A natal chart is a schematic representation of the sky at the moment of a person’s birth. Let’s take a closer look at how the chart compares to the real sky. Here is a chart overlaid onto our real world.
As you can see, the horizontal line on the chart represents the horizon line. On the left is the point of sunrise—known as the Ascendant (Asc). On the right is the point of sunset, called the Descendant (Dsc). The Ascendant and Descendant are two of the most important astrological concepts related to the natal chart:
- Ascendant (Rising Point): The Ascendant is the zodiac degree rising above the horizon at the exact time of birth. It represents the starting point of the first house in the natal chart. The Ascendant is considered very important because it symbolizes our face to the world—our physical nature, the way we present ourselves, and the first impressions we make.
- Descendant (Setting Point): The Descendant is the opposite point to the Ascendant—the zodiac degree descending below the horizon at the time of birth. It marks the beginning of the seventh house and reflects relationships, partnerships, and marriages in our lives.
Everything above is the sky we see. Below is the part of the sky currently hidden, visible only from the other side of the Earth. You can see that the Sun is above the horizon, while the Moon is below.
The chart contains various symbols, numbers, and lines. Below, we explain all of them.
In astrology, there are four primary elements—the pillars of astrology: planets, zodiac signs, houses, and aspects. Let’s review each one:
Planets: In the natal chart, planets hold a crucial role. Each planet carries its specific energy and influence. Each is also represented by a unique symbol:
Zodiac Signs: Zodiac signs are depicted in the colored sections of the circle in the diagram. These unique sectors of the sky are named after certain constellations. In modern astrology, they are equal sections of the circle that once aligned with these constellations but now bear only their names due to the gradual “shift” over millennia. The circle they belong to is called the ecliptic.
The ecliptic is the path of the Sun across the sky (including the unseen portion). The other planets also follow approximately the same path with slight deviations, so their positions are projected onto the ecliptic. The ecliptic is divided into 12 equal parts, named after specific constellations—these are the signs of the zodiac. They are counted from the point of the vernal equinox.
In the chart, the planets are located within certain zodiac signs. The numbers next to the planets indicate degrees. As you know, a full circle is 360 degrees, with each zodiac sign covering 30 degrees. Thus, the number next to each planet represents the degree within the sign where it is located.
Houses in Astrology:
Houses are also sky sectors, and there are 12 of them, usually indicated with Roman numerals:
- I – First House
- II – Second House
- III – Third House
- IV – Fourth House
- V – Fifth House
- VI – Sixth House
- VII – Seventh House
- VIII – Eighth House
- IX – Ninth House
- X – Tenth House
- XI – Eleventh House
- XII – Twelfth House
The houses also divide the ecliptic into sectors, but using a different principle. The thickest red lines on the diagram mark important points. Two of these lines you’ve already met—the Ascendant (left) and Descendant (right). The Ascendant marks the start of the 1st house. The start of a house is called the cusp. Thus, the Ascendant is the cusp of the 1st house, while the Descendant is the cusp of the 7th. They are always directly opposite each other, forming a horizontal axis on the chart. The Ascendant and Descendant remain fixed in their positions.
You also see two other thick lines, but vertical rather than horizontal. The top point is the MC (Medium Coeli), and the bottom point is the IC (Imum Coeli). MC translates from Latin as “middle of the sky,” while IC translates as “bottom of the sky.” MC is the highest point of the ecliptic, and IC is the lowest. This forms the vertical axis. While it’s not always precisely vertical, it often leans slightly to the left or right.
MC marks the cusp of the 10th house, while IC marks the cusp of the 4th house. The 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses are the most important and are known as angular houses. There are clear astronomical justifications for the positions of the Ascendant, Descendant, MC, and IC. The other houses are calculated based on these points using specific algorithms. There are many variations of these algorithms, known as house systems. The most popular systems are Placidus and Koch. Typically, you can choose the house system in an astrology program. As you can see, each planet not only falls within a particular zodiac sign but also within a specific house. The cusps of the houses, along with the planets, fall at particular degrees within the zodiac signs.
Aspects:
Aspects are lines connecting the planets. The word “aspect” comes from the Latin word for “look,” as if the planets are “looking” at each other. However, to form an aspect, the planets need to be separated by a certain distance, usually measured in degrees, as we are dealing with a circle. The distance between the planets doesn’t have to be exact; aspects allow for a range known as an “orb” (from the Latin word for “orbit” or “sphere of influence”). Here are some main aspects:
- Conjunction (0°): When two planets are about 0 degrees apart, they are typically very close to each other.
- Sextile (60°): A harmonious, constructive aspect.
- Square (90°): As if they are at a right angle to each other if you draw an angle through the center of the chart. This is a tense, conflicting aspect.
- Trine (120°): This results from dividing the circle into 3 parts and is a very harmonious, favorable aspect.
- Opposition (180°): When planets are directly opposite each other. This is a highly tense aspect.
Orbs vary depending on the planets, rather than the aspects themselves, and are usually a few degrees wide. Orbs can be adjusted in the astrology program.
Now you should have a rough understanding of what the chart shows. In future articles, we’ll delve deeper into each of these elements.
Author: Afa Suari
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