How To Read Your Birth Chart Like An Astrologer

An astrology birth chart—also called an astrology natal chart—is a map of where all the planets were in their journey around the Sun (from our vantage point on earth) at the exact moment you were born. An astrology chart reading can reveal your strengths and weaknesses, your opportunities for soul growth, the best timing for your most important moves. You can calculate yours here. All you need is your time, date, and place of birth. (If you don't know the time, put in 12 noon.)

In the example below, the inner wheel (with blue planetary symbols) is our birth chart—which is a fixed map that never changes. The orange planetary symbols in the outer wheel represent the transiting (moving) planets on January 1, 2019. A trained astrologer would compare and contrast the two charts. When a transiting (orange) planet makes contact with one of the natal (blue) planets, it activates specific energy, one that can be either opportune or challenging. Knowing this allows you to plan ahead.

Transit charts are also great for historical perspective: You can look back at important moments in your life—new love, relocations, deaths, breakups, career coups, job losses. Do a chart (or an estimated one) to see what was happening in the stars then.

An astrologer will add up the elements and qualities and "score" the chart. If there's a lack of one trait or a predominance of another, they'll advise the client on how to practically bring more equilibrium into their lives. We call this Astro-Ayurveda because it's the art of balancing your chart!

Also known as your "birthday chart," the solar return chart gives you a one-year chart that lasts from your current birthday until your next one. These charts will vary depending on location. Align your celebrations with the stars for best results! Check out a video tutorial on calculating these here.

In addition to the astrology birth chart, you can do an astrology compatibility chart to see how you'll get along with other people. Synastry charts compare and contrast the planets in your chart and the other person's while a composite chart averages out your two charts using a "midpoint method." It creates a single, blended chart that reveals the essence of your relationship. A composite chart treats your relationship as if it was its own entity or a third "person" (which in many ways is true!).

You can also calculate charts for people and events. Just put in the time, date, and location of the event in question and you can cast an astrology chart for it. For example, if you're planning a party or a big pitch meeting, you can enter the time, date, and location to see how the stars align. Want to know what's happening right now? Do today's astrology chart by simply entering today's date instead of your birth details. Wondering what the year ahead holds? Check out an annual forecast chart that maps out the next 12 months. 

If you still have questions about how to read your birth chart for max insights, check out the tutorial below: