The natal chart is an astrologer’s most powerful tool.
It’s a map of the planets and other celestial bodies in the sky at the exact moment you were born.
A natal chart, or birth chart, is your most detailed, accurate, and personalized horoscope. This unique cosmic profile never changes. It tells you everything you want to know about yourself and the significant moments in your past, present, and future. Your birth chart offers a glimpse into the highs and lows you’ll experience, how you respond, and how you grow as a person.
The Planetary Aspects
Not every natal chart reading is exactly the same. Some astrologers offer different levels of detail, but most cover your planetary aspects, which refers to the position of the planets and what constellation they were in when and where you were born. Every planet corresponds to a different part of you.
Here’s an overview of what each planet influences:
What’s Your Rising Sign?
Natal charts also examine the astrological houses, particularly House I, which is your ascendant sign. When someone says they’re a Sagittarius with Cancer rising, Sagittarius is their sun sign and Cancer is the ascendant. The ascendant sign is important because it relates to our self-identity and how the world sees us.
Example: The Jimi Hendrix Natal Chart
To give you a better understanding of the insights you can receive from a natal chart, we created one for Jimi Hendrix, one of the greatest and most influential figures in rock music.
Though his career spanned just four short years, Hendrix was a prolific recording artist and is considered one of the most skilled instrumentalists in rock ‘n roll. Known as a shy, sensitive soul, Hendrix was obsessed with music, yet it wasn’t his only addiction. He died of a drug overdose at the age of 27 in 1970.
Here are some highlights from the Jimi Hendrix natal chart:
James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix
Date of birth: November 27, 1942
Time of birth: 10:15 am PST
Location of birth: Seattle, WA, USA
Sun in Sagittarius
When someone asks, “What’s Your Sign?”, they’re asking about your sun sign, aka your zodiac sign. For Jimi Hendrix, that sign is Sagittarius, the healer. They help others as teachers and visionaries. Idealistic optimists that crave freedom, Sagittarians are talented, curious, and always willing to take a chance. Sagittarians also have a tendency to be irresponsible, arrogant, and fanatical.
Moon in Leo
Warm and generous, this aspect demands adoration and feels hurt if they’re ignored. It’s the right fit for a rock star. They’re popular, ambitious, creative, and dramatic. They have a hard time hiding their emotions and wear their heart on their sleeve.
Mercury in Sagittarius
This is an aspect with an idealistic mind full of big ideas and grand plans for the future. The focus isn’t on what’s happened, it’s all about what is possible and what is on the horizon.
Venus in Sagittarius
Sagittarius influences idealism in every aspect, loving Venus included. This makes someone always on the lookout for greener pastures, more excitement, and a new adventure. Spiritual or intellectual connections are a must.
Mars in Scorpio
Jimi Hendrix was obsessed with the guitar and worked tirelessly to improve his skills. This is indicative of the Mars in Scorpio aspect. They are capable of total concentration and tremendous discipline in pursuit of their goals. It’s easy for them to get lost in their desires.
Ascendant in Cancer
People with Cancer rising are protective, compassionate, sensitive, timid, and moody. They’re hurt easily and have a tendency to treat into their shells like the crab. They’ve got a claw-like grip too. Once they get a hold of something, they won’t let go.
The Numerology Profile
Many astrologers are also skilled numerologists and may offer some insight into your significant numbers, along with your natal chart reading.
Birthday Number - 27th
Jimi Hendrix was born on November 27, 1942. People born on the 27th are honest, sensitive, and emotional. They are not subject to new trends, but pragmatic and conservative. Shallow relationships are not for them, they are looking for romance. They do not want to accept the imperfections of the world and constantly try to improve everything that surrounds them.
Life Path Number - 9
People with a Life Path Number 9 have a broad outlook on life and tend to see the big picture, rather than pay attention to every tiny detail. They are enterprising and can be effective politicians, lawyers, judges, ministers, teachers, and environmentalists.
There’s a lot of information to be uncovered in a natal chart reading. If all this seems too complicated, don’t worry--there’s an astrologer who can create your birth chart and guide you through it.
What to ask an astrologer during your natal chart reading:
- What field of activity should I pursue?
- What psychological characteristics do I have?
- What abilities do I have and what can I develop?
