Astrology: Learn to Read a Birth Chart
Updated: Oct 5
Stars and Planes
To get into the bath, let's become familiar with astrological terminology
✦ Zodiac in the sky
It is an area of the celestial sphere associated with the 12 traditional zodiac constellations that give 12 astrological signs their names.
The zodiac is a band of sky extending 18.5 degrees on either side of the ecliptic, the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
✦ The same zodiac
but in the 2D representation used by astrologers.
In the type of astrological chart shown here, the zodiac appears as the “outer ring.”
Count the signs
How many zodiac signs are there?
8
14
12
✦ The Planets in the Sky
The planets follow paths close to the ecliptic, within the zodiac band.
That is why, in astrology, we interpret the planets according to their position in the zodiac—that is, planets in signs.
✦ Back to a 2D Chart
In astrology, we use geocentric astronomical maps because we observe the sky from the Earth.
The Earth is therefore at the center off the chart, even though it is not drawn, The outer ring always shows the zodiac, and the planets are drawn inside it opposite the signs they occupy.
Do you remember?
What is the zodiac in the sky?
The entire celestial sphere
A region in the sky through which planets appear to move.
A random area in the sky
Where are the planets located in the birth chart?
Outside the zodiac
Inside the zodiac
In a straight line
What are the planets shown in the birth chart?
Outside the zodiac circle
At the center, because we view the planets from the Earth.
Inside the zodiac circle, next to the other planets.
Which part of the birth chart shows the 12 zodiac signs?
The lines in the center
They are not shown
The outer circle
Key Point
Seen from the Earth, the planets move along the zodiac band.
They do not wander randomly across the whole sky.
✦ Astronomical View of the Solar System
The planets’ orbits all lie roughly in the same plane.
Here the Sun is at the center in a heliocentric view, but in astrology we observe the plants’ dance as seen from Earth—a geocentric view. Did you notice how fast the Moon moves?
Do you remember?
Why do planets stay near the zodiac band?
The house lines pull them there
Most of their orbits lie in a single plane
They jump randomly across the sky
Do planets wander randomly across the whole sky?
No, they remain next to the Sun
No, they remain near the ecliptic
Yes, anywhere at any time
Did you know?
Astrology is a discipline thousands if years old and a language.
It brings together astronomical SCIENCE, SYMBOLISM, and ARCHETYPES to offer concrete yet subtle framework for reading reality.
It is also...
a human science!
Astrology is a tool that restores MEANING: a discipline of listening to the Self and the environment, a tool for AWARENESS and RECOGNITION of who we are, individually and collectively!
Three Keys to Interpretation
✦ Toward a map of the sky
It is simply an astronomical map of the planets’ positions in the zodiac from a geocentric point of view.
✦ The Three Essential Tool of Astrology
Your birth chart is a symbolic map of your inner system.
You will learn the three major keys to astrological interpretation step by step, beginning with planets:
✦ Planets
Symbolically, each planet represents an inner human function…
…such as the mind, emotions, rigidity, and more. They are represented by glyphs inside this chart.
✦ The 12 signs of the Zodiac
Symbolically, each sign corresponds to a particular energy that “colors” the planet's function.
They appear on the outer ring as highlighted below:
✦ Houses
First Key
Which astrological tool answers the question: “Which function is active?”
The house
The planet
The sign
Which astrological tool answers the question: “How does it express itself?”
The house
The planet
The sign
Which key answers the questions: “Where does it show up?”
The house
The planet
The sign
USE ALL THREE KEYS
Select the three correct associations
Planet → which inner function is active
Sign → how it expresses itself
House → where it shows up
Aspect → when it will happen
Parts of a Chart
✦ Beyond the Three Keys
We will teach you how to use Aspects. They connect the planets inside this chart.
Symbolically, they correspond to the interactions between the planets. They shape our entire inner dynamic, so learning them will be essential!
Do you remember?
What are the lines inside the chart called?
Houses
Aspects
Zodiac signs
Which astrological tool refers to moving celestial bodies?
Planets
Houses
Signs
Which part of a chart generally represents the zodiac band?
The outer ring
Aspect lines
House zones
Which part of the chart uses numbered zones?
Houses
Planets
Signs
The planets remain within 18.5
…on either side of the ecliptic (the plane of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun)
…in relation to the houses
…in relation to the aspects
Did you know?
Astrology considers three levels through which reality can be read.
We will consider three dimensions that are always connected and interdependent, but operate at different vibrational levels. As your lessons progress, you will see that certain astrological elements evoke one or another of the three planes:
By learning astrology
You’ll be able to decipher
Your inner physical, psychological, and energetic workings; your life and generational purpose; your strengths and challenges; the conditioning that weighs on you; your initiatory processes and wounds; your paths to liberation and healing; your life cycles and inner timing. Yes, all of that!
It’s tempting, isn’t it?
If you haven’t already, we recommend entering your birth details. That way, you can learn from your own chart right from the start!
If you do not know your birth time, check your health record or family record book, or contact the town hall where you were born. Precision matters because your birth time determines, among other things, your Ascendant, which changes every four minutes!
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