How to Calculate and Understand Your Natal Chart or Birth Chart
Understanding your natal chart, also known as a birth chart, can provide profound insights into your personality, life journey, and future potential. If you're looking to calculate and understand your own natal chart, here's your comprehensive guide.
What is a Natal Chart?
A natal chart, or birth chart, is a diagram of the positions of the planets, including the sun and moon, at the exact time and place of your birth. This chart is based on the geocentric model, with the Earth at the center, and provides a snapshot of the cosmic forces that were in place when you were born.
Requirements for Calculating Your Natal Chart
To calculate your natal chart, you need the following information:
The exact date of your birth The exact time of your birth (preferably to the minute, but at least to the hour) The exact location where you were born (city, state, and country)If you're missing the birth time, you can still set up a chart for noon or sunrise. This will give you a chart that is around 85% accurate for most astrological purposes. The most accurate chart will be the one based on your actual birth time, but even without it, you can still gain valuable insights.
Where to Calculate Your Natal Chart
There are multiple online tools and websites where you can calculate your natal chart. One popular site is This site offers a basic chart form that you can use to input the required information.
When you visit the site, make sure to use all the default settings. You don't need to change any settings unless you have specific knowledge of the position of various celestial bodies or the specific techniques of astrological calculations.
Understanding Your Natal Chart
Once you have your natal chart, it's important to understand what each element represents. Here are some key components of a natal chart:
Lagna or Ascendant: This is the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth. It represents your outer persona and your first impression on others. Planets: Each planet represents different aspects of your personality and life. For example, Mars rules aggression and energy, while Venus governs love and relationships. Signs and Houses: Each house (12 in total) of the zodiac represents different areas of your life, such as career, relationships, health, and so on. The signs represent the nature of the influence each planet has on these houses.Understanding these elements can help you interpret the chart more effectively. However, for a thorough and detailed analysis, consulting a professional astrologer is highly recommended.
How to Access Your Natal Chart
If you prefer not to calculate the chart yourself, you can contact an astrologer for a professional reading. During the consultation, ask the astrologer for a copy of your natal chart. This copy will serve as a reference for understanding and interpreting the chart.
Alternatively, many websites, such as Saturn Returns, offer the ability to generate and print out your natal chart online. Fill in your details on the site and print out your chart for easy reference.
If you only wish to have a copy of your natal chart and do not need a full reading, you can ask an astrologer to prepare one for you. Some astrologers offer this service for a small fee.
Conclusion
Calculating and understanding your natal chart can be a deeply personal and enriching experience. While there are tools available online to assist you, the most accurate and insightful readings often come from a professional astrologer. With a thorough understanding of your chart, you can gain valuable insights into your character, life path, and future potential.