Charts > General

1. What is a chart or horoscope drawing?
   
   A horoscope drawing (chart) is a map of the heavens and shows where the Sun, Moon and planets were at a particular time and place. Originally, the term meant "View of the Hour", and showed the distribution of the heavenly bodies around the Earth at a given moment, seen from some point on the Earth. The signs of the Zodiac are projected onto the heavens, in the shape of a sort of 'Zodiacal Belt' around the Earth. Since the Earth continually rotates, there is always an astrological sign rising in the East. This is called the rising sign, or Ascendant.
   The horizontal line dividing the chart into an upper and a lower half represents the horizon - some planets will be above the horizon, some below. Here we can also see what sign and planets are ascending (AC) or descending (DC). The vertical or near-vertical line shows the highest point (MC) in the sphere and the lowest (IC). The segments between these lines are called houses. These show a mathematical division of the space around us into segments. The drawing also shows the relationships between the Sun, Moon and planets; special angles between them are called aspects and are shown by coloured lines.
   This "view of the heavens" is the basis for any astrological chart interpretation. It has become common practice to call the actual interpretation of a chart a "horoscope".
   
   
2. Do you give permission to publish your charts on other websites?
   
   You have permission to store personal charts or VIP charts of public interest as GIF images on your local computer, and to publish such images on other websites or news groups.
   This must be for private and/or educational purposes, i.e. you must not offer an astrological public service based on such charts.
   
   
3. How can I see in my chart if my Mercury and Venus are morning or evening stars?
   
   Mercury or Venus is a morning star if this planet follows the Sun in the zodiac, i.e. is behind the Sun. It is an evening star if it precedes the Sun.
   For example:
   If the Sun is at 1° Aries and Mercury at 20° Pisces, Mercury is a morning star.
   If the Sun is at 1° Aries and Mercury at 12° Aries, Mercury is an evening star.
   The same rule applies to Venus.
   
   

Charts > Calculation

1. Why does my ascendant on astro.com differ from my ascendant calculated by other astrologers?
   
   Sometimes errors are made - the calculation could be wrong, perhaps the wrong place or time zone were used. Please check your data! With a given set of data, there can be no ambiguity. The result you get at Astrodienst is correct. Our calculations for astronomical facts are the most reliable in the whole "industry". For further reference, please see the "Full Documentation" of the Swiss Ephemeris.
   
   
2. Is the Ascendant in the Southern Hemisphere different from the one in the Northern Hemisphere?
   
   No. The point of the ecliptic rising in the east at any given moment and given location is a fact of nature. There is no room for opinion, it can only be computed right or wrong. We do it right.
   Check the placement of the Sun in the chart, it must be sensibly placed relative to the horizon for the given time of day. For a day birth, the Sun must be above the horizon.
   
   
3. Which orbs do you use when calculating planetary aspects?
   
   Our standard chart type uses the orbs listed at the bottom of the aspects page in our Introduction to Astrology.
   Many of our chart types were designed especially for individual astrologers, and the aspects are calculated with orbs according to the preferences of these astrologers. Usually the chart types are named after these astrologers, as you can see in the Natal Chart Drawings in our online shop. This page also lists the orbs used for the calculation of aspects for Liz Greene's reports. Like most astrologers, she has her own style of work and, naturally, we respect this.
   
   
4. Why is my Part of Fortune at astro.com different from other calculations?
   
   We use different formulae for Pars Fortunae for a day birth than for a night birth. You can change this rule with an option in the extended chart selection.
   The day formula is: ASC + Moon - Sun
   The night formula: ASC + Sun - Moon
   Astrologers differ in their views about which formula to use for Pars Fortunae.
   If you're interested in in-depth information, please read the article "The Lot or Part of Fortune" by Robert Hand in our "Understanding Astrology" section.
   
   
5. What phase was the Moon in when I was born?
   
   The phase of the Moon is represented by the angle between the Sun and the Moon in your birth chart, starting at the Sun, counter-clockwise. Zero degrees will be a new moon, 90 degrees a growing half moon, 180 degrees a full moon, etc. You can consult your chart drawing to measure the difference.
   If you find this too difficult, please use the 'Lunar Phases Fertility Calendar' (under the group 'Astrodienst Special'). It gives the Phase of the Moon already computed, as a value between 0° and 359°.
   
