Natal Chart Signature and Shadow
If you could know in one easy step how to summarize your birth chart with your best and worst traits, would you use it? I love the complexity and intricacy of the natal chart, but I also love easy to digest information that is also potent.
I recently came across the concept of an overall Chart Signature and Shadow. It is in essence a way to calculate the theme of your whole chart (not just your Sun/Moon/Rising) by relating it to two zodiacs, so if you’re like me and never fully related to your Sun sign, keep reading.
Your Signature is your strengths. It’s what people notice about you and the overall vibe you give off.
Your Shadow is what you may not realize you’re actually projecting into the world (and therefore also receiving, because mirrors).
You can calculate this by assigning 3 points to each element and modality of your Sun, Moon, and Ascendent signs. Continue on with 1 point for all remaining planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto). Once you have points assigned to each, tally up the total value for each of the modalities and the elements. The greatest value modality and element will point you to your Signature. The lowest value modality and element will point you to your Shadow.
Not a fan of written instructions or calculating things yourself? I created a free calculator to determine this for you! Check it out below. All you need to do is enter the signs for each of the placements and then hit calculate!
I found this exercise interesting because it highlighted how dominant my Ascendent sign was in my overall personality because it was my signature and it completely tracks. My shadow was surprisingly my South Node placement, which I thought was funny because I recently had worked through some of the shadow traits associated with my South Node in this post.
I also think it’s interesting to know the evolved and shadow sides to all signs because it serves as a guide for our individual placements as well, so you could use this as a reference for each planet placement. For a brief summary of these traits, see below:
Aries
Signatures: Courageous, Energetic, Assertive, Independent, Bold
Shadows: Impulsive, Angry, Self-centered, Stubborn, Aggressive
Taurus
Signatures: Reliable, Practical, Sensual, Patient, Determined
Shadows: Possessive, Stubborn, Materialistic, Complacent, Indulgent
Gemini
Signatures: Curious, Communicative, Adaptable, Intelligent, Social
Shadows: Superficial, Inconsistent, Gossipy, Unreliable, Shallow
Cancer
Signatures: Empathetic, Protective, Intuitive, Loyal, Sentimental
Shadows: Moody, Overly Sensitive, Clingy, Nostalgic, Manipulative
Leo
Signatures: Charismatic, Generous, Creative, Confident, Inspiring
Shadows: Ego-driven, Dramatic, Arrogant, Domineering, Self-centered
Virgo
Signatures: Analytical, Practical, Helpful, Modest, Detail-oriented
Shadows: Perfectionistic, Critical, Anxious, Picky, Overly Self-Sacrificing
Libra
Signatures: Diplomatic, Charming, Fair-minded, Social, Aesthetic
Shadows: Indecisive, People-pleasing, Superficial, Avoidant, Inconsistent
Scorpio
Signatures: Intense, Resourceful, Transformative, Private, Loyal
Shadows: Jealous, Secretive, Manipulative, Vengeful, Obsessive
Sagittarius
Signatures: Adventurous, Optimistic, Honest, Independent, Enthusiastic
Shadows: Tactless, Irresponsible, Restless, Noncommittal, Self-righteous
Capricorn
Signatures: Ambitious, Disciplined, Practical, Responsible, Patient
Shadows: Overly Ambitious, Rigid, Cold, Workaholic, Pessimistic
Aquarius
Signatures: Innovative, Independent, Humanitarian, Intellectual, Eccentric
Shadows: Detached, Eccentric, Rebellious, Aloof, Unpredictable
Pisces
Signatures: Empathetic, Creative, Intuitive, Compassionate, Dreamy
Shadows: Escapist, Overly Idealistic, Overly Self-Sacrificing, Victim Mentality, Avoidant
Now, I’d love to hear from you. Were you surprised about what came up for you? If you’re willing to share your Signature and Shadow, I’d love to hear about that too!
