✦ Learn Astrology
Astrological Glossary
The language of astrology, explained clearly. Every term you will find in your birth chart, concisely defined so you can interpret your natal chart without getting lost in jargon.
Zodiac signs: the archetypes
Aries
First sign of the zodiac, cardinal fire. Ruled by Mars. Represents the impulse to initiate, action and courage.
Taurus
Fixed earth sign, ruled by Venus. Stability, sensuality, perseverance and connection to the material.
Gemini
Mutable air sign, ruled by Mercury. Curiosity, communication, duality and mental versatility.
Cancer
Cardinal water sign, ruled by the Moon. Emotion, protection, home and emotional memory.
Leo
Fixed fire sign, ruled by the Sun. Creativity, leadership, pride and the need to shine.
Virgo
Mutable earth sign, ruled by Mercury. Analysis, service, precision and continuous improvement.
Libra
Cardinal air sign, ruled by Venus. Balance, harmony, aesthetics and relationships.
Scorpio
Fixed water sign, ruled by Mars and Pluto. Intensity, transformation, depth and power.
Sagittarius
Mutable fire sign, ruled by Jupiter. Expansion, philosophy, travel and the search for meaning.
Capricorn
Cardinal earth sign, ruled by Saturn. Ambition, structure, discipline and responsibility.
Aquarius
Fixed air sign, ruled by Uranus. Innovation, originality, community and independence.
Pisces
Mutable water sign, ruled by Neptune. Empathy, intuition, mysticism and compassion.
Planets: the actors of your chart
Sun
Represents identity, ego, essence and vitality. In the birth chart it indicates who you are at your core.
Moon
Symbolizes emotions, instinct, the subconscious and the need for emotional security.
Mercury
Planet of communication, thought, learning and short trips.
Venus
Planet of love, beauty, values and what we attract. Rules Taurus and Libra.
Mars
Planet of action, energy, desire and assertiveness. Rules Aries and traditionally Scorpio.
Jupiter
Planet of expansion, luck, wisdom and optimism. Rules Sagittarius.
Saturn
Planet of structure, karma, responsibility and limits. Rules Capricorn and Aquarius.
Uranus
Planet of sudden change, rebellion, innovation and freedom. Rules Aquarius.
Neptune
Planet of imagination, mysticism, illusion and the dissolution of boundaries. Rules Pisces.
Pluto
Planet of transformation, power, death and rebirth. Rules Scorpio.
Lunar nodes
Intersection points between the Moon orbit and the ecliptic. The North Node marks the direction of karmic growth.
Houses: the life stages
House I
Identity, physical appearance, how you present yourself to the world. Corresponds to the ascendant.
House IV
Home, family, roots, private life and emotional base. Corresponds to Cancer.
House VII
Partners, associations, marriage and one-on-one relationships. Corresponds to Libra.
House X
Career, vocation, public reputation and status. Corresponds to Capricorn and the Midheaven.
Astrological houses
The 12 divisions of the chart that represent life areas. Most used system: Placidus.
Aspects: the relationships between planets
Conjunction
0° aspect. Fusion of energies between two planets. Intensifies both.
Trine
120° aspect. Harmonic and natural flow between planets of the same element.
Square
90° aspect. Tension, internal conflict and motivation to grow.
Sextile
60° aspect. Smooth opportunity that requires conscious effort to activate.
Opposition
180° aspect. Polarity between two forces that must be integrated.
Key concepts: the astrological language
Birth chart
Map of the sky at the exact moment of your birth. Shows planetary positions, signs and houses.
Ascendant
Sign rising on the eastern horizon at your birth. Defines your social mask and how you are perceived.
Midheaven
Highest point of the chart (cusp of House X). Indicates vocation and professional direction.
Placidus
Most popular house system. Divides the sky according to the time each degree takes to rise.
Transits
Current positions of planets relative to your birth chart. Indicate energies of the moment.
Synastry
Comparison between the charts of two people to analyze compatibility and dynamics.
New moon
Lunar phase of beginning. Sun-Moon conjunction. Moment to plant intentions.
Retrogradation
Apparent backward movement of a planet in the sky. Invites review and reintegration.