Synastry

What it is

Synastry is the technique of reading the aspects between two people's natal charts — the foundation of relational astrology. Used since classical tradition; the main tool for relationship compatibility in modern astrology. Method: superimpose the two charts' planets — what angle does A's Sun make to B's Moon, where does A's Mars land on B's Venus — these readings show the relationship's micro-dynamics. Major aspects (conjunction, square, trine, sextile, opposition) are core; modern astrology adds minor aspects like quincunx and semi-square. Synastry answers not only "are they compatible?" but "where is the compatibility, where is the tension?" In classical horary the "marriage chart" topic was synastry's first form.

How to read it

Look at the most important synastry aspects: Sun-Moon (emotional center), Venus-Mars (sexual chemistry), Saturn aspects (long-term structure), the houses the aspects fall in (relationship's area). One bad aspect doesn't kill a relationship; many tensions weight the reading.

Themes

• between two charts
• aspect map
• fundamental relational technique
• emotional chemistry