Ten Easy Steps to Chart Analysis 1. First, divide the chart into the Four Hemispheres. Both Left/Right and Upper/Lower. Are there 7 or more planets contained in either half of the chart? Upper Hemisphere - Focus on career and public life, collective, philosophical approach. Lower Hemisphere - Home and family life focus, personal and inner life. Left Hemisphere - Self-awareness and will power, independence and self-reliance. Right Hemisphere - Focus on relationships and working with others, interpersonal dynamics. 2. Look at the Element balance between the 10 planets. Each planet gets one point. 3 or more in Earth, Fire, Water or Air indicates a strength and focus. Only 1 or none in an element indicates a weakness in that group. The Ascendant or Rising Sign may also be included as a point. 3. Consider the primary three signs - the Sun sign, the Moon sign and Rising sign or Ascendant. How are they similar or how might they reinforce each other? Also ask how they are different and what conflicts these might create for the person. 4. Is the chart a Bucket shape with one planet isolated to one side? How might this planet be an important influence? 5. Some other ways a planet might show strong influence - usually 2 or 3 planets will stand out in the chart as major aspects of the personality. * the planet that rules the Sun sign. * the planet that rules the Rising sign. * any planet within 10 degrees of the Ascendant in the First House. * any planet within 10 degrees of the Tenth House or Midheaven, from either side. * planets which closely ( 5-6 degrees ) aspect the Sun or Moon, especially conjunct. * planets which are Retrograde, especially if there is only one. * a planet which is conjunct either the North or South Moon's Nodes. * a planet which is at the apex or focal point of a T-square or Yod aspect formation. 6. Also look for 2 or 3 houses which are emphasized. How do these houses suggest important themes and areas of focus for the person's life? * the Sun's house. * the Moon's house. * the house that contains the Ascendant's ruler. * any house that holds a cluster or 3 or more planets. * the house containing the Sun sign ruler. * any house containing the apex of a T-square or Yod. * the house that contains the North Moon's Node. 7. Look at the Moon's Nodes, North and South, which houses they are in and what sign polarities are involved. ( Virgo-Pisces, Taurus-Scorpio, etc. ) How might these themes be important in the person's spiritual growth? 8. Look at the overall shape of the chart. How might this mythological theme play an important role in the person's life path and growth? * Splash Type - World Creation myths, the Unconscious. * Bowl Type - The Treasure, Security and Self-Esteem. * Bucket Type - The Warrior, Hero myths. * Bundle - Hero myths, Independence and Individuality. * Locomotive - The Teacher, Leader or World Redeemer myths. * See Saw - Partner and relationship themes. 9. Notice the closest or most important aspects, especially involving the first five personal planets - Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars. Look also for major aspect patterns - The Grand Trine, The T-Square, The Yod and the Grand Cross. 10. Now, with all that information in front of you, relax and let your right brain take over! How do certain themes echo or reinforce each other? What patterns do you see emerging? Try to see the person's chart as a story and a process, not just a collection of personality traits.