Gaist
How Gaist calculates and frames birth charts
A birth chart combines calculable sky positions with astrological interpretation. This page explains which elements are astronomical calculations and which are symbolic readings.
Astronomical foundation
Geocentric positions of the Sun, Moon and planets are determined for the supplied date, time and geographic location. Gaist uses Swiss Ephemeris through the open-source OpenAstroAPI integration. Time zone and location coordinates form part of the calculation.
Houses and angles
The ascendant, Midheaven and house cusps require an accurate birth time and location. The selected system is passed to the calculation and displayed with the result. Legacy saved charts without a recorded value are treated as Placidus. Porphyry may be used as a fallback where a time-based system cannot be calculated at extreme latitudes.
Aspects
Aspects are angular distances between calculated planetary positions. The application identifies them using defined aspect types and orbs. Terms such as conjunction, square and trine describe geometry; assigning personal meaning is interpretation.
Calculation is not interpretation
Positions, angles and cusps are calculated results. Statements about personality, relationships or timing come from astrological symbolism. They are not scientifically validated diagnoses, guaranteed predictions or professional medical, psychological, legal or financial advice.
Data and reproducibility
The public guest calculator transmits inputs for the requested calculation but does not save them as a personal profile. The same inputs and house system can be calculated again. Rounding, software releases or ephemeris versions can cause minor display differences.
Editorial approach
The guides explain concepts in original language, avoid deterministic claims and state limitations and data-quality concerns. Content corrections and technical changes receive editorial review.