Guide
Frequently asked questions about astrology and chart calculations
We collected the questions people ask most often about astrological calculations — from the natal chart and houses to transits and Mercury retrograde.
What a natal chart is and why you need one
A natal chart is a diagram of the planetary positions at the moment of birth, tied to date, time and place. It is used as a tool for self-knowledge: it shows character traits, strengths and areas of tension. A detailed breakdown of the concept is in the article what is a natal chart.
Can you build a chart without an exact birth time
You can, but with reservations: without the time it is impossible to calculate the houses and the exact Ascendant, so the chart will be incomplete. The planetary positions by sign and part of the aspects between them remain available and correct.
How to quickly learn to read your own chart
Start with three anchor points — the Sun, the Moon and the Ascendant — then move on to the houses and aspects. The step-by-step order of analysis is described in the article how to read a natal chart.
What the houses in a natal chart are responsible for
The houses divide the chart into twelve areas of life — from personality and money to career and partnership. Their boundaries are called cusps and are calculated by different systems, most often the Placidus system. A full description of all the houses is in the article houses in astrology.
What Mercury retrograde is and whether you should fear it
Mercury retrograde is a period when the planet visually moves backwards through the zodiac. This is a natural astronomical phenomenon that repeats several times a year. It does not cancel plans, but it is traditionally associated with paying closer attention to documents, technology and agreements.
How transits differ from the natal chart
The natal chart is fixed at the moment of birth, while transits are the current positions of the planets on a specific day. A transiting planet passing over a natal point activates the theme connected with it.
What a solar return is and how it helps
A solar return chart is built for the moment when the transiting Sun returns exactly to the same zodiac point it occupied at birth. Such a chart is read as the accent of the coming year.
What progressions and directions are
Progressions and directions are techniques of symbolically advancing the natal chart through time, where one day or one degree equals a certain period of life. They are used to track inner changes over long stretches of time.
Why a moon calendar is useful
A moon calendar shows the current phase and sign of the Moon and helps you match everyday activities with the lunar cycle. It is calculated separately from the natal chart and updates daily.
What the antisolar point is
The antisolar point is the zodiac point opposite the position of the Sun in the chart. It is treated as an additional accent showing the shadow or less conscious side of the solar theme.
What firdaria are
Firdaria are a system of dividing life into periods, each ruled by a particular planet. The method comes from medieval astrology and is used to analyse major life stages.
What the Tree of Sephirot and the Star of the Magi are in astrology
The Tree of Sephirot is a kabbalistic structure that some astrological traditions correlate with the planets and their symbolism. The Star of the Magi is a chart technique that uses special points for forecasting a future period. Both topics belong to the more specialised branches of astrology.