A natal chart is a map of the sky at any given moment in time. It can be used to predict personality traits, future events, or anything else that has an astrological connection. If you want to get started with interpreting your own natal chart, this article will give you all the information you need!
What Does Your Natal Chart Tell You?
Your natal chart, also known as your birth chart, tells you exactly where each planet was in the sky at the exact time and place of your birth. Natal charts are a valuable tool that can help you figure out your true self. They provide insight into your personality, life path, and how to navigate it in the most harmonious way possible.
Your natal chart will also indicate the challenges you will face in life and provide you with guidance on how to use these tougher moments as learning lessons and opportunities for growth.
In order to acquire a natal chart, you will need to know the exact hour and minute of your birth, as well as the date and city you were born in. You can easily look up your chart on several websites and apps. If you would like a more in-depth view of your chart or some additional support in interpreting it, you may want to consult an astrologer.
How Do I Read My Natal Chart?
The chart is broken up into twelve sections, each one containing an astrological sign and planet. Each section has a different meaning depending on where it falls within the chart. We also look at the placements of the sun, moon, and something called the rising sign, or ascendant sign.
The first step in understanding your birth chart is to learn about your sun, moon, and rising signs. These placements have the most influence on your personality and the events of your life.
1 Sun Signs
The sun sign is the first thing you see when looking at a chart. This astrological element indicates where your personal energy comes from and what type of person you are, as well as how others perceive you. The sun sign can be seen as your personal filter for viewing the world. It will determine how you make meaning and what you value, as well as what motivates and inspires you.
2 Moon Signs
The moon sign is the second astrological element you see when looking at a chart. This placement indicates what type of emotions and experiences are important to you, how much energy you have, your personal rhythms or cycles, as well as your deepest desires.
Your moon sign can strongly indicate how you will react to events in your life and what you will do when faced with challenges, as well.
The moon also governs the unconscious mind and the personal memories that we’ve had.
3 Ascendant Signs
The ascendant sign is the third astrological element you see when looking at a chart, it indicates personality traits or qualities tied to your ego – how others perceive you. The Ascendant is also sometimes referred to as the rising sign because of its location in relation to the horizon.
The ascendant is the most personal of all the astrological placements and will govern how you interact with others, as well as your motivations in life. It will indicate potential career paths and what type of partner you should look for to be happy. The Rising Sign also indicates our connection to family lineage- if possible it is worth researching what your ascendant sign is.
What Role Do The Planets Play In My Birth Chart?
The second step in understanding the natal chart is to learn about each planet’s meaning. The planets are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. You will have different astrological traits based on which planets are the strongest in your chart.
To determine what astrological traits you may have, look at where each planet is located within your natal chart and whether it falls into an element (air, fire, water, earth) or a zodiac sign. The element and zodiac sign will be influenced by the planet it is in.
1 Mercury

2 Venus

3 Mars

4 Jupiter

5 Saturn

6 Uranus

7 Neptune

8 Pluto

How Do You Read Houses On A Birth Chart?
The third step in understanding the natal chart is to study houses. Houses are a 12-sectioned circle on your birth chart that divides up all of space and time. Different signs will occupy each house of your chart. Houses are generally broken down into three categories- personal, family, and public life- with the exception of the 12th House.
1 1st House

2 2nd House

3 3rd House

4 4th House

5 5th House

6 6th House

7 7th House

8 8th House

9 9th House

10 10th House

11 11th House

12 12th House

What Are The Most Important Aspects In A Natal Chart?
The fourth consideration to make when reading your natal chart is the aspects, or how planets are connecting to each other. This will show areas of your life that have more synergy where you can really thrive and make something great happen together with another person or yourself.
Here are four aspects you can get started with. Identify them in your chart and see which planets are connecting to each other in those areas. The signs and planets will provide you clarity as to what they mean.
1 Trines

2 Squares

3 Oppositions

4 Conjunctions

Final Thoughts
There are a lot of factors that go into chart reading and the natal chart can even be different for every person depending on what time they were born or where they were born. However, with practice, you will learn how to read your own personal charts and find new insights about yourself that can improve and empower your life.