When you visit an astrologer, the first thing you’re asked for is simple — your birth details:
- Date of birth
- Exact time of birth
- Place of birth
But have you ever wondered why these details are so important? Let’s explore what really happens behind the scenes when an astrologer uses your birth information to create your horoscope or birth chart.
The Science Behind Your Birth Chart
Astrology is based on the understanding that planets are constantly moving — every second, every minute, every day. This continuous motion means that the position of the Sun, Moon, and planets keeps changing across the zodiac signs.
At the exact moment you are born, the sky takes a unique snapshot — this is your natal chart or Janma Kundali.
It captures the cosmic arrangement of all the planets in the zodiac at that precise time and place. No two charts are the same, just like no two people are.
How Your Horoscope Is Calculated
Astrologers use either traditional Panchang (Hindu almanac) or modern astrology software to create the chart. By entering your birth date, exact time, and place of birth, they calculate the planetary positions for that specific moment.
Each planet is plotted into one of the twelve zodiac signs and twelve houses.
This layout forms your Lagna chart — the foundation of your astrological analysis.
What Is the Lagna or Ascendant?
The Lagna, also known as the Ascendant, is one of the most crucial points in astrology.
It represents the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth.
Imagine standing on Earth and looking at the sky in the east — whichever zodiac sign was appearing there becomes your Lagna.
It is believed to be the first meeting point between your soul and the physical body, marking your entry into the world.
This sign changes approximately every two hours, which is why knowing your exact time of birth is so important for accurate predictions.
Example: Scorpio Rising (Vruschik Lagna)
If in a sample chart if Scorpio is the sign rising on the eastern horizon then that person’s lagna is Scorpio. The numbers 1-12 on the chart denote the signs(rashi) from Aries- Pisces.
In the horoscope wheel, the first house — located at the top center (12 o’clock position) — represents this Lagna. See a horoscope or lagna chart with Scorpio / vruschik lagna. Once we are set with the first house/ lagna we know the horoscope!
Starting with lagna lets assemble all planets in houses lagna-12 th house and map them with signs.
All planets are then placed according to their positions in the zodiac at that time. This creates a cosmic map of your life — showing potential strengths, challenges, opportunities, and karmic lessons. Let us take a snap shot at 9 am , Oct 21 , 2025 for a person born in Mumbai , India. The birth chart and D9 chart are as shown. Let now see the signs , planets and house numbers associated.
In the above D1/ birth chart/ rashi chat/ lagna chart – Planets are in
- Libra – Sun, Mars, Mercury, (12th house in above horoscope)
- Aquarius- Rahu (4 th house n above horoscope)
- Pisces- Saturn (5th house n above horoscope)
- Cance- Jupiter (9 th house n above horoscope)
- Leo- Ketu. (10 th house n above horoscope)
- Virgo- Moon, Venus. (11 th house n above horoscope)
The Sky of 360 degrees is divided into 27 nakshatra, 12 signs. Based on the all 9 planets transits and positions sometimes one house may have 6 planets as well and some houses can be empty. Rahu and Ketu are always in opposite houses.
The house where you see the number 8, scorpio rashi is the first house of horoscope, the lagna. The second house for this horoscope has Sagittarius Sign, third house has Capricorn Sign and the 12th house has Libra sign. ( Aries- Pisces is Mesh – Meen )
We will learn more about how to read the navamsa D9 chart later. Here focus on the rashi kundali, lagana kundali or birth chart only.
Why Your Lagna Matters
Your Lagna is not just your rising sign — it’s your energetic blueprint. It shapes how you express yourself, how others perceive you, and even how life events unfold.
- Lagna shows your personality and physical appearance.
- Moon sign shows your emotional nature.
- Sun sign shows your core identity and soul purpose.
That’s why two people with the same Sun sign (say, Leo) can behave completely differently — because their Ascendants are different!
Final Thought
The moment you’re born, the universe stamps your unique cosmic fingerprint — your birth chart.
By studying this chart, an astrologer helps you understand not only what’s happening around you but also why things happen the way they do.
Your chart is your personal GPS for self-awareness, growth, and purpose — all starting with your birth details.
Let us continue reading the Moon chart and navamsa chart in these posts.
