Glossary of Astrological Terms



Ascendant

We observe day and night when the World rotates once every 24 hours on its axis. It is because of this rotation that the Sun, the Moon, and the planets appear to be rising and setting. The zodiac is a set belt (imaginary, but spiritually very real) around the Planet. If the Earth rotates, the various signs of the zodiac appear to the viewer to rise on the horizon. During a 24-hour cycle, any sign of the zodiac can travel through this horizon point at one time or another. The symbol at the point of the horizon at any given moment is called the Ascendant, or the rising sign. The Ascendant is a symbol that signifies the self-image, body, and self-concept of an individual – the personal ego, as opposed to the moral ego, shown by the Sun sign of a person.

Aspects

Aspects are the angular interactions between planets, the way that one planet affects or impacts another. If a planet has a harmonious feature (connection) to another, it appears to stimulate the planet in a beneficial and helpful way. When, however, another world has a traumatic component, this disrupts the natural impact of that planet.

Astrological Qualities

There are three astrological characteristics: cardinal, set and mutable. Any of the 12 zodiac signs falls into one of these three groups.

Cardinal Signs

Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn

The cardinal attribute is an aggressive, initiatory theory. People born under the four signs are fantastic at beginning new ventures.

Fixed Signs

Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius

Set qualities include consistency, persistence, stamina and excellence. People born under these four signs are good to see it though.

Mutable Signs

Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces

The variable consistency is adaptability, changeability and balance. Many born under the four signs are imaginative, if not necessarily realistic.

Direct Motion

As the planets travel along into the zodiac – as they generally do – they are assumed to be moving 'directly.'

Grand Square

The Grand Square varies from the regular Square (usually two planets divided by 90 degrees) in which four or more planets are involved. When you look at the pattern in the map, you'll see the entire square. This, while exhausting, typically signifies a new manifestation of life. There's a lot of effort and balance involved in the case.

Grand Trine

The Grand Trinity varies from the usual Trinity (where two planets are 120 degrees apart) in that three or more planets are involved. If you look at this phenomenon in a map, it takes the shape of a complete triangle – the Grand Trinity. Usually (but not always) this happens in one of the four elements: fire, earth, air or water. Thus, the particular aspect in which this happens will be illuminated. The Grand Trine in Water is not the same as the Grand Trine in Air or Flames, and so on. It's a quite blessed and happy aspect, and very unusual.

Houses

There are 12 zodiac signs and 12 houses of knowledge. The 12 indicators are the forms of personalities and the manner in which the world shows itself; the 12 houses indicate 'where' this phrase takes place in your life. Per house has a different area of interest. A house can become strong and important – a house of influence – in various ways: whether it includes the Sun, the Moon or the ruler of the chart; if it contains more than one planet; or if the ruler of that house gets extraordinary stimulus from other planets.


1st House

Personal Image and Sensual Delights


2nd House

Money/Finance


3rd House

Communication and Intellectual Interests


4th House

Home and Family


5th House

Children, Fun, Games, Creativity, Speculations and Love Affairs


6th House

Health and Work


7th House

Love, Marriage and Social Activities


8th House

Transformation and Regeneration


9th House

Religion, Foreign Travel, Higher Education and Philosophy


10th House

Career


11th House

Friends, Group Activities and Fondest Wishes


12th House

Spirituality


Karma

Karma is the law of cause and effect that regulates all phenomena. We are just where we find ourselves because of karma – because of the acts we have carried out in the past. The world is such a balanced instrument that every behavior automatically sets the corrective powers in motion – karma.

Long-term Planets

Planets that take a long time to pass across a symbol indicate long-term patterns in a given field of life. They are critical for projecting the long-term view of things. Since these planets remain in one sign for too long, there are times in the year where they will be replaced by faster-moving (short-term) planets, further stimulating and enhancing the value of a given house.

Jupiter

stays in a sign for about 1 year


Saturn

2½ years


Uranus

7 years


Neptune

14 years


Pluto

15 to 30 years


Lunar

Relating to the Moon. See also ‘Phases of the Moon’, below.


