The basics of astrology have permeated society for decades, with internet memes about different zodiac signs, online quizzes guessing your sign and virtually everyone knowing one’s own zodiac sign. When someone says that they are a Libra, a Cancer, or any of the other ten signs, they are referring to the Sun sign. This sign is determined by the Sun’s position under one of the twelve constellations at the time of one’s birth. So, if your Sun sign is Pisces, the Sun was in the Pisces constellation when you were born.

   Along with the Sun sign, one also has a Moon sign, a Rising sign and one for every planet, such as Mercury and Venus. Similarly, each of these signs is determined by a planet’s exact position when a person was born. By inputting a birth date, time and place on websites like this one, one can find all of their signs. Using the site above will show one’s natal chart, also called a birth chart, which displays each planet’s sign at the time of the user’s birth, as well as its degree (how far along in the constellation the planet was) in the form of a T-chart-like representation.

   Another form of a birth chart is a circular map that shows all of the constellations and planets’ positions at the time of birth; think of it as a flat capture of the solar system when a person was born. Anyone curious about this type of birth chart can input the same birth information as above here.

   A birth chart is a big circle, with the outermost ring showing all of the zodiac signs. Look for each planet’s symbol to find its position at the time of a person’s birth, and it will reveal the zodiac it falls under (websites that provide birth charts should have a key on the page, so users can find planets easily). To locate a Sun sign, look for a symbol that looks like a circle with a dot in it. The Moon sign shows itself as a crescent moon shape. The Rising sign is determined by the horizontal line that touches the left side of the chart, also called the Ascendant; this is whatever sign was rising over the Eastern horizon at the time of birth.

   Though the Sun, Moon and Rising signs are considered the “Big Three”, the other signs prove important when astrologically analyzing someone. Similar to the Ascendant, the other side of the horizontal line is the Descendant sign; this is the sign opposite (180 degrees) of the Ascendant. For example, if one’s Ascendant line falls in Leo, then the Descendant will be in Aquarius.

   Along with a horizontal line, there is a vertical line that spans the chart as well. The top is the Medium Coeli, or the Midheaven, which is the highest point in the sky a planet can be in. The opposite, at the bottom of the line, is the Imum Coeli, which is the lowest point in the sky. Just like the Ascendant and Descendant, the MC and IC fall into one of the twelve zodiac signs.

   Just as there are twelve signs on the outer ring of a birth chart, the middle is broken up into twelve segments called houses; the first house starts at the Ascendant and increases counterclockwise. Each house corresponds to a certain zodiac; however, it changes on an actual birth chart. For example, generally, the first house corresponds with Aries as it is the first zodiac sign, but if one’s birth chart shows that their Ascendant is Leo, the first house will be in Leo. Each house is also associated with certain aspects of life, which in the astrological analysis is interpreted in tandem with its zodiac sign to determine how that aspect of a person’s life will play out.

   Finally, in the middle circle of a birth chart, there are different colored lines connecting different planets. These are called planetary aspects, with display how different planets interacted with each other at the time of birth. They can square each other, form trines, or oppose each other.

   Birth and natal charts display tons of useful information for anyone seeking more insight into their life and personality and are integral for those wanting to work with astrology.