Astro-speak: A Dictionary for Understanding Astrological Terms in a Simple Way

When people start exploring Astrology, they quickly encounter a series of terms that might as well be a foreign language: astrological house, aspect, ruler, and retrograde. If you’ve ever felt lost reading a birth chart or looking at the sky, know that’s normal. That’s why the João Bidu team has prepared a simple, straightforward dictionary of the main “Astro-speak” terms. Let’s check it out!

Astro-speak: A Dictionary for Understanding Astrological Terms in a Simple Way

Sun Sign
This term refers to the sign everyone knows, determined by your birth day and month. It represents your essence, basic personality, and core identity.

Moon Sign
This is the sign where the Moon was at the time of your birth. It reveals your emotional world, instincts, and how you handle feelings.

Ascendant
Also called the rising sign, this is the sign that was ascending on the eastern horizon when you were born. It shows how you present yourself to the world and how others perceive you.

Mercury Retrograde
One of the most feared terms in astrology, it refers to the period when Mercury appears to move backward in the sky. It’s known for causing delays and challenges in communication, travel, and technology.

Square
A tense aspect between planets. The square indicates challenges or conflicts—internal or external—that require attention and maturity.

Astrological Houses
The houses divide the birth chart into different life areas, such as love, work, family, and more. Each house has its specific meaning.

Ruler
The planet that governs a sign. For example, Mars rules Aries and influences how that sign acts and asserts itself.

Saturn Return
A major astrological event that happens between the ages of 28 and 30. It marks a time of maturity, increased responsibility, and important life changes.