Astrology Glossary

[Jim Eshelman]

I'm posting a "starter" glossary (basically chopped down from the larger glossary of astrological and other terms in my book Visions & Voices. I will then expand it over time. (I've listed terms I plan to come back and define later, and surely haven't thought of all of those that should be here.) Feel free to make requests - in posts at the bottom - of items you'd like to see included. To keep the thread a little cleaner, I'll delete "wish list" posts after I've added the term to the list, so let me thank you in advance for all recommendations. - Also, of course, this thread can be used to discuss/debate any improvements in definitions. I remain the final decider, but I welcome debate on definitions, observations of where they aren't clear, other points of view, etc. This glossary will eventually be an appendix to the large 'masterwork' I'm writing over the next few years: The plan is to include all technical terms used in the book.

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[Jim Eshelman]

affliction. n. @

Air signs. n. (1) The signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. One of the four triplicities of the zodiac. To Ptolemy and his peers, this triplicity is of the nature of Mercury and Saturn. (3) {add elemental attributions from more ancient sources for comparison} [Etymology: The modern usage arose from Medieval adoption by Tropical astrologers of a correlation of the four alchemical elements to the signs of the zodiac. The term has no interpretive meaning to Sidereal astrologers, but continues to be used for convenience to refer to this triplicity, which otherwise has no agreed name.]

Allen, Garth. See Bradley, Donald A.

altitude. n. @

anareta. n. @

angle. n. (1) A generic term for the two extremes of the horizon (called Ascendant and Descendant) and the meridian (called Midheaven and Lower Heaven), which demarcate the strongest, most expressive positions for a planet. (2) Also applied to other similar positions including the Eastpoint and Westpoint.

angular. adj. (1) Proximate to one of the angles; thus at one of the strongest, most expressive positions in a horoscope. (2) Historically, it means occupying the 1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th house of a horoscope (the “angular houses”). Sidereal astrologers generally do not use the term in this way.

angularity. n. @

Anlunar. See Sidereal Anlunar Return.

apheta. n. @

Apparent Solar Rate. n. @

applying. adj. @

Aquarius. n. Lit., “water bearer.” Zodiacal sign ruled by Uranus with the Sun in detriment. (Classically, was considered ruled by Saturn.)

Aquarian Age. n. (1) The period of time (2,134 years) during which the earth’s northern hemisphere vernal equinoctial point will pass through the Sidereal constellation Aquarius (2376-4510 CE). (2) Often casually used to represent any concept of a pending Utopian or otherwise transformational era; a close relative of “millennium fever.”

Aries. n. Lit., “ram.” Zodiacal sign ruled by Mars with the Sun exalted, Venus in detriment, and Saturn in fall. Many Sidereal astrologers also call Pluto its ruler.

Arilunar. n. (1) The event of the Moon's exact ingress every four weeks into Sidereal Aries. (2) A horoscope for that occassion, employed especially in mundane astrology.

Arisolar. n. (1) The event of the Sun's exact ingress every year into Sidereal Aries. (2) A horoscope for that occassion, employed especially in mundane astrology.

Ascendant. n. One of the two strongest angles of a horoscope. (1) Viewed spatially, the entire eastern half of the horizon. (2) Viewed in zodiacal terms, the point of intersection of the ecliptic with the eastern half of the horizon. (3) Casually used to refer to the sign on the Ascendant ("rising sign").

aspect. n. (1) Astronomy. The geometrical relationship between two planets (or other celestial bodies), usually measured along the ecliptic or other important circle of reference. (2) Astrology. Most often, certain specific angular separations deemed to dynamically connect the natures of the two bodies.

