Synastry: An Important Guide to Understanding Relationships

Synastry is an astrological technique dedicated to studying relationships. It analyzes the birth charts of two individuals and can reveal the secrets behind a connection—whether it is romantic, work-related, family-oriented, or between colleagues—helping to create a more harmonious and fulfilling interaction.

Can a casual encounter turn into a relationship? Does a struggling marriage have a chance of working out again? How can you improve your relationship with your boss and make your work environment more enjoyable? Synastry can provide answers to these and many other questions.

More than that, synastry is especially interesting for those who wish to delve deeper into the complexities of human interactions. After all, our success and happiness are intimately tied to our ability to live harmoniously with others. If we think about it, almost everything we do involves interacting with people.

In this article, you will learn what synastry is and how it helps uncover the dynamics between individuals, offering deep insights into the challenges and opportunities within relationships.

The Secret to Getting Along Well with Others

The path each person takes in life can be smoother or more complicated, depending on how they adjust to their family and community and the relationships they form throughout their lives—such as romantic relationships, professional partnerships, and even marriages.

Much of the stress caused by modern life often does not stem from difficult conditions but rather from disturbing emotions triggered by interactions with friends, groups, colleagues, and other people in our daily lives.

For example, we are talking about that sharp response you received—often because the other person wasn’t having a good day—which triggered certain emotions within you, making you internalize the situation and replay possible responses while taking a shower.

Self-knowledge and self-control are essential for maintaining healthy relationships with others. If you understand yourself well, you will find it easier to understand others.

The first step is to recognize your virtues, flaws, and limits. Only then should you seek to adjust to others as much as possible.

Self-Knowledge in the Birth Chart

This is one reason why Astrology emphasizes self-awareness. Through various astrological placements in a birth chart, we can observe certain tendencies of our individual personality. Each tense-aspect in our chart can be seen as a personality trait that challenges our ability to coexist harmoniously with others.

However, this challenge does not necessarily mean conflict, especially if the individual is emotionally balanced. In such cases, the challenge is more of a psychological factor, shaping personality development or spiritual growth.

Planets correspond to our instincts and impulses, and if an internal conflict is indicated by a disharmonious aspect in the birth chart—especially those involving Mars, Saturn, Uranus, or Pluto—this inner conflict may manifest in many of your interactions with others, though not necessarily in all of them. A detailed analysis of such aspects in a personal chart and a synastry is necessary.

Remember that when conducting a synastry and comparing charts, you are analyzing the effect one individual has on another. The goal of comparing charts is to explore the possibilities and nuances of a relationship, to understand how the other person influences you and how you influence them.

Access your synastry and discover more about your relations!

Attraction and Relationship Longevity

Attracting or being attracted to certain people or environments is rarely just a coincidence—it is part of various laws of attraction.

Attracting means "to bring towards oneself; to draw closer through some influence.” It involves charming, seducing, gaining admiration, winning someone over, and conquering. Some people are naturally more attractive to others, making them more likely to have relationship opportunities.

When someone feels attracted to another person, they become interested, develop a friendly feeling, and are willing to see that person in a positive light. They pursue contact and encourage further interactions. When attraction exists between two people, it serves as the foundation for a romance, but relationships can also form based on other interests, such as friendship, collaboration, etc.

Sometimes, attraction is superficial and temporary. It is common for people to feel drawn to someone briefly and later realize they don’t quite understand what initially caught their attention. Attraction can also be one-sided. Many people mistake pity for love or are deceived by excessive flattery and attention.

There are also cases where individuals may need to develop more courage and willpower to say "NO" to a relationship that could be harmful—these are known as toxic relationships.

Sometimes, attraction stems from pure loneliness and turns into emotional dependence. At times, it is just fleeting admiration; in other cases, it may be a mix of all these things. For true love to happen, attraction must be more than superficial.

It is crucial to understand the difference between personality and character. In romantic relationships, romance may begin with an attraction between personalities, but character ultimately determines the success of a long-term union.

This is why, in synastry, multiple factors are analyzed beyond sign compatibility. The more aspects of attraction present, the stronger the potential for connection.

What is Synastry?

Synastry is an astrological technique that analyzes and interprets the interactions between two individuals in a relationship. It seeks to understand the dynamics and compatibility between people by examining the planetary positions and other elements in each person's birth chart.

