The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed. Carl Jung
What is synastry? Carl Jung summed it up succinctly in the above quote. The idea that two separate personalities are compared to two separate chemical substances and when combined, make a transformative reaction; is very close to the idea behind synastry. Needless to say, Dr. Jung was a champion of astrology and used it in his daily practice.
Simply put, the idea behind synastry is that two individuals have two different natal charts, which is their unique signature or fingerprint. The natal chart is a snapshot of the cosmos at the time when the individual draws its first breath on planet earth. When these two natal charts are overlaid on top of each other, they can be measured and compared. Relationship dynamics can be brought to light by honing in on the chart’s geometric patterns. In doing so, it enables the two individuals to understand each other and explore the dynamics that underly their relationship. Chart comparison gets to the root of what is creating that “reaction.” That “reaction” can encompass the whole spectrum of human emotions such as; love, hate, revulsion, lust, sympathy and antipathy. The transformation takes place when both individuals arrive at a place where they can view each other more compassionately as result of this comparison.
Without a doubt, synastry is a complex language of symbols and archetypes that represent the framework of the relationship. It is so much more than a simple comparison of sun signs. Sun sign astrology only scratches the surface. Synastry entails looking at the entire chart which is made up of the 10 planets (No, I am not demoting Pluto. He packs a big punch no matter where he sits in the chart. I don’t care what the International Astronomical Union says.) and the 12 houses and making a comparison. Some astrologers will also use other points such as asteroids, midpoints and Arabic Parts to add another layer of analysis. What makes synastry compelling, is that the relationship is never stagnate. It is constantly evolving, like the universe and stars above, which influence it.
For example, romantic relationships have a very distinct flavour. They can be spotted quite easily by the trained eye. Romantic aspects usually involve the feminine and masculine personal planets interplaying with each other in the form of a conjunction, opposition, square, trine or sextile. Hard aspects such as the conjunction, opposition or square produce an immediate spark or “reaction” within the two individuals. Whereas, the soft aspects such as the trine and sextile are more pleasing and not so in-your-face. They are an easier energy to sustain.
When talking about romance and attraction, the cosmic lovers Venus and Mars come to mind. Certainly all of us want a nice Venus/Mars aspect with our sweetheart or beloved; after all, Venus and Mars aspects produce out-of-this world fireworks. This fiery aspect does guarantee fun underneath the sheets; alas, it may not be the foundation of a long-term love bond. Venus and Mars are about the physical and carnal pleasures of the relationship. In mythology, Venus was married to another god, the god of fire, Vulcan. It was a loveless, barren marriage. Venus had numerous affairs and infatuations with other men and gods besides her husband. Mars was one of them and the father of many or her children, from Timor, Concordia, Metus and the infamous Cupid. This may explain why virility is also attributed to the Venus/Mars connection. Her extramarital affairs were not limited to Mars. Venus also had affairs with Mercury, Jupiter, Adonis and Anchises to mention a few. Mythologically speaking, fidelity was not a big factor with Venus or Mars. Durability may not result in this synastry aspect, either. This is why it is so crucial to look at the chart as a whole. Certainly the outer planets aspecting with the personal planets of the two charts show the larger picture.
Longevity, the glue that holds a marriage relationship together falls in Saturn’s domain. Saturn interacting with the personal planets or chart points in synastry is a crucial ingredient in any long-term relationship whether it be that of spouse, parent, child, friend or employer. The paternal god of structure, tradition and restriction is an essential element in the area of love and long-term commitment. The above examples are only a few of what makes for a long-term or sexy relationship. There are probably over 100 aspects that tell the story.
At The Realm of Astrology the goal is to look at all aspects of synastry and to learn what binds and holds individuals together or what makes them fall apart. It is a remarkably intriguing study that I hope, you the reader, will join me in on a weekly basis, as we explore and delineate the charts of the rich and famous. As we move through this mysterious labyrinth of human exploration; I hope you will be as fascinated and engaged as I am to learn about human relationships and as result be transformed by them. Namaste.
