Accidental Dignity - Planet dignified by favorable position, motion or aspect, but not in Essential Dignity.
Affliction - Adverse aspects between planets, or between a planet and a cusp or other sensitive point.
Air Element - One of the four astrological elements. A masculine element, it stands for intellect, media, and matters to do with communications and so on. The other elements are, Fire, Water and Earth. Air Signs: Libra (cardinal), Aquarius (fixed) and Gemini (mutable).
Amplification- Method used by Jungian Psychotherapists to learn about one's unconscious through amplifying clues until material is available to conscious thought, usually done through dreams and fantasies.
Anima- archetypes of the female located deep in a man's psyche. It embodies everything female for him.
Animas – archetype of the male located deep in a woman's psyche embodying everything male for her Aquarius/eleventh house - these are the issues of invention, erratic change, melancholic or despondent feelings, retiring, stubborn, aggressive or rebellious when needed. Restricted detached thinking, realism, practical, persistent and progressive humanitarian causes. Aquarius often first at thinking and doing things because you are an idealistic, independent, inventive thinker who is quick-witted, aggressive and combative.
Archetype - Motifs or themes of persons, which can be recognized universally as character traits, found common to all peoples, their fantasies, children's stories, and mythologies Aries/first house - these are the issues of pioneering, of being first, of bold, impulsive, action. Aries is a zodiac leader by right of its first position in the zodiac, at the beginning of Spring. Aries represents the latent life force of the previous cycle now only just starting to create growth. To be independent, self-assertive, and to set an action in motion are your prime objectives. Normally brave and courageous, you can be rebellious as well.
Aspects – the mathematical relationship between planets in a chart as they appear from the Earth. For example, if two planets are 60 degrees apart, this is an aspect called a Sextile and has certain characteristics
Astrology – is the study of the action of celestial bodies and life events/ personality traits
Astronomy – is the scientific study of space, stars and planets
Astro-therapy or clinical therapy - is remedial treatment for life's difficulties utilizing the astrological chart for clues to solutions. Clinical astrology is the integration of astrological and psychological principles first suggested by Carl Jung.
Barren Planets - Sun, Uranus, Saturn and Mars. These planets (along with the Dragon's Tail, or Moon's South Node) tend to prevent the birth, or cause early death, of children when located in either of the parents' fifth or eleventh houses. Barren Signs - Gemini, Leo and Virgo. Aries is also considered rather barren. If on fifth or eleventh house cusps they tend to reduce the number of offspring. Good for tilling, bad for planting.
Benefices - Jupiter (the greater fortune) and Venus (the lesser fortune). These planets are considered to benefit the native, unless afflicted. Cancer/four house - these are the issues of the nurturing parent, maternal love, home, endings. As a Cancer you're impressionable, and your sensitivity to harsh external forces requires you to constantly reestablish emotional balance to function outside your shell. Memories of your early emotional dependence and parental nurturing serve as a permanent reminder of the importance of feeling secure.
Capricorn/tenth house - these are the issues of public self, career, honors. Capricorn represents the father figure, and unless you've been severely wounded by your own father, you probably have the welfare of the community or family in mind. You enjoy regulating and managing others' affairs and take pride in providing for, directing and protecting others. You present a public image of confidence, poise and virtuosity.
Cardinal - Cardinal - the element which shows influence on outward issues & leadership Cardinal Signs - Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. They stand for the seasonal changes. Cardinal signs on the angles of a chart denote prominence in related fields.
Christian Astrology – the practice of astrology proposed formally by the priest William Lilly that contained strict ethical and spiritual concepts for delineating a chart.
Collective Consciousness - One of two complementary spheres of the collective psyche including the contents of which are easily accessible.
Collective Unconscious - The other sphere of the collective psyche which contains now unknown (previously known) thoughts, feelings associations, etc. Common (Mutable) Signs - Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces.
Complexes - Jung described certain types of feeling-toned ideas that tend to create a strongly charged environment (internally) or reaction (externally). The chart describes this in: 8th house or with Saturn, Pluto, relationship between Saturn and a luminary and retrograde planets.
Complexes -An idea with emotionally sensitive and charged feeling which attempts to wiggle into consciousness.
Conjunction – this is an aspect when two planets appear to be together, near the same degree. This gives emphasis to the planets.
Conjunction (Conjunct) - An aspect where the chart factors concerned are within 8° orb of arc. It is usually a helpful energy, which creates self-nurturing, inner strength and ambition. It also can create intensity, stress and confusion.