Natal

Literally means ‘birth’. In astrology this term is used to distinguish between planetary positions that occurred at the time of a person’s birth (natal) and those that are current (transiting). For example, Natal Sun refers to where the Sun was when you were born; transiting Sun refers to where the Sun’s position is currently at any given moment – which usually doesn’t coincide with your birth, or Natal, Sun.


Out of Bounds


Saturn

2½ years


Uranus

7 years


Neptune

14 years


Pluto

15 to 30 years


Lunar

Relating to the Moon. See also ‘Phases of the Moon’, below.


Out of Bounds

Planets pass around the zodiac at varying angles compared to the celestial equator (if you were to draw an imaginary stretch of the Earth's equator out into the world, you would have an example of this celestial equator). The Sun – as the most influential and strong influence in the solar system – is a common indicator used by astrologers. The Sun is never more than 23 degrees north or south of the celestial equator. At the winter solstice, the Sun approaches its full southern orbit angle (declination); at the summer solstice, it reaches its maximum northern angle. Any time a planet exceeds this Solar limit – and often planets do – it is considered to be 'out of bounds.' This indicates that the earth crosses or passes through a mysterious territory – beyond the boundaries permitted by the Sun, the ruler of the Solar System. In this situation, the world becomes more marked and exceeds its jurisdiction, becoming an important factor in the prediction.

Phases of the Moon

During the full Moon, the Moon appears to be shrinking in height (as viewed from Earth), steadily getting smaller until it is practically invisible to the naked eye – at the time of the next new Moon. This is also the fading period of the Moon, or the waning moon.

Since the new Moon, the Moon steadily grows in size (as perceived from Earth) until it reaches its maximum size at the time of the full Moon. This time is called the waxing phase of the Moon or the waxing phase of the Moon.

Retrogrades

The planets are traveling around the Sun at varying speeds. Mercury and Venus are traveling even quicker than Earth, while Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are moving more slowly. There are moments where, relative to the Earth, the planets seem to be moving backwards. In fact, they're still heading forward, but relative to our Earth vantage point, they seem to be going backwards across the zodiac for a period of time. This is termed 'retrograde' motion which appears to weaken the natural effect of the earth.

Short-term Planets

Fast-moving planets are moving so rapidly through an indication that their impacts are usually of a short-term kind. They represent the immediate, day-to-day patterns of the horoscope.


Moon

stays in a sign for only 2½ days


Mercury

20 to 30 days


Sun

30 days


Venus

approximately 1 month


Mars

approximately 2 months


T-square

The T-square differs from the Grand Square in that it's not a complete square. If you look at the pattern in the table, it shows as 'half a full rectangle,' resembling the T-square tools used by architects and designers. If you split the entire square in two, diagonally, you've got a T-square. Most astrologers think this more stressful than the Grand Square, for it causes uncertainty that is impossible to overcome. T-squares bear with them learning opportunities.


Transits

Fast-moving planets are moving so rapidly through an indication that their impacts are usually of a short-term kind. They represent the immediate, day-to-day patterns of the horoscope.


Moon

stays in a sign for only 2½ days


Mercury

20 to 30 days


Sun

30 days


Venus

approximately 1 month


Mars

approximately 2 months


Transits(II)

This term refers to the motions or movements of the planets at any given time. Astrologers use the term 'transit' to differentiate between the birth or the Natal planet (see 'Natal') and the current passage of the planet in the heavens. For eg, if, when you were born, Saturn was in the sign of Cancer in your 8th house, but is now passing through your 3rd house, it is thought to be 'transiting' your 3rd house. Transits are one of the key methods for astrologers to predict patterns.



Astrological Principles and Human Relationships



It is of prime importance to consider the ethnic background and the way of life a person comes from during the judgement of a horoscope. Planets may be in the same locations and place, but the reaction of a conservative family to an educated person would be different from that of a different class. Neglect of this element in a nativity's interpretation can result in incorrect conclusions.

The lower one is in the scale of evolution, the more he responds to the planetary vibrations, and the higher we grow in the scale of achievement, the more our desire to face the challenge of life and conquer the 'Stars.'

"Opposite attracts" birds of the same feather gather together. This compact relationship lasts as long as they are in similar cycles, and separations or living apart or even a complete break up takes place when the cycle changes in one situation.

