The Natural Chart

An astrological chart looks something like the diagram above. This particular diagram represents the natural chart, which starts with Aries on the first house. The diagram shows the ruling sign and planet of each house. It also shows the four cardinal points, the ascendant (AC), descendant (DC), midheaven (MC), and foundation (IC).

The ascendant (AC) is on the cusp of the first house. In a birth chart, it shows which sign was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. You need to know your exact time of birth to find your ascendant. The ascendant indicates much about your self-image and how you are perceived by others.

The descendant (DC) is on the cusp of the seventh house. It is the sign that was setting on the western horizon at the moment of birth. It is always exactly opposite the ascendant. The sign on the descendant indicates what you seek in partnerships with others.

The midheaven (MC) is at the top of the chart, on the cusp of the tenth house. The sign on this cusp indicates something about the nature of your work in the world. MC stands for the latin phrase "medium coeli".

The foundation, or undersky (IC) is at the bottom of the chart, on the cusp of the fourth house. The sign on this cusp indicates something about your home, your family, and your foundation in life. IC stands for the latin phrase "imum coeli".

Like a circle, a chart contains 360 degrees. Each sign contains 30 degrees. Degrees can be important when looking at aspects.

The structure of anyone's birth chart (or natal chart) will look similar to the diagram shown above. The main differences will be in the placement of the planets and signs. In a natal chart, the signs and planets could be in any house, depending on their position at the moment of birth. Also please note that each planet is shown only once in a natal chart, despite the fact that Venus and Mercury each rule two houses, as shown above.

In most charts, the signs and planets will not be in their "natural" positions. If your ascendant happens to be Aries, however, the sign placement of your chart will look similar to the natural chart.

Another difference between the natural chart and a natal chart is in the houses. Houses in a natal chart are not necessarily equal in size. Also, it is possible for more than one sign to be in a house in a natal chart.

If you need to get a free natal chart for yourself, visit AstroDienst.

I plan to add actual natal charts for famous people to this site to give examples of natal charts. Please come back later.