A birth chart, called a kundli or janam kundli in Vedic astrology, is a map of the sky at the exact time and place you were born. It is the starting point of almost every astrology reading.
What you need to make one
- Date of birth
- Time of birth (as exact as possible)
- Place of birth
Even a few minutes of difference in birth time can change the rising sign, so use the time from a birth certificate or hospital record if you can.
The three building blocks
- Planets (grahas) – the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn and the nodes Rahu and Ketu. Each represents themes such as mind, energy, communication, growth or discipline.
- Signs (rashis) – the 12 zodiac signs. The sign a planet sits in colours how its themes show up.
- Houses (bhavas) – the 12 areas of life, such as self, family, career, marriage and gains. The house a planet occupies shows where its influence is felt.
Lagna and Moon sign
The lagna (rising sign) is the sign rising on the eastern horizon at your birth and sets the layout of the 12 houses. Your Moon sign (rashi) is the sign the Moon was in, and is widely used for daily horoscopes and compatibility.
Dashas: the timing layer
Vedic astrology also uses planetary periods called dashas to look at timing. A reading usually combines the chart, the current dasha and planetary transits.
What a reading is good for
A birth chart reading is used for self-understanding and for thinking through decisions such as career, relationships or timing of important events. It is a guide, not a fixed verdict.
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Astrology, numerology and Vastu offer guidance based on traditional systems. They are not a substitute for medical, legal or financial advice, and no outcome is guaranteed.