Basic Astrology Terms
Chart - A map of the positions of planets and other astronomical configurations based on a person’s birth data (date, place, time).
Planet Any of the major bodies in our solar system which appear to be orbiting in a relationship to each other. In addition to the Earth, the currently known planets are: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. (technically, the Sun and Moon are not planets, but are referred to as such for astrological purposes)
Sign - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces - zodiac names that originated from constellations.
House - Any one of the 12 sections of an astrology chart.
Ascendant Also referred to as rising sign - the sign and specific degree of that sign that was on the eastern horizon at the exact moment of a person's birth.
Degree - A unit of measurement in a chart - each sign has 30 degrees - each planet has its position defined in degrees within that sign.
Aspect - The interaction or relationship of planets to each other and to points in the chart.
Transit - The pattern of movement of the planets through a birth chart.
Horoscope - Outlook, forecast, or prediction about what is coming up.
Reading - Interpretation of an astrological chart by an astrologer.
Asteroids - Small astronomical bodies of matter, sometimes included in chart readings.
Moon Energy
When the Moon is in a cardinal sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) generate ideas and get things started.
When the Moon is in a fixed sign (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) maintain follow-through and aim for completion.
When the Moon is in a mutable sign (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) gather loose ends and take care of details.
Waxing - the Moon is in the time phase between a New Moon and a Full Moon, energy is increasing and building.
Waning - the Moon is in the time phase between a Full Moon and a New Moon, energy is slowing down and becoming quieter.
Black Moon - the second New Moon in a calendar month, considered to be the stronger of the two.
Blue Moon - the second Full Moon in a calendar month, ruling strange and unusual occurrences.
Mercury Retrograde
The speed of the planet slows down considerably. Communications, paperwork, electronics, and traffic can become very mixed-up or delayed during this time. A situation will be in the process of changing, so wait until Mercury is direct to finalize anything. In general, maintain a slower, more cautious pace in daily affairs. Also, wherever retrograde Mercury is currently located in your astrology chart is where you may experience a return to the past in some way, such as reconnecting with a person or situation represented by that particular part of your chart.
Always allow at least two days before (to slow down) and after Mercury retrograde (to resume regular activities):
Mercury in station - immediately before and after going retrograde, the planet appears to be standing still because its movement is so slow. Be still, take time out, don't make any verbal or written commitments.
Mercury in shadow - after going direct, the planet briefly retraces the path it was on before the beginning of the retrograde period. Review the past three months and make plans for the next three months.
Mercury direct - the planet resumes its regular speed. Return to normal daily activities.
Asteroid Basic Keywords:
Ceres - nurturing, responsibility, separation
Pallas - skills, perceptions, resources
Juno - commitments, power, equality
Vesta - service, passion, devotion
Chiron - wounds, wisdom, healing
Days of the Week & their Planets:
Sunday - Sun, relaxation & restoration
Monday - Moon, emotions & environment
Tuesday - Mars, energy & action
Wednesday - Mercury, communication & information
Thursday - Jupiter, exploration & expansion
Friday - Venus, love & pleasure
Saturday - Saturn, work & accomplishment