Synastry provides valuable insights into a relationship's strengths and weaknesses, potential challenges, and areas of affinity and complementarity between partners. It is a powerful tool for understanding the chemistry and emotional complexities that influence interpersonal relationships.

By exploring synastry, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of interaction patterns and make more informed decisions about their relationships.

It is important to emphasize that synastry, like all astrological studies, is a great way to analyze the many characteristics of a relationship. However, it only reveals tendencies. You must interpret them and determine how any specific placement will manifest—whether it will become a pattern or remain just a possibility. This depends on how you apply your perception, the dynamics of daily interactions, and the willingness of both individuals to understand and respect each other.

Relationships are complex—they involve multiple perspectives and factors and do not follow fixed patterns. Some relationships may end, yet for some reason, the individuals reconnect. These are the well-known "exes." Getting back together can be challenging and confusing, and those involved often wonder: "Can we make it work?" "Will we fall back into our old habits or comfort zones?" or "Will things truly be different this time?"

Couples who get along generally share similar viewpoints, interests, and opinions. Their temperaments may differ, but they should be compatible. In other words, they should complement or balance each other rather than be in constant conflict or completely opposite.

In traditional ways of starting a relationship, only a few aspects are considered initially, with physical attraction usually being the main one. The pleasure derived from observing or idealizing beauty or from the sexual stimulation caused by another person is often the quickest and easiest factor used in initial judgments—this is part of human nature.

While these factors may work initially, they do not always sustain a relationship in the medium or long term. This is why many relationships that begin solely based on physical attraction eventually end due to a lack of deeper compatibility, often leading to the classic (and usually valid) excuse: "It didn’t work out; we’re just too different."

Even in the age of instant information and Tinder swipes, many people grow tired of endlessly trying to find a compatible partner, as they often rely only on physical attraction in their judgments.

What Does Synastry Analyze?

When it comes to the chances of a relationship working out, Astrology, through synastry, considers many variables beyond attraction. Here are some examples:

Temperament: described in the birth chart by the elements Fire, Earth, Air, and Water.

Ascendant: The Ascendant sign represents disposition and basic temperament. Fire easily blends with Fire or Air. Earth easily blends with Earth or Water. Any other combination will likely create occasional friction if something doesn’t fit naturally.

Astrological placements and aspects: These can be used in the analysis to determine whether one person is more naturally compatible with another, adding another layer to assessing relationship potential.

To help you understand, the compatibility of Sun signs and Ascendants is based on the elemental balance. Imagine, for example, a combination of Fire and Water. They don’t mix easily because their natures are different. Either fire boils water and creates steam, or water drenches and extinguishes the fire.

However, we can observe differences if we add factors such as volume and intensity. Gentle water, for example, may only slightly reduce the intensity of a blazing fire, while a small fire may only warm the water. A dynamic balance can occur—this is the key word for any relationship: balance.

How Does Synastry Work?

Below, you will better understand some planetary aspects and their significance in synastry.

Sun x Sun Aspects ☼ ☼

The Sun represents the core of our being and identity. Therefore, harmonious aspects between the Sun in synastry tend to be more tolerant and are not considered highly tense or challenging.

Both individuals are on the same page and won’t challenge each other’s ego too much. They naturally feel comfortable around each other, and mutual support tends to happen more effortlessly.

Even opposition isn’t necessarily harmful, as it creates a magnetic attraction between people. Both individuals feel they complement each other as if together they become whole.

The square is the most challenging aspect, but it still creates a connection, which makes it dynamic and attractive. The ego may be challenged in a square aspect, but the overall outcome is usually positive for both individuals.

Moon x Moon Aspects ☽ ☽

The Moon symbolizes our habits, family life, subconscious reactions, and emotional instincts. It also represents how we like to be nurtured and cared for. Therefore, harmonious aspects between the Moons in synastry are preferable if the goal is to create a pleasant and comfortable relationship.

Domestic tensions are more likely to arise in difficult aspects or even with a lunar conjunction, as the Moon’s sensitivity can become heightened when it affects another person’s Moon. Alternatively, the connection may become overly symbiotic, blurring boundaries to the point where neither person knows where they end and the other begins.

Sun x Moon Aspects ☼ ☽

This is a classic indicator of strong unions because it represents a fundamental pairing. The balance between day and night keeps the Earth fertile. It is yin and yang, masculine and feminine, partnership and equilibrium. Fertility and growth are the foundations of a successful relationship, and this aspect strongly supports these dynamics. Both individuals want their souls to evolve while also seeking material comfort.

