RELATIONSHIP REPORT: SYNASTRY SAMPLE What is Synastry? Synastry is the system of comparing the astrological charts of two (or sometimes more) people to determine how well they will get along in the different areas of their lives. But, before you can compare one personıs chart with anotherıs, you need to know a bit about basic astrological principles. There are twelve signs in the zodiac. Each takes up 30 degrees of the full astrological chart, which is represented as a circle of 360 degrees total. Everyone has all the ten planets in his or her chart -- Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto -- and each planet is in one of the twelve signs as well as one of the twelve houses; placement depends on when and where the person was born. Even though you may be a Libra, or a Sagittarius, or a Gemini, that sign only describes where your Sun is. Your other planets can be -- and often are -- in completely different signs. The twelve signs, twelve houses and ten planets are the basic components of every chart . Your synastry report compares the relative positions of the planets and the houses between your chart and the chart of someone else. The Aspects By looking at one personıs chart, and measuring the distance in degrees from that personıs planets to the planets in another personıs chart, we can make certain predictions about where the strengths and weaknesses of the relationship are: whether it has staying power; in what ways the people involved are compatible or incompatible; which of the partners will take the lead in certain situations; and what problems these people may have to overcome in the course of their involvement with each other. The measurements we use to make these determinations are called aspects. The main aspects employed in synastry analysis are the conjunction, sextile, square, trine and opposition. When two planets are in conjunction, they are "within orb" (usually six to ten degrees) of being in the same degree of the same sign. When sextile, the planets are within orb of 60 degrees (two signs) apart; when square, 90 degrees (three signs) apart; trine, 120 degrees (four signs) apart; and opposition, 180 degrees (six signs) apart. Generally speaking, sextiles and trines are considered easy aspects. Squares and oppositions are usually more dynamic or tension producing aspects. Conjunctions can be either easy or difficult to handle, depending on the planets involved. For instance, if Johnıs Moon (his feelings, domestic life and moods) is trine Jessicaıs Venus (her asthetic sense and romantic urges) the planetary energies combine quite nicely and we would expect these two to relate easily and to be sensitive to one anotherıs feelings. But if Johnıs Mars (his aggressive, competitive urges) is also square Jessicaıs Mercury (her mental processes, communications and ideas) these planetary energies clash, and we can expect them to have some heated arguments because his aggressive urges are stirred up by her words and ideas. So, does this mean they will or will not get along? It means that, like almost all couples, there will be areas of life where things hum along nicely with virtually no problems, and there will be other areas of life that are occasionally challenging. Often, when people look at their chart comparison for the first time they will notice some negative aspects between their charts and become worried. But this is not necessarily cause for concern. Even the most idyllic match usually shows some areas of discord. Every relationship needs some dynamic tension if the individuals involved are to grow. A bit of challenge also brings excitement into the relationship. Without sexual tension, for instance, you can have a lovely friendship, but it may not go beyond that. Whatıs important is that the comparison in general shows compatibility. Comparative House Placements In addition to looking at the aspects between the planets in the two charts, we observe where the planets of one personıs chart fall in the houses of the other. No matter what your sign is, all the other signs -- Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces -- are represented in your chart as well. Your chart will show your rising sign or Ascendant on the first house cusp, and the other eleven signs on the cusps of the other eleven houses. (Please note: many people have what are called "interceptions" in their charts. If you have an interception, there will be two signs, exactly opposite one another, that do not rule any house. Instead, the signs either directly before or directly after the intercepted signs will rule two houses each. Interceptions are quite common and have no bearing on relationships that we know of. Ask your astrologer if you have an interception in your chart. ) Assuming for the moment that you have Aries rising, your second house will then be Taurus, your third house will be Gemini, your fourth will be Cancer, your fifth, Leo, and so on, throughout your chart. But, if you have Gemini rising, your second house will be Cancer, your third, Leo, your fourth, Virgo, and so on, throughout the signs. So, if you are a Taurus (or, in other words, if you have Sun in Taurus) but your rising sign (also known as the Ascendant or First House cusp) is in Aries, your Sun will fall in your second house. Because the second house represents values, both tangible and intangible, your life force (Sun) will be focused to a great extent on what you value. If your rising sign is Scorpio, your Taurus Sun will fall in your seventh house (the house of marriage and important partnerships) and your life force will be strongly focused on meaningful relationship. If your rising sign is Capricorn, your Taurus Sun will fall in your fifth house, the house of romance, partying and children, and your life force will be focused on these issues. Just as your planets fall in different houses -- and affect you in different ways, depending on the houses they are in -- so the planets of the people in your life will fall in different houses of your chart . And the energies of these people will affect you in different ways, depending on which of your houses the planets fall into. So, getting back to John and Jessica again, if his Venus (asthetic sense, romance) falls in her seventh house (marriage and other important partnerships) he is likely to impress her as a exactly what sheıs looking for in a marriage partner. But, if his Saturn (limits, responsibilities, hard lessons) falls in her eleventh house (friends, hopes, associations) she may have to adjust her social life or aspirations somewhat in order to make a go of her marriage to him, and there may be occasional clashes between friendships and marital responsibilities. What To Look For In A Synastry Comparison The most important considerations in a synastry comparison are aspects to, and comparative house positions of the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Saturn, and the Ascendant/Descendant(first and seventh house cusps). Typically, Mars and Venus show attraction. Sun, Moon, Descendant and Saturn show emotional/ego satisfaction and staying power. The moonıs nodes and the tenth house/fourth house are considered next in importance. Mercury and Jupiter play supporting roles and when well-aspected, can add to the quality of a relationship; but in and of themselves they will not determine any major impact on the people involved, unless itıs a purely business relationship. The outer planets, from Uranus through Pluto, play far more limited roles in determining the dynamics of relationship. These outer planets take on greater importance, however, when in very close aspect to (orbs of two degrees or less), or involved in a multiple-planet conjunction with, the Sun, Moon, Mars or Venus. Notes To Professional Astrologers Synastry is one of the more complex techniques of astrology, primarily because there is so much to consider. First, and most important, before you begin to compare the charts of two individuals, you must understand as much as you can about each of the people separately. What is each looking for in a relationship? What do each of these people need, fear, hope for? While a conjunction between partner Aıs sun and partner Bıs moon is generally an indication of emotional connection, if one of the people involved is incapable of relating emotionally, the aspect wonıt fulfill that potential. For that matter, you may compare two charts and find a wealth of trines and sextiles between them and conclude that this is an ideal match. But if one or both of the partners needs excitement and tension in order to stay interested, the relationship will not satisfy his or her basic needs. Onthe other hand, you may compare two charts, see mostly hard angles and difficult house placements and conclude that this is a marriage made in hell -- only to learn that the couple has been crazily in love for the past twenty years. Again, examining the individual charts will tell you the basic needs of the people involved. Only then can you determine if the relationship fulfills the needs. Other Points To Consider 1. Comparative house placement -- even in unrelated signs, a planet in A's fifth house, and a planet in B's fifth house in the same relative position, can act like a soft conjunction. These planetary relationships will not be apparent in the computer interpretation; they must be discovered by examining each chart individually and then together. 2. Planets in one house, but in the sign of the next or preceding house, may operate as if in the house ruled by the sign rather than in the actual house placement. Often, these planets affect both the house they are in, and the house ruled by the sign. Much depends on how far in degree the planet is from the house cusp ruled by its own sign. If, for instance, you find partner Aıs Mars at 24 degrees Aries and partner Bıs 10th house cusp is 26 degrees Aries, the planet, while technically in the ninth house will operate more like a tenth house comparative placement. Read interpretations for both houses to get the clearest possible picture. 3. Solar houses should be checked in addition to any other house system you opt for to give a clearer picture of what the relationship is all about. Calculate using a Sunrise Chart and the Equal House system for each partner. (Note: the degrees of each partnerıs moon will not be valid in this calculation -- unless, of course, one or both were born at sunrise. ) 4. The aspects between the partnersı planets show how each relates to the other; where the planets of one partner fall into the houses of the other (comparative house placement) there is the greatest impact on the partner whose houses are being considered. The placement of partner Aıs planets in partner Bıs houses tell you far more about how partner B experiences partner A than about how partner A experiences partner B. [end of intro]. ---------------------------------- Synastry Report for: Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward ---------------------------------- Part One -- Planets and Aspects Each of us has every planet in his or her chart. Each planet symbolizes a different facet of life. In synastry, when we compare two charts, we look at the aspects (distance in degrees) between the planets of one chart and the planets of the other to determine areas of potential ease or difficulty. In general, sextiles and trines are easy aspects; squares and oppositions are challenging or dynamic aspects. Conjunctions can be either easy or difficult, depending on the planets involved. Below, a brief (necessarily incomplete) description of the areas of life ruled by each of the planets: SUN: The life force, the ego center, who you are at your core. MOON: Feelings, home, mother, family, sensitivity, nurturing, moods. MERCURY: Communication, schooling, short trips, negotiations, the mind. VENUS: Emotions, asthetic and artistic sense, what you have to offer a lover or partner if youıre a woman; what you want in a partner if youıre a man. MARS: Aggression, desires, competitiveness, ego drive, conflict, what you bring to a relationship if youıre a man; what you want if youıre a woman. JUPITER: Expansion, generosity, travel, optimism, knowledge, beliefs. SATURN: Restrictions, discipline, fear, burdens, status, ambition, authority. URANUS: Innovativeness, quirkiness, rebelliousness. NEPTUNE: Dreams, illusions, drugs, deception, spirituality. PLUTO: Death and regeneration, elimination, tumultuous change, power. Common Aspects Moon conjunct Moon Both of you are likely to share a similar emotional make-up and to have similar emotional needs. This can be the basis of a deep relationship, as each should be able to understand what the other is feeling. There is likely to be an accentuation of, and general agreement about the emotional, domestic and family aspects of the relationship. There is also a strong potential for excessive emotionalism, moodiness and touchiness. This is often because your feelings are such an important component of your relationship, and are on such a similar wavelength, that objectivity can be virtually nonexistent where emotional, domestic or family matters are concerned. Moon opposite Neptune Because Neptune spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Neptune in more or less the same position. This opposition is therefore more significant as an indication of the Moon personıs response to an entire generation than as a trait in a one-to-one personal relationship. If the aspect is within a degree or so of exact, there may be emotional victimization , deception or a tendency for one or the other to play the martyr role. This and similar aspects are often present in co-dependent type relationships. Venus sextile Venus You tend to be on a similar emotional wavelength and to feel an immediate emotional rapport. Because you are each sensitive to the otherıs needs, this is likely to be a harmonious, polite combination, where each