What is compatible Astrology?

Something is compatible when it is capable of living or performing in harmonious, agreeable or congenial combination with another. -American Heritage Dictionary 1975

Being in a harmonious relationship can be fun, and rewarding. Positive vibes experienced through compatibility, like affection, humor, sensuality, trust and genuine interest in each other, enhance health and improve longevity, bolstering self-esteem and well-being. All good stuff.

Of course, not all relationships are destined to be compatible, nor do they need to be.

As 'Like attracts Like' would have it, they may be ‘learning experiences’, recreations of childhood patterns, compensation for suppressed issues, erotic adventures, or just wild card flirts. Compatibility in relationship isn’t always the objective. Keep that in mind as you learn to read the synastry charts between yourself and another.

The point is, the question of compatibility often arises later, after the initial whirlwind attraction has passed. As the couple faces each other, their eyes may rest on someone foreign and unfamiliar. How can we find out sooner if a relationship is potentially harmonious? Enter the synastry chart!

What is Synastry?

Synastry (syn-together/astry-stars) is the study of stars in the same place. It takes the planets of one person’s chart and compares them to another.

Think of the other person as a set of permanent transits. What will their impact be? Sound simple? Actually, it gets quite complex. With an array of tools—synastry comparisons, transits, directions and progressions, mid-point charts such as composites, progressed composites, and Davison chart analysis—the art of compatibility prediction can be daunting. So, how to make a start?

Seven Simple Steps to Synastry

After studying the natal charts separately to assess the individual approach to relationship, ie, their moon, Venus, 7th house, 7th house ruler, aspects to all and Asc-Desc dynamic, to start with - jump into these steps:

Step 1. How does the couple nurture each other emotionally? Compatibility increases with a parallel level of emotional maturity and nurturing style. If these are not in synch, it may be difficult for the couple to give and receive harmoniously. We look to the Moons to show how the couple’s emotional worlds engage.

Step 2. Do the career goals and creative energy levels harmonize? All the compatibility in the world can come crashing down if the couple is unable to develop parallel goals with commensurate enthusiasm. This is often reflected in the synastry Suns.

Step 3. Are the communication and educational backgrounds compatible? How do they talk to each other? Mercury rules all things to do with mental rapport and learning.

Step 4. What is the couple’s approach to finances, spending and saving? Do they value the same kinds of food, music, movies, art and sensual pleasures? Venus gives us a major clue to these very important issues in relationship.

Step 5. Do they have matching levels of self-esteem, self-authority, individuation and sexual energy? Mars by synastry can tell us about the balance of power.

Step 6. Are their family backgrounds and inherited beliefs similar? What gives them a sense of meaning and purpose in life? Jupiter by synastry tells us if the couple likes exploring similar horizons.

Step 7. What is the nature of the physical attraction? A healthy intimate relationship usually includes fulfilling sex and a desire for each other physically. Surprisingly, Saturn can give clues here, highlighting the shadow issues of attraction, projection and repulsion that can pop up. Complex yet vital, this is the area most subject to change throughout the duration of the relationship. Looking to Chiron, as well as the Ascendants, Mars, Venus and certain asteroids and points (Eros, Psyche, Lunar Nodes, Vertex and others), add vital information as well.

Assessing Compatible Astrology

In a complete compatibility assessment, other intra-planetary aspects are considered, as well as the houses activated, current transits and progression. This post centers on same planet synasty (Moon-Moon, Sun-Sun), focusing on sign emphasis primarily. It's a place to begin.

You might want to review the divisions of the Signs - polarity, element and modality, orientation,decan and dwad. This will help you understand how the signs relate to each other uniquely, reflecting different levels of compatibility. Just because two planets are not a ‘harmonious aspect’ doesn’t mean the couple will not have a meaningful connection. Some amount of tension adds spark and intrigue.

Astrologer/author Stephen Arroyo says, “Everyone has to feed themselves at the air, fire, earth and water levels.” A predominance of fire needs activity and exhilaration. Earth wants to ground energy in practical ways. Air needs a diet of mental stimulation and water longs for a pool of feelings to immerse in.

