Inside an Astrology Reading: How It Works
If you’ve been thinking about getting an astrology reading but are not sure what to expect, this article will walk you through what a session is like. I draw from my experience both giving and receiving readings to show what they can reveal and how you can get the most out of the experience.
I hope to impart how an astrology reading can open a magical path of self-study, bringing a greater understanding of yourself, increased harmony in relationships, and a life that is more congruent with who you truly are.
What is an Astrology Reading?
An astrology reading is a session wherein an astrologer “reads” or interprets an astrological chart. A natal chart, or birth chart, is a map of the sky at the exact time and place of your birth. It’s often the natural starting point for astrology readings. Astrologers can also create charts for other events and cycles, such as:
Transit readings: focusing on your natal chart alongside current planetary placements
Compatibility (synastry) readings: comparing the charts of two people to explore relationship dynamics
Saturn Return readings: when Saturn returns to its original position in your birth chart, around ages 29, 58, and 87
There are many different methods and approaches to astrology readings, and each astrologer brings their own perspective to them.
In the Transpersonal Astrology approach, a reading is not just analysis but an interactive session that connects the chart with your lived experience, opening a path of self-discovery.
Astrological analysis and intuition are integrated in the interpretation of your chart. As different features of your chart are discussed, an overall archetypal portrait of you begins to take shape. All the elements can finally be seen as integrated and working together as part of the overarching theme of your life.
Dane Rudhyar, who first developed Transpersonal Astrology, described the forces working through the chart as “cosmic Intelligences.” From this perspective, your natal chart is not only a map but also a living blueprint for the life path you are meant to walk. The symbols act as a bridge, connecting you to a creative source. From the Transpersonal Astrology perspective, the cosmic code of your chart connects you directly to the Mystery, the Great Creator of all. To me this is a magical, spiritual experience.
“Your natal chart is not only a map but also a living blueprint for the life path you are meant to walk.”
What happens during a reading?
An initial astrology session can unfold in different ways. Some astrologers begin right away with your chart, highlighting placements and patterns they see. Others may start by asking what’s on your mind or inviting you to share a core question. In my sessions, as soon as we connect, I’ll ask about the areas of life you want to focus on and any questions you’d like to explore.
From the moment you set your intentions for the reading, you initiate yourself into the process. As you set them into motion, they begin working subliminally before the session even begins. If something changes between the time of the booking and the session begins that re-orients your immediate needs, it is important to express that at the beginning of the session so anything new can be addressed as well. This helps you to focus on the heart of what is most important and necessary to you.
During the reading, your chart is studied in light of your questions. Astrological analysis and intuition are integrated in the interpretation, and as the symbols and patterns are discussed, meaning unfolds.
Your role is to remain open to discovering something new and to ask questions. The more open you are, the more insight you will take away. This can lead to breakthroughs as you engage directly with your chart, allowing it to symbolically speak to you.
If you openly explore the main areas of concern, it can lead to deeper issues you may not have expected to surface during the session. The chart serves as a guide, taking you where you need to go in the moment.
What is the Transpersonal Approach to an Astrology Reading?
A Transpersonal Astrology reading is a conversation between you and your chart. Your open engagement in the process, your input and your feedback is essential. Through this process you begin to tune into your soul’s motivations and needs. Some of these you may already recognize, while others are waiting to be discovered in the deeper realms of your psyche.
During a session, the questions you’re asked are intended to help you reflect more deeply on situations transpiring in your life, or past experiences that may be affecting your life now.
Surprisingly, in responding to questions, you begin to find your own answers, which can be much more meaningful and empowering for you. This also connects the archetypes directly to your life. When you bring your deeper feelings or challenges into the session, the chart can offer new perspective and a reframing that helps you see them in a wider context. These moments can be very meaningful because of what you are learning through this process. Simply put, the chart’s archetypal code reveals new information that can initiate a life-changing shift in how you experience your life unfolding.
“Surprisingly, in responding to questions, you begin to find your own answers, which can be much more meaningful and empowering for you.”
MORE ON Transpersonal Astrology
Transpersonal Astrology is highly effective because of its all-inclusive, non-binary approach wherein every thought, emotion, feeling and life situation can be used in studying the self. Every crisis, internal or external, is an opportunity for learning and growth, opening you to revelations that re-orient your perspective, often dramatically. Profound internal shifts inevitably release mental blocks and lead to greater self-awareness, more empowering choices and a truer sense of your own value. Once the internal shifts occur, the external changes naturally ensue.
Transpersonal Astrology views you as a star, here to play your unique role in ever expanding fields of activity in the physical material reality and beyond. Incorporating depth psychology, esoteric knowledge and spiritual philosophy, Transpersonal Astrology can take you beyond the personal and deep into the great Mystery of the cosmos, which represents the ultimate Whole of consciousness and love, of which you are an indispensable part. You have the choice to participate in actualizing your true self and live the life you were born for. Transpersonal Astrology is the best way I know to accelerate this process.
“Every crisis, internal or external, is an opportunity for learning and growth, opening you to revelations that re-orient your perspective, often dramatically.”