ASTROLOGY 201: How to
Interpret a Birth Chart Pt. 2
By Holly D'Angelo
Resources
To learn astrology:
“The Only Way To Learn Astrology” Vol. I, II,III
Marion March and Joan McEvers
To get a free chart:
Astrodienst
http://www.astro.com/
Chart Patterns

Three general types: uniform, biform and triform

The patterns we have examples of:

Splash
-Bucket

Locomotive
-Fan

See-Saw
-Wheelbarrow

Bowl

Bundle

See-Saw
Example 1: Splash
Example 2: Locomotive
Example 3: Bowl
Example 4: Bundle
Example 5: See-Saw
Example 6: Bucket
Example 7: Fan
Example 8: Wheelbarrow
Final Signature


The final signature of the chart is the averaging
of the elements and cardinalities of the planets
to generate an overall “tone” to the personality
This is done by identifying a dominant element
and a dominant cardinality
Final Signature
Final Signature
Chart Ruler



The Chart Ruler is the planet that rules the
rising sign.
As a general rule, if the planet of the rising sign
is in the first house the person typifies the sign
in appearance and demeanor.
The house of the Chart Ruler tells what part of
life the person is most active in and where they
really want to be
Chart Ruler
Retrograde Planets



A planet is said to be in retrograde when from
our perspective on Earth it appears as if it is
moving backwards in the sky
Planets in retrograde tend to work less
obviously and more interiorly oriented
A lot of retrogrades adds a sense of mystery to
the personality
Sample Retrograde Planets
Aspects

When a planet makes an angle that falls into
certain parameters with another planet, this is
called an aspect.

Aspects are relationships between planets

There are 6 major aspects that we will consider


Flowing aspects are the conjunct, trine and
sextile
Challenging aspects are the square, inconjunt
and opposition
Aspect Chart
Aspect
Symbol Keyword
Degree
Conjunct
Emphasis
0
Sextile
Opportunity
60
Square
Challenge
90
Trine
Flow
120
Inconjunct
Adjustment
150
Opposition
Awareness
180
The Aspectarian
Conjunct
0
Sample Conjunct
Sextile
60
60
60
60
60
60
Sample Sextile
Square
90
90
90
90
Sample Square
Trine
120
120
120
Sample Trine
Inconjunct
150
150
Sample Inconjunct
Opposition
180
180
Sample Opposition
Configurations and Standouts


Major configurations

Stellium

T-Cross

Grand Cross

Grand Trine

Yod
Standouts are any lack of element, quality,
aspect or aspects for a specific planet
Sample Stellium
Sample Stellium
T-Crosses




A T-Cross is formed by two planets in
opposition and one planet square to both
A dynamic configuration that gives self-drive
The planet at the arm assumes a great
importance
Types of T-Crosses

Cardinal

Fixed

Mutable
Cardinal T-Square
Fixed T-Square
Grand Cross

A grand cross is formed when there are two
sets of planets in opposition that form 4 squares

Known as a type of “curse” in the chart

Types of Grand Cross

Cardinal

Fixed

Mutable
Grand Cross
Grand Trine


A grand trine occurs when there are three
planets, all in the same element, all at 120
degrees from each other
Types of Grand Trine

Fire

Water

Air

Earth
Grand Air Trine
Grand Earth Trine
Grand Fire Trine
Yod


A yod is defined as one planet inconjunct to
two other planets which in turn are sextile to
each other
These should be viewed as “learning
opportunities” in an area where the personality
needs to adjust
Sample Yod
Standouts


A standout is defined as any lack of element,
cardinality or aspect in the chart, also any
unaspected planet counts
This is technically part of the overview and
should be done early on in the chart analysis
Sample Standout: No Fire