For example, if a person, Amy, was born on May 8, her sun sign is Taurus, which suggests a steady personality. At the time of birth, the sun was rising in the sign of Leo, giving Amy a fiery Leo Ascendant, or rising sign. Amy's chart is divided into 12 pie-shaped pieces, known as houses. Inside these houses lie the planets. Where planets are present, Amy focuses more of her attention on these areas, because there is additional energy radiating from the planets.
Astrologers also compute the distance between planets, using a variety of degrees.
These lines of distance, called aspects, also influence Amy and represent an exchange of energies. One aspect may enhance her intuitiveness, and another may escalate an internal conflict. An astrologer can take the chart reading one step farther. He or she can calculate the movements of the planets over a specific period of time and use that information to forecast upcoming events, such as the best time to move, when to start additional schooling, or when to change jobs. Daily forecasts are also based on charts.