Termes astrologiques en anglais : un lexique pour débutants

Vous avez toujours voulu comprendre votre horoscope en anglais, mais vous vous sentez perdu face à la terminologie ? L’astrologie, avec son langage symbolique et complexe, peut sembler intimidante au premier abord. Ce lexique est conçu pour vous servir de point de départ, en vous fournissant les outils nécessaires pour décoder les bases et avancer avec confiance dans votre exploration de l’interprétation des thèmes natals en anglais.

Que vous soyez simplement curieux ou que vous souhaitiez plonger plus profondément dans l’étude des thèmes astraux, maîtriser le vocabulaire astrologique anglais est essentiel. Une grande partie de la littérature et des ressources disponibles sont en anglais, et comprendre les termes d’origine enrichit considérablement l’interprétation. L’astrologie est pratiquée depuis des millénaires, avec des traces remontant à la Babylonie au 3e millénaire AEC, prouvant son importance culturelle durable.

Introduction : l’astrologie, un langage à décoder

Ce guide a pour but de vous initier aux termes les plus couramment utilisés en astrologie anglaise. Nous allons décortiquer les concepts fondamentaux, des signes du zodiaque aux aspects planétaires, en passant par les maisons astrologiques. L’objectif est de rendre ces notions accessibles et compréhensibles, grâce à des définitions claires, des exemples pratiques. Les termes ont été sélectionnés pour leur fréquence d’utilisation dans les textes astrologiques et leur pertinence pour les débutants, assurant ainsi une base solide pour votre apprentissage du vocabulaire astrologique en anglais.

Les fondations : termes essentiels et leurs définitions

Nous commençons par les fondations, les éléments constitutifs de base de toute carte astrologique. Comprendre les signes du zodiaque, les planètes et les maisons est crucial pour interpréter les influences astrales.

The zodiac signs (les signes du zodiaque)

Le zodiaque est une bande céleste divisée en douze signes, chacun représentant une constellation. Ces signes sont associés à des traits de personnalité, des énergies et des archétypes spécifiques. La position du Soleil au moment de votre naissance détermine votre signe solaire, souvent appelé simplement votre « signe astrologique. » Chaque signe est lié à un élément (Feu, Terre, Air, Eau) et à une modalité (Cardinal, Fixe, Mutable), qui influencent son expression. Understanding the zodiac signs is crucial to being able to interpret astrology charts.

• Aries (Bélier): Key phrase: « Initiation. » Element: Fire. Modality: Cardinal. If you are an Aries, you are often perceived as a natural leader, energetic, and impulsive.
• Taurus (Taureau): Key phrase: « Stability. » Element: Earth. Modality: Fixed. If you are a Taurus, you are likely someone reliable, sensual, and attached to material comforts.
• Gemini (Gémeaux): Key phrase: « Communication. » Element: Air. Modality: Mutable. Geminis are known for their curiosity, adaptability, and talent for communication.
• Cancer (Cancer): Key phrase: « Nurturing. » Element: Water. Modality: Cardinal. Cancers are protective, sensitive, and deeply attached to their home and family.
• Leo (Lion): Key phrase: « Expression. » Element: Fire. Modality: Fixed. Leos are creative, passionate, and love to be the center of attention.
• Virgo (Vierge): Key phrase: « Analysis. » Element: Earth. Modality: Mutable. Virgos are meticulous, helpful, and have an eye for detail.
• Libra (Balance): Key phrase: « Harmony. » Element: Air. Modality: Cardinal. Libras seek balance, justice, and harmony in their relationships.
• Scorpio (Scorpion): Key phrase: « Transformation. » Element: Water. Modality: Fixed. Scorpios are intense, passionate, and have a capacity for profound transformation.
• Sagittarius (Sagittaire): Key phrase: « Exploration. » Element: Fire. Modality: Mutable. Sagittarians are adventurous, optimistic, and in search of truth.
• Capricorn (Capricorne): Key phrase: « Responsibility. » Element: Earth. Modality: Cardinal. Capricorns are ambitious, disciplined, and focused on long-term goals.
• Aquarius (Verseau): Key phrase: « Innovation. » Element: Air. Modality: Fixed. Aquarians are original, independent, and have a humanitarian vision of the world.
• Pisces (Poissons): Key phrase: « Compassion. » Element: Water. Modality: Mutable. Pisces are empathetic, intuitive, and often very creative.

