Dharma Chart, Karma Chart
  • Roberto Martines
  • March 14, 1960
  • 12:00 PM
  • San Jose, California
Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading
Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

A Brief History of the Dharma Chart

The Dharma Chart has been around for some 400 years but only recently has been re-introduced to astrologers. It was originally discovered by the astrologer/astronomer Copernicus in the early 1500s. He pointed out that everything does not revolve around the Earth and us, but in fact the Earth and other planets actually circle the Sun and not vice versa. Thus the heliocentric chart was discovered.

It was after Copernicus' discovery that astronomers adopted the helio chart which they began to use along with the traditional Earth-centered astrological chart. Armed with these two powerful charts (Earth and Sun) the astronomers went on to become scientists and gradually lost sight of the cultural interpretation of astronomy that we know as astrology.

At the same time, astrologers chose not to adopt the new Copernican helio chart but continue to use only the traditional Earth-centered chart, which they have done up to these modern times. But just as the astrologers overlooked the value of the helio chart perspective, the astronomers failed to grasp the spiritual value of the new heliocentric map, which either was never discovered or was somehow lost on them.

So here we are in the 21st Century and we have both charts available to us: the traditional Earth-centered natal chart, which I call the Karma Chart, because it is a map of our personality and the circumstances of life into which we have been born, but we also have the astronomer's chart, which I call the Dharma Chart, a map of the deep soul or spirit of each of us that lives behind the personality. Each chart is a map of the same moment in time and the same planets but from two different perspectives.

The traditional astrology chart (Karma Chart) is a snapshot of the solar system from Earth's perspective and the heliocentric astronomer's chart (Dharma Chart) is an overview map of the entire solar system of which Earth is only one part. This report combines the Dharma Chart and the Karma Chart, and puts them together to form a stereo 3D-map of the birth moment. This report combines both of these valuable charts into a single complete report. Let's begin with the traditional geocentric astrology chart, what we call the Karma Chart.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

The Karma Chart

Although the main purpose of this report is to introduce Roberto to his Dharma Chart, the map of his life path, it is still worthwhile to go over his traditional astrological chart, with which many of you may be familiar. We call this standard astrology map your Karma Chart. It is a life map of him as a person and the particular circumstances in which he finds himself embedded in this life. Let's take a quick look.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

The Four Aspect Types

Much of astrology is about the grand kaleidoscope of aspect patterns that planets form in the heavens. In this report we cover the sixteen major aspects most used by astrologers, which arrange themselves in four natural sets. Which set is dominant in this chart is what we are looking for here.

Quite Dynamic

Roberto is skilled at and quite used to making things happen, perhaps pushing the envelope a bit, and putting the pedal to the metal. He dares to do "it" or make it happen. If Roberto reaches a tipping or turning point, he always turns the corner and takes the plunge.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Are You an "Innie" or an "Outie?"

Another general chart indicator is that of inner versus outer—whether Roberto is overall more introverted or extroverted. And we should perhaps find better terms here, for by "introvert" we don't necessarily mean psychologically vulnerable, and by "extrovert" we don't mean overbearing and rude.

Perhaps words like "public" and "private" get closer to what I refer to. Some persons or endeavors are more outward or public (in a word: visible), while others are more inward or private, preferring not to be in center stage but to work from behind-the-scenes. That is the idea, their being more of an idea person or planner (inward).

Some like to work from within and bring their plans and ideas outward to the world (introvert), while others like things out in the open, fully formed, and in the outward or construction stage. That is the general idea. Is Roberto mostly a private or a public person?

Considerably Introverted

Roberto is quite inward in all that he does, and this does not make him an automatic wallflower. What it does suggest is that he operates more from within, from the mind, and from the realm of ideas, and not so much in the day-to-day business of the external world. Roberto may not be comfortable in the spotlight, and prefers the freedom of not being put on the spot.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Giving: Introduction

Is Roberto a Giver or a Taker? Does he give more than he takes or vice versa? We all give and take, but usually we are more skilled at one than the other. Here is how it stands in this chart.

