Glossary
M
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, Y, Z

Major Aspects—These are the conjunction, sextile, square, trine and opposition — The group of aspects usually known as the major aspects. All other aspects are known as minor aspects.
Major Planets—These are Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto because they are on the outer side of the Earth from the Sun.
Malefic—A negative or unfortunate planet, traditionally Mars and Saturn. Modern astrologers include Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. The Moon's South Node is a malefic point.
Mansions—An old term meaning houses.
Masculine Signs—Masculine suggests aggression and action, not gender. Also referred to as the positive or active signs, these are the fire and air signs: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius. Opposite of feminine signs.
MC—See Medium Coeli.
Medium Coeli—MC. The midheaven on a birth chart, and the point in the sky where the path of the Sun intersects the meridian line (the South Pole then overhead to the North Pole). Also at the cusp of the Tenth House. Should not be confused with the Zenith, which is where the meridian line passes directly overhead.
Melancholic—One of the four moods or temperments associated with the element earth. The melancholic personality indicates a conservative, practical temperment and one prone to be stubborn. See also Temperments.
Meridian—A circle that runs north-south. It is found by drawing a line from the South Pole, through the Zenith (directly overhead) and to the North Pole. The prime meridian is 0° at Greenwich, England.
Midheaven—See Medium Coeli.
Midpoint—Or halfsum. The halfway point between two planets, usually measured in longitude.
Minor Aspects—Aspects considered less important or influential than major aspects, eg, the quincunx. See also Harmonics regarding other minor aspects.
Modality—See Quadruplicity.
Modes—See Quadruplicity.
Moon Nodes—The astronomical calculation of when the Moon's orbit intersects with the Sun's orbit. The two intersecting points located opposite each other in the Zodiac are termed the North and South Nodes. If the Sun and the Moon are positioned at one of these nodes, there is a solar eclipse. The North Node (Dragon's Head) is considered a good influence, with the nature of Jupiter. The South Node (Dragon's Tail) is seen as undesirable, with the nature of Saturn.
Movable Signs—See Cardinal Signs and Houses.
Mundane Astrology—The branch of astrology that deals with places and events in the world, as opposed to dealing with people. From the Latin 'mundus', meaning 'world'.
Mutable Signs and Houses—These are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces; the Third, Sixth, Ninth, and Twelfth Houses. Concerning the quadruplicity known as mutability; these signs are seen as versatile and changeable.
Mutual Application—An aspect in which two planets are moving towards one another because one is advancing (direct motion) and the other is reversing (retrograde motion). Concerns bringing matters to perfection, and often brings a speedy, unforeseen result.
Mutual Reception—When two planets are in the sign of each other's rulerships (see Ruler. A beneficial situation that often negates the negative influences of either planet.