However, there is another element that triggers attraction. One horoscope may have certain vibrations that match the other chart's vibrations, or they are so complementary to each other that a relationship develops between them, but no sooner does a third party with more intense matching occur in either party's life. In a horoscope that establishes a friendship, a thirst is felt at times under intense transit, but it is not a lasting relationship most of the time.

For instance,

(a) It lasts for two years if it is due to a Mars factor, and is marred by discord and quarrels and then breaks down with a tragic accident.

(b) If Uranus is driven into it, then even married women abandon their husbands for a "Oasis" and it is too late "the horse has already run away by the time sanity returns to them (duration two years to three years), to find the stable doors open wide."

There are so many possibilities for climbing to the peak of the slope. We have Western techniques in Astrology, related to the Tropical Zodiac or the Hindu method based on the Sidereal System. We don't want to say which one would be better. There are, however, some basic differences between the two, such as elements, such as planets, such as houses.

For instance, if it is the ruler of the 1-, 9-, or 5-, house in Hindu system, even a natural malefic will show good effect: it will show much better effect if it is the owner of an angle (1,4,7,10) and trine at the same time (5,9). It is then called a 'Yoga Karaka' and is able to confer on its own most of the stuff in life.

In the Hindu system, we also regard 'Rahu' and 'Ketu' as planets. Rahu induces illicit marriages or living together without marriage whether it is connected with the seventh house or with Venus. We don't take Uranus into account. When Vedic (Hindu) Astrology came into being, Neptune and Pluto did not come to the earth as their light. We are of the opinion that they should also be considered now.

We now give some aphorisms which is applicable to all horoscopes:

Horoscopes

1. Two individuals may be good friends, their relationship as friends may be harmonious, but due to astrological incompatibility of their 7th houses, they may not prove good husband and wife.

2. Heart affairs from the 5th, marriage from the 7th, friendship from the 11th and secret attachments from the 12th are assessed.

3. Whether there is a lord of the ascendant in Gemini, Sagittarius, or Pisces, more than one union is inclined.

4. The 5th, 7th, 11th and 1st houses gain from good planets in the third house aspect, and as such must be taken into account in the judgment of wishes, marriage and friendship.

5. Bad planets in the 5th house or other planets therein with malefics in the evil aspect impede pleasure linked to the heart's desires. In relation to marriage and love affairs, the 5th house should also also be judged.

6. The 5th house also indicates domestic circumstances and environment, and as such should receive due consideration in the Judgement of married life.

7. If the fifth house is poor, its lord is afflicted, or the house itself is afflicted, there would be no harmony in the house, and there would be impaired conjugal happiness.

8. If in the 5th house there are many planets, particularly near the cusp and Sun and Moon in the birth are not afflicted but beneficially aspected, early marriage will occur.

9. The 7th house is the principal house for the marriage judgment.

10. Planets in the seventh house, particularly those near the cusp, have a material impact on the prospects of marriage and married life. If the Ruling Planet (lord of the 1st house) is a planet within it, special significance should be added to it.

11. Sun, Moon, Mars and Venus are chief significators in comparison to the seventh house and planets therein:

(a) More weight must be given to Sun and Mars as meaners in female births.

(b) In male births, the moon and Venus are of greater significance.

12. Any planet aligned with or aspected by the planets referred to in No. 10 above is important in terms of marriage or married life, but particular emphasis should be added to it if the lord of the 7th house does so.

13. The location of the 7th house lord by sign and house is very important.

14. Whatever the ascendant, the Sun and Moon constitute the native's metaphysical and mental 'psychic' foundation and, as such, due weight should be added as horoscope significators.

A fifteen. In a female, Mars represents the latent 'male' element, and in a male, Venus represents the latent 'female' element, and as such, due weight should be applied to Mars and Venus as they preside over emotions and pleasure in relation to sex and physical desires.

16. Mercury presides over voice, nervous system and language, and its role and aspect will thus influence the mental approach to love and marriage issues.

17. It will also be decided and influenced by physical union or connection by the lord of the 1st house, or any planet on or around the cusps of the 1st house and the lord of the 7th house.

