Llewellyn Worldwide - Encyclopedia: Examining a Natal Chart

Examining a Natal Chart


Astrologers also look at chart
patterns, such as planets falling more heavily in one section or on one side of
the chart than another, or forming a pattern which looks like a kite or a
bucket. There are many ways to look at a birth chart. Some people see the
chart as a mandala, and use it as a focusing or meditational tool. Some
astrologers draw artistic renderings of the chart, emphasizing certain colors or
symbols which have outstanding qualities. To most beginners, however,
the chart just looks like a jumble of symbols! Even though you may know some of
the qualities of these different symbols, you may still feel a bit confused
about how to put it all together. It does take time and study to synthesize all
these factors, but there are a few tips which can speed along your sense of the
chart as a whole.

1. To synthesize the concepts of the heavenly bodies,
signs, houses, and aspects, consider the basic principles behind each of their
symbols and create descriptive sentences about them.


2. Remember, the
Sun, Moon, planet (or asteroid) illustrate what the energy is; the signs show
how the energy works, and the house indicates where the energy is focused.
Aspects add emphasis, strength, or intensification to the meaning of a planetary
energy, and may help you understand why the energy is directed in a particular
manner in your life. If you use the model of a play or drama, think of the
planets as the actors, the signs as their roles, the houses as settings and
scenes, and the aspects as the interactions between the actors in the drama.


3. When looking at a chart, it is sometimes helpful to begin by looking
at the placements of the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. The Sun indicates the
kind of person you strive to be; the Ascendant is what others see; and the Moon
is who you are within. If these three positions are compatible with one another
by element or sign, then there may be an easier expression of the personality.
But if there is discord between them, then the personality may be more difficult
to pinpointóa factor of complexity emerges.


4. Look at where the planets fall in the chart.
Instead of interpreting each individually, consider them all
as equal in influence for a moment. Do they scatter about the circle? If so,
perhaps you scatter your energy too easily. Do planets cluster on one side of
the chart, or on the top or bottom? The chart's left half is considered to
represent self-direction and independence. The right side indicates the need for
feedback from others, and an orientation toward relationships. The top of the
chart is public and outwardly focused, and an emphasis on this half of the chart
will indicate a life of strong public influence. The lower half of the chart is
inner-directed, and adds a need to get to know oneself. Planets falling
primarily in this half of the chart indicates the need to feel comfortable with
oneself and one's abilities before striking out in the world.


5. Count the number of celestial bodies in each element. If there is a preponderance of
any one element, the characteristics associated with that element will be strong
in your personality. The same is true of the modes (thus, if you have seven
planets in fixed signs, your personality will express the nature of fixity).
Then you can combine the two. As an example, if you have predominantly
Cardinal and Fire planets, your personality will be very much like the
Cardinal Fire sign, Aries. This overview gives you a good
starting base. One thing you will learn is that nothing in astrology
stands alone. There are always other features which relate to the qualities,
planets, signs, and other elements of the chart. And remember, your chart
indicates potentialónot a set of absolutes!