Do you want to start learning about astrology but feel overwhelmed by the amount of new information and concepts? This glossary is designed to introduce you to the essential terms of this fascinating “language.” It is a clear and simple starting point for you to understand the basics of astrology and take your first steps with confidence. 1. Archetype A universal symbol that represents specific patterns of behavior or energies. Signs, planets, and houses in astrology function as archetypes that reflect human characteristics and experiences. 2. Ascendant The zodiac sign...
Do you want to start learning about astrology but feel overwhelmed by the amount of new information and concepts? This glossary is designed to introduce you to the essential terms of this fascinating “language.” It is a clear and simple starting point for you to understand the basics of astrology and take your first steps with confidence.
1. Archetype
A universal symbol that represents specific patterns of behavior or energies. Signs, planets, and houses in astrology function as archetypes that reflect human characteristics and experiences.
2. Ascendant
The zodiac sign that was on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth. It represents how you present yourself to the world and your physical appearance.
3. Aspects
Angular relationships between planets in the birth chart. The main aspects are:
• Conjunction (0°): Union of energies.
• Opposition (180°): Polarity.
• Trine (120°): Fluidity.
• Square (90°): Tension.
• Sextile (60°): Cooperation.
4. Natal Chart
An astrological chart showing the position of the planets at the exact moment of your birth, based on the date, time and place of birth.
5. Astrological Houses
Divisions of the birth chart that represent different areas of life (such as personality, work, relationships). There are 12 houses in total, starting from the Ascendant.
6. Zodiacal Constellations
Constellations are groups of stars that form patterns in the sky and have been associated since ancient times with the 12 signs of the Zodiac. Although modern astrology is based on the tropical zodiac, which does not coincide with the current constellations, they still represent the symbolic basis of each sign:
• Aries : The ram.
• Taurus : The bull.
• Gemini : The twins.
• Cancer : The crab.
• Leo : The lion.
• Virgo : The maiden.
• Libra : The scales.
• Scorpio : The scorpion.
• Sagittarius : The archer.
• Capricorn : The goat.
• Aquarius : The water bearer.
• Pisces : The fishes.
7. Descending
The sign opposite the Ascendant, which is on the western horizon at the time of your birth. It represents how you relate to others, especially in partnerships and relationships.
8. Ecliptic
The apparent path that the Sun travels in the sky from our perspective on Earth. It is the basis for calculating the position of signs and planets in astrology.
9. Eclipses
Astronomical and astrological events that occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth align. They represent moments of change and transformation.
10. Elements
The signs are grouped into four elements, which describe their energy and focus:
• Fire : Action and passion (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius).
• Earth : Practicality and stability (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn).
• Air : Communication and ideas (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius).
• Water : Emotions and intuition (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces).
11. Cardinal Energy
Modality of the signs that start projects and new ideas: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn.
12. Fixed Energy
Modality of signs that are stable and persevering: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius.
13. Mutable Energy
Modality of adaptable and flexible signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces.
14. Jupiter
Planet associated with expansion, learning and abundance. It represents the search for meaning, optimism and confidence.
15. Moon
It represents emotions, instincts and the inner world. It is associated with feelings, home and emotional connection with others.
16. Mars
Planet that symbolizes action, energy and desire. It represents how we fight for our goals and how we express our will.
17. Midheaven (MC)
The highest point in your birth chart. It indicates your vocation, professional goals, and how you wish to be publicly recognized.
18. Mercury
Planet of communication, thought and intellect. It represents how we process information, express ourselves and make decisions.
19. Neptune
Planet related to dreams, spirituality and inspiration. It represents imagination, intuition and idealism, but also illusions.
20. North Node
Mathematical point in the birth chart that represents spiritual purpose, what we are called to grow towards.
21. South Node
Mathematical point that indicates habits and patterns of the past, both in this life and in possible previous lives.
22. Pluto
Planet of transformation, power and regeneration. It represents processes of profound change, both internal and external.
23. Personal Planets
They include the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars. They represent more immediate and personal aspects of temperament.
24. Social Planets
Jupiter and Saturn. They represent collective themes and the interaction of the individual with society.
25. Transpersonal Planets
Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. They represent collective and transformative energies.
26. Planetary Rulers
Each sign has a ruling planet (in some cases two) that governs its main energy. These are:
• Aries: Mars
• Taurus: Venus
• Gemini: Mercury
• Cancer: Moon
• Leo: Sun
• Virgo: Mercury
• Libra: Venus
• Scorpio: Mars as traditional ruler and Pluto as modern ruler.
• Sagittarius: Jupiter
• Capricorn: Saturn
• Aquarius: Saturn as traditional ruler and Uranus as modern ruler.
• Pisces: Jupiter as traditional ruler and Neptune as modern ruler.
27. Retrogrades
When a planet appears to move backwards from our perspective on Earth, this symbolizes a review or re-evaluation of issues related to that planet.
28. Lunar Revolution
A chart calculated for the exact moment when the Moon returns to the same position it occupied at the time of birth. It is used to analyze the emotional influences of the month.
29. Solar Revolution
An astrological chart calculated for the exact moment when the Sun returns to the same degree it was at at the time of a person's birth. It marks the beginning of a new annual cycle for that person.
30. Saturn
Planet that represents discipline, limits and structures. It symbolizes effort, responsibilities and learning through experience.
31. Signs of the Zodiac
The 12 astrological signs that represent different energies and archetypes: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
32. Sun
It represents vitality, creativity and self-awareness. In pop astrology, the Sun’s placement in the birth chart is referred to as “my sign.”
33. Transits
The current movement of the planets in the sky and their relationship to your birth chart. They show temporary astrological influences on your life.
34. Uranus
Planet of innovation, independence and sudden change. Represents freedom, originality and unexpected transformations.
35. Venus
Planet associated with love, relationships and values. It represents what we value, how we enjoy life and how we relate to others.
36. Zodiac
The circle is divided into 12 equal sections, representing the Sun's path through the constellations as seen from Earth. Each section corresponds to an astrological sign, from Aries to Pisces, and reflects a unique combination of elements, modalities and archetypal energies.