   
6. What time is the progressed chart calculated for?
   
   The progressed charts are calculated for midnight Universal Time.
   
   

Charts > Interpretations

1. Are there interpretations for the charts you offer here?
   
   Partly. Our website offers several ways of finding out more:
   • Please, check our AstroShop for the reports Astrodienst provides. What you cannot find there, does not exist. It is our policy not to have any 'secret services'.
     
     • For natal charts, there are, for example, the Psychological Horoscope Analysis, Career and Vocation or the Child's Horoscope, depending on what you are looking for.
     • For synastry, composite or relationship charts, you may be interested in the Relationship Horoscope or the Horoscope for Two.
     • And for the forecast type charts, showing transits and / or progressions, we can offer the Yearly Horoscope Analysis, the Long-term Perspectives, Transits of the Year or the Horoscope Calendar.
   • Other - simpler - interpretations can be found in the Free Horoscopes section in "Reports / Horoscope Readings" or - in a more entertaining form - with the AstroClick Horoscopes.
   • You can, of course, consult a professional astrologer for a personal horoscope reading.
   • Or you may want to start studying astrology yourself. There is a wide range of books available for beginners. If you want to find out more about the terms and the symbols, you can read the short Introduction to Astrology in our Understanding Astrology section.
   
   
   

Charts > Design

1. Why does my chart at www.astro.com look different to the chart I got somewhere else?
   
   A birth chart can look different for a number of reasons - usually, it does so because a different astrological technique was used. The basic information remains the same while a different system can make the drawing look different.
   Hindu systems, for example, are based on sidereal astrology, which causes shifts in the planets and ascendant. The interpretation can be different as well.
   Sometimes errors are made - the calculation could be wrong, perhaps the wrong place or time zone were used. Please check your data! With a given set of data, there can be no ambiguity. The result you get at Astrodienst is correct. Our calculations for astronomical facts are the most reliable in the whole "industry". For further reference, please see the "Full Documentation" of the Swiss Ephemeris.
   
   
2. Do the aspect colours have a particular meaning or are they arbitrary?
   
   The colours of the aspects show which kind of aspect group they belong to.
   Red aspects belong to the group of "analytical" or "disharmonious" aspects (the main ones are Square and Opposition), blue ones are considered "synthetic" or "harmonious" (Sextile and Trine), and green is used for the minor aspects of Quinkunx and Semisextile.
   For more information on the aspects used in our charts, please read the respective chapter in our Introduction to Astrology.
   
   
3. Do you offer blank chart forms so that I can draw up the chart by hand?
   
   No, we don't offer blank charts.
   
   
4. Why is the South Node not displayed in the charts?
   
   It is unnecessary because the South Node is always 180° opposite the North Node (which is given). Adding the South Node would clutter the chart drawing unnecessarily.
   
   

Charts > Settings

1. How can I record a preferred chart setup without having to choose again each time?
   
   The simplest way is to do it via bookmarks:
   1. Display a chart in your preferred style and settings.
   2. Then use the link 'back to chart selection' at the top right of the chart.
   3. NOW create a bookmark.
   Using this bookmark will bring you back to extended chart selection, with all your choices pre-set.
   This allows you to save as many different setup styles as you like. You simply name your bookmarks accordingly.
   
   
2. How can I reduce the orbs when calculating aspects?
   
   Use the option "reduced/increased orbs (0-150%)" at the bottom of the right column on the "Extended Chart Selection" page. The percentage you enter results in a reduction / increase TO x%, not BY x%. For example, if you want to reduce the aspects from 10° to 8°, you have to enter 80%.
   
   
3. Is it possible to adjust the orbs according to my personal system?
   
   A user interface to allow full freedom in choice of orbs on this website would be far to complex. If you need that, you are better off with astrology software for your PC, like Kepler or Solar Fire.
   
   
4. How can I show aspects to all planets, AC and MC?
   
   Tick the option "aspect lines to all" in the left column of the Extended Chart Selection.
   
   
5. The charts I want to print are too large for the paper. What can I do?
   
   Please click here for an answer.
   