aspect,hard. n. @

aspect, major. n. @

aspect, minor. n. @

aspect, soft. n. @

aspectarian. n. @

astrology. n. @

astromancy. n. @

astronomy. n. @

astrometeorology. n. @

azimuth. n. @

[Jim Eshelman]

background. n. The portion of a horoscope distant from its angles, where a planet has its least prominence, strength, or expression. (2) Originally defined as the one-third (30°) of each quadrant measured along the prime vertical and centered on the cadent cusps (3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th house cusps). (3) Some astrologers use "background" to refer to any area that is not foreground. (4) My usage: Casually, synonymous with "not foreground." Formally, the most cadent two-thirds (20°) of succedent houses and one-third (10°) of the cadent houses. adj. (1) Having the least prominence or dominance, as if placed near the back of a picture. (2) Placed in the background. [Etymology: Coined by Cyril Fagan to distinguish the area of least angularity or expression (straddling each cadent cusp) from the cadent houses (which are bounded by the cadent cusps). Fagan later considered the least expressive area to be mid-quadrant rather than at the cadent cusps, equating his background with the whole of the succedent houses.]

background, immediate. n. (1) The foreground area closest to a cadent cusp (most immediate to it) within narrow orbs. Usage is casual without a settled consensus of the orb that defines it. (2) In my usage; Within 3° of a cadent cusp along the prime vertical. (3) Cyril Fagan came to regard the immediate background as at the center of each quadrant (the center of each succedent house) measured along the prime vertical.

benefic. adj. @. n. @

Bicorporeal signs. See Spoke signs.

Bija. n. @

birth. n. @

birth chart. See natal horoscope.

Block, Neil. See Duncan, Gary.

Bradley, Donald A. n. @

[Jim Eshelman]

cadent. adj. @ [include both house & cusp]

Cancer. n. Lit., “crab.” Zodiacal sign ruled by the Moon with Jupiter exalted, Saturn in detriment, and Mars in fall.

Canlunar. n. (1) The event of the Moon's exact ingress every four weeks into Sidereal Cancer. (2) A horoscope for that occassion, employed especially in mundane astrology.

Cansolar. n. (1) The event of the Sun's exact ingress every YEAR into Sidereal Cancer. (2) A horoscope for that occassion, employed especially in mundane astrology.

Capricorn. n. Lit., “horn of the goat.” Zodiacal sign ruled by Saturn with Mars exalted, the Moon in detriment, and Jupiter in fall.

Caplunar. n. (1) The event of the Moon's exact ingress every four weeks into Sidereal Capricorn. (2) A horoscope for that occassion, employed especially in mundane astrology and often called "the master chart of the month."

Capsolar. n. (1) The event of the Sun's exact ingress every year into Sidereal Capricorn. (2) A horoscope for that occassion, employed especially in mundane astrology and often called "the master chart of the year."

Caput Draconis. n. Lit. “Dragon’s Head.” Alternate name for the north (or ascending) lunar node, the point where the Moon’s celestial latitude moves from south to north.

Cardinal ingresses. See ingresses, cardinal.

Cardinal signs. See Rim signs.

Carter, Charles E.O. @

casting the horoscope. Traditional term for calculating the horoscope diagram. However, the word "casting" likely dates back to systems of divination based on chance rather calculation (cf. "casting lots").

Cauda Draconis. n. Lit. “Dragon’s Tail.” Alternate name for the south (or descending) lunar node, the point where the Moon’s celestial latitude moves from north to south.

celestial equator. n. @

celestial sphere. n. @

chart, astrological. n. @

chronocrator. n. @

co-aspects. n. @

combust. n. Lit. "burning up" (combusting). Wrongly believed in the past to mean a severe weakening of a planet's nature if it is in extremely close conjunction with the Sun. Actually, such a planet is greatly strengthened by the close conjunction with a luminary, and is certain to be a major force in the person's character.

