Birth Chart Basics

A beginner-friendly guide to reading your natal map

Sun, Moon, Rising

Sun: Your core identity and life purpose. Start with your sun sign profile to ground your chart reading.

Moon: Emotional world, instincts, and how you self-soothe.

Rising (Ascendant): First impression, personal style, and how life approaches you.

Houses in plain language

  • 1st: identity and image
  • 2nd: money and values
  • 3rd: communication and siblings
  • 4th: home and roots
  • 5th: creativity and romance
  • 6th: routines and wellbeing
  • 7th: partners and contracts
  • 8th: intimacy and shared resources
  • 9th: travel and beliefs
  • 10th: career and reputation
  • 11th: friends and goals
  • 12th: rest and inner life

Elements and modalities

Group Tone Signs
Fire Bold, energizing Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Earth Practical, grounded Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Air Mental, social Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Water Intuitive, emotional Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Cardinal / Fixed / Mutable Initiate / Stabilize / Adapt See full list in the zodiac index

How to start reading your chart

  • Identify your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs.
  • Find which houses those placements are in.
  • Look for repeating elements or modalities.
  • Read current mood first at Cosmic Weather.
  • Use daily guidance with your sign page for context.