How to Read a Birth Chart

Step 1: Gather Necessary Information

Before you can start interpreting a birth chart, you need to have all the necessary information. This includes the person’s date of birth, time of birth, and place of birth. It’s important to have an accurate time of birth because the positions of the planets in the sky are constantly changing. The place of birth is also important because it determines the positions of the planets in relation to the person’s specific location on Earth.

Step 2: Create a Birth Chart

There are many online tools that can create a birth chart for you based on the information you provide. Alternatively, you can use an ephemeris (a book that lists the positions of the planets at specific times) and a birth chart wheel to create a chart by hand.

To create a birth chart using an ephemeris and a chart wheel, first, find the planetary positions for the date, time, and place of birth. Then, place the planetary positions on the chart wheel, with the Sun and Moon at the center and the other planets placed in their respective houses.

Step 3: Interpret the Birth Chart

There are many different ways to interpret a birth chart, but some common elements to consider include:

• The signs and houses of the planets: Each planet is associated with a specific astrological sign and house. The sign represents the planet’s energy and characteristics, while the house represents the area of life that the planet is influencing. For example, if Mars is in the first house (the house of self), it may indicate a strong, assertive personality.
• Aspects between planets: The relationship between different planets in a birth chart is called an aspect. Some common aspects include conjunctions, oppositions, trines, squares, and sextiles. Each aspect has a different meaning and can indicate the ways in which the planets are interacting and influencing each other.
• The chart ruler: The chart ruler is the planet that rules the sign on the cusp (beginning) of the first house. The chart ruler represents the overall energy and focus of the chart and can be a key factor in interpreting.