Learning about astrology and astronomy can be challenging and confusing. Here are the definitions you need to better understand the wisdom the sky has to share!

Aphelion: Refers to the farthest place from the sun in a planet’s orbit

Apogee: When the moon is farthest from the earth in its orbit.

Ascendant:  Used when creating a natal chart, the intersection of the eastern horizon and the ecliptic, denotes a person’s rising sign and is very specific to time and location.

Ascending Node: This refers to the movement of a planet when it passes from the southern to the northern sphere of its orbit.

Biquintile: Planets are at 144° on a natal chart.

            Influence: This is a minor influence in the astrological chart,  adding a creative persuasive energy.

Conjunction: (1) Astronomically, when two or more planets are in the same line of degrees, this is then classified as superior/inferior.  (2) Astrologically, When two or more planets are relatively close to each other, typically within 8° of each other.

           Influence:  The energy of the two planets is combined and this is normally a positive connection.  The energies blend giving a unique combination of their energy.

Descending Node: This refers to the movement of a planet when it passes from the Northern to the Southern sphere of its orbit.

Direct: The end of retrograde.

Ecliptic: Refers to the 20° band in which the constellations of the zodiac fall in.  As the Earth goes through its orbit, parts of this band are seen just above the horizon.

Greatest elongation: This is a term used in regards to the planets as seen from the Earth.  It refers to the angle of the sun and a planet on the horizon.  This can be both Eastern and Western.  Planets at eastern elongation are seen as an ‘evening star’ and those on the Western are seen as ‘morning star’.

Inferior Conjunction: Planets align on the same side of the sun.

Meridian: The imaginary north-south line that passes directly overhead (through the zenith).

Midheaven:  the point where the ecliptic crosses the local meridian; it is used in the construction of a horoscope/natal chart.

Natal Chart: A map created individually for each person.  It is drawn with the individual in the center,and shows the sun, moon, and planets in relation to not only the person, but also the twelve constellations of the zodiac.

Novile: When the planets are at a 40° angle in the natal chart.

           Influence:  These planets seem to be always on the verge to transition to the next house, and their energy tends to feel as though it is waiting for something.

Occultation: When one planet or moon obscures the line of sight of another.  This often happens with the moon.

Opposition:   Planets are at a 180° angle and aligned on the same side of the sun.  When Earth is in opposition to a planet, it can be seen in the night sky being illuminated from the sun, and can be seen all night, rising with sunset and setting with sunrise. On the natal chart, the planets are six signs apart and typically seen as an unfavorable influence.

           Influence: These energies are in contradiction to each other and often there is a conflict like that of opposite magnetic poles.  This is a challenge for the individual that with patience and self-understanding, they can learn to utilize these opposing energies.

Perigee: When the moon is closest to the earth in its orbit.

Perihelion: Is the closest place to the sun in a planet’s orbit.

Quincunx: AKA inconjunct: Planets are 150° on a natal chart.

           Influence: These planets are at a natural conflict with each other.  This also creates some restless discontent and at times frustration. It typically affects the 6th or 8th house.

Quintile:  Planets are at 72° angle on a natal chart.  This adds a beneficial energy to the fifth house.  It is a creative energy, and helps those put crisis energy to good work.

           Influence:  The energy from this is often spiritual, and felt as a positive influence.

Retrograde: The planet appears to be moving in reverse, or opposite from normal direction, through the sky

           Influence: This normally causes tension with the energy of the planet.  It is also a time when the energy encourages you to self-reflect.

Semisextile: In a natal chart when the planets are at a 30° angle with the center angle being the person, placing them one sign apart.

           Influence: these energies are minor but beneficial, blending the energies of the two planets.

Semi-square: AKA octile or semiquartile – Planets are 45° on a natal chart.  This is a lesser energy and is considered to be adverse.

            Influence: Like square, this can cause tension; however it is not as dominate as square.

Sesquiquadrate AKA sesquisquare, square-and-a-half, and trioctile:  Planets are at 135° on a natal chart

            Influence: This adds a minor adverse energy, that can cause a subtle tension.

Sextile:  Planets are at a 60° angle on a natal chart, with the intersecting lines creating the inner angle of a hexagon.  The Planets are two signs apart.

           Influence: These planets work together and their influences are expressed more outwardly than if they are in the trine aspect.  These planets are in complete harmony with each other and freely exchange energy.

Square AKA quartile:Planets are 90° on a natal chart. They are three signs apart and of the same modality.

           Influence: These planets are in contradiction to each other and often cause negative tension and stress, especially between masculine and feminine energies.  It is an influence that causes a person to do something about the opposition and keep motivated.

Superior Conjunction: Planets line up on opposite sides of the earth.

Trine: Planets are 120° on a natal chart, they are four signs apart and have the same elemental triplicity.

           Influence: These are complementary energies that work well in harmony.

Zenith: The point in the sky that is directly overhead.

Zodiac: the Greek word for “circle of animals.” It refers to the set of constellations located just along the ecliptic in the sky and can be seen throughout the year above the horizon.  The Sun, Moon, and planets each move through each of the constellations.