Astrology is a complex and fascinating subject that involves the study of the positions and movements of celestial bodies, as well as their influence on human lives and events. To understand astrology, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of some of the keywords and concepts that are commonly used in astrological practice. These include the zodiac, horoscopes, planets, aspects, houses, and retrogrades, as well as more specific terms like ascendant, moon sign, and progressions. In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of some of these terms and explain what they mean in the context of astrology.
Zodiac
The zodiac is a belt of the sky that extends approximately 8 degrees on either side of the ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun across the sky). It is divided into 12 equal parts, or signs, each of which corresponds to a particular time of the year.
Horoscope
A horoscope is a map of the sky at a specific moment in time, such as the moment of a person’s birth. It shows the positions of the planets and other celestial bodies in relation to the zodiac.
Sun sign
Your sun sign is the zodiac sign that the Sun was in at the moment of your birth. It is often used as a shorthand for your overall astrological personality.
Moon sign
Your moon sign is the zodiac sign that the Moon was in at the moment of your birth. It represents your emotional nature and innermost self.
Ascendant (or rising) sign
Your ascendant sign is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth. It represents your outward personality and how you appear to others.
Planets
In astrology, the planets represent different aspects of our personalities and experiences. There are 10 planets used in modern Astrology: the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
Houses
The horoscope is divided into 12 houses, each of which represents a different area of life. For example, the first house represents the self, the seventh house represents relationships, and the tenth house represents career.
Aspects
Aspects are the angles formed between planets in the horoscope. They indicate how the planets are interacting with each other and can provide insight into how different parts of our lives are connected.
Retrograde
When a planet is retrograde, it appears to be moving backward in the sky from our perspective on Earth. In astrology, retrograde periods are associated with delays, miscommunications, and re-evaluations.
Transits
Transits occur when a planet in the current sky makes an aspect to a planet in your natal (birth) chart. They can indicate important events or changes in your life.
Elements
The 12 zodiac signs are grouped into four elements: fire, earth, air, and water. Each element has its own characteristics and qualities that are associated with the signs that belong to it.
Modalities
The 12 zodiac signs are also grouped into three modalities, or qualities: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. Each modality has its own qualities and tendencies that are associated with the signs that belong to it.
Birth chart
A birth chart, also known as a natal chart, is a map of the sky at the exact moment and location of a person’s birth. It is used to interpret the astrological influences that were present at the time of their birth.
Retrograde motion
Retrograde motion occurs when a planet appears to be moving backward in the sky relative to its usual direction of motion. In astrology, retrograde planets are said to represent a time for reevaluating, reviewing, and reflecting on the energies associated with that planet.
Progressions
Progressions are a way of interpreting the horoscope that involves advancing the positions of the planets from the time of a person’s birth to a later point in their life. This allows astrologers to see how planetary energies may develop over time.
Synastry
Synastry is the comparison of two birth charts in order to understand the dynamics of a relationship between two people. It is often used to analyze romantic relationships but can be applied to any type of relationship.
Midheaven
The Midheaven is the point in the horoscope that is directly overhead at the time of a person’s birth. It represents career, public image, and aspirations.
North Node and South Node
The North Node and South Node are points in the horoscope that represent the intersection of the Moon’s orbit with the ecliptic. They are often used to indicate a person’s karmic path and life purpose.
Progressed Moon
The Progressed Moon is a way of interpreting the horoscope that tracks the movement of the Moon through the signs and houses over the course of a person’s life. It is often used to understand emotional and psychological cycles and patterns.
Cusp
A cusp is a dividing line between two zodiac signs or houses in the horoscope. Planets that are close to a cusp are said to have a strong influence on the energies associated with that cusp.
This field of study is rich and complex and offers insight into the workings of the universe and our place within it. The terms and concepts used in astrology, such as the zodiac signs, planets, aspects, and houses, provide a framework for understanding the energies and influences that shape our lives.
By learning about these concepts and exploring their meanings in the context of your own birth chart or horoscope, you can gain a deeper understanding of your own unique astrological profile and the potential opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Whether you are a skeptic or a true believer, astrology offers a fascinating lens through which to view the world and gain insight into the mysteries of the cosmos.
