A Natal Chart shows where the Sun, Moon and planets were at the time of your birth.  The planets and Zodiac signs are shown using symbols with the position of each planet measured by its degree location within the sign.  These charts require some knowledge of astrology in order to discern a
person's personality potential similar to the way that understanding the stability of a corporation from its financial statement, balance sheet or business loans practice requires an advanced business degree.  In the example below, the Sun (which looks like a circle with a dot in the middle) is at 17 degrees 47 minutes Scorpio.  The red and green lines in the middle connecting some of the planets indicate specific angular measurements called Aspects.  Using this data as well as their knowledge of in the various Signs and Houses, astrologers can often determine detailed personality traits for that individual.  Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs is an excellent book on the basic personality traits for each sign.

Generally, the Sun, Moon and Ascendant determine the foundation of personality.  The Sun will represent the core personality, the Moon will affect the emotional nature, and the Ascendant, which is the Sign that was on the eastern horizon at the time of birth, defines the outward appearance and how the person interacts with the world.  The example to the right is an individual who is a very strong Scorpio due to the fact that the Sun, Ascendant, Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury are all in that sign.  

If a person seems to be “out of character” with his or her sign it could be caused by heavy planetary influences elsewhere on their chart.  For example, a stellium, which consists of three or more planets clustered together in another sign, can create a significant influence that can shift their personality more toward that sign.  In the chart below, this person has their Sun in Virgo, yet with Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury and Pluto in Libra, will show many characteristics typical of Libra.

If your birth time is not available, the chart will not be as accurate.  I have seen the Natal Charts of twins differ when there was only a three minute time difference in their births.  Often their personalities are remarkably different.  This occurs because the planets are constantly moving as well as the Ascendant, which can cause major aspects to change, even in a short time.  Furthermore, during a 24 hour period, the Moon or even the Sun, can change Signs.  Neither conveniently moves into a different sign right at midnight.

Of course the most important element in a Natal Chart is generally the Sun.  Almost everyone knows what sign they were born under, though cusp dates (when one sign ends and another begins) may differ, particularly in global horoscopes, such as those found in magazines or the newspaper.  For example, someone born on July 22, 2004 at 6:37am would be a Cancer with a Cancer Ascendant, but if they had a twin born a mere three minutes later at 6:40am they would be a Leo with a Leo Ascendant.  I’ve seen global horoscopes list both July 22 and July 23 as the cutoff date between Cancer and Leo, so if you were born on a cusp, your actual time of birth is necessary to know your Sun Sign for certain.  The dates for the signs don't change consistently, year to year, either, so it's necessary to check an ephemeris to know for sure.

While the Sun has a major influence on our chart, the planets likewise contribute significantly, each adding their own particularly energy to the House where they reside, their vibes blending to a greater or lesser degree with the sign in which they're located as well.  Also of importance in a Natal Chart is the placement of the major asteroids, i.e. Chiron, Ceres, Vesta, Pallas Athena, and Juno.

The Natal Chart is also the basis for much of predictive astrology as well.  As the planets move through their orbits they form Aspects that can indicate influences in force on a daily and sometimes longer basis.  These movements are called Transits and are the basis of Horoscopes. 

While your Natal Chart remains in force for your entire lifetime, a technique known as the Secondary Progressed Chart reflects how you evolve as a person with the passing of time.  Solar Return Charts provide a glimpse of what to expect in the year immediately following your birthday.

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