of you does his or her best to keep things pleasant. You may share similar esthetic, artistic and musical tastes; if not, you will probably find the otherıs tastes to be harmonious with your own and will enjoy introducing each other to new musical, artistic and otherwise entertaining experiences. The only negative (and itıs not terribly potent or serious) with this aspect is that youıre likely to bring out each otherıs indulgent and self-indulgent traits, and may encourage each other to take the easy way out rather than putting in the effort necessary to succeed in certain endeavors. Pluto conjunct Pluto As Pluto remains in one sign anywhere from 12 to 31 years, all those born within several years of each other have this aspect between their charts. This conjunction therefore has generational rather than personal relationship significance. It shows obsessions, compulsions and intense drives; transformative, death/rebirth and purging issues confronted in some way by an entire generation. The generation with Pluto in Leo, for instance, is the first in modern times to deal as a whole, and with great intensity, with the purging (Pluto) from within of the fetus (Leo rules children). The generation is also dealing intensely with other Pluto/Leo combinations, such as pornography -- sex (Pluto) as entertainment (Leo). Pluto opposite Ascendant This comparative aspect intensifies the passion between two people, but it also intensifies jealousy, secretiveness, scheming, manipulation and struggles for control. Thereıs nothing superficial about a relationship with this aspect, especially if itıs close to exact, but there may be plenty that is hidden beneath the surface. There may be almost continual upheaval at certain stages of this relationship. But, if you ride it out and the relationship survives, it can come back stronger and better each time -- and you can grow as a result, both as a couple and as individuals. Ascendant conjunct Ascendant Both of you are likely to show the same type of face to the world, and to express yourselves similarly. You can identify with each other in an immediate way because your self-image is similar. But you may realize that, after getting to know each other better, whatıs underneath that self-image may be quite different. The Ascendant, while one of the most important factors in each of your charts, is not so much an indication of who you are, but who, at first glance, you appear to be. Often, the Ascendant is a good indication of the person underneath. But, most of the time, there is far more to a person than what meets the eye. If there are truly deep connections between you, they will be indicated by other factors in the chart comparison. On a superficial level, this conjunction should make it easier for you two to see eye-to-eye, although it may also inspire some competitiveness between you. Paul Newmanıs Planets Aspecting Joanne Woodwardıs Planets Sun conjunct Mercury This aspect usually indicates a compatibility of ideas and communication. The mental acitivity of the Mercury person helps advance the ego needs of the Sun person. Likewise, the Sun person may stimulate the Mercury personıs thinking and encourage him or her to articulate their ideas. In itself, this conjunction is neutral romantically, meaning that any physical attraction between the two of you will be a result of other factors in the chart. Sun conjunct Mars This is a good news/bad news kind of a conjunction. While it generally indicates that your relationship is exciting and stimulating, it can also show that there is potential for a clash of wills, egos and desires. The problem is that you have a tendency to compete with and challenge each other. The song from the old Broadway show, Annie Get Your Gun comes to mind -- "Anything you can do, I can do better. . . " If you can avoid this trap, you can have a positive impact on each other, each spurring the other on to greater accomplishments. A good way to handle this challenging streak is to direct the energy into sex, where the desire to challenge each other to reach new heights can make an exciting combination. Sun trine Jupiter This trine is one of the most harmonious aspects and shows great benevolence between the two people involved. You are likely to be generous to each other, and to be able to forgive and forget, when necessary, as you would with virtually no one else. Youıre also likely to help keep each otherıs spirits high. While you can encourage each other and support each other, you may be unwilling to acknowledge or deal with negative issues when they come up, which is the only real down side of this aspect. Sun sextile Uranus You tend to bring out the adventurous side in each other. Because of this, youıre likely to take greater risks together than either of you might take alone. While there are, of course, caveats to observe, the cooperation and support you offer each other tends to help you get away with more of the gambles you take together than you might otherwise. You may also be sexually adventurous together. Moon square Jupiter This can sometimes indicate overblown emotions or a tendency to encourage one another to be emotionally indulgent. There may be a touch of insincerity in the emotional expression between you or perhaps just oversentimentality. In any event, this is not a particularly troublesome square as a rule. Mercury sextile Venus You tend to be able to work out emotional issues between you through your ability and willingness to communicate clearly with one another. This sextile is often an indication of intellectual and emotional rapport. The Mercury person will be able to understand the emotional considerations of the Venus person and the Venus person will tend to care about the Mercury personıs ideas and plans. The Mercury personıs ideas and words can also have quite a postive effect on Venus personıs emotions, while the Venus personıs esthetic sensibilities and social grace can have soothing effect on Mercury personıs thought processes. Mercury conjunct Saturn This conjunction has both positive and negative potentials. You can work hard on practical matters together and will help each other see to every detail and plan for every contingency. However, the Mercury person may feel constrained by the Saturn personıs seriousness and tendency to make demands. On the other hand, the Saturn person may feel Mercury person is not committed enough to joint projects or has less stick-to-it-tiveness than necessary. While this is not a fun and games combination, it can be useful in relationships or situations where you need to cope with serious issues. Mercury square Uranus Stimulating mental jousting and exchanging of ideas are possible with this square between your charts, but these exhanges may sometimes unexpectedly lead to argument or misinterpretation. There may be a certain rashness in your communications; you speak first, think later . You may also bring out the tendency to radical thought in