Angles and Midpoints in Compatible Astrology

Ascendant: Awakens, inspires, acknowledges socially. It can feel heavenly to have personal planets contact here!

Vertex: Sudden turn of affairs, epiphany, instant attraction, immediate sense that something WILL happen together.

Lunar Nodes Familiar: They can bring fascination, feeling of kinship or destiny, comfortable vs challenging as time progresses.

Fortuna: Sense of joy, ease and creative pleasure. Life gets a little brighter when someone’s personal planet falls here.

Sun/Moon MP: Activates a sense of inner balance, awakens wholeness and feelings of completion. Longing for union.

Venus/Mars MP: Stimulate sexual energy in playful, mischievous ways. Creative, artistic, active, outgoing. No hiding this one.

Eros/Psyche MP: Awakens desire to merge, sexual energy is intense, deep and emotive. Transformation whether taboo or not. Check the table below for more asteroids to consider.

Compatible Astrology Example 1

Winston (left) & Clementine Churchill

Asteroid Positions

Clementine 0000000000000Winston
Eros 9 Ge 50 xxxxx000xxxxxxx02 Sc 44
Psyche 6 Ar 24 xxxxxxx000xxx1 10 Aq 35
Amor 2 Ar 33 xxxxxxxx000xx  xx0Ar 32
Cupido 13Li 0 Rx xxx0000xx0x09 Li 29
Sappho 22 SA 10 xxxxxx000oxx07 Sa 51
Aphrodite 7 Li 9 xxxxxxxx000019 Vi 45
Adonis 27 Vi 44 Rx. xxxx00o0x17 Li 41

In the words of Lord Ismay , “It is probably the most ideal marriage there has ever been”.

Does the synastry agree?

Winston Churchill would have been a taxing man to live with. His tremendous focus on world affairs left him little time to nurture the emotive needs of a marriage and his bombastic nature was given to unpredictable and tempestuous display. He drank. He smoked. He had a pressured life of which his marriage was only one aspect. Yet his compatibility with Clementine is undeniable.

For Clementine, the marriage was her vocation. Intelligent and well educated, she supported and influenced her husband throughout his long public career, putting the relationship above her personal goals, ambition and children. Even brief escapades, on both sides, did not spoil the union.

Winston’s dominate FIRE emphasis suggests courageous, verbose and innovative energy. His Moon in Leo conjunct the fixed star Regulus adds a noble bearing with a drive for fulfillment in the limelight. Although Mars is in its detriment, the first house placement adds fuel to the fire as does the conjunction with Jupiter. The Virgo Ascendant brings discernment; the chart ruler in Scorpio suggested shrewdness.

Friends said his marriage to Clementine wouldn’t last six months. Winston just wasn’t the marrying kind. Contrarily, it lasted 56 years, filling boxes and drawers with intimate love letters, notes and messages that passed unceasing between.

Without an accurate birth time for Clementine, her chart has been drawn flat with zero degrees of Aries on the Ascendant. Clementine also had a dominant FIRE nature with Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars all in Aries. That is a lot of gusto, especially for a woman born in the 1800’s. A natural way to live out such energy is though a powerful man and she found herself one of the most potent in the world!

Follow the Seven Steps

Step 1. How does the couple nurture each other emotionally? Winston’s Moon is found at 29 degrees of Leo is in the Aries decan and the Cancer Dwad. This adds might, courage and individualism to the dignified and gregarious Leo Moon, along with a dose of sympathy and kindness. He would need energy, camaraderie and a sense of being special to feel nurtured. Clementine’s Moon, in late Libra or early Scorpio, is a social orientation, commensurate with Winston’s. She would need relationship to feel nurtured and emotionally connected. It is likely that the Moons are sextile, creating a channel to awaken both the inner world and the desire to nurture each other.

