What Is a Birth Chart?

A birth chart is a physical map of the sky at the time you were born. As far back as ancient Babylon, astrologers divided the heavens into the 12 sections of different styles (or archetypes) that had been noted. Those are the 12 signs of the zodiac. There are several elements that complete a birth chart: Signs, Planets, Aspects

• Zodiac signs (constellations) - Archetypes in the sjy that are presented via a sphere (or “zodiac wheel”) that is divided into twelve separate sections in the sky. Each section correlates with a zodiac sign—through which the sun, moon, and planets pass during the year. The zodiacal belt is a heavenly body that extends to 8 degrees north or south of the ecliptic.

• Houses - Each House represents one of the 12 different zodiac signs, as well as a part of our life.

• Aspects (the lines that divide each house) - detail how the planets in your chart are communicating with one another. Depending on the thickness of the line and the color, you can determine just how strong the connection is, as well as what type of connection is being made.

So, to read a Birth Chart, you must consider these three factors

·        the planet in its respective zodiac sign,

·        the House that the planet falls in, and

·        the connections that the planet is making with other planets. Using this information as a guiding force, a birth chart can confirm intricate details about your personality, fears, strengths, insecurity, family, childhood, and so much more.

From our view on Earth, the planets, sun, and moon appear to orbit around us along a path near the ecliptic. Acording to AstroLibrary, a geocentric view is effective in astrology because we study the interaction between the rest of the universe and us here on Earth. As they orbit, they travel through the 12 zodiac signs. Most of you know the sign in which the sun is at any given time . The sun takes one month to travel through each sign, and circles the entire zodiac in one year. As a matter of fact, that is where our concept of "year" comes from. The moon travels the entire zodiac in one month. In fact, our word "month" comes from "moon", and this gave rise to the concept of time (because of the solar and lunar cycles around the zodiac)

What can we learn from our Birth Chart?

A birth chart is a heavenly snapshot of the universal energies at play the moment you arrived on this planet. It provides a roadmap to understanding what makes you, YOU.Your birthchart shines a light on the most unconcious parts of yourself. You can discover what each planetry placement of planets like Mercury and Mars means for you and understand how the connections they make with each other influence your personality.

• Each planet represents an energetic part of our being, or a component of life (i.e. emotions, communication style, love style).

• The position of each planet in the heavens indicates the style in which the planet’s component is manifested.

Accurate Analysis of Your Birth Chart

By entering your birthday, time, and location of birth, you can find out your Sun, Moon, Rising, etc and what that means; the exact placements of all your planets (Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, etc.); and how the planets' interactions impact your overall blueprint. For the most accurate birth chart analysis, you will need the date of birth as well as the hour, minute, and place of birth. The exact time of birth will affect your ascendant and the placement of your houses. If you are unable to get the exact time, make the closest possible estimate or enter 12:00 noon.

How to Read Your Birth Chart?

Your natal chart will show you the placement of each of the planets in various zodiac signs at the time of your birth. In some instances, you may have several planets in the same constellation, in others, it may be more scattered (see sample birthchart below). Each planet has its own function and by learning how to read each one, you can discover more about yourself and journey. Now, a little bit about our Planets & the illuminaries (Sun & Moon)

The Sun

The location of the sun in your chart is your main sign. It represents your conscious self, ego, and sense of self. Your sun sign, sometimes referred to as your star sign, is the one you state when people ask which zodiac sign you are.

The Moon

Your emotional, inner world—your shadow self—is best represented by your moon sign. You can look at the key traits of this sign to learn more about your most private self, your intuition, and your relationships with the main maternal influences in your life.

Mercury

Rules communication as well as our thought process. Consider where Mercury falls in your birth chart for how you perceive and rationalize things. It will reveal to you how you make decisions and how you process and disseminate information.

Venus

The divine feminine planet of Venus represents pleasure, love, and money. Your sign in Venus can provide you with the awareness of how you perceive love, your views on courtship and romance, as well as your personal tastes.

Mars

Represents action, physical passion, and drive. The divine masculine planet of Mars embodies how you assert yourself in the world. Consider this planet for an insight into what gives you a sense of direction and the raw energy of which you get out of bed every day. You can see the manifestation of this energy clearly when you are under pressure, competing, or racing to meet a deadline.

Jupiter

Is the planet of expansion, abundance, spirituality, and philosophy. Your Jupiter sign can give you insight into your attitudes around education, your philosophies, and what morals govern your life. Its location in your birth chart can reveal your perceptions around wealth, receiving gifts and blessings, and experiences of travel and long journeys.

Saturn

Concerns your approach to work and your professional achievements. You can look to your Saturn sign to tell you about your ambition, discipline, and maturity to life.

Uranus

Is an eccentric planet and its position in your chart can symbolize your individuality and the way you handle change or the unexpected.

Neptune

Being a planet of fantasy and illusion, the placement of Neptune in your chart can demonstrate the areas in your life that could bring up confusion. It may address the parts of your life that you tend to avoid or try to sweep under the rug.

Pluto

Though it is a small planet, the energy of Pluto is not to be reckoned with. The placement of this planet in your chart indicates the areas of your life where creation meets destruction. It is the hidden, primal self that can slip out in intense moments. Much of our (Soulescence) designs have been based on the postion of Pluto in your birthchart.

Aspects

Aspects in astrology are extremely important when interpreting any chart. Aspects indicate how the various planetary and sign energies actually play out. They indicate, among other things, if there will be struggles or ease. Without acknowledging the aspects in a chart, the reading is incomplete, and ultimately incorrect. As mentioned earlier, aspects are a connection or relationship between two or more planets. This connection always alters the interpretation of the planets and signs involved. When planets are in aspect to each other, their interpretations must be blended according to the nature of the aspect.