one another . If this square is close to exact, there can be a tendency to encourage each other in eccentric, impractical ideas. Mercury opposite Pluto Because Pluto spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Pluto in more or less the same position. This opposition is therefore more significant as an indication of the Mercury personıs response to an entire generation than as a trait in a one-to-one personal relationship. If the aspect is within a degree or so of exact, it can indicate intense disagreements and/or attempts to manipulate each otherıs thoughts and ideas. Mercury conjunct Ascendant The Ascendant personıs self image can be positively influenced by the words and ideas of the Mercury person. Potentially the Mercury person can be intellectually inspired through interacting with the Ascendant person. This aspect is considered neutral from a romantic standpoint; it merely shows the potential for mental rapport. Venus conjunct Saturn This aspect has the potential to be difficult, especially in romantic relationships. The Saturn person may be too parental and dour throwing a wet blanket on the Venus personıs romanticism. The Venus person may seem too frivolous to the Saturn person and upset his or her sense of balance. Regardless of the above, many serious, stable, committed relationships with great staying power have this aspect. It tends to show a relationship where the partners show great loyalty to one another, even in the face of limitations and restrictions. Venus square Uranus Generally a relationship with this aspect between the partners has lots of excitement but little stability. You may get together in a sudden, whirlwind romance and break with each other just as quickly, unless there are other stabilizing aspects between you. The Uranus person may feel the Venus person is too clingy and emotional; the Venus person may find the Uranus person erratic, unreliable and ­ perhaps ­ a touch too eccentric or kinky. Venus opposite Pluto Because Neptune spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Neptune in more or less the same position. This opposition is therefore more significant as an indication of the Venus personıs response to an entire generation than as a trait in a one-to-one personal relationship. If the aspect is within a degree or so of exact, this can be an intense and passionate relationship, but it may also be tinged with jealousy, manipulation and secretiveness. Venus conjunct Ascendant This is a favorable aspect for romantic relationships and marriages, and has the added benefit of stimulating the creative self-expression of each of you. The Venus person identifies with Ascendant personıs self-image and the Ascendant personıs feeling of self-worth is likely to be enhanced by interaction with Venus person. You are likely to share tastes in music, art or other forms of entertainment. Mars square Pluto Because Pluto spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Pluto in more or less the same position. This square is therefore more significant as an indicator of the Mars personıs response to an entire generation than as an indication of one-to-one relationship traits. If the aspect is within a degree or so of exact, there are likely to be intense power struggles between you. The Mars person will resent any attempt of the Pluto person to control or manipulate. The Pluto person may find the Mars person lacking in finesse or staying power and may try to make him or her over. Mars opposite Midheaven This is more a conjunction of the Midheaven personıs Fourth House cusp- the house ruling home, mother and domesticity - with Mars, rather than a true opposition. With energetic Mars tweaking this area of the chart, you can bet that if you live under the same roof, you are probably going to get a great deal done in and around the home - as a great deal of your energy will be focused there. You may find you have a disproportionate number of disagreements over the relative importance of domestic/emotional versus career issues with this comparative aspect. It may also be difficult to establish a relaxed domestic situation. Jupiter conjunct Saturn You probably have a good, solid, cooperative relationship, which works especially well for you when you need to get things done together . The Saturn person can help the Jupiter person become more disciplined and turn ideals and ideas into something tangible and useful. The Jupiter person can help the Saturn person take a more positive view of the world and expand his or her horizons and self-esteem. Jupiter square Uranus This can be a exuberant combination, but a problem exists that it can be difficult for each of you to know how far is too far. You can cook up grand, rash, wild plans together that may, thanks to the luck of Jupiter, work out against the odds, but can just as easily backfire and cause you both grief. Unfortunately, thereıs no way to guess in advance which it will be. Youıre likely to encourage each other in unwise activities and have overinflated expectations of success together. You must give each other plenty of freedom in order to feel comfortable in the relationship. Jupiter conjunct Ascendant This tends to be a mutually supportive aspect. The Ascendant person may feel freer, luckier and more positive in the Jupiter personıs company -- but may also be encouraged to excess as a result of these feelings. The Jupiter person may feel energized and challenged in a positive way with the Ascendant person. Saturn trine Pluto Because Pluto spends so many years in each sign, this trine is more significant as an indicator of the Saturn personıs response to an entire generation than as an indication of one-to-one relationship traits. If the aspect is within a degree or so of exact, you are likely to provide each other with tremendous support to achieve your personal and joint goals and you can encourage each other to be more resourceful and have greater staying power. Uranus trine Pluto This is a generational aspect, and is not particularly significant in one-to-one relationships . Members of your respective generations usually hold compatible views on issues of social change, scientific research, and spiritual/religious search for meaning. Midheaven conjunct South Node Each of you may unconsciously encourage the other to take the path of least resistance rather than putting your noses to the grindstone when necessary, which may potentially hinder achievement or advancement. There is a slight potential that you will have conflicting needs, with those conflicts usually centering around family/emotional life versus career , status or social standing. Joanne Woodwardıs Planets Aspecting Paul Newmanıs Planets Sun conjunct Moon This usually indicates a harmonious relationship, especially when the sun person is male and moon person is female. The Moon person often provides the ego nurturing that the Sun person needs and craves. The Sun person is likely to have a powerful effect