18. If Moon and Venus in a male birth and Sun, Mars and Venus are free from affliction and strong in a female birth and strong and unafflicted in a female birth and there is no connection with or feature of Saturn, it is good for married happiness. If Saturn is the 1st King, it's not so bad.

19. If there was some planet in the 7th house, the presence of the wife/husband would adhere to it, it would exert further control nearer the cusp. Each would exert its impact if there were many planets, the stronger one more than the weaker one and that nearer the cusp more than the distant one from it.

20. In the 17 above, the sign will change the effects on the cusp of the 7th house. In the 7th house, for instance, the Sun in Aries will have an impact different from the Sun in Libra in the 7th house. In the 7th house, if there is no world, the sign therein and its lord as well as the sign it is placed in and the wife/husband will be represented by other aspecting planets.

21. The wife/dowry husband's from the 8th house should be judged.

22. From the 9th house, the siblings and wife/husband relationships should be judged.

23.

(a) If the 9th house is leased by benefactors and is well-aspected by benefactors, the relationships between husband and wife would benefit,

(b) Malefics afflicted by it denote their trouble.

24. They are improved by good planets in 9th being in trine to 5th and sextile to 7th.

25. It is reinforced by good planets in 11th being in trine to 7th house

26. From the seventh, it is important to judge the mental affinity of the 11th house as conjugal affinity.

27. There is harmony and affection between the two when the two ascendants or the luminaries in the two horoscopes are in trine or sextile or are so situated that one is above the position of another (in the case of lords of ascendants, the two lords may also have natural affinity).

28. The eleventh house of friendship (as the husband/wife should be a true friend) should also be judged by the eleventh house.

29. Positive elements are much better for marriage signifiers from the eleventh house than from other houses.

30. Planets in 'barren' signs or' cadent 'houses (luminaries and chief significators) and suffering from affliction, postpone or refuse marriage or hinder married happiness.

31. 'Fruitful' symptoms are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces,

32. Signs of Gemini, Leo and Virgo 'Barren' sculpture.

33. The early marriage/fruition of love is conducive to fruitful signs on the cusps of the 1st, 5th, and 7th houses.

34. Barren shows the retarded achievement of marriage.

35. When a planet is weak or in square or opposition to other planets, or in combination or parallel with a hostile planet, a planet is viewed as afflicted

36. Planets are strong in their own signs or in exaltation, particularly if angular and well-aspected by powerful benefices,

37. Planets are considered to be poor in their detriment and collapse, particularly when they are not angular or malefically afflicted.


The Aspects


1. Unlike Western Astrology, elements in Hindu Astrology are not good or poor on their own. Planets in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th and 11th elements of Western Astrology have each other.

Example. An example. Sun opposition Jupiter will be considered bad in Western Astrology, but Sun opposition Jupiter may not be considered evil in Hindu Astrology if both are lords of beneficent homes,

2. Depending on the nature of the planets and not on the nature of the elements, the qualitative importance of aspects varies.

Example: In Western Astrology, the trine aspect is considered good between two planets, opposition is considered bad. But even a trine between two lords in Hindu astrology, if one owns a malefic property, will be considered bad. Opposition between two planets, e.g. between the Moon and Jupiter, can be considered positive since both are advantageous.

3. The quantitative significance of the elements is as follows:

I All planets have a complete component of the sign or planet in the seventh sign of the one it occupies.

(ii) All planets have a 75% portion of the sign or planet shown in the fourth or eighth sign of the one they inhabit. Exception, but even in the above case, Mars' aspect is complete.

(iii) All planets have a 50 percent aspect of the sign or planet put in the 5th or 9th sign from the one it occupies Exception, but in the above case, the aspect of Jupiter is complete.

(iv) In the 3rd or 10th of the one occupied by it Exception, all planets have 25 percent aspect on the sign or planet, but in the above case Saturn also has maximum aspect.

4. Irrespective of the number of degrees interfering between the two planets, the factor is determined from sign to sign.

Memo. Note. For instance, although they are 178 ° apart, Venus in 1 ° of Aries will not have any aspect on a planet in 29 ° of Virgo.

Venus would have maximum aspect on a 29 ° Libra planet in 1 ° Aries, while they will be 208 ° or 152 ° apart.

