The term zodiac denotes an annual cycle of twelve stations along the ecliptic, the apparent path of the sun across the heavens through the constellations that divide the ecliptic into twelve equal zones of celestial longitude.
The angular distance between two factors in the horoscope, in celestial longitude. These relationships are based on harmonics and multiples.
Celestial longitude is of two kinds: (a) Geocentric, figured from the earth as the center; now chiefly used by astrologers to indicate the zodiacal positions of the planets, but rarely used by astronomers, ...
Aspects are measured in celestial longitude and traditionally include:
The Conjunction denoted by the symbol .
This is when the planets are together. There is no symbolism of division with the conjunction.
Parallel: This aspect is the only one not measured by celestial longitude. It is of two or more planets having the same distance in declination in degrees, north or south of the celestial equator.
Longitude, Celestial: The distance in degrees (arc) from 0° Aries eastward to any given point that intersects the ecliptic. Celestial longitude is measured from 0° to 360°. For example, 10° Taurus is expressed astronomically as longitude 40°.
clever part of this application of the stereographic projection is, if the projection is rotated so the ecliptic is horizontal, the arcs above the ecliptic represent arcs of celestial latitude and the perpendicular arcs represent celestial longitude.
Celestial longitude lines can be directionally fixed in space, however, by choosing a fixed direction in space as a fiducial, or starting, direction. This is comparable to choosing the Greenwich Meridian as our starting line of 0º latitude on Earth.
 See also: Longitude, Celestial, Degree, Astrology, Planet
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