.
Descendant
The point directly opposite the Ascendant, marking the cusp of the 7th house. It represents the qualities you seek in partners and how you relate in one-on-one relationships.
Detriment
A position of difficulty where a planet is in the sign opposite its rulership. For example, Mars in Libra (opposite Aries) or Venus in Scorpio (opposite Taurus).
Dignity
A system for evaluating planetary strength based on sign placement. A planet in its own sign (domicile) or exaltation is considered dignified and functions well.
Direct
When a planet resumes its normal forward motion through the zodiac after a retrograde period. Going direct signifies renewed forward momentum in the planet's domain.
E
Earth Signs
Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Earth signs are characterized by practicality, reliability, sensuality, and a grounded approach to the material world.
Learn more: Elements →Electional Astrology
A branch of astrology focused on choosing the most favorable time to begin an activity, such as starting a business, getting married, or launching a project.
Element
One of four fundamental categories (Fire, Earth, Air, Water) that group zodiac signs by temperament. Each element contains three signs and describes a basic mode of energy expression.
Learn more: Elements →Ephemeris
A table or database listing the precise positions of celestial bodies at regular intervals. AstroMood uses the Swiss Ephemeris for calculations accurate to 0.001 arc seconds.
Exaltation
A position of strength where a planet functions at its best. For example, the Sun is exalted in Aries, and the Moon is exalted in Taurus.
F
Fall
A position of weakness where a planet is in the sign opposite its exaltation. For example, the Sun in Libra (opposite Aries) or Saturn in Aries (opposite Libra).
Fire Signs
Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Fire signs are characterized by enthusiasm, passion, confidence, and a dynamic, action-oriented approach to life.
Learn more: Elements →Fixed Signs
The four signs in the middle of each season: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. Fixed signs are stabilizers who maintain and sustain what has been started.
Learn more: Modalities →G
Gemini
The third sign of the zodiac (May 21 - June 20), a mutable air sign ruled by Mercury. Gemini is associated with communication, curiosity, and adaptability.
Learn more: Zodiac Signs →Grand Cross
A pattern formed when four planets create two oppositions that square each other, forming a cross shape. Grand crosses indicate major tension that drives achievement.
Grand Trine
A pattern formed when three planets are each approximately 120 degrees apart, creating an equilateral triangle in the chart. Grand trines indicate natural ease and talent.
H
Horary Astrology
A branch of astrology that answers specific questions by casting a chart for the moment a question is asked. The chart of the question reveals the answer.
I
Imum Coeli
The lowest point of the chart (IC), marking the cusp of the 4th house. It represents your roots, private life, home environment, and psychological foundation.
Intercepted Sign
A sign that is completely contained within a house without appearing on either cusp. Intercepted signs indicate energies that may be harder to access or express outwardly.
J
Jupiter
The planet of expansion, abundance, and wisdom. Jupiter rules Sagittarius and co-rules Pisces, spending about 12 months in each sign.
Learn more: Planets →L
Leo
The fifth sign of the zodiac (July 23 - August 22), a fixed fire sign ruled by the Sun. Leo is associated with creativity, confidence, and self-expression.
Learn more: Zodiac Signs →Libra
The seventh sign of the zodiac (September 23 - October 22), a cardinal air sign ruled by Venus. Libra is associated with balance, harmony, and partnership.
Learn more: Zodiac Signs →Lilith
Also called Black Moon Lilith, it represents the lunar apogee point. Lilith in the chart symbolizes raw feminine power, suppressed desires, and the shadow self.
Lunar Return
A chart cast for the moment the Moon returns to its natal position each month, used to forecast emotional themes for the upcoming lunar cycle.
Learn more: Lunar Return Charts →M
Mars
The planet of action, energy, and desire. Mars rules Aries and co-rules Scorpio, governing drive, aggression, and how you assert yourself.
Learn more: Planets →Mercury
The planet of communication, intellect, and mental processes. Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo and governs how you think, speak, and process information.
Learn more: Planets →Midheaven
The highest point of the chart, marking the cusp of the 10th house. The Midheaven (MC) represents career, public image, and life direction.
Learn more: Houses →Modality
One of three categories (Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable) that describe how zodiac signs initiate and respond to change. Each modality contains four signs.
Learn more: Modalities →Moon
The luminary governing emotions, instincts, and the subconscious. The Moon changes signs approximately every 2.5 days and represents your emotional nature.
Learn more: Planets →Mundane Astrology
The branch of astrology concerned with world events, politics, nations, and collective trends rather than individual birth charts.
Mutable Signs
The four signs at the end of each season: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. Mutable signs are adaptable and facilitate transitions between seasons.
Learn more: Modalities →N
Natal Chart
A map of the sky at the exact moment and location of your birth, showing the positions of all planets across the 12 zodiac signs and 12 houses. Also called a birth chart.
Learn more: Natal Charts →Neptune
The planet of dreams, spirituality, and illusion. Neptune is the modern ruler of Pisces and takes approximately 165 years to orbit the zodiac.
Learn more: Planets →North Node
A mathematical point representing your soul's growth direction and karmic destiny in this lifetime. It indicates lessons to embrace and skills to develop.
