Selecting a Base Chart

Nearly all subsidiary chart types require a base chart, which is usually a natal chart. If you have not already cast the natal chart see Casting a Natal Chart for instructions on creating a new chart, or Retrieving Charts From a File for instructions on opening an existing chart.

You can cast most subsidiary chart types for any natal chart. This is done in the relevant subsidiary chart data entry dialog (e.g. the "Returns & Ingresses" dialog, or the "Transits, Progressions & Directions" dialog, available form the "Chart" menu). Each of these dialogs has a "Base Chart" listbox, containing all the charts opened in the "Calculated Charts" list.

Whether or not you can use types of charts other than a natal chart as a base chart depends on the type of subsidiary chart (return, progression etc.) you are casting. If the base chart that you select is inappropriate, then the data in the Base Chart Details box will become grayed out, and the OK button will become greyed out and disabled. In this case you cannot proceed until you choose another base chart which is of an appropriate type.