Tammy Safi, Astrologer in Sydney
        

A Natal Chart represents the position of planets at the time of your birth. Most people know there are 12 signs in the zodiac. If you think of a pie chart divided into 12, the planets each sit within the space of one particular zodiac sign (a piece of the pie) at one particular time. An Astrology Natal Chart shows this positioning at the time of birth. Each planet is considered to 'rule' a zodiac sign, and this does not change. This ruling relationship gives the zodiac sign some of it's natural characteristics. These relationships between the zodiac signs and planets, are what we discuss during a Natal Chart reading.

Here is a brief description of each planet, which zodiac they rule, and their characteristics.
Sun
The Sun rules Leo. The Sun represents our life force and stamina. It gives life and demands attention for giving life. Leo needs to be appreciated, and can be all about look at me, look at me.

Moon
The moon rules sensitive Cancer and governs our emotions. The need to mother and nurture others, is of great importance to the Moon, and a Cancerian needs to receive nurturing back. The moon governs our moods at different times of the month. For example people who are tuned into their feelings will tell you how out of sorts they feel when it's a full Moon. The Moon is so powerful it has the ability to raise and lower the level of the seas everyday.

Mercury
Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo. It is the planet of communication. Most Mercurious people are known for their ability to speak clearly, and get their message across well. They are great at teaching and breaking things down, to communicate a thought well via writing and speaking.

Venus
Venus rules Taurus and Libra. Personally, Venus is all about beauty and pretty stuff. However it can be a little selfish, and not want to share. It does indeed enjoy love, art, and the finer things in life, however fears around a lack of security may make it selfish and egotistic, even manipulative.

Mars
Mars rules Aries. Mars is one of my favourite planets. Being a 'fixed' sign myself, when Mars is aspecting other planets in my chart, it nudges me, or rather forces me, to change a certain situation. Mars is the planet of action. It is about getting things done, quickly and sometimes with force, which can be a challenge. Sometimes Aries folk when true to their sign, may be seen as forceful, action taking people.

Jupiter
Jupiter rules Sagittarius. Jupiter is about expansion or increasing whatever the issue or thing is, at a particular time. Increasing or expanding on love, finances, troubles, doubt, fears. As with all planets, the way they play out in your life, depends on what you choose.

Saturn
Saturn rules Capricorn. Good old Saturn, the planet which seems old and mature when young, yet lightens up as it grows older. Saturn will not drink and drive. Saturn is about doing what needs to be done and owning up to ones responsibilities.

Uranus
Uranus rules Aquarius. Uranus, unlike any other planet, is the rebellious planet. Uranus rolls instead of spins on it's axis. Wanting to be different, wanting to stay away from the crowd. It does it's own thing, always has and always will. Uranus is a planet which goes against the grain. Demanding and yearning freedom, not only for itself but for everyone else also.

Neptune
Neptune rules Pisces. I love Neptune too, however it can pull the wool over your eyes. This planet is dreamy and may not see things the way they should be seen. Trusting I call it, probably too trusting. Neptunian sorts don’t always see what is right under their noses. It's a mystical, spiritual planet.

Pluto
Pluto rules Scorpio. If there was a planet to shake things up... this is the one. The planet of deep secrets, voodoo, endings and beginnings. There is no getting away with anything when Pluto aspects something in your chart. You always know those times in your life. They are Plutonic times.

Houses

The houses in an astrology chart help describe where in your life, the signs and planets are playing their roles. When your natal chart has one planet or more in either one of the houses, it gives the Astrologer more insight. This will all make more sense once you read what each house represents.
More about The Houses here.

Signs

More about The Signs here.