The terms Natal Chart, Horoscope, Astral Chart, Cosmic Chart, Carta Astral, Carta Natal, etc., all refer to the same thing: A map of the Cosmic System we live in (commonly known as the "solar" system) as perceived at a relevant moment in the life of the client. In the past (Middle Ages) this map was drawn as a square divided in twelve sectors corresponding to the twelve astrological houses. Today the common practice is to draw this map in a circular fashion. Both representations and many others are valid. Is just a matter of choosing the one that more clearly represents the information in a visual form.

The Cosmic Chart includes the Sun, Moon and planets in their correct angular positions as perceived at a given moment in the life of the native [The moment of birth, signifying the beginning point, is normally chosen as the most significant moment in the life of the client]. This Chart is divided in twelve houses (or sectors as they are called in NeoAstrology) corresponding to the beginning, middle and end of the four major divisions of the daily cycle (sunrise --> noon --> sunset --> midnight). The morning, for example would be divided in: beginning of morning, middle of morning, and end of morning. The chart is also divided in another twelve sectors corresponding to the beginning, middle and end of the four major divisions of the yearly cycle. The distance between the Sun and the Earth is not constant. Newton's law of gravitation establishes that this distance, along with the velocity and acceleration, would vary in a cyclical manner. This yearly cycle can be divided in four major phases, each one having a beginning, middle and end: thus giving us twelve relevant subdivisions of the chart, commonly known as the Signs of the Zodiac.

The human mind psychically perceives these variations and interprets them in psychological terms. Thus the extend to which these cycles would influence a given person is directly related to his/her psychic sensitivity and attitude toward the cosmic continuum. However, since this influence is always present it will influence all of us to some extend. Furthermore, collective human entities [cultural or national identities] are strongly influence by cosmic cycles. These entities are made up of thousands and probably millions of individuals extending over large geographical areas. The ties that bound these individuals together as one single entity are psychological and psychic in nature-- the stronger the collective entity is, the stronger the Psychic ties among its members should be. Thus, strong nationalities are based upon strong psychic bonds among its members. The same psychic sensitivity, however, that generate these psychic bonds also gives the Collective Entity strong Cosmic Bonds. Thus, by promoting strong, healthy, natural nationalism [the identification of the individuals with the land they live in] we are fomenting the heavenly kingdom as well.

Unfortunately, human beings and human societies are unwilling to live in harmony with the cosmic cycles. Thus, instead of acting in resonance with these cycles, we tend to act in dissonance with them. This, needles to say, only bring pain and agony to human existence -- the cosmic influence is always present: by fighting it we are only swimming against the tide.

For those of us who refuse to live in harmony with the cosmos the Cosmic Chart becomes a divinatory sign whereby we may learn something about the "alien" forces that may limit, hurt, or endanger us in the past, present or future. For those, however, who want to live in harmony with the cosmos, the Cosmic chart becomes our own individual map and key to chart our course of inner development and outer accomplishments in harmony and resonance with the cosmos.