Astrological Love Compatibility

Are some relationships destined to succeed while others are doomed to fail? Love compatibility is one of the most popular astrology topics. Everyone wants to know if the person they’re with is “the one.” Luckily there are a couple different ways to find out if you’ve found that soulmate type of love. Or if you should keep looking. Both are extremely accurate methods, and the most important thing to remember is that predicting compatibility isn’t an exact science. Interactions between planets and zodiac signs can be a major indicator of how well a couple will get along. But it isn’t the final word on whether a relationship will survive!

The two major compatibility tools astrologers use to predict whether two people will get along and form a solid relationship are: synastry charts and composite charts. There are some major differences between both types of astrological compatibility charts.

What's the Difference Between a Synastry and Composite?

Synastry Charts

Synastry is a general term referring to the study of how individuals interact with each other. A synastry chart compares natal chart information, but goes far beyond questions like will a Leo man get along with a Scorpio woman? Synastry charts study the comparison between the planets in their individual birth charts. This goes into extreme detail by reviewing zodiac sign, house and aspect in those charts. It shows the impact that two individuals have on each other.

To interpret a synastry chart, astrologers are basically checking how one person’s planetary placements relate to the other person’s placements. An astrologer will then look to see how the interaction plays out. It's important to note, though, that this can depend on the choices the people make. When a couple interacts, the individual energies of their natal charts form a relationship. The result is a complex map that describes the interplay of their own two very unique personalities.

Composite Charts

Composite charts are somewhat more complicated, as they attempt to harness the energies and destiny of a relationship. A composite chart is actually meaningless unless a relationship between two people actually forms. This isn’t the method to test out on your crush or potential love. A composite chart looks at the mathematical midpoints between each person’s birth chart. Astrologers use those midpoints to cast an entirely new chart.

The new chart will reveal a new sun sign/house position, plus every single other planet. The energies and aspects found in this chart reveals the relationship’s potential dynamics. Composite charts show the energy of the relationship rather than the energy of the two individuals. They are based on the time of initial meeting. In a composite chart, astrologers look for houses in the chart that lack aspects. And course, the areas with the most-aspected planets also plays an active role. This is where all the action takes place. There is also much more emphasis placed on house positions than in synastry charts.

So, Which Love Compatibility Reading Is For You?

The differences between these two methods can be confusing. Just because the synastry and composite planets are similar, that doesn’t mean the charts reveal the same energy. When choosing between these two readings, keep in mind that you have a lot more control over a synastry aspect than a composite aspect. You and your partner have the ability to work on a perceived negative aspect of a synastry chart. You hold the power to affect the outcome in a more positive way. For example, a hard aspect like a Venus-Mars square that shows up in a synastry chart will cause less tension than if it showed up in a composite chart.

Remember that with synastry charts, they express each individual’s energy. So if you both agree to tackle it together, you can lessen its impact. The interpretation might be something like: “Sexual conflicts and imbalances regarding how love is expressed will need to be worked out." A composite chart is the relationship’s energy. With that in mind, the same Venus-Mars square, could cause a lot more problems. The tensions it brings will likely create emotional distance eventually. It will need more harmonious aspects in the composite chart to balance out this tension. The interpretation of this aspect in a composite chart would be something like: “Despite sexual attraction, some form of sexual incompatibility could be a major stumbling block in this relationship.”

When considering compatibility, always remember you can have two unique humans. Charts and their energies are different, but when you put them together, they reveal a new story. Chemistry is often unpredictable—and it’s that magic part of love that can’t always be calculated!