on moon personıs emotions and may dominate the relationship -- which was just fine in Grandmaıs day, but may present some problems for couples in an age where greater emphasis is placed on equality. Nevertheless, this is one of the best indicators of a strong mutual physical attraction. In fact, in Carl Jungıs now famous astrology experiments in synchronicity, this was the aspect most frequently noted between married couples (male sun/female moon). Sun sextile Mercury The two of you are likely to find it fairly easy to cooperate in situations that require planning and implementation of ideas. Each, generally speaking, can easily understand and support the otherıs point of view. There is likely to be an easy flow of ideas back and forth. You may have similar attitudes toward community, schooling, and the roles of your respective extended families in your lives. Sun sextile Jupiter Itıs a pleasure to find this aspect in a comparative chart. Youıre likely to make each other feel good just to be around one another. You will tend to be highly tolerant of one anotherıs flaws -- perhaps a bit too tolerant at times, but at least itıs better than nit-picking over every little irritation. But, because you are more likely to focus on the big picture than those annoying little details, you make a good team that can successfully cooperate on major tasks and goals. Sun trine Saturn This aspect tends to produce a sense of responsibility and loyalty toward one another and makes it easier for each of you to accept limits and stick to your commitments to each other. The Saturn person can help the Sun person stay on course and stay grounded; the Sun person can lift the Saturn personıs mood and self-esteem. Sun trine Pluto As Pluto spends so many years in each sign, this trine is more significant as an indicator of the Sun personıs response to an entire generation than as indication of one-to-one relationship traits. If the aspect is within a degree or so of exact, it can indicate an intense relationship with powerful positive feelings between you that can withstand problems and challenges and come back stronger each time. You probably also support each otherıs ambitions and help each other toward achievement and constructive change. Moon sextile Mars The sextile of Moon and Mars is often an indication of sexual attraction, especially, but not necessarily when the Moon person is female and the Mars person is male. You tend to bring out strong feelings in one another, and generally speaking, these passions will be pleasant, unless other chart indications negate this. You are also likely to be quite protective of one another, the Moon person in a nurturing or mothering way (regardless of sex) and the Mars person in a more assertive fashion. Mercury square Saturn You are likely to bring out the worried, pessimistic traits in each other. There may be obstacles or difficulties in communicating with each other, either because words simply donıt seem to flow well between you or because youıre overly cautious of what you say to one another. Often, a relationship with this square can have elements of a student/teacher pairing, usually where the Saturn person takes on the role of authority and the Mercury person plays the role of student or apprentice -- one who is likely to neglect his or her homework. Mercury opposite Neptune Because Neptune spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Neptune in more or less the same position. This opposition is therefore more significant as an indication of the Mercury personıs response to an entire generation than as a trait in a one-to-one personal relationship. If the aspect is within a degree or so of exact, there can be a great deal of confusion in your attempts to communicate with each other. There is even the possibility of intentional deception, simple elusiveness, or perpetuation of illusion. Mercury conjunct South Node There is some potential for miscommunication and occasional difficulty picking up each otherıs signals with this conjunction. This may, at times, cause a drain on you intellectually and strain the relationship. You may also be out of sync with each other on ideas that are important to one or the other of you. However, with a little extra work and consideration for the otherıs point of view, this should not cause serious problems between you. Venus trine Saturn This comparative aspect generally indicates a secure, steady relationship. You are likely to feel responsibility and loyalty toward each other and to show your affection in quiet ways. The Saturn person gives the Venus person a sense of security and stability; the Venus person lightens the Saturn personıs mood and helps him or her learn to indulge more. This is a good aspect to find in a relationship if you plan to make a long-term commitment. Venus conjunct Uranus Electrifying, exciting and unusual relationships are typical where Venus meets Uranus. But stability is usually lacking. The Uranus person may feel fascinated by, and magnetically drawn to, the Venus person, but may lose interest if the Venus person gets too emotionally demanding. The Venus person may find the Uranus person exciting, but perhaps a bit too distant or detached for permanent involvement . There is still the potential for a solid relationship, though you should give any pairing with this aspect time to prove its staying power before making permanent commitments. It also tends to work out better if you allow each other plenty of freedom. Venus trine Pluto Because Pluto spends so many years in each sign, this trine is more significant as an indicator of the Venus personıs response to an entire generation than as an indication of one-to-one relationship traits. If the aspect is within a degree or so of exact, , it may show that this is an intensely emotional relationship where each of you feel that you were somehow destined for each other. Mars square Saturn This is a problematic aspect that can cause great frustration between you. The Mars person is likely to feel held back and bossed around by the Saturn person, while the Saturn person may feel bullied or coerced into ill-considered action by the Mars person. You may find yourselves getting angry at each other often, and instead of clearing the air, you may seethe in silence, which only makes matters worse. There is the probability of a constant push-pull that makes it difficult to get anything done together. On the positive side, this aspect tends to teach you both something about how to achieve things with limited options. This is a lesson learned over time; it wonıt come quickly or easily. But, if you do learn this difficult lesson together, and have the maturity to apply it instead of blowing your cool, you can be a formidable team. Mars opposite Neptune Because Neptune spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Neptune in more or less the same position. This opposition is therefore more significant as an indication of the Mars