So what is synastry, anyway? Synastry is a little like an astrology swicki—a deeper way to search for compatibility. Human beings interact in ways that reflect each individual’s unique characteristics, and synastry facilitates understanding of how this works. Relationships in synastry, then, are relationships in which the opportunities for deep compatibility are recognized, acknowledged, understood, welcomed, and nurtured.
Understanding relationships in synastry requires knowing a little more about astrology than the singles-bar, “What’s your sign?” can reveal. The complex placement of the ten planets by house, sign, and aspect in a person’s natal chart describe a unique personality, and evaluating compatibility in a deeper sense requires examining the interactions of all of these.
Many people are most likely to turn to astrology to explore romantic compatibility, which is heavily influenced by the location of Venus in the natal astrological charts of both people in question. For example, a person with Venus in Cancer is likely to be drawn to someone else with Venus in Cancer—or in Taurus or Virgo. A prospective mate’s Venus in Aries, Gemini, or Leo makes for a far less likely romantic partner, while Venus in Libra may seem initially appealing but become difficult as time passes.
Mercury, ruler of communication, plays a significant role in understanding relationships in synastry as well. Communication is the heart of any relationship, not just romantic ones, and a positive Mercury compatibility benefits intimacy of all types. When Mercury is in Virgo, Taurus, or Capricorn—the Earth signs—in a natal chart, people’s communication tends to be down-to-earth, and practical. These people are likely to shy away from others’ assumptions based on intuition and emotion, preferring facts and logic. They may also experience communication problems with those whose Mercury is in the Air signs of Aquarius, Gemini, or Libra; these people readily flit from one abstract idea to another, and are likely to focus on communal interrelationships and big pictures than on the finer details of implementation. When Mercury is found in Sagittarius, Leo, or Aries—the Fire signs—people express themselves passionately, perhaps at times even with too much enthusiasm, and strong emotion often determines their opinions. This can certainly lead to communication confusion when discussing plans with an Earth sign Mercury! The potential for arguments may be defused, however, by the presence of someone with Mercury in a Water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces); these people, although they can be easily wounded by misspoken words, are also particularly attentive to the undercurrents of emotion in both the verbal and nonverbal communication of the people around them. Thus, Mercury-in-Water-sign people may be able to see contention approaching before emotions run too high, in time to ease the situation and facilitate conversation.
Many other factors can be analyzed to understand and develop relationships in synastry, but this quick overview gives some idea of the depth available to the person who chooses to pursue such study. Isn’t developing strong, healthy relationships worth a little learning?