Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial objects as a means of divining information about human affairs and terrestrial events. By knowing your date, time and place of birth, an astrologer can create a natal chart that provides insight into your personality, relationships, career and more. Your birth chart acts as a cosmic snapshot of the heavens at the moment you entered this world.
Astrologers believe your birth chart reveals your potential, challenges and strengths. It essentially serves as an astrological forecast for your soul’s journey through life. By analyzing the zodiac signs and planets in your astrological birth chart, astrologers can interpret what’s written in the stars for you.
Understand the Significance of Your Zodiac Sign
The zodiac is comprised of 12 astrological signs that are derived from constellations. In astrology, the zodiac signs represent specific personality types and characteristics. Your zodiac sign is determined by your date of birth – whichever zodiac was present in the sky at the time you were born is your sun sign.
Here are the 12 zodiac signs and their dates:
| Zodiac Sign | Dates |
|---|---|
| Aries | March 21 – April 19 |
| Taurus | April 20 – May 20 |
| Gemini | May 21 – June 20 |
| Cancer | June 21 – July 22 |
| Leo | July 23 – August 22 |
| Virgo | August 23 – September 22 |
| Libra | September 23 – October 22 |
| Scorpio | October 23 – November 21 |
| Sagittarius | November 22 – December 21 |
| Capricorn | December 22 – January 19 |
| Aquarius | January 20 – February 18 |
| Pisces | February 19 – March 20 |
Your sun sign describes your basic nature and identity. It rules over your sense of self, your individuality and ego. For example, Leos have a strong sense of identity and pride, while Pisces are very intuitive and emotionally sensitive. As the center of your astrological chart, your sun sign is the cosmic equivalent of your personality.
However, our sun signs are just one component of our birth chart. To get a full picture, astrologers also analyze the moon, planets, houses and angles at your exact time and location of birth.
Determine Your Moon Sign
Your moon sign (also known as your lunar sign) provides insight into your inner emotional life. The moon changes zodiac signs approximately every 2-3 days, so your moon sign can be different from your sun sign. To identify your moon sign, you need your exact birth time.
The moon sign governs your instincts, unconscious habits and emotional needs. It reveals your inner self, so it’s known as your emotional zodiac sign. For instance, a Pisces moon is very sensitive, while an Aries moon is impulsive. When your sun and moon signs are in harmony, you tend to feel aligned. But if they conflict, it can cause inner turmoil.
Knowing your moon sign can illuminate your inherent nature, including what makes you feel emotionally secure. It also influences how you experience intimacy in relationships. Your moon sign can be even more defining than your sun sign, so be sure to find out where the moon was on your birth date.
Determine Your Ascendant or Rising Sign
Your ascendant, or rising sign, is another critical component of your natal chart. Located at the 9 o’clock mark on your birth chart wheel, it represents your outward personality and physical appearance. Your rising sign is the zodiac sign that was rising over the eastern horizon at the precise moment of your birth.
To calculate your ascendant, astrologers need your exact birth time. This reveals the zodiac sign that was “rising” as you took your first breath. Your rising sign is the lens through which you view life, so it colors your perspective and self-expression.
For example, Leo rising individuals often have a vibrant, theatrical presence. On the other hand, Capricorn rising people can seem more solemn and serious. Your rising sign greatly influences that all-important “first impression” you make on others. It may complement your sun sign, or it can add new flavors to your astrological makeup.
Understand the Meaning of the 12 Houses
Your birth chart is comprised of 12 houses that represent specific life areas and activities. Each house is ruled by a different zodiac sign. The houses describe what areas you will encounter in life, while the zodiac signs describe how you may approach them. Here are the meanings of the 12 houses in astrology:
| House | Rules |
|---|---|
| 1st House | Self, appearance, first impressions |
| 2nd House | Finances, possessions, values |
| 3rd House | Communication, siblings, neighbors |
| 4th House | Home, family, roots |
| 5th House | Fun, creativity, children, romance |
| 6th House | Health, service, daily routine |
| 7th House | Partnerships, marriage, contracts |
| 8th House | Sex, death, transformation |
| 9th House | Travel, education, spirituality |
| 10th House | Career, legacy, reputation |
| 11th House | Friends, groups, hopes and wishes |
| 12th House | Secrets, spirituality, self-undoing |
The zodiac sign on the cusp or beginning of each house influences that part of your life. For example, if bold Leo is on your 7th house of partnerships, you may be drawn to romantic partners who are confident and charismatic.
Analyze the Planets and Their Placements
Astrologers believe the planets represent different archetypes that express themselves through your personality. Your birth chart shows where each planet was located at the time you were born. The sign the planet occupies and the house it rules over both shape its influence over you.
Here are the meanings of each planet in astrology:
| Planet | Represents |
|---|---|
| Sun | Vitality, self-identity, ego |
| Moon | Emotions, instincts, foundations |
| Mercury | Mind, communication, logic |
| Venus | Love, beauty, art, harmony |
| Mars | Sex, action, aggression, drive |
| Jupiter | Luck, abundance, expansion, ideals |
| Saturn | Discipline, limitations, authority, lessons |
| Uranus | Change, originality, revolution, innovation |
| Neptune | Illusion, empathy, compassion, spirituality |
| Pluto | Power, rebirth, secrets, obsession |
For instance, if disciplined Saturn was in fun-loving Leo when you were born, you may struggle with balancing work versus play. Or if romantic Venus was in analytical Virgo, you could express love through practical acts of service. Analyzing the planets and signs in your chart provides clues about your cosmic DNA.
Examine How Planets Aspect Each Other
Astrologers also consider the angles or “aspects” formed between planets in your birth chart. These represent the conversational dynamic between the planets and their combined influence on you as a person.
Major aspects include:
- Conjunction – 0 degrees (planets are aligned)
- Square – 90 degrees (tension)
- Trine – 120 degrees (harmony)
- Sextile – 60 degrees (fortuitous)
- Opposition – 180 degrees (contrast)
For example, if Mercury squares Mars in your chart, you may struggle with impatience in communications. But if the Moon trines Venus, you likely have wonderful emotional intuition. Analyzing the interplay between planets provides further insight into your character and motivations.
Determine Your Dominant Planets and Elements
Some planets may appear more frequently or prominently in your astrological chart. These dominant planets will color your personality and desires. For instance, if social Venus appears in 5 of your houses, relationships will be extremely important to you.
The four elements – fire, earth, air and water – also help shape your temperament. Fire signs are passionate, earth signs practical, air signs intellectual and water signs intuitive. Determining which element is strongest in your chart provides another layer of insight. For example, an abundance of water could indicate highly developed emotional sensitivity.
Consult Your Astrologer for a Custom Analysis
While you can learn the basics about your chart on your own, consulting a professional astrologer is the best way to extract meaningful insights from your birth chart. Experienced astrologers synthesize all the nuances in your unique chart – the planet placements, their aspects, the sign rulerships and more – to provide a personalized, detailed assessment. This customized analysis can reveal astonishing truths about your inner nature and external experiences.
Conclusion
Your astrological birth chart is a powerful self-discovery tool for understanding your psyche, relationships, motivations and life path. By knowing your zodiac sign, moon sign, rising sign and other details, you can uncover your cosmic strengths and weaknesses. Examining your unique planetary profile enables you to align your actions and perspectives for growth. Ultimately astrology reveals your soul’s purpose and helps you navigate life’s journey with higher awareness. Consult a trusted advisor to fully illuminate the promise in your natal chart.