Harmonious aspects between the Sun and Moon in synastry promote this flourishing. The opposition brings an attractive and sensual polarity. The square creates obstacles to growth, but overcoming it can lead to a more resilient bond, as the relationship is forced to develop more substantial foundations.

The Sun / Moon x Ascendant Aspects ☼ ☽

The Ascendant / Descendant is the axis of relationships; it is a work in progress. It describes our journey through life and how we adjust and react when confronted with people and new experiences. The Ascendant is the soul's vehicle, while the Luminaries (Sun and Moon) are the drivers.

The Sun would drive in a more conscious, purpose-driven way, whereas the Moon would be more like autopilot, going with the flow. A harmonious relationship between the Sun or Moon and the Ascendant means you are probably heading in the same direction.

Because of this, you are likely to achieve more together, solve things quickly, and with as little stress as possible since you are not fighting for control. Horse and rider move as one. There may be a feeling of "it's us against the world."

The Venus x Mars Aspects ♀ ♂

Of course, sex is essential in a relationship for many people, so it is preferable to have Venus and Mars in aspect. It doesn’t matter much whether the element is challenging or smooth (perhaps only behind closed doors). These two planets connected generally ensure sexual chemistry that tends not to fade, even after the initial excitement.

Challenging aspects seem to make it even more intense and exciting, but they also bring the potential for greater aggression and a "conflict of libido" when one partner wants it but the other does not. The magical Venus/Mars aspect alone cannot keep a couple together forever. Still, a couple certainly needs this or another sexual aspect if they want the chemistry to last or be more stimulating.

The Saturn x Jupiter Aspects ♄ ♃

It is good to find a balance between these two planets in connection with personal planets. They are the balancers. They don’t need a significant influence, just enough to strengthen Saturn, helping to unite the relationship, and for Jupiter to bring fun and optimism.

An imbalance of one or the other is not ideal. Too much Saturn without Jupiter can bring sadness, melancholy, obstacles, or excessive work. Jupiter without restraint and without Saturn's limiting factor can lead to indulgence, infidelity, fantasies, and mind games. Perhaps challenging aspects work better with Jupiter, while smooth aspects work better with Saturn.

The Mercury Aspects ☿

Mercury is often overlooked in synastry, but we believe it holds great value in the information age. Of course, communication between a couple is essential because it creates a bond like no other. With so much competition from social media sites and the internet, if a couple cannot have stimulating conversations once the initial passion fades, there is a real danger of stagnation and boredom.

Mercury aspects must not always be harmonious; they must be connected. A good debate can spark passion and admiration. Occasional arguments are healthy for releasing and cleansing bottled-up emotions so they don’t poison the relationship. In short, a good Mercury connection is a strong asset today.

Astrology can be a great ally in relationships

Regardless of the situation, forming a relationship with someone for any purpose is a broad and complex matter, generally based on many emotional, psychological, social, cultural, temperamental, personality, and environmental factors.

The teachings derived from astrological interactions are just another variable to be analyzed. Still, it is entirely your responsibility to understand and use the information presented in each report to obtain a valuable and positive outcome. Synastry interpretations emphasize the potential for romantic relationships. However, they can be used for any type of partnership or social interaction, as they focus on the harmonic and disharmonic points in the overall comparison between the two charts.

Some astrological influences are easier to deal with than others; however, countless couples or partners in the real world make any combination work, relying on mutual effort and dedication.

As mentioned before, disharmonic aspects are not always inherently negative. The challenges in a relationship often add more dynamism and excitement, preventing routine, laziness, or stagnation in some areas of life. Add to all this the element of surprise and the benefit of the doubt, and anything can happen!

Of course, everyone would like to find only harmonious aspects in a synastry but know that this is practically impossible. And even if possible, the relationship might not have the necessary spark to make it challenging, stimulating, and diverse.

Many times, differences help a relationship succeed. However, having good sense and balance is always advisable, as no one wants to find an overwhelming astrological conflict between their charts.

Always remember that Astrology works with tendencies and influences, which, ultimately, can be altered by the personal will of both individuals.

Free will is an extremely important piece in this vast board of possibilities, but a little energetic help from the stars in your interpersonal relationships can be incredibly welcome!

Now that you understand how synastry works visit Astrolink and check your astrological compatibility with the people you interact with!