   

Charts > Extra Chart Factors

1. Can I have Lilith shown in a chart?
   
   Yes, you can. Please, choose the chart type "Natal Chart Wheel", and the style "Astrodienst w. Asteroids". The resulting chart shows Chiron, Lilith (the Dark Moon), and the major asteroids (Ceres, Eros, Juno, Nessus, Pallas, Pholus and Vesta).
   There are additional data on Lilith in the "additional data sheet". For interpretational information on Lilith, you may want to read the article on the Dark Moon in our "Understanding Astrology" section.
   
   
2. How can I enter more than one asteroid?
   
   To select the asteroids you wish to include in your chart, find the numbers on the asteroid name/number list with over 10000 named asteroids at the bottom of the Extended Chart Selection page.
   You then enter the asteroid numbers in the asteroid field, separating the numbers with commas, e.g. "34, 6, 49".
   
   
3. Do you give information on declinations in the chart?
   
   The declinations are given in the "additional data tables" (Please, click on the link Click to get the additional tables above the chart).
   You can also find them visualised in the 3-dimensional chart drawing in the group Astrodienst special -> 3-dimensional chart.
   
   
4. Is it possible to get a chart with true BML (Black Moon Lilith)?
   
   Yes, you can show true Lilith by entering "h13" in the asteroid field at the bottom of the Extended Horoscope Selection page.
   
   The so-called "true Lilith" appears in the chart drawing with the abbreviation "osc.", and in the aspect table below as "osc. Apogee".
   
   
5. How can I show hypothetical planets in a chart?
   
   At the bottom of the "Extended Horoscope Selection" page, you can find a link called List of "hypothetical" planets which opens a window with this list. Now, choose the numbers of the factors you would like to show in the chart and enter them in the asteroid and hypothetical planet field at the bottom of the Extended Horoscope page. In order to add more than one factor, please separate the numbers by commas.
   You can now click to view the chart, and the selected factors will be shown. (Please note, that only up to ten extra factors can be shown in the chart.)
   
   
6. How can I show the Pars Substanciae (Point of Substance) in the chart?
   
   You can show the Pars Substanciae by first showing the chart you would like to see. When the chart is shown, please enter the following at the end of the URL at the top of your browser:
   
   &add=17
   
   Press ENTER.
   
   The chart will be re-calculated, showing the Pars Substanciae.
   
   You can also calculate the part yourself by using the following formula:
   1. First, calculate the distance between Sun and Ascendant (d), in order to find out whether you are dealing with a day or night birth. Should this result in a negative value, please add 360°.
   2. Night birth (d < 180°):
      Pars Substanciae = Ascendant + Saturn - Mars
   3. Day birth (d > 180°):
      Pars Substanciae = Ascendant + Mars - Saturn
   For a value over 360°, please subtract 360°.
   
   There is an interesting article by Robert Hand which deals with the so-called sensitive (or Arabian) points:
   The Lot or Part of Fortune.
   The Pars Substanciae appears as the "Lot of Accusation". This is all the information we have got on this point at the moment.
   
   
7. Why is the South Node not displayed in the charts?
   
   It is unnecessary because the South Node is always 180° opposite the North Node (which is given). Adding the South Node would clutter the chart drawing unnecessarily.
   
   

Charts > Other methods

1. Which house system is the best to use?
   
   House systems are a matter of the personal taste of the Astrologer. We cannot give advice on this choice. There is no right or wrong. It's more a matter of experience with different systems.
   
   
2. Can I generate a horoscope using the sidereal zodiac?
   
   Yes, you can. Please, choose the zodiac in the respective drop-down menu in the Extended Chart Selection. We have three types of sidereal zodiac: Fagan/Bradley and Hindu/Lahiri (both geocentric), and heliocentric.
   
