Ecliptic and longitude
The ecliptic is the apparent annual path of the Sun against the sky. Ecliptic longitude measures direction around that reference plane from a specified origin. A zodiac sign is a 30° sector of the chosen zodiac; degrees within a sign run from 0° up to, but not including, 30°.
Ephemeris and geocentric
An ephemeris lists or calculates positions over time. Geocentric means referred to the center of Earth; topocentric refers to a particular observing location. The distinction matters especially for the nearby Moon. Heliocentric positions use the Sun as their reference.
Aspect and orb
An aspect is a named angular relationship such as a 90° square. The orb is the difference from the exact angle that a method allows. Applying and separating describe movement toward or away from exactness, which requires motion information rather than a single angle alone.
Ingress, station, and retrograde
An ingress is entry into a new sign. A station is a point near a reversal in apparent motion. Retrograde means decreasing geocentric longitude, while direct means increasing longitude. These terms describe a viewing geometry before they receive any symbolic interpretation.
Ascendant and Midheaven
The Ascendant is the eastern intersection of the ecliptic with the horizon. The Midheaven is the upper intersection with the local meridian. Both require time and location. They are angles, not planets, and their relationship to house cusps depends on the house system.
Natal, transit, and return
Natal refers to the birth moment. A transit compares another time with natal placements. A return occurs when a body reaches its natal longitude again, such as a solar return near a birthday. These are different chart techniques, each requiring clearly stated settings.
Ruler, dignity, and dispositorship
A ruler is a planet assigned to a sign by a particular tradition. Essential dignity describes a planet’s condition under traditional sign-based rules. A dispositor is the ruler of the sign occupied by another planet. Modern and traditional rulership tables differ for some signs.
This guide describes symbolic conventions and traditions. Astrological interpretations are not scientifically established predictions about personality or events. Our sources and editorial approach.