What is a Natal Chart in Astrology?

An astrological natal, or birth chart, is a graphic and mathematical representation of the planets in the heavens at the precise moment of your birth. Month, day, year, time, and location are factored into the calculation of the rising sign, or ascendant. The rest of the chart follows counterclockwise in a 360-degree circle, divided into twelve slices of the “pie.” These slices are called houses and represent areas of your life. The twelve signs are also placed around the wheel, starting off with the rising sign. The planets are then placed in the houses where they belong based on the sign and degree of sign they occupied at your birth moment.

The planets in their places interact with each other creating patterns of energy flow or resistance that are referred to as aspects. As time moves on, the transiting planets in the heavens interact with the natal planets, offering different energy patterns to work with. The natal chart shows you what you have to work with, and transits to the natal chart show you where, when, and how you have opportunities to utilize your talents and grow. A comparison of two people’s natal charts can tell the story of how they might relate, and can help them improve their relationship.

The planets in our natal chart form a picture of us. Just as the passage of time changes us from infant, toddler, youth, teen, and adult, but we can still see the essence of who we are in the earliest photos taken, so too, do planets continue to interact with our natal chart through transits. The planetary transits can affect us on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels triggering events, decisions, and transformations. The natal chart retains the essence, while the transiting planets activate energy within the chart. We change and grow while retaining the essential essence.

Many people who have not resonated with Sun sign astrology or daily horoscopes find out why during a natal chart reading. Often, other planets in the first house of self may have more strength, the Sun itself is either weak or unaspected, or there is a cluster, or stellium, of planets in another sign, which becomes dominant in the expression of personality traits.

The Moon rules the emotions and is feminine in nature. The Sun has more to do with ego and self identification and is masculine in nature. It is not uncommon for a woman to seem more like her Moon sign than her Sun sign. The most wonderful moments for me as an astrologer are those of confirmation. Many people have an inner yearning to pursue a certain thing, yet suppress the desire for any number of reasons. When I hit on that certain thing in their natal chart without them having mentioned it before the reading, I see their entire face light up with excitement. The usual exclamation of wonder is, “I always wanted to (fill in the blank), but I never (fill in the blank).” The astrological confirmation of their inner self gives them the confidence to express their nature and follow their dreams.

The natal chart is a valuable life-navigating map. I know every adult can benefit from the self-knowledge gained from studying the basics of astrology and applying them to analysis of their own natal chart, or by having a consultation with an experienced astrologer. Likewise, every child can benefit from having a parent or caregiver analyze their chart.

Thanks to computers, which can easily store and calculate the necessary atlas and ephemeris data and mathematical equations required to erect a birth chart, any curious seeker can search “free natal chart” and find a reliable online source for chart generation. There are many sites, forums, and online groups that can help you learn the basics of astrology, so that you can understand your chart. However, nothing is better than having a skilled and experienced astrologer interpret your chart for you.

When seeking a personal astrologer, be sure to ask if they are using a computer-generated interpretation program or actually interpreting your natal chart themselves. If you are paying for professional experience and personal service, that is what you should expect to receive. At Aloha Astro, I offer both person and computer generated reports.

The first and most important birthday gift you receive is your natal chart created at the moment of your birth. Together, we can unwrap the gift of your natal chart and help you achieve your full potential and best life. I would love to be your personal astrologer!

At Aloha Astro, I offer an in depth Look and Listen video screen capture interpretation of your natal chart – the Life Purpose Recording.

For budget savvy seekers, I offer a One Hour Reading by Skype or phone. Skype has a record feature built in, and you can view the screen as I go over your chart. If you prefer a phone reading, there are many apps you can download now that will record a phone call using your phone. Clicking on the image below will take you to my schedule.