personıs response to an entire generation than as a trait in a one-to-one personal relationship. If the aspect is within a degree or so of exact, it can indicate confusion in dealing with the relationship and with the desires of the people involved. The Mars person may be annoyed by the Neptune personıs hypersensitivity and the Neptune person can be hurt by what he/she perceives as the Mars personıs lack of consideration. Mars conjunct South Node This is not a particularly strong influence, but when it operates, there are some potential problems to note. The South Node person may impede the Mars personıs ability to take action and may be somewhat of a drain on that energy. The Mars person can potentially encourage the South Node person to take ill-considered action or to follow the path of least resistance, which may have unpleasant consequences down the road. Saturn opposite Pluto Because Pluto spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Pluto in more or less the same position. This opposition is therefore more significant as an indication of the Saturn personıs response to an entire generation than as a trait in a one-to-one personal relationship. If the aspect is within a degree or so of exact, there can be scheming, and struggles for power and control between you. There is the potential, in a very close opposition, for ruthless, even cruel behavior by one or both toward the other, but this would have to be supported by other aspects that indicate similar problems, such as difficult aspects between oneıs Mars and the otherıs Saturn. Saturn conjunct Ascendant This tends to be a problematic combination. It can indicate an unequal relationship or a relationship where one of you (usually the Saturn person) takes a parental-type role, but in an authoritative rather than a nurturing manner. This is likely to be a sober and serious bond, but it can have great stability, with each of you feeling a strong sense of responsibility toward the other. The potential negatives: the Saturn person may inhibit the Ascendant personıs spontaneity; the Ascendant person may be a continuing drain or burden of some type for the Saturn person. Uranus square Pluto This is a generational aspect which has little impact on individual relationships. If the square is within one degree of exact, your relationship may intermittently go through periods of profound turmoil, with each of you fiercely committed, to conflicting or differing goals. Instability in managing joint funds and resources is likely with a very close square. Part Two -- Planets in Houses This section is concerned with where the planets of one partner fall in the houses of the other, also known as comparative house placement. For instance, if you have 12 degrees Cancer rising (also known as Cancer Ascendant or Cancer on the first house cusp) and your partner has Moon in 15 degrees Cancer, your partnerıs Moon falls in your first house. Your experience of your partnerıs emotions, family and moods (Moon) will influence how you see yourself (Ascendant). In comparative house placement analysis, the planets generally have a greater impact on the houses than the houses do on the planets. In other words, where your partnerıs planets fall in your houses is a better indication of how you experience him or her than vice-versa. And where your planets fall in his or her houses will tell more about how he or she experiences you. Common House Placements HOUSE ONE This is the house of self expression. The sign on the cusp of this house is called your rising sign or Ascendant. It shows your self image, the face you show the world and how others see you. The image you present can either be quite close to or very different from the inner you, depending on whether your Ascendant is in a sign that is similar or different in characteristics to the signs your Sun and Moon are in. When the planets of your partner or another fall into this, your most personal house, you will relate to the energies of that person, represented by those planets, in a very personal and immediate way; there may be a kind of instant recognition between you in these areas. For instance, if the Mercury of another person (which rules communications, short trips, thoughts, worries, and work, among other issues) falls into your first house, you may find that you instantly recognize, and/or identify with, the ways that person communicates or the ideas he or she has. Mercury in House 1 There is likely to be a great deal of communication between you. The Mercury person is likely to stimulate the first house personıs thought processes and his or her ideas can influence the first house personıs self-image. If Mercury makes any harsh aspects to planets in the first house personıs chart, the Mercury person may be overly critical of the first house person. HOUSE SEVEN The seventh, also known as the Descendant, is the house of marital and other partners. It is exactly opposite the first house, which represents you. As the old saying goes: opposites attract. The seventh is also the first of the houses above the horizon in your chart, and is the beginning of that part of the chart which represents your dealings with the public. When the planets of another person are in this house, the energies of those planets will have an impact on your seventh house issues. For instance, if someoneıs Moon is in your seventh, that personıs emotional make-up and nurturing instincts are likely to be in sync with those you would want in a partner. Pluto in House 7 If Pluto is closely conjunct the seventh house cusp, this can be a deeply passionate, intense and powerful relationship, but it may involve secrecy, jealousy, underhandedness or manipulation. If Pluto is within a couple of degrees of the seventh house cusp, and there are major hard aspects from Pluto to the seventh house personıs planets, there may be an element of obsession to the relationship. HOUSE EIGHT The eighth house deals with a host of intense and weighty issues: death, obsessions, repression, jealousy, taxes, joint resources, inheritances and other peopleıs possessions. It also represents what you want or need sexually. When someone elseıs planets fall in your eighth house, the energies of those planets will have an impact on how you think, feel and act concerning eighth house issues. If, for instance, your rich old Great-Uncle Harryıs Jupiter falls in your eighth house, he might bequeath you a generous inheritance in his will. Neptune in House 8 This can indicate a deep relationship where you each have an intuitive understanding of what the other is feeling, but it can also indicate mind games and psychological confusion. There is a slight potential for financial loss through unwise or unrealistic joint financial dealings or business ventures. Occasionally, this can indicate a relationship that is caring and loving in many respects, but non-sexual. Joanne Woodwardıs Planets in Paul Newmanıs Houses HOUSE ONE This is the house