Astrology can feel confusing with its unique terms and phrases. This glossary explains the most common words and phrases in clear, simple language.
Air Signs
The air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. They are linked to communication, ideas, and social connections.
Angular Houses
The angular houses are the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses. These are the most important parts of a natal chart, representing identity, home, relationships, and career.
Aspect
An aspect is the angle between two planets in a chart. It shows how the planets interact and influence each other.
Cardinal
Cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. They are known for starting new projects and taking action.
Conjunction
A conjunction happens when two planets are close together in the same zodiac sign. Their energies combine and become more powerful.
Cusp
A cusp is the boundary between two zodiac signs. People born on a cusp may show traits of both signs.
Degree
A degree measures where a planet is in a sign. Each zodiac sign spans 30 degrees.
Earth Signs
The earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. They are practical, reliable, and focused on material stability.
Element
There are four elements in astrology: fire, earth, air, and water. Each zodiac sign belongs to one element, which influences its energy and traits.
Fixed
Fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. These signs are steady, determined, and focused.
Fire Signs
The fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. They are bold, energetic, and passionate.
House
A house is one of 12 sections in a natal chart. Each house represents an area of life, like relationships, career, or health. For example:
- 1st House: Self, identity, and appearance.
- 2nd House: Money, possessions, and values.
- 3rd House: Communication, siblings, and local travel.
- 4th House: Home, family, and roots.
- 5th House: Creativity, fun, and children.
- 6th House: Work, health, and daily routines.
- 7th House: Relationships, partnerships, and marriage.
- 8th House: Transformation, shared resources, and intimacy.
- 9th House: Travel, higher learning, and beliefs.
- 10th House: Career, reputation, and achievements.
- 11th House: Friends, groups, and hopes.
- 12th House: Secrets, spirituality, and the subconscious.
Mutable
Mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. These signs are flexible and adaptable.
Natal Chart
A natal chart is a map of the sky at your birth. It shows the positions of the planets, sun, moon, and rising sign.
Moon
The moon represents emotions, intuition, and inner self. Its position in your chart influences how you feel and respond emotionally.
Moon Sign
Your moon sign is the zodiac sign where the moon was when you were born. It reflects your emotional side.
Opposition
An opposition happens when two planets are 180 degrees apart. This creates tension but can lead to balance if handled well.
Planets
The planets in astrology represent different areas of life:
- Sun: Core personality and vitality.
- Moon: Emotions and inner self.
- Mercury: Communication and thinking.
- Venus: Love, beauty, and harmony.
- Mars: Action, energy, and drive.
- Jupiter: Growth, luck, and expansion.
- Saturn: Responsibility, discipline, and structure.
- Uranus: Innovation, rebellion, and change.
- Neptune: Dreams, intuition, and imagination.
- Pluto: Transformation, power, and deep change.
Retrograde
Retrograde happens when a planet appears to move backwards in the sky. This can disrupt the areas the planet rules. For example, Mercury retrograde can cause communication problems.
Rising Sign
Your rising sign, or ascendant, is the zodiac sign that was rising on the horizon when you were born. It shapes how others see you.
Ruled by Mars
When a sign is “ruled by Mars,” it means Mars has the strongest influence on that sign. Aries is ruled by Mars, giving it energy and boldness.
Ruled by Venus
When a sign is “ruled by Venus,” it means Venus has the strongest influence on that sign. Taurus and Libra are ruled by Venus, which brings harmony and love.
Square
A square happens when two planets are 90 degrees apart. This can create challenges but encourages growth.
Sun
The sun represents your core personality and identity. Its position shows your basic traits and life purpose.
Sun Sign
Your sun sign is the zodiac sign where the sun was when you were born. It represents your main personality traits.
Transit
A transit is the movement of a planet through the sky. Transits influence how we feel and act during different periods.
Trine
A trine happens when two planets are 120 degrees apart. This is a positive aspect that brings harmony and ease.
Water Signs
The water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. They are emotional, intuitive, and sensitive.
Zodiac
The zodiac is a circle of 12 signs based on the sun’s path through the sky. Each sign has unique traits and energy.