ASTROLOGY WORD GLOSSARY and  DICTIONARY
 by MARTIN SCHULMAN   KARMIC ASTROLOGY BOOKS

Astrology Glossary of terms, word definitions and phrases in most frequent use.

Cancer  4th. Zodiac Sign, symbolized by the Crab, ruled by the Moon (often called Moon children). Cancer rules home, real estate, family, memory, childhood, emotions, domestic matters, loyalty, maternal instincts, nurtering and motherhood. It is analogous to the 4th. House of roots, origins and family. To learn more about this Sign, see Your Sun in Cancer Life and The Fourth House

Capricorn  The 10th. Sign of theZodiac, symbolized by the Goat, ruled by Saturn. Capricorn rules adult responsibilities, fatherhood, companies, management, planning, protection, insulation, aspirations, goals, hard work, time, traditionalism, patterened behavior. To learn more about this Sign, see Your Sun in Capricorn Life and The Tenth House

Cardinal Houses  The First House ruled by Aries and the planet Mars, the Fourth House ruled by Cancer and the Moon, the Seventh House ruled by Libra and the planet Venus, the Tenth House ruled by Capricorn and the planet Saturn. These houses symbolize iniatory experiences that greatly influence the following two houses in each astrological quadrant.

Cardinal Signs  Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn. These signs initiate activity as beginners of the zodiac.

Chart  Projection of the celestial sphere of planets onto a circular wheel divided into signs and houses that can depict planetary influences, also called the astrological horoscope.

Combust  Astrology aspect formed by a planet within 3 degrees of the Sun, which because of such close proximity, gets overpowered; making it difficult for the planet to bestow its normal expected benefit.

Comparison Charting  The preferred method of denoting the quality of a Relationship accomplished by comparing two Natal Horoscopes, point by point, aspect by aspect, until an evaluation emerges that accurately describes how each individual affects and is affected by the other.

Compatible  Denotes harmonic cooperation between individuals. In Astrology this can be seen by comparing chart placements in two different horoscopes. See Compatibility.

Compatible Aspects  Planets forming Conjunctions, Trines, and other friendly Aspects between two charts are compatibile Aspects. They tend to increase cooperation and harmony. For a thorough study of Aspect Comparison between Charts, see Karmic Relationships

Compatibility  A measure of how two Astrological Charts compliment each other. Signs of the same element between two charts increase compatibility. Strong aspects between Horoscopes influence the intensity of compatibility depending upon what the Aspects are. For further study on Compatibility and how to measure the different Aspects between two Horoscope charts, see Karmic Relationships by Martin Schulman

Composite Chart  Astrology chart formed by averaging planet positions of two charts, making assumptions that relationships are based on 50% compromises, which is not true. Planet compatibility could be measured by using a weighted mean, giving more importance to the greater of each planet compared.

Constellations  The shape of a star cluster that makes up an astrological sign in the heavens representing 1/12th of the entire zodiac.

Conjunction  The 0 degree major aspect between planets: 9' orb allowed - the astrological influence is harmonious, single-mindedness, purposeful, easy, decisive, yet subjective.

Cusp  The separation between two astrological houses, usually 2-3 degrees on either side of the house division.

Cycle  The time it takes for a transiting planet to return to its same place in the heavens. Example; Saturn takes approximately 28 years to traverse the zodiac and return to its starting constellation. Astrology refers to this as the 28 year Saturn Cycle.

Decanate  Ten degree division of a sign. Since there are thirty degrees in each astrological sign, there are three ten degree decanates in each sign, starting with the sign itself and followed by the next sign of the same element. Example. The first ten degrees of Aries is the Aries decanate. The second ten degrees is the next fire sign or the Leo decanate. The third ten degrees is the next fire sign or the Sagittarius decanate.

Declination  The degrees above or below the celstial equator that a planet is transiting. Declination can be either North or South, with planets at the same degree N or S said to be working together towards the same purpose.

Descendant  The Seventh House Cusp, always opposite the Ascendant and beginning the third or Cosmic quadrant of the astrology chart.

Detriment  A planet is in detriment when it is opposite its exhaltation sign. The individual has to struggle harder to get benefit from a planet posited in such a way. Example: Moon in Scorpio

Direct Motion  The motion of a planet following the order of the zodiac signs, often symbolized by the letter D in an ephemeris, as opposed to Retrograde Motion (apparent) symbolized by the letter(s) R or Rx.

Double Signs  Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces. Note, these Signs are mutable Astrology Signs as well.

Dispositor  The planet that rules the sign another planet is posited in. For example; Venus in Aries would be disposited by Mars. What planet would disposit Mars (based on the sign it is in?) It is interesting to find the final dispositor in a chart by this method.

Duads  2 1/2 degree segments of a sign starting with the name of the sign itself. Thus, each astrology sign contains twelve duads and as a result, has the potential for the entire zodiac within itself.