Astrology Glossary Study Reference
“Must Know” Terms
from an Astrologer's Notebook
- Astrologer : The title refers to a thoroughly trained and experienced practitioner of the art and science of Astrology.
- Astrology : The history, art and science of the study of relationships between people and events on earth, and the cycles, position, aspects, and motion of the Sun, Moon and eight planets along the ecliptic. In different cultures certain other points, asteroids and nodes are also considered.
- Decanate : Astrology Sun signs are divided into thirds. Decanate is the name given to each third of a sign. The root of the term is decan or ruler. The first decan of a sign—the first 10 degrees—is governed by its natural ruler. The second and third decans are governed by the rulers of the signs in the same quality, in successive order.
- Ephemeris : Annual tables of planetary positions for any place on earth at given times.
- Horary Astrology : Horoscope cast for an event, for a question, or to determine a favorable time to act, such as in starting a business or getting married.
- Horoscope - Chart - Nativity - Natal chart or Map : A plotting of the motion of geocentric positions of the planets as they relate to earth, and move through the ecliptic in their annual journey around the sun. They are charted in relation to the place and time of events or births. Image : Detail of the constellation Virgo from a German Calendar designed by Johannes Regiomontanus in 1512.
- Houses : The twelve divisions of the celestial equator. Similar to the division of the ecliptic or zodiac into signs, and numbered one to twelve counterclockwise from the ascendant. Houses represent areas of living such as personal—financial home.
- Mundane Astrology : The study of human affairs through the horoscopes of political leaders, historical events, or celestial phenomena.
- Natal Astrology : Study of and most most prevalent branch of Astrology. Charting and interpretation of a natal or birth chart made for the exact time and place of a person's birth.
- Native or Subject : The person for whom a natal chart or horoscope is cast, referred to in the interpretation of the chart
- Planet : In Astrology, any one of the 10 heavenly bodies situated along the ecliptic.
The Sun is a star, and the Moon is the Earth's satellite, but they are referred to as planets. The ten planets in their natural order—Sun,
Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
Image : The planet Saturn. Named for the Greek god Cronus and ruler of the astrological
sign Capricorn. - Rising Sign - Ascendant : The beginning degree of the 1st house based on the time of day and place of birth of the subject. Ascendant influences a person's public image and the face the subject presents, as well as how others perceive the subject. One of the primary points in a chart
- Ruler : The planet assigned as ruler to one or two of the twelve signs. Example - Mars rules Aries and is co-ruler of Scorpio. Also refers to the ruler of an individual chart.
- Transits : Interpreting a horoscope by relating the position of the planets today, or for a particular time span, to the position of the planets in a birth or mundane chart.
- Transits - Progressions – Directions : Interpreting a horoscope by relating the position of the planets today, or for a particular time span to the analysis of the natal or mundane horoscope. Image : Fresco of Zodiac Constellations in Palazzo Farnese, Caprarola, Italy.
- Zodiac : An imaginary belt or zone in the heavens, extending about eight degrees each side of the ecliptic. The 28 degree belt that the planets travel within. See “ecliptic,” also “Constellation.”
Image : Stonehenge megalithic structure near Salisbury, England. Archaeological evidence has
revealed that during the prehistoric era one of the functions of the site was determining the timing of significant astronomical events
including the solstice and equinox.
“Astrology is the oldest of all sciences. Its history can be traced so far into the past that it becomes a hopeless task to actually discover when and where it had its origin. From Babylonia and the Chaldeans we find a belief in Astrology spreading throughout the whole world. Once the religion of a great and mighty race, it taught its people wisely, lifting their aspirations by faith, hope and reverence through the media of the planetary spirits to the supreme One and Universal Spirit, the Logos of the solar system.
When we come to consider that Astrology was the beginning of most that we hold valuable in art, literature, religion and science, and know that the constellations were our first pictures, also that astronomy, and to a certain extent mathematics, sprang from Chaldean Astrology, we may judge of its value to humanity, and wonder not at its survival amidst the fall of nations and decline of mighty races.
The truth can never be destroyed, and when we recognize in Astrology the law of the Supreme Ruler of our solar system, we need
some courage before we commence the task of learning the harmony of that law; and yet, the same energy that is expended in seeking to refute it, if
turned in the direction of learning its first principles, would unbar the gate that leads to its understanding. ”
—Alan Leo,
Astrology for All, 1899
Astrology Glossaries Organized by Theme
General Terms Within the Study of Astrology Horoscope Terms Associated with Casting a Chart Psychological Terms Within the Study of Astrology