Common signs. See Spoke signs.

conjunction. n. A 0° aspect.

constellation. n. @

constellation, zodiacal. n. @

Converse. n. @

Cosmobiology. n. @

culmination. n. Conjunction with the Midheaven.

cusp. n. @

[Jim Eshelman]

day house. n. @

declination. n. @

debilitated. adj. In a sign where it has debility; said of a planet.

debility. n. Lit., "inability" (1) Collective term for deteriment and fall. The signs of a planet's detriment and fall are called its debilities. (2) The characteristic acquired by a planet when debilitated. [Lat. debilitas, "weak." Antonym of "ability."]

decanate (or decan). n. @

decumbiture. n. (1) A confinement (or taking) to bed with illness. (2) Astrology. A horary chart calculated for the moment a person is struck with illness, used for diagnosis and prognosis.

delineation. n. @

demi-return. n. @

Descendant. n. One of the four primary angles of a horoscope, but secondary to the Ascendant and Midheaven in strength. (1) Viewed spatially, the entire western half of the horizon. (2) Viewed in zodiacal terms, the point of intersection of the ecliptic with the western half of the horizon, which is always exactly opposite the Ascendant.

detriment. n. @

dignified. adj. In a sign where it has dignity; said of a planet.

dignity. n. (1) Collective term for rulership and exaltation. The signs a planet rules and in which it is exalted are called its dignities. (2) The characteristic acquired by a planet when dignified. [Lat. dignitas, "worthiness"]

direct motion. n. @

directions. n. @

dispositor. n. @

domification. n. @

Dragon's Head. n. See Caput Draconis.

Dragon's Tail. n. See Cauda Draconis.

Duncan, Gary. @

[Jim Eshelman]

Earth signs. n. (1) The signs Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. One of the four triplicities of the zodiac. To Ptolemy and his peers, this triplicity is of the nature of the Moon and Venus. (3) {add elemental attributions from more ancient sources for comparison} [Etymology: The modern usage arose from Medieval adoption by Tropical astrologers of a correlation of the four alchemical elements to the signs of the zodiac. The term has no interpretive meaning to Sidereal astrologers, but continues to be used for convenience to refer to this triplicity, which otherwise has no agreed name.]

Eastpoint. n. A lesser angle of a horoscope. (1) The point 90° east of the Midheaven as measured along the celestial equator. It marks the point of intersection of three great circles on the celestial sphere: the horizon, the celestial equator, and the prime vertical. (2) In common usage, a point drawn in a horoscope showing the ecliptical (zodiacal) position of the point 90° east of the Midheaven along the celestial equator. This shows a best approximation of the actual square aspect to the Midheaven in equatorial coordinates (right ascension).

eclipse. n. @. v.t. @

eclipse, lunar. n. @.

eclipse,solar. n. @.

ecliptic. n. Astronomy. The great circle on the celestial sphere formed by its intersection with the plane of the earth’s orbit about the Sun. [From various roots recognizing that eclipses occur proximate to it.]

ecliptical coordinates. n. Celestial longitude and celestial latitude, which designate a position relative to the ecliptic.

electional astrology. n. @

element. n. (1) A fundamental or elementary (simple, uncompounded) component of some other more complex thing. (3) Astrology. Often used to mean triplicity: One of four sets of three zodiacal signs beginning at 120° intervals from each other.

Ennead. n. @

ephemeris. n. @

Equation of Time. n. @

equator, celestial. n. @

equatorial coordinates. n. Right ascension and declination, which designate a position relative to the celestial equator.

equinox. n. @

esoteric astrology. n. @

exalted. adj. In a sign of its exaltation; said of a planet. Functionally, it is no different from rulership except in the history of the nomenclature. Both indicate that the nature of the planet and the nature of thesign are subtantially the same.

exaltation. n. @

[Jim Eshelman]

Fagan, Cyril. @

fall. n. @

Fire signs. n. (1) The signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. One of the four triplicities of the zodiac. To Ptolemy and his peers, this triplicity is of the nature of the Sun and Jupiter. (3) {add elemental attributions from more ancient sources for comparison} [Etymology: The modern usage arose from Medieval adoption by Tropical astrologers of a correlation of the four alchemical elements to the signs of the zodiac. The term has no interpretive meaning to Sidereal astrologers, but continues to be used for convenience to refer to this triplicity, which otherwise has no agreed name.]

