Astrology on Compatibility:

Moon, Sun, ASC, Venus, Mars

In Compatible Relationships

by Moses Siregar III

Are We Compatible?

Compatibility of intimate relationships (synastry) is an extremely complex issue in astrology. So many factors
have to be taken into consideration. and novices to the subject are almost guaranteed to read the situation very
poorly, because it is so complex. I highly recommend consulting a professional astrologer expertly skilled in these
matters if you want to really understand the dynamics of a relationship, and how to use this knowledge to steer
yourself towards greater love and happiness in all of your relationships.

Until you really know what you are doing with compatibility and astrology, there is a strong likelihood of taking
some influences out of context and misreading the whole picture. All relationships have relatively positive and
negative elements of astrological synastry; it takes a lot of experience to know how to weigh everything
appropriately. And even when you have learned a lot about the subject, it is still practically impossible (if not
completely impossible) to do an objective synastry analysis of one of your own romantic interests.

So let's start with a basic, beginning overview of astrological synastry (relationship compatibility). This article
will give you a lot, but it still really just scratches the surface. So I must caution that it is definitely not possible to
do a complete compatibility reading with only the information below. But it is a good start. Those who want to
know more might look into my tape series or into my classes and private tutoring.

Moon, Sun, ASC, Venus, Mars

One can get a good glimpse of one's needs and desires in relationships through the Moon, Sun, Venus, Mars, and
Ascendant. In general, the Sun and Moon primarily indicate true needs, Venus and Mars primarily indicate desires
or attractions, and the Ascendant indicates some general needs and desires.

Obviously, the best relationship is one where one's needs (Sun and Moon) and desires (Venus and Mars) are both
met. One way to do a general compatibility test between two people is to look at the relationship between each of
these five placements across the two charts: Sun-Sun, Moon-Moon, Venus-Venus, Mars-Mars, and Asc-Asc.
When the placements are in the same gender (fire and air are masculine, earth and water are feminine) or
element--the same element or a close sextile is best--these placements are basically compatible. But of course it's
much more complicated than that. To begin, here's a short discussion of the Moon, Sun, Ascendant, Venus, and
Mars in terms of compatibility issues, listed in order of their importance and weight in synastry.

Planets in Synastry

The Moon
The Moon is the most important 'planet' in relationships. The Moon represents deep security needs, and it is
difficult to be with with someone who does not offer us what our Moon needs. The element of one's Moon sign
and house (I recommend using Porphyry House System) are elements that one's partner must have in a significant
way if we are to be compatible with them, or at least one of these two elements (if there are two). If one's partner
is not strongly made up of the same element of one's Moon sign and/or house, then strong harmonious aspects
between one's Moon and the partner's chart could also create a harmonious Moon connection.
Positive Moon compatibility will show two people who feel "at home" with one another, and instinctively care for
one another. It's like being family. That's why it's the most important planet in synastry. If you want to spend the
rest of your life sleeping in the same bed as someone else, you obviously need to feel like family to one another.

In particular, since the Moon is feminine, the Moon shows what a man needs in a woman. But the Moon
definitely shows very vital needs for women, as well.

The Sun
Since the Sun is masculine, the Sun particularly shows what a woman needs from a man. But also, for men, it
shows an element that must be present in their partners for compatibility to be present. If a man does not have the
qualities of the element of a woman's Sun, it will be difficult for her to ultimately trust and feel respect for him. At
the very least, she must feel the basic energy as a masculine/feminine polarity, i.e. an Earth or Water Sun sign
needs strong feminine energy, and a Fire or Air Sun sign needs strong masculine energy.

Ascendant
The Ascendant shows our view of ourselves and of life, and how we bring ourselves into the world. So being with
someone who has some major personal placements in harmony with our Ascendant is also very important. It's
fairly important for two people to have their Ascendants of the same gender (fire and air signs are masculine,
water and earth signs are feminine), and it's great if they are of the same element or a close sextile, but if not, this
can be balanced by having a conjunction or opposition between the Sun, Moon, or Venus of one person and the
Ascendant of the other. It's better if each person 'receives' one of these conjunctions or oppositions if the
Ascendants are in a more conflictual sign relationship (square, semi-sextile, or quincunx), and especially if the
Ascendants are square to one another.

Venus
Venus shows what a man is attracted to in a woman. Being with a woman who is strong in his Venus element, or
who makes close sextiles to his Venus makes the relationship much easier, and increases sexual desire and
compatibility. For a woman, her Venus is part of her feminine nature, so it is definitely best when her partner also
relates well with this element. When people have positive Venus synastry, they naturally like and love each other.
That, of course, is what makes positive Venus synastry so great.

