Interpreting your chart as a whole is a skill that takes some time to develop and learning to read charts accurately will start to come with the more reading and practice that you do. In this article I am going to suggest what may be the most important features of a chart, to help guide you in making an overall reading. The order of this list is by no means fixed in stone; it is suggested as a guide to help you. In time you will come to your own method to get into a chart.
1. Start with the Ascendant
The Ascendant, itself symbolic of beginnings, is always a good place to start. What sign rises? This shows fundamentally how the individual approaches life and the themes they will encounter as they make their life's journey. Pay particular attention to close aspects to this point of the chart, as they will be vital in understanding the basic orientation of the individual.
2. The Chart Ruler
Next, focus on the Chart Ruler. What planet is it and what is its sign, house and aspects? This information in itself will tell you a great deal about the individual's main focus in life, where their energy is naturally oriented.
3. Consider the other angles and planets close to them
Look carefully at the Descendant, IC, and MC. Consider the signs and the rulers of these angles. These planets will be important in the life of the individual (although take secondary place behind the Chart Ruler).
Any planets that are placed within eight degrees of an angle are called angular planets. They are extremely important in a chart, and the tighter the aspect the more potent they are in the life of an individual. An angular planet on the Ascendant is particularly indicative of a planet that will play a major role in life.
4. Sun, Moon and Ascendant
Take a few minutes to consider Sun, Moon and Ascendant only. These three factors are crucial in the make-up of an individual. How do the three signs relate? Is there any link/clash in houses or by aspect?
5. Element and Mode emphasis
List out the signs of the Ascendant, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. From these is there an emphasis on one element or mode? For example, a predominance of fire may suggest an individual with much vision and creativity, who views life as a mythic journey to be conquered. An emphasis on the mutable mode might suggest someone very flexible and able to accommodate change.
The lack of an element or mode is also worth noting. A lack of water for example can suggest someone who finds it hard to contact their own feelings and who may need to dig deep to get
to them. A lack of air might suggest an inability to detach and see things in a rational, logical manner; again a skill that might come with conscious effort. A lack of cardinality could show an individual who finds it hard to get going and to really start projects off.
6. Several planets in one sign or house
When there are three or more planets in a sign or house this is said to be a Stellium. This shows a particular focus of certain energy (sign) or an area of life (house) for the individual. A great deal of the person's overall dynamic may be thrust towards this focus.
7. Aspect patterns
Look at the aspect patterns in a chart. These show major relationships between the planetary cast of characters.
8. Tight aspects
Aspects that are less than one degree in a birth chart deserve special attention; these are the most powerful connections in an individual's psyche and life. They may be considered more important than looser aspects.
9. Other outstanding features
Often there may be some outstanding feature of a chart that is not part of a standard list of items to consider. Allow your intuition some rein if there is some part of a chart that leaps out at you for attention. Although you do need to filter your intuition through your knowledge and understanding to date, it is worth paying attention to any hunch you may have!
Laura Andrikopoulos is a professional astrologer from England. Visit her website http://www.starpoetry.co.uk for personalised reports and consultations.
This article is based on an extract from her book 'Short Guides to Serious Astrology: Beginnings', available from Amazon. Visit http://www.amazon.com/author/astrologer to view all Laura's books.
AUTHOR -By Laura Andrikopoulos
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