Firebrace, Brig. R.C.. @

Fixed signs. See Hub signs.

fixed stars. See stars, fixed.

foreground. n. The portion of a horoscope closest to one of its angles (especially the horizon or meridian), where a planet has its greatest prominence, strength, or expression. (2) Originally defined as the one-third (30°) of each quadrant measured along the prime vertical and centered on the angular cusps (1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th house cusps). (3) Modern usage commonly narrows this, e.g., to 10° either side of a major angle or 1° either side of a minor angle. adj. (1) Forefront, having the greatest importance or prominence as if placed near the front of a picture. (2) Placed in the foreground. [Etymology: Coined by Cyril Fagan to distinguish the area of greatest angularity or expression (straddling each angle) from the angular houses (which are bounded by the angles).]

foreground, immediate. n. (1) The foreground area closest to the angle (most immediate to it) within narrow orbs. Usage is casual without a settled consensus of the orb that defines it. (2) In my usage; Within 3° of the horizon or meridian along the prime vertical.

[Jim Eshelman]

Galactic Center. n. @

Gemini. n. Lit., “twins.” Zodiacal sign ruled by Mercury, with Jupiter in detriment.

genethliacal. Synonyn for natal.

geniture. Synonym for natal horoscope.

geocentric. adj. @

George, Llewellyn. @

Gleadow, Rupert. @

Grand Cross. n. @

Grand Trine. n. @

[Jim Eshelman]

heliacal rising. n. @

heliacal setting. n. @

heliocentric. adj. @

horizon. n. (1) Casually, the apparent visible boundary between earth and the sky. (2) Astronomy. A great circle on the celestial sphere formed by its intersection with a plane passing through the center and parallel a plane tangent to the point on earth of the observer. (3) Astrology. In addition to the astronomical definition, it is the Ascendant-Descendant axis formed by the intersection of the astronomical horizon with the ecliptic.

horary astrology. n. @

horoscope. n. Lit., “view of the hour.” (1) A map of the heavens at a particular moment and at a particular geographic location. (2) Anciently, syonymous with Ascendant.

house. n. @

Hub signs. n. (1) The signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpi, and Aquarius. One of the three quadruplicities of the zodiac. (2) Historically called Fixed signs. Also sometimes called Kerubic signs because the four Kerubs (or four holy creatures) depicted by ancient Middle Eastern religions, and thereafter by European religious and mystical artists, portray the characters of these four signs. [The term was coined by Cyril Fagan to analogize these signs’ common traits to the hub of a wheel, in contrast to its rim or spokes.]

hyleg. n. @

hypsoma (pl. hypsomata). n. Original Greek term for a planetary exaltation, specifically the exact degree in which a planet is exalted.

[Jim Eshelman]

IC. Abbrev. of Latin imum cæli, “lowest sky.” The Lower Heaven or Antimeridian of a horoscope.

inconjunct. n. (1) Commonly used as an alternate name of the quincunx aspect. (2) However, if the term has any practical relevance at all, the semi-sextile is as inconjunct as the quincunx.

ingress. n. @

ingress, Cardinal. n. @

intercepted. n. @ [Should be "intercepting."]

[Jim Eshelman]

Jupiter. n. Fifth planet from the Sun, named after the Roman king of the gods who was ruler of the skies and bearer of lightning. Psychologically, it is our need for the highest and best, to better oneself, to be liked and included; fortune, optimism, enthusiasm, generosity, and striving for superiority. Rules Sagittarius (and anciently said to rule Pisces), exalted in Cancer, detriment in Gemini (and possibly Virgo), fall in Capricorn.

[Jim Eshelman]

Karma. n. Lit. “action.” Arising out of a philosophy wherein no separation is perceived between an action and its consequences, the word anchors a philosophy of the relationship between causes and effects. [Sk. kri, “to do.”]

Kerubic signs. See Hub signs.

Kinetic Lunar Return (KLR). n. @

Kinetic Solar Return (KSR). n. @

KLR. abbrev. of Kinetic Lunar Return.

KSR. abbrev. of Kinetic Solar Return.

[Jim Eshelman]

latitude, celestial. n. @

latitude, geographic. n. @

Leo. n. Lit., “lion.” Zodiacal sign ruled by the Sun, with Uranus in detriment.

