A Full Guide to Your Astrology Birth Chart and How to Read It, According to an Astrologer

Astrology offers us a unique understanding of our conscious and subconscious selves, primarily through our birth charts.

By exploring our birth chart, we can better understand our personalities and desires, leading to greater self-appreciation, acceptance, and acknowledgment.

An astrological birth chart serves as a snapshot of the planets at the date, time, and location of our birth. It is a highly personal tool that enables us to understand ourselves better.

By examining the chart, which many call a “cosmic map to our soul,” we can gain insights into our individualistic connection with the universe.

Here's everything you need to know about your birth chart and how to read yours.

How do you figure out your birth chart?

To generate your birth chart, you'll require three significant details: birth date, birth time and birth location. These details should be verified with official documents like a birth certificate or a baby book — even a parent’s testimony works.

In earlier times, people used to calculate the information manually by creating an ephemeris based on the stars at the time of birth, which is not necessary anymore. You can easily calculate your birth chart online like Astro.com, which will generate a precise birth chart wheel. 

Your birth chart may appear overwhelming at first glance due to the use of symbols to represent planets and signs. However, there is an easy way to understand the meaning of everything. With some practice, even a novice can become an expert by analyzing their birth chart and comprehending the symbols in the diagram.

Don't let the complexity of astrology discourage you from exploring it; it's a discipline that is accessible to everyone. Remember, practice makes perfect!

What are the astrological houses in a birth chart?

The birth chart is divided into 12 distinct areas, known as houses, each representing an essential aspect of our being. Each of these houses contains a wealth of information, and as you navigate through the chart starting at the mid-left side and all the way around, you'll find that each section represents a unique and significant slice of life.

The first house: This section of the birth chart is also known as the ascendant or rising. It is representative of the energy we're putting out into the world, what people notice about us, first, our identity, and the way we represent ourselves.

The second house: This house represents our legacy, material possessions, our relationship to money, and our values.

The third house: This sector of the birth chart signifies communication, early childhood education, siblings, roommates, and the local community.

The fourth house: This part of the birth chart relates to the relationship we have with our family, our home life, our ancestors, and our aspirations.

The fifth house: The fifth house signifies the prospect of taking risks in gambling, investing, exploring creativity, and pursuing casual romantic relationships, hobbies, and children

The sixth house: This house embodies our health, daily activities, habits, wellness, colleagues, and employees. Also, how we can be of service to others.

The seventh house: This area of the birth chart relates to interpersonal relationships, contracts, marriage partnerships, and open enemies.

The eighth house: This is the house of sex, death debts, taxes, transformation, other people's money, and intuition.

The ninth house: The ninth house is the sector of our charts focusing on exploration, travel, philosophy, adventure, higher education, morals, and the law.

The 10th house: This area of the chart represents our public image and standing, as well as our career and achievements.

The 11th house: This place showcases the humanitarian and charitable work being done, as well as our friendships, social lives, hopes, and aspirations.

The 12th house: This is the house of clandestine matters, mental health, secret enemies, all things hidden from the public, solitude, and our subconsciousness.

What are the planets in a birth chart?

It is necessary to take a step forward and explore the planets occupying the houses in the chart. This will bring a unique essence and depth to the overall atmosphere of the house.

For instance, having Mars in the first house would make one an enthusiastic go-getter who is always eager to make things happen. On the other hand, if the moon is in the second house, there would be an emotional attachment to material possessions. Similarly, Mercury in the third house would make the person more curious and informed about every aspect of their life, as well as those around them.

The planets will be shown in each house via glyphs, which are astrological symbols. Here are the planets and a brief synopsis of their cosmic meanings:

Sun: One’s identity, will, and ego.

Moon: Memories, comforts, and emotions. 

Mercury: Communication, siblings, transportation, and intellect. 

Venus: Romance, values, artistry, aesthetics, and confidence. 

Mars: Action, desire, and passion. 

Jupiter: Long-distance travel, abundance, worldly inspiration, exploration, and luck. 

Saturn: Discipline, hard work, maturity, duty, structure, and responsibility.

Uranus: Rebellion, revolution, innovation, breakthroughs, breakdowns, unconventionality, and growth.

Neptune: Illusion, delusions, spirituality, imagination, idealism, and fantasy. 

Pluto: Personal evolution, sudden change, and rebirth. 

The North or True Node: The karnic destiny we are moving toward in our lifetime. 

The South Node: What we are leaving behind from a past life.

What are the zodiac signs in a birth chart?

Understanding which zodiac sign (shown by symbols in the chart above) aligns with each house is crucial in comprehending the energy the Houses and planets embody.

Let's begin with the first house — if Aries governs this house, your energy may be confident, assertive, and driven. You may have a go-getter attitude and a sporty style. Your passion and enthusiasm are evident in all your endeavors. And if Taurus rules your second house, you could be conservative with spending, someone who wants to save money and plan for the future.

To add depth to the interpretation of the houses, it is crucial to comprehend the fundamental connotations of each zodiac sign. That's why the signs are an integral part of understanding your birth chart.

Ahead, read the full synopsis of all the zodiac signs and their characteristics:

Aries: Boldness, fierceness, and impulsivity describe Aries, which is the first sign of the zodiac.

Taurus: The bull is known for its stubbornness and loyalty, as well as its creative potential.

Gemini: The twin star represents duality, socialization, and expressiveness. It also shows us both sides of the situation to make us choose the most informed one.

Cancer: Comfort, emotion, protectiveness, and sentimentality or words to describe this zodiac sign.

Leo: The lion’s qualities can be extreme and dramatic, as well as tenacious and proud.

Virgo: Analytical, patient, and intelligent, Virgo contemplates before moving.

Libra: The Libra sign is known to be fair, diplomatic, and social butterflies. 

Scorpio: The scorpion is known for its intense magnetism and intuition, making it an extremely captivating creature.

Sagittarius: The archer is blunt, direct, full of information, freedom-seeking, and wise. 

Capricorn: The sea goat is reflective, practical, and firm. 

Aquarius: A humanitarian to the core, the water-bearer is outspoken and defiant of conventional norms.

Pisces: Pisces are dreamers who have a compassionate, tender, and empathetic approach to matters.

How does this inform your birth chart?

Once you've crafted your birth chart and learned about the houses, planets, and zodiac signs, you can integrate everything.

For instance, if your seventh house is ruled by Cancer, and Pluto is present in the same house, this indicates that you are someone who is constantly changing your approach towards relationships. You seek growth and development in your relationships, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

On the other hand, if you have the Sun in the 11th house, which Gemini rules, you are someone who always seeks to connect with different kinds of people to gain a better understanding of the world. You thrive in social situations and find it to be a valuable tool in discovering more about yourself.

When interpreting your birth chart, remember that your perspective is the most important. You can think of yourself as an artist, using your birth chart as the brush strokes and the houses, signs, and planets to add color, flavor, and emphasis wherever you feel it's necessary. What matters the most is what you relate to. If it's in your chart, it's in your heart. 

As you dive deeper into astrology and explore your birth chart, you'll better understand yourself and your place in the world. Taking your time and approaching the process with intention can help you truly absorb the knowledge and apply it in meaningful ways.

With your birth chart as a guide, you can gain insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and one-of-a-kind qualities, which can ultimately help you connect more deeply with yourself and those around you.

Lisa Stardust is a bestselling author and astrologer who has been a part of the astrology community for over 15 years. Learn more about Stardust here.