Guide
How to read a natal chart
Reading a natal chart begins with the three most visible points — the Sun, the Moon and the Ascendant — and then moves to the houses, planets and aspects.
The three pillars: Sun, Moon, Ascendant
The Sun is the center of the chart: will, identity and life purpose. The Moon is the emotional background, instincts and what gives comfort. The Ascendant is the filter through which the world sees you and how you react to new situations.
Planets in signs
Next, look at the planets in signs. Each planet is a function, and the sign is the style of that function. Mercury in Scorpio investigates, Mercury in Sagittarius generalizes. Venus in Taurus seeks stability, Venus in Gemini seeks variety.
Planets in houses
1st house — identity
Planets here strongly influence appearance and manner of self-expression.
7th house — relationships
Venus or Mars here emphasizes partnerships and the type of partner you attract.
10th house — career and status
The Sun, Saturn or Jupiter in the 10th house often point to career themes and public role.
Aspects
Conjunctions (0°) merge energies. Trines (120°) and sextiles (60°) show flow and support. Squares (90°) and oppositions (180°) point to tension that requires awareness and effort.
Practice
Do not try to read everything at once. Begin with the three pillars, add the Moon and Sun houses, then slowly layer in aspects. Read more in the article on astrological houses.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I start?
Start with the Sun, Moon and Ascendant. These three points describe the core of personality, emotional needs and the outer style.
What does the house tell me?
The house shows which area of life the planet's theme will be expressed in.
How do aspects work?
Aspects are angles between planets that show how they support or challenge each other.
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