Two hands of an interracial couple walking through a wheat field touching, with a translucent overlay of a composite natal chart.

Delving into the meaning, significance, fate and fortune of natal charts can be a life changing examination for, and of, an individual. One reason that systems like astrology have been tapped into (and developed) is to better understand ourselves within the much larger cosmos–a cosmos which mirrors and affects life here on earth.

Natal Charts in Astrology

The patterns and dances of the sun, moon, planets, and other stars are a part of the fabric of life and we are here positioned in that very fabric too. Every moment contains a unique positioning of the bodies that make up our home solar system. Each of these celestial bodies has an effect in the dance and pull of the others. That slice-of-life moment at the event of our birth will be the most important for each of us, hence the importance placed on a natal chart. Thus, looking at two natal charts together makes a lot of sense if we already see ourselves as partners in a cosmic dance. We wish to dance well with the other humans too.

Astrologers can look at all sorts of single charts of people, places, and events. Most of us will examine in depth single natal charts of people in our lives and people in history and culture. We may spend a ton of time looking into our own charts first and foremost as we are learning. It does add another layer of discovery when we examine the natal charts of two people and how they relate because everything in life is ultimately relating. It is a pretty fun technique and can be quite revealing in explaining dynamics and possibilities between two people with each other.

What is a Synastry Chart in Astrology?

The synastry chart is a wheel within an overlapping wheel of each natal chart. One chart is overlayed on top of the other. So the aspects created are those between the two charts. We can also see each of the two natives’ houses that are affected as well. For example, if one person has the Sun at 15 degrees of Taurus and the other person has their Moon at 15 degrees of Taurus, in synastry terms, person A’s Sun is conjunct person B’s Moon in Taurus.

If they have the same rising sign, both the houses will be the same, but if the rising signs are different there will be two different houses involved in the conjunction. And we would certainly want to know what areas of life, or houses, this conjunction would influence the most. Of course, one could look at each aspect that is created in the synastry chart and the corresponding houses. Focusing on each aspect can take time and be a lengthy study, so often what jumps out first can be a good place to start.

For example, if this is a romantic couple, one can look at Venus and Mars first, or the nodes of the moon, or the Part of Fortune firstly; it’s really up to you! One might have certain specific concerns about the relationship and can start looking accordingly.

What is a Composite Chart in Astrology?

The composite chart is a bit different, but the basic starting point is the same, we are working with the natal charts of two individuals in order to understand that particular relationship better. The composite chart will be a new single chart that sums up the midpoint of all planets/luminaries of the two original charts.

The composite method calculates the midpoint between each planet/luminary of each person and comes up with the midpoint as a new thing that defines the combined energy between each planet/luminary, thus the relationship has its own unique chart. This chart is very useful once a relationship has had time to develop. A person may be familiar with how their chart has impacted and explained their life and then also learn someone else’s chart for the same sort of knowledge. The completely new dynamic will be the composite chart creation. Once it is calculated, and the relationship has been experienced, understanding the composite will reveal so much about the vibe of the relationship as the third thing that is created out of the unique combination of the two people.

Using Astrology Charts to Better Understand Relationships

A young woman resting her head on her female partner's shoulder while standing close together, barefoot on a pier.

It becomes a useful experience to read the charts of two people together. We get to explore and understand what factors will be important in that relationship. We can look at this new information as a source for healing, curiosity, power dynamics, love languages, and all sorts of influences like family, ancestry, neighborhood, work, travel and learning that both people bring into the relationship.

Often, like in other parts or matters in life, one person will have strong suits or traits that will be good for the other person to experience or try to understand in order to make various decisions or come to a better synthesis. It can be really useful to read the relationship chart(s) together so questions and conversation can arise in the exploration. Even if only one of the two people knows about astrology, it makes a great opportunity for connection and growth through a curious conversation.



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