INSIDE: Learning how to read an astrology birth chart can be a fun journey. A natal chart wheel offers so much information about who we are, what we are focused on, how we operate in the world, what we attract, and so much more. Learn how you can interpret yours in a few easy-to-follow steps…
The truth is, we all define success differently and find fulfillment in different things. While some are focused on building careers or finding life partners, others find happiness in travel, charity work, or self-actualization.
There’s a saying that where focus goes, energy flows, and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to natal charts.
Unsurprisingly, according to Positive Psychology, there is a direct correlation between how we set our goals and how we achieve success. In astrology, we can decode our approach to success, while also gaining a deeper insight into where our energy truly goes by determining our planetary placements.
If you’re curious about understanding your natal chart or learning how to read the astrology birth chart of someone you care about, you’re in the right place. Let’s dig in!
How to Read a Natal Chart?
For someone who is just getting into astrology, just seeing a natal chart wheel can seem as confusing as hieroglyphs. You may wonder what in the world do all these symbols and lines mean? And where do you even start reading your chart?
If these and similar questions seem all too familiar, worry not. The truth is, astrology has many, many layers, and many different approaches, but with some steps, you could easily gain some insight into how that mysterious world functions.
We are here to back you up with some simple-to-follow instructions that can help you gain at least some clarity as to what astrology birth chart symbols represent and where you can begin with your readings.
Let’s look at the steps now. May each bring you clarity and help you on your Astro-discovery journey!
1. Check your Birth Date, Time of Birth & the Location of Birth
If you don’t know where to start, check some of the trusted astrological sites that offer free natal chart wheels, such as:
AstroDienst Free Chart Calculator
CafeAstrology Free Chart Calculator
AstroSeek Free Chart Calculator
There are a few ways to interpret an astrology birth chart, and there are a few types of house systems and wheels. For simplicity, today we are focusing on Western astrology, the Placidus House system, and the Placidus wheel.
These are the most common and are usually the default settings in Astro charts, making them great for beginners who are just getting into chart readings.
Knowing the exact (or least approximate) time and place of birth are essential, as this will affect the degrees of the planets and the houses. The wrong birth time, in particular, can shift the wheel so much that it can show a completely different Ascendant and different placements.
While you can get some basic information about your planetary placements without the time of birth, you won’t be able to see houses or the ascendant sign, which are very important for a personalized natal chart reading.
2. Check Planets in Signs & Elements
Now that you’ve entered your data in a chosen calculator, you’ll be able to see two things: a natal chart wheel and a natal chart graph with listed planetary placements. In this step, we are focusing only on the graph.
The graph provides information about the ten planets and usually some additional information, such as the Rising sign, nodes, Chiron, and so forth. For simplicity, focus only on the planets and the Rising sign, as these will be the main influences and energies in your chart.
In the graph of your astrology birth chart, you’ll see that each planet has a sign. These signs will represent different parts of yourself. For the beginning, the main signs to look at are your Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and the Rising sign.
You’ll find what these planets represent in our Guide to Astrology Planets.
Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto are generational planets, and won’t have as big of an impact on your personality as other planets unless they make important aspects or are found on angles (which we’ll get to later).
Looking at those signs in the graph, you’ll likely be surprised to see that there is so much more to you than your zodiac sign.
For instance, you may be a Cancer Sun in the zodiac sign chart, but could just as well have four planets in Leo, making you super passionate, fiery, and charismatic! Or, your zodiac sign may be Gemini, but you may have Mars and Venus in Taurus, and Moon in Capricorn, which will make you very earthy, and sober Gemini with a solid character.
Looking at the graph, you can calculate the most predominant element in your astrology birth chart, as this will also play into your character:
Fire Qualities & Fire Signs – Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Earth Qualities & Earth Signs – Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Air Qualities & Air Signs – Gemini, Libra,…
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