The woo-woo wonderer strikes again! This time, I’m diving into astrology. The first order of business? Getting my birth chart read by a professional.
Happy astrological new year! It’s Aries season, the first sign of the zodiac, which means it’s the start of a new cycle for everyone. Hold up, what did you say? You’re “not into horoscopes”? Gasp! You just broke my itty-bitty heart. Next, you’re going to tell me that tarot reading isn’t real and that ghosts are just figments of our imagination. Let me guess: too many people have assumed you’re an attention seeker just because you’re a Leo. Oh, or you’ve had to listen to your friends use horoscopes to excuse their bad behaviours.
I get where you’re coming from. Why should everyone give a sh*t about something based on unscientific speculations and planet movements? (Are you a Capricorn? Wait, a Virgo!) The simple answer is we just want something to believe in. Does it perpetuate confirmation bias? Probably, but it’s harmless fun at the end of the day.
This “woo-woo wonderer” has always been interested in astrology. (And nope, I’m not a Pisces.) I know my big three signs (these talk about your vibes, personality, likes and dislikes) and how they influence my characteristics. However, I still struggle with understanding the other parts and making sense of my birth chart. In astrology terms, a horoscope birth chart (or natal chart) uses the exact date, time, and location of your birth to determine the position of the planets in the sky. My quest led me to the team at Sanna Holistic House, who agreed to help.
Every sign from the first to the last
I’m nervous yet excited about my consultation. Am I ready to deep dive into astrology and get my birth chart read? What if I don’t like what I’m told? I may be an optimist, but when it comes to the unknown, I remind myself it’s best to look at it with a dash of realism. So, armed with a more grounded perspective, I head to the consultancy in Ang Mo Kio. When I enter, Master Sanna’s already waiting for me. The 71-year-old founded his business in 1985 with the intention of helping people and businesses both in Singapore and overseas, and he’s still going strong.
“Sufyan!” His voice booms cordially as we shake hands and briefly chat. After settling in, he asks for my date and time of birth. Master Sanna and his assistant immediately get to work after I hand over the deets. A few minutes later, the boards before me are filled with calculations, numbers, and magnets within a plain birth chart outline. I stare in awe as I try to reconcile what I see with the version I’ve obtained online.
Master Sanna explains that his astrological consultations are based on Vedic and Western ideologies, which is why I’m not familiar with what’s presented in front of me. I’m slightly disappointed by this revelation but try not to let it show. I was expecting Western astrology as I already have a basic understanding of the subject. Regardless, I’m in the hot seat, so I roll with it to see what unfolds.
After a beat, he breaks down what the numbers mean: they represent the planets associated with a specific zodiac sign and different areas of life. Master Sanna explains that in his system, Rahu, an “imaginary planet”, serves a function similar to that of the North Node in traditional astrology. Both are believed to influence our life’s trajectory and evolutionary path, but in Master Sanna’s reading, Rahu takes precedence.
He looks at me expectantly and asks: “So, what do you want to know?”
A star (sign) is born
The first thing Master Sanna tells me after looking at my birth chart is that I’m “a capable and hardworking person”. I laugh nervously, as I’m inclined to do whenever someone compliments me. Earlier, I said I was going into the astrological birth chart reading with pragmatism. Well, I like what I’m hearing, even though the consultation just commenced! He also notes that I have plenty of “close associates” because “people can easily get along with [me]”. I’m nonplussed by this revelation, as I know how to wield my Libran charms.
He highlights that my moon sign (representing emotional nature, thoughts, and desires) falls under the 10th House, which covers professional accomplishments and career aspirations. According to Master Sanna, I’m serious about my work and will give it my all. This is also unsurprising, as my previous aura reading experience revealed the same thing. Does this earnestness translate into bigger and better things, career-wise? I hope so. But it also exposed me as a workaholic who can’t shut his brain off.
There’s one thing I didn’t expect: “You like to learn more about the mysterious side of things like crystals and tarot cards,” he says. “You might even spend money on them.” This finding amuses me, but I concede he’s not far from the truth. I carry small stones with me for luck, and my ex gifted me with a tarot deck that I’ve been meaning to learn. Maybe his consultation is more precise than I’d initially assumed.
Baby, what’s your sign?
After we’re done with my natal chart, Master Sanna directs my attention to my astrological timeline. It spotlights the seasons where I’m at my peak and low cycles. While ages one to 17 were “not bad”, he claims that the period between 18 and 27 showcased my capabilities. “Your education was good,” he states, although I beg to differ. I find that hard to believe, as I’m not the studious sort, and my education ended at the polytechnic level. Perhaps he’s trying to be nice.
“You’re currently here,” he says, tapping the “28 to 46” portion on the glass board. He tells me it’s a good period, as Jupiter is ruling me now. In astrology, this planet covers growth, prosperity, travel, and higher education. “You’ve got the wisdom and knowledge, and you’re writing. You might go back to studies again.” From 47 to 79 years old, I’ll have unexpected fortune and will remain happy-go-lucky.
Even though everything seems good, Master Sanna warns me to be extra mindful in the next few months. “Be wary of backstabbers,” he ominously advises. He also says that between the end of April and early June is not ideal for making major financial decisions like buying a house or car. This is because Mars, which is about action and conflict, is blocked by Rahu. Finally, Master Sanna urges me to be on my best behaviour and “follow all the rules” in the cycle after my birthday later this year.
No matter what sign you are
“What do you want to know?” Master Sanna’s question lingered in my mind long after I left the consultancy. While I appreciate his wealth of knowledge, I’m not certain I’ve fully grasped every intricacy he elucidated during our meeting. I feel like I’m in limbo instead of feeling enlightened. Was I expecting too much from the experience? Yes, I was… and you know what happens when you set the bar too high.
At the same time, the natal chart reading has bolstered my curiosity and sparked a desire to delve deeper into astrology. I’m excited to set aside time to pore through everything astrology to better comprehend my birth chart.
As I slowly navigate my learning journey into the cosmos, I’m suddenly reminded of the sceptics. Those who dismiss astrology as mere pseudoscience or unverified superstition might baulk at this article and my experience. You can be Negative Nellies all you want (I can sense your eye roll), but ultimately, this otherworldly belief is as real as that viral personality test everyone participates in and disseminates. It’s not entirely serious – just something entertaining to mull over.
The fault isn’t really in the stars, so let’s not get so worked up about them.
