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.

T

Table of Houses

Tables giving signs & degrees for house cusps used in the construction of horoscopes.

Taurus

The second sign of the zodiac. Fixed and earthy. Ruled by Venus. Emblem: The Bull.

More about Taurus.

Terms

Each sign has a range of terms, ruled by one of the five classical planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn). A planet in its own terms is strengthened, while a planet in the terms of another is coloured by (acts "in terms of") that planet. Thus Saturn in terms of Venus has reduced potential for malevolence, while Venus in terms of Mars has less power for benefit, more power of action and so on. The tables of terms have largely fallen into disuse in modern times. Here is the traditional order of planetary potencies:

• Sign
• Exaltation
• Triplicity
• Terms
• Faces

Testimony

Refers to configurations, positions etc which indicate certain things.

Tetragonous

Square (90 degree) aspect.

Third House

The third chart segment. Governscommunications, memory, siblings, local travel and mentality.

Transit

A planet's movement (subsequent to birth) over or in aspect to factors in the natal or progressed chart, or in aspect to other transiting factors.

Translation of Light

A planet separating from an aspect to a slower moving planet forms an aspect to another while still within orb of the original aspect. This forms a chain of influence between the three factors.

Trans-personal Planets

Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Trans-Pluto

Aka Bacchus or Persephone, this planet is postulated as orbiting beyond the outermost known planet, Pluto. It has been proposed that it rule Taurus.

Trecile

See Tredecile.

Tredecile (sesquiquintile)

Kepler's 108 degree aspect, which is somewhat favourable. Used in Horary Astrology.

Trigon

See Triplicity.

Trine

Major favourable aspect of 120 degrees.

Triplicity

An equilateral triangle superimposed on an astrological chart, each point indicating signs of the same element. There are four triplicities, representing the elements of fire, earth, air and water.

Fire Aries Leo Sagittarius

Earth Taurus Virgo Capricorn

Air Gemini Libra Aquarius

Water Cancer Scorpio Pisces

Tropic

The line of lattitude, approx. 23° 28' either north (Cancer) or south (Capricorn) of the equator, corresponding to the furthest point of the ecliptic. The place where the Sun pauses, then reverses its declination at the summer and winter solstices.

Tropical Signs

Cancer and Capricorn.

Twelfth House

The twelfth chart segment. Governs self-undoing, institutions, secret enemies, hidden weaknesses, bondage, anxieties, limitations, confinement, dreams, and the subconscious.