Beholding Signs

Those which have the same declination; i.e., at equal distances from the Tropics; as Aries and Virgo, Taurus and Leo, Gemini and Cancer, Libra and Pisces, Scorpio and  Aquarius, Sagittarius and Capricorn. Because such pairs of Signs were either both Northern, or  both Southern, they were by Ptolemy deemed to be “of equal power.” This consideration,  … Read more

Bel. (Lord)

The Babylonian form of Baal. He was a member of the supreme triad of deities:  Anu, god of the heavens; Bel, god of the Earth; and Ea, god of the waters. DeVore, Nicholas. Encyclopedia of Astrology. New York: Philosophical Library, 1947.

Belts of Jupiter

A varying number of dusky belt-like bands or zones encircling the planet  Jupiter, parallel to its equator. It suggests the existence of an atmosphere, the clouds forced into  a series of parallels through the rapidity of rotation, the dark body of the planet showing through relatively clear spaces between. DeVore, Nicholas. Encyclopedia of Astrology. New York: … Read more

Benefic Aspects

Planetary relations, or familiarities, which permit the unobstructed release of  cosmic energy, hence conducive to harmony. (v. Aspects: Benefic, Malefic.) B. Influences.  Those produced by benefic planets and aspects, either in the Nativity or by transits. B. Planets. The so-called benefics: Venus and Jupiter, by some the Sun. (v. Planets.) DeVore, Nicholas. Encyclopedia of Astrology. … Read more

Besieged

A benefic planet situated between two malefics, within orbs of each, is said to be  besieged and therefore unfortunately placed. Some authorities restrict its application to a  Significator when between and within orbs of two benefics. Older authorities, who applied the  term to a planet situated between any two planets, considered a planet between Venus … Read more

Bestial signs

Those which have been symbolized by beasts, or animals: Aries, Taurus, Leo,  Scorpio, the last half of Sagittarius, Capricorn and Pisces. v. Signs. DeVore, Nicholas. Encyclopedia of Astrology. New York: Philosophical Library, 1947.

Bicorporeal

Said of double-bodied Signs: Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces. As originally  employed by Ptolemy, bicorporeal was the only term by which he characterized the signs that are now designated as Mutable, or Deductive. Thus it is apparent that he classified Virgo also as  bicorporeal. v. Signs. DeVore, Nicholas. Encyclopedia of Astrology. New York: Philosophical Library, 1947.

Birth Moment

What is generally accepted as the true moment of birth is the moment of the first inspiration of breath after ligation of the umbilical cord. At that moment the infant ceases to  receive blood conditioned through the mother’s receptivities, and in response to the law of  adaptability must grow channels of receptivity to cosmic frequencies that … Read more