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A Glossary of Astrological Terms for the letter "F"
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Use this glossary to look up the meanings of words you come across on this website, or in your astrological reading. Just select the first letter of the word you need and click on it in the table below to go straight to that sector.
F
Face
Each sign of thirty degrees is divided into three segments called decans (decanates) of ten degrees, each with its own planetary ruler. This derives from ancient Egyptian astrology, where the zodiac was divided into 36 decanates of ten degrees each. In modern astrology, each decan is divided into a positive (active) and a negative (receptive) face of five degrees, expressing the polarity of the planetary ruler of the decan. Thus, according to Alan Leo, each sign has six faces, three positive and three negative, depending on the rulership of the decanates. Decanates themselves are also regularly referred to as faces, especially in traditional astrology, so many astrologers use the two terms interchangeably and do not consider the so-called positive and negative approach to faces.
Fall
A planet is in fall when placed in the sign opposite to that of its exaltation. A debility.
Falling Amiss
A traditional debility, occurring when a planet is in a sign which is in aversion to its domicile.
Familiarity
Any aspect or reception between planets.
Fatalism
The doctrine that all events are predetermined by fate and are therefore unalterable. A widespread criticism of astrology by its opponents is that astrology entails either a fatalistic belief in cosmic determinism and a denial of free will, or at least an acceptance that events in life are beyond human control, because the stars determine everything. This is denied by most astrologers, who follow the maxim that "the stars incline, they do not compel".
Fate
- Inexorable events beyond an individual's control, predestined by a supernatural power
- A power or agency that predetermines and orders the course of events
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In mythology, three ancient goddesses, The Fates (moiræ), determine the path and duration of life:
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Clotho, "the spinner", spinning the thread of life
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Lachesis, "the measurer", preparing one's lot in life and measuring its duration (via the horoscope)
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Atropos, "she who cannot be turned", cutting the thread with her dreaded shears at the appointed moment of death
Even the gods were held subject to these stern, implacable powers. More on The Fates [offsite].
- Destiny is fate with a purpose. It is held that one can transform one's fate into destiny by consciously fulfilling the higher calling implicit in one's natal chart, as opposed to merely following the unconscious promptings of the cosmic forces.
See Karma, also Astrology, Destiny & Intent.
- Chart, horoscope, map, nativity.
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In hellenistic astrology a figure (schema) is more specifically defined, namely when a planet forms an applying schematic relationship with regard to another, in one of the major whole-sign aspectual relationships: hexagonal (sextile), tetragonal (square), trigonal (trine), or diametrical (opposition). Figures can be completed either by image (sign) or portion (degree). A figure need not be a completed aspect, which is defined as being three portions either side of the partile aspect.
Certain degrees are traditionally designated as able to increase fortune. According to William Lily, these are:
| Sign |
Fortunate Degrees |
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Sign |
Fortunate Degrees |
| Aries |
19 |
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Libra |
3, 15, 21 |
| Taurus |
3, 15, 27 |
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Scorpio |
7, 18, 20 |
| Gemini |
11 |
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Sagittarius |
13, 20 |
| Cancer |
1, 2, 3, 4, 15 |
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Capricorn |
12, 13, 14, 20 |
| Leo |
2, 5, 7, 19 |
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Aquarius |
7, 16, 17, 20 |
| Virgo |
3, 14, 20 |
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Pisces |
12, 20 |
| Note that the degrees are set in the traditional manner, i.e., 1=00°01'–00°60' etc
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Fortunes
Jupiter and Venus; also Mercury and Moon unless afflicted. The Sun and Neptune can be fortunate when unafflicted, and in good aspect to Jupiter or Venus. Bear in mind that the Sun is considered an infortune (malefic) in Indian Vedic Astrology and in Western Astrology when in conjunction (see Combust), or opposition. Fortune or otherwise has to do with the balance of sect, elements and humours; it may also be that in hot climates the influence of the Sun is felt to be more hostile than it is in colder climes. See also Infortunes.
Four Pillars
Shi Chen Ba Zi, the Four Pillars of Destiny in Chinese Astrology. The Four Pillars (Ba Zi) are Year, Months, Days, Hours. More on Chinese Astrology.
Fourth House
Fourth segment of an astrological chart. It represents the end of matters,
religious and philosophical beliefs, the home, real
estate and the querent's father (though in modern astrology can also represent the mother, or parental influence in general).
Fruitful Signs
Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces; Lilly considers Taurus, Libra and Sagittarius to be fruitful, due to the influence of Venus and Jupiter; he also classes Aquarius as "without doubt more fruitful than barren", but does not give a reason.
Frustration
When a planet applying to an aspect is deflected by a third before the aspect is complete, it is described as having been frustrated. Used in Horary Astrology.
Full Moon
Occurs when the Moon opposes the Sun. This important event happens once every month, when the face of the Moon is fully lit up by the light of the Sun. Lunar Eclipses can only happen at the Full Moon.
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