Aphelion. v. Orbit.
Apheta. Prorogator. The planet or place that exercises an influence over the life and death of the
native. v. Hyleg.
Aphorism. A short, pithy statement of a truth, presumably based on experience; the dictum of a
wise man. Applied in Astrology to consciderations involved in the summing-up or synthesis of
the various testimonies contained in the Figure. In interpreting a figure, or chart, consider the
Signs as static forces; the planets as driving forces. The planets in the Signs show capacities that
make for character, but the aspects, like verbs, denote action.
Neptune gives the answer to 'Who is he?'; Uranus to 'Why is he and what is his purpose?'; and
the rest of the planets answer the question 'How will he fare?'
Apogee. v. Orbit.
Apparent Motion. In describing motions it is traditional to speak of them in terms of what they
appear to be rather than what they are. The west wind personifies the wind that comes out of the
west but which actually blows in an easterly direction. Because of the axial rotation of the Earth,
the planets appear to rise over the Ascendant and travel across the meridian to the west, while
they actually travel in the opposite direction. The Signs likewise appear to travel in a westerly
direction while actually they do not travel at all. When we say the Sun is in Taurus, we are not
actually speaking of the Sun's travel or of its position, but of the Earth's position and travel as
measured by the Sun.
Application. n. Applying to; to apply. Said of a body in motion toward a point whence it will
aspect another body. (v. Aspect.).
Applying, Retrograde. When the applying body is in retrograde motion. (v. Motion.)
Some authorities have used the term 'approach' as synonymous with 'apply'. The faster-moving
body is said to be applying to an aspect of the slower-moving one. Precision in this regard might
indcate, for example, that Saturn in direct motion could be applying to an aspect of Uranus,
Neptune or Pluto only. Aspects are more powerful when forming than when separating. If either
planet be retrograde, the influence is said to be injurious, or the promised result so subject to
delay that it is of little value when it materializes.