          
          
                           WHAT IS A NATAL CHART?
          
          A natal chart shows us the positions of the Sun, Moon and
          planets on the zodiac belt the way they appear from the
          Earth's point of view at the moment of birth. The zodiac
          belt lies around the Earth's equator with a slight tilt.
          It is comprised of 12 equal divisions known as zodiac signs:
          Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, etc.  On paper, this
          zodiac is seen from a bird's eye view as a circle with the
          earth placed invisibly at the center. Inside the zodiac
          is another circle of 12 divisions known as houses, which
          means that the planets are located in houses as well as in
          signs, and similarly, houses are located in signs.
          
          In addition, planets form angles among each other known as
          aspects, which are measured at the center of the chart.
          There are five traditional aspects that are used in the    
          natal chart: the conjunction, sextile, square, trine and
          opposition. Conjunctions, squares and oppositions are
          labeled as "hard" aspects since they generate challenging
          influences. Sextiles and trines are categorized as "soft"
          aspects since they produce passive influences. Generally,
          all aspects indicate channels of communication between
          the various parts of the charts.
          
          There are numerous other factors which have unique specific
          meanings and may add support to various parts of the chart.
          Some astrological factors are weak while others are strong.
          Some operate easily while others function with difficulty.
          All these components represent the numerous sides of our
          true inner nature, some of which may or may not be evident.
          
          
                     THE NATAL CHART IS ABOUT POTENTIAL
          
          It is important to understand that the chart does not have
          to reflect us in every minute detail. Some factors may be
          evident in our behavior, others less so or not at all. This
          is because astrological factors are merely influences and
          not guaranteed effects.
          
          Some factors do not reflect because they are not brought out
          during the early childhood years or simply because they are
          blocked by external influences. There are many external non-
          astrological influences that can block or inhibit potential
          expressions and talents indicated in the natal chart. They
          even add traits to our own natural astrological ones. This
          is why some people are criticized for not acting themselves.
          Pretentious behavior is often the result of adopting some-
          one else's traits.
          
          What kind of external reasons can prevent factors in the
          chart from being expressed?  Various kinds:  social systems,
          customs, traditions, parents, religions, institutions,
          spouses, etc.
          
          In past centuries, most women's professions were restricted
          to raising children and housekeeping. Does this mean that
          hundreds of millions of natal charts indicated only this
          kind of potential?  Of course not. Many of those women's
          charts indicated the same possibilities that existed in
          the charts of men. Today women can be doctors, lawyers,
          engineers, etc, all the professions that men are in. In the
          past, such professions were forbidden for women, despite
          the fact that many of their charts indicated such potential.
          
          The same hindrance still holds true for families in agrarian
          areas and fishing areas of th world. It is still an expected
          custom that farmers produce farmers, and fishermen produce
          fishermen, from generation to generation. It was and still is
          unthinkable for a son to want to become a ballet dancer in a
          family of farmers, even if his chart shows such potential.
          
          Anyone or thing trying to influence another person's life is
          already interfering with the influences of the person's
          natal chart. By the same token, external non-astrological
          influences can become permanent effects in our character and
          life. Some of these may not necessarily be detrimental. But
          if they are, it is in our interest to get rid of them. The
          natal chart allows us to find out which traits belong to us
          and which ones don't.
          
          
                              THE RANDOM FACTOR
          
          The potential of natal charts can be compared to the random
          action of tree seeds in a wild forest. Both function in a
          very similar way. A full grown tree in the wilderness drops
          its seeds on the ground. But the ground has many different
          conditions. Some parts are rocky, others have dense brush,
          there are large tree roots, dark and sunny spots, and a few
          pockets of fertile soil. Thousands of seeds drop in a rush
          of wind. All fall on the forest floor in the same minute, so
          that all have the same astrological signature, that is, the
          same natal chart. But only a few lucky seeds will become
          full grown trees like their parent. Why? Obviously because
          of the conditions of the spot where they fall. But also
          because of the eventual developing conditions affected by
          wind, rain, temperature, and other environmental forces.
          
          Now take a moment in time when several dozen babies are born
          in the same city, a large one like new York city. The chart
          for all of them indicates the same potential. Imagine that
          the factors appear suitable for a creative individual, an
          artist, let us say. But, all come from various backgrounds.
          One comes from a very poor background. Another from one
          where both parents hate art and artists with a passion.
          Another comes from a middle class family with a practical
          philosophy. Another comes from a background where one of the
          parents is a professional artist. And so on. The question
          is, "Will all these babies become artists?" The answer is
          obviously "No." The next question is, "Which ones will
          become artists?" The answer is blowing in the wind. No one
          can say for sure. Much depends on circumstances as they
          develop over time. Conditions which may be un-favorable in
          childhood may be favorable later in life, or it may be the
          reverse.
          
