V

Varga

There are 16 divisional modes (vargas) of the natal chart in Vedic astrology. Based on fractions of each sign, each varga gives light on a different side of the character.

Vedic Astrology

A system of astrology (aka Jyotish) favoured in India deriving from the teachings of the Indian scriptures (Vedas). The prime differences from Western Tropical Astrology include the employment of the Sidereal Zodiac, planetary periods (dasha) and sub-periods (bhukti), the idea of planetary "friends" and "enemies" and the use of the nakshatras, or Lunar Mansions.

Venus

The evening and morning star, a planet symbolising matters to do with love, affection, the arts, money and so on. Ruler of Taurus and Libra. Exalted in Pisces. The lesser benefic. More about Venus.

Vernal Equinox

Spring Equinox (northern hemisphere). The first degree of Aries, the beginning of the astrological year, when the Sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north. In the southern hemisphere it is the Autumnal Equinox. More on the Equinox.

Vernal Point

Point on the ecliptic marking the position of the Sun at the moment of the Vernal Equinox. It is defined as the first degree of Aries in the Tropical Zodiac. This point moves backwards through the sidereal zodiac at the rate of a little over one degree every 72 years. This movement is called the Precession of the Equinoxes. The current location of the Vernal Point in the sidereal zodiac is at approximately 5 degrees of sidereal Pisces.

Vertex

Point used by astrologers in the 70's, representing the inner life of the ascendant. Calculated by inverting the degree of the Ascendant (ie calculating the degree of the ascendant as if the native were born in the opposite hemisphere and calling this point the Vertex).

Verticle

The prime verticle or circle of observation is the circle in which an observer stands when facing south. This circle is divided into 12 equal parts, comprising the 12 houses through which the signs and planets seem to pass obliquely in their apparent diurnal motion from east to west.

Vespertine

A planet setting in the evening after sunset. See Matutine.

Vesta

The Eternal Flame; goddess of the hearth. An asteroid seen by modern astrologers as significant. More about Asteroids.

Via Combusta

"The Burning Way". A problematic area of the zodiac between 15° Libra and 15° Scorpio. It is especially difficult for the Moon.

Virgintile (semi-decile)

One of Kepler's minor aspects. 18 degrees, somewhat positive.

Virgo

The sixth sign of the zodiac. Mutable and earthy. Ruled by Mercury. Emblem: The Virgin with a sheaf of wheat. More about Virgo.

Vitalism

The doctrine that all the functions of a living organism are the consequence of a deep vital principle, a life force distinct from all chemical and physical reactions. More on Vitalism.

Void (degrees)

Certain degrees traditionally believed to cause incompetence, lack of understanding and poor judgement when holding the Moon, or the ascendant in a nativity.

Void of Course

When a planet forms no further aspect for the remainder of its time in a sign in which it is located (before changing to the next sign). Used mainly for the Moon in Horary Astrology, it indicates that nothing will come of the matter. It is a testimony that the horary chart is not radical.

Vulcan

A hypothetical planet supposed to lie inside the orbit of Mercury, but always on the opposite side of the Sun from the Earth, making it invisible. Originally postulated to account for perturbations in planetary orbits, this planet is no longer supposed to exist by science, although some astrologers claim it as a sort of spiritual entity having power in a horoscope.