You might be familiar with your horoscope sign and even have a grasp of how your sign’s traits get along with other signs. But knowing your birth chart is crucial for really understanding the ins and outs of your astrology—it’s a multi-layered system of different (and complicated) components that make you who you are. Your birth chart is a cosmic snapshot of the sky at the exact moment of your birth. “It reveals the intricate interplay of energy that influences your personality, emotional patterns, life purpose, and relationships,” explains astrologer and tarot reader Amy Filbin.

Your birth chart (or natal chart if you’re feeling traditional) consists of various houses, nodes, planets, and zodiac signs to which they correspond. And the best part? Your chart is unique to you, telling an in-depth cosmic story of your traits, how you respond to your environment, and even the specific karmic lessons you’ll learn in life.

What is your birth chart in astrology?

Your birth chart is a diagram of the planets’ positions in the sky when you were born. If you want to know how to read your birth chart, you’ll have to break down each element of your chart, which will take practice and patience to master.

To get an accurate map of your natal chart, you’ll need to plug in your birthdate, place you were born, and time (yes, down to the exact minute) into a birth chart generator like CafeAstrology. (For a more personalized reading, you can also visit an astrologer.) You’ll see an intricate wheel within a wheel broken up into 12 30-degree sections. These segments map out the 12 “houses” corresponding to different areas of life and are assigned to, or ruled by, one or more of the 12 zodiac signs. The wheel’s inner circle denotes the aspects or positions the planets make to each other within your chart, along with symbols and degrees.

You may have a planet (or planets) located in these houses, while other houses may be empty (more on that later). You also have different points (aka the nodes) that discern your karmic lessons. “Each placement in your chart offers insight into your potential, challenges, and the areas of life where you can grow. It’s a dynamic map of who you are and how you interact with the world around you,” says Filbin. Before you can read your birth chart, learn more about the elusive elements that make up your astrological profile. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

The basics on how to read your birth chart

First, take a deep breath. Take a chunk of information at a time and isolate each element (aka the houses, nodes, and planets.) Next, it helps to understand the personalities and energies of the zodiac signs which correspond to these elements. Stick with a few main keywords of each zodiac sign.

You won’t become an expert astrologer overnight—and that’s OK! “A chart is a layered system, and it’s natural to initially feel overwhelmed. Focus on one layer at a time and reflect on how it resonates with your lived experiences,” says Filbin. “Astrology is as much about self-discovery as interpretation,” Filbin adds. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Start with your ‘big three’ placements

Often, the easiest way to understand your birth chart is to get acquainted with your “big three” placements: your sun, moon, and rising (ascendant) signs. These offer a foundational understanding of your identity (sun), emotions (moon), and outward persona (rising), says Filbin.

Next, define which zodiac signs govern each of the planets in your big three and get to know the vibe of each ruling zodiac sign.

Read below for an in-depth description of what each of these planets mean and the energy or personality of the zodiac signs.

Get familiar with the other planets

The big three planets, as mentioned before, only give you a snapshot of your birth chart. The other planets intersect different areas of life and, as such, play a critical role in reading your birth chart. “Each planet represents a part of your psyche,” says Filbin. “The inner planets describe personal traits (like communication, love, or passion), while the outer planets reveal generational themes and long-term growth.”

Explore the houses (and the house cusps)

Next, you’ll want to know what the 12 houses in your birth chart represent. “Houses [in your birth chart] represent the areas of life where planetary energy plays out,” says Filbin. You’ll always have a zodiac sign (or signs) that fall under, or rule, that house and explain the temperament or your relationship to that area of life.

You’ll notice that a planet (or multiple planets) is also stationed in each house, which tells a deeper story of what kind of energies are supercharging that sector of life. “For instance, if your Sun is in the 5th house, your creativity and self-expression are central to your identity,” says Filbin.

Note that you might have houses with no planets stationed in them. Don’t fret; it doesn’t mean that a specific part of life is lacking in any way—just that no significant planetary energies are impacting that house.

Next, Filbin says to take note of the zodiac signs hanging on the cusp of each house, which also influence how that area of life manifests. “For example, a second house in Taurus might indicate a steady and practical approach to building wealth,” says Filbin. Feel free to come back to cusps when you get better acquainted with the rest of your chart.

Look for patterns and aspects

Because of the planets’ positions in your chart, they’ll make aspects of one another. These patterns indicate a specific relationship to the planets at play. “Aspects, or the angles between planets, reveal how different parts of your personality interact,” Filbin explains.

You might have the moon and Saturn opposing (or sitting opposite of one another) in your chart, for example, which can explain strife or conflict. Conversely, you might have the moon and Saturn sextile one another, which points to a more harmonious relationship between the planets.

You might also have a group of planets located in one house or zodiac sign. In that case, congratulations! You have a stellium, which just means you have a lot of concentrated energy of that specific zodiac sign or at play in that house. “Pay attention to clusters of planets in certain houses or signs, as this highlights key areas of focus,” says Filbin.