Liblunar. n. (1) The event of the Moon's exact ingress every four weeks into Sidereal Libra. (2) A horoscope for that occassion, employed especially in mundane astrology.

Libra. n. Lit., “scales.” Zodiacal sign ruled by Venus with Saturn exalted, Mars in detriment, and the Sun in fall.

Libsolar. n. (1) The event of the Sun's exact ingress every year into Sidereal Libra. (2) A horoscope for that occassion, employed especially in mundane astrology.

lights. n. See luminaries.

longitude,celestial. n. @

longitude, geographic. n. @

Lower Heaven. n. One of the four primary angles of a horoscope, but secondary to the Ascendant and Midheaven. (1) Viewed spatially, that half of the meridian, from zenith to nadir, which passes through the northernmost point of the horizon. (2) Viewed in zodiacal terms, the point of intersection of the ecliptic with the half of the meridian just described, which is always exactly opposite the Midheaven. (3) Commonly abbreviated IC.

luminaries. n. The Sun and Moon. Also sometimes called simply “the lights.”

lunation. n. @

lunar mansions. n. @

lunar node. See node, lunar.

[Jim Eshelman]

malefic. n. @

Mars. n. Fourth planet from the Sun, named after the Roman war god (the Greek Arês). Psychologically, it is aggression, competition, the need for physical expression, sexual aggression, courage, strength, effort, struggle, and pain. Rules Aries and Scorpio, exalted in Capricorn, detriment in Taurus and Libra, fall in Cancer.

MC. Abbrev. of Latin medium cæli, “middle of the sky.” The Midheaven of a horoscope.

Mean Solar Rate. n. @

Mercury. n. Closest planet to the Sun, named after the Roman messenger god ruing travel and commerce (the Greek Hermês). Psychologically, it is curiosity, perceptiveness; the gathering, storing, interpreting, and sharing of information; mental faculties, communication, and nervous sensitivity. Rules Gemini and Virgo, exalted in Virgo, detriment in Sagittarius and Pisces, fall in Pisces.

Meridian. n. (1) Astronomy. A great circle on the celestial sphere that includes the north and south celestial poles and the zenith of the observer. (2) Astrology. In addition to the astronomical definition, the axis of the Midheaven (MC) and Lower Heaven (IC), formed by the intersection of the astronomical meridian with the ecliptic.

middleground. n. (1) Neither foreground nor background, where a planet's expression is neither emphasized nor suppressed. (2) Originally defined as the one-third (30°) of each quadrant measured along the prime vertical and centered on the succedent cusps (2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th house cusps). (3) My usage: Any area not defined as foreground or background.
adj. (1) Having moderate intensity or expressiveness. (2) Placed in the middleground. [Etymology: Coined by Cyril Fagan to distinguish the areas of moderate intensity from the succedent houses.]

Midheaven. n. One of the two strongest angles of a horoscope. (1) Viewed spatially, that half of the meridian, from zenith to nadir, that passes through the southernmost point of the horizon. (2) Viewed in zodiacal terms, the point of intersection of the ecliptic with the half of the meridian just described. (3) Commonly abbreviated MC.

midpoint. n. @

Moon, the. n. Satellite of Earth, and one of the two luminaries in a horoscope. Psychologically, it is receptivity, adaptability, sensitivity, appetite, imagination, immediacy of feelings; personality (mannerisms, idiosyncrasies, tastes); and that part of us that we reveal most easily, which adapts to the environment in which it is placed and absorbs conditions around it. Rules Cancer, exalted in Taurus, detriment in Capricorn, fall in Scorpio.

Mundoscope. n. @

mundane. adj. @

mundane astrology. n. @

mutual reception. n. @

Mutable signs. See Spoke signs.

[Jim Eshelman]

Nadir. n. (1) Casually, the lowest point. (2) Astronomy. The lowest point of the celestial sphere, being directly down from the observer, i.e., 90° of altitude below all points of the horizon. The point opposite the Zenith. (3) Astrology. The celestial longitude of the astronomical Nadir, which is also the lowest point of the ecliptic. This point is 90° of celestial longitude later than the Ascendant.

