Method of Natal Chart (Horoscope) Analysis

The natal chart (horoscope) is a person’s astrological passport. Interpreting it can help uncover the causes of setbacks, adjust the development of one’s life script, and find a personal spiritual path.

In constructing a natal chart, the time of birth—accurate to the minute!—plays a crucial role.

Interpreting the Natal Chart

The essence of chart interpretation is to blend the meaning of the four fundamental elements of astrology (Planets, Signs, Aspects, and Houses) into a unique synthesis for each individual. These elements each have a different essence and function.

The Planets are the active players on the field of destiny—a kind of cast of actors in the theater of life. Each planet has its own role and set of archetypes. There are roles of a just leader or judge, a warrior, the mother, the father, and so on. All of these roles exist in every person without exception! The only question is how the native enacts these roles in life. Some are expressed to the fullest, while others may only be tapped into rarely and on a basic level.

The Zodiac Signs are the energy or the way in which the Planets are expressed. You could say that the Signs are the “costumes” of our actors. Sometimes the costume fits the role; sometimes it hinders the “actor” from performing properly, making them awkward on the stage of life. For example, a warrior in slippers and reading a newspaper is hardly dressed for battle, or the Goddess of Love and Beauty in worn-out, patched clothes, indifferent to getting them dirty. In other words, the “costume” may hold back the full expression of the planet. But sometimes a secondary “character” can steal the show and almost earn an Oscar for a supporting role.

Aspects are the interactions between the players. These are the dialogues and relationships among the actors. Some roles are silent, others are dramatic. The nature of a planet itself is not always decisive—it’s how other Planets relate to it, what Aspects is formed, whether it’s supported or challenged, who is friends with whom, who is in conflict, and who depends on whom. And as in life, it’s not always the main character who makes the decisions. For example, just because you were born a Libra does not mean that Venus, the ruler of that sign, will control everything in your life.

The Houses are the arenas for the manifestation of events and qualities—the stage and the scenery. Houses do not have energy of their own but serve as channels or structures that either allow or impede the flow of energy. When we look at Zodiac Signs, there is a similar effect, but it operates more on a psychological or internal level. For example, a person with the Sun in Leo might say, “I feel strong and independent,” while with the Sun in the First House, they might say, “I am strong and independent; whatever I undertake, I succeed, and people listen to my opinion.”

To interpret the natal chart, we will use the following system:

I. Planetary level (basic qualities)
II. Sign level (complex qualities)
III. Aspect level (interactions, relationships)
IV. House level (events, structures that shape the manifestation of qualities)

Thus, interpreting the horoscope involves successive layering of these levels. For example, first we find the Planet responsible for the area of interest, then see how it feels in its Sign, what relationships (Aspects) it has with other actors, and finally, where it all unfolds—the House—and how the context changes as a result. Alternatively, you can start from the topic of interest (the House), then move to the Planets, then Signs and Aspects. Astrology is much closer to philosophy or technical analysis and does not impose a rigid method of interpretation.

Since we have decided to analyze the personality as a whole, let us start with the fundamental questions: Who am I? And what am I doing here?

To calculate your personal horoscope, use the online natal chart. Then, follow the steps to interpret your chart yourself.

1. The Foundation of Personality

The core of the natal chart is represented by the triad: the Sun + the Moon + the Ascendant. The Sun symbolizes the ego. The Moon represents the subconscious. The Sun’s influence is stronger in men, the Moon and children in women. The Ascendant is the mask a person puts on to face the external world.

For each member of the triad, apply the above system: Planet (Luminary) / Zodiac Sign / Aspect / House. And do not forget to consider the strength of the planets.

• The Sun in the natal chart;
• The Sun in the Zodiac Signs;
• Aspects of the Sun;
• The Moon in the natal chart;
• The Moon in the Zodiac Signs;
• Aspects of the Moon;
• Ascendant (Asc).

2. Chart Ruler

Identify the Ruler of the Ascendant and analyze the strength of the planet. Placement in its own sign (dignity) is a gift of fate and a source of ongoing good fortune. Exaltation points to a special talent or a support in difficult times. Detriment of the Ruler indicates health issues and challenges. If it is in fall, the native will need to do a lot of conscious work on themselves. The position of the Ascendant Ruler determines the dominant personality theme, the main life path, and even influences health and longevity.

3. Personal Planets

Identify the Personal Planets. If one of these Planets is close to the Ascendant, it will have a decisive influence on the native’s motives and occupation. The preferred formula: Planet / Zodiac Sign / Aspect / House. Also determine the strength of the planet.

Mercury – Traits: rational thinking, speech, learning, communication. When in the same Sign as the Sun, Mercury noticeably enhances “solar” qualities.

Venus – Qualities: beauty, aesthetics, harmony, ability to love. Venus should be considered together with the Moon, as both planets symbolize the emotional world.

Mars – Principles: will, sexuality, assertiveness. Pay special attention to its aspects with the Sun.

Jupiter and Saturn – These are on the boundary between Personal and Outer Planets. Jupiter symbolizes spiritual growth, religious aspirations, and morality. Saturn, by contrast, grounds the native, reflects fears and limitations, focus, isolation, and responsibility.

4. Outer Planets

Now we can move on to the Outer Planets. The same formula applies: Planet / Zodiac Sign / Aspect / House.

Uranus. Revolutionary change. Higher intelligence, insight, prophecy.

Neptune. Mysticism, mystery, distortion of reality, intuition, meditation.

Pluto. Purification, death, rebirth, manipulation, power, transformation, higher force.

5. Houses

The placement of the Planets in the Houses of the horoscope reveals the event-based level and highlights the twelve spheres of life. The Tenth House, or Midheaven (MC), indicates career and recognition. When analyzing the Houses, determine the rulers of the Houses and interpret each House through its ruler.

1st House – appearance, character, temperament of the native;
2nd House – money, values, movable property;
3rd House – immediate environment, neighbors, communication, primary education, short trips;
4th House – parents, home, family, real estate, end of life;
5th House – creativity, love, children, childbirth, entertainment, art, speculation;
6th House – work, service, health, and illness;
7th House – marriage, partnerships, open enemies;
8th House – sex, other people’s money, psychological crises, death, inheritance, occultism;
9th House – worldview, religion, philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel;
10th House – career, recognition, honors, life goals, authority figures;
11th House – hopes, friends united by ideals, surprises;
12th House – secrets in life, isolation, prison, monastery, severe illnesses, mysticism.

6. Interpreting the Lunar Nodes and Fictitious Points

The Fictitious Points are designated: Lilith (temptations), Selena (bright karma), Lunar Nodes (life purpose, karma), Chiron (hidden potential), Pars (Wheel) of Fortune (success, ease, absence of obstacles),

7. Final Analysis

The interpretation of the natal chart is carried out based on the synthesis of all its elements and the interactions between them. This is the most complex stage, for each person is a microcosm—a universe in miniature.

P.S.
When analyzing the horoscope, it is important to remember that there are no good or bad natal charts. The person is the master of their own destiny; any disharmonious influence from planets, houses, signs, or challenging aspects can be worked through by conscious will. For more, see the article: Working Through Planets and Aspects in the Natal Chart.  ✓