N

Nadir

The lower intersection of the prime vertical and the meridian, or the point on the celestial sphere directly beneath the observer, opposite the zenith. The nadir is in the horizonal coordinate system what the Imum coeli or lower midheaven is to the ecliptic coordinate system; the two cannot be used interchangeably. Source: Astro Index

Natal Chart

Horoscope drawn for the Nativity. Birth Chart.

Nakshatras

Lunar Mansions in Vedic Astrology

Native

Subject of a Nativity, or Natal Chart.

Nativity

Moment of first breath. Also the Natal Chart.

Navamsha

In Vedic astrology, this is the ¹/₉th divisional chart, specifically related to marriage. The most important of the 16 vargas, it is always consulted alongside the natal chart.

Neomenium

The change of the Moon to New Moon, especially that which occurs closest to the Vernal Ingress.

Neptune

One of the outer, trans-personal planets, discovered on September 23, 1846 by Johann Gottfried Galle, based on a mathematical calculation by Urbain Le Verrier, though there is typically Neptunian controversy surrounding this (Gallileo, for example, is believed to have spotted Neptune twice, in 1612 and 1613, but mistook it for a fixed star). Some modern astrologers hold that it rules Pisces; others allow it co-rulership with Jupiter, though traditional astrologers deny that Neptune has any pretensions to sign-rulership.

More about Neptune.

Neutral Planets

Mercury and Neptune. These two tend to be benefic when well aspected to the benefics and unfavourable when forming any aspect to the malefics.

New Moon

Occurs when the Moon is in conjunction with the Sun. This important event happens once every month, when the visible face of the Moon is darkened, as it receives no light from the Sun. Also known as a Lunation. Solar Eclipses can only happen at the New Moon.

Night-Stars

Moon, Mars and Venus. Mercury is convertible, and may be either Diurnal or Nocturnal. Jupiter, Saturn and Sun are the Day Stars.

Ninth House

The ninth chart segment, governing higher learning, religious education, long distance travel, lawyers, legal affairs and publishing.

Nocturnal

Planets below the horizon (between the first and seventh cusps via the IC), versus Diurnal, above the horizon.

Nocturnal Arc

The distance in space or time taken by a planet passing through the night.

Nocturnal Chart

Nativity of person born at night.

Nodal Degrees

The same degree as the Moon's Mean Node, irrespective of sign. In Horary, it is said to signify a fateful event, tragedy or fatality in the matter. With a significator in a Nodal degree, something fateful beyond the control of the querent is indicated in the matter.

Nodes

The point in the zodiac where a planet, particularly the Moon, passes from southern into northern lattitude is called the North Node and when moving in the opposite direction (crossing from north to south) is called the South Node. The motion of the Moon's Mean Node is retrograde, about 3' per day (see Dragon's Head). The True Node oscillates according to the Moon's "wobble" caused by the gravitational effects of the Earth/Moon interaction, so sometimes has periods of direct motion. The Mean Node averages this "wobble" out. The north node is called the ascending, the south the descending node. Neither the Sun nor the Earth have nodes. More on the Moon's Nodes.

Nonile

See Novile.

Noon Mark

Mean local time at birthplace when it is noon at Greenwich, England.

Northern Signs

Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo. In these signs the Sun has northern declination.

North Node

See Dragon's Head.

Novile

A minor aspect of 40 degrees, being 1/9^th of the zodiacal circumference. Implies completion of a cycle and is often associated with some sort of spiritual test (marriage, for example...)

Nycthemeron

The natural day and night, or space of twenty-four hours, used often with reference to the Equinox, Solstice or other important 24 hour period.