Synastry & Composite
HOW TO FIND COMPATIBILITY IN ASTROLOGY
5 May 2024
Relationship Astrology
Synastry and composite charts are the two fundamental methods for analyzing the relationship between individuals in astrology. Unlike generalized horoscopes, these methods provide a much more personalized look at how two people interact and what their compatibility might be.
Synastry involves the overlaying of one person's birth chart onto another, examining the interaspects or angular relationships between the planets and points from both charts. This approach highlights the raw, interpersonal dynamics, reflecting ongoing interactions and the innate compatibility or challenges between the individuals. On the other hand, a composite chart creates a single, blended chart out of two individuals’ charts, offering a unique astrological view of the relationship as its own entity. This chart reveals the relationship’s strengths, weaknesses, and its evolutionary potential.
The nuance provided by synastry and composite charts helps explain not only how individuals relate but also why they experience certain recurring themes and issues in their relationships. Synastry is not limited to romantic contexts; it can be equally illuminating in exploring dynamics within friendships, family relationships, and professional partnerships. By comparing planetary positions and aspects between charts, synastry can reveal how individuals might support or challenge each other in non-romantic settings. For instance, in a parent-child relationship, the Moon's interactions might highlight emotional bonds and nurturing behaviors, while Mercury's aspects could shed light on communication styles and mutual understanding.
The 7th House in Synastry
The 7th house is significant in synastry as it pertains to partnerships of all kinds, including marriage, business relationships, and deep friendships. This house, traditionally associated with marriage and all one-on-one connections, provides critical insights into how two individuals approach commitment and confrontation.
When one person’s planets fall into another’s 7th house, it suggests a strong connection where partnership themes are highlighted. Especially if one of these planets is a personal planet like the Sun or Moon.
For example, the presence of Venus may indicate a loving and harmonious relationship, while Mars might suggest dynamic or competitive interactions. Interactions in this house can reveal how well partners can balance personal autonomy with their commitment to each other, and it often plays a pivotal role in determining the overall harmony and longevity of significant relationships.
It's worth noting that the 1st house is also a potent house to look at in synastry. The 1st house represents the most fundamental view of one's self: likes/dislikes, needs, and particularly important in synastry, one's self-image. Prominant planets like the Sun or Moon in the other pereson's 1st house can signify a strong similarity in personality, needs, and direction in life.
Luminaries Conjunct Ascendant or Descendant in Synastry
One of the most potent aspects in synastry is the Sun or Moon conjunct the Ascendant or Descendant. This aspect indicates a strong physical and emotional connection.
The Sun's energy, symbolizing ego and self-expression, aligns closely with the Ascendant, the point of personal identity, or the Descendant, the point of partnership. When someone's Sun falls on another's Ascendant, there is an immediate and powerful recognition of oneself within the other. In the case of the Moon, there can be a strong emotional connection - a deeper bond and understanding between the individuals that can transcend outer circumstances or outer-world limitations.
These placements typically suggest an instant attraction and a strong foundation for mutual understanding and respect. This configuration is highly significant in synastry charts, showcasing areas where life force and identity merge with personal and partnership dynamics, thereby fostering a profound understanding and often a long-lasting bond.
Luminaries Conjunct North or South Node in Synastry
The nodes of the Moon — the North Node and the South Node — in synastry reveal the karmic and spiritual dimensions of relationships. Particularly revealing is the aspect of the Sun or Moon conjunct the North or South Node. This aspect can indicate a profound emotional bond with karmic implications.
When one person's luminary conjuncts another's North Node, there is often a sense of destiny and development in their interaction. The luminary person brings emotional sustenance and nurturing to the relationship (if the Moon) or awareness and self-expression (if the Sun), helping to propel the North Node person toward their life path and spiritual growth.
On the other hand, conjunction with the South Node can indicate a comfortable yet potentially stagnating connection, where the habits of the luminary person aligns with the past life experiences and habits that the South Node person needs to move away from. This can lead to a relationship deeply rooted in comfort and familiarity, but which may require conscious effort to evolve beyond past life patterns. Such aspects in synastry don’t just influence personal growth; they actively shape how individuals interact on a soul level, often bringing them together to resolve old karma or to embark on new evolutionary paths.
Interpreting the Composite Chart
Composite charts take the midpoints of each planet and point from two individual charts and blend them into a single chart. This chart represents the relationship as its own entity, separate from the individuals within it. By analyzing this chart, one can discern the overall theme, challenges, and strengths of the relationship.
For example, a composite Sun or Moon in the 10th house could indicate a relationship that is very public or centered around career and social status, potentially benefiting from mutual ambitions or suffering from too much focus on external achievements. Another example is the composite Sun or Moon in the 4th house, which often emphasizes home, family, and emotional security as central themes of the relationship. This placement can indicate a partnership where creating a nurturing and stable home environment is paramount, and where private life and caring for each other take precedence over public or external affairs. It suggests a relationship deeply rooted in shared values of comfort and security, potentially thriving on intimate connections but possibly facing challenges if the outside world demands too much attention.
Aspects in Synastry & Composite Charts
In both synastry and composite charts, the aspects reveal deep insights into the dynamics of the relationship. Venus and Mars affect the romantic and sexual harmony, indicating how affection and passion are balanced; smooth aspects suggest a passionate bond, while challenging ones may point to discord. Mercury's position highlights communication, crucial for resolving conflicts and shaping mutual understanding. Jupiter and Saturn define the relationship's growth and structure: Jupiter enhances joy and expansion, suggesting areas of encouragement, whereas Saturn imposes boundaries and responsibilities, marking the critical 'make or break' points that can either solidify or undermine the partnership. Together, these planetary aspects outline the relationship's emotional, intellectual, and practical contours.