of self expression. The sign on the cusp of this house is called your rising sign or Ascendant. It shows your self image, the face you show the world and how others see you. The image you present can either be quite close to or very different from the inner you, depending on whether your Ascendant is in a sign that is similar or different in characteristics to the signs your Sun and Moon are in. When the planets of your partner or another fall into this, your most personal house, you will relate to the energies of that person, represented by those planets, in a very personal and immediate way; there may be a kind of instant recognition between you in these areas. For instance, if the Mercury of another person (which rules communications, short trips, thoughts, worries, and work, among other issues) falls into your first house, you may find that you instantly recognize, and/or identify with, the ways that person communicates or the ideas he or she has. Moon in House 1 This combination often indicates a strong emotional bond, combined with sensitivity to one anotherıs moods and feelings. The first house personıs sense of self and urge to self-expression may be deeply affected by the emotional responses of the Moon person, and the manner in which the first house person expresses him or her self may have a powerful impact on the emotions of the Moon person. There is some potential for the Moon person to feel overly dependent on the first house person. Mars in House 1 This is probably a very energizing relationship for both of you, especially the first house person. There is a tendency to compete with each other and to challenge each other. This can be a very passionate partnership but may be tinged with selfishness. Look at Part One of your synastry interpretation to see whether Mars makes any conjunctions, squares or oppositions to the first house personıs Sun, Moon, Saturn, or Uranus. If so, your relationship may be quite contentious at times, and you may be less considerate of each otherıs feeling than you ought to be. HOUSE TWO This is the house of what you have, both in a tangible and intangible sense. It rules your possessions, your values and what you have to give sexually to your partner. When the planets of another person fall into this house, you are likely to experience the energies symbolized by those planets as having an impact on your sense of self-worth, your possessions, your material security or your personal value system. Sun in House 2 With oneıs Sun in the otherıs second house, your relationship focus may be heavily slanted toward values or material possessions, finances and luxuries. The Sun person is likely to have a major influence on what the second house person perceives as having value on both a material and non-material plane. The Sun person may help the second house person increase his or her material worth , but there may be too much emphasis on money and possessions in this relationship. Venus in House 2 You are likely to share similar values and to have similar tastes in art, luxury items and valuable material possessions. The second house personıs material worth and/or ethical values may benefit from association with the Venus person. There may be too much emphasis on material things in this relationship and/or each of you may encourage the other to unwise or frivolous expenditures. HOUSE THREE The third house is involved in communication, basic schooling and training, siblings, neighborhood, community activities and extended family. When another personıs planets fall in your third house, the energies symbolized by those planets will have an impact on the issues of the house. For instance, if a friendıs Venus (the planet of romance, relationship, emotion, art, luxury, among other things) falls in your third house, your emotional response toward this person might be in some way similar to what you would feel toward a sibling, or you might communicate emotionally with one another. Uranus in House 3 The Uranus person is likely to open the third house personıs mind to inventive, eccentric or unconventional ideas. This is potentially a stimulating intellectual relationship which may involve some unusual or untraditional forms of communication. If there are major harsh aspects from Uranus to the third house personıs planets, the Uranus person may stir up trouble for the third house person in his or her neighborhood or with siblings and extended family. HOUSE FIVE Some astrologers refer to the fifth as the party house, and itıs an apt description. The fifth house presides over entertainment and fun of all kinds; including romance, gambling, parties, creativity and pleasure in general. It is also the house of children, and may describe certain traits of your first child. When the planets of another fall into your fifth house, the energies of these planets will have an affect on what you do, think and feel about fifth house issues. If someoneıs Sun falls into your fifth house, for instance, you may be attracted to that person as a romantic partner or as someone to simply go out and have good times with. Jupiter in House 5 With this placement, each of you is likely to get genuine joy from the company of the other. You will enjoy similar cultural, artistic and musical entertainment and are likely to expand each otherıs appreciation of various art forms. The Jupiter person can bring the fifth house person luck when taking calculated risks, unless there are negative major aspects from Jupiter to the fifth house personıs chart. There is a slight potential that you will over indulge in pleasurable activities together. HOUSE TWELVE This is the house of illusion, where things are not quite what they seem. Secrets, ideals, deception and self-deception, dreams, drugs, chronic illness, institutions and intuition are all matters of the twelfth house. Older astrology texts call this the house of self-undoing, but this is probably too negative a reading in most cases. It is true, though, that it is difficult to get a clear picture of what is going on in this house; so the energies of any planets of another person that fall into your twelfth are likely to be harder for you to understand than those falling in other houses. If, for instance, someoneıs Venus falls in your twelfth, you may find it difficult to see that personıs flaws and you may respond to the person as if he or she were your ideal mate, whether or not this is objectively realistic. Saturn in House 12 You may have a tendency to bring out each otherıs fears, pessimism and any psychological problems. This placement sometimes indicates that one of the partners will take on responsibility for the other at some point in life, perhaps due to illness, substance dependency or institutionalization. This generally requires confirmation from other aspects or from major hard transits. Paul Newmanıs Planets in Joanne Woodwardıs Houses HOUSE ONE This is the house of self expression. The sign on the cusp of this