Astrology Dictionary O Page 2

Ophiuchus

Ophiuchus is one of the 48 constellations recorded by Ptolemy that were not designated as one of the 12 signs of the zodiac. The name comes from the Greek ophiokhos thought to mean 'holding a serpent' and has earned Ophiuchus the title 'the serpent-bearer'. As it lies outside the usual zodiacal circle this constellation was largely ignored until 1970 when Stephen Schmidt introduced an alternative astrological ideology with his concept of adding 2 more signs to the zodiac. These were Ophiuchus with the birth dates from the 6th to 31st of December, and Cetus covering from May the 12th to June the 6th.

Opposition

In Astrology the word Opposition is used to describe two celestial bodies positioned equally across from one another. The term Opposition originates from the Latin oppositionem that translates as meaning 'act of opposing'. It is an astrological aspect of 180 degrees and usually regarded as malefic or dynamic depending on the particular planetary forces involved. Opposition aspects signify resisting and combating energies that are thought to create awareness with their actions. When interpreted in natal charts the Opposition angle can be quite revealing with regard to personal relationships, judgment and perception.

Oracle

The word Oracle is derived from the Latin for 'divine announcement' oraculum and is one of the major influences in predictive systems. The ancient Greeks and Romans welcoming reaction to the the concept of the Oracle and the 'seer's' that interpreted them help lay the foundations for astrological thought. They believed that Destiny was written in the stars and that the divine and human soul's needed to unite for spiritual enlightenment. An Oracle was seen as acting as an object that could be utilized to transmit prophecies from a favored seer. These messages could then be conveyed to the individual concerned.

Orb and Orbit

An Orb in Astrology will relate to any of the heavenly bodies and the word comes from the Latin orbis meaning circle or disk. The orb of planets is measured as the diameter of the illusionary light that encircles them. This illumination forms aspects with the orb of other planets and stars surrounding it. The word Orbit is a translation from the Latin orbita meaning wheel track, course or circuit. It describes the path that a celestial body follows as it travels around another. In Astrology the Sun is considered the most influential force as it orbits around every other astrological planet, so casting it's authority strongly.

Oriental

For astrological purposes the word Oriental refers to the Easterly positioning of planets rising and setting before the Sun. In Astrology studies the Oriental or its opposite Occidental planet or house location can help determine their influential power and direction. In natal charts the various Oriental placements in houses can indicate special talents in the sectors they fall in. The houses situated in the Eastern corner of a horoscope and so called Oriental are houses 1, 2, 3, 11 and 12. A planet located near the Ascendant is also sometimes described as 'oriental in figure'.

Orpheus

The Greek legend Orpheus, son of Apollo, is most well known for his journey to the Underworld to rescue his wife from Death. In Occult Sciences like Astrology his poetic lyre playing and songs are still kept alive for their mythical foresight. The rules of the stars that Orpheus believed in contained esoteric significance and meaning. The Hymns of Orpheus and his mythical wisdom can be found in Occult Philosophical texts and called Orphism. The myth of Orpheus tells that when he died his lyre was transformed into the shaped star constellation now known as the Lyre in his honor.

Out-of-Sign

This term is used in Astrology to explain an aspect between planets that where they are at the same angle but in falling in incompatible signs. Out-of Sign celestial bodies still cooperate with other planetary influences but have a disassociation. As the 2 energies of the planets or stars combine the results will be a little unpredictable due to the unfamiliar action of the cosmic relationship. Any conjunction formed out-of-sign in a birth chart may suggest disagreeable character traits or delays and indecision in life events. Out-of-sign positions also highlight possibilities to identify and limit weaknesses in personality.