Naibod's rate. n. @

natal. adj. (1) Of or pertaining to one’s birth. (2) Astrology. (a) Pertaining to the moment and place of one’s birth. (b) Most commonly, pertaining to the horoscope for the moment and place of one’s birth. Also called nativity or natus. [Lat. natus, “born.”]

natal horoscope. n. The horoscope for the moment and place of one’s birth. Also called natal chart, birth chart, nativity or natus. [Lat. natus, “born.”]

nativity. See natal horoscope.

natus. See natal horoscope.

Navamsa. n. (1) One-ninth of a sign, or 3°20' of the zodiac, attributed sequentially to the zodiac signs such that 0° Aries begins the Aries Navamsa. (2) A horoscope-like chart displaying the Navamsa positions of the planets, usually drafted as equal-house from the Moon's Navamsas position. In Hindu astrology, this is regarded as an absolutely necessary chart, equal in importance to the natal horoscope.

Neo- progression rate. n. @

Neptune. n. @

night house. n. @

node. n. Astronomy. Either of the two opposing points at which the orbit of a celestial body intersects a plane of reference, especially the ecliptic. [Lat. nodus, “knot.”]

node, lunar. n. Astronomy. Either of the two opposing points at which the Moon’s orbit intersects the plane of the ecliptic.

nonagesimal. n. The point 90° of celestial longitude earlier than the Ascendant (or "upper square" to the Ascendant). It is the highest point of the ecliptic at any given moment, i.e., the point on the ecliptic with greatest altitude. Because it is also the point on the ecliptic intersecting a great circle at right angles to the ecliptic and passing through the Zenith, it is the celestial longitude of the Zenith. [From Latin nonagesimus, "ninetieth."]

North Point. n. @

Novien. n. A variant of the Navamsa (q.v.), recommended by Cyril Fagan, which presumes a zodiac beginning at 0° Taurus instead of 0° Aries. Novien longitudes, therefore, are identical with Navamsa longitudes plus 120°.

[Jim Eshelman]

occultation. n. @

opposition. n. A 180° aspect. (Six signs, or one-half of the circle).

orb. n. The tolerance of platicity (or inexactness) of any aspect; i.e., (a) the amount of angular separation by which an aspect is actually inexact, or (b) the maximum amount of platicity within which an aspect remains operative.

[Jim Eshelman]

parallel. n. @

paran. n. Casual, popular term for paranatellon.

paranatellon (pl. paranatellonta). n. @

partile. adj. Lit., “exact.” By convention, applied to any astrological aspect with an orb of 1° or less.

peregrine. adj. Antiquated term applied to planets, meaning that they are neither dignified nor debilited. [Lat. peregrinus, "foreign."]

Piscean Age. n. The period of time (2,156 years) during which the earth’s northern hemisphere vernal equinoctial point has been passing through Sidereal Pisces (220-2376 CE).

Pisces. n. Lit., “fishes.” Zodiacal sign ruled by Neptune with Venus exalted, and Mercury in detriment and fall. (Classically, was considered ruled by Jupiter.)

planet. n. @

platic. adj. Inexact. By convention, applied to any astrological aspect with an orb of more than 1°.

platicity. n. The amount that an aspect is inexact, or platic.

Pluto. n. @

precession of the equinoxes. n. @

primary directions. n. @

prime vertical. n. @

Progressed Sidereal Solar Return (PSSR). n. @

progressions. n. @

PSSR. abbrev. of Progressed Sidereal Solar Return.

[Jim Eshelman]

Q1 rate. n. @

Q2 rate. n. @

quadrature. See square.

quarti-return. n. @

quartile. See square.

Quadruplicity. n. One of three sets of four zodiacal signs beginning at 90° intervals from each other.

