Astrology Dictionary M Page 2

Masculine & Feminine Quarters

Masculine & Feminine Quarters in Astrology refer to the gender of the houses and are sometimes called Quadrants. Masculine Quarters are the first quarter in houses 10, 11 and 12 and the 3rd quarter in houses 4, 5 and 6. They extend in an anti-clockwise direction starting at the cusp of the 10th house. Feminine Quarters lie within the 2nd quarter in the houses 7, 8 and 9 as well as the last quarter and houses 1, 2 and 3. They appear in a clockwise sequence beginning at the cusp of the Ascendant. The Masculine and Feminine Quarters can reveal many additional astrological insights when analyzing birth configurations.

MC

In Astrology references to the point of the Midheaven are written as MC and they will mark the highest placement on a birth chart. The abbreviation MC stands for Medium Coeli from the Latin meaning 'middle of the heavens'. It indicates the position where the planets culminate at their highest points above the horizon. The MC also marks the location of the cusp of the 10th house and circles the zodiac once every 24 hours. This is why it is necessary to acquire an accurate time of birth to be able to pinpoint exactly the MC. The opposite of MC is IC standing for Imum Coeli and representing the lowest planetary culminations.

Melothesia

Melothesia is a form of Hellenistic Astrology that is classed as being a medical astrology or termed iatromathematics. It is based on the concept of astrological planets and signs ruling over certain areas of the body. For example Aries is thought to rule the head while Pisces rules the feet. The idea of this type of Astrology is thought to have originated from Egypt and their adoration of a giant woman in the sky called Nut. Melothesia is an interpretation of this woman's cosmic spirit upon decans or zodiac signs associating them with different bodily parts. An unfavorable association is believed to indicate a possible health problem.

Mercury

This planet is believed to have been named after the mythical messenger of the Gods Mercury and it covers expression, intellect and communication in Astrology. Mercury is a fast moving planet orbiting around our Sun in just 88 days. In a natal chart it shows how an individual communicate and express themselves and their areas of interest. Mercury is considered neither Masculine or Feminine as it adopts the gender of the sign it appears in. This particular planet rules the star signs of Gemini and Virgo. It is also regarded as highly influential in the 3rd and 6th houses for astrological readings.

Mercury Retrograde

The term Mercury Retrograde is used in Astrology to define the brief period that this planet travels backwards. Any planet travelling in reverse to the flow of the zodiac formation is said to be in Retrograde. When Mercury is in Retrograde clarity of the mind is thought to be hazy temporarily. At these times it is advised to avoid making important decisions or initiating any plans. On the plus side not everything occurring in a Mercury Retrograde is unfortunate or clouded by confusion and delay. Sometimes it can influence chance meetings and the appearance of things that had been previously lost.

Meridian

The Meridian is one of the names for the imaginary line encircling the Earth at right angles to its equator and passing through its poles. The line runs North to South and the prime Meridian for Western astrological calculations is zero degrees longitude at Greenwich England. Along with the line of the horizon it helps divide a birth chart into four equal sections, akin to the 4 areas of the imaginary heavens. These crossing lines allow the even 30 degree segmentation of the 12 individual zodiac signs and houses. They also give a standard Astrology guide for the accurate positioning of planetary influences.

Meteorological Astrology

Meteorological Astrology is classed as Mundane as it is used in association with universal events and historical trends. The word Meteorological comes from the Greek words astron, meteoros and logia. It's name explains this astrology's method of using planetary placements to forecast weather following traditions that are centuries old. The early concepts of Meteorological Astrology originate from ancient texts recording the practice of looking towards the Sun, Moon, Planets and Stars to predict atmospheric conditions. Today it is called Natural Astrology and forms the basis of most other astrologically based thought.