83¢/min
Intro Offer
We charge 60% LESS than our competitors!
Tons of spot-on predictions in our newsletter.

category: Astrology Encyclopedia

Anahibazon

Definition

Anahibazon is an older Arabic-derived term for the Moon’s ascending node, now commonly called the North Node or Dragon’s Head.

Astrological Meaning

The ascending node marks the point where the Moon crosses the ecliptic from south to north. Traditional astrology often treated it as an amplifying or increasing influence, although its meaning varies according to the chart, planetary contacts, and the school of astrology being used.

Why It Matters

The term appears in historical texts, tables, and older astrological dictionaries. Recognizing it prevents confusion when the same nodal point is described under several names, including Caput Draconis, Dragon’s Head, and North Node.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Ambient

Definition

Ambient means surrounding or moving around. In older astronomical and astrological writing, the word could refer broadly to the heavens or to the environment encircling the Earth.

Astrological Meaning

Earlier cosmologies imagined outer spheres carrying the heavens in motion. After those models changed, astrologers continued using the word symbolically for the surrounding cosmic environment through which solar, planetary, and magnetic influences were believed to operate.

Why It Matters

The term is useful when studying historical astrology because it reflects an older attempt to describe the field in which celestial influences were thought to reach terrestrial life. Modern readers may understand it more generally as the surrounding astronomical or energetic environment.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Altitude

Definition

Altitude is the angular height of a celestial body above the horizon. It is measured along a vertical circle from the horizon upward toward the zenith.

Astrological Meaning

A planet reaches meridian altitude when it crosses the local meridian near the Midheaven. Traditional astrologers often considered elevated planets more visible, influential, or capable of producing outward effects. Altitude therefore forms part of the astronomical foundation behind angularity and prominence.

Why It Matters

Understanding altitude helps explain why the Midheaven and upper hemisphere carry associations with visibility, status, and public expression. It is also important in observational astronomy and technical chart calculations based on the local horizon.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Almuten

Definition

The almuten is the planet that possesses the greatest combined authority over a degree, point, or entire horoscope. The term comes from Arabic astrology and is usually determined through a scoring system based on essential dignities and, in some methods, accidental strength.

Astrological Meaning

An astrologer may calculate the almuten of the Ascendant, Sun, Moon, Part of Fortune, or several important points together. The planet receiving the highest total becomes the dominant ruler for that calculation and may be judged best positioned to manage the matter represented.

Why It Matters

The almuten offers a more nuanced alternative to selecting a ruler from sign placement alone. It is especially important in medieval, traditional, horary, electional, and natal techniques that rank planets by dignity and authority.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Affinity

Definition

Affinity is a natural attraction, sympathy, or ease of relationship between astrological factors. It may describe planets whose principles cooperate, signs that share compatible qualities, or people whose charts display mutual resonance.

Astrological Meaning

Traditional writers sometimes described the Sun as having affinity with all planets, Mars with Venus through physical magnetism, Venus with Jupiter through generosity, and Venus with Mercury through artistic or intellectual expression. Such pairings show that energies can cooperate through shared purpose.

Why It Matters

Affinity helps move interpretation beyond rigid labels of good and bad. It focuses on the quality of the relationship between symbols and can be applied in natal astrology, synastry, planetary rulership, and the interpretation of aspect combinations.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Line of Advantage

Definition

The Line of Advantage is an older astrological concept associated with the position of the Moon’s ascending node. It describes a diagonal division of the horoscope running between designated sectors of the third and ninth houses.

Astrological Meaning

In traditional usage, the North Node was considered more favorable when placed on one side of this line. Related arcs were sometimes described as regions of increased or diminished stature, suggesting that different chart zones could strengthen or reduce outward development.

Why It Matters

The technique is uncommon in contemporary practice, but it illustrates how earlier astrologers divided the horoscope into specialized areas of advantage and disadvantage. It may be useful for historical research, nodal interpretation, and the study of lesser-known traditional methods.

Related Encyclopedia Entries