Very Much of a Taker

Roberto is definitely more into receiving than into giving, which suggests that perhaps he can be perceived as a little lazy when it comes to the physical push, perhaps more into working WITH a situation and seeing what he can get out of it. This is not motivated by selfishness on his part, but he naturally likes to help work things out. Roberto expects things to come to him and he doesn't like to force issues. Roberto lets life come to him and not vice versa.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

The Four Strengths

What are Roberto's strengths? There are several ways to measure this, but here we will look at the four main factors to see if any of these stand out. The factors include Planning, Doing, Teaching, and Using.

Does Roberto have a talent for planning things out, for getting them done, for teaching others about them, or for using and exploiting them? Most people are strong in one area, perhaps two at most. Let's see how Roberto rates.

Two Factors with Equal Weight

With this factor there is no high scorer. Two factors have an identical high score, so we will list both here, not in any particular order.

Considerable Teaching Skills

Roberto is naturally good at learning from his experiences (whatever he is going through) and is aware of what he has been through and easily talks and communicates about it. In fact, this is one of his strong suits: he probably likes to talk about his experiences and share them with others, so he could also be an excellent teacher on these topics.

As a teacher or communicator Roberto is not aggressive, but is accommodating and a good listener. He naturally knows how to make the most of a situation, drawing out what is important from what is not.

Considerable Planning Skills

If nothing else, Roberto is probably naturally a good planner, and he likes to come up with new ideas and insights that he just can't help but organize into plans and schemes that he wants to see happen. Roberto is at home working behind the scenes and in the background putting the pieces of the puzzle together until he comes up with a plan that he feels will work.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Four Cardinal Points

These are the four 90-degree points on the 360-degree aspect cycle for any pair of planets, and they are: Conjunction, Opposition, and the two Squares.

These sectors are measured from 45 degrees on either side of the point in question. In the 360-degree cycle, the Conjunction point is measured from 315 to 45 degrees, the waxing Square point is measured from 45 to 135 degrees, the Opposition point is measured from 135 to 225 degrees, and the waning Square is measured from 225 to 315 degrees.

When all the phase aspects for an entire chart are considered, usually one of the point areas has more phase aspects to it than the others, giving it added emphasis in the chart interpretation.

Two Factors with Equal Weight

With this factor there is no high scorer. Two factors have an identical high score, so we will list both here, not in any particular order.

Considerable Objectivity

Roberto has more than the average number of aspect-pairs in this section, suggesting that when it comes to smoothly handling situations, he may excel and come into his own. The gift here is one of being receptive, always working with a situation and guiding it rather than inserting something new.

The action of this sector is passive, that is, receiving or facilitating situations rather than starting or instigating them. It is the difference between Judo and Aikido in the martial arts. One is aggressive and the other is passive. The strength here is manipulation, working with what is rather than some outside adding on.

If Roberto wants to know where he will handle or facilitate situations in life, look to the planets and overall concentration in this sector. The focus area for this indicator encompasses the waxing 225-degrees to 315-degrees quadrant.

Considerable Public Visibility

There are more than the average number of aspect combinations in this sector, suggesting that outward visibility and public recognition is something that may come easily for Roberto. He could achieve public recognition and visible success.

Any planets in this sector indicate outward or public visibility and the ability to get things from the inside to the outside where they can be seen. If Roberto wants to know where he will gain visible and outward success, look to the planets and overall concentration in this sector. The focus area for this indicator encompasses the waxing 135-degrees to 225-degrees quadrant.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

The Dharma Chart

We have taken a quick look at our personality or Karma Chart, but we are more than just how we personally appear to others. You can't judge a book by its cover. Beneath or behind our person is what many people call our soul. I like to use the word spirit. Our spirit is not the same as our personality, and the Dharma Chart is a map not of our personality, but of our spirit. The term spirit is sometimes also called Archetype, the group or tribe to which we naturally belong and resonate with. It is often quite different from our personality.

