What is a natal chart?

A natal (birth) chart is a map of the sky for the exact date, time, and place of your birth. It shows where the Sun, Moon, planets, and key points sat across the twelve zodiac signs and houses, and the angles (aspects) between them — the basis of a western astrology reading.

What is western astrology?

Western (tropical) astrology interprets the positions of the planets relative to the seasons, using the tropical zodiac anchored to the equinoxes. Ocean Gull calculates these positions with the Swiss Ephemeris for professional accuracy.

Yes — Ocean Gull has a free plan that includes natal charts and core features. Paid plans add advanced points, higher transit quotas, and more.

What ephemeris does Ocean Gull use?

Ocean Gull uses the Swiss Ephemeris for chart and transit calculations, the same engine professional astrologers rely on for precision.

Aspects

Aspects are angular relationships between planets, measured in degrees of arc on the ecliptic. They reveal how planetary energies interact — flowing easily, clashing, or fusing.

Aspect	Angle	Nature	Symbol	Keywords
Conjunction	0°	Neutral	☌	Fusion, blending, intensity
Sextile	60°	Harmonious	⚹	Opportunity, talent, ease
Square	90°	Challenging	□	Tension, conflict, growth
Trine	120°	Harmonious	△	Flow, gift, natural ease
Opposition	180°	Challenging	☍	Polarity, awareness, projection

Conjunction

0° · Neutral

Fusion, blending, intensity

Two planets occupying the same degree merge their energies into a single force. The conjunction is the most powerful aspect — its tone (easy or difficult) depends entirely on the planets involved.

Sextile

60° · Harmonious

Opportunity, talent, ease

Planets 60° apart support each other through compatible elements (Fire/Air or Earth/Water). The sextile offers possibility — talent is available but must be activated. Less automatic than the trine.

Square

90° · Challenging

Tension, conflict, growth

Planets 90° apart sit in incompatible elements and create friction. Squares are the engine of growth — uncomfortable, demanding action, and producing real change when worked through consciously.

Trine

120° · Harmonious

Flow, gift, natural ease

Planets 120° apart share the same element and reinforce one another. Trines are the easiest aspect — gifts that flow without effort. Their downside: they can be taken for granted or breed laziness.

Opposition

180° · Challenging

Polarity, awareness, projection

Planets 180° apart pull in opposite directions, often through other people. The opposition asks for balance and integration of the two poles — typically by becoming aware of what we project outward.

A note on orbs

How close is close enough to count as an aspect?

An orb is the allowed deviation from the exact angle. Orbs are typically wider for the Sun and Moon (8–12°), tighter for outer planets (3–5°), and tighter still for transits and minor aspects. Tighter orbs mean stronger expression.