Astro 101: Chart Types
When it comes to astrology, there are a lot of different types of charts that can be drawn up for various purposes. Regardless of what kind of astrology you practice or what kind of chart you are drawing, you’re always going to need three vital pieces of information: Date, Time, Location. Everything else is dependent upon your intention when drawing up the chart.
Here are the most common types of charts you might use in your astrological practice.
Natal Charts
Also referred to as a “birth chart,” this is the most popular type of chart as it is created using the date, time and location of an individual’s birth. The Natal Chart is a means of understanding the environmental, social, cultural, and political context through which a person was born, and the type of experiences they are likely to have as a result.
This type of chart is treated a horoscope for that person’s entire life and can be used to create other types of horoscopes for the individual using more specific time frames, such as a month or year at a time. With the natal chart on hand, one can glimpse into one’s own past as well as their potential future. Knowing and understanding one’s birth chart is priceless, as it can provide deep and meaningful insight to the self and one’s journey through life at any given moment in time. Whether you are 12, 24, 32, or 70, your birth chart has something new to offer you.
FAQ: Can I calculate a natal chart if I do not have a birth time?
Yes and No. The birth time is perhaps the important piece of data when calculating a chart, as it determines the Ascendant Sign and thus the placement of the Houses. Without these, it is kind of like looking at only half of the chart, half of a puzzle. We can see who and what is happening, but not where or the context through which it takes place. However I still think half a chart is significantly better than not having one at all and can still be useful in all kinds of ways.
Option 1: There are avenues for astrologers to estimate the birth time when it is not readily available or when only given vague estimations (such as “born in the early morning.”) If you are seeking an astrologer to do this for you, I suggest going to a more experienced one as this takes some practice to accomplish accurately.
Option 2: If all else fails when it comes to your birth time, then I suggest using the sign of your Moon as your Ascendant, sometimes called a “Moon Rising” chart. You will still be able to enjoy horoscopes and make predictions with this type of chart, as horoscopes are often written for both the Rising and Moon sign.
Solar Return Charts
Also referred to as a “Birthday Horoscope,” the Solar Return chart is a chart created for an individual person using the date and time that the Sun returns the degree it occupied during the individual’s birth. There is some debate among astrologers on whether or not one should use the birth location or the current location when calculating a Solar Return Chart. I personally recommend using the birth location as it has always yielded accurate results in my experience with clients.
The Solar Return chart should be looked at on or around the birthday of the individual in question and treated as a horoscope for the year ahead (from one birthday to the next.) In order to fully understand the Solar Return chart, it must be read in conjunction with the Natal Chart, as you will need to take note of important house overlays and aspects of current transits to your Natal Chart. You can also treat your Solar Return chart as a “Natal Chart of The Year,” and track transits to it the same way you would your natal chart.
And if you would like to get really fancy, you can also consider comparing your Solar Return chart to your Lunar Return charts, which we will cover in the next section.
Lunar Return Charts
Similar to a Solar Return chart, a Lunar Return chart is a personal horoscope given to an individual for a given period of time based upon their natal chart. In this case, we are looking at the position of the Moon as opposed to the Sun and the period of time is a month instead of a year. The Moon travels through all twelve signs every month, giving everyone a monthly Lunar Return when the Moon reenters the sign of the natal chart.
The Lunar Return chart can be read by overlaying it on top of the natal chart to make predictions for the month ahead. This is useful when trying to predict the timing of specific events, such as job interviews, job changes, promotions, large purchases, the birth of new opportunities, relationship changes, etc that are indicated in the Solar Return chart. This is why I suggest using both the Solar and Lunar Return charts in unison. The Solar Return is like a Macro look, while the Lunar Return is a Micro look at what’s ahead for you.
You could also benefit from making an excel chart of all of your Lunar Returns a year in advance. This will give you the general themes of the year ahead and when to expect them. You might find some important patterns!
Election Charts
Election Charts are used to make predictions for the outcome of events, therefore they are calculated using the date, time and place that the event is supposed to take place, or in which it happened in the past. No birth data is required. Election charts are used primarily when planning events, such as weddings, births, parties, job interviews, medical procedures, etc. They can also be used to understand historical events.
Election charts are very popular because they give you a perceived sense of control over the outcome of your choices. If you feel that getting married on a Mercury Rx will ruin your marriage, then you might to opt until Mercury has gone direct. On the contrary, perhaps every major event in your relationship has happened during a Mercury Rx, and so marrying during one just makes sense for you.
In order to get the most out of an Election Chart, I suggest overlaying it on top of your natal chart to see how it will effect you directly.
Horary Charts
Horary Charts are charts created with the intent of answering a specific question, turning the birth chart into an oracle. The most common type of questions include where to find a missing item, will I get this job, or should I move to Europe? In order to calculate a Horary Chart, you must use the date, time, and place in which you ask the question. Horary charts include a variety of mundane astrology associations that are not typically found or talked about in Natal Astrology, making Horary Astrology a niche practice that few experts specialize in.
If you want to get into Horary Astrology, I suggest checking out some astrology books specific to Horary as there are many techniques that are not commonly talked about or explored. And if you’re looking for a Horary Astrologer, look for one who has a reputation for accuracy and lots of practice under their belt, as it is a difficult skill to learn and hone.
That is all I’ve got for today, y’all. What type of astrological chart interests you the most? Is there any other type of chart not mentioned you’d like to learn more about? Let me know in the comments!
