📖 Astrology Glossary: Key Terms & Symbols

Welcome to your quick-reference guide for astrology! 🌟✨
Here you’ll find definitions for some of the most common terms and symbols used in readings and charts.

🔤 A–Z Glossary

Ascendant (Rising Sign)

The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth; shapes how others see you and how you approach the world.

Aspect

The angle between two planets, showing how they interact (harmonious, tense, supportive, etc.).

Birth Chart (Natal Chart)

A snapshot of the sky at the exact time and place of your birth, showing the positions of planets and points.

Cardinal / Fixed / Mutable

The three modalities:

• Cardinal → initiating (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn)
• Fixed → stabilizing (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius)
• Mutable → adapting (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces)

Composite Chart

A combined chart made by calculating the midpoints between two people’s charts, representing the relationship itself.

Conjunction

An aspect where two planets are close together (0° apart), blending their energies.

Element

The four basic energies: Fire 🔥, Earth 🌱, Air 🌬, Water 🌊 — each with distinct temperaments.

Houses

The 12 divisions of the birth chart, each representing a life area (e.g., relationships, career, home).

Midheaven (MC)

The point at the top of the chart, symbolizing career, reputation, and public life.

Nodes (North Node, South Node)

Points that reveal karmic lessons:

• North Node → future growth, purpose
• South Node → past habits, comfort zones

Opposition

An aspect where two planets are 180° apart, creating tension and the need for balance.

Retrograde

When a planet appears to move backward in the sky, symbolizing review, reflection, or delays.

Sextile

A 60° aspect between planets, offering easy opportunities and support.

Stellium

A cluster of three or more planets in the same sign or house, creating a strong emphasis in that area.

Synastry

The comparison of two charts to explore relationship dynamics and compatibility.

Trine

A 120° aspect, showing natural harmony and flow between planets.

Transit

The current (or future) movement of planets across the sky, interacting with your birth chart.

🗝 Symbols Cheat Sheet

Feel free to bookmark this glossary for quick reference! 🌙✨

Next: 📚 Recommended Resources — Books, Tools & Further Learning!