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!
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.
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.
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
Mercury rules communication and intellectual activity. It represents the mind, but also all sensory perception. Everything you experience through your senses is governed by this planet’s energy. Additionally, it governs how we think about ourselves and communicates with others about who we are as people.
2 Venus
Venus is most commonly known for romance-related events such as marriage, but this planet also represents our social identity. How we present ourselves to the world and how others see us are governed by Venus.
3 Mars
The planet of Mars is all about drive and energy, which could be physical or emotional. It represents passion, ambition, and competitiveness in everything we do from day-to-day life to career goals.
4 Jupiter
This planet stands for optimism and faith in ourselves as well as others. It governs our sense of justice and morality. Jupiter is also known as the “party planet” because of its association with joy and pleasure.
5 Saturn
This planet is all about limitations, discipline, and responsibility. Saturn represents the boundaries we place on ourselves or have placed on us by others in how much we can achieve in our daily lives as well as pushing through those limits to get what we want out of life.
6 Uranus
The planet Uranus represents originality, independence, freedom-seeking individuals who do not want to be restricted by rules.
7 Neptune
The planet Neptune is known for its intense spirituality, creativity, and sensitivity to other people’s feelings. It can also represent larger-than-life fantasies or the feeling of being in a dream state.
8 Pluto
This planet is all about transformation, death, and rebirth. It represents a deep inner change that leads to new beginnings after a period of difficulty or loss. Pluto’s energy can be destructive but also has the ability to create something completely new from destruction.
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.
The first house (also known as the ascendant) shows what is most important in your life and how you present yourself as an individual. It will tell you about the role of planets within this section such as which types of people are attracted to you or if there may be something negative that needs to be addressed from past relationships, experiences, etc.
2 2nd House
The second house is about material possessions and money. This section of the natal chart will tell you what things are most important to your well-being as an individual, which can be anything from health care needs or food for sustenance to wealth and abundance as a measure of success in life.
3 3rd House
The third house governs how you communicate with your surroundings, and it includes modes of communication such as talking to someone face-to-face or through the phone. It also shows intellect and all sensory perception (including taste).
4 4th House
The fourth house governs family and home life. It reveals our sense of belonging, security, and what we feel comfortable with in this area of our lives.
5 5th House
The fifth house governs creativity, children (if there are any), romance, arts, or entertainment pursuits like music or dancing that we express ourselves openly through.
6 6th House
The sixth house is all about work and health, which are both linked together in this section of the natal chart. It speaks to what you need to do for your body like eat well or exercise as well as working hard at a job that pays enough so that you can afford necessities.
7 7th House
The seventh house is about partnerships, what our needs are for a healthy relationship and how they correspond to another person’s needs as well.
8 8th House
The eighth house governs economic success (or lack thereof) and investments not just from an individual perspective but also on behalf of others.
9 9th House
The ninth house governs higher education, foreign affairs, and religion. This section of the natal chart will show what type of spirituality or religious beliefs you feel most connected to as well as how it shapes your sense of self in relation to others around you who may have different views on these topics.
10 10th House
The tenth house is about public recognition and success. It speaks to how you are recognized in the world, whether it is through awards or recognition for things that matter most to you.
11 11th House
The eleventh house governs friendships and groups of which we may be a part. This section also shows what your needs are as an individual with regards to group dynamics or feeling like an outsider when it comes to the groups we may be in.
12 12th House
The twelfth house is about time, karma, and soul growth. It is the last section of your natal chart and speaks to how you may be able to heal or new beginnings that come from difficult times.
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
Your trine will show an area where you are able to work well with others and find yourself in a natural flow. This section can also be about something that is recurring or comes up often which doesn’t feel difficult to deal with because there is cooperation from both sides.
2 Squares
A square is an aspect that shows tension and potential struggle. This can be difficult to deal with but also provide necessary lessons or struggles that are a requirement for growth.
3 Oppositions
An opposition means there are two people (or parts of yourself) who have very different needs, values, intent on what they want in life which will create friction when these aspects come up.
4 Conjunctions
A conjunction is an aspect that shows areas of your life where you are able to work well with yourself and find a natural flow. This can also be about something which comes up often or recurs without feeling difficult because there is cooperation from both sides.
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.
