Understanding Your Birth Chart: Aligning With Your Best Self

Astrology has been around for thousands of years, with roots in ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Greeks, and Egyptians. It was used for a variety of purposes, from tracking planetary alignment for growing crops, to predicting political events and even natural disasters.

In modern times, astrology can be a tool for personal growth and self-discovery. By understanding your astrological birth chart, you can gain insight into your personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and life path. You can use this knowledge to help align yourself with your best self and live a fulfilling life.

The Basics of Astrology

Astrology is based on the concept that celestial bodies, such as planets and stars, have an influence on our lives on Earth. The position of these bodies at the time of your birth can be mapped out in what is called a birth chart or a natal chart. 

A birth chart includes twelve houses (areas of life), and ten celestial bodies (the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) and it, in essence, is a snapshot of the sky at the moment of your birth. Each planet and house represents a different aspect of your personality and life path.

The Zodiac Signs

Astrology is divided into twelve zodiac signs, each associated with a specific period of the year and a set of personality traits. Here are the twelve zodiac signs, along with their corresponding dates:

• Aries: March 21 - April 19

• Taurus: April 20 - May 20

• Gemini: May 21 - June 20

• Cancer: June 21 - July 22

• Leo: July 23 - August 22

• Virgo: August 23 - September 22

• Libra: September 23 - October 22

• Scorpio: October 23 - November 21

• Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21

• Capricorn: December 22 - January 19

• Aquarius: January 20 - February 18

• Pisces: February 19 - March 20

Each zodiac sign is associated with one of the four elements (fire, earth, air, and water) 

and a corresponding set of personality traits. 

The element of Fire relates to action and creativity, the element of Water corresponds to emotions, the element of Air is associated with intellect, and the element of earth is represented by substance and practicality. 

Each element can be broken down even further, and is expressed in one of three modalities; a cardinal modality, fixed modality and mutable modality. Each modality represents the energetics behind the element. 

The cardinal modality marks the beginning of a season, representing the power of initiation. 

The fixed modality is linked to the middle of a season, and the power of sustaining. 

The mutable modality marks the end of a season, and the power of change. 

This chart, taken from the book Cosmic Navigator by Ghal Sasson illustrates a wonderful representation of where each sign falls. Let it guide you as you uncover more about your chart and what the position of each sign means for you. 

Understanding Your Birth Chart

Understanding your birth chart can be a lifelong journey, as there are many ways to interpret and apply the information present in the chart. However, some general concepts help navigate a birth chart:

• Each planet and house represents different aspects of your personality and life path.

• Planets represent energies inside of you that informs how you behave and react to situations. We all contain each sign in our chart. 

• Houses represent areas of life where those energies and patterns play out.

• Planetary placements in houses can tell you where you need to grow or focus your intention.

• Aspects (or the geometric relationships between planets) show where you have potentials for strength and challenge in your life.

Human Design, Sphinx Code, and More 

Human Design is a relatively new system, drawing from astrology, the I Ching, the Kabbalah and other mystical knowledge. It incorporates the birth chart with insights on personal decision making, relationships, and life purpose. It is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative tool for self-discovery and personal growth.

Aligning With Your Best Self

By understanding your birth chart, you gain insight into your subconscious self, your internal motivations and drives, and your unique talents and gifts. You can use this information to align yourself with your true path and live a more fulfilling life.

If you're interested in learning more, try listening to a podcast, consider booking a session with an astrologer or Human Design analyst or pick up an informational book! With outside insight and guidance, you can delve deeper into your birth chart and unlock the secrets to self-discovery and personal growth.