Step 2. Do the career goals and creative energy levels harmonize? The Sun signs trine by element indicate a commensurate high energy level and mutual need to feed each other with doses of enthusiasm, audacity and exploration. With his Sun in the first decan of Sagittarius, there is the added Jupiter influence of talk, trek and talk some more. The Aquarius Dwad brings a larger social perspective and tenacity. Clementine’s Sun is in the second Decan of Aries and Leo Dwad, adding solar staying power to the sometimes erratic flights of the Ram. The couple matched in vitality and vision.

Step 3. Is the level of education and approach to communication compatible? Both were well educated people, though Clementine did better academically than Winston. A passionate writer and speaker, his words moved the masses! The second decan of Scorpio adds Neptune’s sensitivity to the collective where the fixed Taurus Dwad made him a formative man to argue with.

Clementine’s 3rd decan of Aries Mercury has Jupiter’s philosophic bend, and the Pisces Dwad links to the collective as well. With both Mercury’s ruled by Mars, neither bulked at an intellectual debate! Their Mercury’s aspect by the minor 160 degree quadrinovile, (a division of 9 associated with what is produced in the long run, and possibly an indication of sexual attraction and marriage . Winston and Clementine’s letters testify to a copious flow of thoughts between them.

Step 4. What is the couple’s approach to finances? Both Clementine’s and Winston’s Venus fall in Fire signs and are linked by the lesser used biseptile aspect,102:51 degrees associated with poetic, creative and inspirational qualities. Clementine came from an upper-class home afflicted with poverty where as Winston’s was one of flamboyance and splendor. After 11 years of marriage she wrote to him, "You took me from the straitened little by-path I was treading and took me with you into the life and colour and jostle of the high-way....” That ‘life and color and jostle’ would be well appreciated by a Venus in either Sagittarius or Aries!

Step 5. What is the balance of power in the relationship? Clementine has the more powerful Mars by sign and she influenced Winston throughout the decades of their union. An article in the Washington Times state, “For decades his wife fought at his side, entertained at his table, offered her judgment to him and his colleagues and his enemies. She took his place in his absence, and sometimes in his presence. She became an international figure. She had power, and she used it. Always she had a mind of her own.” In an era where male and female roles where dictated by tradition, Clementine wielded her Aries Mars (Aries Decan and Dwad!) from behind the scenes. Winston wielded his first house Mars conjunct Jupiter in front of the entire world.

Step 6. Are their family backgrounds and inherited beliefs similar? Both Winston and Clementine came from upper-class family backgrounds and moved in high society. Their social circles linked, as their sextile Jupiter’s suggest. Her Jupiter in Leo indicates dignity and a drive for social power.

The Aries decan adds (more) strength and courage and the Gemini Dwad suggest wit, charm and urge to communicate. Winston’s Jupiter in Libra shows culture and idealism. The Gemini decan adds versatility and, again, the urge to communicate. The Cancer Dwad brings intuitive sensitivity and gut instinct to an intellectual approach. They both loved to travel, explore and adventure, together and independently.

Step 7: What is the nature of the physical attraction? The Saturn’s here are trine, a contact generally better favored than the harsher aspects . Still they would have awakened each other’s more vulnerable side, making it difficult to discuss intimate fears and insecurities. (Clementine would sometime write to Winston in French, saying it was easier to be passionate that way). Clementine’s Venus/1221Amor conjunct Winston’s Vertex/Descendant/1221Amor may have felt to him like an epiphany, a turning point of great import. Her Uranus conjunct his Ascendant served to jolt the man who was not the marrying kind.

The complexities of his Venus and Psyche/Eros midpoint opposite her Saturn and his Sun opposite her Chiron could account for her initial “cold feet”. Clearly, her Sappho conjunct his Venus and her Venus/Mars and VE/MA midpoint on his Descendent, tantalized the couple throughout their long relationship. Winston’s Juno conjunct her Psyche/Eros midpoint stimulated sustaining love. In Winston’s words, he married in 1908 and lived happily ever after .

