Let's talk about Synastry...
The practice of Astrological compatibility
In Short
Synastry is the practice of comparing two people’s Astrological charts by looking for exact angles formed between their planetary placements. The planet’s 360-degree orbit is divided into sections representing the twelve Zodiac signs so Astrologers can mark the exact degree a planet was in at the time of an individual’s birth. Comparing the degrees of two individuals’ charts reveals the strong angles that exist (60 degrees, 90 degrees, etc.) which can then be used to make interpretations based on the angle and planets involved.
For example, if Person A has their Sun in 0 degrees in Aries and Person B has their Moon in 90 degrees of Cancer, there are exactly 90 degrees between their Sun and Moon, indicating a Square angle. An Astrologer can note aspects of their relationship and compatibility based on this information (more on that below!)
While some angles are considered easy and others challenging, it’s important to note that Synastry is not a determinant of the success of a relationship. Rather, it is a guide to understanding the nuances of your relationships. Evaluating your strengths and weaknesses leads to a better understanding of how you operate separately and together.
Purpose
Synastry reveals the nuanced strengths and weaknesses between two people.
Intention
Read on for an overview of the most significant angles! Every relationship has a unique combination, or lack, of these aspects.
Conjunction (0 degrees, the exact same degree in the same Zodiac sign)
Completely unified, the energies from planets involved in a conjunction aspect always act together. For example, in a Mercury and Moon conjunction, the Moon individual will always bring up feelings when the Mercury person is communicating their rational thoughts. When the planets involved are compatible this can be harmonious, but when the planets involved are incompatible, as in the Mercury and Moon combination, it can lead to misunderstandings and tension.
Opposition (180 degrees, opposite Zodiac signs)
While the energies at play in an Opposition aspect may seem like they want completely different things, they are really occupied on opposite sides of the same spectrum. For example, someone with Venus in Cancer strives to nurture while someone with Mars in Capricorn strives to protect. They have opposing methods, but the intention is the same. Therefore, individuals with an Opposition aspect have a lot to learn from each other and will benefit from utilizing both of their skill sets instead of fighting against the other’s methods.
Trine (120 degrees, three Zodiac signs apart)
Trine aspects always share the same element (fire, earth, air, or water) and therefore possess a lot of harmonies. The planets involved in a Trine angle engage with each other effortlessly. While this is an easy aspect, it is also comfortable and can lead to complacency in relationships. Without tension, there is no passion.
Square (90 degrees, four Zodiac signs apart)
Characterized by tension, the energy involved in a Square aspect can be motivating or exhausting. There is a lot of fear and uncertainty involved, yet this aspect forces each individual to face their own weaknesses and perhaps enact change. Each individual wants something completely different from the other, therefore a lot of patience and understanding are required. For example, someone with Moon in Aries craves freedom and passion while someone with Saturn in Capricorn desires commitment and structure. They can be a catalyst for growth in one another if the Moon person realizes their commitment issues and the Saturn person realizes their rigidity.
Sextile (60 degrees, two Zodiac signs apart)
Sextile angles always have compatible elements (Fire is compatible with Air, and Earth is Compatible with Water), therefore the energy within this aspect is stimulating and inspiring. Representative of the relational traits we tend to value the most, this aspect brings the most enjoyment and pleasure out of all of the angles.
Integration
There are many resources for Synastry (some listed below) where you can look up the aspects within your relationship and receive a general interpretation. You can also get your full Synastry chart from me, here!