Frequently asked questions

Astrodienst round > Composite Charts

1. Why does the Astrodienst Composite Chart come out with a different Venus (or Ascendant) placement to the one I've seen somewhere else?
   
   There are different ways of calculating composite charts. One of these differences concerns Mercury and Venus: some astrologers transpose Mercury and Venus by 180° to the opposite sign, if they come out on "the wrong side of the Sun" in the chart.
   We offer both variants. In the chart section of the AstroShop, for type 62, the two planets are always put on the side of the Sun, in chart type 671 and all reports they are not moved but remain where they technically fall.
   
   For the calculation of the Ascendant, see question No. 2 below.
   
   
2. Why does the Ascendant of the composite chart change by 180° if I change the birth time of one of the partners?
   
   The Ascendant in a composite chart can be computed in different ways, depending on the technique the astrologer uses.
   One cannot look at the Ascendant in an isolated way without considering the position of the MC. We calculate the MC first and go from there. Sometimes a raw calculation of the Ascendant results in an impossible sequence of houses. A change in the birth time of one of the partners may have the same result. This is why the ASC / DESC axis is swapped (by 180°) in such cases.
   With midpoints, there is always an axis with a near and a far midpoint for each pair of factors. Both midpoints are nearly equivalent in meaning and can be reversed if needed.
   
   
3. Is there a way of setting a composite chart so it can be added to My Astro? I would like to use it as a 'normal' chart for synastry, astromap etc.?
   
   Unfortunately, there is no such way. A composite chart cannot be used as a 'normal' chart because it isn't one. It does not represent a real constellation of planets but is a mere mathematical construction. This precludes its use in many of the standard astrological techniques.
   
   
4. Can a composite chart contradict the synastry chart?
   
   Both views represent quite different perspectives, and of course, they can disagree.
   The composite is a third chart, calculated from the two individual horoscopes, and it shows the dynamic of the relationship as a separate (third) entity. The synastry compares the two individual charts and points out what the two people involved "trigger" in each other.
   There might be contradictions in relationships, just like individuals are full of contradictions by nature.
   
   You can find more information on synastry and composite charts in the AstroShop. Or read Liz Greene's article on composites.
   
   
5. What kind of chart comparison can I do for twins? A composite chart comes out the same as the natal charts, are there other methods?
   
   The composite chart does not work for twins. The only approach for a relationship chart for twins, which we know that works, is the one by our author Mona Riegger, as used in the report "Horoscope for Two". It can be ordered in the Astro Shop.
   Mona's approach makes a distinction between 'the older' and 'the younger', which is always defined with twins, even when born by cesarean section. Then she reverts some elements of the Davison relationship chart for the younger one, getting two distinctive charts that way. She is able to make very interesting deductions about the relationship between the two. Not accidentally, Mona is a mother of twins.