Now that we have discussed all of the parts of the astrological chart and showed you the basics of how the parts work, it's time to put it all together.  There is an order you should follow in reading a chart.  It helps if you get into a habit of following an order each time.  You can use ours or one that works better for you. 

      When you look at a chart, the first thing you should notice is the hemisphere emphasis of the planet (above or below the horizon, left or right half).  This can usually be done at a glance.

      Next, notice where the Sun is by house and sign.  This is how the person sees themself.  It is the area of their life in which they should be trying to shine.

        Third, notice where the Moon is by house and sign.  This is what they need to make them feel secure enough to make use of their Sun qualities.  How are the Sun and Moon related to each other?  They started off Conjunct.  They will be Conjunct again.

      What sign is on the Ascendant?  This is how other people will see them.  The way they project themselves.  How is it related to the Sun and Moon?  Will they have an easy or hard time expressing themselves and their feelings? Mercury's condition is a factor here, too.

      From here, you should have a fair idea of the person and what drives them. Now, you can either go around the chart house by house, or planet by planet. Whatever works well for you. Find a method that works well for you and try to stick with it consistently. When you don't have to consciously remember the order in which you look at things, your intuition kicks in, and things start jumping out at you, and a consistent story emerges.