Natal Chart — Definition

A natal chart, also called a birth chart, plots the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and key angles against the twelve zodiac signs and twelve houses. It is the foundational document of personal astrology — every transit, progression, and synastry reading is interpreted in relation to it. Accurate birth time matters: a few minutes can change the Ascendant and the entire house structure. Most astrologers treat the natal chart as a snapshot of potential rather than fixed destiny.

Example

Two people born on the same day have similar planet positions but often very different natal charts because their Ascendants differ.