Everything you need to know about reading your birth chart

Cancers are emotional and Aquarians are too weird. These are a few of the blanket statements out there about the zodiac’s Sun signs. While astrology memes are totally entertaining, there’s more to your birth chart than your Sun sign. Did you know your birth chart consists of multiple planetary placements in 12 different houses? That you have all 12 zodiac signs in your birth chart? No two charts in the world (not even twins) are exactly alike!

First: Your birth chart calculator

If you’re astro-curious, the best way to begin dissecting your own birth chart is to look it up on a free birth chart calculator site, like Astro.com or CafeAstrology.com. You will need your birth date, time, and location for accuracy.

This birth chart calculator was created by www.astro-seek.com in collaboration with astrologer Narayana Montúfar. Learn more about Narayana's work on her website www.naramon.com.

 

But what exactly is a birth chart?

A birth chart is a cosmic snapshot of the moment you were born. The circular chart shows where in the sky the Sun, Moon, planets, and special points like your Rising sign and the Nodes were at the exact moment of your birth. Learning to interpret these can help you learn more about yourself and your life path. BTW: A birth chart is sometimes called a "natal chart." They're the same thing!

What if I don't have my birth time?

If you don’t have your birth time, you can estimate: Look up the time of sunrise on the day you were born for something called a “sunrise chart” or put 12 p.m. for something called a “noon chart.” And if you’re super into astrology, you can pay for an in-depth reading with an astrologer for something called a “natal chart rectification”—where an astrologer asks you detailed questions about your life to essentially work backward to discover your birth time.

 

When and why should I get a birth chart reading?

You can get a birth chart reading any time you want! It can always help you uncover more bout yourself and your life path. Some people like to see a professional astrologer for an in-depth birth chart reading every year on their birthday, or to celebrate any life milestone like starting a new career. But if you're reading your own birth chart casually online, do it anytime and every time you want—it'll help you get more familiar with astrology!

How to read a birth chart

Okay, so you’ve put all your birth info into a birth chart and you have your result—a circular chart with a bunch of symbols and lines all over it. Let’s get into the details!

First, look at that chart. See how it’s divided into 12 different sections? Those are the 12 houses. Yep, your birth chart is divided into 12 houses. Your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs and each planet are located in both a house and a zodiac sign—you might have your Sun in Leo in the 5th house or your Mercury in Libra in the 3rd house. Once you have your chart, use the guide below to start interpreting your own cosmic DNA!

The planets in your birth chart

When you think of your sign, you’re thinking of your Sun sign—aka where the Sun was when you were born. But your birth chart also shows the position of the Moon and the planets when you were born, and each of these signs also reveals something about yourself.

The Sun

This is where you shine the brightest in your life. This is basically what you want to be when you “grow up.” Understanding which house this is placed in can clear up many of your life path and career questions.

The Moon

Your reactions, emotional needs, and comfort zone are all lunar energy. If you don’t feel like your Sun sign, look to your Moon sign. It describes what you need to feel nurtured. P.S. If you were born before sunrise, you have something called a “night chart” and you may resonate more with your Moon sign.

Mercury

Your mind, thoughts, and communication style are associated with the planet Mercury. This sign reveals how you express yourself, and it can give you the self-awareness to learn from and interact with others.

Venus

Venus is the planet of love, beauty, and romance. Its position in your birth chart indicates how you give and fall in love—no surprise it’s many people’s favorite planet! Venus also describes what you need to feel joyful and happy in your romantic relationships and trysts, plus your relationship with money.