Reference Guide
Western Astrology
Planets · Houses · Signs · Aspects · Transits · Progressions · Solar Returns · Astrocartography
Dictionary
Core Terms & Angles
| Term | Meaning |
|---|
| ASC (Ascendant) | Rising sign – mask, appearance, first impression. |
| DSC (Descendant) | Opposite ASC – relationships, marriage, partnerships. |
| MC (Midheaven) | Highest point, 10th house cusp – career, public reputation. |
IC (Imum Coeli) | Lowest point, 4th house cusp – home, roots, private self. |
| House | One of 12 divisions of the chart wheel (life domains). |
| Sign | 12 zodiac signs (Aries to Pisces). |
| Planet | Actors: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. |
Key FrameworkPlanets = WHAT. Signs = HOW. Houses = WHERE.
Dictionary
Aspects & Orbs
| Term | Angle | Meaning |
|---|
| Conjunction ☌ | 0° | Fusion, amplification. |
| Sextile ⚹ | 60° | Opportunity, ease. |
| Square □ | 90° | Tension, conflict, growth. |
| Trine △ | 120° | Flow, natural talent. |
| Opposition ☍ | 180° | Polarity, integration. |
| Quincunx ⚻ | 150° | Adjustment, awkwardness. |
| Orb | — | Degree deviation; tighter = stronger. |
| Stellium | — | 3+ planets in same sign/house; intense focus. |
Planetary Motion
| Term | Meaning |
|---|
| Retrograde ℞ | Appears backward – inward, review, delay. |
| Station | Stops before changing direction – extremely intense. |
| Direct | Forward motion – outward flow. |
| Combust | Too close to Sun – weakened, hidden talent. |
| Cazimi | Within 17′ of Sun – supercharged, exalted. |
Timing Techniques
| Term | Meaning |
|---|
| Transit | Current planet positions – trigger events. |
| Progression | Symbolic (day for a year) – inner psychological development. |
| Solar Return | Sun returns to natal degree – yearly themes. |
| Lunar Return | Moon returns monthly – emotional landscape. |
How Western Astrology Works · 101
①
Planets = What
Core drives.
→
②
Signs = How
Style of expression.
→
③
Houses = Where
Life domain.
→
④
Aspects = Relationships
Internal dialogue.
SummaryPlanets = what. Signs = how. Houses = where. Aspects = how they talk. Transits = what's happening now.
Astrocartography
Planetary Lines on the World Map
| Line | Angle | Activates |
|---|
| Planet‑ASC line | Ascendant | Personal identity, body, self‑expression. |
| Planet‑DSC line | Descendant | Relationships, partnerships. |
| Planet‑MC line | Midheaven | Career, reputation, public life. |
| Planet‑IC line | Imum Coeli | Home, roots, private life. |
ParansLine crossings within narrow orb are the most potent locations.
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