Zodiac
The zodiac is a belt of the heavens within about 8° either side of the ecliptic, including all apparent positions of the sun, moon, and most familiar planets. It is divided into twelve signs, each associated with specific personality traits and characteristics.
Astrology
Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world. It’s often used to predict future events or to understand a person’s personality.
Horoscopes
A horoscope is a forecast of a person’s future, typically based on the relative positions of the stars and planets at the time of their birth. It’s often presented as a chart or a written prediction.
Esoteric Terms
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Ascendant: Also known as the rising sign, it’s the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of birth. It’s considered crucial in astrology as it represents the self-image and how others perceive you.
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Sun Sign: The zodiac sign where the sun was located at the time of birth. It’s the most commonly known astrological sign and represents core identity and ego.
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Moon Sign: The zodiac sign where the moon was located at the time of birth. It reflects emotional nature, subconscious, and instincts.
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Planetary Rulerships: Each zodiac sign is ruled by one or more planets, which influence the characteristics of the sign. For example, Aries is ruled by Mars, which brings assertiveness and energy.
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Elements: The zodiac signs are divided into four elements: Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). These elements represent different types of energy and qualities.
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Triplicities: The grouping of the twelve zodiac signs into four sets of three signs each, based on their element. For example, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are Fire signs.
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Decans: Each zodiac sign is divided into three decans, each ruled by a different planet, adding more nuance to astrological interpretations.
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Aspects: The angles formed between planets in a horoscope, which indicate the relationship between different parts of the personality. The main aspects are conjunction, opposition, and square.
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Chakras: In esoteric astrology, chakras are energy centers in the body that correspond to different zodiac signs and planets. Balancing chakras is believed to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
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Seven Rays: A concept in esoteric astrology representing seven different types of spiritual energy or consciousness. Each ray is associated with a different aspect of human experience and spiritual development.