The branch of astrology dealing with the astrology of human relationships is called synastry.
We live in a world of people, and therefore our life activity—i.e., the realization of our life program and the fulfillment of karmic tasks—does not occur autonomously, but in constant interaction with the people around us: whether family members, neighbors, coworkers, friends, or chance passersby. All these encounters carry a certain essential significance and do not happen by accident.
Let us try to view the natal chart not as a symbolic system, but as a real energetic matrix reflecting not abstract astronomical or even astrological symbols, but concrete interactions of various energies. From this perspective, a person is nothing other than a stream of certain energies, a kind of vortex incorporating different energetic directions. When interacting with other people, an exchange of energies takes place. Energies that are compatible will provide mutual support, while others will conflict or stimulate—essentially one and the same process—the outcome depending on the degree of our awareness. For some, conflictual relationships will lead to destructive internal or external aggression; for others, they will become a step toward personal growth and transformation. As one wise person said: “Everything that doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.”
Before turning to the analysis of the interaction between the specific charts of two individuals, we must first carefully examine the natal chart regarding the possible types of interactions the person will encounter in life. The type of people and the nature of frequent interactions will be determined by the natal chart. That is, if a person’s radix predominantly indicates a harmonious type of relationship, then the people they meet in life will also have radix indicators in harmonious interaction with their natal chart. Conversely, if a person has indications of dynamic interactions in their radix, they will attract such relationships into their life.
In this sense, we should first consider the quality of interaction, as well as the placement of the Sun and Moon in the radix horoscope. This is the classic, time-tested method for basic determination of fundamental human relationships.
First of all, we should determine the elements in which the luminaries are placed. These elements will reveal the vital energetic sources for the individual. The Sun will indicate the most natural and organic way of self-expression in the environment, while the Moon, as the significator of the 4th house, will point to the type of activity the person is attuned to on a subconscious, instinctive level. It can be said that this will be subtly connected with ancestral issues and even with obligations imposed by the person’s lineage. Therefore, a partner must correspond to the individual primarily in these qualities, or in the qualities of the opposite signs. Despite the conflict potential of opposite signs, such interaction will have a yang, stimulating character—especially if there is a tense aspect between the luminaries in the radix.
A harmonious aspect between the Sun and Moon will indicate harmony in the fundamental relationships the person encounters in life, especially within the family. It is easy and pleasant to be around such a person, and partners will predominantly be attracted who have harmonious indicators relative to their radix. From a karmic perspective, such a person is born to develop a pattern (tradition) of life activity that was previously initiated in their own past lives or within their family tradition.
A tense aspect between the luminaries indicates that the person will seek dynamic interaction; it will be difficult for them to remain for long in a calm, stable environment. As a result, they will frequently, either voluntarily or involuntarily, enter into tense relationships that will propel them to new levels of existence, foster new life perspectives, and possibly new family traditions. Such a person will most likely be attracted to individuals who have tense aspects to their radix. With such people, they will inevitably experience conflicts throughout life, but at least they will not be bored—they will receive the stimulus for development and feel the dynamism and energy necessary from a karmic standpoint for changing and transforming their life patterns (family traditions).
These circumstances must always be taken into account when analyzing specific charts. Blind adherence to interpretations that judge the prospects of specific relationships solely on the basis of harmony or disharmony of mutual aspects may lead to incorrect recommendations for clients. One must always remember that harmonious aspects in synastry are typical for individuals whose radix is dominated by yin aspects. Conversely, if a person’s radix is dominated by tense, yang aspects, they will attract similar relationships. Such relationships are organic for them and serve as a necessary stimulus for change and spiritual and creative growth. Harmonious, yin relationships will simply bore them, causing the yang energy of their radix to turn inward, leading to stagnation and self-destruction.
These recommendations also apply not only to the interaction of the Sun and Moon in the radix, but also to Venus and Mars, and Mercury’s aspects—both among themselves and with the luminaries.
Aspects of Venus and Chiron with planets in the natal chart will be especially important, as these planets are symbolic rulers (significators) of the 7th house—the House of Partnership. However, one should not forget that the 7th house is related not only to partnership, but also shows how the individual perceives the world around them and how they are inclined to relate to it.
The 7th house in the radix should be examined separately: the sign on the cusp, aspects to the cusp, planets in the house, and aspects to them. Planets in the house will indicate the circumstances the individual will encounter in relationships. Moreover, one should not interpret the presence of so-called “benefic” planets as exclusively favorable for marriage, nor the presence of “malefic” planets in the 7th house as definitively unfavorable. For example, the presence of Jupiter in the house of partnership may indicate general benevolence the individual expresses in relationships, or an unconscious desire to gain benefit from them—accordingly, this is the kind of partner they will seek. This placement of Jupiter does not necessarily affect the number of marriages—they may have several or just one. If, for instance, Saturn is located in the 7th house, this position will most likely indicate attraction to a more mature partner, sometimes older in age and having achieved certain social positions, rather than indicating a complete absence of marriage. Moreover, the theme of partnership will be a very important life theme from a karmic perspective for an individual with Saturn in the 7th house. It is precisely through personal relationships that they will be given the chance to gain the most significant life experience. They themselves must approach any relationship with great responsibility, awareness, and maturity.
It is also necessary to analyze the position of the actual ruler of the 7th house (almuten) in the radix chart, considering its placement in sign, house, and aspects to other planets. These data will describe the specific type of partnership, the partner themselves, and the prospects of relationships the person will enter throughout their life.
Only after this can one proceed to the analysis of specific charts.
Until the 1970s (when astrologers began working with composite charts), relationship chart analysis in astrology was limited solely to synastry.
A synastry chart is a chart overlay of two different individuals whose relationship we are examining. The following interactions are considered:
The presence of aspectual interactions between planets in the partners’ charts will indicate the significance of the planetary experience of these planets. Aspects to the Sun, for example, are significant regarding physical existence, creative and spiritual growth; aspects to the Moon will show the importance of the partners’ emotional life, and so on.
