Astrology Glossary
Expand your cosmic vocabulary with our comprehensive guide to astrological terms and concepts used throughout ZodiacTeller.
Understanding the Cosmic Language
This glossary provides explanations of key astrological terms used throughout ZodiacTeller. Each definition includes references to where and how these concepts appear in your personalized experience. Bookmark this page as a helpful reference while exploring your birth chart, transits, and compatibility readings.
Ascendant (Rising Sign)
The zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth. It represents your outward demeanor, physical appearance, and how others perceive you. In the ZodiacTeller birth chart, this appears at the 9 o'clock position.
Aspects
The angular relationships between planets in a birth chart. Major aspects include conjunction (0°), sextile (60°), square (90°), trine (120°), and opposition (180°). ZodiacTeller's aspect analysis shows these connections with colored lines in your chart visualization.
Astro Wisdom AI
ZodiacTeller's proprietary AI system that combines traditional astrological knowledge with machine learning to provide personalized interpretations and guidance based on your unique birth chart.
Birth Chart (Natal Chart)
A map of the sky at the exact moment and location of your birth, showing the positions of the sun, moon, planets, and other celestial points. This is the foundation of all personalized astrological readings on ZodiacTeller.
Benefic Planets
Planets traditionally considered to bring positive influences: Jupiter and Venus. In Vedic astrology, a well-placed Moon and Mercury are also considered benefic. ZodiacTeller's transit predictions highlight when these planets form favorable aspects to your natal chart.
Conjunction
When two or more planets are positioned very close together in a chart (within approximately 8 degrees). This creates an intensification of the planets' combined energies. ZodiacTeller highlights conjunctions in your chart with bold connecting lines.
Cusp
The dividing line between two zodiac signs or houses. Some believe that being born on a cusp means you exhibit qualities of both signs. ZodiacTeller's detailed birth time analysis clarifies your true sign placements.
Composite Chart
A chart that represents the midpoints between two individuals' birth charts, showing the energy of the relationship itself. Used in ZodiacTeller's compatibility analysis alongside synastry.
Descendant
The cusp of the 7th house, opposite to the Ascendant. It represents your approach to partnerships, marriage, and how you relate to others one-on-one. Visible in your ZodiacTeller relationship insights section.
Dasha
In Vedic astrology, a planetary period that indicates which planet is exerting the strongest influence over your life at a given time. ZodiacTeller Premium includes detailed Dasha predictions in the Vedic analysis section.
Ecliptic
The apparent path of the Sun around the Earth (from our geocentric perspective). The zodiac signs are divisions of this great circle. ZodiacTeller's 3D chart view allows you to visualize your planets along the ecliptic.
Elements
The four temperaments that group the zodiac signs: Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Your elemental balance is displayed in ZodiacTeller's chart summary.
Houses
The twelve divisions of the birth chart that represent different areas of life. Each house governs specific matters, from identity (1st) to career (10th) to subconscious (12th). ZodiacTeller allows you to toggle between different house systems.
Horoscope
Derived from the Greek words meaning "time" and "observer," a horoscope is a map of the heavens for a specific moment. Daily horoscopes on ZodiacTeller are personalized based on your full birth chart, not just sun sign.
Midheaven (MC)
The cusp of the 10th house, representing your career, public reputation, and life direction. ZodiacTeller's career insights feature pays special attention to planets aspecting your MC.
Moon Phases
The eight stages of the lunar cycle, from New Moon to Full Moon and back again. ZodiacTeller's moon calendar helps you track how current moon phases interact with your natal chart.
Nakshatra
The 27 lunar mansions in Vedic astrology, providing more detailed insights than the 12 zodiac signs alone. Each Nakshatra has specific qualities and ruling deities. Available in ZodiacTeller's Vedic chart section.
Nodes (Rahu & Ketu)
The points where the Moon's orbit intersects the ecliptic. The North Node (Rahu) represents your soul's growth direction, while the South Node (Ketu) indicates past karmic patterns. ZodiacTeller's spiritual insights feature examines your nodal axis.
Opposition
An aspect formed when planets are approximately 180 degrees apart, creating a dynamic of tension and balance. ZodiacTeller's aspect analyzer highlights oppositions and explains their specific meaning in your chart.
Progression
A predictive technique that moves your birth chart forward through time, with each day after birth corresponding to approximately one year of life. ZodiacTeller Premium includes progressed chart analysis.
Planetary Hours
An ancient astrological timing system that assigns rulership of each hour to one of the seven traditional planets. ZodiacTeller's daily planning tool includes planetary hour guidance.
Retrograde
The apparent backward motion of a planet as viewed from Earth. During retrograde periods, the planet's energy is often experienced more internally or with delays. ZodiacTeller transit alerts notify you of important retrogrades affecting your chart.
Return
When a planet returns to the exact position it occupied at your birth. The most common is the Solar Return (birthday), but all planetary returns offer important life insights. ZodiacTeller Premium offers detailed return chart analyses.
Synastry
The comparison of two birth charts to assess relationship compatibility. Examines how one person's planets interact with the other's. Central to ZodiacTeller's relationship compatibility feature.
Square
A challenging 90-degree aspect between planets that creates tension and growth opportunities. ZodiacTeller helps you understand constructive ways to work with square energy in your chart.
Transit
The ongoing movement of planets in the sky and how they aspect your birth chart. Transits trigger events and emotional responses aligned with the nature of the planets involved. ZodiacTeller's transit timeline shows your personal transit forecast.
Trine
A harmonious 120-degree aspect between planets in the same element, creating flow and ease. ZodiacTeller helps you leverage trine energy for maximum positive growth.
Vedic Astrology
Also known as Jyotish, an ancient Indian astrological system that uses the sidereal zodiac and emphasizes the Moon's placement. ZodiacTeller offers both Western and Vedic chart analyses for comprehensive insights.
Yod
Also called the "Finger of God," a rare astrological pattern formed by two planets in sextile (60°) both quincunx (150°) to a third planet. Indicates a special karmic mission. ZodiacTeller's pattern recognition feature identifies yods in your chart.
Zodiac
The belt of twelve 30-degree divisions of celestial longitude centered on the ecliptic. Each division is named after the constellation it contained in ancient times: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
Can't Find a Term?
If you've encountered an astrological term not covered in this glossary, our AI assistant can help explain it in the context of your chart.