✦ Astrology Glossary
Chart Wheel
A circular diagram representing the positions of planets, signs, and houses at a specific time and place.
A chart wheel is the circular diagram used in astrology to map the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and other points at a given moment, typically a person's birth. It is divided into 12 segments (houses) and 12 zodiac signs, with the Ascendant marking the eastern horizon. The wheel provides a visual snapshot of the sky from a specific location on Earth.
How it works
The chart wheel consists of several concentric rings. The outermost ring shows the 12 zodiac signs, each occupying 30 degrees. Inside that, the 12 houses are numbered counterclockwise from the Ascendant. Planets are placed within the houses and signs, and aspects (angles between planets) are drawn as lines across the wheel. The positions are calculated using the birth date, time, and coordinates.
In practice
When reading a chart wheel, start with the Ascendant (AC) — it sets the entire house system. Look at which sign and house each planet occupies, noting any planets close to angles (Ascendant, MC, Descendant, IC). Aspects show how planets interact; for example, a trine (120°) suggests ease, while a square (90°) indicates tension. The chart wheel is a map of potential, not a fixed destiny.
For a deeper look, you can generate your own chart wheel using Astraly's chart tool.
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✦Build my chart →Related terms
Birth Chart
A snapshot of the sky at your exact moment of birth, mapping planets, signs, houses, and aspects.
Ecliptic
The Sun's apparent annual path across the sky, serving as the reference line for zodiac signs and planetary positions.
Glyph
A glyph is a symbolic icon used in astrology to represent planets, signs, aspects, and other chart elements.
Hemisphere
A division of the birth chart into two halves, revealing where planetary energy is concentrated.
Horoscope
A horoscope is a map of the sky at a specific moment, used in astrology to interpret personality and life themes.
Natal Chart
A natal chart is a snapshot of the sky at your exact birth moment, used in astrology to map your personality and life themes.