You are more than you realize.

What is a natal chart?

A natal chart — also called a “birth chart” — shows the celestial placements of the Sun, Moon, and planets at the moment of a person’s birth. It typically includes the Luminaries (Sun and Moon) and eight planets of our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. It is delineated by four important lines (called “angles”) based on the highest and lowest points of the Sun on the day of your birth, as well as the eastern and western horizons. These are called the Midheaven (MC), Imum Coeli (IC), Ascendant (ASC or “Rising Sign”) and Desendant (DSC), respsectively. Astrologers can incorporate additional and theoretical bodies (e.g. asteroids and the lunar nodes), but generally, the 10 planetary bodies and the four angles comprise a natal chart. The connections between them (called “aspects”) describe elements of your life and personality. From your natal chart, a skilled astrologer can decipher personal characteristics (e.g. how you naturally communicate, your goal-orientation) as well as interpersonal dynamics (e.g. family and childhood experiences).

What do people mean when they talk about Sun, Moon and Rising signs?

We’re used to thinking about our horoscope as a single static sun sign (e.g. “I’m a Libra” or “I’m a Leo”), but there’s so much more to your birth chart than this. The triad of Sun, Moon, and Rising signs — often called the “Primal Triad” or “Big Three” — is astrological “shorthand” for your personal identity. It tells us in which signs of the zodiac the Sun and Moon were on the day you were born. It also indicates which sign was “rising” on the eastern horizon when you took your first breath. In a nutshell, the Sun represents our ego-identity; the Moon represents our inner spirit; the Rising Sign reveals how we approach the external world.

Why is my birth time important?

Your birth time affects the composition and accuracy of your natal chart. It establishes the signs of your Ascendant (ASC)-Descendant (DSC) axis, as well as planetary placements and interconnectivity. Charts are read by degrees of planetary placement, and even a few degrees can change the sign of the zodiac through which the planet is interpreted. Birth time also affects the division of astrological “houses” — the “stages” on which the events of your life are played. If you are unsure of your birth time, that’s okay. There are methods to improve the accuracy of your chart.

Which house system do you use?

Placidus is my preferred house system. This was the system I originally learned, because it’s often used in Evolutionary and Psychological astrological readings. However, I’m happy to read your chart in Whole Sign if you’d prefer a more traditional approach. If you’re accustomed to having your chart read in a particular system (e.g. Porphyry) and prefer it, please reach out. I’ll do my best to accommodate your request.

How do the systems and techniques of Hellenistic, Psychological, and Evolutionary astrologies differ?

Hellenistic or “traditional” astrology uses techniques derived from ancient astrological texts. It seeks to faithfully replicate the ways in which ancient people studied the sky and adapted astrology for their needs. Because of this, Hellenistic Astrology often does not incorporate planets and asteroids discovered by modern astronomers (e.g. Uranus, Neptune, Pluto). It uses the Whole Sign House system, which divides the zodiac into 12 equal segments. You can learn more about Hellenistic Astrology here.

Psychological Astrology espouses a modern view of chart interpretation. It employs Jungian archetypal symbolism and psychoanalytic principles to uncover personal meaning in the birth chart. Psychological astrologers ask questions like: “What makes us who we are?” and “What inner work are we here to do?” Your birth chart will typically be read with all eight planets as well as the asteroid Chiron. You can learn more about Psychological Astrology here.

Evolutionary Astrology is underpinned by the idea that each of us has a “karmic” or “ancestral” story. The details are found in the lunar nodes; a theoretical element of the birth chart. The South Node of the Moon represents our karmic past; the North Node represents the spiritual work we must do to “graduate” to our next set of challenges. The concept of past life karma is central to Evolutionary Astrology, though non-essential. The karmic story can also be discerned through the lens of inter-generational family dynamics. You can learn more about Evolutionary Astrology here.

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What is synastry?

“Synastry” is the technical name for a set of techniques used in relationship and compatibility readings. Through comparative analysis, the birth charts of two (or more) individuals are used to interpret their relationship dynamics (e.g. communication styles, social preferences, sexual compatibility). Synastry can be used to understand a variety of relationship types: romantic partners, parents and children, inter-generational family dynamics (e.g. grandparent, parent, child) and friendships.

Does astrology predict the future?

The truth is that no one knows the answer to this question. Some types of charts are meant to be predictive (e.g. horary charts); others are not. A natal chart reading shouldn’t feel like having your fortune told. It should feel like hearing your story from an objective narrator; one in which you’re the main character. Golden Pear Astrology doesn’t offer any predictive or forecasting services, however, there are many skilled astrologers who do.

Do you believe in fate or free will?

It’s undeniable that the universe follows a pattern — look at how the seasons change in order, how the planets circle the zodiac year after year. At the same time, we humans make our own choices. Each experience shapes our unique trajectory. How do these components of reality intertwine? I don’t dare to think I know the answer.