Dictionary term
Term
Direct answer
Term: Term, also called bound, is an unequal subdivision of a zodiac sign used in traditional astrology as a form of essential dignity.
Term is a traditional dignity subdivision assigning degree ranges of a sign to planetary rulers.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astrology
- Also appears in
- Astrology
- Aliases
- bound, Egyptian term
- Last updated
- 2026-07-15
Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Term when explaining traditional dignity, bounds, horary technique, primary directions, and fine-grained planetary condition.
- Do not use it for
- Do not confuse term with zodiac sign or with ordinary dictionary use of the word term.
- Reference category
- Astrology
- Related terms
- Zodiac, Dignity, Essential Dignity, Triplicity
The story behind Term
Terms or bounds are part of traditional essential dignity systems preserved in Hellenistic, medieval, and Renaissance astrology.
Term in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, Term shows how small contexts can still provide support and responsibility.
The Great Almanac frames Term with educational restraint. Mystical or symbolic language may be meaningful, but it should not be exaggerated into certainty, panic, or permission to ignore ordinary responsibility.
Term in the Bible
In biblical history, celestial bodies are understood as markers of "signs and seasons" within the created order, rather than independent powers or arbiters of destiny. A thoughtful biblical perspective values the beauty of the stars while drawing a clear line between symbolic reflection and the ultimate authority of God, prayer, conscience, and wise counsel. This ensures that personal discernment always takes precedence over planetary placements.
Term in astrology
Terms are not equal ten-degree decans. They are unequal degree ranges assigned to planets according to a term table, such as Egyptian or Ptolemaic bounds.
Why Term matters
Term matters because it refines planetary condition beyond sign rulership and exaltation. A planet may gain modest dignity by being in its own term.
Example in a reading: A planet without sign rulership may still have some dignity if it is placed within its own term.
Interpretive caution: Do not confuse term with zodiac sign or with ordinary dictionary use of the word term.
How Term is used in a reading
Use Term when explaining traditional dignity, bounds, horary technique, primary directions, and fine-grained planetary condition.
Where interpretation stops
Term is shared here as an educational reference to support study, contemplation, and personal discernment. It is designed to inspire self-reflection but is never a substitute for professional medical, legal, financial, or personal advice. By treating mystical traditions as rich symbolic languages rather than absolute rules, we focus on fostering wisdom, clarity, and personal responsibility.
Sources and editorial method
This concise reference separates established definitions from historical, symbolic, or interpretive claims. Entries without external references are presented as editorial summaries rather than primary-source scholarship.
The page starts with a direct definition, then separates use, example, caution, spiritual meaning, and historical context. For astrology, occult, demonology, curse, and spiritual warfare terms, the editorial rule is to explain the term without making fear-based, fatalistic, medical, legal, financial, or ritual-instruction claims.
Personalized next step
See how Term connects to your own birth chart, numerology, spiritual timing, and personal almanac.
Cast your natal chartRelated terms
These related entries help place Term inside a wider reference cluster instead of leaving it as a standalone keyword.
