Pisces’ traditional planetary ruler is Jupiter, and its modern planetary ruler is Neptune, making this mutable water sign super-emotional and artistic.
# Understanding the Birth Chart

Astrology is about way more than just your Sun sign. Lisa Stardust digs into the basics of the birth chart.

By Lisa StardustPublished: Apr 9, 2021

closeup of astrology signs

Surasak Suwanmake//Getty Images

The birth chart is your personal map to the world and self. It’s your unique scope to learn how to relate to others and yourself. Understanding your birth chart isn’t as hard as it looks. I have used my 10-plus years of being a professional astrologer to help break down the astrology chart as simply as possible so you can understand yours and others’ easily.

Let’s get started.

First things first: You’ll need to cast your birth chart. Luckily, this is super-easy to do online. Head over to this site, and enter your birth details (this is the date, time, and location where you were born). The website will generate your free birth chart for you in seconds. Once you have your birth chart, we can get started interpreting it.

## The Houses

Each part of the birth chart is divided into 12 different areas. These are called “houses.” They represent different aspects of our lives. To start looking at your houses, you’ll have to start at the middle left-hand side of the chart, where it’s marked “AC,” or there should be a number on the inside of the wheel. Going counterclockwise from that point, you’ll find all the houses in the wheel.

## The Meaning of All 12 Houses

## First House/Ascendant (AC)/Rising Sign

This is the house of self. It is usually the energy that others notice about us first (the way we dress, carry ourselves, and first approach others). Also, what we put into the world and give off to others. This house is associated with Aries.

## Second House

This is the house of personal finances, material objects, confidence, bank accounts, and childhood friends. This house is associated with Taurus.

## Third House

The third house represents our relationship with our siblings, how we communicate, short-term travel (and how we get around in cars, trains, and buses), and early childhood education (nursery school to high school). This house is associated with Gemini.

## Fourth House/Imum Coeli (IC; this is Latin for “bottom of the sky”)

The fourth house represents our parents, home, personal values, traditions, beliefs, and family. It’s our foundation. This house is associated with Cancer.

two hands holding a heart

EireenZ

## Fifth House

This is the house of dating for fun (like casual dating), childbirth and children, creativity, risks, pleasure, and gambling. This house is associated with Leo.

## Sixth House

This is the house of mundane day-to-day activities (like chores and errands), routine, health, coworkers, and people we see every day. This house is associated with Virgo.

## Seventh House/Descendant

This is the house of partnerships and relationships. It is in direct opposition to the first house of self. This house is associated with Libra.

## Eighth House

This is the house of transformation, sex, intimacy, death, other people’s money, loans, taxes, and debt. This house is associated with Scorpio.

## Ninth House

This is the house of higher education (college and beyond), long-distance travel, law and order, worldly ideals, and philosophical views. This house is associated with Sagitarrius.

## 10th House/Midheaven/Medium Coeli (MC; this is Latin for “middle sky”)

This is the house of career and public standing. This house is associated with Capricorn.

## 11th House

This is the house of humanitarianism, acquaintances, classes, networking, internet relationships, hopes, and visions. This house is associated with Aquarius.

hand hold a crescent moon

EireenZ

## 12th House

This is the house of clandestine matters, mental and emotional health, prison, crime and punishment, sleep, fears, and addiction. This house is associated with Pisces.

## The Planets

Each planet is key to understanding the energy that lies in the house. Having Mercury in the first house means that you’re talkative; also, Venus in the fifth house can dictate a super-creative person … and so on.

## The Sun

The Sun represents our egos, truths, and the strength we have within. The Sun illuminates the best parts of ourselves and individuality. It allows us to give those parts of us to others without losing the sense and awareness we have of ourselves.

## The Moon

The Moon represents our emotions and intuition. It shows the deepest and most private parts of our hearts that we don’t share with others but want them to instinctively pick up on. The Moon shows us how we relate to others on a sentimental level and our memories that we have.

## Mercury

Mercury is the planet of communication, travel, information, and news. It makes sure that emails are sent correctly and that our cars are running properly (amongst other things).