Mars
Mars shows what a woman is attracted to in a man. Being with a man who is strong in her Mars element, or who
makes close sextiles with her Mars, makes the relationship much easier, and increases sexual desire and
compatibility. For a man, his Mars is part of his masculine nature, so it is best when his partner also relates well
with this element.

However, too much Mars is really not a good thing for synastry and compatibility, and most Western astrological
literature will not tell you this. Mars is not always the "pretty face" we've made him to be. Major conjunctions,
squares, oppositions, and quincunxes with Mars are not really desirable for people looking for the most enjoyable
relationship possible, but again, "a part is not the whole," so we still have to look at a lot more. It is certainly
possible to have a rewarding connection with someone, even if you have the sort of Mars synastry discussed
above, but that still doesn't mean that I would particularly recommend it. I believe that research and direct
experience will show you the truth of what I'm saying. Sure, Mars contacts are great for sex, but how many hours
a day can you have sex? And how many hours a day do you just spend time talking with a partner, not grunting
like animals? In short, if you are the sort of person who can't get enough of conflict, major and hard Mars
synastry may be just what the doctor ordered.
Aspects in Synastry and Compatibility

Whenever the Moon, Sun, ASC, or Venus form a conjunction with the same very placement of another (i.e,
Moon-Moon), or with one of the others in that group (i.e., Sun-ASC), it is especially strong for compatibility.
Mars-Mars conjunctions are generally pretty volatile and conflicting, however, but are certainly good for
sexuality per se, at least at first. Conjunctions in particular, with the exception of Mars (or Saturn or Pluto)
conjunctions give the most compatibility. As always, the whole picture, rather than just individual details,
absolutely must be taken into consideration. A relationship simply cannot be read with any one astrological
ingredient. But conjunctions are really the best aspect for compatibility in general, because compability is
primarily about similarity, and no aspect indicates similarity like a conjunction does.

Oppositions are interesting. They are incredibly strong for attraction, and they are also basically strong for
compatibility. But oppositions also come with some ... well, opposition. All in all, I consider them reasonably
positive when they are between 'soft' planets (i.e. Mars, Saturn, and Pluto are definitely not included here), but
they will eventually bring some significant elements of stress as well. Too many oppositions are probably too
much to handle unless you can't get enough of being torn in two directions at the same time. An eight degree orb
works well for oppositions, but a closer orb of within six degrees is of course even stronger.

Squares between any of the five mutual placements (i.e. Venus-Venus, Sun-Sun) are definitely difficult and
indicate an element of significant incompatibility, but the compatibility absolutely has to be looked at as whole,
and a little bit of square energy can be okay if other conditions are right. When there are square aspects within a
reasonable orb (everyone has their own opinion here, but I recommend an orb of about 6 degrees), they are
particularly important. When the aspects are formed between whole signs, but not by actual degrees within a 6
degree orb, they are important, but nowhere near as significant as an actual square aspect.

Sextiles and Trines, true to the common wisdom, are quite nice for synastry. They are exceptionally nice when the
sextiles are within 5 degrees of orb, and when the trines are within 6 degrees of orb. Sextiles have a bit more of
stimulating feeling, and trines have a bit more of an "easy" feeling. In general, I'd take a nice conjunction as my
first choice for excellent synastry, a trine second, and a sextile third.

Semi-sextile planets are placements that are one sign away from each other. For example, Moon in Taurus and
Moon in Aries. This is probably the least well-understood aspect in synastry. Basically, it is not at all good. Semi-
sextile energies show completely opposite natures that really do not "get" each other. It's like someone who
believes in polygamy with someone who believes in monogamy. No comprende. An actual semi-sextile aspect,
within about a three-degree orb is an especially problematic issue. A large number of semi-sextile planets is not at
all good for compatible synastry. Check it out and you'll see what I mean. However, all of the above applies
almost entirely to same-planet-to-same-planet semi-sextiles. So having Moon and Sun in semi-sextile signs
between two people may not be a big deal at all. But having Sun-Sun or Moon-Moon in semi-sextile will
eventually be an issue between two people in real intimacy.

Quincunxes are probably the most confusing aspect in synastry. They tend to get a bad rap, which is partially
quite well deserved. However, an actual close quincunx between compatible planets such as Venus-Venus, Moon-
Moon, Sun- Sun, or ASC-ASC is actually a very positive connection on the one hand, in addition to the problems
of the quincunx on the other hand. Quincunx planets have a "6-8" relationship with each other in astrology, which
basically indicates an energy that is more heavy, "karmic," and dysfunctional. The really unusual thing about a
quincunx is that a close quincunx (of three degrees and fifteen minutes or less) between basically 'soft' planets
actually give some very strong compatibility to counter-balance the problems of the quincunx signs. I have to
thank the Magi Society's research for helping me to eventually put this puzzle together. Venus quincunx Venus
within three degrees? Thank them lucky stars.

