Astrology Dictionary E Page 2

Elements

When Elements are mentioned in Astrology it is in reference to any of the four groupings of signs. These are Fire, Earth, Air and Water and each element has three zodiac signs associated with and influenced by it. Air Signs are Libra, Aquarius and Gemini and known for their good communication. Water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces and noted for their sensitivity. Fire Signs are Aries, Sagittarius and Leo and they have fiery spirit. Earth signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn and these people are typically very practical and self sufficient.

Elevated Planets and Elevated Pole

Elevated planets are named so in Astrology when they are situated the nearest to the Mid-heaven in a horoscope chart. They are also considered to be at their most potent when in this particular position. Elevation of this kind is classed as one of the astrological accidental dignities seen in the highest point in a natal reading and can be of powerful significance. The term an Elevated Pole is no longer used and the modern equivalent is the measurement of latitude. If latitudes are equal elevation they will be measured on levels of declination.

Eleventh House

This section of a birth chart in an astrological assessment is thought to highlight all kinds of friendships and personal aims and wishes. The Eleventh House is also concerned with careers and cooperation with others. It can disclose the humanitarian side of personalities and it focuses on the activities we do in pairs or groups rather than alone. The Eleventh house also addresses our need to take advantage of opportunities as we grow. This particular house is ruled by the Sun sign of Aquarius and greatly influenced by the planets Saturn and Uranus.

Empedocles

Empedocles is the ancient Greek philosopher who was responsible for developing the concept of the Universe consisting of four basic elements. He is considered highly respected and influential in Astrology as he introduced us to the astrological authorities of Air, Earth, Fire and Water. This concept led to the division of the 12 zodiac signs into 4 categories by Chaldean astrologers. It placed Aries, Sagittarius and Leo as Fire signs and Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces as Water signs. Air and Earth elements are then covered by the remaining Sun signs.

Ephemeris (Ephemerides)

This word comes from the Greek ephemeris thought to translate as meaning a diary or journal. Ephemeris is a table of positional values of planets and stars in the Universe recorded for the purpose of astrological analysis. It shows in tabular form the locations of planetary bodies at exact times to assist with the many calculations required in Astrology readings. For Astrologer's it provides insights into planet motions, entries into favorable and unfavorable positions, eclipses, star times, Moon phrases and many other important considerations.

Epicycle

Epicycle is now an obscure astrological term used to describe the small invisible circles created by temporary movements of planets. It was believed that the known planets together with the Sun and the Moon moved in circular motions around the Earth. Occasionally a planet may deviate slightly from its path and create an Epicycle. The concept of Epicycles helped us understand why and how planets orbit each other. It helps us explain how they can move both forwards with deviations and also in the backward motion known as retrograde in Astrology.

Equal House System

Astrology uses Houses to represent the 12 separate segments of the zodiacal order of the planets in a natal chart. Each section is divided into 30 degree angles in a circle to cover the path of all the zodiac signs and their ruling planets. Equal House System is the name for the oldest and the simplest to understand method used in horoscope interpretations. It is based on the natural hierarchy of Sun signs as depicted by Western astrological thinking. The Equal House System uses the Ascendant and allows each house to begin at the exact same degree.