What is a Birth Chart?

An astrological birth chart (or natal chart) maps the solar system at the exact moment of a person's birth. The configuration of the planets gives a picture of one's individual talents, energies, emotions, character, and personality. A birth chart remains the same for life.

A birth chart typically means a circular diagram that looks like a wagon wheel lying on its side with twelve "spokes" dividing the space into 12 sections, or houses as they're called in astrology. Houses represent different life areas, from the personal to the social to the cosmic. Each house has a major theme and is ruled" by a specific planet.

Birth charts are as individual and unique as a fingerprint. In fact, the specific planetary configuration of a birth chart is repeated only once every 25,000 years! So the only people who can share the same birth chart are people born the same time on the same day and year in the same place.

Chockfull of valuable insights, birth charts include much more than just the meaning of one's zodiac sign (also known as a sun sign or star sign). Most people know their sun sign (Aries, Gemini, Scorpio, etc.). But they don't usually know about the many other planetary influences that contribute to who they are.

The biggest benefit of a birth chart is increased awareness. Astrological insights in birth charts allow people to get clearer about themselves and their affect on other people. Awareness and understanding of one's birth chart can lead to more joy, contentment, and success in life.

Respected astrologer Jeanne Avery, in her book The Rising Sign: Your Astrological Mask, uses the analogy of a road map to explain the importance of a birth chart:

"A road map cannot drive a car; it can only indicate the road conditions. After studying that road map, an individual may decide to take a shortcut, scenic route, or the superhighway. When a person consults an astrological chart, he may become aware of his natural trends, natural energy cycles, and natural reactions. It's up to him to make choices, find mental antidotes, and learn to work with his natural timing and energy....The chart can give him permission to follow his inclinations and natural impulses,... help him uncover his perhaps unrealized potential,... and pinpoint in a most profound manner the reasons for the blocking of energy and abilities -- the fears and insecurities that prevent him from taking the chances necessary for his success."

Baby Birth Chart

A baby birth chart wheel looks the same as an adult birth chart wheel. But the report accompanying it is written specifically for parents and primary caretakers. It explains how a young child will appear to others, how they'll think, communicate, and relate, and what their particular strengths, challenges, and limitations will be.

Having a child's birth chart information can help parents start building a foundation for the child's well-being from the moment he or she arrives in the family. And it can help a child learn how to appreciate himself or herself throughout childhood.