Locate your nodes

The North and South Nodes are points in your chart that sit opposite of each other and “provide insight into your soul’s purpose,” says Filbin. “The North Node represents growth, while the South Node shows patterns to release.” Find out what zodiac signs are located at the North and South ends of your chart to understand what lessons your past and future selves will have learned or will learn in this life.

Understanding the planets

The planets in your birth chart are crucial to understanding the personality traits that make you unique. Each planet possesses specific energies and points to different qualities, such as your core identity, emotional responses, and how you process and share information.

The inner planets

The first four planets in your birth chart are considered the inner planets, representing the personal aspects of your personality and daily life. In other words, these planets discern your modus operandi, including how you show up in the world and the traits fundamental to your personality.

Sun (the planet of ego)

The sun is also known as your star sign, or the sign that you would typically read your horoscope for. This planet is the center of your personality’s universe, if you will. It discerns your quirks and traits. Or, in Filbin’s words, it’s the planet that “reflects your core identity, life purpose, and vitality.”

Moon (the planet of emotions)

The moon rules your emotional temperament and responses. Think of the moon as your emotional haven. It’s the planet that speaks to your inner world and things unseen but deeply felt—like how you process, express your emotions, and follow your gut feelings. “The moon governs your emotions, intuition, and subconscious needs,” explains Filbin.

Mercury (the planet of communication)

Mercury governs communication and thought processes. Per Filbin, it “represents your thinking, communication style, and mental agility.” Mercury is essentially your mind’s hub of knowledge and expression of that wisdom, and where ideas are created.

Venus (the planet of romance and beauty)

Venus is the planet that rules all things creative, lovely, and aesthetic. “Venus rules your approach to love, beauty, relationships, and values,” Filbin explains. Your love languages, responses to affection, and how you love yourself are all centered on this planet.

Mars (the planet of aggression)

Mars governs your impulses and aggression. “Mars embodies your drive, passion, and how you assert yourself in the world,” says Filbin.

The outer planets

The planets that hang outside the personal planets are called the outer planets. The outer planets go beyond your traits and are the planets in your birth chart that fill in the gaps in your overall personality, depending on specific situations of your environment. As Filbin puts it, the outer planets “reflect generational influences and deeper layers of your spiritual and personal growth.”

Jupiter (the planet of abundance)

Jupiter governs how you seek wisdom in the world around you. According to Filbin, it “signifies expansion, wisdom, and opportunities for growth.”

Saturn (the planet of responsibility)

Ruling restraint and long-term engagements, “Saturn highlights discipline, structure, and life lessons,” says Filbin.

Uranus (the planet of radical change)

Uranus governs how one rebels against traditional systems and “sparks innovation, breakthroughs, and moments of radical change,” Filbin explains.

Neptune (planet of imagination)

Neptune bridges reality and fantasy. Per Filbin, “Neptune governs spirituality, dreams, and your connection to the divine.”

Pluto (planet of transformation)

Governing how we adapt to change and endings, “Pluto represents transformation, power, and the cycles of death and rebirth,” Filbin says.

Understanding your “big three” signs

Your “big three” planets (sun, moon, and rising) are crucial to understanding three main personality points: your core identity, emotional responses, and the impression you make on others. “While your sun sign reflects your core identity and your moon sign represents your emotional world, the rising sign is like the lens through which these traits are expressed,” says Filbin.

Your rising (ascendant) sign

Your rising sign has been known to be your social mask or others’ first impressions of you. “It’s how others perceive you and how you approach new situations,” explains Filbin. “Your rising sign also influences how you navigate challenges and opportunities, shaping your personal style, demeanor, and outlook on life.”

Your rising sign is important because it can help you understand how you come off to others and could explain why you might not totally resonate with your sun sign. For example, Filbin says if you have a Capricorn rising, you might come off as stern, ambitious, and serious, “ even if their sun sign is more laid-back.”

Understanding the houses

The houses represent 12 areas of life that shape your experiences, says Filbin. The caveat is you’ll need to know your ascendant sign (which requires your birth time), to understand where your houses are located.

Your houses are ruled by a zodiac sign (or signs) that color the astrological energies in that specific sector of life. Analogously, the houses have a corresponding zodiac sign that they rule (although your house’s ruling zodiac sign may vary). For example, if you’re an Aries rising like me, then the ruling zodiac signs of your houses will go in order, with Aries ruling your first house, Taurus your second house, and so on.

When you know the location of your houses, you’ll better understand how you respond to your environment.

The first house

The first house deals with your core personality and “focuses on your identity, how you present yourself, and your first impressions,” says Filbin.

The second house

The second house points to material comforts and “governs your values, personal resources, and sense of security,” Filbin explains.

The third house

The third house is all about mind processing and sharing information. “It highlights communication, learning, and connections with your immediate environment,” Filbin says.

