Malefic
ConceptTraditionally, a planet (Mars, Saturn) or aspect that generates challenges and restrictions.
In ancient astrology, Mars (“the lesser malefic”) and Saturn (“the greater malefic”) were perceived as bringers of misfortune, war or illness. Modern astrology has transformed this view: the malefics are now seen as forces of necessity. Mars supplies the energy to cut through, and Saturn the structure to build. A well-placed malefic planet (in dignity) becomes a tool for success through effort and discipline.
Mars
PlanetThe planet of action, desire, fighting strength and the libido.
Mars represents externalized energy, courage and the capacity to assert oneself. It describes how we act to obtain what we want. In its positive dimension it is the boldness of the pioneer; in its negative dimension it symbolizes anger, impulsiveness or conflict. It rules Aries and, traditionally, Scorpio. Its two-year cycle marks periods of intense energetic expenditure.
Masculine (Diurnal/Positive)
ConceptAn active, extroverted and emitting energetic polarity.
The so-called 'masculine' signs (or diurnal / positive) comprise the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) and the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius). This classification has nothing to do with the individual's gender, but with the direction of the energy. These signs are oriented outward, toward action, expression and communication. They seek to influence their environment rather than to be influenced by it. In a chart, a predominance of this polarity favors extroversion and quick decision-making.
Mean Black Moon
Fictitious pointThe mean position of the Black Moon, calculated from the lunar apogee.
The Mean Black Moon is a notional position calculated from the lunar apogee, but using a mathematical average rather than the actual position. Some astrologers prefer this method for its simplicity and regularity, while others hold that the True Black Moon, which follows the real apogee, offers a more precise reading. The choice between the two often depends on the astrological approach one adopts.
Medical Astrology
BranchA system of correspondences between the heavenly bodies and the anatomical or pathological functions.
Historically inseparable from medicine until the 17th century, this branch associates each sign and each planet with a part of the body or a biological system (e.g., Aries rules the head, Mars rules iron and inflammation). The analysis of the chart makes it possible to identify constitutional predispositions and periods of fragility through the transits over the vital points (Hyleg, sixth house).
Mercury
PlanetThe planet of communication, the intellect, exchange and youth.
Mercury is the messenger between the inner world and the outer one. It governs the way we process information, our learning style and our capacity for adaptation. It is the planet of traders, writers and carriers. In a chart, it indicates whether thought is analytical (Virgo) or associative (Gemini). Its proximity to the Sun means that it never strays more than 28° from it.
Meridian
AstronomicalA great circle passing through the celestial poles, the Zenith and the Nadir of a place.
The local meridian is the fundamental vertical axis of a chart. The intersection of this circle with the ecliptic determines the Midheaven (MC) and Imum Coeli (IC) axis. In astrology, it represents the axis of social incarnation and heredity. Any body that crosses the meridian reaches its culmination, the moment when its power of influence on the earthly plane is at its peak.
Meteorological Astrology
BranchThe branch of astrology that forecasts climatic changes and the weather.
Also called astrometeorology, it relies on the solar ingresses (solstices and equinoxes) and the lunar phases to determine periods of drought, rain or cold. Once widely used by farmers, it is based on the thermal nature of the planets (Mars/heat, Saturn/cold).
Midheaven
ConceptThe highest point of the chart (Tenth House), representing social destiny and career.
The Midheaven (Medium Coeli or MC) is located at the intersection of the ecliptic and the local meridian to the south. It is the cusp of the Tenth House. It symbolizes the individual's ultimate aspiration, their public success, their social status and their professional vocation. Unlike the Ascendant, which represents 'how' one acts, the MC shows 'what' one becomes in the eyes of the world. It is often linked to the figure of the father or of the parent who embodies authority and social law. Its position by sign and the aspects it receives indicate the nature of the ambition and the ease or obstacles encountered in public life.
Midpoint
TechniqueThe exact mathematical point located halfway between two celestial bodies.
Midpoints are points of energetic fusion. For example, the Sun/Moon midpoint is considered a vital point of psychic balance. This technique, popularized by the German school of Cosmobiology (Reinhold Ebertin), makes it possible to identify subtle resonances between planets that do not form classic aspects by degree.
Modes (Modalities)
ConceptThe classification of the signs according to their energetic dynamic (Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable).
The modes determine how energy is used. Cardinal signs initiate action. Fixed signs stabilize and consolidate. Mutable signs adapt and distribute. A balance among these three modes in a chart allows for a personality capable of initiative, perseverance and flexibility all at once.
Moon
PlanetThe nocturnal Luminary governing the emotions, the unconscious and the maternal principle.
The Moon is the fastest-moving body in the zodiac, traveling through the twelve signs in about 28 days. It symbolizes our receptive side, our capacity to feel and to react. In astrology it describes the fundamental needs for emotional security, the relationship with the mother, and our earliest childhood memories. While the Sun represents the conscious identity, the Moon embodies the instinctive soul, daily habits and the world of dreams. It rules the sign of Cancer.
Mundane Astrology
BranchThe study of collective cycles, nations, politics and planetary events.
Mundane astrology is the oldest branch of the discipline. It analyzes the great conjunctions (such as the Saturn–Pluto cycle) to forecast geopolitical transformations, economic crises or societal revolutions. Unlike individual astrology, it works on the charts of capitals, of leaders or of the founding dates of States.
Mutable (quality)
ConceptOne of the three qualities: adaptability, flexibility, transition and versatility.
The mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. They close each season and embody transition, adaptation and transformation. Natives dominated by the mutable quality are flexible, versatile and able to adjust to any situation. They excel in changing environments and make good mediators. Their strength lies in their flexibility; their weakness, in scattering or inconstancy. A strongly mutable chart can indicate a chameleon personality, brilliant at adaptation but sometimes lacking firm direction. Conversely, a chart devoid of mutability can make the native rigid, unable to adapt to circumstances. The mutable cross is the cross of practical intelligence and communication.
Mutual reception
ConceptA configuration in which two planets each occupy the other's sign of domicile.
Mutual reception occurs when two planets exchange their domiciles: for example, Mars in Taurus (Venus's domicile) and Venus in Aries (Mars's domicile). Each planet is "hosted" by the other, creating an implicit bond of cooperation. In traditional astrology, mutual reception considerably softens the weakness of a planet in detriment: even though each planet sits in an uncomfortable sign, they support one another. Some astrologers go so far as to consider that a mutual reception is almost equivalent to a harmonious aspect between the two planets. Mutual reception can also occur by exaltation: the Sun in Aries (exaltation) and Mars in Leo (the Sun's sign) create a form of cross reception. It is a subtle yet very useful tool for refining the reading of a chart.