There are four main factors to be considered when you begin to interpret your natal chart. They are - the planets, the houses, the zodiac signs and the aspects. Now, use the information described below to understand the planets and the houses. You will see more clearly what your personal characteristics are and how to better work with them. Attempt to analyse the energies created by the positioning of the planets and see if they are true in your case or not. Each Planet is located in a Sign and a House. Each House is strongly influenced by the Sign that 'rules' it and expresses itself most strongly in the area of experience of its House. The aspects between Planets and certain 'sensitive points' in the chart also influence the interpretation of a chart.

The Planets

Let's start by briefing you on what each planet does (the corresponding glyph or symbol is shown below the name). Planets are traditionally called the 'rulers' of the sign. Each sign is affiliated with one or two planets - whose function corresponds to the energy of the sign. The planets represent functions, inclinations, motivations and tendencies. [Planets are 'Grahas' in Vedic Astrology and there are 7 of them — the other two Grahas are shadow planets viz: Rahu and Ketu and they do not rule any particular Rasi (Zodiac sign). The Vedic equivalent for each planet is given in brackets.].


Sun
(Surya)
 The Sun represents your 'sign'. It represents your real meaning, the factors that elevate your mood and all the positive energies in you. Self, ego, projection of one's self onto the outside world, ambitions. It forms a very large part of your astrological make-up. If well-placed, the Sun radiates joy, confidence and wards off evil. It relates to vitality, determination, principles, dignity, self reliacne and magnanimity. It corresponds to the sign Leo, which has the same attributes.

Urge - Power, Vitality, Ego | Meaning - Will | Keywords - integrate, express, project
Moon
(Chandra)
 The Moon reveals the other side of your character, which you might keep hidden from the rest of the world. It reveals your conditioned response to situations. It represents subconscious, emotional disposition, creative energies and reception of other people's moods. Mind, emotions, general well-being, general public, growth in early childhood. It relates to instinct, emotions, memory, protectiveness, domesticity and patriotism. It is associated with the sign Cancer.

Urge - Security, Emotions | Meaning - Feelings | Keywords - respond, react, regulate
Mercury
(Budha)
 Represents intellect , business sense, common sense, wit and how we communicate. Intelligence, speech, education, matters relating to communication such as speech and writing, analytical ability, humour, maths, astrology, mobility, adaptability, reason, self expression. As a morning star it is associated with the sign Gemini and with Virgo as an evening star.

Urge - Communication, Intellect, Perception | Meaning - Communication | Keywords - communicate, concentrate, transmit

Venus
(Shukra)
 The planet of Love. It reveals your needs in love and how you attract love. It stands for everything that we find beautiful and desirable. Spouse, romance, marriage, comforts, luxuries, happiness, wealth, beauty, sense of form, fine arts, passion, sensuality, magnetism. As an evening star it is associated with the sign Libra and with Taurus in the morning.

Urge - Sociability, Beauty, Mildness | Meaning - Personal Magnetism | Keywords - relate, unite, connect
Mars
(Kucha)
 Represents your inner warrior. It tells how you take action, your competitiveness and your combativeness. Initiative, motivation, courage, technical or mechanical ability, sports, war, passion, desire. It rules the sign Aries and together with Pluto, rules Scorpio.

Urge - Aggressive, Energy | Meaning - Personal Drive | Keywords - initiate, activate, move
Jupiter
(Brihaspathi)
 Associated with things which sustain your faith and optimism in life. They include religion, philosophy, ethical knowledge and education. Expansion, creativity, children, spiritual growth, meditation, compassion, morals, legal affairs, fortune, speculation, gambling, foreign matters, enthusiasm, generosity. It rules both Pisces and Sagittarius.

Urge - Expansion, Learning, Joviality | Meaning - Expansion | Keywords - expand, mature, experience
Saturn
(Shani)
 The planet of self-discipline is also considered the karmic planet. It represents how you chase your goals, face reality and the urge to establish a secure life structure. Longevity, loss, misery, restriction, delays, denials, accidents, authority figures, leadership abilities, spiritual growth, non-attachment, asceticism, perfection, endurance, perseverence, stability, integrity. It makes sure that we are confronted with the consequences of our actions. It rules the sign Capricorn.

Urge - Restriction, Focus, Crystallization | Meaning - Consolidation | Keywords - limit, control, discipline
Uranus
 The planet of freedom. It is associated with your need to progress, experiment and liberate yourself. It denotes a break with tradition. Relates to originality, independence, eccentricity. It rules the sign Aquarius.

Urge - Individualistic, Eccentricity, Disruption | Meaning - Intuition | Keywords - deviate, invent, reform
Neptune
 Represents spiritual wisdom, compassion, mysticism, imagination, extrasensory capabilities and visualization. The sign Pisces is assigned to the planet.

Urge - Illusions, Visions | Meaning - Illumination | Keywords - refine, detect, transcend
Pluto
 Gives power to regenerate, heal and transform. It controls your personal power, your skills and awareness. It symbolises the masses and stands for sudden change and destruction. Relates to new beginnings, group power, death. Together with Mars, it rules the sign Scorpio.

Urge - Universal Welfare, Cooperation, Coercion | Meaning - Regeneration | Keywords - eliminate, transform, regenerate
Rahu
 Extrovert tendencies, showy, sense gratification, ability to attract the masses, sudden events or changes.
Ketu
 Introvert tendencies, spirituality, asceticism, natural healing methods, psychic abilities, wisdom, high knowledge, astral forces, tendency to be unnoticed.