The Lunar Node axis in both charts are activated by the synastry with Clementine’s Mercury conjunct his N. Node and Winston’s Ascendant conjunct her N. Node. Both are opposite by sign suggesting complementary support in their ability to make strides forwards as well as nurture each other in times of retreat.

Did the attraction last? In 1962, after 54 years of marriage, Winston writes, “…I have found it quite lonely (with you absent) & will rejoice to see us joined together (tomorrow) in gaiety and love. I place myself at your disposal…” That would be a YES.

Compatible Astrology Example 2

Harold (left) and Ruth

Asteroid Positions

Harold xxxxxxxxdxxddxxxRuth
Eros 5 Ar 34 xxxxxxxddox13 Cp 52
Psyche 10 Sc 33xxxddxxx26 Aq 41
Amor 21 Cn 11xx xxxddxx11 Pi 30
Cupido 27 Le 20 xxxddpx 4 Cp 51
Anteros 23 Ta 16x xddxxp08 Aq 25
Aphrodite 14 Le 26xxdd0026 Sc 38
Pan 3 Ge 41 xxxxxxxxdddx17 Aq 19
Adonis 06 Sc 30 xxxxddxo08 Sc 31

This brief example contrasts the Churchill relationship. Ruth is a feisty woman with a straight-forward audacity and brash style. She can be at once pragmatic and mystical, blunt and humorous. Always, she is possessive and suspicious in her relationships, especially with Harold.

Harold is a genius, given to mood swings, absent mindedness, intuitive insights and occasional mumbling. Appearing boyishly whimsical, he doesn’t miss a thing. Unpredictable and self-absorbed, yet sensitive and brilliant, he also has a possessive streak when it comes to his marriage. What do the seven simple steps reveal?

Step 1. How does the couple nurture each other emotionally? Ruth’s Moon in Sagittarius pulls no punches. She has an intuition that won’t quit and an instant response to everything she perceives. Her emotional needs are dramatic. Harold’s Moon is in the same polarity and collective orientation, yet the Aquarian decan and Dwad gives him a cool detachment. He needs isolation to produce original thought; she needs freedom and adventure. He saturates himself in work to escape her critique; she travels overseas to escape him.

Step 2. Do the career goals and creative energy levels harmonize? The Suns are quincunx, the150 degree aspect noted for strain and challenge. Ruth’s goals are ambitions and fiscal. Harold, though not opposed to increasing the comfort zone, has more creative endeavors in mind. As his business manager, Ruth pushes and goads him to fit her designs. He resists in ways that undermine all her grand plans. Ruth’s Sun in Capricorn is concrete, striving, and relentless. Harold’s Sun in Leo seeks an individual glory for his accomplishments, focusing on distinct and exceptional originality. The disparity grates on each other, and all those within shouting distance.

Step 3. Is the level of education and approach to communication compatible? Both gifted thinkers, Harold has had more years of education though what Ruth lacks in academia, she makes up for in wit. Her Mercury is part of a stellium in Sagittarius, expanding the mind and bringing into scope the larger picture. Harold’s Mercury in Virgo is precise, analytical and focused on fine details. His thoughts tend to be logical, though sometimes they are swayed by Neptune’s perchance for fantasy. He weaves little deceptions to escape her wrath; she catches him in the act, every time. Their Mercury’s form no aspect with each other.

Step 4. What is the couple’s approach to money? Harold is frugal when it comes to finances. He counts every penny and questions every expense. Venus in Cancer can be an astute accountant. Ruth, by contrast, is secretive about the finances. She hides transaction she feels he would veto. Although the Venus’s are trine by sign, they form the 135 degree sesquiquadrate aspect, known for instability and disruption.

Step 5. What is the balance of power and sexual energy of the relationship? The Mars aspect forms another stressful sesquiquadrate. Ruth has the upper hand with mars at home in fire, conjunct the expansive Jupiter (Aries decan and Cancer Dwad). The cardinal nature along with the brusque Sagittarius creates a force to be reckoned with. Harold’s Mars is in detriment in Taurus, (Taurus decan/Cancer Dwad). He is constantly attempting to placate Ruth’s theatrical tantrums, though he can throw ones of his own. Apparently the sex, when they can stand each other, is fantastic. (Note her Pan on his Asc.)

