How to Create and Start Reading Your Own Natal Chart

Follow the steps below to creating your natal chart and to start reading right away!

1. Creating your Chart

There are several websites you can use to create your natal chart. I’ll list a few of them here and the beneifts of each:

1. Astro-seek.com – This site I highly recommend. It can provide of a lot of detailed information and has so many tools and resources to help you get the most information out of your chart. It provides a detailed descriptions of each planet in its sign and aspect. However, using the site can be overwhelming for a beginner who has never made a natal chart before as all the different tools and links might be confusing, so I would only recommend exploring this site only once you have a firm grasp on the natal chart basics. The downside is this site is infamous (if you decide to make an account) for very uncouth types who will try to contact you for purposes outside of learning Astrology under the guise that they are. Many use this site as a dating site. (I would recommend keeping your profile private if you don’t want to be bothered by others on this site.) You can also add profiles of people you know and their birth dates/times/places. The best part is most of Astro-seek’s tools are free to use!
2. Astro.com – This site can create a very attractive downloadable and printable natal chart. You can also create a profile and add family and friends’ birth details to keep on file. This site offers several types of horoscope readings. Some of them are free, but most have a pay wall that you either have to subscribe or purchase a report to get the full information. It claims to have the best Horoscopes in the world. I have never purchased one of their reports, but it might be useful for a beginner especially. This site also as an Astro-Databank tool that has natal charts on over 60,000 people, particularly useful if you want to find the chart of a certain famous person, however for full access, you have to be a subscriber.
3. Alabe.com – Astrolabe is one of the first sites I ever used to create my own natal chart. The best benefit is that the chart comes with a description of each planet in each sign and how it presents in your personality. It also includes other free horoscopes which give pretty enlightening and useful information which can be expanded upon by purchasing the full version of the report (which is not a bad price in my opinion). Astrolabe also offers Solar Fire which is an astrology program used by most professional astrologers.
4. Cafeastrology.com – Cafe Astrology has LOADS of information to help you analyze, study and digest your natal chart. It will take you days and days and probably more days to get through all of the information they provide. There are two different ways to create your chart on this site. One will create the typical circular chart showing the aspects between the planets and the other creates a table that shows the planets in which signs and houses they occupy along with what degrees the planets are stationed. I would highly recommend this site as there is so much to learn. I haven’t even thoroughly browsed through the site yet!

2. How to Use and Understand your Chart

There are 3 components you will need to learn and recognize before you can understand your chart. They are 1. Planets, 2. Signs, and 3. Houses. Planets are the components of the chart that give and receive energy. They are activators and debilitators. The sign that the planet is in will dictate what style or “flavor” of action the planet will take. The House will determine what category of your life this activation or debilitation will occur. I will give a brief description and definition of each Planet, Sign, and House below. Understanding each of these components and how you interpret your chart based on these definitions is just the beginning. The next thing to learn will be aspects and then house or sign rulers (and it goes much deeper than that), but for simplicity I am not going to cover that here. This information below can give you the basics to start and of course some of the sites mentioned above provide detailed descriptions of your chart, but if you want to understand the reasoning behind the descriptions, please keep reading.

3. The Meaning of the Planets

1. The Sun – Supplier of Energy – Identity, Essence, Vitality, Personality, Ego, Inspiration, Plotline, Drive, Willpower, Health, Father, Husband, Authority, Conscious Mind, Goals, Offspring, Masculine Energy, the Obvious, Light, Warmth, Dry.
2. The Moon – Reflector of Energy – Emotions, Feelings, Intuition, Imagination, Creativity, Comfort, Empathy, Subconscious Mind, Unconscious Desires, Home, Family, Motherhood or Mother, Habits, Routines, Feminine Energy, the Hidden, Dark, Cool, Wet.
3. Mercury – Exchanger of Energy – Communication, Intellect, Adaptability, Coordination, Organization, Curiosity, Versatility, Wit, Learning
4. Venus – Attractor of Energy – Attraction, Emotional Connections, Relationships, Romance, Aesthetics, Beauty, Pleasure, Sensuality, Harmony, Balance, Materialism, Magnetism, Charm, Style
5. Mars – Consumer of Energy – Drive, Energy, Passion, Confidence, Ambition, Stamina, Achievement, Sexuality, Constructive/Destructive Energy, Courage, Bravery, Desire, Instinct, Aggression
6. Jupiter – Capturer of Energy – Structure, Construction, Growth, Expansion, Justice, Karma, Abundance, Morality, Honor, Optimism, Luck, Community, Beliefs, Travel, Foreign Connections, Higher Learning, Education Systems, Religious Systems.
7. Saturn – Blocker of Energy – Restriction, Boundaries, Responsibility, Discipline, Perserverance, Authority, Mastery, Traditions, Age, Challenges, Isolation, Commitments, Reliability, Diligence, Determination.
8. Uranus – Diffractor of Energy – Freedom, Independence, Originality, Innovation, Invention, Spontaneity, Rebellion, Randomicity, Uniqueness, Scattered Energy, Surprises.
9. Neptune – Obscurer of Energy – Illusion, Deception, Dreams, Psychic Intuition, Imagination, Creativity, Spiritual Awareness, Mysticism, Idealism, Naivety.
10. Pluto – Subtracter/Adder/Controller of Energy – Transformation, Loss/Gain, Death/Rebirth, Destruction/Reconstruction, Subconscious, Subterranean, Control, Power, Wealth, Obsession.

