Now that you’ve learned the basic meanings of the 12 zodiac signs, 10 planets and 12 houses of the natural wheel, we can begin to look at how these three things come together in an individual’s birth chart (also referred to as a natal chart). The birth chart is an astrological “photograph” of the moment of birth, showing the locations of all 10 planets within the 12 signs. This chart is calculated using five pieces of data:

• month of birth
• day of birth
• year of birth
• time of birth
• place of birth

You can easily create a birth chart for yourself or someone else by using an astrology website, or you can consult a professional astrologer to construct one for you.

In the event that you’re not sure of your exact birth time, an astrologer with experience in birth time rectification can create a birth chart with reasonable accuracy.

Learning the Components of a Birth Chart

A birth chart typically provides the following information:

• a list of the 10 planets and their exact location within the 12 zodiac signs
• a table that breaks down planet locations by element and mode
• a natal chart wheel illustrating the 12 houses and their ruling sign, as well as the degrees for each house cusp
• an aspects table that uses special symbols or glyphs to describe the connection, if any, between the planets and the axes of the natal chart wheel

Aspects

In astrology, the term aspect refers to the angle a planet makes to other planets in a birth chart. It also refers to the angle between a planet and the two axes of the chart, defined as the ascendant (AC) and descendant (DC) line or axis, which runs from left to right on the natal chart wheel; and the midheaven (MC) and lower midheaven (IC) line or axis, which runs from top to bottom on the natal chart wheel. Many professional astrologers include stars and asteroids in natal charts, so they may consider aspects between these heavenly bodies as well.

Simply put, aspects tell us how the planets connect or “talk” to each other in a birth chart. They show tendencies, abilities and challenges. There are six major aspects, each of which has its own meaning and significance in astrology. Because aspects can be made between planets, axes points, and various heavenly bodies, we use the term “energy” or “energies” to refer to them. The number of degrees that define the aspect is the value, and the orb refers to how far apart (in degrees) the energies can be in order for the aspect to still be considered influential. Professional astrologers may use different orbs based on their experience reading and interpreting charts; the orbs listed below are an example.

Definitions

Conjunction

Value = 0 degrees

Orb = 7-10 degrees

Blends the power of both energies. Conjunctions are considered to be a very intense aspect.

Opposition

Value = 180 degrees

Orb = 7-10 degrees

Requires balance between the energies. Oppositions force us to seek awareness through the process of learning how to compromise and cooperate.

Trine

Value = 120 degrees

Orb = 7 degrees

Shows the presence of gifts or talents and where creativity flows freely. Trines are found between elements (see Chapter 2); for example, the Sun at 10 degrees Cancer (a water sign) and Jupiter at 17 degrees Pisces (also a water sign) would aspect each other as a trine.

Square

Value = 90 degrees

Orb = 7 degrees

Conflict or challenges that bring about change. Squares are found between modes (see Chapter 2); for example, the Moon at 1 degree Leo (a fixed sign) and Venus at 4 degrees Taurus (a fixed sign) would aspect each other as a square.

Sextile

Value = 60 degrees

Orb = 5 degrees

Offers an opportunity to achieve greater things; requires work. Sextiles are found between fire and air signs OR earth and water signs. For example, Mars at 17 degrees Aquarius and Uranus at 15 degrees Sagittarius would aspect each other as a sextile.

Inconjunct (Quincunx)

Value = 150 degrees

Orb = 2 degrees

Adjustment of attitudes through courage and willpower. Reorganization may be required in order to move forward.

Understanding how aspects work in a birth chart can be confusing for beginning students of astrology. However, it’s very easy to understand the role of the ascendant or rising sign.