10 Common Astrology Terms Explained

Understanding astrology requires the knowledge of specific terminologies that are common in the field.

Astronomical linguistics can seem cryptic to the uninitiated.

For those seeking to delve into the fusion of scientific and spiritual realms, clarity is key.

This blog post aims to elucidate, in easily digestible terms, some of the most frequent astrological expressions.

Offering clear and concise definitions, we hope to facilitate your exploration of this fascinating discipline.

Whether you’re a fledgling astrologer or an intrigued enthusiast, this guide should enhance your grasp of the subject.

Common Astrology Terms Explained

1. Natal Chart: Map of where planets were during birth

The natal chart, also referred to as a birth chart, is a detailed map of the universe at the exact moment a person was born.

It is believed that each individual’s personality traits, characteristics, and life circumstances can be influenced by this cosmic snapshot.

To create a natal chart, an astrologer needs the exact time, date, and place of birth.

With this information, the astrologer can calculate the precise positions of the sun, moon, and the rest of the planets in our solar system at the time of birth.

These precise positions are then plotted onto a circle, which symbolizes the earth.

The circle is divided into twelve sections, with each section representing a different area of life. These are referred to as the ‘Houses’ in astrology.

Furthermore, each section or house has an associated zodiac sign, and this sign is governed by a particular planet.

In the natal chart, the sun, moon, and planets are spread out among these sections and signs, with their specific placements carrying significant astrological implications.

The interaction between the planets, signs and houses indicates the potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges a person may face in life.

The natal chart provides a comprehensive view of your unique personality and potential, including your strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and opportunities.

Interpreting a natal chart is a complex process requiring expertise and knowledge of astrological principles.

Studying this cosmic blueprint can offer insights into relationships, career paths, strengths, weaknesses, and life’s purpose.

It’s worth noting that natal charts are unique to each individual, similar to a fingerprint.

No two people can have the exact same natal chart, even twins, as their times of birth will differ by at least a few minutes, causing slight variations in the planetary positions.

Therefore, a natal chart offers an in-depth look into a person’s life and is considered to be the core of astrology.

Ultimately, understanding your natal chart can provide profound insights and self-awareness, aiding you in making more conscious and informed life choices.

2. Ascendant: Sign on eastern horizon at time of birth

In the realm of astrology, the Ascendant holds a prominent place as it denotes the zodiac sign that was ascending on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth.

Also known as the Rising Sign, the Ascendant is a critical piece of an individual’s natal chart.

The Ascendant can change every two hours, so even a small difference in birth time can influence your Ascendant sign.

In essence, your Ascendant sign represents how you naturally react to new experiences and how other people perceive you upon first impression.

This emphasizes why it is crucial to know your exact time of birth when plotting your natal chart.

Considered as the ‘mask’ or ‘front door’ of the natal chart, the Ascendant sign directly impacts your physical appearance.

It also carries a significant influence on your personality, shaping how you interact with the world and how you initiate new activities or projects.

Even more so, the Ascendant sign determines the starting point of the twelve house division, another key component in natal astrology.

Each house in the natal chart represents different aspects of life, and the order of the houses is determined based on the position of the Ascendant.

By providing this starting point, the Ascendant sets the tone for the entire chart and gives insight into the individual’s natural disposition and outlook on life.

The Ascendant doesn’t merely highlight the first impressions made on others but also gives astrologers a clue into an individual’s childhood experiences.

Also, it should be noted that the Ascendant can have a profound effect on relationships, as it can help comprehend compatibility with others.

It’s because the Ascendant sign often dictates who we are most drawn towards or repelled by.

Understanding your Ascendant sign can thus provide deep insights into your personal behaviour and preferences, making it a valuable tool in self-awareness and self-improvement.

This unique attribute is what makes the Ascendant so pivotal in astrology and why so many astrologers place great emphasis on it when interpreting a natal chart.

3. House: Twelve divisions representing areas of life

In the study of astrology, houses refer to the twelve divisions in an individual’s birth chart, each representing distinct aspects or areas of their life.

Each house is associated with a set of traits, beginning from oneself (first house), and expanding outwardly to include facets of one’s life like home, relationships, career, and more.

The position of the planets in these houses at the time of your birth affect the way you express the traits associated with each house, providing a more nuanced and specific understanding of your personality and life experiences.

This is a practice based on the concept that the universe is divided into twelve equal parts, reflecting the twelve signs of the zodiac, each part is defined by a house, and each house embodies a specific area of life.

The first house, also known as the Ascendant, signifies your physical appearance, personal identity, and the first impression you leave on others.

The second house is often associated with your personal belongings, material possessions, and your attitude towards wealth and security.

Considered a realm of communication, your third house represents your neighborhood, environment, siblings, and early education.

The fourth house, or the Imum Coeli, reflects your private life, home, family ties, and ancestral roots.

The fifth house signifies creativity, children, romance, pleasure, and luck.

The sixth house is related to employment, health, service, and daily regimes.

In contrast, the seventh house, or Descendant, signifies partnerships, relationships, and how you interact with others.

The eighth house is often associated with transformative experiences, such as death, rebirth, and sexual relationships.

The ninth house relates to wisdom, spirituality, philosophy, and long distance travel.

The tenth house, also known as the Midheaven, represents your public image, career goals, and ultimate life path.

The eleventh house signifies your social circles, hopes, dreams, and the collective unconscious.

Last but not least, the twelfth house denotes the unconscious, secrets, solitude, and spiritual realizations.

Thus, each house in astrology holds unique significance in portraying a complete picture of an individual’s journey through life–from the self to the higher consciousness.

4. Sun Sign: Zodiac sign the Sun was in at birth

When talking about astrology, the term Sun Sign is often the first thing that comes to mind.

But what exactly does this term mean?

The sun sign refers to the placement of the sun in the zodiac at the exact time and place of an individual’s birth.

This placement is significant because it represents an individual’s core self, their inherent nature, and the driving force behind their personality.

When you hear someone say, I’m a Leo, or I’m a Capricorn, they’re referring to their sun sign.

Each of the twelve zodiac signs is associated with distinctive traits and characteristics which are believed to be influenced by the sun’s position.

For example, those born when the sun is in Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, are often characterized as being bold, energetic, and courageous.

Those with a sun in Libra, on the other hand, might be seen as being charming, sociable, and harmony-seeking.

It’s important to understand, however, that the classification of sun signs is not an inflexible rule; the positioning of the planets and other celestial bodies will also have a role in shaping an individual’s personality.

Your sun sign is just the tip of the iceberg in the vast field of astrology.

There are many more components to one’s astrological profile that provide a more intricate image than the sun sign alone.

Despite this, the sun sign is undoubtedly a critical part of the horoscope, and understanding its implication can offer invaluable insights into one’s character and potential.

Moreover, understanding the traits of your sun sign, as well as others, can aid in understanding and navigating relationships both personally and professionally.

Finally, it’s worth noting that while many people do feel a strong alignment with their sun sign traits, not everyone will identify with every aspect of their sun sign.

This lack of complete alignment further underscores the complexity and individuality inherent in astrological analysis.

In sum, the sun sign is a fundamental and intriguing component of astrology that provides interesting insights into our personality and motivations, but it should be considered as just part of a more comprehensive astrological picture.

5. Moon Sign: Zodiac sign the Moon was in at birth

In astrology, your Moon sign is second in importance only to your Sun sign.

Representing your emotions, inner mood, and personal feelings, the Moon sign can be an accurate indicator of your emotional responses.

Your Moon sign is determined by the position of the Moon in a certain zodiac sign at the exact time and day you were born.

This sign rules your emotional and intuitive side, providing insights into your subconscious mind.

Regardless of your Sun sign, the Moon Sign adds a deeper level of understanding to your emotional fabric and subconscious tendencies.

In the context of personal relationships, understanding your Moon sign can offer invaluable insights.

Many astrologers allege that the Moon sign can often be more indicative of a person’s inner landscape than their Sun sign.

An individual’s Moon sign can provide a deeper understanding of their instinctual responses and emotional nature.

A person’s moon sign can have a significant impact on their emotional well-being, affecting how they respond to external stimuli and the world around them.

Being aware of your Moon sign can help you better understand and manage your emotional responses.

The Moon sign can also hint at how you nurture others and the kind of nurturing you need in return.

The Moon sign reflects hidden aspects of your personality and unconscious reactions which are often not immediately visible to others or even to yourself.

Furthermore, the influence of the Moon sign often becomes stronger after one’s mid to late thirties, once our Sun sign energies have been fully explored.

Recognizing and understanding your Moon sign is important as it is key to unlocking personal insights and inner truths.

Your Moon sign is unique, and understanding it is a critical part of better understanding yourself on a deeper level.

Importantly, your Moon sign is just one piece of your astrological puzzle and should be interpreted in context with your other planetary placements.

6. Cusp: Border between two signs in a horoscope

In astrology, the term cusp is used to denote the border or boundary that separates two zodiac signs in an individual’s horoscope.

It is an interesting and complex aspect of astrology and is often overlooked by those who are new to this field.

Being born on a cusp can have implications for an individual’s astrological profile, influencing aspects such as their personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses.

