What actually happens in an astrology reading
Words: Emma Vidgen // @emma_vee
Image: Mathew Coyte // @mathew_coyte
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One of the most common questions I am asked is, ‘What exactly is a natal chart, and how is it any different to reading my horoscope?’ The short answer is .. a natal chart is everything. A horoscope is just a little snack, a tiny portion of the bigger picture; like comparing frozen pizza to eating a Margherita in Florence.
Don’t get me wrong, horoscopes are fun. I write them every month for Gritty Pretty and every week for Grazia. I read mine from the time I was a little girl, but I never really felt like a Virgo. Sure there was something about the Virgo energy I could relate to – observant, hard on myself and socially reserved, tick, tick tick! But a lot of it I just didn’t feel right; tidy, pedantic, an eye for detail – none of these descriptors resonated with me. There’s a very good reason a lot of it didn’t make sense. My sun sign was only a slither of the bigger picture of my birth chart. Here I answer my most common FAQs.
WHAT IS A NATAL CHART (AKA BIRTH CHART)
A natal chart – also referred to as a birth chart – is a picture of the sky at the moment you were born. It tells a story of who you are, the energy you carry with you and what we are here to master. The best analogy I’ve found is that your birth chart is like a user manual for your soul. Imagine how much easier life would be if you came with an instruction book? With a natal chart reading, you get a copy of the manual. The manual empowers you to learn how to troubleshoot things when they go awry in your life.
WHAT CAN I LEARN FROM A NATAL CHART READING?
A natal chart reveals the way you approach every aspect of your life. From your work and professional reputation, through to how you relate to money, your body image, your relationship to your family, friends and romance. In a reading you can ascertain your natural strengths and weaknesses and identify blocks – often internalised and totally subconscious – that could hold you back from reaching your goals. We can also gain clarity around your soul purpose, the kind of work you’re born to do (hot tip: they are not always the same thing) and what you need in a relationship (also often not what you think you need).
I HAVE NEVER FELT LIKE MY SUN SIGN, CAN ASTROLOGY STILL HELP ME?
All of us carry the energy of every one of the 12 signs of the zodiac in our natal chart. Each sign will influence a different part of your life. Each of these 12 areas are governed by a sign of the zodiac, which describes your approach to this area of your life.
WHAT IF MY CHART IS ‘BAD’? AM I DOOMED FOREVER?
There’s no such thing as a bad chart. Your chart reflects your life and character, and just as you know from experience some parts of your life flow easier than others. The beauty of understanding your chart is that you can learn to play to your strengths, work smarter rather than harder and become a more effective communicator at work, with friends and family and in your relationship. A natal chart offers clarity and a profound lesson in self-awareness.
I’m scared of hearing future predictions I’m not ready for!
A natal chart reading focusses on understanding the blueprint of who you are, rather than the timing of events. Predictions are more connected to a forecasting reading which looks at the astrological weather for the year to come and provides insight into when you’ll need an umbrella (figuratively speaking).
where do you conduct readings?
All readings take place online via Zoom. The reading is recorded and you will be sent a download link of the audio after the reading.
how do i book a reading?
I am currently taking bookings for a limited number of spots before the end of this year (2021). To register interest, you can sign up right here