What is a birth chart?
A birth chart (or natal chart) is a snapshot of where the Sun, Moon, and planets sat in the sky at the exact moment and place you were born. In modern psychological astrology it is the starting point for reading your personality patterns and developmental themes.
What is in your chart
Your chart places each planet in a zodiac sign — Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and the outer planets — plus your ascendant and midheaven when a birth time is known. Each placement adds a layer to the picture.
How to read your birth chart
Start with your Sun, Moon, and rising, then look at the personal planets. The chart describes tendencies and potentials to work with, not a fixed fate. It is a tool for self-knowledge, not prediction.
Using the birth chart calculator
Enter your birth date above; add an exact time and city for ascendant, midheaven, and houses. This free tool uses Swiss Ephemeris astronomy. Explore the wiki for deeper readings.