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Astrology Glossary

30 terms — search, learn

Natal Chart

The map of the sky at the moment of birth. Made of Sun, Moon and planet positions, houses and aspects.

Sun Sign

The zodiac sign the Sun was in at your birth. The most familiar astrological marker.

Moon Sign

The sign the Moon was in at your birth. Represents emotional nature and inner world.

Ascendant (Rising Sign)

The sign rising on the eastern horizon at birth. Influences outward style, first impressions and physical presence.

House

One of the 12 sections of the chart. Each house represents a different area of life (1st = self, 7th = relationships, 10th = career).

Aspect

The angular relationship between two planets. Conjunction (0°), opposition (180°), square (90°), trine (120°), sextile (60°).

Retrograde

When a planet appears to move backward from Earth. A theme of turning inward, review and delay.

Transit

Current planetary positions interacting with the natal chart. Shows present-day influences.

Synastry

Comparative analysis of two natal charts. Reveals relationship dynamics.

Progression

Symbolic advancement of the natal chart through time. Shows inner growth and maturation.

Element

4 base energies: Fire (courage), Earth (practicality), Air (communication), Water (feeling).

Modality

3 modes of action: Cardinal (initiator), Fixed (sustainer), Mutable (adapter).

Conjunction

Two planets meeting at the same degree (0°). Energies merge and intensify.

Opposition

Two planets at 180°. A search for balance, polarity and awareness.

Square

Two planets at 90°. Tension and challenge, but also a growth motivator.

Trine

Two planets at 120°. Natural talent, flow and easy energy.

Solar Return

The Sun's yearly return to its natal position. The chart of your new year.

Saturn Return

Saturn's return to its natal position roughly every 29 years. A growth, maturation and responsibility crisis.

MC (Medium Coeli)

Highest point of the chart, the 10th house cusp. Career, public image and life direction.

IC (Imum Coeli)

Lowest point of the chart, the 4th house cusp. Roots, family, home and inner security.

North Node

Direction of soul growth. Lessons to learn in this life.

South Node

Past-life patterns. Innate gifts, but also a comfort zone.

Void of Course

Period when the Moon makes no aspect to any planet before changing signs. Not ideal for decisions.

Decan

Three 10-degree subdivisions of each sign. Three different 'flavors' of the same sign.

Chiron

A minor planet/asteroid. The 'wounded healer' archetype. Shows your deepest wound and healing potential.

Lilith (Black Moon)

The farthest point of the Moon's orbit. Shadow feminine energy, suppressed power and taboos.

Profection

Annual timing technique. Each year advances one house. Sets the theme of the year.

Ephemeris

Daily table of planetary positions. The base data source for astrological calculation.

Tropical Zodiac

The system used by Western astrology. Based on equinox points; seasonal.

Sidereal Zodiac

The system used by Vedic astrology. Based on the actual stellar positions. About 24° different from tropical.

About this tool

An astrology terms glossary — short-medium-long explanations of 100+ terms like sign, planet, aspect, house, transit, retrograde, synastry, lilith, ascendant. An anti-panic for beginners ("what did I mix up with what"), a reference for experienced readers. Astrology is a technical field but the jargon feels inaccessible from outside. This glossary opens each term in 3 layers: hook (what it means in 10 seconds), short explanation (50 words, the gist), esoteric expansion (200+ words, depth+myth+practice). The alphabetical list at the top lets you jump straight in. For deeper terms and advanced concepts, see /terim (advanced terms collection).

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