A birth chart, also known as a horoscope, is a celestial map that represents the positions of the planets at the exact time and place of your birth. It serves as the foundation for understanding astrology, providing insights into personality, life events, and more.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to cast a traditional birth chart using astro.com, one of the most reliable tools available. We’ll demonstrate this process using the birth details of Charles Dickens, calculated with the whole sign house system and traditional planets. Additionally, astro-seek.com is another excellent free option for casting traditional birth charts if you’re exploring alternative platforms.
Why Use astro.com for Your Traditional Birth Chart?
Astro.com is a reliable and comprehensive platform for astrology enthusiasts. It offers free access to chart calculation tools and customization options tailored to traditional astrology.
Charles Dickens’ Birth Details
From Astrodatabank, Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, at 7:50 PM in Portsmouth, England, with a Rodden accuracy rating of A (data verified as accurate).
Step-by-Step Guide to Cast Your Birth Chart on astro.com
Step 1: Create or Log Into Your Account
Start by creating an account on astro.com if you don’t already have one. Use the link below to register: Create Your Account
If you already have an account, simply log in.
Step 2: Add Birth Data
- Navigate to My Astro and click on User Profile.

2. Select Add New Astro Data from the User Profile page.

3. Enter the birth data and click Continue to save the information.
- Name: (e.g., Charles Dickens)
- Date: February 7, 1812
- Time: 7:50 PM
- Place: Portsmouth, England

Step 3: Access the Birth Chart
Once you’ve added the data, go to Stored Astro Data and locate the newly added chart. Click on the entry to proceed.

Step 4: Open Extended Chart Selection
In the chart options, select Extended Chart Selection. This page allows you to customize how the chart is generated.

Step 5: Set Chart Preferences
To ensure the chart aligns with traditional astrology:
- Under Chart Drawing Style, select Anglo with Zodiac.
- Under Zodiac and Houses, choose Whole Signs for the house system.

Step 6: Configure Calculation Options
Scroll down to fine-tune your chart:
- Calculation Options: Enable Mean Node and Descending Node.
- Traditional Astrology Options: Disable ‘Uranus – Pluto.’
- Aspects: Choose to draw no aspect lines.
- Additional Objects: Enable Pars Fortunae.
Click Show the Chart to generate your traditional birth chart.

Step 7: Save Your Default Settings
If you plan to create multiple charts in the future, save your settings to avoid repeating the customization process:
- Click Save Default Settings

Charles Dickens’ Traditional Birth Chart
Here is the traditional birth chart of Charles Dickens using the steps outlined above:

Why Use the Whole Sign House System?
The whole sign house system is foundational to traditional astrology. In this system:
- Each zodiac sign represents one house.
- The Ascendant (rising sign) begins the first house, and subsequent signs follow in order.
- Unlike quadrant systems, the Midheaven (MC) may not always fall in the 10th house—it can shift based on geographical latitude.
This simplicity allows astrologers to focus on the planets, their dignities, and relationships within the chart.
Learn More About the Traditional Birth Chart
Understanding a birth chart is just the beginning. To delve deeper into its significance, including the sect of the chart and how it reflects life events, check out Episode 4 of our traditional astrology series.
Resources for Further Exploration
Happy chart casting, and may your journey into traditional astrology be as illuminating as the stars themselves!