Glossary of Astrology & other terms   

EARTHY SIGNS

Zodiacal signs related with Earth element. These are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

EASARAPH

Also known as Musarifa. A term used in Horary Astrology. It refers to a planetary combination involving two swift moving planets in which the fast moving one has overtaken the slow moving one. If the forward planet is a benefic, final success, or fruition of the action is likely a malefic overtaking. A benefic will frustrate the efforts of the individual. If both the planets are malefic, the result will be inauspicious.

ECLIPSES

The obscuration of the light of Sun by the intervention of Moon in between it and Earth is known as Solar Eclipse. Two solar eclipses must be visible every year in some part of the earth, the maximum number of it may go up to five. For a solar eclipse to occur, the New Moon must be very close to a node of Moon. Total solar eclipse occurs when the surface of Sun is completely obscured by Moon, but it is not very common. The track of total eclipse never exceeds 268.7 km in width, and the never lasts more than 8 minutes.

The obscuration of the light of Moon by the intervention of Earth in between it and Sun is known as Lunar Eclipse. Under its impact Moon becomes dim until it passes out of the shadow. Moon does not completely vanish, as the shadow of Earth does not completely preclude Sun's light from falling on it, due to the refraction of Sun's rays on it by Earth's atmospheric mantle. A lunar eclipse can be total or partial. Its duration can be no longer than 3 hours 40 minutes, the totality occurring only for 1 hour 40 minutes.

The significance of eclipses is great in mundane astrology. The Tantrics and black magicians make special preparations during such eclipses for fulfilling their special occult objectives and for the preparations of their special charms.

ECLIPTIC

The Great Circle formed by the intersection of the plane of Earth's orbit around Sun. It is the apparent path of Sun in the sky during the course of a year, In the geocentric system, which is generally adopted in all astronomical (and astrological) studies, this path is inclined to the Celestial Equator at an angle of 23⁰ 27. The inclination changes imperceptibly and is related to a cycle of 26,000 years. This variation, which is in between 21⁰ 59' and 24⁰ 36' is known as the Obliquity of the Ecliptic. All planets, constellations of the zodiac, and asterisms move, more or less, within a region of 8⁰ on both sides of the solar trajectory making the total width of approximately 16⁰ around the ecliptic for their annual movement.

The ecliptic and the celestial equator intersect at two points, viz., points of spring, or vernal, and autumnal equinoxes. These points are relevant for determining the precession of equinoxes on the basis of which the difference between tropical and sidereal zodiacs is worked out.

EGO

Self; the unified triad comprising Atma Buddhi Manas, or the duad formed by Atma Buddhi. The immortal part of man which reincarnates as man-I am I, or the feeling of I am ship. Esoteric philosophy teaches the existence of two Egos in man, the mortal, or the physical, and the Higher, or the Divine and Impersonal, calling the former 'personality' and the latter 'individuality'.

EKAWALI YOGA

The planetary combination in which all planets occupy different houses in a sequential manner. It makes the individual an emperor.

ELEMENTS

See Tattwas.

EQUATION OF TIME

The difference between true and mean time at any given moment. This difference arises due to Sun not always crossing the Meridian at 12 o' clock by watch. The time by watch is regulated by mean solar time, which is constant in length, and is equal to the annual mean of the true solar days. In working out a natal chart for predictive purpose, the true position of the planets is taken into account. It needs readjustment of the mean time on the basis of the equation of time to arrive at the true time. The ephemeris generally indicates the different true and mean midday times, which determine the equation of time. True solar time is worked out on the basis of this equation.

EQUINOCTIAL POINT

Sampat Bindu (sk); the points of intersection of the celestial equator and the ecliptic. Each point refers to the Sun's crossing of the celestial equator, and is known as Equinox. On this day, night and day are equal all over the world. One of these is known as the Vernal Equinox, which occurs around 21 March every year, and the other as Autumnal Equinox, which occurs around 21 September.

Astrologically, Sun's rays acquire a positive impulse after vernal equinox and auspicious activities can be fruitfully initiated and beneficial results expected.