Quaternary Progressions. n. @

querent. n. @

quincunx. n. @

quintile. n. @

Quotidian. n. Lit., "daily." @

[Jim Eshelman]

radical. n. @

radix. n. @

rectification. n. @

retrograde motion. n. @

right ascension. n. @

Rim signs. n. (1) The signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. One of the three quadruplicities of the zodiac. (2) Historically called Cardinal signs. That usage continues among Sidereal astrologers especially in relation to Sidereal solar and lunar Cardinal ingresses. [The term was coined by Cyril Fagan to analogize these signs’ common traits to the rim of a wheel, in contrast to its hub or spokes.]

rule. v.t. @

ruler. n. @

rulership. adj. In a sign that it rules; said of a planet. Functionally, it is no different from exaltation except in the history of the nomenclature. Both indicate that the nature of the planet and the nature of thesign are subtantially the same.

[Jim Eshelman]

Sagittarius. n. Lit., “archer.” Zodiacal sign ruled by Jupiter, with Mercury in detriment.

SAR. abbrev. of Sidereal Anlunar Return.

Saturn. n. Sixth planet from the Sun, named after the fallen Roman god of agriculture and wealth who ruled in an expired Golden Age (the Greek Kronos). Psychologically, it is self-preservation, survival, our need for self-sufficiency, emotional distance, material security; inhibiting and withdrawn; trials, limitations, restraints, definitions, and restrictions. Rules Capricorn (and anciently Aquarius), exalted in Libra, detriment in Cancer (and possibly Leo), fall in Aries.

Scorpio. n. Lit., “scorpion.” Zodiacal sign ruled by Mars, Venus in detriment, and Moon in fall. Tropical astrologers also credit rulership by Pluto, but this attribution is uniformly rejected by Sidereal astrologers.

secondary progressions. n. @

semi-sextile. n. @

semi-square. n. Lit. “half a square.” A 45° aspect. (One-eighth of the circle).

separating. adj. @

sesqui-square. n. Lit. “one and a half squares.” A 135° aspect. (Three-eighths of the circle).

sextile. n. A 60° aspect. (Two signs, or one-sixth of the circle).

sidereal. adj. Unaffected by precession of the equinoxes, therefore “fixed” with respect to the rest of the universe. [Lat. sidus, “star.”]

Sidereal Anluar Return (SAR). n. @

sidereal day. n. @

Sidereal Lunar Return (SLR). n. @

Sidereal Solar Return (SSR). n. @

sidereal time. n. @

sidereal year. n. @

Sidereal Zodiac. p.n. A model of the zodiac which is sidereal, or fixed, based upon the research of Cyril Fagan and Donald Bradley, and appearing to be an exact reconstruction of the original Egyptian zodiac through early centuries CE. The northern hemisphere vernal equinoctial point (a moving point in sidereal terms), was at 0°00' Aries in 220 CE, had precessed to 5°16' Pisces by January 1, 2000, and will back into Aquarius in 2376 CE.

sign. n. @

SLR. abbrev. of Sidereal Lunar Return.

SNQ. abbrev. of Sidereal Natal Quotidian.

Solar Arc Directions. n. @

solstice. n. @

Solunars. n. (1) @. (2) @. (3) @.

SQ. abbrev. of Solar Quotidian.

square. n. A 90° aspect. (Three signs, or one-fourth of the circle). Also called a quadrature.

SSR. abbrev. of Sidereal Solar Return.

succedent. adj. @

Spoke signs. n. (1) The signs Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. One of the three quadruplicities of the zodiac. (2) Historically called Mutable, Common, or Bicorporeal ("two-bodied") signs. [The term was coined by Cyril Fagan to analogize these signs’ common traits to the spokes of a wheel, in contrast to its hub or rim.]

speculum. n. @

square. n. @

Stahl, Carl W.. @

station. n. @

stationary. n. @

stellum. n. @

succedent. adj. @

Sun, the. n. The star at the center of our planetary system, and one of the two luminaries. Psychologically, it is our sense of identity and purpose or direction; “What you are” at the core of your identity; and all forms of authority, power, eminence, leadership. Rules Leo, exalted in Aries, detriment in Aquarius, fall in Libra.

symbol. n. Beyond the dictionary definition of “something that represents something else,” occultists use this word to mean a unit of the distinctive language of subconsciousness.

synastry. n. @

synthesis. n. @

syzygy. n. @

[Jim Eshelman]

T-square. n. @

table of houses. n. @

Taurus. n. Lit., “bull.” Zodiacal sign ruled by Venus with the Moon exalted, and Mars in detriment.