   
3. Could you add a new chart technique to the extended chart selection?
   
   No, we do not tend to add new, specialised techniques. Astrodienst's free online service is targeted at a wide audience of lay persons interested in astrology, and at the basic needs of serious astrology students. The purpose of Astrodienst's web services is not to fulfill the needs of technically oriented specialists who are interested in very rare astrological methods.
   The selection of various chart types available at Astrodienst reflect those astrological techniques which have been in use in German-speaking countries during and after 1980, and they reflect Dr. Treindl's own interest in astrological studies. He programmed the types of charts which the customers of Astrodienst's chart services requested and paid for in the 1980ies (before good astrological PC software existed), and in addition those techniques which either interested him personally, or some of his close astrological friends.
   We are aware that there exist many other techniques which we do not offer. Among these are 'precession corrected' (should be called precession falsified) calculations, and converse progressions, which are not in use in central Europe. Astrodienst is not expanding its spread of technical charts at this time - we are concentrating on other services right now.
   Please do not be disappointed when the general answer to such requests is simple 'no'. Sometimes there are some hidden treasures in our rich treasure chest, which can be of use. Just take a stroll around.
   There are also excellent software programs on the market which fulfill most of the technical needs an experienced astrologer may have, for example Kepler by Cosmic Patterns, and Solar Fire. We highly recommend that experienced astrologers acquire such software for their own PC. Macintosh users might want to consult the page of Kairon software for free astrological software.
   
   
4. Do you offer converse progression charts?
   
   For 'converse' secondary progressions, use negative age with offset from your birth date. In extended chart selection, select 'progressed chart' and, if you are, for example, born in 1950 and want converse progressions for 2002, the age is 52. Using negative age, you ought to enter the year 1898 as 'start date'
   Primary directions are easily found here:
   Free Horoscopes -> extended chart selection -> group Astrodienst special -> chart type: 3-dimensional chart with primary directions for 30 years -> additional data tables
   This includes converse primary directions by default. Below the chart drawing, there is a link for 'special options' for various primary keys and other features.
   
   
5. Do you offer precession correction in transits or solar return charts?
   
   No we don't. Because we do not consider the method logical and consistent in itself.
   Tropical astrology uses a frame of reference which moves with the rhythm of the Sun-Moon-Earth system. The technique of "precession correction" breaks this system trying to introduce a notion of "natal birth marks in absolute space". This is false on several levels:
   The reference frame it introduces is not absolute, it translates and rotates with the (fast) movement of the solar system within the galaxis. A transiting planet does never return to the point in absolute space where it once was.
   The concept of "return charts" and of transits altogether is - on a deeper level - a symbolic concept rather than a physical concept. It should therefore be applied in a consistent symbolic system and not in an inconsistent potpourri of systems.
   
   If you want to get around precession, we recommend to do "sidereal" astrology with one of its unprecessed reference frames. We don't think it makes sense to mix incompatible systems.
   
   

Charts > Astrodienst round

1. How can I determine which harmonic chart should be generated?
   
   Enter a number in the 'start date' field in the page for 'extended chart selection'. The first number there is used as harmonic number, in the case of harmonic horoscopes.
   
   
2. What is the purpose of the "Nine Persona Charts"?
   
   This is a method, developed by the German astrologer Peter Orban. Please, read the article on "Persona Charts" in the Understanding Astrology section of this website for more information.
   
   
3. Is it possible to show aspects between transits (or solar return) and natal positions?
   
   Not directly. You can do a work around, if you enter the data of your solar return or transit chart as the chart of a second person and then select the chart type "Synastry Chart (2)" for your natal and the transit chart. This shows aspects between the outer (transit) and inner (natal) chart.
   
   
4. What is the difference between the "corrected" and "uncorrected" Davison Relationship Chart?
   
   The Medium Coeli (MC) computed for the time midpoint, which is the basis of the Davison chart, deviates very slightly (usually by less than 1 degree) from the composite MC (computed as the midpoint between the two personal MCs). The time correction applied to the standard Davison chart brings its MC into perfect alignment with the meridian axis of the composite chart. Most astrologers read the composite chart and the Davison chart together.
   
   
5. How can I change the Universal Time on transit charts?
   
   There's a trick. Display the transit chart and see that it shows UT: 00:00:00 below the date, in red, in the upper left corner.
   Now edit the URL in the browser and append. &stx2=vshgmt=16 and press ENTER.
   You will get the transits for UT 16:00.
   For setting the minute, you need to use decimal hour fractions, e.g. vshgmt=16.5 will result in 16:30 UT etc.
   
   

Astrodienst round > Return Charts

1. How can I choose the starting date for a Solar Return chart?
   
   The 'Extended Chart Selection' page contains a field for the start date. Use the year field there to choose your solar return year - the day and month have no effect for Solar returns.
   
