Birth Charts
Finding ourselves is a lifelong journey. It is beautiful to watch our lives unfold and intertwine with the lives of every living thing. What if we each came with our own individual playbook? What if a snapshot of the sky at the time of our birth can help us understand who we are, and gain clarity about our place in the universe?
A birth chart is a map showing the positions of the planets at the time of someone’s birth. From this map astrologers are said to be able to deduce our character or potential. Most of us know our sun sign. Aries, Virgo, Scorpio, Gemini, et cetera. If you’ve ever read your horoscope online or in the paper, you might have thought it a bit generic. Your birth chart is much more specific. A birth chart is based on the date you were born, the exact minute you were born, and your exact place of birth.
There is more to astrology than sun signs. Your birth chart is divided into 12 houses and each house rules an area of our lives. Each house is represented by a sign. For example, the first house represents first impressions, the self and appearance, leadership, new initiatives, fresh starts and beginnings. This is what’s called your ascendant because it’s the sign that was rising at you moment of birth. With a Virgo ascendant you might come across as shy and analytical whereas someone with a Leo ascendant comes across as confident and fun. The second house covers all matters related to your immediate material and physical environment—taste, smells, sound, touch, sights. The second house also rules income, money, and self-esteem. A second house Libra native may make money in law or the arts. A second house Scorpio may be a life coach or a scientist.
It goes very deep. In addition to the houses, there are planets and their positions to interpret. It’s very interesting and telling. It’s quite a testament to the interconnecting of all. If you have never looked at your birth chart, I suggest you check it out if only for kicks. There are plenty of websites to help interpret it. Who knows, you may discover something about yourself!