house is called your rising sign or Ascendant. It shows your self image, the face you show the world and how others see you. The image you present can either be quite close to or very different from the inner you, depending on whether your Ascendant is in a sign that is similar or different in characteristics to the signs your Sun and Moon are in. When the planets of your partner or another fall into this, your most personal house, you will relate to the energies of that person, represented by those planets, in a very personal and immediate way; there may be a kind of instant recognition between you in these areas. For instance, if the Mercury of another person (which rules communications, short trips, thoughts, worries, and work, among other issues) falls into your first house, you may find that you instantly recognize, and/or identify with, the ways that person communicates or the ideas he or she has. Sun in House 1 You are likely to feel an immediate identification with each other; more so the closer the Sun is to the Ascendant. The Sun person can strongly influence the self-image and ego expression of the first house person and this may challenge the Ascendant person to be more assertive. Although not, by itself, an indication of sexual attraction, the Sun of one partner in the first house of the other indicates that you two can think and act as one in many circumstances, thus supporting any relationship you form together. Venus in House 1 This placement is highly favorable for romantic relationships and is a good indication of attraction. You are likely to identify with each other emotionally, and to feel an instant affinity with each other, especially if Venus is within a couple of degrees of the first house cusp. The first house personıs self-image can be enhanced by association with the Venus person. The first house person is also likely to have any artistic, asthetic or musical activities he or she is engaged in, enhanced by association with the Venus person. HOUSE TWO This is the house of what you have, both in a tangible and intangible sense. It rules your possessions, your values and what you have to give sexually to your partner. When the planets of another person fall into this house, you are likely to experience the energies symbolized by those planets as having an impact on your sense of self-worth, your possessions, your material security or your personal value system. Moon in House 2 With this placement, the Moon personıs emotional security may depend on the financial security or material worth of the second house person. The Moon personıs feelings can have an effect on what the second house person values, both in a tangible and intangible way. You may try to shore up your sense of worth by accumulating material possessions, or you may become too emotionally attached to the possessions you collect together. Uranus in House 2 The Uranus person is likely to shake up the second house personıs value system. The Uranus person can also have an unexpected impact on the fortunes of the second house person -- either positive or negative, depending on aspects between Uranus and the second house personıs planets, as well as major transits. HOUSE THREE The third house is involved in communication, basic schooling and training, siblings, neighborhood, community activities and extended family. When another personıs planets fall in your third house, the energies symbolized by those planets will have an impact on the issues of the house. For instance, if a friendıs Venus (the planet of romance, relationship, emotion, art, luxury, among other things) falls in your third house, your emotional response toward this person might be in some way similar to what you would feel toward a sibling, or you might communicate emotionally with one another. Mars in House 3 The Mars person can stimulate the third house personıs mental processes, but also may make the third house person irritable, nervous or uncomfortable at times. There is the potential for you to be less tactful than you should be with each other and to speak before you think. This placement may occasionally stimulate something resembling sibling rivalry between you. Frequent arguments are likely if there are harsh major aspects between Mars and the third house personıs chart. HOUSE TEN Achievement, professional life, authority, status and ambition are all governed by the tenth house, also known as the Midheaven. This is also the house that represents your father, just as the fourth house represents your mother. (Please note: in some families, where the mother was the dominant parent, or the father was the greater nurturer of the two, the house rulership works better in reverse, with the fourth representing the father; the tenth the mother. Usually, however, the traditional rulership works best. ) When the planets of another person fall in your tenth house, the energies of those planets will affect the way you respond to tenth house issues. For instance, if someoneıs Mars, the planet of competitiveness and aggression, falls here, you might find yourself in professional competition with him or her. Saturn in House 10 This is Saturnıs natural house, and it is an excellent position if you two are involved in any sort of professional activities together. You can aid each other in your respective careers and help each other gain greater status. There is a slight possibility of competition between you, but this may have a beneficial effect if it causes you to work harder and achieve more. If Saturn makes harsh major aspects to the tenth house personıs planets, one of you may rise in his or her profession at the expense of the otherıs ambitions. HOUSE TWELVE This is the house of illusion, where things are not quite what they seem. Secrets, ideals, deception and self-deception, dreams, drugs, chronic illness, institutions and intuition are all matters of the twelfth house. Older astrology texts call this the house of self-undoing, but this is probably too negative a reading in most cases. It is true, though, that it is difficult to get a clear picture of what is going on in this house; so the energies of any planets of another person that fall into your twelfth are likely to be harder for you to understand than those falling in other houses. If, for instance, someoneıs Venus falls in your twelfth, you may find it difficult to see that personıs flaws and you may respond to the person as if he or she were your ideal mate, whether or not this is objectively realistic. Jupiter in House 12 This is likely to be a highly idealistic relationship with a beneficial impact on each of you that may not be apparent to those outside the relationship. You will work best together when you allow your natural desire to give of yourselves to be expressed. You tend to bring out the empathic, charitable and caring sides in each other and may opt to work together on altruistic projects. You may also bring out the spiritual side in each other.