Astrology Dictionary A Page 3

Air Signs

Air signs is the name given to a group of a quarter of the 12 star signs and these are Gemini, Aquarius, and Libra. They are well known for being highly communicative and are believed to be the providers of inventive concepts and creativity. Gemini is conventionally eloquent and witty, Aquarius is original and independent, while Libra is diplomatic and sociable. These signs all benefit from the adaptability of the element Air. Most Air people are thought to be quite fascinating to converse and interact with by the other Earth, Water and Fire signs.

Akasha

Akasha is a Sanskrit word thought to mean 'shining' and in Astrology and other esoteric concepts it is regarded as the name of a fifth mystical element. It is also known as quintessence or astral light and is believed to be a cosmic type spirit that passes through and reinforces the natural elements. Akasha is thought to represent the spiritual influence required to blend together the strengths of Air, Fire, Water and Earth. The energy of Akasha is considered responsible for our motivation, desires, fertility and emotions. Akashic Records are like a cosmic history book covering the past, present and future accessed and assimilated by the super conscious human mind.

Alchemy

Alchemy is an ancient occult practice used to transform an impure or invaluable substance into a valuable or pure one. It has a spiritual background and is concerned with directing Man towards the Divine Spirit through realization and refinement. The word Alchemy comes from the Latin alchymia and it's transformation practices are expressed in symbols. It has connections and similarity with Astrology as it follows planetary timing and aspects. The art of Alchemy is still practiced today in its own right and also as modern Herbalism and Ayurveda. Followers of Rosicrucianism use a combination of Astrology and Alchemy in their enlightenment training today.

Alcocoden

Alcocoden is the name for the planet in a birth chart that is believed to reveal the number of years a person is destined to live. In Astrology it is referred to as 'the giver of life' and is the planet that is located and with the most essential dignity to the Hyleg. The Alcocoden is regarded as the other half to the Hyleg the signifier of life being present. One cannot exist without the other unless a child dies very shortly after being born. If a benefic planet is in conjunct, trine or sextile aspect with the Alcocoden these are thought to add years. A malefic aspect such as a square or opposition may be an indicator of a shorter period of existence.

Aldebaran

Aldebaran is the name for one of the 4 Royal Fixed Stars and is situated around the 10th degree of Gemini in Western Astrology. Aldebaran is known as the watcher of the East and ruler of the Vernal Equinox and is sometimes referred to as Alpha Turi and the star of illumination. In an astrological sense it focuses on the mysteries of the mind and when it is in good aspect to its opposite star Antares it may reveal secrets of the heart. In the sidereal zodiac concept of dividing the Sun's path Aldebaran and Antares are considered to be important reference points.

Alfonsine Tables

The Alphonsine Tables were developed by around 50 top Astronomers for the Spanish King Alfonso the 10th in order to improve upon Ptolemy's Ephemerides. After being translated to Latin in 1320 the Alfonsine Tables were considered the standard in European Astrology methods until Kepler published his Rodolphine Tables in 1627. They supplied data for the calculation of the positions of planetary bodies in relation to Fixed stars. The Alphonsine Tables formed one of the first commonly consulted set of astrological assistance based on recorded coordinates used for the casting of horoscopes.

Alfridaria

Alfridaria is the name for an ancient system measuring planetary rulership periods as a form of prediction of historical and a person's life events. These early astrological methods originated in Persia and include 9 separate durations spanning a total of 75 human years. Planets are nominated to rule each individual period of time with a beginning and ending date attached. For each part of Alfridaria one planet, the major ruler will govern the majority of the specified time while minor periods have a second celestial governor. When the 75 year span has been covered this age segmenting cycle begins again.