          However, statistically, those born with artistic charts
          in artisitic family backgrounds have greater a chance of
          ending up as artists than those that are not born in such
          backgrounds with the same chart. An environment where art
          materials are provided at an early age, certainly promotes
          the child's natural skills at an earlier stage, which is an
          advantage. Those that are poor or whose artistic talents
          are rejected or suppressed, may have to wait a long time
          before the suitable conditions present themselves, if at
          all. Sometimes, the higher class friends of the parent who
          is an artist is all that is needed to get the attention of
          art dealers and collectors for the child-artist. Whether
          the artist's work merits the attention is irrelevant. That's
          not the way the real world functions. The right contacts
          are often all that matters in the end. Even the struggling
          promising artist must still make the higher contacts if
          there is to be any outstanding success.
          
          On the flip side of this issue, there are those who do not
          have the potential in their natal charts for becoming good
          artists yet do so due to their family backgrounds. Take for
          example, actors. Many children of actor-parents eventually
          become actors even when there is no acting potential in
          their charts. In all probability, they are not good actors.
          But the contacts are all set up by the parents, and there's
          always some job even for lousy actors. This applies to all
          professions. There are a lot of people who are terrible at
          what they do. But they are there because circumstances made
          it easy to work there. This is a terrible way to reason 
          way to spend the rest of your life working. Many people even
          admnit they don't like their jobs, but consider themselves
          lucky to have any kind of work, just to survive, pay the
          bills and feed the kids.
          
          Clearly, these are cases wherer people are not living up to
          the potential of their charts. Another good reason why we
          should consult our natal charts. But it's also excellent
          proof why we cannot gaze into a chart and expect to read our
          life like the back of our hand. For the simple reason that
          we may not necessarily be representative of what our charts
          are describing.
          
          What our charts say is one thing, what we do is entirely
          another. Nothing forces us to be a mirror image of our natal
          charts. This demonstrates that we are free to lead our lives
          the we want to or the way our circumstances influence us,
          and that charts are governed by a random effect.
          
          The point is, it's not enough to simply have a natal chart
          with a certain potential and hope that it somehow develops
          all by itself. The chart is like a docked sailboat. It is
          not sufficient to just sit down in it and expect it to sail
          away to same fabulous destination. We must learn how to use
          the sailboat, and be able to read a nautical map, figure
          out where we want to go, wait for the right winds, and
          finally know how to get there.
          
          
                       THERE ARE NO GOOD OR BAD CHARTS
          
          There is no such thing as a bad or good chart. Every chart
          has its weakenesses and its strengths. This is why society
          is comprised of people with different charts. Where one
          persons lacks in some areas, another person in the community
          excells in them. As a group, however, people balance out the
          missing components. What matters is that each person can do
          what his chart is bested suited for.
          
          Charts with a predominance of hard aspects, such as squares,
          conjunctions and oppositions, are generally regarded as bad
          or unfortunate. But the reverse happens to be true. Such
          charts are actually found in successful people who have
          earned their fame and fortune through hard work. However,
          success is not always guaranteed. It's just that persons
          with such charts enjoy tough challenges and prefer to work
          harder to attain their goals. Because they are accustomed
          to dealing with obstacles and problems, they are also more
          capable of resolving them.
          
          Similarly, charts with more soft aspects, such as sextiles
          and trines are viewed as good and fortunate. But again the
          reverse often holds true. Such charts are not indicative of
          an easy fortunate life. What they do indicate is a desire
          to gain fortune the easiest way possible. Not surprisingly,
          such charts are common among criminals. In most cases, an
          excess of these factors produce a laid-back attitude with
          great expectations. On the other hand, such charts resonate
          with much creative contemplation and are therefore highly
          suitable in situations where creative thinking rather than
          brute strength is needed. So, again, there is no such thing
          as a bad chart.
          

                         CONTRADICTIONS IN THE CHART

          Another characteristic of most charts is that there are
          several factors that contradict each other. This is normal.
          The natal chart is a chaotic mix of different meanings that
          were never intended to be compatible with each other. This
          is why we sometimes hear opposing voices in our head, so to
          speak, when pondering a difficult decision. One side of our
          chart pulls us in one direction, another side insists on the
          opposite direction, a third side considers yet a completely
          different approach. And so we often struggle with ourselves
          in this manner, not knowing which way is right or wrong.
          
          It helps to know that, for the most part, such contradictory
          or diverse views come from our chart and therefore can also
          be controlled by us. We can pick and choose how we want to
          analyze a situation and make our decision. But it helps to
          have a natal chart so that we can see which factors would be
          better to suppress and which to enhance with our conscious
          effort.
          
