Key Concepts in Fixed Star Astrology
Celestial Equator and Declination
The celestial equator is the projection of the Earth's equatorial plane onto the celestial sphere. How far above (+) or below (-) this equator a star or planet sits is measured as its declination.
Ecliptic Longitude and Latitude
The ecliptic is the path the Sun traces across the sky throughout the year. The 12 zodiac signs are arranged along this line. A star's ecliptic longitude is determined by drawing a perpendicular line from the star to the ecliptic.
Declination Parallel
When two celestial bodies share the same declination they are in parallel. Unlike ecliptic longitude, parallel does not rely on projection and reflects true geometric proximity.
Paranatellonta (Paran)
A paran occurs when two celestial bodies simultaneously occupy angular points such as the horizon, meridian (MC/IC) or other angles. Paran is observer-location dependent.
How to Use This Tool?
You can drag to rotate the interactive celestial sphere above. Toggle the 5 layers on and off to explore each concept. This tool is designed to visually teach the concepts found in the Fixed Star Calculator.