lodestarA birth chart wheel can look busy. You can get your bearings before you know what any symbol means: find the sign labels, the house numbers, and a few markers around the circle.
Look at the outer edge first
In many Western chart wheels, the names or symbols around the rim mark the twelve zodiac signs. Numbers inside the circle mark the twelve houses. They are two sets of labels, even when they appear close together.
Find the four signposts
In a common layout, ASC is on the left, DSC is opposite on the right, MC is near the top, and IC is opposite near the bottom. The first house starts by ASC; the seventh is across from it. Follow the printed house numbers counterclockwise from 1 to 12. If your chart looks different, use its labels rather than guessing from the drawing.
Trace just one position
Choose one marked position, such as the Sun, and note the sign sector and numbered house slice that contain it. You have now located it on the wheel; interpretation can wait. If the birth time is unknown, treat the house labels as uncertain because the chart's house layout depends on time and place.
A few common questions
Why are some house slices different sizes?
Astrologers use different ways to divide a chart into houses. Some methods draw equal sections; others can draw unequal ones. Read the numbers shown on your chart.
Sources & further reading
Astrology sources describe their own traditions and methods; they do not establish predictive accuracy. The writing exercises are original Lodestar editorial material.