Equinox:

Means a time of equal day and night. This occurs twice a year and marks the beginning of Spring and Autumn.

Equinox:

Equinox: Means a time of equal day and night. This occurs twice a year and marks the beginning of Spring and Autumn.

Ephemeris:

An almanac which lists the Zodiacal positions of the Planets and other astronomical data for a given time period. Plural is ephemerides.

Eleventh House:

Also known as the House of Friends. It describes friendships and acquaintances, as well as hopes and dreams. It rules groups, humanitarianism and philanthropic attitudes.

Elements:

A four-fold division of the Zodiac which is comprised of Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Signs of the same Element share similar characteristics. Also known as Triplicity.

Electional Astrology:

The branch of Astrology which deals with selecting the best time to initiate any given activity or project.

Eighth House:

Also known as the House of Sex. It describes shared resources, inheritance, alimony, taxes and surgery. It is also the House of regeneration, death and rebirth.

Eighth House: Also known as the House of Sex. It describes shared resources, inheritance, alimony, taxes and surgery. It is also the House of regeneration, death and rebirth.

Earth Signs:

Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Signs belonging to this Element represent a practical nature.

Descendant:

The opposite point from the ascendant, located on the cusp of the Seventh House. This point explains the nature of our interactions with others.

Degree:

A degree is 1/360 of a circle. In Astrology, degrees are the commonly-used unit of measurement.

Declination:

The arc of measurement in degrees north or south of the celestial equator. Constellation: A group of visible stars in the same section of the sky.

Decanate:

The partitioning of each Sign into three equal parts of 10 degrees each. Each part is known as a decanate. Every Sign is composed of 30 degrees.

Cycle:

A planet's Zodiacal period; the time it takes a planet or point to make one complete revolution in the heavens.

Configuration:

An aspect involving three or more planets. Constellation: A group of visible stars in the same section of the sky. Cusp: The midway point between two Signs of the Zodiac; also used to refer to the start of a House within the chart wheel.

Conjunction:

Two or more planets sitting next to each other within an acceptable orb, generally considered within 8 degrees for major aspects. A conjunction gives great strength to the energies of the interacting planets.

Composite chart:

Two individual charts which are merged to form one. It shows the relationship between the individuals whose charts are combined.

Cycle:

A planet's Zodiacal period; the time it takes a planet or point to make one complete revolution in the heavens.

Constellation:

A group of visible stars in the same section of the sky. Cusp: The midway point between two Signs of the Zodiac; also used to refer to the start of a House within the chart wheel.

Conjunction:

Two or more planets sitting next to each other within an acceptable orb, generally considered within 8 degrees for major aspects. A conjunction gives great strength to the energies of the interacting planets.

Composite chart:

Two individual charts which are merged to form one. It shows the relationship between the individuals whose charts are combined.

Ceres:

An asteroid named for the Roman Goddess of Agriculture. Represents women's cycles, parenting and nutrition.

Birth Chart

Birth Chart (also known as a Chart or Chart wheel): A 'map' detailing the positioning of the planets in the Signs at the specific moment of an individual's birth. The chart is rendered by using the individual's place, date and time of birth as the data source for this planetary snapshot. Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. This Quality represents initiative.

Benefic:

The belief among certain astrologers that some planets, especially Jupiter and Venus, are positive and beneficial influences, while others like Mars or Uranus are destructive. See "Malefic."

Balsamic Phase:

When a more quickly orbiting planet trails a planet with a slower orbit and appears to "catch up" with the slower body, and the planets are within 45 degrees of one another in their orbital cycles, astrologers say that the faster moving planet is in its Balsamic Phase. Deals with your dedication to your destiny.

Aspects:

The angular distance, calculated in specific number of degrees of the chart wheel, between two celestial planets or points. It also provides the nature of the relationship between planets.

Angles:

The lines of the chart wheel which lie at 0 degrees (the ascendant), 90 degrees (the I.C.), 180 degrees (the descendant), and 270 degrees (the M.C.). These are major points in a chart and represent Cardinal Qualities.

Age of Aquarius:

"Aquarian Age." Air Signs: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Signs belonging to this Element represent the intellectual and thought process.

29th degree: "Anaretic degree."

29th degree: "Anaretic degree." Afflicted: Used to describe a planet which is unfavorably aspected; squares, oppositions and quincunxes. An ancient term which is still commonly used.

General Astronomical Information

The Earth's daily rotation and its orbit around the Sun are responsible for all of the apparent motion of the Sun. It is actually the rotation of the Earth that causes day and night, and the apparent motion of the Sun. The 24-hour rotation of our planet on its axis gives the illusion that the Sun, the planets and the mantle of stars move around us, rising in the east, culminating overhead and setting in the west, each and every day. This is called diurnal, or daily, motion. It's easy to observe the effects of Earth's motion by simply observing a shadow (cast by the Sun) moving across any wall or surface. Within 10 minutes you'll see a noticeable change in the shadow, and can actually watch it move almost imperceptibly across the surface. The speed of this shadow is the actual speed of the Earth rotating on its axis -- approximately one Zodiac degree every four minutes. The yearly orbit of the Earth around the Sun is the reason that the seasons and the stars change from month to month. As the Earth moves along in its orbit, the night side of the Earth faces outward to a slightly different part of the universe each night, moving about a degree a day (although in actual experience, it takes about a month for observable changes to occur). These changes are very regular, reflecting the routine and predictable nature of our orbit.

Viewing Astrology

The best method for viewing the planets and constellations is to do it frequently. Whenever you are outside at night, look up and see what you can see. Even in urban environments with intense light pollution, all of the (visible) planets and the brightest stars will be apparent, and this can make it easy to find planets and constellations. If you know a star-watcher, spend an evening or two learning what they know: Most are eager to share their knowledge. Try to learn one winter constellation and one summer constellation. Once you can recognize one or two constellations and learn to identify them, you'll become an avid "backyard astronomer." The darker your surroundings, the more visible the stars -- and your eyes will adjust to the darkness too. Visual conditions near the horizon are often poor due to atmospheric conditions. It is still worth looking, but do not become discouraged if at first you do not find what you seek. Keep trying.