Our Dharma Chart is Sun-centered and, if you are an astrologer, will introduce you to new thoughts about who is behind your personality. In my case, as I discovered my Dharma Chart I actually began to transfer my consciousness to the Dharma Chart. This chart was exactly who I had always felt I was. In other words, I deeply identified with my Dharma Chart, even to the point that from then onward that was who I was. It is a little like changing your name, but in this case what is changing is how you view yourself.

Consciousness transference of this kind is quite common when after many years of only looking at our personality chart (Karma Chart), we begin to identify with our Dharma Chart. You see, the Dharma Chart is the one we always knew ourselves to be inside of our personality, but had no way to confirm it. The Dharma Chart offers that kind of confirmation. It is a chart of our spirit. Let's look at your Dharma Chart.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

The Four Aspect Types

Much of astrology is about the grand kaleidoscope of aspect patterns that planets form in the heavens. In this report we cover the sixteen major aspects most used by astrologers, which arrange themselves in four natural sets. Which set is dominant in this chart is what we are looking for here.

Two Factors with Equal Weight

With this factor there is no high scorer. Two factors have an identical high score, so we will list both here, not in any particular order.

Quite Dynamic

Currently you are skilled at and quite used to making things happen, perhaps pushing the envelope a bit, and putting the pedal to the metal. You dare to do "it" or make it happen. If you reach a tipping or turning point, you always turn the corner and take the plunge.

Considerable Energy

Currently you have more than the average amount of energy, astrologically speaking, and this suggests that you always have plenty of energy to get things done and that your very aura kind of clears space or room around you in which you can act and accomplish things.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Are You an "Innie" or an "Outie?"

Another general chart indicator is that of inner versus outer—whether today is overall more introverted or extroverted. And we should perhaps find better terms here, for by "introvert" we don't necessarily mean psychologically vulnerable, and by "extrovert" we don't mean overbearing and rude.

Perhaps words like "public" and "private" get closer to what I refer to. Some persons or endeavors are more outward or public (in a word: visible), while others are more inward or private, preferring not to be in center stage but to work from behind-the-scenes. That is the idea, their being more of an idea person or planner (inward).

Some like to work from within and bring their plans and ideas outward to the world (introvert), while others like things out in the open, fully formed, and in the outward or construction stage. That is the general idea. Are you mostly a private or a public person?

Extreme Introvert

Today will find you very much more internally oriented, looking inward, rather than focused on the external. In other words, this a perfect day to work with what is coming from the inside out, either ideas and plans to create something from scratch or with codifying the ideas and results gained from recent experiences.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Giving: Introduction

Are you a Giver or a Taker? Do you give more than you take or vice versa? We all give and take, but usually we are more skilled at one than the other. Here is how it stands in this chart.

Two Factors with Equal Weight

With this factor there is no high scorer. Two factors have an identical high score, so we will list both here, not in any particular order.

Very Much of a Taker

The emphasis for you today is definitely on the receiving end, that is: using a situation as it exists now, working with it, and making the best or the most of it. Your receiving capabilities are much stronger than your givingness, so don't pretend. Jut let things flow to you, sit back, listen, and receive.

Gives Much More Than Takes

Right now, all and all in life, you are definitely more of a giver than a receiver, which suggests you like and are able to put real care and time into things even though the results may not always justify the extra effort. You could care less. This is just part of your nature. You are a giver primarily during this time, and a taker only secondarily.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

The Four Strengths

What are today's strengths? There are several ways to measure this, but here we will look at the four main factors to see if any of these stand out. The factors include Planning, Doing, Teaching, and Using.

Is this a time for planning things out, for getting them done, for teaching others about them, or for using and exploiting them? Most people are strong in one area, perhaps two at most. Let's see how today rates.

Considerable Planning Skills

If nothing else, you are probably naturally a good planner, and you like to come up with new ideas and insights that you just can't help but organize into plans and schemes that you want to see happen. You are at home working behind the scenes and in the background putting the pieces of the puzzle together until you comes up with a plan that you feel will work.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Four Cardinal Points

These are the four 90-degree points on the 360-degree aspect cycle for any pair of planets, and they are: Conjunction, Opposition, and the two Squares.

