A birth chart is circular, with 360 degrees. The ascendant, represented by a horizontal line through the middle of the chart (FIGURE1–1), forms the horizon. The space above it is south of the horizon; the space below it is north. The ascendant (AS) is intersected by the meridian, the axis that connects the Midheaven (MC) and the Nadir or Imum Coeli (IC). The space to the left of the meridian is east; the space to the right is west.

These directions are the opposite of what they usually are because we live in the northern hemisphere, on the “top” of the planet. This means the Sun is due south when it reaches the peak of its daily arc at noon.

FIGURE1-1

The birth chart (FIGURE1–2) shows an ascendant in Pisces, a Sun in Virgo, and a Moon in Virgo. The numbers inside each of the pieces of the pie represent the houses. In the lower left-hand corner is a graph that depicts the various aspects of the chart.

FIGURE1-2

This is a child's chart (1989 birth year). This chart is quite straightforward and shows clearly defined areas of the soul's intent. We'll be referring back to it in later chapters as you begin to put together everything you're learning.