What a natal chart is and how to read it

A natal chart is a map of the sky at a specific moment and place. It needs three things: date, time and place of birth.

The three main points

The Sun describes your core and direction. The Moon shows your emotional world. The Ascendant is the sign rising in the east at birth and describes your outer style.

Reading a chart step by step

1. Find the signs of the Sun, Moon and Ascendant.
2. See which houses hold planets: a house is an area of life.
3. Check close aspects: 0°, 60°, 90°, 120° and 180°.
4. Notice the balance of elements.

Why time matters

The Ascendant changes sign about every two hours, so without a time the houses cannot be calculated. Planet signs mostly stay the same.