Astrology Lingo

 

When you first start to get into astrology, the lingo can be daunting or confusing. The following is an A-Z list that will simplify the definitions of common astrology terms you may encounter, and will also provide you with resources to more detailed information on these terms. 

 

Air Signs: The qualities of air signs are: intellectual and adventurous. The three zodiac air signs are: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. 

Ascendant: also referred to as your ‘Rising Sign,’ it is determined by the degree that the Zodiac rests over the horizon, at your birthplace and the time of your birth. This sign reflects how you come across to others. 

Birth Chart: This is a detailed diagram that shows you the positioning of the planets in the signs when you were born. *scroll to bottom for resources on how to find out what your birth chart is* 

Cardinal Signs: The qualities of cardinal signs are: ambitious and creativity. Cardinal signs are the first sign of the new season, thus they represent new beginnings. The four zodiac cardinal signs are: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. 

Cusp: Someone who is born on the ‘cusp’ was born between the time where the sun transits from one sign and enters the next. Cusp dates are around the last 6 days of the sign’s date range. If you are born on the cusp, you may display characteristics of both of the signs you fall between. 

Earth Signs: The qualities of earth signs are: grounded and practical. The three zodiac Earth signs are: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. 

Elements: There are four elements that divide the zodiac, each pertaining three zodiac signs. All signs within that element share similar qualities. The four elements are: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Air. 

Fire Signs: The qualities of fire signs are: passionate and willful. The three zodiac Fire signs are: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. 

Fixed Signs: The qualities of fixed signs are: focused and strong-willed. The four zodiac Fixed signs are: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. 

Houses: There are 12 houses, each ruled by a different sign. Each house has its own traits. The first six houses are known as the “personal houses,” while the final six are the “interpersonal houses”. 

Moon Sign: This is the second most important sign after your sun sign. People often distinguish the two by saying that your Sun sign is your ‘head’, while your moon sign is your ‘heart’. It is your emotional instincts. 

Mutable Signs: The qualities of mutable signs are: adaptable and communicative. The four zodiac Mutable signs are: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. 

Qualities: There are three qualities in astrology, each containing four zodiac signs. The qualities are: Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable.

Retrograde: A planet is in ‘retrograde’ when it appears to be traveling backwards from the view of Earth. People tend to view retrogrades in a negative light. 

Rulership: Each zodiac sign has a planetary ruler. The planet that rules your sign is connected to the characteristic of your sign. Note that two signs can have the same planetary ruler. 

Sun Sign: Your sun sign is the main sign you use, which is dependent on your birthday. This sign reflects your ego or your “true self”. 

Transit: When a planet is moving through a sign or house, it is referred to as being in ‘transit’. 

Water Signs: The qualities of water signs are: intuitive and emotional. The three zodiac Water signs are: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. 

Zodiac: Derives from the Greek word ‘zodiakos’ meaning “circle of animals.” There are twelve zodiac signs.