## Venus

Venus is the planet of love, sensuality, comforts, social graces, and money. Also, the relationships and friendships that we have in our lives (both the casual and committed ones).

## Mars

Mars is the planet of action and passion. It gives us the confidence to take a leap of faith in asking someone out, saying yes to the date, and puts the energy needed into making the connection work.

## Jupiter

Jupiter is the planet of luck, long-distance travel, expansiveness, philosophy, education, and wisdom. This means that Jupiter can help grow our minds.

hands

EireenZ

## Saturn

This “heavy” planet ensures longevity in a partnership and creates a bond that cannot easily be broken. It’s the karmic taskmaster of the zodiac that ensures we take care of our personal ventures.

## Uranus

Shake-ups, breakups, and revolutions happen from “Great Awakener” planet Uranus. This planet brings societal change, unconventionality, and growth.

## Neptune

Neptune is the dreamiest planet in the galaxy. This tender planet can bring sentimentality, inspiration, compassion, and mystery. The lower vibration is that it can bring delusions and obsession.

## Pluto

Pluto is the most passionate and desirous planet in the solar system. It helps us evolve and transform (which many people are scared of doing because it leads to the unknown).

## True or North Node

This shows what you’re moving toward in this lifetime. It’s where your chart wants you to evolve and strive to grow.

## South Node

This is the place you’re moving out of from your previous lives. It’s what you’re releasing in this lifetime.

## The Signs

Now that you’ve looked at the houses and the planets, you can add the signs to understand the chart better. Start by looking at the sign that rules the houses. Then look to see what planets are in the houses and what signs they are in. You’ll find that this adds more flavor to understanding your birth chart. For example, having an Aries ascendant (the first house) with Mercury located in this house points to a passionate person who is assertive and talkative.

Look to see the meanings of the signs below:

## Aries

As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries is known to be passionate and feisty. This action-oriented cardinal fire sign, who’s ruled by the planet Mars, is a go-getter who makes things happen.

## Taurus

Taurus is a fixed Earth sign who is ruled by Venus. This hardworking and indulgent sign is known for its beauty, creativity, sensuality, romantic ideals, and stubborn energy.

## Gemini

Chatty Gemini is a mutable air sign who is responsible for communication, information, gossip, news, and travel. This sign is always in the know due to its planetary ruler, Mercury.

## Cancer

Known for its tender and sentimental nature, this cardinal water sign is the nurturer of the zodiac (being that it’s ruled by the Moon).

hand holding half moon

EireenZ

## Leo

Leo is known for their desirous, dramatic, and proud demeanor. The fearless lion is a fixed fire sign, who’s ruled by the Sun, that stands its ground.

## Virgo

As a mutable Earth sign, this Mercurial sign is very reflective and intelligent. Patience and knowledge are its virtues.

## Libra

This cardinal air sign is ruled by Venus, which means that they are always seeking balance and fairness in relationships.

## Scorpio

Scorpio’s traditional planetary ruler is Mars, and its modern planetary ruler is Pluto. This means that the fixed water sign is deep and intuitive.

## Sagittarius

This mutable fire sign is ruled by Jupiter, making it a beacon for wisdom and philosophy. Globe-trotting Sagittarius is known for its freedom-seeking, adventurous desires.

## Capricorn

Saturn rules this cardinal Earth sign, who focus their energy on evolution and power. Growing pains are common for this mature sign.

## Aquarius

The traditional planetary ruler is Saturn, and the modern planetary ruler is Uranus for Aquarius. This rebellious and unique fixed air sign is a humanitarian.

## Pisces

Pisces’ traditional planetary ruler is Jupiter, and its modern planetary ruler is Neptune, making this mutable water sign super-emotional and artistic.

This is an overview for the birth chart that can give you a better grasp on how astrology works. There’s more to learn, but mastering these basics can kick-start a journey into understanding yourself better. Also, you’ll begin your adventure as an astrologer. Hopefully, this tutorial opens up your path toward spiritual evolution and growth. Keep this as a guideline for the future if you choose to proceed with your cosmic learning. It also can serve as a great “how-to” lesson for friends and family interested in astrology.

_Lisa Stardust is a New York City-based astrologer. Find her on Twitter._

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