The planets (les planètes)

In astrology, planets represent different energies and psychological functions. They symbolize the forces that act within us and influence our actions and experiences. Each planet is associated with personality traits, areas of life, and specific archetypes. The Sun and Moon are also considered planets in astrology. Understanding the role of each planet is critical when learning astrology.

• Sun (Soleil): Ego, Vitality. The Sun represents your core identity, vitality, and sense of self.
• Moon (Lune): Emotions, Instincts. The Moon symbolizes your emotions, instincts, and inner world.
• Mercury (Mercure): Communication, Intellect. Mercury represents how you communicate, think, and learn. Mercury in Gemini suggests someone quick-witted and enjoys exchanging ideas.
• Venus (Vénus): Love, Beauty. Venus symbolizes your ability to love, your sense of beauty, and your taste for harmony.
• Mars (Mars): Action, Energy. Mars represents your energy, motivation, and how you act.
• Jupiter (Jupiter): Luck, Expansion. Jupiter symbolizes expansion, luck, and optimism.
• Saturn (Saturne): Discipline, Responsibility. Saturn represents discipline, responsibility, and limitations.
• Uranus (Uranus): Innovation, Change. Uranus symbolizes change, innovation, and originality.
• Neptune (Neptune): Illusion, Spirituality. Neptune represents illusion, spirituality, and sensitivity.
• Pluto (Pluton): Transformation, Power. Pluto symbolizes transformation, power, and regeneration.

The houses (les maisons)

The astrological houses represent different areas of life. They are numbered 1 through 12 and are based on the time and place of birth. Each house is associated with a specific area of human experience, such as personality, finances, family, career, etc. Understanding the houses allows you to contextualize the influence of the planets and signs in your natal chart. For example, a planet in the 10th house, the house of career, will have a significant influence on your professional life. The 5th House represents creativity, romance, and children.

Termes intermédiaires : approfondir sa compréhension

Now that we have laid the foundations, it is time to deepen your understanding with more complex but equally important terms. Aspects, elements, and modalities, as well as the natal chart and the concept of retrograde, are key elements for a more nuanced interpretation of a natal chart. Learning the English names of astrological terms is critical to understanding astrology.

Aspects

Aspects are the angles formed between planets in a natal chart. They indicate the relationship between planetary energies and how they interact. Some aspects are considered harmonious, while others are more conflicting. The major aspects are the most important and influential. A conjunction occurs when two planets are in the same sign; a conjunction is considered the most powerful aspect, amplifying the effects of both planets involved. For example, a Sun-Moon opposition can indicate internal conflict between your conscious desires (Sun) and your emotional needs (Moon). Aspects show how different celestial bodies relate to each other.

• Conjunction: (0°) Fusion of energies.
• Opposition: (180°) Tension and balance.
• Trine: (120°) Harmony and ease.
• Square: (90°) Conflict and challenge.
• Sextile: (60°) Opportunities and cooperation.

Elements & modalities (éléments et modalités)

Elements and modalities are important classifications that help understand the fundamental qualities of the zodiac signs. The four elements (Fire, Earth, Air, Water) represent different energies and temperaments. The three modalities (Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable) indicate how energy is expressed. The goal is to find a balance in the various elements to flourish one’s personality. For a balanced natal chart, consider all the elements to understand their impact on one’s astrology.

• Fire: Passion, energy, enthusiasm.
• Earth: Stability, practicality, materialism.
• Air: Communication, intellect, sociability.
• Water: Emotion, intuition, sensitivity.
• Cardinal: Initiation, action, leadership.
• Fixed: Stability, perseverance, determination.
• Mutable: Adaptability, flexibility, change.