   
2. How can I change the reference place for a Solar Return chart?
   
   Just follow the link "modify reference place" at the very bottom of the page Extended Chart Selection.
   • If you haven't chosen a reference place before, uncheck the box "use birth place" and click on "continue". Now choose a country and enter the name of the place where you have spent or will spend your birthday. Then press the "continue" button twice, and you will get back to the extended chart selection .
   • If you have chosen a reference place before, click on the link "other town" beside your current reference place and change it to the place where you have spent or will spend your birthday. Then press the "continue" button twice, and you will get back to the extended chart selection.
   Now, you can choose the chart type "Solar Return chart". Please, remember that your reference place remains changed after this, and the Personal Daily Horoscope, for example, will be done for the date and time of this new reference place. This might turn out as a bit of a surprise, if your reference place for the solar return chart was on the other side of the world.
   
   
3. How can I run return charts for planets other than the Sun and the Moon?
   
   For return charts, you can always check the ephemeris first, and find the date of the return of a particular planet. Then play a little with the time to get it precise.
   Otherwise, there are great astrology programs like Kepler or Solar Fire out there which you can buy and which probably take care of any special technical needs.
   
   

Astrodienst round > Relocation Charts

1. How can I do a relocation chart?
   
   First of all, follow the link "modify reference place" at the very bottom of the page Extended Chart Selection.
   • If you haven't chosen a reference place before, uncheck the box "use birth place" and click on "continue". Now choose a country and enter the name of the place you want your relocation chart for. Then press the "continue" button twice, and you will get back to the extended chart selection.
   • If you have chosen a reference place before, click on the link "other town" beside your current reference place and change it to the place you want your relocation chart for. Then press the "continue" button twice, and you will get back to the extended chart selection.
   Now, you can choose the chart type "Relocation chart". Please, remember that your reference place remains changed after this, and the Personal Daily Horoscope, for example, will be done for the date and time of this new reference place. This might turn out as a bit of a surprise, if your reference place for the relocation chart was on the other side of the world.
   
   
2. Is it possible to gauge the relocation chart with the lines in the Astromaps?
   
   Find your answer in FAQ -> AstroClick -> Travel -> Other maps.
   
   
3. Do I have to adjust my birth time to the time zone of the place I'm doing a relocation chart for?
   
   No, you use the birth time (i.e. wrist watch time) given at your original place of birth. The only thing you need to change for a relocation chart is the reference place (see question 1).
   
   

Astrodienst round > Composite Charts

1. Why does the Astrodienst Composite Chart come out with a different Venus (or Ascendant) placement to the one I've seen somewhere else?
   
   There are different ways of calculating composite charts. One of these differences concerns Mercury and Venus: some astrologers transpose Mercury and Venus by 180° to the opposite sign, if they come out on "the wrong side of the Sun" in the chart.
   We offer both variants. In the chart section of the AstroShop, for type 62, the two planets are always put on the side of the Sun, in chart type 671 and all reports they are not moved but remain where they technically fall.
   
   For the calculation of the Ascendant, see question No. 2 below.
   
   
2. Why does the Ascendant of the composite chart change by 180° if I change the birth time of one of the partners?
   
   The Ascendant in a composite chart can be computed in different ways, depending on the technique the astrologer uses.
   One cannot look at the Ascendant in an isolated way without considering the position of the MC. We calculate the MC first and go from there. Sometimes a raw calculation of the Ascendant results in an impossible sequence of houses. A change in the birth time of one of the partners may have the same result. This is why the ASC / DESC axis is swapped (by 180°) in such cases.
   With midpoints, there is always an axis with a near and a far midpoint for each pair of factors. Both midpoints are nearly equivalent in meaning and can be reversed if needed.
   
   
3. Is there a way of setting a composite chart so it can be added to My Astro? I would like to use it as a 'normal' chart for synastry, astromap etc.?
   
   Unfortunately, there is no such way. A composite chart cannot be used as a 'normal' chart because it isn't one. It does not represent a real constellation of planets but is a mere mathematical construction. This precludes its use in many of the standard astrological techniques.
   
   
4. Can a composite chart contradict the synastry chart?
   
   Both views represent quite different perspectives, and of course, they can disagree.
   The composite is a third chart, calculated from the two individual horoscopes, and it shows the dynamic of the relationship as a separate (third) entity. The synastry compares the two individual charts and points out what the two people involved "trigger" in each other.
   There might be contradictions in relationships, just like individuals are full of contradictions by nature.
   