          
                      (+) POSITIVE AND (-) NEGATIVE TRAITS
          
          Every astrological factor has both positive and negative
          traits. Negative features are synonymous with vices and non-
          constructive attitudes and problematic behavior. The more
          that vices are subdued, the more time and energy is made
          available for expressing the positive traits, which may mean
          more positive results. The positive traits should be brought
          out to gain greater fulfillment and success.
          
          Emphasized traits will affect the other factors in the natal
          chart. So it is important to gain control over them in order
          to obtain optimized effects. But it must always be kept in
          mind that all traits and meanings are only potential effects.
          
          This is the whole point of astrology, to use the chart to
          our advantage. The chart is not there for us to look at and
          say, "Oh well, too bad there is nothing I can do about it."
          That is why people consult astrologers, not to be told that
          they are this or that according to their chart, and that
          nothing can be done about it, but to find out what may be
          causing a certain problem so that something 'can' be done
          about it. What would be the point of seeing an astrologer if
          nothing could be done to stop some negative factor from
          taking effect?  That would be fatalistic thinking, which has
          been rejected by astrologers for centuries. In every major
          work we find the statement: "Astrology does not compel,
          it only inclines."


                        WE CAN CONTROL OUR INFLUENCES
          
          Regardless of how easy or hard the factors may be, does not
          mean they need to reflect in life. We have the freewill and
          power to choose which influences we want to respond to,
          whether it be those of our parents, friends, sacred idols,
          or those in our natal chart. 
          
          Every chart, no matter how imbalanced, difficult or easy,
          serves a useful purpose somewhere. The important thing is
          that we concentrate on the areas in our chart where we are
          strongest and not waste time in areas where we are weak.

          The chart can also be seen as a map with many destinations
          and paths to choose from. Some may be reached by highways
          while others by difficult trails. On the other hand, some
          may prefer the slower longer rough trails, simply because
          they are more interesting and challenging. In this sense,
          there are also no good or bad paths. The rocky longer trail
          maybe seen by some as the bad path and the fast shorter
          highway as the good path. But it all depends for whom and
          for what purpose. 
          
          The natal chart is a complicated mixture of many possible
          expressions, and that is what human beings are, complex
          characters who can be many different things. The chart
          cannot be synthesized to produce one specific picture.
          It is not possible to reduce the chart to one simple
          common denominator. People can have several interests,
          talents, professions and divers expressions.

          This is the whole point of the natal chart. It allows us to
          see all our possibilities for better or for worse, so that
          we can decide which ones to pursue.

          It's not about how accurately our chart describes us,
          because we may not have been given the chance to express
          our charts to the fullest potential. It's about how close
          we "should" reflect our chart. It's about getting in touch
          with our real selves and getting in tune with our true inner
          design.
          
          The natal chart is like a blueprint. It's up to us and not
          someone else to develop it further. The natal chart is really
          just a guide for us to follow. If we do not reflect all its
          positive traits, then we should do so by consulting it for
          guidance and advice. Therefore it is much like a model of
          the way we should be, and not a magic mirror of what we are.
          
          


                                  CHART TYPE


          One of the first things that is examined in a natal chart is
          the general look or planetary pattern of the chart.  In some
          charts the planets are scattered all around while in others
          the planets are grouped on one side, or form one of the many
          other patterns such as the Splash, Bowl, See-saw, Bucket,
          Locomotive, etc. These Chart Types or Patterns indicate a
          particular style or manner in the way we behave, work and
          deal with the various areas of life.



                                   ELEMENTS   


          The Four Elements, Fire, Earth, Air and Water are the most
          fundamental components in the natal chart. They indicate
          four distinct attitudes and approaches to life. Sometimes
          they are referred to as Triplicities because each of the
          four Elements is shared by three of the twelve signs.

                   Fire Signs:  Aries, Leo, Sagittarius   
                   Earth Signs:  Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
                   Air Signs:  Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
                   Water Signs:  Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

          For example, the signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are Fire
          signs. Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are Earth signs. Gemini,
          Libra and Aquarius are Air signs, and Cancer, Scorpio and
          Pisces are Water signs.

          The signs are not labeled this way because that is the
          Element prominent in nature at that time of the year. The
          Element refers to the general characteristics of the sign,
          such that signs of the same element have very similar traits.
          These traits are based on the intrinsic qualities of the
          actual element. So that all three Earth signs, for example,
          share the same traits that are associated with the Element
          Earth, such as stability, practicality, value and security. 