In other words, aspects are special degrees of separation between the planets, with respect to the Earth. Since astrology focuses on the interplay between the celestial bodies and our Earth, we take a geocentric (Earth-centered) view of the heavens. The planets, then, are observed to orbit at different speeds in approximately the same plane in space.

When planets are 0, 60, 90, 120, or 180 degrees apart, they are said to be in major aspect. Other degrees of separation are considered minor aspects. Planets in aspect have a dynamic relationship, which astrologers study carefully. Aspects between planets are, by and large, the determining factor that decide whether a planet’s energy is manifested easily or with struggle (positively or negatively) in your life. This is because, traditionally, some aspects are considered negative while others are considered positive. Modern astrologers have evolved and have stated that all aspects can be used constructively. In astrology, aspects are where the action is. Without aspects, the celestial stage and planetary actors are silent and still. Aspects awaken the planets into the full expression of their energies.

What Are Orbs?

Now, aspects are given a margin in which they have an influence. For example, although the square aspect is 90°, two planets that are 95° (or 85°) apart are still considered to be in square aspect. This margin of influence is called an "orb" in astrology. In the example of 95°, it is considered a square aspect with an orb of 5°, since it deviates 5° from an exact square. An allowable orb is the amount by which the two planets involved can deviate from the exact number of degrees of the aspect and still be considered to have an aspect influence.

Major Aspects

Conjunction

The conjunction (0°) is the circle divided by one (in which the conjunction can be termed as 360° apart, which is the same as 0° in a circle). This is a very dynamic aspect, since it marks a strong focalized potential for expression along with a tendency for direct action and self-dramatization. The two planets in conjunction are blended together, fused, and intensified. Planets in conjunction must be interpreted as a blend in which the planets work together. This can be a good thing if the two planets get along (like say, Venus and the Moon), but it can be inharmonious if the two planets are incompatible (like say, Mars and Neptune).

Sextile

The sextile aspect (60°) is the circle divided by six. It represents an easy flow of opportunities or ideas that, if acted upon, will help realize the individual's goals. It can also indicate talents. This is a harmonious aspect in which the energies of the planets involved collaborate well and work comfortably together. However, while this is traditionally a positive aspect, it is not dynamic. This aspect is rather passive, and it does not necessarily bring an impetus to do anything. The sextile aspect can be characterized as a lack of friction. The main reason that it’s considered positive is that it will not disrupt anything. This is usually pleasant, but can sometimes go unnoticed.

Square

The square (90°) is the circle divided by four. This aspect implies restrictions and challenges. It is a dynamic aspect since the challenges pressure you to work on the issues represented by the planets involved. Planets in square aspect are at cross-purposes. They are in conflict that leads to irritation; achievement is delayed, though patient hard work can lead to success through integration of the two principles. Traditionally, this is a negative, inharmonious aspect. The planets and houses involved are areas in the individual's life where adjustments must be made and where tremendous effort must be expended to realize gains.

Trine

The trine (120°) is the circle divided by three. This is considered the most fortunate of aspects. The trine aspect represents easy flowing energy between the planets involved, bringing luck, opportunities, and innate creative talents. But even too much of a good thing can be bad – the ease brought on by the trine can sometimes be taken for granted, and the talents left unexpressed. In the ancient days, this aspect was thought to bring about a laziness (due to all the good luck) that was considered evil. But more often than not, the trine aspect tends to manifest the most pleasant potential of the planets involved.

Opposition

The opposition (180°) is the circle divided by two. Planets in opposition will appear directly across from each other in the birth chart. This aspect indicates a fundamental polarity or duality; a situation in which one must cooperate with others or break with them. It creates tension leading to frustration, though objectivity can lead to a delicate balancing of opposites. Resolving the tension is helped by compromising between the two energies, otherwise they bounce back and forth, competing for center stage in your life. Compromise can be achieved by accepting that the two are parts of a whole. In general, this is considered an inharmonious aspect.

Minor Aspects

Semi-sextile

The semi-sextile (30°) is the circle divided by 12. This aspect is very mild, barely noticeable, almost insignificant. It is considered by some astrologers as mildly beneficial, but since it connects signs of different elements and qualities, it may actually be mildly difficult, awkward, or uncomfortable. This aspect should be interpreted by taking into account the rest of the chart for more insight. This minor aspect will usually corroborate with other things specified in the chart.

Semi-square

The semi-square (45°) is the circle divided by 8. This is similar to the square, but less intense. This aspect implies friction, generating minor internal conflict or frustration that can be frustrating.

Sesqui-quadrate

The sesquiquadrate (135°), also known as the sesquisquare, is 3/8 of a circle, or "a square and a half." This aspect denotes the same friction as the semi-square, but this irritation tends to generate external difficulties (whereas the semi-square correlates more with inner conflict).

Quincunx (or Inconjunct)

The quincunx (150°) is 5/12 of a circle. This aspect demands continual adjustments. It is not necessarily negative, but it brings strain, some difficulty, or stress. This can sometimes affect the health. It can indicate circumstances that are forced upon the person, or self-neglect regarding that area of life.

Quintile

The quintile (72°) is the circle divided by five. Quintiles imply artistic or creative talents, especially mental ones, as well as versatility and an authentic individuality. It is considered mildly beneficial. The biquintile (144°, ) is considered in the same way as the quintile.