Astrology Glossary

Your complete guide to Western, Vedic & Numerology terms

Western AstrologyVedic JyotishNumerology

Jump to letter:

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVYZ

A

Ascendant (Rising Sign)
The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at your birth moment; represents how you present yourself to the world and your physical appearance. Learn more →
Aspect
Angular relationship between planets in a birth chart (conjunction, square, trine, opposition, sextile); indicates how planetary energies interact. Learn more →
AtmakarakaVedic
(Vedic) The planet at the highest degree in your chart; represents your soul's desire and primary karmic lessons.
AyanamsaVedic
(Vedic) The difference between tropical and sidereal zodiacs; currently about 24 degrees, used to calculate Vedic charts from Western positions. Learn more →

B

Birth Chart (Natal Chart)
Map of planetary positions at the exact moment and location of your birth; foundation of personalized astrology readings. Learn more →
BhavaVedic
(Vedic) House in Vedic astrology; 12 divisions representing life areas like career, relationships, health.
BhuktiVedic
(Vedic) Sub-period within a larger dasha period; refines timing predictions.

C

Cardinal Signs
Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn; initiators who start new cycles and lead change. Learn more →
Conjunction
When two or more planets occupy the same degree in a chart; blends their energies intensely. Learn more →
Cusp
The dividing line between two zodiac signs or houses; sensitive points in a chart. Learn more →

D

DashaVedic
(Vedic) Planetary period system unique to Vedic astrology; predicts timing of major life events based on planetary rulership periods. Learn more →
Descendant
Point opposite your Ascendant; represents partnership, marriage, and how you relate to others. Learn more →
Decan
10-degree subdivision of each zodiac sign; adds flavor to sun sign interpretations. Learn more →
Debilitation
When a planet occupies its weakest zodiac sign; challenges that planet's expression (e.g., Moon in Scorpio). Learn more →

E

Eclipse
When Sun and Moon align with lunar nodes; accelerates fate and brings sudden changes. Learn more →
Elements
Fire, Earth, Air, Water; fundamental energies that group zodiac signs by temperament. Learn more →
Exaltation
When a planet occupies its strongest zodiac sign; enhances that planet's expression (e.g., Sun in Aries). Learn more →
Expression NumberNumerology
(Numerology) Calculated from your full birth name; reveals natural talents and how you express yourself. Learn more →

F

Fixed Signs
Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius; stabilizers who sustain what cardinals start. Learn more →

G

GocharaVedic
(Vedic) Planetary transits; current sky positions affecting your natal chart. Learn more →
GrahaVedic
(Vedic) Planet; literally "that which grasps" in Sanskrit, referring to celestial bodies. Learn more →

H

Houses
12 divisions of the birth chart representing life areas: self, money, communication, home, creativity, health, partnership, transformation, philosophy, career, community, spirituality. Learn more →

I

IC (Imum Coeli)
Bottom of the chart; represents home, family roots, and emotional foundation. Learn more →

J

JyotishVedic
Vedic astrology; Sanskrit term meaning "science of light." Learn more →
Jupiter Return
When transiting Jupiter returns to its natal position (every ~12 years); brings expansion and new opportunities. Learn more →

K

Kala Sarpa YogaVedic
(Vedic) When all planets fall between Rahu and Ketu; creates intense karmic experiences and challenges. Learn more →
KarakaVedic
(Vedic) Significator planet; shows what each planet represents (e.g., Venus = relationships, Jupiter = wisdom). Learn more →
KetuVedic
(Vedic) South Node of the Moon; represents past life karma, spiritual detachment, and what you're releasing. Learn more →
KundaliVedic
(Vedic) Birth chart; also called horoscope or Janma Kundali. Learn more →

L

LagnamVedic
(Vedic) Ascendant; rising sign at birth. Learn more →
Life Path NumberNumerology
(Numerology) Calculated from birth date; reveals your life's purpose and major lessons. Learn more →
Lunar NodesVedic
Rahu (North Node) and Ketu (South Node); karmic points where eclipses occur. Learn more →