Terts. See Tertiary Progressions.

Tertiary Progressions. n. @

transit. n. Lit. “to move across.” (1) A planet currently “moving across” the sky: its current position in contrast to, e.g., its natal position. Also called a transiting planet. (2) An aspect formed by a transiting planet to a natal (or otherwise personalized) planet.

translation of light. n. An astrological theory that if one planet concurrently aspects two others, the two others act as if they were in aspect because the first planet conveys a connection from one of them to the other; from a somewhat archaic use of "translate" to mean "bear, carry, transport." In the view of the present author, it is a fiction, and no such translation occurs; rather, greater interpretive distinction is available because each aspect stands or falls on its own orbs and other merits.

trine. n. A 120° aspect. (Four signs, or one-third of the circle).

triplicity. n. One of four sets of three zodiacal signs beginning at 120° intervals from each other.

tropical. adj. Affected by, or beholden to, precession of the equinoxes, therefore “moving” with respect to the rest of the universe.

Tropical Zodiac. p.n. A model of the zodiac that is tropical, or moving, and wherein 0°00' of the sign Aries is defined as permanently linked to the Northern Hemisphere vernal equinoctial point. It is the most popular form of the zodiac among Western astrologers in recent centuries.

[Jim Eshelman]

Uranian Astrology. n. @

Uranus. n. @

[Jim Eshelman]

Virgo. n. Lit., “maiden.” Zodiacal sign with Mercury ruling and exalted, Neptune in detriment, and Venus in fall.

Venus. n. Second planet from the Sun, named after the Roman godess of love, beauty, and fertility (the Greek Aphroditê(. Psychologically, it is the giving and receiving of love; harmony and pleasure; gentle, esthetic, receptive, but natural, guileless, searching for meaning. Rules Taurus and Libra, exalted in Pisces, detriment in Aries and Scorpio, fall in Virgo.

[Jim Eshelman]

watch. n. @

Water signs. n. (1) The signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. One of the four triplicities of the zodiac. To Ptolemy and his peers, this triplicity is of the nature of Mars. (3) {add elemental attributions from more ancient sources for comparison} [Etymology: The modern usage arose from Medieval adoption by Tropical astrologers of a correlation of the four alchemical elements to the signs of the zodiac. The term has no interpretive meaning to Sidereal astrologers, but continues to be used for convenience to refer to this triplicity, which otherwise has no agreed name.]

Westpoint. n. A lesser angle of a horoscope. (1) The point 90° west of the Midheaven as measured along the celestial equator. It marks the intersection of three great circles on the celestial sphere: the horizon, the celestial equator, and the prime vertical. (2) In common usage, a point drawn in a horoscope showing the ecliptical (zodiacal) position of the point 90° west of the Midheaven along the celestial equator (always exactly opposite the Eastpoint). This shows a best approximation of the true square aspect to the Midheaven in equatorial coordinates (right ascension).

[Jim Eshelman]

[Holding space]

[Jim Eshelman]

[Holding space]

[Jim Eshelman]

Zenith. n. (1) Casually, the highest point. (2) Astronomy. The highest point of the celestial sphere, being directly up from the observer, i.e., 90° of altitude above all points of the horizon. (3) Astrology. The celestial longitude of the astronomical zenith, which is also the highest point of the ecliptic. This point is 90° of celestial longitude earlier than the Ascendant.

zodiac. n. (1) Astronomy. A circular zone on the celestial sphere, centered on the ecliptic and extending about 8° either side. (2) Astrology. This zone divided into twelve equal segments, each 30° in width, and each having distinctive names and characteristics. [Gk. zôdion, “animal.”]

[Jim Eshelman]

(I'm adding this "holding space" in case we want simply a list, as time goes on, of items that have no relevance to Sidereal astrology, that merely would clog the above glossary and confuse those exploring Sidereal astrology.)