For example, signs are known for their energy, passion, and enthusiasm. They tend to be natural, impulsive, and optimistic leaders. Sagittarius, a mutable fire sign, is always seeking meaning in life and seeks to broaden horizons. The Cardinal sign, Aries, is a sign that gives impulse to action. The Fixed sign, Leo, sets goals and sticks to them.

Natal chart (thème natal)

The natal chart, also called a birth chart, is a graphical representation of the position of the planets and zodiac signs at the exact time of your birth. It is unique to each individual and serves as a basis for astrological interpretation. The information must be considered and analyzed together, not individually, to obtain a relevant interpretation of the natal chart. For example, a person with a Sun in Aquarius may exhibit Aquarian traits of independence and innovation. The Sun represents 8% of the mass of the solar system.

Retrograde (rétrograde)

Retrograde motion is an optical illusion that occurs when, from our earthly point of view, a planet appears to move backward in the sky. In reality, planets do not change direction, but their relative speed to Earth creates this impression. In astrology, retrograde periods are often associated with slowdowns, re-evaluations, and delays. During Mercury retrograde, communication may be disrupted. This is the case approximately three to four times a year, for approximately three weeks each time. Also, in 2023, Venus was in retrograde between July 22 and September 3. Source: Space.com .

Termes avancés : un aperçu pour la suite

Astrology is a vast and complex field, and many other advanced terms and concepts exist. This section gives you an overview of some of them to give you an idea of what to expect if you want to further your knowledge of astrology and astrology terms explained. Delve deeper into astrology and enhance your understanding.

Declinations (déclinaisons)

Declinations measure a planet’s distance above or below the celestial equator. Although less commonly used, they offer valuable information on the intensity of planetary expression. They are measured in degrees north or south of the celestial equator, ranging from 0 to 90 degrees. The astronomer Walter Koch included declinations in his astrological system. https://www.astro.com/astrology/in_declination_e.htm

Fixed stars (étoiles fixes)

Fixed stars are stars located outside our solar system that can have a subtle but significant influence on a natal chart. Their analysis requires a thorough knowledge of astronomy and mythology. These stars move very, very slowly, changing about one degree every 72 years. https://astrologyking.com/fixed-stars-astrology/

Progressions & transits (progressions et transits)

Progressions and transits are astrological prediction techniques used to anticipate future events based on planet movement. Transits compare planets’ current positions to their positions in the natal chart, while progressions evolve the natal chart over time. These are advanced methods best studied after gaining a deeper understanding of core terms.

To fully grasp these advanced prediction methods, explore resources like « The Art of Predictive Astrology » by Carol Rushman, which offers a comprehensive guide to understanding transits and progressions in astrological forecasting.

Void-of-course moon (lune hors course)

The Moon is said to be void-of-course when it no longer forms a major aspect with other planets before changing signs. This period is often considered unproductive for initiating significant new projects. The void-of-course moon does not occur in 8% of lunar cycles. Source: Astro.com .

Continue to explore

Astrology is a fascinating and rewarding journey. To continue your exploration, you can consult the following resources, available online and in bookstores, most of which are in English. Explore reputable websites like Astro.com and Cafe Astrology , which offer articles, analyses, and interactive tools. Douglas Bloch’s « Astrology for Yourself » is a highly recommended read for beginners. Consider joining online communities and forums to exchange ideas with other enthusiasts. To source the Douglas Bloch book, visit Amazon .

In conclusion, remember that astrology is a tool for introspection and self-understanding. Take the time to experiment, observe, and develop your own interpretation. It can also be used as a form of entertainment, both informative and insightful. According to a 2017 Pew Research Center study, 29% of Americans believe in astrology. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2018/10/01/many-americans-mix-different-beliefs-and-practices/ . Therefore, being able to understand it is important to understanding a system complex of beliefs.