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Terms | Texts | Tools

A glossary of the traditional astrology used in my readings, classes and journal, and the books I return to most.

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Glossary

Annual profectionA timing technique that moves the Ascendant forward one sign for each year of life.Techniques
AscendantThe degree of the zodiac rising on the eastern horizon at birth.Chart

BoundsUnequal divisions of each sign, each ruled by one of the five non-luminary planets.Dignities

CombustionA planet hidden within a few degrees of the Sun, its power burned up.Conditions

FallThe sign opposite a planet's exaltation, where it is brought low.Dignities

Lot of FortuneA calculated point about the body, health and material circumstances.Techniques

RetrogradeA planet that appears to move backwards through the zodiac.Conditions

TriplicityThe rulers of each element, which change between day and night charts.Dignities

Reading list

Tetrabiblos Claudius Ptolemy
The second-century summary of astrology that shaped the next fifteen hundred years.
Anthology Vettius Valens
A working astrologer's casebook from second-century Alexandria, full of real charts.
Carmen Astrologicum Dorotheus of Sidon
The source of the triplicity rulers and much of later electional astrology.
Christian Astrology William Lilly
The classic English manual of horary, published in 1647.
Hellenistic Astrology: The Study of Fate and Fortune Chris Brennan
A clear modern guide to the ancient techniques and their history.