                                     FIRE

          Fire is a wild, volatile, burning hot entity. It's always
          moving and dancing about, as if agitated. It is often seen
          as and used as energy. It moves swiftly and suddenly. But
          most characteristically, it darts about unpredictably. We
          can never tell in which direction the flame will turn. It's
          almost as it was out of control. It shows no fear and will
          attempt to strike at any surface, regardless whether it can
          burn it. Fire is like a brave daring warrior, conquering
          wherever it goes. Sometimes it flickers gently like a candle
          flame, but it can also rage with devastating force.    


                                     EARTH

          Earth is a stable, fixed, solid, secure entity. It is always
          dependable and reliable, safe and sound. It is often seen
          as and used as a base or foundation for our shelters and
          structures. It holds rich minerals, precious gems and metals,
          countless resources which in turn makes us appreciate objects
          of value. It provides the rich soil for our crops which in
          turn gives us our sustenance and health. It is lush with
          greenery and beauty, satisfying our senses and providing
          comfort. 


                                      AIR

          Air is everywhere all around us, constantly moving, picking
          up dust, debris, pollen and seeds, carrying and dispersing
          them throughout the environment. It thrashes branches and
          shakes berries and fruits to the ground. It refreshes and
          increases the circulation in vegetation. It provides the
          medium for insects and birds to fly about and propagate
          the process of communication in nature. Filled with sounds
          and smells, it conveys all kinds of messages and visions.
          Hard to pinpoint, except when we feel it and see it in its
          effects. Nothing matches its flexiblity and capability to
          adapt itself to the contours of everty nook and cranny. 


                                    WATER

          Water is a crystal clear almost tasteless fluid, that gives
          the feeling of unique wetness, or a hot steam bath, or cold
          humid dampness. It flows like a gentle peaceful brook or
          like a thunderous waterfall. It penetrates and seeps in,
          bending malleably around every contour, at times passively,
          at other times, forcefully. By itself, it has no distinct
          shape until it fills some form. It can be dispersed in the
          air, seemingly lost and drifting aimlessly, or it can rise
          upwards with great gusts, and then downwards with tremendous
          force. It is changeable, complex, and difficult to control
          or understand. It can be hard and cold as ice, and the next
          moment, soft and warm, and then hot and cruel. Yet, despite
          all its oddities, it is the mysterious essence of life.


          The three signs with the same Element are evenly spaced
          apart by a third of the zodiac circle, or a Trine angle.
          In other words, the three signs that share the same element
          are located from each other in such a way that they form a
          equal-sided triangle, also known as a Grand Trine.

          If more planets occupy signs with the same Element then
          that Element is emphasized, and affects the influences of
          all the other factors. So when it is said that a chart
          has the Element Fire emphasized, it means that most of the
          ten solar system bodies are located in Fire signs. For a
          certain Element to be emphasized does not necessarily imply
          that all three signs sharing the same element must be
          occupied. Four planets in one sign is enough to emphasize
          an Element.

          As the traits of the Elements are based on all three signs
          of the same Element, and due to the possibility that some
          charts may not have planets in all of these signs, may mean
          that not all of the meanings and characteristics mentioned
          may be evident. The absence of some traits may also be the
          result of external hindrance and not the lack of planets
          in some signs. 



                                   QUALITIES  


          The three Qualities, Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable, are the
          second most fundamental components in the natal chart after
          the Elements. They indicate three distinct attitudes and
          approaches to life. Sometimes they are referred to as the
          Quadruplicities because each of the three Qulaities is
          shared by four of the twelve signs.

              Cardinal Signs:  Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn
              Fixed Signs:  Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
              Mutable Signs:  Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces

          For example, the signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn
          are Cardinal signs. Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius are
          Fixed signs, and Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces are
          Mutable signs.

          The Qualities refer to the starting, developing and changing
          characteristics of the seasons, as the four Cardinal signs 
          correspond with the starting months of the four seasons,
          the Fixed signs with the stabilized periods of the seasons,
          and the Mutable signs with the ending and changing phases.

          The four Cardinal signs are evenly spaced apart by a quarter
          of the zodiac circle, or a Square angle. In other words, the
          four signs that share the same Quality are located from each
          other in such a way that they form a four-sided square, also
          known as a Grand Square.

          If more planets occupy signs with the same Quality then that
          Quality is emphasized, and affects the influences of all the
          other factors. So when it is said that a chart has Cardinal
          emphasized, it means that most of the ten solar system
          bodies are located in the Cardinal signs. For a certain
          Quality to be emphasized, does not necessarily imply that
          all four signs sharing the same Quality must be occupied.
          Four planets in one sign is enough to emphasize a Quality.


                        Astroscan interpretation text
                        Copyright (c) 1997-98 R.Logush