These sectors are measured from 45 degrees on either side of the point in question. In the 360-degree cycle, the Conjunction point is measured from 315 to 45 degrees, the waxing Square point is measured from 45 to 135 degrees, the Opposition point is measured from 135 to 225 degrees, and the waning Square is measured from 225 to 315 degrees.

When all the phase aspects for an entire chart are considered, usually one of the point areas has more phase aspects to it than the others, giving it added emphasis in the chart interpretation.

Considerable Initiative

There are more than the average number of full-phase aspects is this sector, suggesting that, as a type, you may be more aggressive and action-oriented than the average, reaching out and accomplishing things—doing things.

Any planets in this sector are very active in outreach, bringing plans and ideas into reality, making things happen and building incrementally toward success. If you want to know how to get things done, look to the planets and overall concentration in this sector. The focus area for this indicator encompasses the waxing 45-degrees to 135-degrees quadrant.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Dharma and Karma Chart Comparison

The Dharma and Karma Chart are different views of the same planets and moment in time, and their perspectives can and should be compared. Appearances can be deceiving and you can't always judge a book by its cover. What follows is a comparison of some of the major chart traits between the Dharma and Karma charts.

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Are You a Giver?

At heart is Roberto a true giver or does he appear to give more than he actually feels like giving?

Much More of a Giver Than Appears

On the surface Roberto may appear as much more of a taker (one who gets more than he gives) and less of a giver, but in actuality he always ends up giving much more than he takes. The reason is that Roberto is more gifted at starting or building new situations than he is at working with existing ones. So appearances to the contrary, Roberto is a real giver and puts out more effort than he at first sight might appear to.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 50% / 44% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Are You a Taker?

Is Roberto a taker? Does he take or receive well, or is it a problem? The ability to take, including taking punches, is what we are looking at here.

Considerably Less Responsible than Appears

Roberto may appear to be considerably more responsible and accommodating than he actually is in practice. He looks the part, but may not be able to live up to his promise. Nothing divisive on his part; he just naturally may not be as objective and responsive as his personality suggests.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 50% / 55% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Are You Private?

How private is Roberto? Does he prefer to work behind the scenes or does he like to get out in the public?

Extremely More Introverted Than Appears

Roberto is infinitely more shy and private than he may appear at first glance. While his personality may seem to be very outgoing and public, you will find on getting to know him that he is very retiring and that he does not actively seek out the limelight or really enjoy any public persona he might appear to have.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 62% / 55% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

How Public Are You?

Does Roberto seek out the public stage and like to perform and be seen, or is he reclusive and prefer to work backstage?

Much More Shy Than Appears

Roberto appears much more outgoing and public oriented than he in fact is, so keep that in mind. Although he appears very social, actually he prefers to stay out of the limelight and to act quietly behind the scenes. He considers himself very much more of a director than an actor.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 37% / 44% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

How Energetic Are You?

What kind of energy does Roberto have, a lot or a little? Looking at this factor will give him an idea of how much.

Much More Energetic Than Appears

Although he may not seem to at first glance, you will find that Roberto has a great deal of get-the-job-done energy going for him, more than you might imagine. Appearances aside, he is usually very enthusiastic and has plenty of mental space to actively accomplish things.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 37% / 11% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

How Challenged Are You?

Challenges are inevitable for all of us, but some have more and others have less. Here is a look at the challenges for this chart.

More Challended Than Appears

Roberto's life is more challenged that it appears on the outside, just to observe him personally. These challenges are deeper down and he will have to get to know them at a root level.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 12% / 11% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

How Dynamic Are You?

Just how dynamic is Roberto, a little or a lot? Is he a mover and a shaker or does he proceed more gradually when it comes to life changes?

Much Less Dynamic Than Appears

Roberto appears much more action oriented or able to take command than he in fact is. He certainly looks the part but when it comes to making it happen, you may find that Roberto may cop out and not be able to deliver.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 37% / 44% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

How Flexible Are You?

