category: Astrology Encyclopedia

Angle

July 17, 2026Astrology Encyclopediaadmin

Definition

An angle is one of the four cardinal points of an astrological chart: the Ascendant, Midheaven, Descendant, and Imum Coeli. These points correspond to the eastern horizon, upper meridian, western horizon, and lower meridian.

Astrological Meaning

The angles form the framework of the houses and describe major areas of life. The Ascendant relates to identity and emergence, the Midheaven to public direction, the Descendant to partnership, and the Imum Coeli to roots and private foundations.

Why It Matters

Planets close to an angle are usually emphasized because they occupy highly active positions. Accurate birth time is especially important because even a small timing error can shift the angles and house cusps.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Balaam’s ass

July 17, 2026Astrology Encyclopediaadmin

Definition

Balaam's ass is a rare historical expression found in older discussions of astrology. It alludes to the biblical story in which Balaam’s donkey perceived an angel that Balaam himself could not see and was miraculously given speech. In astrological literature, the phrase is generally used as a metaphor rather than as the name of a planet, aspect, house, or formal chart technique.

Astrological Meaning

The expression may describe someone who voices an astrological truth without fully understanding how or why it is true. Depending on the author and context, it can also suggest an unlikely messenger whose observation deserves attention despite limited status, knowledge, or eloquence. Its use is often humorous, dismissive, or polemical, so it should not automatically be treated as praise. Because the term has never had a single standardized technical meaning, its surrounding passage is essential for interpretation.

Why It Matters

Recognizing Balaam's ass as a literary allusion prevents it from being mistaken for a chart placement or predictive rule. The term also illustrates how traditional astrological writing drew upon biblical stories, classical learning, and satire to comment on astrologers and their judgments. Modern readers may find the phrase culturally dated or insulting; neutral wording such as “an unwitting messenger” often conveys the intended idea more clearly. When encountered in an old text, identify who is being described and whether the author is questioning expertise, acknowledging accidental insight, or emphasizing that useful information can come from an unexpected source.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Traditional Astrology
Astrological Terminology
Natal Chart

Angular

July 17, 2026Astrology Encyclopediaadmin

Definition

Angular describes a planet placed near one of the chart’s four angles or within an angular house: the first, fourth, seventh, or tenth.

Astrological Meaning

Angular planets tend to be prominent, active, and capable of producing visible effects. Their expression may be constructive or difficult depending on the planet’s nature, dignity, and aspects, but their influence is rarely subtle. The angular houses correspond symbolically with the cardinal signs and emphasize initiative.

Why It Matters

Angular placement is one of the most important forms of accidental strength. A planet that might otherwise appear weak can become highly influential when positioned close to the Ascendant, Midheaven, Descendant, or Imum Coeli.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Angular Houses
Chart Angles
Planetary Strength
Cardinal Houses

Aselli: a nebulous cluster

July 17, 2026Astrology Encyclopediaadmin

Definition

The Aselli, Latin for “little donkeys,” are two fixed stars in Cancer: Asellus Borealis and Asellus Australis. They flank Praesepe, the Beehive Cluster, which appears to the unaided eye as a faint, cloudy patch. Older astrological sources sometimes discuss the stars and this nebulous cluster as one symbolic region, although astronomically they are distinct objects.

Astrological Meaning

Traditional astrology generally associates the Aselli with the combined qualities of the Sun and Mars, emphasizing drive, courage, assertiveness, endurance, and at times stubbornness or conflict. Praesepe has its own traditional symbolism and should not automatically be treated as identical to either star. In a natal chart, an Asellus is usually considered significant only when closely conjunct the Sun, Moon, Ascendant, Midheaven, or a planet. Its expression depends on the planet involved, the exact degree used, and the wider condition of the chart. Historical texts sometimes attach severe physical or unfortunate outcomes to this area; modern practice is better served by reading such statements symbolically rather than as certain events or medical judgments.

Why It Matters

The Aselli illustrate why precision matters in fixed-star work. An astrologer should distinguish the northern star, southern star, and Praesepe instead of blending them indiscriminately. When strongly placed, they may add determination, protectiveness, competitiveness, or a tendency to carry demanding responsibilities, but they do not override the natal chart as a whole.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Traditional Astrology
Astrological Terminology
Natal Chart
Fixed Stars
Praesepe
Asellus Borealis and Asellus Australis

Angular Velocity

July 17, 2026Astrology Encyclopediaadmin

Definition

Angular velocity is the amount of angular distance a celestial body moves during a specified period. In astrology, it is commonly expressed as a planet’s daily motion in degrees and minutes of arc.

Astrological Meaning

Planetary speed helps determine whether an aspect is applying or separating and whether a planet is moving faster or slower than usual. Traditional astrologers often treated unusually fast motion as a sign of greater readiness, while slow motion could indicate delay or reduced momentum.

Why It Matters

Angular velocity is essential for predictive work, aspect timing, retrograde analysis, and the interpretation of planetary condition. It connects the symbolic chart with the actual movement of bodies through the sky.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

Daily Motion
Planetary Speed
Retrograde Motion
Ephemeris

Draconis, c

July 17, 2026Astrology Encyclopediaadmin

Definition

Draconis is a Latin term meaning “of the dragon.” In traditional astrological terminology, it most often appears in Caput Draconis, the Dragon’s Head, and Cauda Draconis, the Dragon’s Tail. These names refer respectively to the north and south lunar nodes—the two points where the Moon’s orbit crosses the ecliptic, or the apparent path of the Sun.

Astrological Meaning

Caput Draconis, the north node, is commonly associated with increase, unfamiliar development, and qualities a person may be learning to cultivate. Cauda Draconis, the south node, is linked with release, established tendencies, and familiar patterns that can become limiting when overused. Classical sources sometimes treated the nodes as broadly beneficial or challenging, but contemporary interpretation usually considers their zodiac signs, houses, aspects, and chart context. The nodes are calculated points rather than physical planets.

Why It Matters

Recognizing Draconis terminology helps readers understand older charts, traditional texts, and historical names for the lunar nodes. In a natal chart, the nodal axis can describe a tension between accustomed responses and emerging directions. In transits, nodal contacts may coincide with periods of heightened emphasis or redirection, though they do not guarantee specific events. Interpretation is strongest when both ends of the axis are considered together rather than labeling one entirely positive and the other entirely negative.