Constellations - A circle beyond the zodiac, having sections with the same names as the signs, containing groups of fixed stars. Ancient astrology had only forty-eight constellations, although modern astronomers have named many more. There are no fixed stars in the zodiac only planets inhabit the zodiac belt.
Critical Degree - A planet's strength in the chart is increased when in any of these degrees or within an orb of 3 degrees of the critical degree.
Cusp – either the dividing line separating a sign from the one prior or the line dividing a house from the one prior
Decan – each of the signs can be divided by thirds into three, 10-degree sections Declination - Distance of a planet north or south of the equator. Every part of the ecliptic has declination except the beginning of Aries and Libra, because the plane of the ecliptic is not parallel with that of the equator, which meet at those two points. The Sun has maximum declination of 23° 28', when it reaches the tropics of Cancer in the north and Capricorn in the south. Declination is due to the inclination of the earth in orbit.
Degree – a unit of measurement of a circle. Astrology uses 360 degree notions about the circle, which means the sun, for example, moves almost a degree in each of the 365 days
Determinism – the belief that there is no free will
Detriment - A planet is weaker and in its detriment when it is in the sign opposing that which it rules. Dignities, Accidental and Essential a planet is stronger when placed in certain sectors of the chart, which are called its dignities. Accidental Dignity: a planet's position by house or by other beneficial factors. Essential Dignity: this refers to a planet's position by sign (home sign, exaltation, or triplicity) Accidental is more significant than Essential Dignity in the interpretation, although both are important. The unfortunate influence of a malefic is usually diminished when in dignity, whilst the fortunate influence of a benefit is increased.
Directions - Aspects between planets in a progressed horoscope
Dispositor - When a planet is in the sign ruled by another, that planet is said to be disposed of by the ruler, its dispositor. For example, Mars in Sagittarius is said to be disposed of by Jupiter, the ruler of that sign. Jupiter is thus the dispositor of Mars. Disposition by a benefic is favorable and especially so if the dispositor is elevated or more elevated than the disposed. In synastry, Mutual Disposition (when planets are in each other's signs, e.g.: Moon in Leo and Sun in Cancer) is very favorable and reduces any surrounding negativity. Diurnal - Planets above the horizon (between the first and seventh cusps via the Mid-Heaven), versus Nocturnal below the horizon.
Earth Element - One of the four astrological elements. A feminine element, it stands for materiality, solidity, and matters to do with security and so on. The other elements are, Fire, Air and Water.
Earth Signs - Taurus (fixed), Virgo (mutable), Capricorn (cardinal). Easter - Christian festival of Christ's resurrection, occurring approximately with the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Easter is named after the ancient German goddess of spring, Eaostre. This calendar festivity has origins in earlier European and Middle Eastern cultures, all of, which had major festivals, usually to do with resurrection and/or release from bondage, based around the vernal equinox.
Eclipses – the full or partial blocking of the appearance of a luminary by a luminary as seen from the Earth Ecliptic – the imaginary line which serves as the backdrop of the stars by the Earth's orbit Element – one of four basic temperaments such as Earth, Fire, Water, Air Ephemeris – the almanac which lists the daily planetary positions by sign and degree
Ethical Standards in Astrology – Codes of appropriate behaviors are contained in most astrological organization's originating bylaws. However, there is a long tradition of concern for using astrology wisely beginning with Maternus who lived in the 300's BC
Extroversion - An attitude that focuses on expression and communication of inner self. Seeking of recognition, socially oriented, exhilarated by social contact Finger of God - Also called the Yod. Has two planets in sextile (60°) aspect to each other; each making a 150° aspect focused on the same third planet (opposing their midpoint). Indicative of a special life purpose, it creates the feeling of steadiness, special passion, deep aspiration and a strong inner drive to accomplish something special.
Fire Signs - Aries (cardinal), Leo (fixed), Sagittarius (mutable). Fixed - energy of an element that shows fixity, stability
Four functions - These are thinking, feeling, sensation and intuition. Each of these form with one of the attitudes (introversion and extroversion) resulting in eight potential types. Thinking processes "about" a situation. Feeling is a reasoning method utilizing an opinion or point of view and is also perceived at a distance from the situation. Sensation is an irrational method of collecting the data from the senses. Intuition is also irrational and is perceptually achieved but unconsciously.
