Astrology dictionary section S to Z
Satellitium
See Stellium.
Saturn chasing the Moon
When the Moon and Saturn are in conjunction, square or opposition with each other in a birth chart the term Saturn chasing the moon is used. This is because the progressing Moon is almost constantly followed by the transiting Saturn for the individual. When the progressing Moon and transiting Saturn are in conjunction, square or opposition to each other difficult experiences may occur. The progressing Moon travels at about 12 to 15 degrees per year, transiting Saturn travels at about 12 degrees per year. Both the progressing Moon and transiting Saturn take about 28 years to complete a cycle.
Selenocentric chart
A chart created where the location is on the Moon instead of on Earth is called a selenocentric chart.
Semi-arc
Half of a diurnal arc (see diurnal arc).
Siderial Time
Siderial time is a time system which is measured according to the rotation of the Earth relative to the stars. Local siderial time is measured according to the right asendsion of a star as viewed from a location on Earth. A siderial day is approximately 23 degrees 56 minutes and 4 seconds. A siderial month is approximately 27 days, 7 hours, 43 minutes and 11 seconds.
Slow in Motion
When a celestial body it travelling at a slower speed than its mean or average daily motion is it slow in motion.
Slow of Course
When a celestial body is moving at a slower speed than its mean motion it is slow of course.
Solstice Points
The solstice points are at 0 degrees Cancer and 0 degrees Capricorn. The Sun is at 0 degrees Cancer at the summer solstice and at 0 degree Capricorn at the winter solstice. Solstice is derived from the latin word "solstitium" meaning "the Sun stands still".
Stationary
When the motion of a celestial body appears to pause before it goes retrograde or direct it is stationary. Before it turns retrograde it's referred to as stationary retrograde, before it turns direct it's referred to as stationary direct. Stationary retrograde can indicate delays, reversals or where action can be blocked. Stationary direct can indicate renewal and a chance for a new start. The influence of a celestial body when it is stationary can be more intense than when it appears to be in motion.
Stellium
A stellium is a group of three or more planets grouped together, usually in conjunction with each other and within a space of 30 degrees.
Succeedent Houses
A stellium is a group of three or more planets grouped together, usually in conjunction with each other and within a space of 30 degrees.
Super Moon
A Super Moon takes place when a New Moon or a Full Moon occurs when the Moon is in perigee and the Sun, Earth and Moon are in alignment (Sun-Moon-Earth alignment for a New Moon; Sun-Earth-Moon alignment for a Full Moon). During a Super Moon there may be an increased risk of extreme weather conditions, volcanic activity and earthquakes. A Super Moon is also known as a lunar perigee-syzygy when the Moon is full and at its closest approach to Earth.
Swift in motion
See Fast in motion.
Triplicities
The triplicities are groups of signs according to their element; air, fire, earth and water.
Tropical Zodiac
The tropical zodiac is used in western astrology. A belt on the celestial sphere at 8 degrees either side of the ecliptic is where the zodiac is located; it's 360 degrees. The zodiac is divided into 12 signs which are named after the constellations where they used to be located; each sign is 30 degrees. It's based on the position of the vernal equinox (where the ecliptic crosses the equator at 0 degrees Aries) not the positions of the constellations or fixed stars. The signs of the tropical zodiac have gradually moved away from where the constellations of the same name are located due to the precession of the equinoxes.
Vernal Point
The Vernal Point is where the vernal equinox occurs; it's at 0 degrees Aries.
Vertex and Anti-Vertex
The Vertex is located where the prime vertical and the ecliptic in the west cross over; it's where the prime vertical enters the zodiac to the west of the chart. Usually the vertex is in the 7th or 8th house. Events due to fate can be shown by the Vertex; it can also indicate where there is a talent that is difficult to ignore. The Anti-Vertex is exactly opposite the Vertex and is usually located in the 1st or 2nd house. It can indicate where commitments and sacrifices have to be made due to events created by fate. (Vertex and Anti-Vertex interpretations are included in the Birth chart and report with extended reading available from my online shop on this website.)
Water Signs
Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are water signs. The element water in astrology is associated with emotion, imagination and sensitivity. An excess of water can indicate a tendency to be over-emotional and too sensitive with a need for reassurance. A lack of water can indicate little empathy and difficulty showing vulnerability.