Astrology Terms: The Basics

When starting to learn about astrology, it can be intimating especially when you do not know what the vocabulary that is being used means. I wanted to take this opportunity to go over the basic astrology terms that you may run into when learning about personal astrology and zodiac signs.

Astrological Planets: The “planets” in astrology include the sun and the moon. So, the planets within astrology are Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. The last three here (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) are more connected to modern astrology.

Birth Chart (Natal Chart): The chart that shows where astrological planets where when an individual was born. One can refer to this chart to see their sun, rising, moon, and type of signs.

Cusp: The dates surrounding the date of a zodiac change.

Elements: A classification based on the four fundamental elements of life in which the zodiac signs are broken up into.

Air: Element connected to the zodiacs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Often associated with thoughts, rational, and intellect

Earth: Element connected to the zodiacs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Often associated with stability, realism, and materialism.

Fire: Element connected to the zodiacs of Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo. Often associated with energy, drama, and action.

Water: Element connected to the zodiacs of Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio. Often associated with emotion, introvert, and spirituality.

Houses: 12 different areas which a horoscope is broken up into which categorize the different areas of anyone’s life. 

Modes: A classification that splits Zodiac signs into 3 different categories depending on the time of season that they fall into.

Cardinal: Signs under this category are action oriented and outgoing. These signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.

Fixed: Signs under this category are more persistent and resourceful. These signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.

Mutable: Signs under this category are adaptable and open to change. These signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

Moon Sign: Where the moon was when you where born determines your moon sign. This sign often represents your unconscious and emotional capacity.

Polarity: A group of two opposite signs. These signs can be found on the chart opposite from each other. This can also refer to whether a sign has positive or negative energy (also known as a feminine and masculine).

Feminine (Negative): Signs that are feminine/negative tend to be more introverted.

Masculine (Positive): Signs that are masculine/positive tend to be more extroverted.

Rising Sign (Ascendant): This is the sign that was on the eastern horizon at the time of some one’s birth. This sign is associated with someone’s actionable approach in life.

Ruler (Ruling Planet): This is the planet that is associated with one’s sun sign.

Sun Sign (Zodiac sign): This is the sign that the sun was in at the time of birth. This represents one’s ego and is main sign on a person’s birth chart.

If there are any astrology terms that I did not cover that you would like an explanation on, feel free to comment! Also, if you did not see last weeks zodiac signs, make sure to check that out so you are all caught up, and make sure to subscribe so that you stay up to date!