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.

Feminine Planets

Moon; Venus; probably Neptune, despite the mythology. See Masculine & Feminine Planets. Some modern astrologers assign gender to asteroids also, so we have Ceres, Juno, Vesta and Pallas Athena all being considered feminine. This is supposed to right the gender balance.

Feminine Signs

Taurus; Cancer; Virgo; Scorpio; Capricorn; Pisces. See Masculine & Feminine Signs.

Feral Signs

Leo; last half of Sagittarius

Fertile Signs

Cancer; Libra; Taurus. Scorpio is considered fertile by most modern astrologers, despite being ruled by Mars (probably because it is feminine and watery). Pisces and Sagittarius are described by Ptolemy as "fecund". Pisces is fertile and fruitful, but is Sagittarius? Sagittarius (hot and moist) certainly likes to scatter seed to the winds, but does not seem particularly nurturesome to me. Still "fecund" does not mean "nurturesome", merely "able to reproduce prolifically" so it must be because prolific Jupiter rules them both. Lilly too says Sagittarius is fruitful – due to the influence of Jupiter being dignified there by both domicile and joy.

Fiducial Degree (Fiducial Point)

The accepted, or trusted degree for the beginning of the zodiac: 0° Aries in the Western Tropical System (Latin: fiducia = trust).

Fiery Element

One of the four astrological elements. A masculine element, it stands for action, positivity, matters to do with spirituality and so on. The other elements are Water, Air and Earth.

Fiery Triplicity

The Fire Signs: Aries; Leo; Sagittarius. These signs are hot and dry by nature.

Fifth House

The fifth segment of a chart. It represents recreation, creativity, hobbies, gambling, risks, children, love affairs and the extension of the self through children or love relationships.

Figure

Chart, horoscope, map, nativity.

Finger of Fate

See Finger of God.

Finger of God

Also called the Finger of Fate or Yod. Comprises two planets in sextile (60°) aspect to each other, each making a 150° aspect focused on the same third planet (opposing their midpoint). Indicative of a special life purpose, it creates the sensation of steadiness, special passion, deep aspiration and a strong inner drive to accomplish something very important and special.

Firdar

see Alfridaria

Fire

see Fiery Element

Fire Signs

Aries (cardinal), Leo (fixed), Sagittarius (mutable).

Firmament

The sky, or the vault of the Heavens. In the ancient Geocentric Model of the Universe, the celestial sphere to which the fixed stars were attached. (Latin: firmamentum = strengthening support)

First House

see Ascendant.

Fixed Houses

2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th houses.

Fixed Signs

Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius.

Fixed Stars

These do not move across the ecliptic, as do planets. Those near the ecliptic and of significant magnitude have considerable influence. More on Fixed Stars.

Fixed Stars (Behenian)

Fifteen particularly powerful stars anciently used in magical applications. See Behenian Fixed Stars.

Fixed Zodiac

See Sidereal Zodiac.

Fomalhaut

A benefic Fixed Star in the 4th degree of Pisces. One of the four Royal Stars.

Forecast

Predictions based on an analysis of planetary configurations.

Fortuna

Part of Fortune (see Pars Fortunae).

Fortuna Chart

Chart constructed using the degree of the Part of Fortune as the ascendant.

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). Fortune or otherwise has to do with the balance of 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.

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.