I was taught by my mentor, the first thing you look at in the chart is The Cross.

The Cross consists of four points: the Ascendant, Descendant, Imum Coeli, and Midheaven. Each of these points represents a different aspect of the individual's life and personality, making them crucial in understanding the overall chart.

The Ascendant, also known as the rising sign, is the point on the eastern horizon at the time of birth. It represents the individual's outward personality and the way they present themselves to the world. This point is determined by the individual's exact time and location of birth. For example, someone with Leo rising may have a charismatic and confident demeanor, while someone with Virgo rising may appear more reserved and analytical.

On the opposite side of the Ascendant is the Descendant, representing the individual's relationships and partnerships (It's the opening to the 7th house! But more on that later.) This point is determined by the sign directly opposite the Ascendant. It can show the qualities and characteristics that the individual seeks in a partner, as well as how they approach relationships.

The Imum Coeli, also known as the IC or the bottom of the chart, or "where you planted your Cross. It represents the individual's home life and roots (and is the opening to the 4th house! Do you see what I'm hinting at here? *wink wink*). It represents the foundation on which the individual's life is built, including their family, upbringing, and heritage. This point is determined by the sign and degree at the lowest point in the chart. For example, someone with the IC in Aries may have had a childhood filled with independence and assertiveness, while someone with the IC in Cancer may have had a close-knit and nurturing family.

Lastly, the Midheaven represents the individual's career and public image. It is the highest point in the chart and represents the individual's aspirations, inspirations, and achievements in the world. This point is determined by the sign and degree at the highest point in the chart. For instance, someone with the Midheaven in Capricorn may have a strong drive for success and a desire to "climb the corporate ladder", while someone with the Midheaven in Pisces may be drawn to creative and spiritual pursuits.

As you will learn in the next section, the four elements are represented in the Cross as well: Aries for the Ascendant (fire), Libra for the Descendant (air), Cancer for the IC (water), and Capricorn for the Midheaven (earth). These elements bring different energies and qualities to each point of the Cross, further adding depth and complexity to the individual's chart interpretation. By considering the four elements of the Cross, we can further analyze the energies and qualities that influence these points, making the natal chart reading even more informative and insightful.