Your Natal Chart as a Compass

Curiosity about the world aids in improving advancements for the future. Similarly, curiosity about the self leads to a deeper understanding of the soul, an area of psychology widely overlooked due to its subjective nature. According to Aristotle, the word ‘psychology’ translates from the Greek root words “psyche (soul) and logos (study)”, together meaning “knowledge of the soul”. In his system, psychology is the culmination of metaphysics and natural science. Living things, according to Aristotle, exemplify natural objects and substances, making them ideal for applying his theories. His psychological theories explore the soul’s multifaceted capabilities, bridging both vegetative and mental aspects of life. 

Conventional psychology is concerned with the biological and environmental aspects of psychological suffering and neglects the root of the meaning - it neglects the soul. As humans evolve, curiosity about the self has increased, and many are looking to gain a deeper understanding of the psyche to help better understand personal limitations to self-fulfillment. 

The emerging field of AstroPsychology - translating “Astro” from Greek roots meaning “star”- suggests that “the soul is the center of the study via discourse with the stars”. AstroPsychology is a fascinating field that emerges from the cross-fertilization of astrology with depth psychology, humanistic psychology, and transpersonal psychology. Astropsychology combines astrological principles with psychological concepts and practices. It explores how the structure and dynamics of an individual’s psyche are reflected in external conditions, providing stimuli for psycho-spiritual growth. The natal chart serves as a diagnostic tool, revealing patterns and potential areas for personal development. 

Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung first recognized the potential of astrology as a tool for understanding the depths of the human psyche. Jung formulated his archetypal hypothesis by drawing inspiration from Plato’s theory of ideas or forms. In his psychoanalytic work with clients, he noticed correlations between archetypal images and astrological themes, often observed through conversations, dreams, and art. Jung would frequently utilize an individual’s astrological natal chart in his work with clients, and shared this information with one of his mentors in a letter, stating “I must say, that I have very often found that the astrological data elucidated certain points which I otherwise would have been unable to understand.” 

Jung also collaborated with Wolfgang Pauli, a theoretical physicist, to develop the theory of synchronicity. Synchronistic experiences refer to subjective instances where coincidences occur between events in one’s mind and the external world. These events may be causally unrelated but exhibit an unknown connection. Jung and Pauli believed that just as casual connections provide understanding, synchronicity also plays a role, and together, they explored how synchronicity impacts consciousness and the world. Their view emphasized that meaningful coincidences transcend mere superstition and offer insights into the psyche and existence. Jung saw astrological constellations as synchronistic projections of the collective unconscious, allowing astrological symbols within the planets and zodiac to bridge the psyche and cosmos. 

The therapeutic use of a natal chart involves exploring the natal chart from both an astrological and psychological perspective. Jung’s model of the psyche suggests that the psyche strives to maintain a balance between opposing conscious and unconscious qualities, while at the same time actively seeking its own development. This search for wholeness of the psyche is a process Jung called ‘individuation’. By utilizing the framework of the model of the psyche, the psyche can be symbolically represented in the form of a natal chart. The natal chart is constructed through the theoretical framework of an open system theory. The theoretical perspective of open system theory views the organization as open to influence from the environment. In an open system, needs signify drives that motivate the individual to engage in other systems. The first level of the psyche is composed of the twelve zodiac signs - or twelve fundamental drives. The second level is expressed within the planets as a set of interrelated functions designed to satisfy the needs of the sign that each planet rules. Aspects, the angular relation between planetary bodies, provides the third level of the system and provides a relational component that provides schemas that pertain to individual convictions about the relative likelihood of fulfilling the needs of each fundamental drive, or zodiac sign needs. This implies that the psyche is an open system, which means there is a constant exchange of inputs and outputs across system boundaries.  

Viewing a natal chart through the lens of an open system, in therapeutic use, can provide: 

1: Self-Understanding and Insight: 

• The natal chart provides a detailed map of an individual’s personality, inclinations, and potential challenges. 

