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category: Astrology Encyclopedia

Flexed

Definition

Flexed is a rare, nonstandard expression encountered in some older astrological writing. Drawing on the ordinary meaning of “bent” or “turned,” it generally describes a condition understood as modified, redirected, or placed under strain. It is not a universally recognized dignity, debility, aspect, or planetary state, so its precise sense depends on the author and context.

Astrological Meaning

When flexed appears in an interpretation, first identify what the word modifies: a planet, sign, aspect, house, or symbolic figure. The surrounding passage may indicate that an influence is being diverted from its direct expression, adjusted by another factor, or interpreted through imagery of bending and posture. Because the term lacks one consistently accepted technical definition, it should not automatically be treated as a negative condition or assigned a fixed score in chart analysis.

Why It Matters

Recognizing flexed as context-dependent helps prevent modern readers from giving an obscure historical word more authority than its source supports. In a natal chart or traditional judgment, rely on clearly defined factors—such as essential dignity, house placement, motion, reception, and aspects—before using this descriptor as a secondary interpretive nuance. Consulting the terminology adopted by the original astrologer is especially important.

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Non-Periodic Comets

Definition

Non-periodic comets are comets without a short, reliably recurring orbit. Some follow extremely long orbital paths and may not return for thousands of years, while others pass through the solar system only once. Unlike planets, their appearances are irregular and cannot be treated as standard natal-chart placements or routine transits.

Astrological Meaning

In traditional and mundane astrology, an unexpected comet could be interpreted as a collective celestial sign rather than a personal influence. Astrologers considered its visibility, brightness, color, direction, duration, and apparent location among the zodiacal constellations. These features were sometimes associated with disruptions, changes in leadership, conflict, weather, or other public affairs. Such interpretations varied widely by culture and period, so a comet’s meaning was never entirely fixed. Contemporary astrologers who use comets may regard them more symbolically—as images of interruption, revelation, urgency, or developments that resist established cycles.

Why It Matters

Non-periodic comets illustrate how earlier astrologers interpreted rare astronomical events before modern orbital calculations were available. They also highlight an important distinction: conventional planets belong to repeatable cycles, whereas an unfamiliar comet represents an exceptional appearance. Studying these objects can deepen understanding of traditional omen-based astrology and its relationship to mundane forecasting. Any interpretation is best grounded in historical context, actual astronomical data, and the broader chart rather than treated as a guaranteed prediction.

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Broken Signs

Definition

Broken Signs is an uncommon traditional astrology term for zodiac signs whose symbolic figures were regarded as divided, incomplete, hybrid, or otherwise lacking bodily wholeness. Historical lists and definitions vary between authors, so the term should be interpreted according to the specific astrological tradition being used. It is not the same as intercepted signs, damaged chart data, or the whole-sign house system.

Astrological Meaning

In older natal, horary, and electional practice, a broken sign on an important angle or holding a key significator could be treated as a minor descriptive testimony. Depending on the author and question, it might suggest interruption, division, irregularity, limited resources, or something that requires repair. Some astrologers also connected these signs with physical descriptions, but such symbolism is culturally dated and should not be used to diagnose health or predict disability. Sign condition was normally weighed alongside planetary dignity, aspects, house placement, and the ruler’s condition.

Why It Matters

Recognizing this term helps readers understand older astrological texts without giving an obscure classification excessive authority. Broken Signs are best treated as one supporting factor rather than a stand-alone judgment. Because terminology differs across classical and later sources, checking an author’s own sign list is essential. In modern practice, the concept can be reframed constructively as symbolism for discontinuity, adaptation, mixed qualities, or the process of restoring coherence.

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Brutish signs v

Definition

Brutish signs is an old astrological classification for zodiac signs represented wholly or partly by four-footed animals. Traditional lists commonly include Aries, Taurus, Leo, Sagittarius, and Capricorn, although authors differ because Sagittarius and Capricorn have mixed or composite forms. The term is historical and can sound derogatory today; “bestial signs” or “quadrupedal signs” are closely related labels in older texts.

Astrological Meaning

Traditional astrologers used this category as a descriptive testimony in natal, horary, and electional work. Depending on the method, a brutish sign might emphasize instinct, physicality, appetite, defensiveness, endurance, or behavior driven more by immediate conditions than abstract reasoning. Its relevance usually came from the sign on an angle, a house cusp, or a significator. It was not intended to mean that a person was literally brutish, and modern interpretation should avoid using the classification as a judgment of intelligence or character.

Why It Matters

Recognizing the term helps readers understand older astrological manuals without importing their outdated social assumptions. When it appears in a chart judgment, check which signs the author included and whether the rule concerns symbolism, appearance, conduct, or a practical circumstance. The classification is secondary evidence rather than a complete interpretation: planets, houses, aspects, dignity, and the specific question provide essential context.

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Circles of Position

Definition

Circles of position are imaginary great circles on the celestial sphere that pass through the north and south points of the horizon and through a planet, star, or other chart point. In classical astrological geometry, they describe a body’s position in relation to the local horizon and meridian. They are distinct from hour circles, which pass through the celestial poles, and from diurnal circles, which trace a body’s apparent daily path.

Astrological Meaning

Astrologers use circles of position primarily in traditional house calculations, mundane positioning, and some systems of primary directions. A circle of position helps translate a planet’s astronomical location into its relationship with the angles and houses at a particular time and place. Different house systems divide celestial space differently, so the term should be understood within the calculation method being used rather than treated as a separate interpretive symbol.

Why It Matters

Understanding circles of position clarifies how a three-dimensional sky is represented in a two-dimensional horoscope. The concept is especially useful when studying traditional techniques in which angularity, house placement, and movement toward the angles affect a planet’s prominence. It also explains why the same planet can receive different house placements under different systems without its zodiacal longitude changing. Most chart readers do not calculate these circles manually, but knowing their role supports more informed interpretation of house cusps and primary directions.

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Cities, Sign Rulership

Definition

Cities, sign rulership is a traditional astrological system that associates particular cities with zodiac signs. These correspondences appear mainly in mundane astrology, which studies collective affairs, governments, regions, and public events. Lists vary among historical authorities and may reflect a city’s founding traditions, geography, political character, or symbolic reputation rather than a single universal rule.

Astrological Meaning

Astrologers may use a city’s attributed sign to add context when interpreting eclipses, planetary ingresses, lunations, or major transits. For example, an event affecting the city’s traditionally assigned sign might be examined for possible themes involving leadership, commerce, civic identity, or public priorities. A reliable founding or incorporation chart, when available, usually offers more specific information. Sign rulership should therefore be treated as one interpretive layer alongside the city chart, national chart, relevant planetary cycles, and observable circumstances.

Why It Matters

This method shows how traditional astrology extended zodiac symbolism beyond individuals to places and communities. It can help organize research into regional patterns and historical events, but conflicting rulership lists require careful comparison of sources. Used cautiously, the correspondence may suggest themes worth investigating without implying that a transit guarantees a particular outcome for a city or its residents.

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