What Can I Gain From My Birth Chart?

Graphic by Alli Eck

The origins of astrology may be surprising, especially to those that believe the study of astrology is only a recent phenomenon. The practice and utilization of astrology has existed for thousands of years. Astrology was derived in Babylon around 2,400 years ago. That period was the beginning of the concept of horoscopes. Astrology then spread to the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically in regions in Egypt. Eventually, a new system of astrology known as Vedic astrology originated in India. With all of the differences in systems and periods, one aspect remained constant: the fundamental purpose.

 Astrology is a reflection of the human desire to ponder over meaning. The sky, in its vast and seemingly daunting expansion, is a pivotal illustration of human desire. We aspire to understand our place. This phenomenon can ultimately lead to nihilistic viewpoints. However, it creates a natural desire to look within. When one recognizes the significance of their specific characteristics, they can then unleash a potential that could otherwise be dormant. Spiritual practices and studies, such as astrology, provide us with healing qualities. Understanding how astrology can correspond with one's strengths, weaknesses, and goals is a pertinent element in regards to how the practice of astrology can positively affect one's life. 

We have all most likely heard the stereotypes, the generalizations, and the jokes about astrology. The practice or enjoyment is subject to ridicule for seemingly obvious reasons. While I have a strong enjoyment and belief in astrology, I understand the opposition. The idea that the stars can dictate personality traits, physical features, or the future is a polarizing notion. But regardless of genuine belief, there is much to gain from astrology. This might not appear clearly. Doesn't the whole point of astrology mean that you would have to believe in the practice? I think that even the most skeptical individuals could grow exponentially from astrology. Even a simple overview of one's birth chart offers a pathway to introspection. 

When you ask the general population what sign they are, they will likely respond by stating their sun sign. This one sign is what the media has generalized astrology to predominantly consist of. However, the practice of astrology is significantly larger. In astrology, every individual has a birth chart. A birth chart represents the positions of the planets at the time of someone's birth. The chart then provides individuals with specific signs for a multitude of different houses. This is where you can understand more about your character or potential. 

While there are many aspects to understand about astrology, some of which may take up to months or even years to retain fully, there are still many simple ways to get a general idea of one’s birth chart. You can first conduct some research on how to calculate your birth chart. This will take you to a variety of options. Once you have chosen a site to calculate your birth chart, you will have to add your birthday, birth time, and birthplace. If you don't know your birth time, you can still plug in your birthday and place of birth, but you won't be able to get your rising sign or your houses. 

Now that you have your birth chart, you can begin the process of introspection through astrology. The site you used will most likely offer you basic explanations and an overview. For example, it may tell you that your moon is in Cancer. This would mean that your emotional world is one where you easily experience empathy. With this placement, it would also most likely state that you experience moodiness. If your Mercury is in a Fire Sign, your chart may reflect that your mental world and your emotional world tend to conflict. This is an example of how you can discover your natural gifts in your birth chart while also learning about the areas that you may need to develop. 

Concerning these aspects, even if you don't believe in astrology, you can accept what resonates. Many people do not reflect on what makes them you. We all have individual experiences, memories, and moments combined into the person we are today. With the present you, some moments are needed for future growth. It isn't easy to truly grow if you do not take the time to know yourself. If your Moon is in a fire sign, you may be told through your chart that this is why you repress your anger and transform it into an adverse action. You can then reflect on whether you genuinely do suppress your emotions, allowing you to work on how you could improve upon this. A birth chart is so vast and complex that you can continuously find tidbits of your personality that you may never have pondered over.

The most considerable aspect of the skepticism regarding astrology that I empathize with is the cynical notion that astrology is restricting. In my own life, I have a profound appreciation for astrology that began with skepticism. I started studying astrology at seventeen. During this time, one of my closest friends was a firm believer in astrology. I remember how our conversations would leave me feeling confused when she would incorporate any element of astrology into the discussion. I would ponder why anyone would believe in astrology, mostly since all I knew about the subject was my sun sign. However, considering this was a topic my closest friend was passionate about, I decided to research. Upon researching, I came across a website that would calculate your birth chart. I plugged in my data, such as my birth time and place of birth, and searched for my astrological birth chart. I was met with a vast amount of information from my planetary signs, placements, and aspects. I was skeptical for months, yet continued to read my chart and look into astrological definitions because it was the first time I reflected on who I was. Now, as a believer of astrology, I don't let astrology limit who I am. It's continuously a tool I utilize to remind myself of my positive qualities while also acknowledging what I could improve on. 

I have found that contrary to what I used to believe, astrology is not restricting. Instead, since I began to practice and study astrology, I have felt freer. 

And I guarantee you that you can feel the same freedom too.