• By analyzing planetary positions, aspects, and house placements, individuals can gain a deeper sense of self-awareness

• Understanding one’s strengths, challenges, and inner conflicts can help foster personal growth

2: Validation and Acceptance: 

• The natal chart validates an individual’s unique qualities and life experiences

• It helps clients accept their inherent nature, including both positive and challenging traits

• It can help guide clients toward self-compassion and self-acceptance

3: Identify Patterns and Themes: 

• Astrological patterns (stelliums, aspects) reveal recurring themes in an individual’s life

• Allows client to explore patterns to identify underlying psychological dynamics and work through unresolved issues 

4: Life Transitions and Timing:

• Transits and progressions offer insight into life events

• Help clients align with cosmic rhythms 

5: Archetypal Exploration: 

• Astrology connects individuals to universal archetypes represented by planets and signs

• Clients can engage with these symbolic energies for healing and transformation 

6: Integration of Shadow Aspects: 

• The natal chart reveals both conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche 

• Shadow work promotes wholeness and authenticity 

7: Spiritual and Transpersonal Exploration: 

• Clients can engage in soul-level transformation through explorations of the transpersonal planets 

• Astrology transcends the personal and connects to the collective and cosmic realms

The Natal Chart as an Open System

First Level of the Psyche: The Signs (12 Fundamental Drives)

Aries (March 21-April 19): 

• Traits: eager, dynamic, quick, competitive

• Represents: courage, initiation, assertiveness

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): 

• Traits: Strong, dependable, sensual, creative

• Represents: stability, material abundance, sensuality 

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

• Traits: versatility, expression, curiosity, kindness

• Represents: communication, duality, adaptability 

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

• Traits: intuitive, sentimental, compassionate, protective

• Represents: emotional depth, nurturing, family bonds

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

• Traits: outgoing, confident, passionate, self-assured

• Represents: creativity, leadership, self-expression 

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

• Traits: practical, loyal, gentle, analytical

• Represents: service, attention to detail, health 

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

• Traits: social, fair-minded, diplomatic, gracious

• Represents: balance, harmony, relationships 

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

• Traits: passionate, stubborn, resourceful, brave

• Represents: transformation, intensity, hidden depths

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

• Traits: extroverted, optimistic, funny, generous

• Represents: Adventure, expansion, philosophical pursuits 

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

• Traits: serious, independent, disciplined, tenacious

• Represents: ambition, structure, long-term goals

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) 

• Traits: deep, imaginative, original, uncompromising 

• Represents: innovation, humanitarianism, individuality 

Pisces: (February 19 - March 20)

• Traits: affectionate, empathetic, wise, artistic

• Represents: spirituality, intuition, empathy, unconditional love 

Second Level of the Psyche: Planets to Satisfy the Needs of the Signs

The Sun: The Leo need for validation of identity, self-esteem, creative expression, and enjoyment

• Represents self-awareness and ego 

• Shines light on your core identity and purpose

• Psychological Faculty: Identity, self-concept, ego, self-expression

• Target State: pride and confidence

• Avoidance: shame and humiliation

The Moon: The Cancer need for nurturing, belonging, emotional security, caring, and protection

• Governs your inner emotional life

• Reflects your emotional needs, instincts, and intuition 

• Psychological Faculty: Receptive function, listening responses, memory, personal, unconscious

• Target State: Sense of belonging and closeness

• Avoidance: Rejection

Mercury: Gemini and Virgo needs:

• Gemini need for information, mental stimulation, learning, communication, knowledge

• Virgo need for efficiency, self-service, problem-solving, health optimization, improvement

• Rules communication and mental processes

• Influences how you express thoughts and connect with others

• Psychological Faculty: Cognition, reason, rationality, communication, intellect

• Target State (Gemini): Curiosity and interest

• Avoidance (Gemini): Boredom, disinterest

• Target State (Virgo): Being useful and productive

• Avoidance (Virgo): Criticality and fault finding

Venus: Taurus and Libra Needs:

• Taurus need for safety and security, sensual gratification, stability, pleasure, and comfort

• Libra need for harmony, beauty, balance, intimacy, companionship, fairness, and equality

• Symbolizes love, beauty, and money 

• Affects your relationships, aesthetics, and values 

• Psychological Faculty: internal security, psychological stability, self-soothing, artistic sense, capacity for intimacy

• Target State (Taurus): Equanimity in the sense of safety, comfort, pleasure

• Avoidance (Taurus): Pain, insecurity, instability

• Target State (Libra): Intimacy and cooperation

• Avoidance (Libra): Lack of engagement with others

Mars: Aries need for survival, freedom, independence, immediate gratification, activity, and movement

• Embodies assertiveness, action, and aggression 

• Drives your desires, passions, and physical energy

• Psychological Faculty: Assertion, competitive, instinct, drive, aggression, libido

• Target State: Pure aliveness

• Avoidance: Deadness and threats to survival

Jupiter: Sagittarius need for truth, wisdom, purpose, meaning, virtue, ethics, travel, expansion, and belief in a higher power

