Glossary definition

Cusp: Definition, Meaning and Example

Updated August 4, 2026By Zodiac Calendar EditorialReviewed for clarity and sourcing
Quick answer: A boundary between signs or houses.
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Use the linked guide for the longer explanation and related examples.

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Key takeaways
  • A boundary between signs or houses.
  • Commonly connected with ingress, transition dates.
  • Its meaning depends on the system and context in which it is used.

Definition

A boundary between signs or houses.

Why it matters

A cusp marks a boundary. The word may refer to the boundary between signs or, more commonly in chart work, the line where one astrological house begins.

Example

The Ascendant is the cusp of the first house in many house systems. A planet very close to a house cusp may be discussed differently by different astrologers.

Common confusion

Being born near a sign-change date does not usually mean a person has two Sun signs. The Sun occupies a specific zodiac longitude at a given moment.

Are zodiac dates exact? · Zodiac calendar

Editorial note: Astrological meanings on this page describe traditional interpretations. They are not presented as scientifically proven personality facts.

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