1. Aries – The Ram – Ruled by Mars – “I AM” – Leader, Initiator, Soldier, Pioneer, Athlete – Fearless, Energetic, Independent, Impulsive, Courageous, Assertive – Fire – Cardinal – Color: Red & Gold – Rules the Head and Vitality – Tarot: The Emperor
2. Taurus – The Bull – Ruled by Venus – “I HAVE” – Creator, Artist, Sculptor, Designer, Banker – Stable, Grounded, Creative, Artistic, Sensual, Loyal, Dependable, Secure, Persistent, Determined, Resourceful – Earth – Fixed – Color: Green & Pink – Rules the Throat – Tarot: The Hierophant
3. Gemini – The Twins – Ruled by Mercury – “I THINK” – Communicator, Educator, Writer, Experimenter – Intelligent, Adaptive, Expressive, Intellectual, Imaginative, Youthful, Quick-Witted, Restless, Playful, Dynamic, Agile – Air – Mutable – Color: Yellow & Blue – Rules the Arms, Hands, & Lungs – Tarot: The Lovers
4. Cancer – The Crab – Ruled by the Moon – “I FEEL” – Mother, Nurturer, Hermit, Empath, Counselor – Emotional, Empathic, Nurturing, Caring, Sentimental, Intuitive, Loyal, Imaginative, Adaptive, Attached, Instinctual, Sensitive – Water – Cardinal – Color: Silver & White – Rules the Stomach, Brain, and Breasts – Tarot: The Chariot
5. Leo – The Lion – Ruled by the Sun – “I WILL” – Director, Actor, Designer, Entertainer – Dramatic, Creative, Bold, Courageous, Generous, Creative, Ambitious, Loyal, Protective, Passionate, Expressive, Cheerful, Protective – Fire – Fixed – Color: Gold and Purple – Rules the Heart – Tarot: Strength
6. Virgo – The Maiden – Ruled by Mercury – “I ANALYZE” – Organizer, Analyst, Statistician, Critic – Analytical, Intelligent, Organized, Perfectionist, Critical, Conscientious, Methodical, Detailed, Reliable – Earth – Mutable – Color: Tan & Yellow – Rules the Digestive System – Tarot: The Hermit
7. Libra – The Scales – Ruled by Venus – “I RELATE” – Diplomat, Mediator, Stylist, Influencer, Negotiator – Balanced, Charming, Diplomatic, Indecisive, Open, Honest, Attractive, Collaborative, Elegant, Communicative, Lover, Romantic – Air – Cardinal – Color: Ivory, Pink & Blue – Rules the Lower Back & Kidneys – Tarot: Justice
8. Scorpio – The Scorpion – Ruled by Mars – “I TRANSFORM” – Investigator, Detective, Researcher, Analyst – Passionate, Intense, Analytical, Obsessive, Curious, Magnetic, Fearless, Intuitive, Resourceful, Determined, Protective, Loyal, Charismatic, Charming, Powerful – Water – Fixed – Color: Red & Black – Rules the Genitals and Bowels – Tarot: Death
9. Sagittarius – The Centaur – Ruled by Jupiter – “I SEE” – Traveler, Monk, Intellectual, Philosopher – Adventurous, Inquisitive, Social, Intelligent, Honest, Open, Generous, Optimistic, Grandiose, Free-spirited – Fire – Mutable – Color: Maroon & Navy Blue – Rules the Hips, Thighs, and Liver – Tarot: Temperance
10. Capricorn – The Seagoat – Ruled by Saturn – “I USE” – Manager, Developer, Architect, Entrepreneur – Ambitious, Determined, Practical, Organized, Patient, Resilient, Hardworking, Diligent, Industrious, Dedicated, Focused – Earth – Cardinal – Color: Brown & Khaki – Rules the Knees – Tarot: The Devil
11. Aquarius – The Waterbearer – Ruled by Saturn – “I KNOW” – Healer, Teacher, Humanitarian, Inventor – Independent, Unattached, Observant, Unique, Unconventional, Influential, Futurist, Curious, Wise, Problem-Solver, Innovative – Air – Fixed – Color: Silver & Blue – Rules the Shins – Tarot: The Star
12. Pisces – The Fishes – Ruled by Jupiter – “I BELIEVE” – Dreamer, Empath, Artist, Musician – Compassionate, Intuitive, Imaginative, Adaptable, Balanced, Creative, Dreamy, Thoughtful, Focused, Mystical, Transcendental, Fluid, Reactive, Contemplative, Benevolent – Water – Mutable – Color: Purple & White – Rules the Feet, Lymphatic System, & Liver – Tarot: The Moon

