Learning Basic Astrology O-Q

Occidental & Oriental

From cusp of tenth house westward to fourth is occidental The opposite half is oriental. Planets are sometimes described as being occidental or oriental of the Sun. Occidental means setting before the Sun, oriental means rising after the Sun. Ptolemy says: "When oriental, the influence is masculine; when occidental, feminine." This is a very subtle influence.

Occultation

Planets occasionally obscure other planets or stars temporarily. The Moon, transiting a variable orbit, does so frequently. The phenomenon is termed occultation to distinguish it from eclipses. An occultation is equal to a powerful total or partile conjunction. (To be actually partile, these bodies should at the time have the same lattitude and longitude.)

Opposition

An adverse aspect of 180 degrees.

Orb

An aspect between planets or sensitive points is usually allowed some inexactitude, which is called its orb of influence. Major aspects are allowed a greater orb than minor ones. For example, a conjunction is usually allowed an orb of 8 degrees, whereas an semi-sextile would only be allowed an orb of 2 degrees of arc. The Moon is usually allowed more orb than other planets, while faster planets are allowed more orb than slower ones. Greater orb is allowed in natal astrology than in mundane, where timing is more critical.

Oriental

See Occidental.

Parallel Aspect (Zodiacal)

Planets having equal distance in declination on the same side of the equator. A similar effect to the conjunction. Contra-parallel is the equal distance in declination on opposite sides of the equator and is similar in effect to the opposition aspect.

Paran

Angular relationship between a planet and a fixed star in a chart. Parans can occur when any planet (esp. Sun or Moon) is angular and any star is also angular.

Pars Fortunae

The Part of Fortune, one of the most important Arabian Parts. The point lies the same distance in longitude from the ascendant as the Moon lies from the Sun. Its house represents an area of life where one finds happiness and natural tranquility, expressing innate abilities. It indicates an area wherein the self is easily expressed. More about the Arabian Parts

Part of Fortune

Pars Fortunae.

Partile (partill)

An aspect is described as partile when it is exact (ie within 1 degree of arc).

Perigee

The place in a planet's orbit which is nearest to the Earth. See Apogee.

Peregrine

When a planet is void of essential dignities. Planets in mutual reception cannot be peregrine.

Perihelion

The place in a planet's orbit which is nearest to the Sun. See Aphelion.

Pisces

The twelfth sign of the zodiac. Mutable water. Ruled by Jupiter and Neptune. Exaltation of Venus. Pisces' symbol comprises a brace of fishes.. More about Pisces

Planet

From an old word meaning "wanderer", the planets are those heavenly bodies that seem to move through the zodiac. In astrology, the planets include the Sun and the Moon. Those that do not move are known as the Fixed Stars.

Planetary Hours

The hours of the day are ruled by planets in their order from Saturn inward to the Moon.

Pluto

The furthest known planet from the Sun. Rules Scorpio with Mars. More about Pluto.

Pluto Square

A difficult aspect.

Platic

Wide aspect, yet within orb.

Polar Elevation

A body in the heavens at a certain elevation from the meridien towards the horizon. The lattitude for which a chart is cast.

Polarity

Pole of the horoscope is the lattitude of the place on which it is cast. Polarity of a relationship is the balance between the masculine and feminine forces.

Ponderous Planets

So called because their orbits lie beyond the Earth and thus take a long time to complete. See Superior Planets.

Postnatal Eclipse

An eclipse, either solar or lunar, which occurs in the months immediately following the birth of the native.

Precession (of the Equinoxes)

Due to the pole of the equator revolving around the pole of the ecliptic, the equinoctial point moves backward with relation to the constellations at the rate of approximately 50" per year. It makes a complete revolution through the twelve constellations in the great cosmic year of 25,920 earthly years, or 2160 years to pass through one constellation. There is disagreement among authorities as to the exact position of the vernal equinox (0° Aries) at present, but all are agreed that it is approaching the end of the Age of Pisces and entering the Age of Aquarius.

Precessed Solar Return

Solar Return Chart corrected for precession.

Prenatal Eclipse

An eclipse, either solar or lunar, which occurs in the months preceding the birth of the native. Not usually considered more than 12 months prior to the birthdate.

Prenatal Epoch

The astrological moment of conception, approximately nine months before birth. The Moon's place on epoch day, or its opposite, becomes either the ascending or descending sign and degree at birth.

Primary Directions

Method of directing based on a degree for a year.

Progressed Horoscope

A chart calculated for as many days after birth as there are years in the life of the querent.

Progression

Movement of or aspect to planet or sensitive point in progressed horoscope.

Promittor (Promissor)

Significator of certain events. In a Horary question of marriage, for instance, the lord of the seventh is Promittor.

Prorogator

The Alpheta: planet which upholds life.

Proper Motion

Direct Motion through the zodiac in order of the signs. See Retrograde Motion.

Ptolemaic System

Ancient geocentric cosmic schema, based in the belief that the planets, Sun, Moon and stars revolved around the earth. Formalised by Hellenic astrologer Ptolemy.