Expertise in interpreting a natal chart evolves over time. The immediate goal is to train the mind to make rapid associations between the astrology symbol and what it means. This requires learning what symbols mean then practicing reading them together in a chart. The more this is done, the greater will one's skill-set as an astrologer become. Here are some tips.
A spiritual-philosophical way to approach a chart reading is to understand that everyone is a soul (in consciousness), on a journey to enlightenment that spans lives. We begin as imperfect beings and end up as illumined and wise. We achieve this clevated state through life experience, by learning from our mistakes and by making changes. What we are doing metaphysically, is removing psychological traits in our nature that are obstacles between ourselves and the soul (spiritual love and wisdom). Hard aspects in the chart should be interpreted from this angle - a character issue that needs to be straightened out.
We should also remember we are reading for a sensitive soul who has all the hopes, dreams and wishes for a successful and happy life that we all share.
“The psycho-spiritual goal of astrology readings is to help clients gain deeper insight into their characters by better understanding the energy inter-actions of the natal chart. This involves highlighting the positive elements in the chart and potentials for life- success. It also involves pointing out inner adjustments that are required within the nature to straighten out any energy-kinks (hard aspects) that are contributing to life or health problems. Overall, this will help those we counsel live a more fulfilling and happier life.”
The reading should chart a course that is accurate in interpretation - the tough aspects are not dodged but are delivered in a sensitive way that does not reinforce fears and sends the person away with a sense of foreboding. It helps to have counselling training.
- 1. When reading planets well placed by sign and easy aspects, generally use positive keywords.
- 2. When reading planets not well placed by sign with hard aspects, start with negative keywords for the hard aspect to describe the negative pattern being played out. Then end with positive keywords - how the energy should be used and the benefits that will flow when the change is made. Apply therapy, how the pattern can be changed. Use common sense advice. Include any easy aspects the planet makes to other planets or points in the chart. Finally, address how making changes will benefit the life.
To demonstrate this, imagine that a male client says he is unlucky in love and be has been accused of being stingy with money. You see in the chart there is a Venus-Saturn square. Here is how it could be addressed.
- (1) “Your relationship difficulties are shown in the chart. You have a fear of intimacy and of being rejected. Most people have the latter, but it is accentuated in you, the result of being rejected in the past. You are ultra-cautious and this affects other parts of your life, such as with money. Do you identify with this?” [Discussion follows, giving the client the opportunity to talk about his experiences). (2) Apply therapy. Then (3) “Your chart also shows that you have the ability to build an enduring relationship. If you make the recommended changes, if you learn to be kinder to yourself and more generous, a stable and long- lasting love will come to you in the future.” Always hold out hope.
In the following exercises, work with your own or someone else's chart. Each planet, sign, house and aspect are given keywords. These are connected with conjunctions - “connecting words,” which link these various factors together. This technique will help you to get started interpreting. Initially, some of the phrases may not make sense. But jiggle the words around and add a few of your own until you come out with something meaningful. Use the “Keywords” page to help you do these exercises. This is the “nuts and bolts” section of your training. Put in as much time as possible to get a flow going. If it seems hard, remember that you are developing your brain power, accelerating your understanding and developing skills that can help people. Use the astrology play - cards given in a later section to help this process.