Lesson 3: Birth Chart Layout

Question 1

The 2 Circles Making up Birth Chart

Answer 1

1. The Zodiac Wheel

2. The Wheel of Houses

Question 2

The Zodiac Wheel

Answer 2

• 12 even sections for each Zodiac Sign (30º each)
• Zodiac Signs on outer edge of circle
• Inner Circle represents the Earth, or birth place coordinates in personal chart.

Question 3

Wheel of Houses

Answer 3

• 12 Sections for 12 Houses
• Based on the Ecliptic (Defined in Lesson 1 Set)
• The Ecliptic Point on the Eastern Horizon at moment of birth denotes the sign and degrees of beginning of 1st House on chart

Question 4

Planet Placement on Zodiac Wheel

Answer 4

Planets are placed on wheel according to their real-life astronomical position in space at the time of one’s birth

Question 5

Combining Wheels of Zodiac and Houses

Answer 5

After planets are placed on Zodiac Wheel, the wheel is then placed on top of the Wheel of Houses to create the entire natal chart.

Question 6

Zodiac Placements within Houses

Answer 6

• Can see where Zodiacs fall into houses on outer edge chart
• Zodiac Wheel rotates based on birth data, but house wheel remains same
• Outside edge degree measurements = position of cusps in reference to the Zodiac Wheel

Question 7

House Cusp

Answer 7

• The divider line before each house

* 1st House Cusp = The left, center, horizontal line of wheel

Question 8

The 4 Important Cusps

Answer 8

1. Ascendant (“Rising Sign”): 1st House Cusp
2. I.C. (Imum Coeli): 4th House Cusp
3. Descendant: 7th House Cusp
4. Midheaven or M.C. (Medium Coeli): 10th House Cusp

Question 9

Ascendant

Answer 9

• 1st House Cusp
• Referred to as “Rising Sign”
• Ruling Planet = “Chart Ruler”
• Describes one’s personality
• Very often, people identify as this sign more than their Sun sign

Question 10

I.C. (Imum Coeli)

Answer 10

• 4th House Cusp
• Describes childhood and values learned early in life
• Sets base for the chart => deals with the foundation one is brought up on

Question 11

Descendant

Answer 11

• 7th House Cusp
• Opposite position and reflection of Ascendant
• “Shadow Self” = Reflects hidden, suppressed, or invisible personality aspects
• People tend to gravitate toward others that represent their descendant characteristics: “Opposites Attract”
• Can usually be seen in those we surround ourselves with

Question 12

Midheaven (M.C. = Medium Coeli)

Answer 12

• 10th House Cusp
• Represents our Lifetime Achievement Awards
• Helps learn about personal legacy
• Correlates to professional successes, reputation, one’s “public face”, and overall sense of responsibility and standing in the world/society

Question 13

Signs on a House Cusp

Answer 13

The sign on a cusp denotes one’s attitudes within the house’s designated life department.

Question 14

Planets in a House

Answer 14

Any planets within a house affect the affairs of that house’s life area

Question 15

Signs of Planets

Answer 15

The sign of a planet modifies how everything in chart will be manifested.

Question 16

Numbers by Planet Glyphs

Answer 16

The number next to the planet glyphs tells the exact degree of that zodiac sign at which the planet appeared at the moment of one’s birth.

Question 17

Lines within inner circle of chart

Answer 17

These lines represent the aspects between planets