Step 6. Are their family backgrounds and inherited beliefs similar? Yes! Here we find, at last, a wide sextile between Ruth’s strong Jupiter in Sagittarius and Harold’s in Libra. They have both left their inherited Judeo-Christian backgrounds to find a shared belief in Buddhism. When they find time to chant together, much discord is lifted, momentarily.

Step 7. What is the nature of the physical attraction? A mix of attraction and repulsion is undeniable between these two. Here the Saturn’s are only in aspect by parallel declination, not by sign or degree. That they trigger each other’s shadow issues is undeniable. A fated feeling comes with Harold’s Moon conjunct Ruth’s Ascendant and Psyche/Eros midpoint and his Sun/Uranus on her Descendent. Her Sun also activates his Psy/Eros midpoint! His Saturn is on her anti-vertex, her Sun/Moon midpoint is on his anti-vertex, all potent, dynamic sparks. That his Anteros (love returned or avenged) is opposite her Venus in fixed signs is significant, as is the conjunction of their asteroids Adonis (sexual magnetism). They certainly have chemistry; they also have little functional compatibility. This demonstrates a couple together for reasons other than compatibility!

Where does LOA fit in to Compatibility Astrology?

Here are a few posts to get into your best relationship alignment.

How to Manifest for Others

Activate: Great Relationship

Energy Dynamics in Relationship

GVA Course (for members) - Manifesting Romance

GVA Course (for members) - Karma & Synastry

Take the Compatibility Test

Circle the letter that most accurately applies to your current relationship or partnership. Or consider an important union from the past. Designed for fun and awareness, the results do not represent a definitive evaluation.You decide!

1. Do you feel attracted to your partner physically, enjoying each other’s bodies through affection, play and intimacy?
A) Always B) Often C) Sometimes D)Never

2. Do you communicate difficult feelings and important issues to each other as they arise?
A) Always B) Often C) Sometimes D)Never

3. Do you and your partner enjoy the same kinds of music, movies and cuisine?
A) Always B) Often C) Sometimes D)Never

4. Do you both share similar political, religious and spiritual beliefs?
A) Always B) Often C) Sometimes D)Never

5. Are you able to express anger in ways that do not create fear, separation, or resentment in each other?
A) Always B) Often C) Sometimes D)Never

6. Can you debate passionately without escalating into hostile arguments?
A) Always B) Often C) Sometimes D)Never

7. Do you and your partner have matching or parallel goals for the future?
A) Always B) Often C) Sometimes D)Never

8. Do you have similar levels of sexual energy?
A) Always B) Often C) Sometimes D)Never

9. Do the same kinds of things make you feel safe and secure?
A) Always B) Often C) Sometimes D)Never

10. Are you and your partner the same relative height for your gender?
A) Completely B) Nearly C) Scarcely D)Not at all

11. Do you and your partner have the same educational background?
A) Completely B) Nearly C) Scarcely D)Not at all

12. Are you and your partner from the same economical background?
A) Completely B) Nearly C) Scarcely D)Not at all

13. Do you and your partner respect each other’s autonomy, independence and self-authority?
A) Always B) Often C) Sometimes D)Never

14. Do you and your partner support each other unconditionally in times of physical, emotional or spiritual need?
A) Always B) Often C) Sometimes D)Never

Results: A) 3 points B) 2 points C) 1 point D) 0 points

40-42 Points: Extreme compatibility- there may not be enough contrast!
35-39 Points: Highly compatible- this relationship has refreshing mutuality!
34-27 Points: Fair compatibility- the differences may spark excitement!!
26-19 Points: Moderate compatibility- disparity may become a challenge!
18-11 Points: Low compatibility- exercise awareness and emotional maturity!
10-03 Points: Negligible compatibility-ask each other why you are together!
02- 0 Points: Incompatible-you are relating for reasons other than harmony!