O
Opposition
A challenging aspect formed when two planets are approximately 180 degrees apart. Oppositions create polarity and the need to balance competing forces.
Learn more: Aspects →Orb
The allowable range of degrees within which an aspect is considered active. Tighter orbs (1-3 degrees) indicate stronger aspects, while wider orbs (up to 8-10 degrees) are weaker.
P
Part of Fortune
An Arabic Part calculated from the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. It indicates an area of natural luck, talent, and worldly success in the birth chart.
Pisces
The twelfth sign of the zodiac (February 19 - March 20), a mutable water sign traditionally ruled by Jupiter and modernly by Neptune. Pisces is associated with intuition, compassion, and imagination.
Learn more: Zodiac Signs →Pluto
The planet of transformation, power, and rebirth. Pluto is the modern ruler of Scorpio and takes approximately 248 years to orbit the zodiac.
Learn more: Planets →Progressed Chart
A chart calculated using secondary progressions, where each day after birth represents one year of life. Progressed charts reveal inner psychological evolution.
Learn more: Progressed Charts →Q
Quincunx
An aspect formed when two planets are approximately 150 degrees apart, also called an inconjunct. Quincunxes require adjustment between two incompatible energies.
Learn more: Aspects →R
Retrograde
The apparent backward motion of a planet as seen from Earth. During retrograde periods, the planet's themes are turned inward for review and reassessment.
Learn more: Retrogrades →Ruling Planet
The planet that has natural affinity with and governance over a zodiac sign. For example, Mars rules Aries, Venus rules Taurus and Libra, and Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo.
S
Sagittarius
The ninth sign of the zodiac (November 22 - December 21), a mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter. Sagittarius is associated with exploration, philosophy, and optimism.
Learn more: Zodiac Signs →Saturn
The planet of structure, discipline, and responsibility. Saturn rules Capricorn and co-rules Aquarius, taking about 29.5 years to orbit the zodiac.
Learn more: Planets →Scorpio
The eighth sign of the zodiac (October 23 - November 21), a fixed water sign traditionally ruled by Mars and modernly by Pluto. Scorpio is associated with intensity, transformation, and depth.
Learn more: Zodiac Signs →Sect
An ancient astrological concept dividing charts into day (diurnal) or night (nocturnal) based on whether the Sun is above or below the horizon. Sect determines which planets are more favorable.
Sextile
A harmonious aspect formed when two planets are approximately 60 degrees apart. Sextiles indicate opportunities that require some effort to activate.
Learn more: Aspects →Solar Return
A chart cast for the exact moment the Sun returns to its natal position each year, used to forecast themes and events for the year ahead.
Learn more: Solar Return Charts →South Node
A mathematical point opposite the North Node, representing past-life skills and comfort zones. It indicates talents you already possess but need to move beyond.
Square
A challenging aspect formed when two planets are approximately 90 degrees apart. Squares create tension that motivates growth and action.
Learn more: Aspects →Stellium
A cluster of three or more planets in the same zodiac sign or house, concentrating a significant amount of energy in that area of the chart.
Sun
The luminary representing your core identity, ego, and conscious self. The Sun spends roughly 30 days in each zodiac sign and determines your Sun sign.
Learn more: Planets →Synastry
A compatibility technique that compares two birth charts by examining how planets in one chart interact with planets in another through inter-chart aspects and house overlays.
Learn more: Synastry Charts →T
T-Square
A pattern formed when two planets in opposition both square a third planet, creating a T shape. The focal planet of the T-Square becomes a point of tension and motivation.
Taurus
The second sign of the zodiac (April 20 - May 20), a fixed earth sign ruled by Venus. Taurus is associated with stability, sensuality, and determination.
Learn more: Zodiac Signs →Transit Chart
A chart showing the current positions of planets relative to your natal chart. Transits indicate timing for events and shifts as moving planets activate natal placements.
Learn more: Transit Charts →Trine
A harmonious aspect formed when two planets are approximately 120 degrees apart. Trines indicate natural talent and ease of flow between planetary energies.
Learn more: Aspects →U
Uranus
The planet of revolution, innovation, and sudden change. Uranus is the modern ruler of Aquarius and takes approximately 84 years to orbit the zodiac.
Learn more: Planets →V
Venus
The planet of love, beauty, and values. Venus rules Taurus and Libra and governs relationships, aesthetics, and what you find pleasurable.
Learn more: Planets →Vertex
A sensitive point in the chart associated with fated encounters and destined relationships. It is most often found in the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th house.
Virgo
The sixth sign of the zodiac (August 23 - September 22), a mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury. Virgo is associated with analysis, service, and attention to detail.
Learn more: Zodiac Signs →Void of Course Moon
A period when the Moon makes no major aspects before leaving its current sign. Traditionally, actions initiated during void-of-course periods are less likely to produce results.
Learn more: Moon Calendar →W
Water Signs
Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. Water signs are characterized by emotional depth, intuition, empathy, and a sensitive approach to the world.
Learn more: Elements →Y
Yod
A rare pattern formed by two planets in sextile (60 degrees) that both quincunx (150 degrees) a third planet. Called the "Finger of God," it indicates a fated mission or special purpose.