Zodiac Glossary

Plain-language definitions for zodiac, astrology, birth-chart and astronomy terms.

The zodiac degree rising on the eastern horizon at a specific time and place.

A measured angular relationship between planets or other chart points.

The angular offset used to relate a sidereal zodiac to a tropical reference.

An astrological diagram representing celestial positions for a specific time and place.

An officially defined region of the sky; in casual use, also a recognizable star pattern.

A boundary between astrological signs or houses.

A ten-degree subdivision of a zodiac sign.

The Sun’s apparent annual path across the sky as seen from Earth.

One of four symbolic groups in Western astrology: fire, earth, air and water.

A table or dataset listing calculated positions of celestial bodies over time.

One of twelve chart sectors traditionally associated with areas of life.

The moment a planet or point enters a new zodiac sign.

A chart angle associated in many house systems with culmination, public role and direction.

One of three sign qualities: cardinal, fixed and mutable.

The allowed distance from an exact astrological aspect.

An apparent backward motion of a planet against the background stars.

A planet traditionally associated with a zodiac sign.

The astrological sign occupied by the Sun in a birth chart.

A band or coordinate framework around the ecliptic, interpreted differently in astrology and astronomy.