An individual born on a cusp will often exhibit characteristics of both signs, showcasing an intriguing blend of qualities that can be further clarified or understood through an in-depth astrological analysis.

The precise time and date of birth can mean the difference between being born under one sign or another, creating a unique mix of energies that can significantly impact a person’s life journey.

This is why professional astrologers place great importance on accurate birth information, as even a few minutes can make a difference in the positioning of the sun sign and thus, whether a person is born on a cusp.

Being a ‘cusper’ can lead to a sense of identity crisis because these individuals often feel like they belong to two different worlds, not completely fitting into either of the two signs that they straddle.

However, this can also result in increased adaptability, versatility, and a broader perspective, allowing the individual to draw from the strengths of both signs.

The concept of the cusp carries with it a sense of transition and fluidity, a planetary shift in energies that is reflected in the individual’s life and personality.

In a natal chart, this transition zone is usually considered to be about five degrees wide: two and half degrees before and after the point that separates the two adjacent signs.

The term ‘cusp’ also makes its way into the realms of Transit and Progressed astrology, where it describes significant shifts in stellar influences as planets cross the thresholds of different houses and signs.

The positioning of the houses and the occurrence of major life events often get influenced when a planet reaches the cusp of a house.

Moreover, planets that are at the end of a particular sign (29 degrees) tend to hold a ‘critical degree’ energy, often indicating a cusp-like transitional state in various aspects of one’s life.

In conclusion, the cusp, in astrology, is a fascinating concept that further highlights the intricate depth and nuances of astrological practices.

While the study of cusps is a complex and detailed process, understanding it can offer more personalized and accurate astrological insights, making it an essential facet of comprehensive astrological study.

7. Transit: Current movement and position of the planets

In astrology, the term Transit refers to the ongoing movements of the planets, in real time, as they journey through the Zodiac.

The position of the planets as they move across the sky can drastically influence our experiences on Earth.

Each planet has its own cycle, journeying at different speeds and affecting different aspects of life. For instance, the Sun’s transit affects personality while the Moon’s transit affects emotions.

This dynamic movement of the planets, and their relationship to each other and to the natal chart, form the basis of transit astrology.

The transit of a planet across its natal position, known as a planetary return, marks significant milestones in a person’s life, such as the infamous Saturn Return that happens around the ages of 29 and 59.

Transits can be used to predict future trends or identify favorable conditions for specific actions, like beginning a new project or relationship.

Unlike the static natal chart which remains constant throughout a person’s life, transits present a dynamic and ever-changing picture of astrological influences.

Different transits trigger different energies, opportunities, and challenges, requiring us to adapt and grow; thus, they are seen as essential guides for personal development.

Notably, longer-lasting transits from slower-moving planets are considered especially significant, as they represent deeper, more long-term changes and major life transformations.

Transits can be ‘easy’ or ‘hard’ depending on the kind of aspect they form with the natal planets. An easy transit indicates a time of growth and harmonious change, while a hard transit can bring challenges and tension.

Transits can be analyzed individually, but they are often seen as part of a larger, complex pattern of cosmic influences.

Indeed, analyzing transits can be intricate, as you need to consider not only the moving planets but also their relation to each other and to the static natal chart. This complexity, however, brings a depth and richness to astrological forecasting.

Moreover, transits shouldn’t be seen as predestined outcomes but rather as astrological weather forecasts, providing insight into the potential cosmic climate to help us make informed decisions.

In conclusion, understanding transits is key to deciphering the ongoing conversation between the Cosmos and us, showing us how the continual dance of the planets can bring meaning and wisdom to our everyday lives.

8. Retrograde: Planet appearing to move backward in sky

In the world of astrology, the term retrograde holds significant meaning.

When a planet is in retrograde, it appears to move backward in the sky from our perspective on Earth.

This backwards motion is actually an optical illusion caused by the relative speeds and positions of the Earth and the planet in question.

However, astrologically speaking, a planet in retrograde symbolically inverts the usual effects of the planet’s influence.

For instance, when Mercury is in retrograde, it is believed to impact communication, travel, and technology negatively.

The perception of the planet’s backward motion can be likened to driving a car at a high speed and passing another car moving slower in the same direction; the slower car appears to move backwards when in reality it is still moving forward.

Every planet, excluding the Sun and Moon, goes through periods of retrograde.

These periods can last from a few weeks, in the case of Mercury, to several months for outer planets like Neptune and Pluto.

The concept of a planet in retrograde has rooted deeply into pop culture, often used as a scapegoat for when things aren’t going as planned.

It is worth noting, however, that the implications of a planet in retrograde can vary greatly depending on one’s individual astrological chart.