• Brings luck and opportunity 

• Expands horizons, growth, and optimism 

• Psychological Faculty: Higher mind, moral judgment, capacity for hope and faith

• Target State: Hope, faith, enthusiasm, trust in the intelligence of the universe

• Avoidance: Doubt, loss of faith, cynicism 

Saturn: Capricorn need for excellence, status, order and organization, success, structure, and authority

• Represents responsibility, time, and routine

• Teaches life lessons, discipline, and structure

• Psychological Faculty: Ambition, authority, self-control, respect, self-discipline, responsibility, and productivity

• Target State: Sense of mission accomplished and success

• Avoidance: Failure, inferiority, inadequacy, deprivation

Uranus: Aquarius need for awakening, perspective, objective outlook, change, altruism, and liberation

• Signifies individuality and revolution 

• Sparks innovation, independence, and change

• Psychological Faculty: Observing ego, wholistic thinking, universal mind, and objective witnessing 

• Target State: Love, radical insight, self-realization

• Avoidance: Divine disconnect, nihilism, and dissension 

Neptune: Pisces need for transcendence of duality, oneness, unitive consciousness, surrender, and non-attachment

• Relates to dreams, healing, and intuition

• Connects you to the mystical and spiritual realms

• Psychological Faculty: Intuition, fantasy, empathy, forgiveness, dreams, idealism, and universal love

• Target State:Blissful, transcendent awareness of the unity of life

• Avoidance: Addiction, avoidance of reality, and escapism

Pluto: Scorpio need for transformation and healing, purification, integrity, death and regeneration, power, and fusion

• Symbolizes sex, death, and transformation 

• Unveils hidden depths, regeneration, and rebirth

• Psychological Faculty: Power, integrity, healing ability (transformation), sexuality

• Target State: Internal wholeness-integrity, integration of the psyche

• Avoidance: Control, destruction, violence, projection of shadow (fear, disempowerment)

Third Level of the Psyche: Aspects - How to Fulfill the Needs of Each Fundamental Drive

1st House (AC)

• House of Self: represents self-awareness, physical body, personality, appearance, and how others perceive you 

• Initiates the soul’s journey and defines the individual’s identity

2nd House

• House of Possessions and Values: relates to money, possessions, self-worth, and hidden traits

• Reveals what you value and how you manage material resources

3rd House

• House of Communication and Learning: governs communication, siblings, short trips, and early education 

• Reflects how you express yourself and learn from your environment 

4th House (IC)

• House of Home and Family: represents family roots, emotional security, ancestry, and the home environment

• Reveals your inner emotional foundation and connection to family 

5th House

• House of Creativity and Pleasure: relates to self-expression, romance, hobbies, and artistic pursuits

• Reflects your creative spark and joy in life 

6th House

• House of Health and Service: governs work, daily routines, health, and service to others

• Reveals how you maintain well-being and contribute to society 

7th House (DC)

• House of Partnerships: represents relationships, marriages, business partnerships, and open enemies

• Reflects on your approach to significant others 

8th House

• House of Transformation and Intimacy: relates to shared resources, sexuality, death, and rebirth

• Reveals deep psychological processes and hidden aspects of life

9th House

• House of Expansion and Higher Learning: governs travel, philosophy, spirituality, and higher education 

• Reflects your quest for meaning and exploration 

10th House (MC)

• House of Career and Public Image: represents career, reputation, achievements, and social status

• Reveals your life purpose and public persona

11th House

• House of Friendship and Goals: relates to friendships, groups, communities, social networks, and aspirations

• Reflects your hopes, dreams, and collective connections 

12th House 

• House of Spirituality and Subconscious: governs solitude, dreams, spiritual insights, and hidden enemies 

• Reveals your inner world, karmic patterns, and connections to the divine 

Aspects:

Conjunction: united and act together, blended energy, may blur the line

Sextile (60 degrees): indicates talent and ease, supports, assists

Square (90 degrees): creates tension, conflicts, competes, require growth and learning

Trine (120 degrees): indicates harmony, reinforces, amplifies, exaggerates 

Quincunx (150 degrees): adjustments, challenges, redirection, make changes

Opposition (180 degrees): opposing forces seeking harmony, balance

The natal chart is a self-system. It is meant to be read as a whole, not as a sun sign, a moon sign, or any other singular aspect.

The natal chart is a compass, and it allows you to navigate home to your soul.