What is a birth chart
A birth chart is a map of where every planet was at the exact moment you were born, as seen from your birthplace. It includes the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, plus two key angles: the Ascendant (your Rising sign) and the Midheaven.
No two birth charts are exactly alike. Even twins born minutes apart can have different Rising signs. That specificity is what makes a birth chart more useful than a Sun sign horoscope.
How to read the chart wheel
The wheel is divided into twelve houses. Each covers a different area of life, from identity (the 1st house) to career (the 10th) to relationships (the 7th). Planets sit inside, signs run around the outside.
Lines across the center are aspects. A trine (120 degrees) or sextile (60 degrees) flows smoothly. A square (90 degrees) or opposition (180 degrees) creates tension. A conjunction (0 degrees) amplifies both planets.
Start with your big three: Sun sign and house (core identity), Moon sign and house (emotional life), Rising sign (how others see you).
Why your birth time matters
The Rising sign changes roughly every two hours. If your time is off by 15 minutes, your Rising and all twelve house cusps could shift, changing the entire reading.
Without a birth time, Hali calculates everything that doesn't depend on it and clearly tells you what's missing. The best source is your birth certificate.
How Hali calculates your chart
Hali uses astronomy-engine, built on NASA JPL ephemeris data. Positions match professional software like Solar Fire and TimePassages to the arcminute. Houses use Placidus by default, with Whole Sign fallback above 66 degrees latitude.
This calculator runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server unless you create an account.
What a chart can and can't tell you
A birth chart describes tendencies, strengths and patterns. It's useful for self-reflection. It cannot predict events, diagnose conditions, or guarantee relationship outcomes. Astrology is not a science, and Hali is upfront about that.
Frequently asked questions
What is a birth chart?
A map of where every planet was at the moment you were born, as seen from your birthplace. It's unique to you.
Do I need my exact birth time?
For Rising sign and houses, yes. Without it Hali shows planet positions and aspects, and tells you what's missing.
How accurate is this calculator?
NASA JPL data via astronomy-engine, matching professional software to the arcminute.
What house system does Hali use?
Placidus by default. Whole Sign above 66 degrees latitude.
Why is my Rising sign different here?
Your Rising depends on exact birth time and house system. Even a few minutes can change it.
Is my birth data stored?
The calculator runs in your browser. Nothing sent to a server without an account.
What aspects does Hali show?
Conjunction, opposition, trine, square and sextile, with wider orbs for Sun and Moon.
See how these placements shape your life.
Get your full reading, free