What is a Natal Chart & How Can You Use it to Your Benefit?

Have you ever asked someone what their sign was, and they didn’t know?

The likelihood that the person you asked did not know their sign is pretty low…even if they don’t know what it means to be an “Aries”.

Astrology is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to provide insight into an individual's life. It is a dance between the planet, zodiac signs, and houses. Astrology is very closely linked to psychology, as it is the study of the cycles and energies of the planets and how they relate to human behavior and experience that rational science just cannot. One of the most important tools used in astrology is the birth chart. A birth chart, also known as a natal chart, is a map of the sky at the exact moment of an individual's birth. It provides a detailed analysis of an individual's personality, strengths, challenges, and life path. However, interpreting a birth chart can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. We all have access to our natal charts via the internet, but what do you do with that information, and what REALLY is a natal chart?

A natal chart is kind of like a puzzle that helps individual’s figure out how they may act or feel in certain situations; not to predict the future or be an end all be all. It is about using your personal agency to make decisions that get you closer to your ultimate goals, which ebb and flow with time.

I get it, we can all download the astrology apps that really do give us creepy insight into our own subconscious, but that does not take into account your personal experience, memories you have, and lessons you have learned. In this post, we will provide a detailed guide on how to interpret a birth chart, and how that interpretation can help you get to know yourself just a little more. Astrology can be thought of the an art that allows us to connect our inner and outer worlds to make sense of them, and reveal potential. From that potential, it is YOUR action that turns that potential into reality. The planetary energies either make that potential easier or more challenging. However, I am of the belief that fate does play a part in our lives. Let me explain: if you NEED to learn a lesson, you WILL learn that lesson regardless of whether your conscious wants to learn it or not.

The Big 3

Most people are familiar with their Sun sign, however, there are three main characters in an individuals chart; the sun, moon, and ascendant, or rising placement. The signs can also be knows as the how of astrology, or the characters that the planets play when they are passing through that zodiac sign in the cosmos.

The sun sign represents an individual's core identity, ego, and self-expression.

The moon sign represents one's emotional nature, instincts, and inner self.

The rising sign, also known as the ascendant, represents the individual's outward personality and how they are perceived by others, which can be a tad misleading, but we talk more about the ascendant here(link ascendant post).

These three signs form the foundation of an individual's birth chart and provide invaluable insight into their character.

All of the signs play their role in each persons chart, as the planets are ever moving. Some of the planets move quickly, and others move slowly. The ones that move quickly are going to be the ones that have the most impact on us, whereas the slower moving ones are felt more generationally, or collectively.

Houses

In astrology, the houses represent different areas of life in which the planets and zodiac signs express themselves. The houses show where the planets and zodiac signs were located in the sky at the time of your birth, and they indicate which areas of life will be affected by their energy. There are 12 houses in astrology, and each one represents a different area of life, including your personality, relationships, career, home, creativity, and spirituality.

For example, if your natal chart shows that the planet Venus is located in your 7th house, which represents partnerships and marriage, it could indicate that your relationships will be an important focus in your life. Alternatively, if the planet Mars is located in your 10th house, which represents career and public image, it could indicate that you will have a strong drive and ambition in your professional life.

Understanding the houses in astrology can provide insight into which areas of life are likely to be influenced by certain planets or zodiac signs, and can help you understand your own strengths, weaknesses, and life path.

The Four Elements and Three Modalities

Another important aspect of interpreting a birth chart is understanding the four elements and three modalities & their presence in your chart. The four elements are fire, earth, air, and water, and they each represent different aspects of an individual's personality. Which can also be tied back to their representation in mature as well. Fire signs are passionate and driven, earth signs are practical and grounded, air signs are intellectual and communicative, and water signs are emotional and intuitive. The three modalities are cardinal, fixed, and mutable, and they represent different ways of approaching life. Cardinal signs are action-oriented and leadership-driven, fixed signs are stable and persistent, and mutable signs are adaptable and flexible. Understanding the four elements and three modalities can provide insight into an individual's strengths, weaknesses, and how they perceive, and take action in certain situations.

The Planetary Aspects

The planetary aspects in a birth chart show how the different planetary energies interact with each other and how they impact an individual's life. Some aspects are positive, such as trines and sextiles, which indicate harmony and ease. Other aspects are negative, such as squares and oppositions, which indicate tension and challenges. Understanding the planetary aspects can provide insight into an individual's relationships, career path, and personal growth.

Conclusion

Interpreting a birth chart can be a complex process, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can provide invaluable insight into an individual's life. By understanding the three most important signs, the four elements and three modalities, and the planetary aspects, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others. Remember, astrology is not a definitive guide to life, but rather a tool for self-discovery and personal growth.