Step by step to understand how a natal (birth) chart is calculated and interpreted.

Step 1: Gather Birth Details

To create a birth chart, we need:

Date of Birth (e.g., 15th August 1990)

Time of Birth (e.g., 10:30 AM)

Place of Birth (e.g., Mumbai, India)

This information helps determine the exact positions of celestial bodies at that moment.

Step 2: Determine Planetary Positions

Using an ephemeris (a table listing planetary positions for each day), we locate where the planets were at the time of birth.

Example: On 15th August 1990, 10:30 AM, Mumbai

Sun in Leo (♌)

Moon in Aries (♈)

Mercury in Virgo (♍)

Venus in Libra (♎)

Mars in Cancer (♋)

Jupiter in Gemini (♊)

Saturn in Capricorn (♑)

Ascendant (Rising Sign): Virgo (♍)

These positions define a person’s core personality, emotions, and destiny.

Step 3: Calculate Houses (12 Life Areas)

A natal chart is divided into 12 houses, each representing different aspects of life:

1. Self & Identity

2. Wealth & Finances

3. Communication & Siblings

4. Home & Family

5. Creativity & Love

6. Health & Work

7. Marriage & Partnerships

8. Transformation & Secrets

9. Philosophy & Travel

10. Career & Status

11. Friendships & Social Life

12. Spirituality & Hidden Matter

The Ascendant (Rising Sign) decides the 1st House, and the rest follow in sequence.

Step 4: Identify Aspects (Planetary Angles)

Conjunction (0°) – Planets work together strongly.

Opposition (180°) – Tension between planets.

Trine (120°) – Natural harmony.

Square (90°) – Challenges and lessons.

Example: If Mars (Energy) squares Saturn (Discipline) → Struggles in career or aggression issues.

Step 5: Predicting Future Events (Transits & Dasha System)

Transits: Current planetary movements affecting the birth chart.

Dasha (Vedic Astrology): Divides life into planetary periods that influence major events.

Example:

If Jupiter transits your 10th House (Career) → Job growth or promotion expected.

If Saturn enters your 7th House (Marriage) → Relationship challenges or serious commitment.

Step 6: Generate a Birth Chart Diagram

A computerized astrology tool generates a circular horoscope chart, plotting:

12 houses

Planets' positions

Aspects and angles