INTERPRETING THE DATA:

Astrology can be quite fun and entertaining - I have met tons of people who know their sun sign, ascending or rising sign, what sign their moon is in and what sun sign their Mercury is in. Even though there are more people who know this information about themselves, there seems to be a question on how to interpret the data. Having a natal chart done by a knowledgeable astrologer should be more than just printing a chart on the computer and handing the results to the client.

I believe there should be some guidance given to you on how you can interpret the data in a simplistic way. In this way, the natal chart empowers you to become all you desire to be. Here are some tips to help you get started in understanding your own natal chart.

WHAT IS A CHART?

A natal or astrological chart is merely a map of the location of planets at the exact time and place of your birth. This map or "chart" represents a circle of 360°, which is the path that the Sun appears to follow through the sky (or Earth's orbit around the Sun), called the ecliptic.

This 360° is divided into twelve 30° sections (or houses). These twelve houses are referred to as "Signs of the Zodiac," or "Sun signs." This indicates in which house the Sun was found at the time of birth. So if you were born in the early part of June, the Sun would have been moving through the constellation of Gemini. Therefore, your "Sun sign" would be Gemini, (like me!)

12 SIGNS - 12 DIFFERENT FLAVORS

Since there are 12 sun signs, we can look at these signs as being twelve different flavors of pie. Each piece of pie would have its own unique flavor and smell.

The signs always follow an unchanging pattern - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Incidentally, just because Aries is the 1st sign and Pisces is the 12th sign, does not mean that Pisces is the oldest sign. Leo is actually the oldest Sun sign, although Aries is the youngest sign. So we would say that Leo is in the 12th grade and you'll find that most Leo's are very mature and rarely get into a heap of trouble. More on grade levels once I develop that page.

WHAT IF MY BIRTHDATE IS ON THE CUSP?

Because of leap years, time zones, and other factors, the exact day and time when the Sun enters a particular sign varies slightly from year to year. The exact time when the Sun enters a sign for a specific year and location must be determined before a chart can be established. The Sun is either in one sign or the other, it cannot be in two signs at an exact minute. It's virtually impossible. The dividing line between two signs (or two 30° sections/houses) is called a cusp. Hence the statement, "I was born on the cusp." When this happens, it is necessary to compute mathematically to determine where the Sun was at that exact moment. It will be in one sign or the other, although the individual would have characteristics of both signs.

WHAT IS AN ASCENDING OR RISING SIGN?

When we speak of a rising or ascending sign, this shows the exact degree of the zodiac sign (sun sign) which was rising over the eastern horizon at the exact time of birth. This rising or ascending sign tells what sign will dictate your 1st house cusp. *See the 12 houses for house rulerships. This means the ascendant and the 1st house claim the beginning of a cycle - that is the initial step of you becoming you. The ascending sign shows how we appear to others, who we are and how we meet life. The second house will be represented by the next sun sign in order and so forth. Each house cusp bears a sign which will determine the way that part of life is met. Depending on which planets are found in these houses will determine how each house is expressed in our lives.

EXAMPLE OF A CHART:

Your Sun Sign may be Gemini because it represents a certain time in the calendar, but your ascending or rising sign may be in another sign because the celestial bodies werestill moving about the heavens. And at the exact minute that you were born, a constellation was coming over the horizon. If this was Aries, then Aries rules your 1st house. And then the next sign follows in order. The next sign would be Taurus and it would rule your 2nd house. The next sign would be Gemini and it would rule your 3rd house, and so on.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

This means that your Sun sign is your identity. It is where you shine. If you are a Gemini, then Gemini rules communication, writing, talking, broadcasting, radio, etc. Take a look at me. As a Gemini, I communicate for a living. I have a radio show, I write books, I have this website and I lecture. I take full advantage of where I shine. Then the 12 houses of your chart would reflect how you use your energy in various parts of your life. *See the twelve houses for what each house rules. If you have Aries in your 2nd house of money, chances are you spend money as fast as it comes in because of the quick and aggressive action of Aries. You might be aggressive making money, but you'd also be aggressive spending it.

HOW DO I USE THE INFORMATION ONCE I KNOW IT?

Astrology is not a predictor, but what it does give you is some incredible insight into your tendencies. Therefore, if you know that you have a tendency to make money and spend money, then you can also use your "free will" to harness this energy in a more productive manner. In astrology there are no bad charts. NONE! They are ALL Good! You can learn to use this information to your advantage or not. Since I have a tendency to talk until the cows come home, why not use it to my advantage and others by lecturing, writing books, and having this website.

[ back to top ]

DISCLAIMER