.83¢/min Intro Offer

We Charge 60% LESS than our competitors!

All Psychics tested before hire.

Create an Account
How it Works

Just pick up the phone and dial

1-800-498-8777

category: Astrology Encyclopedia

Occidental or Oriental

Astrology Encyclopediaadmin

Definition

Occidental and oriental describe a planet’s position in relation to the Sun and its place in the daily cycle. A planet is generally called oriental when it rises before the Sun, appearing on the eastern horizon ahead of sunrise. It is occidental when it rises after the Sun and may remain visible in the west after sunset. Exact conventions can vary slightly among traditional authors.

Astrological Meaning

Traditional astrologers use this distinction to assess planetary condition, visibility, and manner of expression. An oriental planet is often associated with initiative, emergence, speed, or outward action, while an occidental planet may suggest receptivity, reflection, completion, or a more measured pace. Interpretation also depends on the planet involved. Classical sources commonly favor an oriental position for Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars, while Venus and the Moon may be considered more comfortable when occidental. Mercury’s symbolism is especially adaptable and is judged alongside its phase, speed, sect, and other conditions.

Why It Matters

This classification adds nuance that a zodiac sign or house placement alone cannot provide. It can help distinguish how two similarly placed planets operate: one may act promptly and visibly, while another develops through response or consolidation. Occidental or oriental status should not be treated as a verdict of good or bad; aspects, dignity, combustion, sect, and the overall natal chart remain essential.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Oblique Sphere

Astrology Encyclopediaadmin

Definition

An oblique sphere is the celestial sphere as observed from a terrestrial latitude between the equator and either pole. At these locations, the celestial equator intersects the horizon at an oblique angle rather than at a right angle or remaining parallel to it. Most inhabited latitudes therefore have an oblique sphere. The concept contrasts with the right sphere at Earth’s equator and the parallel sphere at the poles.

Astrological Meaning

In traditional astrology, the oblique sphere explains why zodiac signs do not take equal amounts of time to rise over the horizon. Depending on latitude and hemisphere, some signs rise quickly and others slowly; these are called signs of short and long ascension. This geometry influences ascensional times, semi-arcs, house-cusp calculations, and certain systems of primary directions. It does not give a planet or sign a separate symbolic meaning by itself. Instead, it describes the local astronomical framework through which placements are calculated and interpreted.

Why It Matters

Understanding the oblique sphere clarifies why an accurate birthplace is essential for a natal chart. Two people born at the same moment but at different latitudes may have different Ascendants, house cusps, and planetary house positions. The concept also helps astrologers evaluate older techniques without assuming that equal zodiacal longitude means equal rising time.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Oblique Descension

Astrology Encyclopediaadmin

Definition

Oblique descension is a traditional astronomical and astrological measurement describing where a celestial point sets along the celestial equator at a particular terrestrial latitude. It is expressed as an equatorial arc, usually measured from the vernal point. Unlike right ascension, which is based on the celestial equator without adjustment for local latitude, oblique descension reflects the angle at which the heavens meet the western horizon.

Astrological Meaning

In classical astrology, oblique descension helps translate a planet, star, or zodiacal degree into its local setting relationship. It is especially relevant to calculations involving the Descendant, mundane houses, and some systems of primary directions. Because signs rise and set at unequal rates outside the equator, their oblique measurements vary by latitude. Northern and southern locations therefore produce different timing and spatial relationships even when the zodiacal longitude remains unchanged. Oblique descension is mainly a technical coordinate rather than a symbolic placement interpreted by itself.

Why It Matters

The concept matters when reconstructing traditional chart calculations or studying techniques sensitive to the local horizon. It explains why equal zodiacal degrees do not always correspond to equal periods of rising or setting. Understanding oblique descension can also clarify older astrological tables and prevent it from being confused with right ascension, oblique ascension, or ordinary zodiacal longitude.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Oblique Ascension

Astrology Encyclopediaadmin

Definition

Oblique ascension is an astronomical coordinate describing the degree of the celestial equator that rises with a particular point on the ecliptic at a specific terrestrial latitude. Unlike right ascension, which is measured without reference to the observer’s latitude, oblique ascension reflects the angle at which the celestial sphere meets the local horizon. Its value therefore changes according to location.

