Astrology Dictionary S Page 4

Solar System

Early concepts of our Solar System and the planetary movement within have helped form the basic foundations of astrological thought. When used in Astrology terms reference to the Solar System refers to the planets, stars, comets, asteroids and hypothetical planets considered influential. Our Solar System is constantly moving and it is these orbital motions, radiating energies and gravitation that determines planet positions at different moments in time. It's configurations supply the main background canvas for all forms of horoscope charting based on the journeys of celestial bodies through space and earthly time.

Solstice

The word Solstice is a blend of sol and systere the Latin words for the Sun and standing still so describes perfectly this star's motionless period. When the Sun is at its maximum point of the equator both North and South it appears to stand still for a few days. This temporary inactivity occurs twice yearly in the Summer and the Winter. The June Solstice happens when the Sun enters the zodiac watery sign of Cancer and includes the shortest night of the year. The December Solstice develops as the Sun begins its appearance in the earthy sign of Capricorn prompting the longest nocturnal hours of the year.

Speculum

The word Spectulum originates from the Latin specere believed to mean 'mirror' or ' to look and behold'. The influential astrological writings on celestial influences by Albertus Magnus has this descriptive word in its title the Spectulum Astronomiae. In Astrology Speculum refers to a table of data used in the calculation of planetary and aspect calculations. It also shows measurements for latitude, ascension and declination drawing on Ptolemy's Primary Directions. Speculum tables are mainly utilized to calculate the significance values of natal planet configurations in Mundane forms of Astrology.

Square

A Square Aspect in Astrology is a 90 degree angle formation that is generally considered malefic in it's influence. The Square aspect is usually seen as an indication of stress and tension in the area it relates to in the natal chart. It is sometimes called a platic rather than partile aspect that is also thought to highlight a solution to any issues it focuses on. Astrologically the Square is assigned an orb allowance of between 6 and 8 degrees with its effect dependant on its closeness to exact. This particular shaped aspect may counteract the masculine or feminine elements involved in the planetary accumulation. When 4 planets appear 90 degrees apart it is called a Grand Square or Cross.

Stars

Stars in the sky have been observed since the beginning of time and feature a great deal in reference to Astrology. Our Sun is considered a giant star while astrologically attuned planets are sometimes referred to as 'wandering stars' due to their unfixed positions. In Esoteric terms every star is believed to represent a cosmic being like an angel or a deva. Plato theorized that human souls were assigned a star that they could return to if they had led a selfish life. The astrological star groups of Pegasus, Orion and others are thought to possess magnitude strong enough to have an influence on life on Earth.

Stationary

Stationary is the term used in Astrology to explain the inactive state of a planet and the motions it makes just before and after it is still. Stationary Retrograde is the position of a celestial body when it is at the point of moving back before commencing its stationary stance. Stationary Direct is used to describe the action of returning to direct motion following retrograde. This is considered a powerful positioning especially in Verdic or Jyotish Astrology. In the horoscope a stationary planet is believed to have intense energy and focus. The houses in astrological analysis are regarded as stationary influences.

Strictures

Strictures are the name for certain restrictive indications in a natal chart that may make astrological interpretation difficult. Lilly introduced them as 'considerations before judgment' and they are considered in Horary Astrology to be a signal for the Astrologer to not proceed. He believed that when the Moon appeared in the zodiac signs of Cancer, Taurus, Pisces or Sagittarius it would behave as 'void of course'. This is one of the main possible Strictures along with the Moon being via combusta. Other strictures include early or late degree risings or the presence of Saturn in the 1st house for personal questions and the 7th for queries about others.