A Glossary of Astrological Terms

Use this glossary to look up the meanings of words you come across on this website, or in your astrological reading. Just select the first letter of the word you need and click on it in the table below to go straight to that sector.

R

Rahu

Name for the Dragon's Head in Indian Astrology. See Dragon's Head.

Radix (Radical)

Referring to the Natal Chart. In Horary terminology, it implies that conditions have been fulfilled enabling the chart to be judged

Rapt Motion

Apparent diurnal motion from east to west.

Rapt Parallels

Equal distances from the meridien formed by rapt motion (not zodiacal).

Reception

Planets in each other's dignities act as though in good aspect to each other. When in each other's debilities, planets act as though in adverse aspect to each other. Especially important when comparing nativities of two people.

Rectification

Correcting the given birth time to true birth time by comparing the nature and date of significant events in the life with the aspects denoting them.

Refranation

If two planets are applying to an aspect and one of them turns retrograde before the aspect culminates, it is said to refrain from the aspect, showing that the effect indicated by the aspect will not materialise.

Regulus

A benefic Fixed Star in the 30th degree of Leo. The most royal of the four Royal Stars, aka Cor Leonis, the Lion's Heart.

Retrograde

Apparent backward motion of a planet through the zodiac. Sun and Moon are never retrograde.

Revolution

See Solar Return.

Right Ascension

Measurement along the equator by degrees only from the first point of Aries. 360 degrees into 24 hours means each degree occupies about 4 minutes on the equator.

Rising Sign (Ascendant)

The sign and degree on the cusp of the First House. A planet is said to be ascending when between the fourth and tenth cusps.

Royal Stars (of Persia)

Fixed Stars of particular significance. There are four Royal Stars: Aldebaran, Regulus, Antares and Fomalhaut. Regulus is usually considered the "most royal", although Aldebaran has his proponents. More on Fixed Stars.