5. If they are in the same sign, two planets would be considered to be joined together, though they may be 29 ° apart. For example, in Libra, Jupiter is 1° and in Libra, Mercury is 30 degrees.

6. But if they are in different signs, two planets would not be assumed to be merged together, although they might actually be 2° apart, i.e. Mercury in the 29th Virgo, Jupiter in the 1st Libra. Between Jupiter and Mercury, there is no aspect here.

Malefics and Benefics

7. The Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu are believed to be malefic. Of these Suns,' Krura' or 'malefic' is considered, but not 'Papa' (inauspicious) while others are considered both malefic and inauspicious, i.e. Papas, Papas. The Exalted Sun is not known to be evil.

8. The moon is considered poor with less than 8 digits (bright portion), i.e. from the 9th day of the dark half to the 7th day of the bright half, and therefore a malefic.

9. Poor Moon, Sun, Ketu, Mars, Rahu and Saturn are the following malefics in rising order.

10. Jupiter is beneficent; so is Venus, too. The larger of the two is Jupiter.

11. Mercury behaves as such when paired (by being conjoined in the same sign) with benefics. If linked with malefics, it results from a malefic.

12. According to the position, exaltation, weakening, and aspects it gets, a planet shows good or bad impact as it has power or is devoid of it. That gives a pretty good concept of power. A planet's mathematical 'strength' can only be determined by measuring 24 kinds of strength (which is a very elaborate procedure outside the scope of this book).

13. Wherever reference has been made to a planet as being weakened, if the sign lord is in it, the planet should not be viewed as weakened. Or the planet possessing the sign of exaltation of the weakened planet is in a lagna or moon kendra (angle).

14. If a planet is damaged, it should be considered as equally decent in exalted Ansha.

15. If a planet is exalted, the planet does not do any good in a diminished Ansha.

We now give some aphorisms which is applicable to all horoscopes:

Horoscopes

1. Two individuals may be good friends, their relationship as friends may be harmonious, but due to astrological incompatibility of their 7th houses, they may not prove good husband and wife.

12. Heart affairs from the 5th, marriage from the 7th, friendship from the 11th and secret attachments from the 12th are assessed.

13. Whether there is a lord of the ascendant in Gemini, Sagittarius, or Pisces, more than one union is inclined.

14. The 5th, 7th, 11th and 1st houses gain from good planets in the third house aspect, and as such must be taken into account in the judgment of wishes, marriage and friendship.

15. Bad planets in the 5th house or other planets therein with malefics in the evil aspect impede pleasure linked to the heart's desires. In relation to marriage and love affairs, the 5th house should also also be judged.

16. It gives good results when a planet is exalted, in its own house or in the house of a friend. It provides bad results if it is in an enemy's house or aligned with a malefic or combust or defeated in a planetary warfare. (See Glossary for enmity and friendship).

17. Offer the planet's navamsha in delineation or when predicting the impact of its dasha/antardasha great importance.

18. In the beginning, planets in the 'shirshodaya' signs display their influence. Such signals are considered beneficent.

19. Towards the end, planets in the 'prishthodaya' signs reveal their influence. These Rashis are not known to be helpful.

20. If posited in a 'Prishthodaya' sign, a malefic behaves more malignantly.

21. A benefic, if posited in the symbol 'shirshodaya', works more beneficially.

22. The houses on the 3rd, 6th, 10th and 11th are considered 'upchaya' houses. If it is not presumed by enemies or malefics, an upchaya house is truly completely successful.

23. In a horoscope, 'Trik' means the 6th, 8th and 12th houses. The eighth of the three houses that make up 'trik' is the worst. So even of the three trik lords, namely, lords of the 6th, 8th 12th, and lord of the 8th is the worst except when it is also the lord of the first house, (i.e. having 'Aries' or 'Libra' as the rising symbol, i.e. lagna 'in nativities).

