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.

F

Face

Each sign of thirty degrees is divided into three segments called decans (decanates) of ten degrees, each with its own planetary ruler. Each decan is divided into a positive (active) and a negative (receptive) face of five degrees, expressing the polarity of the planetary ruler of the decan. Thus each sign has six faces, three positive and three negative, depending on the rulership of the decanates. Decanates themselves are also often referred to as faces.

Fall

A planet is in fall when placed in the sign opposite to that of its exaltation. A debility.

Familiarity

Any aspect or reception between planets.

Fertile Signs

Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.

Fiery Element

One of the four astrological elements. A masculine element, it stands for action, positivity, matters to do with spirituality and so on. The other elements are Water, Air and Earth.

Fifth House

The fifth segment of a chart. It represents recreation, creativity, hobbies, gambling, risks, children, love affairs and the extension of the self through children or love relationships.

Figure

Chart, horoscope, map, nativity.

Finger of Fate

See Finger of God.

Finger of God

Also called the Finger of Fate or Yod. Comprises two planets in sextile (60°) aspect to each other, each making a 150° aspect focused on the same third planet (opposing their midpoint). Indicative of a special life purpose, it creates the sensation of steadiness, special passion, deep aspiration and a strong inner drive to accomplish something very important and special.

Firdar

see Alfridaria

Fire Signs

Aries (cardinal), Leo (fixed), Sagittarius (mutable).

First House

see Ascendant.

Fixed Houses

2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th houses.

Fixed Signs

Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius.

Fixed Stars

These do not move across the ecliptic, as do planets. Those near the ecliptic and of significant magnitude have considerable influence. Fixed stars do not lie within the zodiac; they are all beyond it in the constellations. Planets move within the zodiac. More on Fixed Stars.

Fomalhaut

A malefic Fixed Star in the 4th degree of Pisces. One of the four Royal Stars.

Forecast

Predictions based on an analysis of planetary configurations.

Fortuna

Part of Fortune (see Pars Fortunae).

Fortunes

Jupiter and Venus; also the Sun and Moon unless afflicted. Mercury and Neptune can be fortunate when unafflicted and in good aspect to Jupiter or Venus. See also Infortunes.

Fourth House

Fourth segment of an astrological chart. It represents religious and philosophical beliefs, the home, real estate and the person's non-dominant parent (usually the mother).

Fruitful Signs

Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.

Frustration

When a planet applying to an aspect is deflected by a third before the aspect is complete, it is described as having been frustrated. Used in Horary Astrology.