The terms used on this page — for your reference as you learn.
Orb
How exact an aspect is. Aspects are measured by the angle between two planets. A "trine" is supposed to be exactly 120° — but if two planets are 124° apart, that's a trine with a 4° orb. Smaller orb = stronger, more precise effect. Astrologers typically allow up to 6–8° orb for major aspects.
Aspect
An angular relationship between two planets that creates a flavor of energy. The major aspects are: Conjunction (0° — fusion), Sextile (60° — opportunity), Square (90° — friction), Trine (120° — flow), and Opposition (180° — tension and balance).
Void of Course
A phase that happens at the end of the Moon's transit through each sign, after the Moon makes its last major aspect to another planet and before it enters the next sign. The traditional teaching: nothing started during VOC tends to come to much. Use it for rest, routine, reflection, and finishing — not for launching, deciding, or beginning. VOC can last minutes or hours.
Element
Each sign belongs to one of four elements: Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius — sharp, immediate, initiating), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn — slow, sensory, structured), Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius — curious, relational, mental), or Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces — feeling, intuitive, deep). The Moon's element today colors your emotional weather.
Transit
The current position of a planet in the sky and how it relates to your natal chart. When we say "Saturn is transiting your Moon," we mean Saturn (where it is now) is forming an aspect with your Moon (where it was when you were born).
Lunar Return
Once every ~27 days, the transiting Moon returns to the exact spot it occupied at your birth. For you, that's Aries 15°34′. Your monthly emotional "home" day — your inner weather mirrors the day you were born.
Retrograde (Rx)
When a planet appears to move backward through the zodiac from Earth's view. Not actually moving backward — it's an optical effect — but astrologically meaningful. Retrogrades are for review, revision, and reconnection with whatever themes that planet rules. Mercury Rx = communication review. Venus Rx = relationship review. Etc.
House
The 12 houses divide the sky at your moment of birth. Each house rules a domain of life — 1st: identity and body, 2nd: money and values, 6th: work and daily life, 7th: partnerships, 8th: shared resources and depth, 10th: career, 11th: friends and prosperity. Planets in a house color that area of life.
Stations Direct / Retrograde
The day a planet appears to stop moving from Earth's view, just before it changes direction. These are the most intense days of a retrograde cycle — themes that have been simmering crystallize.
Eclipse
Powerful moon cycles that act as reset points. Solar eclipses (always on a New Moon) open new chapters. Lunar eclipses (always on a Full Moon) close old ones. Eclipses don't announce — they reveal what was already true. If an eclipse falls on one of your natal planets, that area of your life is being rewritten.