Astrology Charts: Types, Meanings & When to Use Each
“Astrology charts” are maps of the sky calculated for a specific moment. Your birth chart (natal chart) is the baseline: planets, signs, and houses woven together by aspects. From there, you can compare two charts (synastry), blend them (composite), track current cycles (transits), and look at annual or inner-time shifts (returns, progressions, solar arc). This page keeps the jargon out and the signal high—what each chart is, what it’s good for, the data you need, and how to use Skygram to turn charts into clear, practical guidance.
Contents
Chart Basics (What Every Chart Uses)
- Planets = drives: see planets like the Sun (fuel), Moon (needs), Mercury (mind), Venus (love), Mars (action)…
- Signs = style: Aries to Pisces—read the style of expression via zodiac signs.
- Houses = life areas: 1–12 show where action lands—review the houses.
- Aspects = geometry: ease/friction angles—learn conjunction, sextile, square, trine, opposition.
Birth (Natal) Chart
Your baseline. A snapshot of the sky at birth that shows core temperament, needs, and life themes.
- Use it for: identity, patterns, work fit, how you love.
- You need: date, time (as exact as possible), place.
Synastry Chart (Two Charts Compared)
Overlay two birth charts to see how planets interact across houses and aspects—chemistry, friction, blind spots.
- Use it for: romance, friendships, co-founders, family dynamics.
- Focus on: Venus–Mars, Moon–Venus, Mars–Mercury, Saturn contacts; 5th/7th/8th house overlays.
Composite & Davison Charts (The Relationship’s Chart)
Composite takes midpoints; Davison calculates a “real” chart of the midpoint in time/space. Both describe the relationship’s shared identity and trajectory.
- Use it for: team identity, couple themes, purpose, public vibe.
- Watch: composite Sun/Moon, 7th/10th houses, Saturn for glue, Neptune for blur.
Transit Chart (Today’s Sky to Your Chart)
Applies the current sky to your natal chart—your real daily horoscope. Shows triggers, windows, and pacing.
- Use it for: timing decisions, energy management, context for moods and events.
- Watch: transiting Saturn/Jupiter to angles; Mars to sensitive points; outer-planet long arcs.
Secondary Progressed Chart (Inner Time)
Each day after birth equals a year of life—an inner-season map. Progressed Moon cycles, angles, and luminary sign changes are key.
- Use it for: mood seasons, creative cycles, quiet shifts that don’t show on the calendar.
- Watch: progressed Moon through houses; progressed Sun/Venus/Mercury sign changes.
Solar & Lunar Return Charts
A return chart is cast for the exact moment a body returns to its natal position.
- Solar Return: your birthday year’s themes—career focus, moves, relationships.
- Lunar Return: monthly themes—focus, needs, and fluctuations.
Solar Arc Directions
Moves all points forward by the same arc as the Sun—clean signals for turning points, often echoing progressions/transits.
- Use it for: milestones, career pivots, identity shifts.
- Watch: Solar arc angles to natal planets; arcs to the Midheaven.
Draconic Chart (Node-Referenced)
Re-references the chart to the lunar nodes—many use it to explore deeper motivations or “soul tone.”
- Use it for: values, meaning, long arc intentions.
- Watch: draconic to natal overlays; contacts to Nodes.
Relocation Charts & Astrocartography
Recast your natal chart for a different location or map planetary lines across the globe to see where certain energies amplify.
- Use it for: moves, sabbaticals, “where will work/love feel easier?”
- Watch: relocated angles; Sun/Jupiter lines for visibility/growth; Saturn for duty.
Electional & Horary Charts
Electional picks a launch time; Horary casts a chart for a question. Both are moment-centric techniques.
- Use electional for: launches, surgeries, weddings, big signings.
- Use horary for: a clear, time-bound question requiring a yes/no or “how will this unfold?” read.
Comparison Table (Quick Guide)
| Chart Type | Best For | You Need | Time Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth (Natal) | Identity, patterns, strengths | Date, exact time, place | Lifetime baseline |
| Synastry | Chemistry, friction, teamwork | Two natal charts | Relationship span |
| Composite/Davison | Couple identity & purpose | Two natal charts | Relationship span |
| Transits | Daily context & timing | Natal + current time/place | Hours–months |
| Progressed | Inner seasons, mood cycles | Natal | Months–years |
| Solar/Lunar Return | Yearly/monthly themes | Natal | 1 year / ~1 month |
| Solar Arc | Milestones & turns | Natal | Years |
| Draconic | Values, long arc meaning | Natal | Timeless overlay |
| Relocation/Astro*Carto* | Best places to live/work | Natal + target place(s) | Any move period |
| Electional | Picking launch dates | Goal + date range | Chosen event |
| Horary | Pressed questions | Question time/place | Weeks–months |
Which Chart Do I Need Right Now?
- “Who am I and how do I work?” → Birth chart first.
- “Us—how do we work?” → Synastry, then Composite.
- “When should I…?” → Transits for context; consider Electional for key launches.
- “What’s this inner season?” → Progressed + Solar/Lunar returns.
- “Where should I go?” → Relocation & astrocartography lines.
Data You Need & Accuracy Notes
- Exact time wins. Houses, angles, and the Moon can shift within hours—use your birth record if possible.
- No exact time? You still get planet-in-signs. Skygram flags what’s time-sensitive and suggests how to verify.
- Keep it human. Don’t treat charts as fate—use them as a pattern language to test in real life.