Astrology Glossary

Lunar Phases & Lunar Astrology

32 terms with definitions, classical sources and practice notes.

32 Terms
All Categories
Lunar Gardening (Detail)

Details of the technique of timing planting, sowing, pruning and harvesting according to lunar phases and the Moon's sign transitions.

Void of Course Moon (Detail)

A detailed examination of the void period occurring from the Moon's last major aspect until it changes sign.

Arabic: Kazmî el-Kamer

The Moon being within 17' of the Sun; a state of empowerment rather than concealment, being 'in the heart of the Sun'.

Moon Out of Bounds (Detail)

A detailed explanation of the condition where the Moon's declination exceeds the ecliptic's ±23°27' boundaries.

English: Nodal Cycle / Saros Cycle

The retrograde motion cycle of the lunar nodes completing the ecliptic in approximately 18.6 years.

Nodi Lunares / Caput et Cauda Draconis

Important astrological elements denoting the two opposite points where the Moon's orbit intersects the ecliptic plane, associated with the theme of fate.

Dane Rudhyar's method of using the natal Moon phase as a personality typology.

English: Lunar Gestation Cycle

The correspondence of human pregnancy to approximately 10 synodic Moon cycles and prenatal astrology.

Lunar Speed Effects

The astrological interpretations and practical consequences of the Moon's daily movement speed being slow or fast.

Lunar Mansions / Manazil al-Qamar

The astrological meanings and areas of use of the Moon's mansions divided into 28 equal sections along the ecliptic.

English: Moon Out of Bounds

The Moon's declination exceeding 23°27'; unusual emotional reactions and independent behavior.

Lunar Cazimi / Moon Under the Sunbeams

The special meanings in the lunar cycle of the Moon being in the heart of the Sun (cazimi) or under its beams.

Latin: Latitudo Lunae

The Moon's deviation north or south from the ecliptic plane; a factor determining eclipse conditions.

Lunar Cycle Planning

The method of using the Moon's cycle from new moon to full moon and back to new moon in daily life planning.

The last phase before the new moon; a period of completion, surrender, preparation and seeding.

The phase after the full moon; a period of sharing and disseminating acquired knowledge.

Arabic: İstikbâl / Greek: Panselenos

The phase whthe most the Sun and Moon are in opposition; illumination, completion, culmination and tension.

English: Full Moon Phase Birth

Birth during a Sun-Moon opposition; themes of consciousness, relationship and completion.

The phase between the first quarter and the full moon; a period of maturation and preparation.

Arabic: Hilâl

The phase whthe most the Moon first becomes visible as a thin sliver after the new moon.

English: Crescent Moon

The phase whthe most the Moon appears as a first thin crescent after the new moon; the first step of new beginnings.

Arabic: Terbî'-i Evvel

The lunar phase when the Moon is 90° from the Sun; a moment of action, decision and struggle.

English: First Quarter Moon

The lunar phase after the new moon when half of the Moon is illuminated; a period of action and decision-making.

English: Dark Moon / Balsamic Phase

The Moon's last invisible period before conjunction with the Sun; a time of withdrawal and surrender.

Greek: Metonikos

The recurrence of lunar phases on approximately the same calendar dates in a 19-year cycle.

Periods when the Sun makes squares or conjunctions with the lunar nodes; increased tension and natural disaster potential.

Greek: Saros

A cycle in which similar eclipses recur approximately every 18 years and 11 days.

Arabic: Terbî'-i Sânî

The lunar phase when the Moon is 270° from the Sun; a time of crisis, re-evaluation and release.

English: Last Quarter Moon

The lunar phase after the full moon when half of the Moon is illuminated; a period of re-evaluation and crisis.

English: Gibbous Moon

The phase when more than half of the Moon is illuminated; from first quarter to full moon or from full moon to last quarter.

Eclipses and Natal Chart

The study of solar and lunar eclipses' effects on the natal chart and their relationship with important life turning points.

Arabic: İctimâ' / Greek: Synodos

The conjunction of the Sun and Moon at the same ecliptic longitude; the beginning of a new cycle.