Is Roberto adaptable? Does he flex easily or does he tend to be fixed in his ways? Let's take a look.

Less Adaptable Than Appears

Roberto appears much more adaptable or flexible than he actually is when you get to know him. He looks flexible but is less so than his personality would suggest.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 12% / 33% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Are You a Planner?

Is Roberto a planner? Does he look ahead and plan things out or just let them happen?

Much More Planning Skills Than Appears

To just look at him, Roberto does not appear much like someone who is a careful planner, much less a bit of a schemer, but looks can be deceiving. In fact, Roberto is very organized when it comes to putting his thoughts and ideas into actual plans and working to make his plans happen. Behind the scenes Roberto is more than a little methodical about this.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 37% / 33% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Are You a Doer?

Is Roberto a doer? Does he like to get things done and get them done? Let's check it out.

More Accomplishment Skills Than Appears

When it comes to actually doing and getting things done, Roberto actually is better at that than he appears, and he definitely appears at least capable. So be clear that when it comes to working and building a solid infrastructure, appearances to the contrary, Roberto is on the ball.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 12% / 11% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Are You a Teacher?

Is Roberto good at explaining and sharing his knowledge with others? That is what we are looking at here.

Less Teaching Skills Than Appears

When it comes to knowledge, knowing, understanding, and learning from experiences, Roberto appears to be aware of what is going on. On the surface, he may appear to be experienced or knowledgeable, but beneath the surface he may not be all that aware of what goes on around him or he has been through, and he probably cannot express or easily share his experience with others, much less teach or guide. This is not his strongest quality, so take note.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 25% / 33% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

How Objective are You?

Is Roberto objective and can he evaluate situations easily? Can he separate the essentials out from what has no real importance?

More Objective Than Appears

When it comes to taking advantage of situations, using common business sense, and generally turning things to his advantage, Roberto is more concerned with the outcome of events (what comes to him) than may actually appear. Here is a case where appearances can mislead. Appearances to the contrary, Roberto can look out for himself and generally make out. He would make a good business person.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 25% / 22% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Are You an Initiator?

Is Roberto a self-starter, able to get new projects off the ground. Does he naturally like to do that?

Much More Initiative Than Appears

Don't be fooled by appearances, Roberto is much more of a self-starter or "doer" than you might think at first glance. And this is something worth considering and keeping in mind. When it comes to getting things done, Roberto can handle much more than you might think.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 50% / 33% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

How Public Are You?

How public is Roberto? Does he like to be seen or would he prefer to remain behind the scenes?

Less Public Than Appears

Roberto is less outward than he may appear, not particularly interested in getting out and seeing and being seen. You would think from appearances that he is tailor-made for the public and likes to be the center of attention, but when it comes right down to it, this is not the case.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 12% / 33% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

How Receptive are You?

How good is Roberto at working with situations already in motion. How receptive?

Less Objective Than Appears

Roberto is not as objective and practical as he may appear. His actual ability to appraise and sort out the wheat from the chaff does not measure up to his promise.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 0% / 33% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

How Inward are You?

How inward and private is Roberto? Is he mostly to himself or is he comfortable out in the public?

Much More Inward Than Appears

Roberto is much more inward and private than he may appear. Roberto really prefers to work behind the scenes, in the background, rather than out front on the public stage.

Jargon: Dharma Chart 37% / 0% Karma Chart

Dharma Chart, Karma Chart Reading

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed your Dharma Chart and Karma Chart reports plus their comparison one to another. Remember that your Karma Chart is a chart of your personality and the life circumstances in which are embedded, how you appear to others and perhaps also to yourself, while the Dharma Chart is a map of your spiritual path and archetype, your tribe—who you are inside looking out through your person.

As time passes, we tend to become more and more what our Dharma Chart presents, as our personality begins to fade and gets ground down. In time the light of our Dharma Chart shines through our personality. Over time we begin to transfer consciousness from our personality and identify with our Dharma Chart. The Dharma Chart is the key to our personality, to who we are.

-- Michael Erlewine

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