24. In the last 1/3 portion of their dashas, planets in prishthodaya symbols give their effect most.

25. In the first 1/3 portion of their dashas, planets in the Shirshodaya signs show their greatest effect.

26. In the middle 1/3 portion of the dasha, a planet in Pisces demonstrates its marked influence.

27. The rashi* and vargas(*'Rashi 'means' Sign ') change the qualities of an earth. The planet is also affected by aspect and association. For instance, Saturn in Sagittarius' rashi and navamsha and aspected by Jupiter will show very distinct results from Saturn in Mars' rashi and navamsha and Rahu or Ketu or aspected by Mars.

28. Benefits posited and believed by malefics in 'papa' vargas lose their goodness and give rise to evil.

29. In shubh (benefic) vargas and shubhas, malefics shed their evil nature and offer positive results.

Thirty. Mixed effects should be expected when the planets, good as well as poor, inhabit a specific house or compare it.

Memo. Note. In all the aphorisms of Hindu astrology, the lunar ascendant should be set as lagna if Moon is stronger than the frist building, and Judgment arrived at it as if the lunar ascendant is the main lagna; then lord of the 7th from Moon would mean lord of the 7th.

31. When the Moon is considered greater than lagna,

I The Moon's dispositor is greater than the 1st house king.

(ii) The moon rises in numbers and has more than eight digits,

And and

(iii) The Moon is aligned with and presumed by Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury, and unassumed and not associated with malefics.

32. Even as if it were the ascendant, Judge always lunar ascendant; but attach it less importance. On the other hand, if, since Moon is stronger than the ascendant, it is more important than the ascendant itself, grant it (l.a) greater value than the ascendant.

Signifiers

33. All about the wife should be judged from the 7th house.

34. From the 7th house and from the Navamsha horoscope, all about the husband/complexion, wife's personality, virtues and vices should be expected.

35. From the 7th house, marriage, union between the native and an individual of the opposite sex and everything that relates to the erotic nature should be judged.

36. In judgment of marital happiness, not only look at the 7th house, but offer Venus equal importance.

37. The significators of love and marriage are the following:

I Venus should be judged by the building, sign and sub-division of signs in which it is located, the planets with which it is associated or compared.

(ii) The seventh house-the sign on the cusp, the planets in the house and in the trine or square to it, as well as those in the 2nd, 6th, 8th and 12th to it, along with those that make up the house, have an effect on it.

(iii) The lord of the 7th house —the sign and sub-division it is put in and planets aligned with or aspecting it change the results for better or worse.

38. In the above, all benefic planets that appear prominent offer positive results while malefics do otherwise.

39. Even a malefic will promote the 7th house happiness if it be lord thereof and posited therein.

40. If it is the lord of the seventh house and is exalted, powerful and in its own navansha, even a malefic will encourage the 7th house happiness.

41. If a world has both good and bad qualities (by owning two houses or otherwise), if strong and bad outcomes are small, it produces good results.

42. (a) If a malefic is solid,

(b) in the form of shubha vargas,

It will yield good outcomes, (c) and is assumed by benefics in benefic vargas.

43. It would give bad results if a benefic is (a) poor (b) in 'papa' vargas (c) believed by malefics in 'papa' vargas.

44. The quality or characteristics of the husband or wife may be determined from the characteristics of the planets influencing the seventh house.

45. An equal amount of malefic influence in the horoscopes of marriage partners nullifies each other's malefic influence.

For example, if a malefic planet is placed in a girl's 12th house, if the two are married, a similar malefic in the 8th or 12th houses in the horoscope of the boy will set the evil off.

46. Label the world in a male or female nativity that induces immoral activity or liaison. The native will carry on with the individual mentioned by the world, which causes this moral looseness. (For example, if Saturn does so, if Venus does so, the native would continue with a Saturnine person, the native would continue with a person having Venus attributes).

47. The third and 11th houses can also be assessed for a fair evaluation of the 7th house since they are in trinity to it. The entire picture completes the trinity.

48. The 'agya chakra' (plexus) between the eye-brows presides over the wife and Venus.

49. If planets from the ascendant in the 8th, 6th, 1st, 4th and 10th houses are helpful, it is nice for the 7th house. And vice versa. Also, the Lunar Ascendant Judge.

50. The lords of the 6th house, the 8th and 12th house of the Lagna and the enemies of the 7th lord are inimical to the 7th house's prosperity.