Birth chart

What is a birth chart?

The birth chart—also known as a natal chart, radix, or natal horoscope—is the foundation of personal astrology. It shows, in the form of a circular diagram, where the Sun, Moon, and all the planets were located on the ecliptic at the moment of birth, and in which of the twelve astrological houses they were situated. To create an accurate chart, three pieces of information are required: date of birth, exact time of birth, and place of birth.

The three basic building blocks

• Planets: They symbolize psychological functions and drives—from the Sun as the core identity to Pluto as the principle of deep transformation. Read more in the article The Planets.
• Zodiac signs: They color the energy of the planets and show how a function is expressed.
• Houses: The twelve houses show in which area of life an energy is particularly active—from identity to career to relationships. You can find a detailed explanation under The Twelve Houses.

What the birth chart does—and what it doesn’t

The birth chart describes tendencies, potentials, and patterns—it is not a map of destiny. It shows the strengths and challenges a person is born with and can foster deep self-understanding. Astrologers emphasize: The stars incline, they do not compel. The horoscope is a tool for reflection, not a judgment.

What happens if I don't know my exact time of birth?

The ascendant and houses cannot be calculated without the exact time. The horoscope then remains incomplete, but the sun, moon (approximately) and planetary positions can still be interpreted.

Is the birth chart different from the annual horoscope?

Yes, the birth chart is unique and shows the constellation at the time of birth. Annual horoscopes describe current planetary movements and how these interact with the personal birth chart.