Re: Apheta.
As "starting place" is given in, I believe, OXFORD HANDBOOK OF CLASSICAL LITERATURE. Along with several so named starting places from Greek mythology. Implication being that this is how it was used by Greek speakers in early times.
As astrological term (essentially "starting place of your horoscope, the star of your birth"). Right, this is how the word has been used by non-classicist English speakers--astrology buffs. Given in the OED.
Of course, English wasn't spoken when Greek mythology was in formation, but both meanings are correct. It all depends upon the given application.
(I look forward to seeing what anybody can do with the OED entry for "Severian.")
=mantis=