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category: Astrology Encyclopedia

Northern Fish

Definition

The Northern Fish, traditionally called Piscis Boreus, is one of the two fish forming the constellation Pisces. It appears north of the celestial equator and is joined by a cord to the other fish. It is a constellation figure rather than a separate zodiac sign, house, planet, or chart placement.

Astrological Meaning

In classical astrology, the Northern Fish is interpreted through the particular fixed stars located within or near that part of Pisces. Its broader symbolism draws on the Piscean themes of water, receptivity, connection, faith, imagination, and movement between different realms of experience. Because fixed-star practice depends on close conjunctions and historical sources, the meaning should not be applied automatically to every Pisces placement. An astrologer would identify the relevant star, its traditional planetary nature, and its exact relationship to a natal planet or angle.

Why It Matters

The Northern Fish helps clarify the difference between constellation lore and zodiac-sign interpretation. It can add mythic or symbolic detail when a chart contains a close fixed-star contact in this region, but it does not replace analysis of planets, signs, houses, and aspects. Its significance may be strongest when supported by the rest of the natal chart and by an astrologer’s chosen tradition. Understanding the term also makes older star lists, celestial maps, and traditional astrological texts easier to navigate.

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Sesquicentennial

Definition

Sesquicentennial literally means a 150th anniversary or a period of 150 years. It is a historical and calendrical term rather than a standard aspect, placement, or predictive technique in classical or modern astrology. It should not be confused with the sesquiquadrate, a 135-degree aspect, or the quincunx, an aspect of 150 degrees.

Astrological Meaning

When a sesquicentennial is discussed astrologically, the term usually identifies the 150th anniversary of an event, institution, or founding chart. An astrologer may compare the original chart with the anniversary chart, examine transits to the founding positions, or consider relevant planetary returns and longer cycles. The number 150 alone does not supply a universally accepted interpretation. Meaning depends on the chart being studied, the planets activated, their aspects, and the historical context.

Why It Matters

Recognizing the term’s limited technical status prevents confusion between elapsed years and angular distance. A 150-year commemoration may offer a useful occasion for mundane or historical chart analysis, but it is not automatically a distinct astrological cycle. Clear terminology helps readers determine whether an astrologer means an anniversary, a 150-degree quincunx, or the similarly named 135-degree sesquiquadrate.

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Greck Head of Typhon

Definition

Greck Head of Typhon is a rare, archaic astrological expression associated with the Dragon’s Head, or North Lunar Node. The lunar nodes are the two points where the Moon’s orbit crosses the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun. “Typhon” reflects older mythological imagery linking eclipses and the nodes with a powerful celestial monster.

Astrological Meaning

When treated as another name for the North Node, the Head of Typhon represents an ascending point rather than a physical planet. Traditional interpretations may associate it with increase, appetite, acquisition, connection, or the amplification of matters signified by its house and sign. Its effects depend on the astrological tradition being used, along with aspects, planetary rulers, and the condition of the chart as a whole.

Why It Matters

Recognizing this term helps readers translate older astrological texts into familiar modern language. It also prevents the Head of Typhon from being mistaken for a planet, fixed star, or separate chart factor. Because historical terminology varies, the original author’s definitions should be checked before assuming it always means the North Node. In natal interpretation, the nodal axis is best considered alongside the Moon, eclipses, house placement, and planetary contacts rather than read in isolation.

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Geocentric vs

Definition

“Geocentric vs” usually introduces a comparison between geocentric and heliocentric astrology. A geocentric chart calculates the apparent positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and other points as viewed from Earth. A heliocentric chart instead uses the Sun as its central reference point. Most natal, transit, electional, and mundane astrology is geocentric because it describes the sky from the observer’s earthly perspective.

Astrological Meaning

In geocentric astrology, the Sun and Moon are prominent chart factors, and planets may appear retrograde because of their apparent motion from Earth. Houses, angles, rising signs, and ordinary planetary transits are also based on an earthly viewpoint. Heliocentric astrology removes the Moon as a separate orbiting factor, treats Earth as a planet, and produces different planetary relationships. Some astrologers use heliocentric charts as a supplementary symbolic framework, but their interpretation is less standardized.

Why It Matters

Knowing which reference system a chart uses prevents confusion when comparing planetary positions or aspects. A geocentric ephemeris is generally appropriate for conventional birth-chart interpretation and predictive techniques, while heliocentric data may be explored for specialized research. Neither viewpoint automatically makes an interpretation more accurate; each organizes astronomical positions around a different center and therefore answers different symbolic questions.

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Belly

Definition

Belly is an older astrological and anatomical term for the front portion of the torso below the chest. In traditional texts, its meaning can vary: it may refer broadly to the abdomen or more narrowly to the stomach and digestive region. The surrounding wording matters because historical authors did not always divide the body into modern anatomical categories.

Astrological Meaning

In traditional body correspondences, the belly may involve more than one zodiacal rulership. Cancer is commonly associated with the stomach and nourishment, while Virgo is linked with the abdomen, intestines, and processes of sorting or assimilation. Some methods also examine the Moon for bodily rhythms and sustenance, Mercury for Virgo-related functions, and the sixth house when considering illness or daily bodily maintenance. These factors should be distinguished rather than treated as interchangeable. Their relevance depends on the technique, chart context, and terminology used by the astrologer.

Why It Matters

Recognizing the belly as a flexible historical term helps prevent overly literal chart interpretation. When it appears in a classical delineation, first determine whether the author means the stomach, the entire abdomen, digestion, appetite, pregnancy, or the body’s center more generally. Then examine the stated sign, planet, house, and condition involved. Such symbolism may add nuance to natal or horary analysis, but it is not a diagnosis and should not replace qualified medical guidance.

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Astromancy

Definition

Astromancy is divination through observing and interpreting the stars and other celestial bodies. The term comes from roots meaning “star” and “divination.” Historically, it was sometimes used broadly for practices now called astrology, especially when celestial patterns were consulted for guidance about earthly events. Its exact meaning varies by period and source, so context is important.

Astrological Meaning

In astrological practice, astromancy refers to seeking symbolic insight from the heavens. Traditional practitioners might examine planetary positions, celestial cycles, or notable phenomena and connect them with personal, political, agricultural, or collective concerns. Unlike natal astrology, which centers on a chart calculated for a specific birth, astromancy may describe a wider range of celestial divination. It can overlap with mundane astrology, horary astrology, and omen-based traditions, but it is not always a distinct technical branch.

Why It Matters

Understanding astromancy helps clarify astrology’s historical vocabulary and its relationship with older divinatory customs. The term reminds readers that methods, assumptions, and purposes have changed across cultures and eras. When encountered in a historical text, it should not automatically be treated as identical to modern horoscope interpretation; checking how the author uses the word leads to a more accurate reading.

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