Astrology Dictionary W Page 1

Waning

The word Waning comes from wane meaning to decrease in strength or intensity and is applied in Astrology to one of the Moon's phases. Waning occurs as the Moon moves into its last quarter stage from Full Moon to New Moon and so appears to become smaller and less visible. In astrological terms it can signify the approach to the end of a cycle or an indication of a new one about to start. People born when the Moon is waning are often described as highly motivated. A Waning Aspect is formed when it involves a connecting angle between a faster to a slower moving planet in the opposite order of the zodiac signs.

Watchers

Watchers is a name used in Astrology to refer to the Royal Stars of Persia, a collection of Fixed Stars once regarded as Guardians of the World. They were believed to stand at the 4 corners of the Heavens. These Watchers are named Aldebaran for the East ruling the Vernal Equinox and Regulus looking out for the North and ruler of the Summer Solstice. These stars are accompanied by Antares watching the West and ruling the Autumnal Equinox and Fomalhaut guarding the South while governing over the Winter Solstice. Watchers are considered a fortunate influence in any area of a person's natal chart and thought to have an enhancing effect on surrounding aspects.

Water

In Astrology Water is one of the four influential elements that are assigned to zodiac signs, the others are Fire, Earth and Air. Water as an element and sign is considered to be Feminine in gender astrologically and is thought to be connected to a person's emotions and their intuitive senses. Although the sign of Aquarius is symbolically represented by a water bearer it is not included in the triplicity of Water signs. These are traditionally referred to as Cancer as Cardinal, Scorpio as Fixed and Pisces as Mutable. Water also features frequently in the basics of Chinese Feng Shui and is associated with the flow of Ying energy.

Waxing

In Astrology when the Moon is less than 180 degrees in a counterclockwise position from the Sun it is said to be in its waxing stage. As it moves between the conjunction with the Sun's 1st quarter phase and into the Full Moon opposition its brightness and visibility increases. It is believed to be a favorable period for planting and also the sowing of spells in the promise of new beginnings. A Waxing Aspect is created when involving an angle between a faster to a slower moving planet in the direction and usual order of the zodiac signs. People born during the Waxing time of the Moon are thought to be rather assertive and resourceful in their manner.

Wedge

The 360 degree circle of the signs of the zodiac and natal chart houses are divided into 12 wedge shaped sections. In Astrology a Wedge Planetary Pattern is identified by all planets being confined within a Trine aspect or small arc formation. To be classed as a Wedge the maximum angle must be 130 degrees with an additional 10 degrees allowance for the orb. A Wedge aspect configuration occurs when 2 planets are in Sextile to each other and a third planet is in Quincunx to them. An alternate Wedge pattern sometimes called a Bucket exists when all but one lone planet are situated and occupying half of the natal chart and the single planet occupies the other half.

Western Astrology

The basic concepts of Western Astrology divide the Sun's path into 12 sections starting at the point of the vernal equinox. Most astrological thought in this area places the zodiac sign of Aries and the date around the 21st of March as a beginning location for horoscopic analysis. The twelve signs are either Masculine or Feminine and each has an assigned natural element and the qualities of Fixed, Cardinal or Mutable. There are 7 classic planets referred to in Western Astrology that are designated rulers of the signs and houses in natal charts including our Sun and Moon. The others are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.

Wheel

The word Wheel in Astrology usually refers to the natal chart and also the layout of the zodiac configuration. Astrologers use wheels to overlay an individual's birth date, time and place details onto planetary movement coordinates. Astrological wheels are the where calculations of aspects, planet location and direction and the placement of signs and houses and their cusps. Wheels produce a combination of information derived from the unique positioning of the planets at the moment in time a person is born. Also referred to in Astrology is the Wheel of the Year guiding the timing and division of the four associated seasonal influences.