Astrology Glossary
Air Signs: Intellectual and communicative zodiac signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius). These signs thrive on ideas, conversation, and social interaction, often acting as connectors in relationships. Known for seeing all perspectives, they can sometimes appear emotionally detached.
Ascendant (Rising Sign): The zodiac sign on the eastern horizon at birth. It influences outward behavior and the first impression you give to others. While the Sun Sign reflects core personality, the Rising Sign shows how you present yourself to the world.
Aspects: Angles formed between planets in a birth chart. These angles reflect how planetary energies interact, creating harmony or tension. Understanding Aspects reveals how different life areas work together or challenge each other.
Astrology: The study of how celestial bodies influence human life. By analyzing the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars' positions at birth, astrology provides insights into personality and life events. This ancient practice explores the connection between the cosmos and human experience.
Birth Chart: A snapshot of the sky at the time and place of birth. It shows the positions of planets and zodiac signs, revealing personality traits, strengths, challenges, and life experiences. Interpreting a birth chart offers deeper self-insight and guidance for life’s journey.
Cardinal Signs: Zodiac signs that initiate action (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn). These signs are associated with leadership and forward movement. Cardinal energy drives the beginning of new projects and sets things in motion.
Celestial Bodies: The Sun, Moon, planets, and stars in astrology. These bodies govern various areas of life, such as love, communication, and ambition. Their positions in the birth chart shape an individual’s astrological blueprint.
Conjunction: An alignment of two planets close together in the same zodiac sign. This aspect blends the energies of both planets, intensifying their influence. It creates focus and strong interaction, often amplifying traits or experiences.
Ecliptic: The Sun’s apparent path across the sky over the year. This path is where zodiac signs are arranged, guiding astrologers in tracking planetary movements. The ecliptic is the foundation for mapping celestial events in astrology.
Earth Signs: Practical and grounded zodiac signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn). Known for their focus on stability, hard work, and tangible results, Earth Signs are builders and nurturers, creating strong foundations for long-lasting success.
Elements: The four core energies of the zodiac: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. Each element influences the signs it rules, shaping how they interact with the world. Air is intellectual, Fire is passionate, Water is emotional, and Earth is practical.
Fire Signs: Energetic and bold zodiac signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius). These signs are driven by passion and action, always ready to pursue their goals. Fire Signs ignite excitement and inspire forward motion in themselves and others.
Fixed Signs: Zodiac signs with strong determination (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius). These signs are known for their unwavering focus and persistence. Fixed energy provides stability and the ability to see things through to completion.
Houses: The 12 divisions of a birth chart, representing different life areas.
Each House is connected to specific aspects of life, such as career, relationships, and personal growth. The planetary placements in these Houses influence those areas.
Modalities: The three ways zodiac signs express their energy: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable. Cardinal signs lead, Fixed signs stabilize, and Mutable signs adapt. Modalities organize how the zodiac signs engage with the world and handle challenges.
Moon Sign: Represents emotional nature and inner self in astrology. The Moon Sign reveals how you process feelings, what comforts you, and how you nurture yourself and others. It reflects your instinctive emotional reactions.
Mutable Signs: Adaptable and flexible zodiac signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces). These signs are problem-solvers, adjusting to change and embracing new situations. Mutable energy allows for versatility and quick thinking in dynamic environments.
North Node: Represents your soul’s purpose and the direction you are meant to move toward in this lifetime. It highlights the lessons you need to learn and the qualities you need to embrace for spiritual growth and fulfillment.
Opposition: An aspect where two planets are directly opposite each other. This aspect creates tension and contrast between planetary energies, highlighting opposing forces. Oppositions push for balance and compromise in life.
Planet: Celestial bodies that govern different areas of life in astrology. For example, Venus rules love and beauty, while Mercury governs communication. The placement of planets in your birth chart influences your experiences and personality.
Retrograde: When a planet appears to move backward in its orbit. This phenomenon shifts the planet's usual influence, often causing delays, reflection, or disruptions. Retrogrades are considered times to reassess, revisit, and realign.
Sextile: A positive aspect between two planets, 60 degrees apart. This harmonious aspect fosters opportunities for growth and collaboration, allowing talents to shine naturally. A Sextile is often seen as a "green light" for progress.
Square: A challenging aspect between two planets, 90 degrees apart. This aspect creates friction and tension, pushing for action and growth through overcoming obstacles. Squares often lead to breakthroughs after addressing difficulties.
Sun Sign: The zodiac sign in which the Sun was positioned at birth. It represents your core identity, personality, and life purpose. The Sun Sign reflects how you express yourself and your central motivations.
South Node: Represents past life energies or habits from early life that you have already mastered. It symbolizes the skills and behaviors you are comfortable with but are now being asked to evolve from in order to grow.
Synastry Chart: A comparison of two birth charts to assess relationship dynamics. This chart reveals areas of compatibility, strengths, and challenges between two individuals. Synastry Charts offer insights into how energies blend in relationships.
Transits: The current movement of planets and their interaction with a birth chart. Transits reflect real-time planetary shifts and how they influence your present experiences. These movements can bring changes, challenges, or new opportunities.
Trine: A harmonious aspect between two planets, 120 degrees apart. This aspect creates a natural flow of energy, promoting ease and positive growth. Trines often allow talents to be expressed effortlessly and bring favorable outcomes.
Water Signs: Emotional and intuitive zodiac signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). These signs are deeply connected to their feelings and are known for their compassion and empathy. Water Signs form deep emotional connections with others.
Zodiac Sign: Determined by the Sun’s position at the time of birth. Your Zodiac Sign represents your core traits, personality, and life outlook. It forms the foundation of your astrological identity and shapes how you interact with the world.