Astrology glossary

Plain-language definitions for the terms you will encounter in birth charts, readings and astrology writing.

• AscendantThe zodiac sign rising over the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. Also called the rising sign.
• AspectAn angular relationship between two planets in a chart, such as a conjunction, square or trine.
• ConjunctionAn aspect where two planets occupy the same degree of the zodiac, intensifying and merging their energies.
• HouseOne of twelve divisions of the birth chart, each governing a different area of life.
• Natal chartA map of the sky at the exact moment and place of a person's birth. Also called a birth chart.
• OppositionAn aspect where two planets are 180 degrees apart, creating tension and awareness between opposing forces.
• RetrogradeThe apparent backward motion of a planet as seen from Earth, often associated with review and revision of that planet's themes.
• Rising signAnother name for the Ascendant. The zodiac sign ascending on the eastern horizon at birth.
• SextileAn aspect where two planets are 60 degrees apart, considered a mildly harmonious and cooperative connection.
• SquareAn aspect where two planets are 90 degrees apart, traditionally associated with friction, challenge and motivation.
• TransitThe current position of a planet in the sky relative to positions in a birth chart, used for timing and forecasting.
• TrineAn aspect where two planets are 120 degrees apart, traditionally considered the most harmonious major aspect.