birthchart

A birth chart, also called a natal chart, is a map of the heavens at the moment and location of a person's birth. In astrology, it is used to interpret personality traits, motivations, strengths, and challenges, as well as possible life patterns and events.

The chart typically includes the positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets, within the twelve zodiac signs and the twelve astrological houses. The Ascendant (rising sign) marks the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon, and the Midheaven marks the chart’s highest point. The relationships between planets, such as conjunctions, oppositions, squares, trines, and sextiles, are described as aspects that influence interpretation.

Calculation involves the date, time, and place of birth. The chart is drawn for a specific zodiac framework, most commonly the tropical zodiac in Western astrology or the sidereal zodiac in other traditions. The twelve house cusps are derived from a chosen house system (Placidus, Whole Sign, Equal, etc.), which affects how life areas are mapped to each house.

Astrologers interpret the birth chart by examining the signs on the planets and angles, their house placements, and the aspects among them. Techniques include transits (current planetary movements against the birth chart), progressions, and solar returns to discuss timing. Birth charts are used for personality assessment, relationship analysis (synastry), and life forecasting by practitioners, while noting that astrology lacks empirical support in mainstream science and remains a belief-based practice.