The fourth house

The 4th house governs domesticity, specifically, “home, family, roots, and emotional foundations,” says Filbin.

The fifth house

The 5th house governs passions and pleasure. It “encompasses creativity, romance, joy, and self-expression,” Filbin explains.

The sixth house

The sixth house handles your daily operations and specifically “represents work, health, daily routines, and service,” Filbin says.

The seventh house

The seventh house governs your inner circle and focuses on partnerships, relationships, and one-on-one dynamics.

The eighth house

The eighth house deals with taboo topics like sex and “delves into intimacy, transformation, shared resources, and the cycles of life and death,” explains Filbin.

The ninth house

The ninth house deals with knowledge and “explores higher learning, spirituality, and long-distance travel,” Filbin says.

The 10th house

The 10th house rules your public sphere and “represents career, public image, and the legacy you aim to leave,” explains Filbin.

The 11th house

The 11th house governs social networks and is all about community, friendships, and future aspirations.

The 12th house

Filbin says the 12th house reveals delusions and “reflects the inner world, spirituality, subconscious patterns, and healing. ”

Understanding the nodes

Now that you know how to read for the planets and houses in your birth chart, you’ll need to consider two crucial elements: the North and South nodes. According to Filbin, they “represent your karmic journey,” also called the nodes of destiny.

The North Node

Located at the highest point, aka the north side, of your birth chart is the North Node. “The North Node points toward your life purpose and the areas where you are meant to grow and evolve,” explains Filbin.

The South Node

The South Node is located at the lowest point, or south of, your chart. The South Node reflects past-life experiences, comfort zones, and the patterns you are here to release.

What the zodiac signs mean in your birth chart

Aries

Aries is a fire sign symbolized by the ram. It’s ruled by Mars and is associated with the first house of identity and vitality. “Aries embodies action, courage, and leadership,” explains Filbin. “This sign inspires bold beginnings and an independent approach to life.”

Taurus

Taurus is an Earth sign symbolized by the bull. It’s ruled by Venus and is associated with the second house of money and values. “Taurus brings stability, sensuality, and patience,” explains Filbin. “Its grounded energy values comfort, security, and consistency.”

Gemini

Gemini is an air sign symbolized by the twins. It’s ruled by Mercury and is associated with the third house of communication and routine. “Gemini represents curiosity, adaptability, and intellectual exploration. This sign thrives on connection and exchanging ideas,” Filbin says.

Cancer

Cancer is a water sign symbolized by the crab. It’s ruled by the moon and is associated with the fourth house of family and home. “Cancer focuses on emotion, intuition, and nurturing. It highlights the importance of home, family, and inner security,” FIlbin explains.

Leo

Leo is a fire sign symbolized by the lion. It’s ruled by the sun and is associated with the fifth house of creativity and pleasure. “Leo radiates creativity, confidence, and self-expression,” explains Filbin. “It encourages authenticity and embracing the joy of life.”

Virgo

Virgo is an Earth sign symbolized by the maiden. It’s ruled by Mercury and is associated with the sixth house of communication and routine. “Virgo emphasizes organization, practicality, and service. This sign refines and improves systems with thoughtful care,” Filbin says.

Libra

Libra is an air sign symbolized by the scales of justice. It’s ruled by Venus and is associated with the seventh house of partnership and balance. “Libra brings balance, harmony, and diplomacy,” explains Filbin. “It seeks fairness, beauty, and deep connection in relationships.”

Scorpio

Scorpio is a water sign symbolized by the scorpion. It’s ruled by Pluto in modern astrology and Mars in traditional astrology and is associated with the eighth house of intimacy and shared resources. “Scorpio delves into intensity, transformation, and mystery,” Filbin explains. “This energy is deeply introspective and seeks truth through depth.”

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is a fire sign symbolized by the archer. It’s ruled by Jupiter and is associated with the ninth house of knowledge and travel. “Sagittarius is expansive, adventurous, and optimistic. It inspires growth through learning, travel, and exploration of new philosophies,” says Filbin.

Capricorn

Capricorn is an Earth sign symbolized by the seagoat. It’s ruled by Saturn and is associated with the 10th house of legacy and public image. “Capricorn represents discipline, ambition, and structure. It focuses on building long-term goals and leaving a lasting legacy,” Filbin says.

Aquarius

Aquarius is an air sign symbolized by the water bearer. It’s ruled by Uranus and is associated with the 11th house of hope and friendships. “Aquarius embodies innovation, community, and progress,” explains Filbin. “It encourages thinking beyond the norm and embracing visionary ideas.”

Pisces

Pisces is a water sign symbolized by two fish. It’s ruled by Neptune in modern astrology and Jupiter in traditional astrology and is associated with the 12th house of spirituality and subconscious. “Pisces symbolizes compassion, spirituality, and imagination. It thrives in creative and intuitive pursuits, offering deep emotional wisdom,” Filbin explains.