Synastry

A "synastry" is not only for lovers!

‎Synastry is a method of comparing two or more horoscopes This makes it possible to find the interaspects, i.e. the aspects between the planets and axes of one horoscope to another one. The method also shows where the planets in one horoscope fall in the other one and vice versa. Synastry can be used to compare many kinds of relationships, such as those between politicians and the state, stock shares and speculators, business partners, work colleagues, or parent and child. Synastry is most frequently used for romantic relationships. It is an effective and easily understood method, and it can be combined with predictive methods such as transits. It is also used to compare the relationship between a single individual's natal chart and the solar return chart.

Methods

Horoscopes can be compared with each other by plotting the planets of one horoscope in a bi-wheel (or tri-wheel, etc.) around another other, or planets and cusps from one chart may be simply plotted within another chart. Astrologers will also simply place two charts side by side.

Guidelines of Interpretation

The more aspects there are between two charts the greater the flow of energy between them. Few aspects indicate little exchange of energy between the two. So-called disharmonious aspects can hinder the flow of energy and create tensions, but they can also indicate a great potential for personal development for both partners. They represent points of friction that can force the individuals to invest energy into making the relationship work. The so-called harmonious aspects indicate that those involved find it easier to inspire one another, although the lack of friction can also make the relationship somewhat lethargic.

Several planets or an axis from partner A's horoscope in a particular house in the chart of partner B will emphasise these themes for the latter.

Aspects between the personal planets (sun, moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars) or social planets (Jupiter and Saturn) of one partner and the outer or spiritual planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) of the other often have a compelling quality that those involved find difficult to explain. They point towards the deeper dimensions of the relationship which further the personal growth of each individual.

Personal growth frequently involves difficult themes which means that it is often marked by periods of crises. Such processes become easier to understand when those involved become more aware of the underlying potential and challenges in the relationship and less inclined to view it as vehicle to promote their personal ego-oriented wishes. If both partners are prepared to work on their relationship, contacts from the outer planets can offer tools for personal growth.

Aspects between the Saturn of one partner and the personal planets of the other may be difficult but also tend to lend the relationship more stability and security which makes them valuable for any long-term relationships.

It is important to interpret and understand each individual's horoscope as a single entity before trying to interpret the synastry between them. The level of maturity, which no horoscope can reveal, is highly significant, too.

See also

• Composite charts and
• Davison relationship charts offer alternative methods for exploring the relationship between two individuals.

Weblinks

• The Eternal Triangle (Liz Greene, 1999)
• Synastry Overview (Cafe Astrology.com)
• The Astrology of Sex by Kim Farnell (Book Review by Deborah Houlding, 2004)
• The Gauquelin Married-Couple Data (cura.free)

Bibliography

• Stephen Arroyo, 2007, Person-to-Person Astrology: Energy Factors in Love, Sex, & Compatibility, Frog Ltd.
• Erin Sullivan, 2001, The Astrology of Family Dynamics, Weiser Books
• Penny Thornton, 1982, Synastry: A Comprehensive Guide to the Astrology of Relationships, The Aquarian Press
• Ronald Davison: Synastry, Understanding Human Relations Through Astrology, 333 pages. ASI Publishers, U.S. 1977; 1978; 1980 ISBN 978-0882310169; Aurora Press Revised edition 1983; 1986; 1991 ISBN 978-0943358055

Comprehensive work

• Marion March/ Joan McEvers: The Only Way to Learn About Relationships

Synastry packed with charts of the famous, including composites

• Lois Rodden: Mercury Method of Chart Comparison. 214 Pages. Amer Federation of Astrologers, Downey/ CA 1973. ISBN-10: 0866901507 ISBN-13: 978-0866901505