The duration of a planet’s retrograde, its position in the zodiac during that time, and its relation to the planets in one’s natal chart can all have different impacts.

Furthermore, not all retrogrades are viewed negatively.

For example, a Venus retrograde is often seen as a unique opportunity for introspection and reassessing one’s relationships and values.

So, while retrogrades can present challenges, they also offer opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

Consequently, the power of a planet’s retrograde often lies not in the challenge it presents, but in how one responds to and learns from it.

9. Conjunction: Two planets in the same zodiac sign

In the realm of astrology, the term ‘conjunction’ refers to an important phenomenon where two planets are positioned in the exact same zodiac sign on the chart.

This event is considered to carry a significant weight and is emblematic of profound harmonic fusion between the energies and attributes of the two conjoined planets.

A conjunction is a direct meeting of planetary forces that symbolizes the initiation of a new cycle and the blending of energies together in a unique configuration.

It’s often said that in a conjunction, the two planets are dancing together in unity, merging their energies and influence in an intertwined way.

The closer two planets are in conjunction, the more powerful and influential the conjunction is likely to be.

This physical closeness is described as being in ‘orb’ and astrologers will typically consider an orb within an 8 degree range for a conjunction to be effective in the chart.

A wider orb, while still impactful to the individual, will not have as immediate or intense of an effect as a narrow orb conjunction.

In a natal chart, a conjunction between two planets can indicate a particular focus or concentration of energy in whatever areas of life the signs and houses involved represent.

It can signify an individual’s inherent strengths, as well as potential areas of challenge or complexity.

It’s worth noting that the effects of a conjunction can be modified or nuanced by other factors in the chart, such as aspects to other planets or the condition of the conjoined planets within the signs and houses.

Negative aspects, for instance, could cause difficulties for the individual in the areas of life influenced by the planets in conjunction.

Positive aspects, on the other hand, could enhance or intensify the conjunction’s energies and potentials.

Different astrologers have different perspectives about the influence and interpretation of conjunctions, why it is important for astrology enthusiasts to consider multiple viewpoints.

While conjunctions are seen as powerful, their effect on an individual’s life greatly depends on the planetary players involved and the rest of the chart.

The world of astrology is vast and often complex, but understanding terms like ‘conjunction’ can be a helpful step in gaining deeper insight into this fascinating field.

10. Astrological Aspects: Angles planets make to each other

In the realm of astrology, the term ‘astrological aspects’ refers to the specific angles that planets make to each other as observed from earth.

This complex and fascinating web of relationships between the planets in a natal chart can tell amazingly detailed and precise stories about a person’s life.

Astrological aspects form a significant part of interpretative techniques used in astrology and allow astrologers to dive into the depths of a person’s psyche.

There are several major astrological aspects that astrologers primarily consider, including conjunctions (0 degrees apart), oppositions (180 degrees apart), squares (90 degrees apart), trines (120 degrees apart), and sextiles (60 degrees apart).

Each of these aspects represents a different type of energy interaction between the planets involved, and hence they influence the individual’s personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and even predict potential life events.

The conjunction aspect, for instance, is considered a strong harmonious aspect where the energies of the involved planets merge and work together powerfully.

It signifies new beginnings and the initiation of a new cycle.

Contrary, an opposition aspect represents tension, conflict, and opposition, much like pulling a rubber band in two different directions.

It can indicate challenges that need to be resolved and lessons to be learned.

Squares suggest internal and external struggles that promote growth and development.

It often brings about situations that require a change in behaviour or attitude.

Trines are often associated with harmony, talent and ease.

It has a calming effect and often indicates areas of life where things fall into place with minimal effort.

Sextiles denote opportunities and potential for growth.

They are usually regarded as beneficial and indicate areas where individuals can achieve success with relative ease.

Understanding these astrological aspects can lend profound insights into an individual’s personality and their approach to life, and is essential for a proper interpretation of the natal chart.

In astrology, these aspects show the intricate and complex interactions of celestial forces that shape our life and destiny.

The Bottom Line

Astrology is a complex system that interprets the vast celestial patterns and influences they may render in one’s life.

From the Natal Chart that essentially maps our innate celestial blueprint, to the implications of Planetary Transits and Retrogrades that echo the dynamics of change and introspection, it is undeniable that astrology provides insightful perspectives about our personal evolution and tendencies.

Equally, the Ascendant, Sun Sign, Moon Sign, and the Houses each supplies unique layers to our astrological dedication.

Furthermore, the Cusp, Conjunction and Astrological Aspects deepen the understanding of these celestial interactions.

Therefore, even though it may seem enigmatic, each facet of astrology has its own significance contributing to a nuanced interpretation of our lives.