Post by Allan on Aug 8, 2007 22:28:35 GMT -5
Definition of the BirthChart
by Leigh Oswald
The Birthchart is effectively the 'freezing' of a moment in time in the dynamic machinations
of our solar system. The exact time and location of birth is needed, as well as the date, to
get the most accurate symbolic photograph of the planetary energies encapsulated in the
Birthchart. This map or chart is made up of ten planetary bodies (or eleven including the
recently discovered planetoid Chiron) each of which occupies any one of the twelve signs and
also any one of the twelve houses of the zodiac.
The planets indicate the nature of the energy that is operating and the sign each planet is
in shows how that energy is operating. The house it is in shows where that energy is
happening. E.g. Mars in Aries in the Second House, that could be loosely interpreted as
energy and drive and determination (i.e., Mars) being expressed in a very competitive,
enthusiastic, assertive, maybe courageous way, (i.e., Aries), particularly in relation to
financial security and the pursuit of money matters (i.e., the second house).
The planets at the moment of birth also make many different angular (geometric)
relationships to each other and to significant other points of the chart. Each angle further
reveals a specific meaning in the individual's map and shows a harmonious or challenging
dynamic at work between planets and points.
The web of angular relationships built up shows a meaningful pattern being formed across the
chart.
The identification of the all-important Ascendant or Rising Sign, and the Midheaven are also
of great significance in determining how all the factors in the chart are mediated by the
individual. Fairly accurate time of birth is necessary for the correct calculation of the
Ascendant. (I would add that without it, you would have a very inaccurate picture of your
character.)
It is obvious, therefore, that the permutations possible are extremely large, and in total,
the complex factors shown in the chart go a long way to reveal to the Astrologer the unique
qualities of that person. Factors such as temperament, idiosyncrasies, impulses, sorts of
life experiences, talents, potentials, career orientation, genetic and family influences,
difficulties, even karmic tendencies or fate can be identified in a good Astrological
reading.
In order to forecast trends in a person's life/experience, the Astrologer merely plots the
path of the planets as they dynamically move around the ecliptic (orbital path) and s/he
superimposes these movements onto the frozen map of the individual, which is the natal
chart.
When significant contacts are made by these moving planets to the natal planets and points,
this indicates periods of time when change or events happen in the individual's life.
According to the nature of the contacts, these events vary in significance, length and
quality. Since the Astrologer is able to indicate when these events are likely to happen, it
allows for intelligent anticipation. Equally, by retrospectively looking at past planetary
movements, one can gain greater understanding of one's life experience.
The connection between man and the moving spheres called planets can be considered as
correlative if not causal.
These planetary movements are a significant portion of what we consider in our study of
predictive horoscopic astrology. By looking outward, we are able to tell how we will be
affected inwardly. However, our basis for all horoscopy is still the individual's Natal
Chart for therein lies the ability to see within.
by Leigh Oswald
The Birthchart is effectively the 'freezing' of a moment in time in the dynamic machinations
of our solar system. The exact time and location of birth is needed, as well as the date, to
get the most accurate symbolic photograph of the planetary energies encapsulated in the
Birthchart. This map or chart is made up of ten planetary bodies (or eleven including the
recently discovered planetoid Chiron) each of which occupies any one of the twelve signs and
also any one of the twelve houses of the zodiac.
The planets indicate the nature of the energy that is operating and the sign each planet is
in shows how that energy is operating. The house it is in shows where that energy is
happening. E.g. Mars in Aries in the Second House, that could be loosely interpreted as
energy and drive and determination (i.e., Mars) being expressed in a very competitive,
enthusiastic, assertive, maybe courageous way, (i.e., Aries), particularly in relation to
financial security and the pursuit of money matters (i.e., the second house).
The planets at the moment of birth also make many different angular (geometric)
relationships to each other and to significant other points of the chart. Each angle further
reveals a specific meaning in the individual's map and shows a harmonious or challenging
dynamic at work between planets and points.
The web of angular relationships built up shows a meaningful pattern being formed across the
chart.
The identification of the all-important Ascendant or Rising Sign, and the Midheaven are also
of great significance in determining how all the factors in the chart are mediated by the
individual. Fairly accurate time of birth is necessary for the correct calculation of the
Ascendant. (I would add that without it, you would have a very inaccurate picture of your
character.)
It is obvious, therefore, that the permutations possible are extremely large, and in total,
the complex factors shown in the chart go a long way to reveal to the Astrologer the unique
qualities of that person. Factors such as temperament, idiosyncrasies, impulses, sorts of
life experiences, talents, potentials, career orientation, genetic and family influences,
difficulties, even karmic tendencies or fate can be identified in a good Astrological
reading.
In order to forecast trends in a person's life/experience, the Astrologer merely plots the
path of the planets as they dynamically move around the ecliptic (orbital path) and s/he
superimposes these movements onto the frozen map of the individual, which is the natal
chart.
When significant contacts are made by these moving planets to the natal planets and points,
this indicates periods of time when change or events happen in the individual's life.
According to the nature of the contacts, these events vary in significance, length and
quality. Since the Astrologer is able to indicate when these events are likely to happen, it
allows for intelligent anticipation. Equally, by retrospectively looking at past planetary
movements, one can gain greater understanding of one's life experience.
The connection between man and the moving spheres called planets can be considered as
correlative if not causal.
These planetary movements are a significant portion of what we consider in our study of
predictive horoscopic astrology. By looking outward, we are able to tell how we will be
affected inwardly. However, our basis for all horoscopy is still the individual's Natal
Chart for therein lies the ability to see within.