Astrology Dictionary C Page 6

Critical

The term Critical in Astrology can refer to either certain periods of time or to specific aspect degrees. Positions around the zodiac configuration are especially emphasized and so more powerful at different times and these can be identified as critical days. Then there are the recognized critical degrees of the traditional zodiac signs that are believed to indicate increased energies. These are 0, 13 and 26 degrees in the cardinal signs of Aries, Libra and around 8 and 21 degrees in the fixed signs of Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius and Leo. The mutable signs of Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces and Gemini also have critical degrees of 4 and 17 degrees.

Cross-Quarter

The term Cross-Quarter in Astrology can relate to particular days or points of the fixed zodiac signs. Cross- Quarter days are the times marking the mid-points between Solstices and Equinoxes and are still celebrated by many cultures. Neo-paganism and Wicca mark these Cross-Quarter periods on their 8 spoked wheel of the year. The signs of Taurus, Leo, Aquarius and Scorpio are known as the astrological 'avatar' points that act to signal the commencement of Cross-Quarter days. Festivals include the Imbolc in the first quarter, Beltane in the second or Full Moon quarter, Lughnasadh in the 3rd quarter and Samhain, or Dark Moon, celebrated in the final quarter.

Culpeper

Nicholas Culpeper was an English Astrologer and Physician with a strong interest in Botany and Herbalism. Born in 1616 it was common for Astrology and Medicine to be linked together and for some medicines to be assigned a ruling astrological planet. Culpeper wrote The Compleat Herbal in 1653 the year before he died and these unique works are still printed and read. He was influenced by the studies of his colleague Willian Lilly and his concept of herbs and their link with astrologically derived powers. By exploring the astro influences and medicinal attributes of plants he was able to produce an extremely popular, often consulted reference.

Cusps

The word Cusp comes from the Latin cuspis meaning point or pointed and in Astrology terms indicates the divisional points between signs or houses. When a person is born on or close to the juncture of two zodiac signs they are considered to have been born 'on the cusp'. This is especially so when they arrive on the last day of a sign's period or up to and including the first 7 days of the next sign. Cusps are areas in a natal chart where the influences of the celestial bodies and their positional authority is mixed. The effects of Cusps introduces a mixture of attributes depending on the particular starting and ending points defined in the aspect.