Astrology Glossary

Directions, Progressions & Returns

44 terms with definitions, classical sources and practice notes.

44 Terms
All Categories
Arabic: Tahvîl-i Sene-i Kamerî

A monthly cycle chart erected for the moment the Moon returns to its natal position each month.

Greek: Ekleipsis Selēnēs

The Earth's shadow covering the Moon at full moon; triggers emotional and inner world changes.

Latin: Directiones Primariae / Arabic: Tasyîr / English: Primary Directions

A classical predictiand technique that calculates the 'arrival time' of a significator to a promissor based on the daily rotation of the celestial sphere.

Latin: Arcus Directionis

In primary directions, the angular distance between two points; converted to time at a rate of one degree per year.

Greek: Proēgēsis Ekleipseōs

The nearest eclipse occurring just before a person's birth; a powerful factor affecting the natal chart.

Arabic: Tahvîl

A cycle chart erected for the moment any planet returns to its natal position.

Nodal Return

The lunar nodes returning to their natal positions approximately every 18.6 years; the destiny cycle.

The recurrence of eclipses with similar characteristics in approximately 18-year cycles.

Greek: Embolismos

The 13th lunar phase; a correction resulting from the deviation of the synodic Moon cycle from the solar calendar.

Latin: Transitus / Arabic: Ubûr / English: Transit

The aspects formed by planets' real-time movements with natal chart points; the most widely used current prediction method.

English: Transit Trigger

A short-term transit that triggers events indicated by long-term prediction techniques (directions, progressions).

Planetary Return

Any planet returning to its natal position; each planet's unique cycle.

Latin: Ingressus

A mundane astrology prediction chart erected for the moment a planet enters a new sign.

Latin: Revolutio Solis / Arabic: Tahvîl-i Sene-i Şemsî / English: Solar Return

An annual chart erected for the moment the Sun returns exactly to its natal position; shows the general theme of the coming year.

Greek: Ekleipsis Hēliou

The Moon covering the Sun; a critical event carrying long-term effects in mundane and natal astrology.

Solar Arc Variations

Different variations of solar arc direction: solar arc, mean arc and corrected arc methods.

English: Solar Arc

The technique of advancing all natal points by the progressed Sun's amount of progression.

Arcus Solaris / Solar Arc Directions

A direction technique that advances all natal planets by the same amount based on the Sun's progression and is used for timing events.

English: Solar Arc Directions

A prediction technique where all natal points are advanced by the Sun's progressed movement.

English: Secondary Progressions

A symbolic progression technique equating each day after birth to a year; 'one day = one year'.

English: Progressed Angles

The progression of the Ascendant and MC in secondary progressions; shows changes in life orientation.

English: Progressed New Moon

The conjunction of the progressed Sun and Moon in secondary progressions; the beginning of a 30-year cycle.

Latin: Directiones Jovis

Direction calculations in primary directions where Jupiter is used as the promissor or significator.

Jupiter Return

Jupiter's return to its natal position approximately every 12 years; a cycle of growth and expansion.

Latin: Revolutio Martis

A chart formed by Mars returning to its natal position; shows themes of energy and conflict.

Latin: Revolutio Mercurii

A chart formed by Mercury returning to its natal position; shows themes of communication and the mind.

English: Minor Progressions

A progression technique calculated on the principle of one month equals one year; details monthly themes.

English: Naibod Key

A widely used conversion key in primary directions calculating 1° of arc as equal to 1 year 5 days.

Naibod Key Detail

The use of the Naibod arc as a time conversion key in primary directions and its comparison with alternative keys.

Latin: Directiones Placidianae

A semi-arc based primary direction calculation method developed by Placidus de Titis.

Placidus Directions Detail

The mathematical foundation and application details of the Placidus semi-arc direction method.

Greek: Syzygia / Arabic: İctimâ' / İstikbâl

The last new moon or full moon before birth; an additional indicator of the natal chart.

The progressed position of the Moon in secondary progressions; changes sign approximately every 2.5 years.

Latin: Promissor / Arabic: el-Mümessil

The chart point carried toward the significator in primary directions, 'promising' the event.

English: Ptolemy Key

Birincil direction'da the Sun's ortalama daily hareketini (0°59') kullanarak 1° ≈ 1 year hesaplayan anahtar.

Latin: Directiones Regiomontanae

A primary direction calculation method based on house cusps developed by Johannes Regiomontanus.

Regiomontanus Directions Detail

The mathematical structure of the Regiomontanus direction system and its differences from the Placidus method.

Saturn Return

Saturn's return to its natal position approximately every 29.5 years; life's most important maturation threshold.

Latin: Significator / Arabic: ed-Delîl

The chart point held fixed in primary directions to which the event is 'signified.'

The calculation of primary or secondary progressions in reverse direction (backward from birth).

A fine progression technique that equates each day after birth to one lunar month.

Greek: Ekleipsis / Latin: Eclipsis / Arabic: Küsûf (Güneş), Husûf (Ay)

An eclipse formed when the Sun or Moon conjuncts or opposes near the lunar nodes; a powerful point of influence in both mundane and natal astrology.

Latin: Revolutio Veneris

A chart cast for when Venus returns to its natal position; highlights themes of relationships and values.

Greek: Chronoi Anaphoras

The time required for a sign to rise through the horizon; fundamental to primary direction calculations.