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29th degree:
See "Anaretic degree."

Afflicted:
Used to describe a planet which is unfavorably aspected; squares, oppositions and quincunxes. An ancient term which is still commonly used.

Age of Aquarius:
See "Aquarian Age."

Air Signs:
Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Signs belonging to this Element represent the intellectual and thought process.

Anaretic degree:
The final degree (29th degree) of any Sign. It is also known as the degree of fate.

Angles:
The lines of the chart wheel which lie at 0 degrees (the ascendant), 90 degrees (the I.C.), 180 degrees (the descendant), and 270 degrees (the M.C.). These are major points in a chart and represent Cardinal Qualities.

Aquarian Age:
A time period of 2000 years where the influence of Aquarius is prominent. An age lasts for 2000 years and moves backward through the Zodiac. The Age of Aquarius starts at approximately the new millennium.

Arc:
An angular measurement between two celestial planets or points.

Ascendant:
See "Rising Sign."

Aspects:
The angular distance, calculated in specific number of degrees of the chart wheel, between two celestial planets or points. It also provides the nature of the relationship between planets.

Astral Traveling:
This roaming of the spiritual self while the physical body remains inert; involves the body's chakras.

Astrology:
The study of the influence of celestial bodies on any behavior, activity or condition on Earth. It is a guide to who we are.

Balsamic Phase:
When a more quickly orbiting planet trails a planet with a slower orbit and appears to "catch up" with the slower body, and the planets are within 45 degrees of one another in their orbital cycles, astrologers say that the faster moving planet is in its Balsamic Phase. Deals with your dedication to your destiny.

Benefic:
The belief among certain astrologers that some planets, especially Jupiter and Venus, are positive and beneficial influences, while others like Mars or Uranus are destructive. See "Malefic."

Birth Chart (also known as a Chart or Chart wheel):
A 'map' detailing the positioning of the planets in the Signs at the specific moment of an individual's birth. The chart is rendered by using the individual's place, date and time of birth as the data source for this planetary snapshot.

Cardinal Signs:
Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. This Quality represents initiative.

Celestial body:
A physical form which exists in space; such as a planet.

Ceres:
An asteroid named for the Roman Goddess of Agriculture. Represents women's cycles, parenting and nutrition.

Composite chart:
Two individual charts which are merged to form one. It shows the relationship between the individuals whose charts are combined.

Configuration:
An aspect involving three or more planets.

Conjunction:
Two or more planets sitting next to each other within an acceptable orb, generally considered within 8 degrees for major aspects. A conjunction gives great strength to the energies of the interacting planets.

Constellation:
A group of visible stars in the same section of the sky.

Cusp:
The midway point between two Signs of the Zodiac; also used to refer to the start of a House within the chart wheel.

Cycle:
A planet's Zodiacal period; the time it takes a planet or point to make one complete revolution in the heavens.

Decanate:
The partitioning of each Sign into three equal parts of 10 degrees each. Each part is known as a decanate. Every Sign is composed of 30 degrees.

Declination:
The arc of measurement in degrees north or south of the celestial equator.

Degree:
A degree is 1/360 of a circle. In Astrology, degrees are the commonly-used unit of measurement.

Descendant:
The opposite point from the ascendant, located on the cusp of the Seventh House. This point explains the nature of our interactions with others.

Earth Signs:
Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Signs belonging to this Element represent a practical nature.

Eighth House:
Also known as the House of Sex. It describes shared resources, inheritance, alimony, taxes and surgery. It is also the House of regeneration, death and rebirth.

Electional Astrology:
The branch of Astrology which deals with selecting the best time to initiate any given activity or project.

Elements:
A four-fold division of the Zodiac which is comprised of Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Signs of the same Element share similar characteristics. Also known as Triplicity.

Eleventh House:
Also known as the House of Friends. It describes friendships and acquaintances, as well as hopes and dreams. It rules groups, humanitarianism and philanthropic attitudes.

Ephemeris:
An almanac which lists the Zodiacal positions of the Planets and other astronomical data for a given time period. Plural is ephemerides.

Equinox:
Means a time of equal day and night. This occurs twice a year and marks the beginning of Spring and Autumn.

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