Another basic compatibility test is to see if two people are basically of the same astrological gender. Masculine
people need masculine partners. Feminine people need feminine partners. Balanced people can go both ways, but
are best with balanced partners. The more similar two people's astrological gender is, the more compatible they
will be.

Conjunctions between the Moon and the Ascendant, the Sun and the Moon, and the Sun and the Ascendant are
some of the best aspects for long-term compatibility. Moon-Moon, ASC-ASC, and Sun-Sun conjunctions are also
in this most compatible category. When these sorts of conjunctions occur, particularly Moon-ASC, it can give
people a very high degree of compatibility and connection, even if other influences are really difficult. I've often
seen people with almost all of their planets in disharmonious relationships, but then they have Moon conjunct
ASC, and they stay together for a couple of decades or so. Moon-ASC almost, though not entirely, acts as a
cancellation of other hard influences.

Trines and sextiles between Venus and Venus, Venus and Mars, or Mars and Mars (or a Venus-Venus conjunction)
are great aspects for longterm sexual desire and compatibility.

Many astrologers today say that some major hard elements between charts are practically good. I have to disagree
philosophically because of my direct research and experience. Of course no relationship is perfect, or has perfect
synastry. But are relationships really supposed to be challenging "growth opportunities"? Or are they supposed to
be easy, fun, and enjoyable? Any good relationship requires a willingness to communicate and listen and act co-
operatively, but I do not subscribe to the idea that relationships are supposed to be hard. I guess it's really a matter
of what you like. I like my relationships without pain, struggle, frustration, and conflict. How about you?

There is also a common sentiment that aspects such as squares are somewhat good because they generate passion.
I used to think the same thing, because that's basically what I was taught. But experience has shown me that this
isn't necessarily that true. For a short-lived relationship, such hard aspects might be fine, because you can just
have great sex and fight, and then break up. But if you want to be passionate with someone for a long time, you
need to also very naturally love one another and find it easy to be together. Would you rather have a year of great
sex and fighting, or a lifetime of compatibility and good sex? And how good can it really be to scromp like beasts
every once in a while if you don't particularly like each other the rest of the time? A square here or there might be
fine. That's life, after all. But I do not think squares are to be desired unless you're the sort of person who truly
enjoys conflict.

Example of Jimmy and Jane

Jane has Sun at 2 Cancer, Moon at 5 Aries in the 2nd House, Venus at 15 Gemini, and Mars at 28 Aquarius, and
17 Pisces Rising.

Jimmy has Sun at 23 Libra, Moon at 9 Leo in the 1st House, Venus at 24 Libra, Mars at 25 Sagittarius, and 4
Cancer Rising.

Moon-Moon: The Moons are not only in trine signs, but are actually in a trine. The Moons are in a great
relationship with one another. With Moon in a fire sign and fire house, Jimmy definitely needs fire in his partner,
and Jane has some strong fire. Another bonus is the Jimmy's Moon is in Aries' house, and Jane's Moon is in Aries.
Since the Moon is the most important planet in synastry, this is a great, great start. Even if everything else looks
conflicting, Jimmy and Jane will always have a nice Moon connection.

Sun-Sun: Cancer and Libra Suns are square, which in itself is not good, but does create some polarity and
difference, and well ... that's life. At least the Suns are not technically square, being far from a reasonable orb.

Venus-Venus: The Venus's are in trine signs, which is great. It would be really great if they were in a real trine, but
trine signs is a good sign.

Mars-Mars: The Mars's are in sextile signs, and better yet, an actual sextile. This looks great for sexual
compatibility. Mars contacts can be messy, but this is one of the best ways to have Mars-Mars connected (the trine
being the other best way)

Asc-Asc: The Ascendants are in trine signs which is very good, but not an actual trine. That's okay, however,
because Jane's Sun is conjunct Jimmy's Ascendant, which is very, very good.

Overall synastry analysis: Of these five placements, only the Suns are not in harmony, but that is moderated by
the Sun-Ascendant conjunction. 4 out of 5 is very good anyway, and the Sun-ASC connection makes it more like
4.5 or 4.75 out of 5. They could expect occasional Cancer-Libra differences to come up, but those would be
quickly replaced by the other aspects which are harmonious. So, even when problems arise, harmonious energy
will always be just around the corner.

In general you'd want to have at least 3 out of these 5 placements in harmony with one another; anything less than
that would probably indicate too many problems. However, this is not a hard-and-fast (no pun intended) rule, and
it is certainly possible to be compatible with someone even if you do not pass the above 'test' together. Again,
compatibility with astrology is a very, very complex matter. More has to be looked at if you want to see the whole
picture.

If you are interested in knowing more, just look into Astrology For The Soul Insider. Synastry and compatibility
is a fascinating subject, and believe me, there is a lot more to learn about it.