Gemini/third house - these are the issues of concrete thinking, communication, cleverness, siblings. Gemini is curious, you collect information and can learn by osmosis. You enjoy the use of words. You are quick, perceptive, clever, playful and imaginative, and you express yourself to feel alive. Though your thought content may not be the most profound, your engaging manner and interesting tales which charm. Like air, you feel fresh when you can move around mentally and physically unrestricted
Geocentric astrology – the study of the zodiac which describes the planets and luminaries as seen from the Earth's position
Grand Cross - Two sets of oppositions at right angles to each other. An aspect representing difficult energy. It creates frustration, anger, stress, and intensity. It promotes self-growth
Grand Trine - Three planets spaced 120° apart around the chart. An aspect representing very easy energy. It shows the continuous use of natural talents and abilities, is an area of comfort, and can assist life in being either positive or negative.
Heliocentric astrology – the study of the zodiac using planetary positions relevant to the sun Horoscope – hour pointer, a map of the heavens Houses – the wedge sections in the (Tropical) chart. Each house describes a different subject matter for analysis.
Inconjunct – this is when two planets are 150 degrees apart and shows the need for adjustment
Individuation process - The unconscious holds one's important potentials that need to be actualized as the person moves toward becoming his/her own free and unique person. This process ebbs and flows throughout one's life.
Intercepted - When a sign is fully enclosed between the cusps of a house without actually being on either cusp it is described as being intercepted. This only appears in charts; signs are never intercepted in the zodiac.
Introversion - An attitude which focuses on understanding and self-perception. Consolidation and defense of self, withholding. Tiring after much interaction, needing time alone to restore self.
Jungian Astrology - Carl Jung was interested in the intuitive arts, parapsychology's, and lightwork in general. Jungian Astrology applies his psychological principles. It appreciates the application of processes described in the personal chart to deepening the understanding of one's consciousness.
Jupiter – this represents the expansion or growth of the person Karma – principle of universal causality depending on one's actions, the basic spiritual law of action and reaction.
Latitude (Celestial) - Measurement of distance of any planet or star north or south of the ecliptic. The Sun does not have any latitude. Latitude (Terrestrial) - Degree of distance of any place north or south of the Earth's equator.
Leo/fifth house - these are the issues of paternal love, children, romance, warmth, generosity. You're naturally inclined to project the confidence, nobility, strength, virility, and courage of the lion with all others dependent upon you for leadership, guidance and solar energy. You love the enhanced sense of self and you'll create ways to gain the position of leadership you feel you deserve.
Libra/seventh house - these are the issues of balance, interpersonal harmony, partnership. You strive for mental equilibrium and harmony in your life and environment. You weigh things one against the other, considering every side of an issue. By taking a logical approach to reaching an objective judgment you can save time and make wise decisions quickly. Otherwise, you can find yourself floundering in indecision and fluctuation, straddling the fence or wavering from one extreme of the scale to the other.
Long Ascension - Signs of long ascension take longer to ascend than others. Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius. Long and short ascension are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere.
Longitude (Celestial) - Measurement along the ecliptic in terms of signs and degrees from the point of the vernal equinox (0° Aries). The longitude of a planet in the 126th degree of the zodiac is 6° Leo.
Longitude (Terrestrial) - Distance in degrees, minutes and seconds of any place east or west of Greenwich English.
Luminaries – celestial bodies which reflects light on the Earth such as the sun and moon Lunation - A lunar period. Measured from one place in the zodiac until her return there. Also used to describe different aspects of the Moon to the Sun, thus accounting for her phases. A chart made for the moment the Moon hits the Sun is called a Lunation Chart.
Mandala – magic circle of gate to knowledge of the soul, a chart (tropical)
Map of the psyche - the concept by some that the Mandala, or astrological chart is a blueprint of the self-chosen characteristics of the personality Mars – this shows the features of your energy, how and where you expend your energy. It is the male principle
Mercury – shows your thinking style and the way you communicate
Midheaven - this is the top point of the chart.
Moon – represents the emotions or feminine principles, instinct Moon's nodes – the lunar nodes are two points in the chart always 180 degrees from one another. This shows where the orbit of the moon around the Earth appears to cross the path of Earth's own orbit around the point. This is where eclipses occur.
Mutable - the element which describes a fluid, changeable energy
Nadir - Cusp of fourth house, Lower Meridien, Imum Coeli (IC).
Natal or Birth chart – this is "snap shop" or map of the heavens at the time you were born. It is a blue print for personality characteristics or life events. Astrology does not compel behavior. It does reveal trends and energies that suggest options from which you choose behaviors.
Nativity - Moment of first breath.
