Astrology Dictionary W Page 2

Whole Sign Houses

The term Whole Sign Houses is used to describe an ancient method of determining house divisions where the ascendant and midheaven cannot be cusps. This is the oldest known system in existence developed by the Greeks and Hindus as it came before the most popular house ideology from Placidus in the 17th century. In a Whole Sign House Astrology interpretation the 1st house is believed to begin instead of from the rising degree position, at the first degree of its ruling sign. That sign is then designated rule and influence over this primary section and subsequent houses acquire the next sign and so on, in the zodiac order.

Wicca

The definition in the Dictionary for Wicca is that it is the name for nature-oriented practices derived from pre-Christian religions. These center on the cycles of the Moon and the changing of the Earth's seasons and has a connection with spells cast at favorable times. The Wiccan year consists of 8 sabbats where celebrations of growth and renewal take place. These are Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasadh, Mabon, Samhain and Yule. Wicca places much importance on the phases of the Moon and calls upon the power of a young maiden at the New Moon and the wisdom of the old woman called a Crone when there is a Full Moon.

Wisdom Religion

Wisdom Religion is the title given to the combination of ideologies surrounding Science, Religion and Philosophy. Astrology is considered an Esoteric Science and so is included in what is sometimes referred to as the Secret Doctrine. Wisdom Religion described by the Blavatsky Trust is a Science within a Science that has a timeless wisdom. It is regarded as the knowledge of the laws, principles and processes of Nature with both a positive and negative viewpoint. It is believed to combine the physical, emotional and spiritual to gain clearer understanding. Wisdom Religion shows how they all appear to work in unison in many otherwise unexplained circumstances.