Glossary
S
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

Sanguine—One of the four moods known as temperaments, associated with the element of air. The sanguine personality is individualistic, relates to the world using the intellect and is likely to disconnect from the emotions. It is freedom-loving, friendly, communicative, cool and dry.
Satellitium—Stellium.
Semi-Decile Aspect—An aspect of 18° of arc, formed by a division of the 360° zodiac by twenty. See also Harmonics.
Semi-Sextile Aspect—An arc of 30° representing a difference of one star sign. This aspect is said to create unease, but others claim it is a natural division and a milder form of the harmonious sextile aspect. It is a minor aspect.
Semi-Square Aspect—An aspect of 45° of arc, formed by a division of the 360° zodiac by eight. Interpreted usually as a milder of more subtle form of square aspect. Represents planets 1.5 signs apart.
Separating Aspect—An aspect that was recently perfect (eg, the planets were at 90° — a square) but is becoming less perfect as the planets continue on their paths.
Septile Aspect—An aspect of 51.4° of arc, formed by a division of the 360° zodiac by seven. An harmonious minor aspect not normally considered in natal charts.
Sesquiquadrate Aspect—An aspect of 135° of arc, the combination of a square aspect and semi-square aspect. The sesquiquadrate is usually interpreted as providing and influence of irritation or agitation on the planets involved. Planets in this aspect are not an equal number of star signs apart (4.5) and it is not derived from dividing 360° by a whole number. However, it is considered more important in charts that the quintile and septile aspects.
Sextile Aspect—An arc of 60° and a favorable major aspect. Planets in this aspect are exactly two star signs apart and are usually in compatible elements. A sextile allows the influences of the planets to work in harmony; it brings forth opportunity.
Sidereal Month—The time it takes the Moon to make one revolution around Earth. See Lunar Month.
Sidereal Time—Linked to the rotation of the Earth on its axis relative to the fixed stars. (Unlike solar time, or normal time, which is linked to the rotation of the Earth relative to the position of the Sun.) The Sidereal Day is about 23 hours and 56 minutes, hence the reason for leap years.
Sidereal Zodiac—A zodiac based on the placement of the stars, not the vernal equinox. It is used in Eastern, Hindu, or Vedic astrology.
Sign—See Zodiac.
Sign Ruler—See Ruler.
Signnificator—A planet symbolising a person or a matter. Used when answering a question in horary astrology.
Social Signs and Houses—Oriented towards others. The social signs are Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio, the social houses are the Fifth through the Eighth. See also Personal signs and houses;Universal Signs and Houses.
Soft Aspects—See Easy Aspects.
Solar Chart—A chart devoid of houses due to the subject of the chart not knowing their time of birth.
Solar Eclipse—See Eclipse, Solar.
Solar Return—A horoscope cast for the moment when the Sun returns to exact plae in the sky that it occupied at birth. Approximately one day after birth. Considered symbolic of the coming year.
Solid Signs—The signs of the fixed quadruplicity. See Quadruplicity.
Solstice—When the Sun reaches its maximum declination (distance from the equator). This occurs twice a year, marking the longest and shortest days in each hemisphere.
South Node—See Moon Nodes.
South Point—The south intersection of these two lines: the meridian (line around the Earth from south to north and passing through the zenith); and the geocentric horizon (equivalent to the line of the horizon circling around you, but passing through the centre of the Earth instead).
Square Aspect—An arc of 90° traditionally regarded as unfavourable. A square bring stress and denotes obstacles as it represents the struggle of two forces with dissimilar purpose. Growth can be obtained through concentrated effort. Planets in this major aspect are exactly three star signs apart..
Star Sign—Sun Sign.
Station—A planet makes a station when it appears motionless in relation to the fixed stars behind it. See also Retrograde Station and Direct Station.
Stellium—Three or more planets linked together by conjunct aspects. The outer planets of the chain are not necessarily conjunct, but are joined by the planets between them. A stronger configuration when the planets are grouped in one sign or house.
Substance Houses—Temporal Houses.
Succedent Houses—The houses that follow the angles, namely the Second, Fifth, Eighth and Eleventh Houses. See also Angular Houses and Cadent Houses.
Sun Sign—Popularly known as a star sign. Refers to the sign which the Sun was in at a person's birth, presenting a generalised description of their personality.
Sunrise Chart—A natal chart calculated for sunrise on the day of birth at the birthplace. Can be used when the time of birth is unknown..
Superior Planets—See Major Planets.
Synastry—A branch of astrology that studies relationship potential. Uses calculations made from the birth dates, birth locations and information about when and where the two people met.
Synetic Vernal Point—The precession of the equinox, this represents the current longitude of the equinox. Also known as the sidereal longitude of the equinox.
Synod, Synodic—Means 'Ruling'.
Synodic Month—Equals the time from one new Moon tot the next new Moon. See also Lunar Month.
Syzygy—Term used to describe the situation when three or more planets or fixed stars align.