Getting Started with Reading a Natal Chart | Astrology Basics
Here we will explore the basics that you would need to start reading a natal chart.
There are many ways of doing this, here we see one recommendation, but do what feels wright for you.
The first thing is to know is what astrology is, there's an article on that if you want to go deeper (...article) but basically it is how the cycles of the universe have an influence in our personal and collective lives and how to harness this influence for the best posible results.
The next step is to know which type of astrology you want to learn since there are different systems like tropical, sidereal, modern, traditional, Vedic, Mayan, Uranian and more. Depending on the system you choose it could be different, but there are some things that are similar in some of them. Here I will explain the basic points that at least tropical, sidereal, modern, Vedic and traditional share.
Know the planets, this varies from different systems since some use more than others. For example, traditional uses up to Saturn which is the last planet that was seen with the naked eye, while modern goes up to Pluto and beyond using asteroids and other points.
Now that you know the planets including the Moon and the Sun, I recommend to learn basic key words of the meanings of each of them.
Know the Signs
Depending on the system you use normally there are 12 signs since the zodiac works like a clock. So the same goes here, learning the key words of the meanings of each sign.
Know the Houses
Similar to the Signs there are normally 12 houses. Learn their meanings with key words, they are similar to the 12 signs so it's easier if you relate the similar themes to learn them faster. There's also many different house systems so it would also depend on your preference but for beginners I recommend whole sign system.
Know the Ascendent, Descendent, Mc and Ic. Of this the ascendent is the rising sign in the east horizon at the moment of birth and is an important point. Learn the key words of each of them. It's also important to understand that the ascendent can change very fast, that's why precise time of birth is ideal. Also this marks the houses so that's another important thing to consider with this point.
Once you have all this knowledge you can get an app or a software to help you calculate a chart with the time of birth, make sure that it aligns to the system of astrology you chose and that you can put the house system you want.
After you write your time and place of birth and get the chart you can put all the knowledge to work. Here you combine everything and it becomes like a story told in a new language, the language of the stars.
Here you will make combinations with the key words you learned. You combine house, sign, planets and points involved and can go one by one, as you do different combinations of the key words you will get interesting messages that tell you life themes and... Congratulations!!! You are reading a chart!!!
This process can be complex and feel overwhelming so just take your time, do it step by step and when you are ready take the next step. Work on you patience and also it's good to relax, breathe and/or meditate before doing astrology, this also gives you a deeper connection to the planets and also trust your intuition with the messages, try to not only aproch it on a mental level but also listen to your feelings when you see different connections, it will also realign yourself with higher cosmic wisdom, specially if you are working on your own chart.
You can also get guidance. I offer private lessons if you feel it would be better for you, as well as private readings.
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In this guide, we’ll cover the basics you need to start reading a natal chart. There are many ways to approach this, and while we offer one recommendation here, feel free to follow what feels right for you.
Step 1: Understanding Astrology
Before diving into charts, it’s essential to know what astrology is. We have an article that goes deeper into the subject (…article), but in short, astrology explores how universal cycles influence personal and collective lives—and how to harness these influences for the best possible outcomes.
Step 2: Choose Your Astrology System
There are several different systems of astrology, such as Tropical, Sidereal, Modern, Traditional, Vedic, Mayan, and Uranian. Each system offers unique insights. Choose the one that resonates with you. While some systems vary, they share certain fundamental principles. Below, we’ll cover the basics that are common to Tropical, Sidereal, Modern, Traditional, and Vedic astrology.
Key Concepts to Learn
1. Know the Planets
• Different systems use different planetary bodies.
• Traditional astrology includes only the planets visible to the naked eye (up to Saturn).
• Modern astrology includes outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) and additional points like asteroids.
• Recommendation: Start by learning keywords for each planet’s meaning, including the Sun and Moon.
2. Know the Zodiac Signs
• Most systems use 12 signs arranged like a clock.
• Learn the keywords for each sign to understand their core meanings.
3. Know the Houses
• Similarly, there are typically 12 houses in most systems. Each house has themes that align with the signs, which can help you learn them faster.
• There are several house systems (like Placidus, Equal, Whole Sign), for beginners, Whole Sign Houses are recommended because of simplicity but you can start with the one that calls you as well.
4. Understand the Ascendant, Descendant, MC, and IC • The Ascendant (or rising sign) is the sign on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. It’s essential because it defines the structure of the houses in the chart and has important interpretations as well.
• Precise birth time is crucial, as the Ascendant changes quickly. If your birth time isn’t exact, it can affect the entire reading.
• Learn the keywords for these key points (Ascendant, Descendant, MC, IC) and their role in the chart.
Step 3: Calculate a Chart
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the basics, use an app or software to calculate your chart. Make sure the program allows you to:
• Choose the astrology system you’ve selected (Tropical, Sidereal, etc.).
• Pick your preferred house system (such as Whole Sign).
Input your birth date, time, and location to generate the chart.
Step 4: Putting It All Together
With the chart in front of you, it’s time to combine what you’ve learned. Think of it as a story told in the language of the stars.
Use the keywords for each planet, sign, house, and point to interpret the chart step-by-step. For example:
• Planet in a Sign in a House. Explore what these combinations tell you about life themes and personal patterns. As you practice, you’ll uncover deeper messages and insights.
Congratulations! You’re now reading a natal chart!
Tips for the Journey
Reading natal charts can be complex and sometimes overwhelming. Take it step-by-step and be patient with yourself. Here are a few tips:
• Relax and breathe. A calm mind will help you connect with the chart.
• Meditate before reading if possible, as it will enhance your intuitive connection with the planets and other celestial wisdom you will work with.
• Trust your intuition—astrology isn’t just an intellectual exercise; it’s also about feeling the cosmic patterns.
• Practice with your own chart to reconnect with higher cosmic wisdom and deepen self-understanding.
Need Guidance?
If you’d like personalized help, I offer private lessons and readings. Together, we can dive deeper into your chart and enhance your learning experience.
https://www.astrologyinnovation.com/
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