Astrological Meaning

In traditional astrology, oblique ascension helps translate zodiacal positions into their actual rising behavior at a given birthplace. It is especially relevant to primary directions, ascensional times, and some methods of calculating houses or directing the Ascendant. Because signs do not rise at equal speeds outside the equator, oblique ascension provides a more locally accurate measure of celestial motion. Northern and southern latitudes produce different rising patterns, making some signs rise quickly and others slowly.

Why It Matters

Understanding oblique ascension clarifies why equal zodiacal degrees do not always correspond to equal periods of clock time. It also shows how geographical latitude enters certain traditional timing techniques. The concept is primarily computational rather than symbolic, but accurate calculations can affect directed contacts, angles, and house cusps used in interpretation. Its significance depends on the astrological method being practiced.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Oblique Ascendant

Astrology Encyclopediaadmin

Definition

The Oblique Ascendant is the degree of the zodiac rising on the eastern horizon when the observer’s geographic latitude is taken into account. The term belongs to classical astronomical and astrological calculation. Unlike right ascension, which is measured along the celestial equator without reference to a local horizon, oblique ascension describes how celestial points rise at a particular latitude.

Astrological Meaning

In practice, the concept helps explain why zodiac signs do not rise at equal speeds in most locations. Some signs cross the Ascendant quickly, while others take longer, with the difference becoming more pronounced farther from the equator. Traditional astrologers used oblique ascension in calculating house cusps, rising times, and primary directions. The Oblique Ascendant should therefore be understood as a latitude-dependent astronomical factor underlying chart construction, rather than as a separate personality placement. Once calculated, the resulting Ascendant is interpreted by its sign, degree, aspects, and planetary ruler.

Why It Matters

Understanding the Oblique Ascendant clarifies why an accurate birthplace is essential for a natal chart. It also provides context for unequal house systems and older predictive techniques, especially primary directions. For most modern chart readers, software performs the calculation, but knowing the principle makes it easier to evaluate birth-time sensitivity, unusual house proportions, and differences between charts cast for separate locations.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Obeying Signs

Astrology Encyclopediaadmin

Definition

Obeying Signs are the six zodiac signs south of the celestial equator: Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. In classical astrology, they form a complementary relationship with the commanding signs, Aries through Virgo. Corresponding pairs are equally distant from the Aries–Libra equinoctial axis: Aries–Pisces, Taurus–Aquarius, Gemini–Capricorn, Cancer–Sagittarius, Leo–Scorpio, and Virgo–Libra.

Astrological Meaning

When planets occupy a matched commanding-and-obeying pair, some traditional astrologers interpret the planet in the commanding sign as having greater authority or initiative, while the planet in the obeying sign is more receptive or responsive. This is a specialized form of sign relationship rather than a statement that a person is naturally submissive. Its relevance depends on the planets involved, their condition, house placement, and the question being judged. Some practitioners connect these pairs with contra-antiscia and equal distances from the equinoctial points.

Why It Matters

Obeying Signs add a subtle hierarchy to chart interpretation, especially in traditional natal, horary, and relationship work. They may help clarify which planet sets the terms when two significators occupy a corresponding pair. Because this technique belongs to a broader classical framework, it is best weighed alongside dignity, aspects, reception, house strength, and sect rather than used as a standalone verdict.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

          *New client offer is for customers that have never used Absolutely Psychic Network or received an introductory offer.

          Psychics Applicant Click here to apply

          Please review our Terms of Service

          • download our free app
          • download our free app
          Languages: English | Español | Português | Deutsch | Italiano | Filipino | Français | हिन्दी
          APN ENTERTAINMENT, ENT. All Rights Reserved © 2001-2026