   You can find more information on synastry and composite charts in the AstroShop. Or read Liz Greene's article on composites.
   
   
5. What kind of chart comparison can I do for twins? A composite chart comes out the same as the natal charts, are there other methods?
   
   The composite chart does not work for twins. The only approach for a relationship chart for twins, which we know that works, is the one by our author Mona Riegger, as used in the report "Horoscope for Two". It can be ordered in the Astro Shop.
   Mona's approach makes a distinction between 'the older' and 'the younger', which is always defined with twins, even when born by cesarean section. Then she reverts some elements of the Davison relationship chart for the younger one, getting two distinctive charts that way. She is able to make very interesting deductions about the relationship between the two. Not accidentally, Mona is a mother of twins.
   
   

Charts > Astrodienst Special

1. Do you offer fertility charts?
   
   Yes, we do. In the Extended Chart Selection, section Astrodienst Special, you can find the "Lunar Phases Fertility Calendar".
   Dr. Jonas, a Czech physician, spent many years developing this method. According to him, the days marked in red indicate fertility. When the red periods coincide with ovulation, the chances of falling pregnant are said to be highest. He also tried to predict whether the child would be male or female (see the small Mars or Venus symbol).If your own cycle is out of phase with the Jonas cycle, you may have to wait quite a while until they match. Some people use the Jonas method for birth control - please note that Astrodienst cannot be held responsible for the results.
   
   
2. What does the Transit Rhythmogram tell me?
   
   The Transit Rhythmogram indicates what is going on in terms of transits for a particular period. The transits of the outer planets are represented as curves (for Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) showing the intensity of the contacts. There is also a summary curve, showing the intensity of the combined curves.
   This makes it easy to assess when there are periods of high cosmic activity. The actual quality of this time, how it really feels, cannot be read from the graph alone, unless you have some astrological background.
   To read an interpretation you may want to order a report, such as Transits of the Year, Yearly Horoscope Analysis or AstroText Forecast.
   Looking at the graph can tell you whether a certain period is astrologically busy and dynamic, or quiet. However, one should always remember that people react differently to different things. Some feel relaxed during 'quiet times', while others get depressed because nothing is moving. Some people feel stressed by a period of intense transits, while others love the challenge. We don't list the transits in terms of 'good' and 'bad' either, for similar reasons. A challenging period can sometimes be just what one needs to wake up to what life has to offer.
   
   
3. Why does the Transit Calendar with Progessions start two years early?
   
   This is done by design. The Calendar gives a period of several years, and in order to make sense of the current progressions, we consider it necessary to see them in their chronological context and what lead up to them.
   

Charts > A legend

1. Aspect tables for charts:
   
   

   a	applying (two planets are moving towards and exact angle)
   s	separating (two planets are moving away from an exact angle)
   +	positive value: the aspect is larger than it would be, were it exact
   -	negative value: the aspect is smaller than it would be, were it exact
   sd	planet / node is stationary before going direct again
   sr	planet / node is stationary before going retrograde
   Q	Quintile aspect (angle of 72 °)
   bQ	bi-Quintile aspect (angle of 144 °)

   
   
2. Charts:
   
   

   Part of Fortune

   
   
3. Synastry / Solar Return charts - aspect tables:
   
   

   '

   The apostrophe shown with some aspects of the additional tables marks those aspects which have a large orb (above 50% of maximum orb), and which should probably be ignored. By doubling the number of planets, the probability of an aspect is increased, and orbs should be reduced accordingly. This is true for any chart which is the result of a combination of two different charts.

   
   
   
4. Natal, Progressed and Solar Arc Chart, combined:
   
   

   AC sol	Ascendant of the previous Solar Return Chart, erected for the birth place
   MC sol	Midheaven of the previous Solar Return Chart, erected for the birth place

   
   This is a method used by the late Bernd A. Mertz
   
   
5. Printable Ephemeris:
   
   

   R	planet changing from direct to retrograde motion
   D	planet changing from retrograde to direct motion

   
   
6. Where can I find out what the symbols (squares, triangles, etc.) in the table that goes with the chart mean?
   
   These symbols show the aspects of the planets. You can find more information on aspects and their meanings in the "Aspects" section of our "Introduction to Astrology".