1. The First House – Modern Ruler is Aries – Self, Appearance, Body, Drive, First Impression, Identity, Attitude, Life Approach
2. The Second House – Modern Ruler is Taurus – Foundation, Finances, Income, Possessions, Values, Habits, Work Ethic
3. The Third House – Modern Ruler is Gemini – Communication, Networks, Peers, Siblings, Neighborhood, Community, Short-Distances
4. The Fourth House – Modern Ruler is Cancer – Home, Family, Roots, Ancestors, Mother, Femininity, Behind the Scenes, Personal Space
5. The Fifth House – Modern Ruler is Leo – Romance, Sex, Creativity, Fun, Free-Time, Fertility, Self-Expression, Love, Play
6. The Sixth House – Modern Ruler is Virgo – Work, Daily Routine, Pets, Small Animals, Health, Service, Fitness, Systems, Labor
7. The Seventh House – Modern Ruler is Libra – Relationships, Marriage, Partnerships, Contracts, Business Associates, Sharing, Equality
8. The Eighth House – Modern Ruler is Scorpio – Debts, Loans, Partner’s Resources, Shared Property, Shared/Given/Taken Assetts
9. The Ninth House – Modern Ruler is Sagittarius – Law, Religion, Higher Education, Government, Foreign Travel, Outside Cultures
10. The Tenth House – Modern Ruler is Capricorn – Career, Life Goals, Public Appearances, Status, Father, Provider, Popularity
11. The Eleventh House – Modern Ruler is Aquarius – Dreams, Hopes, Wishes, Communities, Friends, Social Networks, Peer Groups
12. The Twelfth House – Modern Ruler is Pisces – Subconscious, What’s Hidden, Self-Undoing, Isolation, Solitude, Self-Awakening

Once you have a basic understanding of the concepts of the Planets, Signs, and Houses; then you can begin to blend them together to start forming a narrative. I will put my own chart as an example below and will choose a few planets and describe them in how it represents me.

Let’s do the first 3 planets.

We’ll start with The Sun as that is a general encompassing representation of my personality. We know The Sun in my chart is in Aries and we know it is in the 4th House (at least in this Placidus House Model, which that’s a different topic for another day on the different kinds of House Models.). As I described above, we can associate The Sun with my identify, my ego, my drive, my vitality, etc. My Sun is in Aries and as I described above, Aries represents leadership and initiator qualities. Aries represents independence, impulsivity, and fearlessness, taking actions without fear and without dependence upon others. When you have The Sun in Aries, it means I generally identify myself as an independent courageous person who takes initiative on my own and doesn’t usually need validation from others to take action, which is true! When you bring The Sun into the 4th house (which depending on the House system used, my sun could end up in the 5th house, but we’ll focus on the 4th house in this instance for simplicity and clarity), with 4th house representing my home, family, personal space etc. as I described above, it means I shine most in my home and personal space, where I feel most comfortable. When you combine the 3 together, my planet, sign, and house, with my Sun in Aries in my 4th house, it signifies that I value my independence within my own personal space, and I find it easier to take initiative when I am on my own by myself, which is true!

Next, let’s look at my Moon. My moon represents what I will find comfort in and what will support me emotionally. As a parallel to my Sun being in the 4th house representing that I find comfort in being on my own, Moon in First house also adds to this theme. The First House represents also myself and my identity and how others perceive me. The Moon in the First House signifies how I find comfort within myself and that I find myself preferring to be alone on my own during times of stress. It can also represent that I wear my emotions on my sleeve and that I don’t hide them, which is true! My Moon is in Sagittarius which represents I have a nomadic inquisitive nature and that I am always seeking emotional fulfillment (and knowledge) by ways or subjects that are far outside of myself, for examples, traveling on my own to a foreign country (which I have done a couple times, and I felt very comfortable doing it). Moon in Sagittarius means I don’t like staying attached to the same thing for too long, I need to constantly be seeking and searching. With it being in my First House, this is a major part of my personality, and showcases my constant quest for emotional fulfillment and knowledge in structures and places outside of myself. It also probably represents my passion for astrology because I use it to understand myself, how I feel, and how I think as well as others.

Those are just two examples of how you can blend the information together. Many of these Astrology chart creation sites as mentioned above can already give you some descriptions on the meanings of each planet and its’ location, but if you really want to start reading charts on your own, I suggest do this exercise first on a chart before looking at other’s interpretations. Plus, it will be much easier to remember what everything means when you start practicing on your own, and then you can use the external descriptions as verification on if you hit the mark or not. If you have any questions or comments, or would like me to read your chart, don’t hesitate to CONTACT ME HERE!