Astro Basics

“How do I read my birth chart?“ and “What’s my rising sign?” are two of the most common questions we hear from people curious about astrology. If you’ve ever wondered about these cosmic mysteries, you’re in the right place!

Here’s the beautiful truth: anyone can learn to read their birth chart. You don’t need to be psychic, mathematically gifted, or born into a family of astrologers. All you need is curiosity, patience, and a willingness to explore the fascinating world within your natal chart.

Ready to decode your cosmic blueprint? Let’s dive in step by step.

1. Intro: Start with the Basics
   1. Step 1: How to Get Your Birth Chart (for Free)
   2. Step 2: Understanding the Natal Chart Wheel
      1. Your Rising Sign (Ascendant)
      2. Your Midheaven (MC) – Your Career Point
      3. The 12 Houses
   3. Step 3: Where Are the Planets in Your Chart?
   4. Step 4: What Are Aspects in a Birth Chart?
   5. Final Thoughts: Learning to Read Your Chart Takes Time

Intro: Start with the Basics

Have you ever asked yourself, “How do I read my birth chart?” or “What’s my rising sign?”

You’re not alone.

Astrology may look complicated at first, especially when you see that mysterious circle full of symbols called a natal chart (or birth chart).

But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through it step by step in a way that’s super easy to understand, even if you’re a total beginner.

Step 1: How to Get Your Birth Chart (for Free)

To begin, you need to generate your birth chart using your:

• Full date of birth
• Exact time of birth (as accurate as possible)
• City and country where you were born

Here are two reliable, beginner-friendly websites for creating your natal chart:

Astro.com (Astrodienst)

• Navigate to the “Free Horoscopes” section
• Select “Extended Chart Selection”
• Input your birth data
• Choose “Natal Chart Wheel” from the chart type options

Astro-Seek.com

• Go to their “Birth Chart Calculator”
• Enter your birth information
• Click “Show the Chart”
• The website will display your birth chart wheel

Your birth chart will appear as a colorful circular diagram filled with symbols, lines, and numbers. Don’t feel overwhelmed, we’ll break down each element together!

Step 2: Understanding the Natal Chart Wheel

Once you see your birth chart, it might look confusing. It’s a circle divided into 12 sections with planets, lines, and symbols. Here’s what to look at first:

Your Rising Sign (Ascendant)

This is the zodiac sign on the far-left side of the chart, usually marked as ASC or AC. Your rising sign is the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon when you were born. It represents how you appear to others and how you approach life. It’s one of the most important points in your chart!

Here is how to locate your rising sign:

• Find the left side of your chart: Look for the horizontal line extending to the left
• Look for “ASC” or “Ascendant”: This marking appears where the horizontal line meets the outer ring
• Note the zodiac sign: The sign at this point is your rising sign
• Check the 1st house cusp: Your rising sign also marks the beginning of your 1st house

Your Midheaven (MC) – Your Career Point

While you’re looking at your chart, you’ll also want to locate another important point: your Midheaven (also called MC, which stands for Medium Coeli). Your Midheaven represents your relationship with authority and status, your career path and professional aspirations, how you’re known in the public eye, your reputation and legacy, what you’re naturally drawn to achieve in the world.

Here is how to locate your Midheaven:

1. Find the top of your chart: Look for the highest point on the birth chart wheel
2. Look for “MC” or “Midheaven”: This marking appears where the vertical line meets the top of the outer ring
3. Note the zodiac sign: The sign at this point influences your career and public reputation

The MC works together with your rising sign to show both how you appear to others personally (rising sign) and how you’re known professionally or publicly (Midheaven).

The 12 Houses

The circle is divided into 12 pie-like slices. These are the houses, and each one represents a different part of your life (career, love, health, etc.). The 1st House starts where your rising sign is.

Step 3: Where Are the Planets in Your Chart?

Each planet (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, etc.) will fall into a sign and a house.

When interpreting planets in your chart, consider three factors:

1. Which planet: What energy or life theme does it represent?
2. Which sign: How does that planetary energy express itself?
3. Which house: In what life area does this energy focus?

For example: Venus in Gemini in the 3rd House might mean you express love through communication, enjoy intellectual conversations with partners, and may meet romantic interests through writing, social media, or in your immediate environment.

Step 4: What Are Aspects in a Birth Chart?

You’ll notice lines in the middle of the chart connecting planets. These are aspects, they show how different parts of your personality interact:

• Conjunction (0°): Two planets close together, working as one.
• Trine (120°): A natural flow, easy energy.
• Square (90°): Challenge or tension, needs effort.
• Opposition (180°): Two sides pulling, needs balance.

When you find aspects in your chart, ask yourself:

• How do these two planetary energies show up in my life?
• Do I experience tension or ease between these traits?
• How can I use this aspect constructively?

Remember, challenging aspects aren’t “bad”—they often indicate your greatest sources of strength and achievement. Many successful people have prominent challenging aspects that created the drive and determination needed to overcome obstacles.

Final Thoughts: Learning to Read Your Chart Takes Time

Start simple. Find your rising sign, then explore where your Sun, Moon, and planets are. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything at once, astrology is like learning a new language. The more you look at your chart, the more sense it makes!

If you’re ready to go deeper, explore our other beginner-friendly posts or try a free resource.