Angles - The four cardinal points in a horoscope that marks the horizon, and meridian. The four angles are: Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven, and Nadir. These are the most sensitive and most important in the birth chart. Planets on or near any of the four angles have a marked influence on the subject's personality.

Ascendant - {Rising Sign}The sign of the zodiac that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of birth. Also the exact degree of the sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth, the point in the birth chart that marks the cusp of the First House. The ascendant characterizes a person's outward approach to life. In a birth chart, planets at or near the line of the Ascendant represents strength and power of a person's self.

Aspect - An aspect is the relationship between planets based on how many degrees they are apart from each other. Aspects are classified into two groups, major and minor. Major, of course having the most notable, and strongest effects, while the minor aspects are less traumatic, less powerful, and exert the least influence.

Cardinal - One of the three qualities under which the signs of the zodiac are classified. The three qualities are "Cardinal";"Fixed"; and "Mutable." Aires, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn are the four cardinal signs. The cardinal signs are signs of action, initiative, leadership, and outgoing activity.

Conjunction - A major aspect, the most powerful in astrology, in which two or more planets occupy the same degree, (or are within 8 to 10 degrees of each other.) When two or more planets are acting in conjunction, they are operating together. Two or more planets in the conjunction means they are working together, as a team. They are fused together, so they can't act alone. Both, or however many there are, will combine their energies to come up with a whole different overall picture of the day. Some planets pair up better than others. The Moon and Venus pair off well, while planets such as Mars and Saturn can mean trouble. For more information on conjunctions, go take an astrology course. :)

Retrograde - Retrograde is the optical illusion of a planet moving backwards. What we do know is that the planet in retrograde motion has the effect of moving backwards, or it loses ground, sometimes even coming apart. For instance, when Mercury is retrograde, we can pretty much count on communications going to hell. That's because we aren't supposed to be moving forwards, according to most astrologers. I tend to see it as a cosmic practical joke. But then, that's me. :) Same with Mars, but it seems to inflict an almost manic effect. Mars retro is a time when we see armed conflicts increase. And Venus retrograde can cause havoc in a relationship. You get the idea! Because you people are smart! :)

The Semisextile - 30 Degrees - The semisextile connects two planets in a hazy pairing. Almost as if they are having a low grade communication. It's not a very strong aspect, and more often shows the two planets as having a mild influence on each other.

The Semisquare - 45 degrees - One of the minor aspects in which two or more planets are 45 degrees apart. This aspects denotes a much less demanding influence than the square. It's considered much less adverse than the square.

The Sesquisquare - Also known as the Sesquiquadrate Another one of the minor aspects, who's influence are considered mildly adverse, even more so than the Semisquare.

The Sextile - 60 degrees - The sextile links planets in compatible elements. Planets in a sextile are either fire-air, or water-earth combinations. With these two compatible combinations, the planets get along well together. Astrologers agree that this relationship is very favorable, bringing opportunity and good things. But you must be willing to put the work required into the aspect.

The Square - 90 degrees - The square is the aspect voted most likely to make you go postal. One of the major aspects, the square is a squaring off of foes, akin to rubbing each other the wrong way. Originally considered to be a malefic aspect, it is now considered by MOST astrologers to be something to help you learn lessons. Planets in a square are at crossed purposes with each other, each one refusing to move, give, or bend. And causing great friction between them.

The Trine - 120 degrees - One of the major aspects, trines are formed between planets of the same element, so they compliment each other beautifully. A trine is considered to be the most beneficial and harmonious aspect, bringing advantage, comfort, and ease. In fact they show an ease of communication not found in any other aspect. Some astrologers feel that it can make things too easy, too complacent,too lazy. I believe it's a chance to take a breather, a rest period before the next square, or retrograde comes in to wreck havoc on your life.

The Sesquiquadrate - 135 degrees - This aspect is a combination of the square, and semisquare. It represents the area that needs a conscious decision to take action. Also denotes a time to make the hard decisions.

The Quincunx - 150 degrees - This aspect joins two signs that have nothing whatsoever in common. They don't share a quality, element, or gender, making it almost impossible for them to communicate with each other. It was once though of as mildly adverse, but now astrologers are taking a second look, and have come to the conclusion that it may be more powerful and important than first thought.

The Opposition - 180 degrees - This aspect is considered the least of the traditionally hard aspects.

When two planets are in opposition, they're working against each other. And yes, they are out to get you. :) They have the same destination, or mission. But they are unwilling to work with each other at all. It's hard to move forward when two planets are fighting each other, and pulling in two directions. However, the card The Chariot reminds us that even while two forces are pulling in different directions, they are still pulling forward, therefore momentum can be gained. You just have to learn to rein them in. Planets in opposition have a destination, or goal.