M

MahadashaVedic
(Vedic) Major planetary period in dasha system; lasts from 6 to 20 years depending on the planet. Learn more →
Malefic
Traditionally challenging planets (Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu); bring difficulties that catalyze growth. Learn more →
Master NumbersNumerology
(Numerology) 11, 22, 33; carry heightened spiritual significance and power. Learn more →
MC (Midheaven)
Top of the chart; represents career, public image, and life direction. Learn more →
Modalities
Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable; show how zodiac signs express energy and handle change. Learn more →
Moon Sign
Zodiac sign where the Moon was located at your birth; represents emotions, instincts, and inner self. Learn more →
Mutable Signs
Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces; adapters who facilitate transitions and bring flexibility. Learn more →

N

NakshatraVedic
(Vedic) Lunar mansion; 27 divisions of the zodiac based on Moon's position, each with unique qualities and ruling deities. Learn more →
Natal Chart
See Birth Chart. Learn more →
Nodes
See Lunar Nodes. Learn more →

O

Opposition
180-degree aspect between planets; creates tension requiring balance between opposite energies. Learn more →
Orb
Allowable degree range for an aspect to be considered active (typically 6-10 degrees). Learn more →

P

PanchangaVedic
(Vedic) Five-limb almanac showing daily tithi, nakshatra, yoga, karana, and vara for timing activities. Learn more →
Planetary Dignity
Strength of a planet based on zodiac sign placement (exaltation, domicile, detriment, fall). Learn more →
Pluto Return
When transiting Pluto returns to natal position (~248 years); transformation for nations and collective. Learn more →
Progressed Chart
Advanced technique showing your evolving chart as you age; one day of life equals one year. Learn more →

Q

Quadrants
Four main angles of the chart (Ascendant, IC, Descendant, MC); foundational points. Learn more →

R

RahuVedic
(Vedic) North Node of the Moon; represents worldly desires, future karma, and what you're moving toward. Learn more →
RashiVedic
(Vedic) Zodiac sign; 12 divisions of the zodiac in Vedic astrology. Learn more →
Retrograde
When a planet appears to move backward in the sky; internal processing of that planet's themes. Learn more →
Rising Sign
See Ascendant. Learn more →

S

Sade SatiVedic
(Vedic) Seven-and-a-half year period when Saturn transits your Moon sign and adjacent signs; challenging but transformative. Learn more →
Saturn Return
When transiting Saturn returns to natal position (~29.5 years); major life restructuring and maturation. Learn more →
Sextile
60-degree aspect between planets; creates opportunities and ease. Learn more →
Sidereal ZodiacVedic
(Vedic) Star-based zodiac aligned with actual constellations; used in Vedic astrology. Learn more →
Square
90-degree aspect between planets; creates tension and challenges that drive growth. Learn more →
Sun Sign
Zodiac sign where the Sun was located at your birth; represents core identity and life purpose. Learn more →

T

TithiVedic
(Vedic) Lunar day in Hindu calendar; important for timing rituals and events. Learn more →
Transit
Current position of planets in the sky affecting your natal chart; triggers events and experiences. Learn more →
Trine
120-degree aspect between planets; creates harmony, talent, and natural flow. Learn more →
Tropical Zodiac
(Western) Season-based zodiac starting at Spring Equinox (0° Aries); used in Western astrology. Learn more →

U

Upachaya HousesVedic
(Vedic) Houses 3, 6, 10, 11; improve over time and benefit from malefic planets. Learn more →

V

Varga ChartsVedic
(Vedic) Divisional charts (D-9, D-10, etc.); examine specific life areas in detail. Learn more →
Vimshottari DashaVedic
(Vedic) 120-year planetary period system; most common dasha system used for predictions. Learn more →

Y

YogaVedic
(Vedic) Planetary combination creating specific results (e.g., Raja Yoga = success, Dhana Yoga = wealth). Learn more →

Z

Zenith
Highest point in the sky; related to MC (Midheaven) in chart. Learn more →
Zodiac
Belt of sky divided into 12 signs; foundation of Western and Vedic astrology. Learn more →

Want to see these terms in YOUR chart?

Get a free AI-powered reading combining Western astrology, Vedic wisdom, and Numerology. Discover how these concepts apply to your unique birth chart.

Chat with Tara →Calculate Free Birth Chart

This glossary is regularly updated with new terms. Bookmark this page for quick reference!