Naturalism – the belief that everything exists has a material component
Negative energies – these are energies that are stifling or restrictive to your spirit
Neptune – this represents the spiritual or intuitive urge
Objectivism – the idea that there is an objective world that exists apart from the perspective of the observer
Occidental & Oriental - From cusp of tenth house westward to the fourth house is occidental. The opposite half is oriental. Planets are sometimes described as being occidental or oriental of the Sun.
Occidental means feminine, setting before the Sun, oriental means masculine, rising after the Sun.
Occultation - From the Earth, a transiting planet will sometimes hide other planets or stars temporarily, similar to an eclipse but not with a luminary. The phenomenon is termed occultation to distinguish it from eclipses. An occultation is equal to a powerful total or partile conjunction
Opposition – this is when two planets are 180 degrees apart and shows awareness
Parallel Aspect (Zodiacal) - Planets having equal distance in declination on the same side of the equator. A similar effect to the conjunction. Contra-parallel is the equal distance in declination on opposite sides of the equator and is similar in effect to the opposition aspect.
Personal unconscious- the personal, individual storage of painful memories, ideas, long forgotten subliminal perceptions occur here. Complexes react here. Some say this is signified in the chart by the 12th house and 8 th house configurations or by Neptune or Pluto.
Pisces/twelfth house - these are the issues of spirituality, imagination, fluid boundaries, martyrism. The alternate reality you create with fantasy and dreams. Spiritual bliss being much more attractive to you than the material plane. You could be an ascetic addicted to spiritual attainment, turning your back on the world. Rather than retreating into drugs, or drinking, you can tune into your higher self through meditation.
Planet- From an old word meaning "wanderer." The planets are those celestial bodies that seem to move through the zodiac. In astrology, the planets include the Sun and the Moon. Those that do not move are known as the Fixed Stars. Jung felt they were symbols of the points of the unconscious in the natal chart.
Pluto – this shows where you may need the powers of transformation
Positive energies – these are energies that are spiritually uplifting, the "feel good" feelings.
Positivism – the idea that what is "real" is defined by that which can be perceived by the physical senses
Precession (of the Equinoxes) - due to the pole of the equator revolving around the pole of the ecliptic, the equinoctial point moves backward with relation to the constellations (at the rate of approximately 50" per year). Therefore, it makes a revolution through each of the twelve constellations in the great cosmic year of 25,920 earthly years to pass through one constellation. Authorities disagree as to the exact position of the vernal equinox (0° Aries) at present, but all are agreed that it is approaching the end of the Age of Pisces and entering the Age of Aquarius.
Progressed Horoscope - A chart calculated for as many days after birth as there are years in the life of the native
Puers - male and female archetypes which express the eternal youth (Peter Pan). Can be found in the chart in many ways, including: Mercury, Gemini, and 3rd house.
Quality – one of three qualities of signs, such as cardinal, fixed and mutable
Reception (mutual) - Planets in each other's dignities act as though in good aspect to each other.
Rectification - Correcting the given birth time to true birth time by comparing the nature and date of significant events in the life with the aspects denoting them.
Reductionism – the assumption that complicated ideas and experiences can be explained through breaking them down and analyzing their parts
Retrograde motion – this occurs when the planet appears (from the Earth) to be moving backward. It has certain characteristics when found in a chart, such as retrograde transits "reviewing" - re-covering already charted ground. In a personal chart this can show complexes, such as retrograde Venus which may increase the probability of feeling unlovable.
Rising sign – also called the ascendant. It is the location where the Eastern horizon hits your chart at the time you were born. In a radix or natal chart this shows a significant influence on the personality. It shows the characteristics of the outward traits of the personality or basic presentation (appearance). The horizon is the arbitrary place the chart "begins." It is the degree where the first house starts. This correlates to the Persona or Mask archetype in some Jungian Astrology systems.
Sagittarius/ninth house - these are the issues of spirituality, other cultures, philosophies, higher mind, publishing. You are enthusiastic, gregarious, generous and cheerful. But watch out: your love for fun and tendency for exaggeration can be misleading. When you project your thoughts and knowledge, your listeners learn. It's the spirit of the human upper half of the centaur that yearns to find the truth that will set us free. And it's in your nature to share what you've learned with others. Experience and embarrassment will temper your tendency to be recklessly outspoken and tactless.
Saturn – shows where you exhibit discipline and where learning is needed or fears play out. It is sometimes considered the "shadow" archetype or even the Wise Old Woman or Man archetype. Some feel it assists the sun with defining personal consciousness and self. It can be part of the anima, or explain ego defects/defenses.
