Astrology and Relationships (Part 3
of 3)
In my
previous two articles about relationship astrology, we discussed how astrology
can be an insightful tool to explore the dynamics of interpersonal
relationships. Astrological analysis and contemplation can help us create
the quality of relationships we desire by deeply understanding ourselves and
honoring our uniqueness and diversity. This article continues this theme with a discussion about the COMPOSITE
CHART. The composite chart is the horoscope of the relationship itself,
the third energetic "entity" formed by two people coming together in
a relationship. A composite chart is calculated using the midpoints
between the planets and house cusps of each chart calculated. For
example, there are 30 degrees in a zodiac sign. If one individual's Sun
is located at 15 degrees of Scorpio and the partner's Sun is positioned at 15
degrees of Virgo, the Sun in the composite chart would be located at 15 degrees
of Libra. This same method is carried out for all the planets and houses
of the two natal horoscopes. The composite chart may be considered the
sacred, energetic imprint of the personality of the relationship
combined. A professional astrologer may delineate the composite chart of
a romantic couple, a business partnership, a family relationship or even the
relationship between a beloved pet and it's owner.
One of the very first notations an astrologer would observe in a composite
chart is a predominance of planets in a particular region or house in the horoscope.
For example, the couple with several planets found in the composite 5th house
(love affairs, romance, creativity, children, speculation)
suggests a relationship that is very concerned with the issue of creative self
expression. Many possible themes may emerge here. The couple's own
reality brings the symbolism to life. For example, maybe both individuals
are artists who inspire each other's creative imagination. The
"core" of this relationship would be centered around
joint self actualization through passion, drama or creation. In another
example using the same planetary theme, maybe both individuals are school
teachers who dream of opening a youth center for disadvantaged children to
access their innate potential. Possibly another couple with this theme
simply adores children and their "creations" are their own sons and
daughters. The 5th house also suggests renewal through relaxation,
spontaneity and romance. This couple would need to make sure they
scheduled a date night at least once a week to connect, whether through
watching a movie, candlelit dinner, social outing, sharing a passionate
hobby or simply having fun!
If this same couple were to have many planets located in the 10th house instead
(ambition, career, status, vocation, worldly responsibility), we would see an
entirely different theme emerging. A predominance of planets in this
sector of the horoscope suggests a significant professional relationship where
each individual influences each other's professional goals and ambitions.
This couple would be concerned with status, responsibility and self image as a
couple within their social circle. Establishing a meaningful and
productive place in society through focused ambition is a likely scenario in
this situation. Public identity and a sense of mission would be paramount
in this relationship. This placement often suggests a couple who own and
operate an established business together.
Let's look at another dramatically different example using a couple with
several planets found in the 8th house (joint resources, intimacy, death and
rebirth through transformation, power and control, crisis). In this
situation, the relationship will be of major significance and bring profound
changes to the lives of both individuals on a deeply psychological level.
The 8th house is naturally ruled by Scorpio which rules cyclic death and
rebirth...the passing away of the old to allow in the new order. This
placement will also manifest Scorpio themes in a myriad of ways. For
example, maybe both individuals work as investment bankers (8th house),
managing and controlling other's joint financial resources. Possibly, one
individual may be a crisis counselor and the partner an EMT. Both
individuals confront life and death situations
on a daily basis and this intensity is the fabric underlying their attraction
to each other. It is also quite possible that this same
couple will encounter major change through divorce, death or some kind of deep
crisis facilitating the Scorpionic them of ego death
and rebirth...confrontation with devastating change and a complete starting
over. This couple will each rise from the ashes and start anew just as
the mythical phoenix, because tremendous inner reserves of strength are there
waiting to be tapped.
The next thing an astrologer would note in the composite chart is a
predominance of a particular zodiac sign. For example, a strong Aquarius
influence suggests an intellectual emphasis between individuals.
This couple will most
likely share interest in friends, group activities, futuristic technology or
maybe even astrology which are all ruled by Aquarius. They will most definitely stimulate each other's
interests in innovative, humanitarian or progressive causes.
A strong Pisces influence, on the other hand, suggests a very strong intuitive
link. If expressed positively, there will be mutual compassion and
intuitive, spiritual values. Each person will bring out the other's
poetic or creative imagination. Possibly they will share a mutual interest
in religion, metaphysics, art, music, healing or gardening. They would
most certainly be intuitively aware of each other's moods and feelings.
Pisces energy seeks to transcend everyday reality and merge with something
higher or more refined. Piscean relationships are often very merged and
symbiotic suggesting either blurred boundaries or unconditional love and
compassion.
A strong Aries influence changes the composite personality considerably!
This couple is apt to be very direct, outspoken and straightforward with each
other. They might be very competitive (Aries),
subsequently bringing out each other's leadership potential.
Alternatively, they might be too aggressive or impulsive with each other.
They would benefit from cultivating patience instead of a "me first"
attitude. Positively, Aries energy is full
of ardor and enthusiasm, so this couple would be very good at initiating new
projects and new beginnings of all kinds.
Basically, we read the composite chart as if it were a natal birthchart being mindful that we are divining the essence
of the couple's personality. In addition to the above mentioned analysis,
a professional astrologer would also look at element mode, aspects between
planets and specific planetary themes. Does the couple seem to suggest a
Saturnian's theme....longevity, responsibility or hard work?...a
Uranian theme...rebellious, unique or
humanitarian?....or maybe a Neptunian theme...dreamy, merged, artistic or
idealistic? In essence, the composite chart provides a valuable and important
contribution to horoscope comparison. It offers deep insight into the
past, present or future of any relationship.
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