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Astrology and Tarot, Explained
Curated glossary entries on astrology and tarot, precise and without the mysticism.
Every entry explains what a term means, how it's calculated or used, and what it isn't.
22 terms
Astrology
AscendantThe Ascendant (AC) is the zodiac sign — more precisely, the zodiac degree — rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. It depends on the time and place of birth and shifts roughly every two hours.AspectAn aspect is a specific angular distance between two points in the chart, measured in ecliptic longitude. The classical major aspects are the conjunction (0°), sextile (60°), square (90°), trine (120°) and opposition (180°).ConjunctionA conjunction is the 0° aspect: two points sit at nearly the same ecliptic longitude. Astrologically, it's traditionally read as a bundling of the themes involved.EphemeridesEphemerides are tables or datasets listing the calculated positions of the Sun, Moon and planets for given points in time. They are the astronomical basis of every horoscope.Midheaven (MC)The Midheaven (Latin Medium Coeli, "middle of the sky," abbreviated MC) is the point of the ecliptic culminating highest above the horizon at the moment of birth. Like the Ascendant, it requires a known birth time and place.Moon PhaseThe Moon phase describes how much of the Moon appears lit as seen from Earth — from new moon through waxing moon and full moon to waning moon. Astronomically it corresponds to the angle between Sun and Moon.Moon SignThe Moon sign is the zodiac sign the Moon stood in at the moment of birth. On days when the Moon changes sign, the exact birth time decides which one applies.Natal Chart (Radix)The radix (Latin for "root") is the natal chart: the calculated positions of the Sun, Moon and planets in the zodiac at the time and place of birth. It's the basis for every further astrological reading.OppositionThe opposition is the 180° aspect: two points stand directly across from one another in the zodiac. Astrologically it's traditionally read as two poles facing off.OrbThe orb is the permitted deviation from the exact aspect angle, measured in degrees. A square with a 2° orb means the planets don't stand at exactly 90°, but somewhere between 88° and 92° apart.Retrograde (e.g., Mercury Retrograde)A planet is retrograde when, seen from Earth, it appears to move backward through the zodiac. It's purely a perspective effect: no planet actually reverses its orbital direction.SextileThe sextile is the 60° aspect — one-sixth of the zodiac. In astrological tradition it's read as a possible complement or opportunity, not an automatic effect.Solar Chart and Solar ReturnTwo similar-sounding terms need to be kept apart: a simplified chart without a known birth time leaves out the axes and houses. A Solar Return chart, by contrast, is calculated for the yearly moment when the Sun returns to its exact natal position.SquareThe square is the 90° aspect — a quarter of the zodiac. Astrologically it's traditionally read as tension between two themes.SynastrySynastry is the astrological comparison of two natal charts: the aspects between one person's planets and the other's are calculated to look at the dynamic of a relationship.TransitIn astrology, a transit is the position of a moving planet relative to a point in the natal chart. It's found by comparing both ecliptic longitudes and the angle between them.TrineThe trine is the 120° aspect — a third of the zodiac. In astrological tradition it's read as a flowing connection between two themes.Tropical ZodiacThe tropical zodiac divides the ecliptic into twelve equal 30° sections, starting at the vernal point — the Sun's position at the March equinox. It's anchored to the seasons, not to the constellations.
Tarot
Celtic CrossThe Celtic Cross is tarot's best-known spread: ten cards in fixed positions examine a question from several angles — from the current situation through influences and surroundings to the likely direction.Daily CardThe daily card is a single tarot card drawn for one day — as an impulse, a theme to carry with you, or a question for reflection. It's the simplest and most widespread form of tarot practice.Major ArcanaThe Major Arcana are the 22 trump cards of the tarot — from 0 (The Fool) to XXI (The World). They're considered the cards of the great life themes and archetypal stages.Minor ArcanaThe Minor Arcana are the 56 tarot cards across four suits — Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles — each running Ace through Ten plus four court cards. They stand for the everyday themes and situations.