Saturn Return - A twenty-nine year cycle, representing a time in life when we feel frustrated, angry, sad, confused, tired and insecure. A time when we become aware that we must accept responsibility for our actions. Overall, it is the harvesting of or "reaping" what we have sown over the last 29 years.
Scorpio/eighth house - these are the issues of hidden things, metaphysics, psychology, transformation, sex, death, inheritance, shared monies. You likely will experience all the sign's traits to some extent through the serious transformation. That is, you will likely experience psychological death and regeneration process. Contrasts and extremes of virtue and vice are imbedded in every Scorpio, waiting for employment or transcendence.
Secondary Directions - The progressed horoscope, based on the "day for a year" system of progressing the nativity first employed by the ancient Arabian astrologers, see progression which means the same.
Sextile – the characteristic of this aspect between planets in a chart is "potential"
Shadow or Umbra – archetypal character representing the "dark" or Hidden side, 12th house or Pluto/Saturn
Sidereal Zodiac (or fixed zodiac) – this type of astrology is usually associated with the practice of Hindu astrology. The sidereal zodiac is located where the constellations are actually positioned. It uses a fixed point, the 0 degree of Aries to begin the zodiac and does not adjust for the seasons, as does tropical (moving) astrology.
Significator - In Natal Astrology, the planet which rules the Ascendant. In Horary, the planet ruling the house governing the matter or person in question. Signs - Twelve equal divisions of the zodiac: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
Solar arc – the measure between the solar position in the natal chart and the number of days that corresponds to a specific year of life. Used for forecasting.
Solar Return - A chart constructed for the moment when the Sun returns to the degree and minute of its longitude at the time of birth. (Because of the Sun's irregular apparent motion, it seldom returns at the same time as birth). It is a subtle technique to look at the following year. A solar return chart (using the latitude of the present residence for construction of House Cusps) shows the course of events during the coming year. The transits of planets over these chart features are used to time and date the events indicated. The solar return should be compared with the birth chart and the progressed chart to obtain the best reading.
Soul image- The relationship between the person's understandings of male and female (anima/animas). Astrological hints about this are found in the sun and moon and other features.
Square – this is an aspect when two planets are 90 degrees apart. It shows tension
Sun – represents the inner self or personality, ego
Symbol - Images that are actually expressions of the not-yet known (to the individual).
Synchronic – a spatial process whereby more than one thing is happening at different levels at the same time
Synchronic compensation - A phenomenon which simultaneously increases unconscious activity when the conscious part of the psyche is functioning inadequately. This could be described in the chart by aspects.
Taurus/second house - these are the issues of values, beauty, environmental harmony, love. You enjoy luxurious material goods, fine food, financial growth, culture and all that is pleasurable and comforting, and you don't mind work.
Transit – means moving or going over. This is the planet's journey around the zodiac transiting a variable orbit.
Trickster – archetypal carnival character who provides barriers to our goals, causing "accidents" etc. Usually Uranus, Pluto or Mercury
Trine – this is an aspect when two planets are 120 degrees apart. It shows harmony
Tropic - The line of latitude which is approx. 23° 28' either north (Cancer) or south (Capricorn) of the equator, corresponding to the furthest point of the ecliptic. The place where the Sun pauses then reverses its declination at the summer and winter solstices. Tropical Signs Cancer and Capricorn.
Uranus - this erratic planet shows the urge for change or freedom from tradition
Venus – represents harmony affection and sense of values Vernal Equinox - Spring Equinox (Northern Hemisphere). The first degree of Aries, the beginning of the astrological year.
Vertex - Point used representing the inner life of the ascendant. Calculated by inverting the degree of the Ascendant (i.e. calculating the degree of the ascendant as if the native were born in the opposite hemisphere and calling this point the Vertex).
Virgo/sixth house - these are the issues of health, precision craftsmanship, analytic thought. You understand the rewards of hard work, which entails measuring differences, looking at details, and memorizing data. Your love for order and harmony is seen in the way you approach life. You function because you're an earth sign with the mental approach that is practical. Not much gets by you without questioning it, because you need a place for everything. You're perpetually in the assessment and preparation stages of making adjustments.
Water Element - One of the four astrological elements. A feminine element, it stands for feeling, matters to do with intuition and so on. The other elements are, Fire, Air and Earth. Water Signs are: Cancer (cardinal), Scorpio (fixed), and Pisces (mutable).
Yod - See Finger of God.
Zodiac – the zodiac (zoological or "animal" circle) is seen as a belt around the earth's ecliptic arbitrarily divided into the twelve sections or signs (starting with Aries). From Earth, the planets appear to lie within this belt.
