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Understanding Synastry vs. Composite Charts in Astrology
Astrology and the study of astrological charts have surged in popularity in the past few years, especially during the pandemic. But one of the most researched branches of astrology that has taken of during this time is called, relationship astrology. From romantic partnerships to friendships and even professional collaborations, relationship astrology offers endless insights about compatibility and dynamics. This is observed through 2 different types of astrological charts: synastry charts and composite charts. While they both shed light on relationships in general, they serve 2 distinct purposes.
Before continuing it might be best to read an article on the twelve astrological houses for a clearer understanding of house placements and they’re looked at in relationship astrology. You can calculate a synastry or composite chart with an online compatibility calculator that you can find on a website like astro.com
What is a Synastry Chart?
A synastry chart is like a “compatibility map.” It involves comparing the natal charts of two people to identify how their unique, individual planetary placements interact with each other. By examining the planetary aspects and angles and their coinciding nature reveals areas of harmony, tension, and potential for growth within the relationship.
Synastry Charts Show:
Aspects Between Planets: For example, if one person’s Venus forms a trine (an easy aspect that brings cooperation and effortless flow) to the other’s Mars, it might indicate a strong AND positive romantic and sexual compatibility. On the other hand, a square (an aspect that often brings friction and misunderstanding) between the same person’s Mercury and the other’s Saturn could suggest challenges in open, honest communication.
House Overlays: This is where one person’s planets falls into the chart of the other. Let’s say your partner’s Sun lands in your 7th house (the house of partnerships). This could show up as you seeing your partner as your ideal for a long term partner or even spouse. Your dream girl or guy.
Individual Impact: Synastry highlights how each partner’s innate cosmic energies influence the other. A synastry chart illustrates how the two individuals coexist as separate entities.
Use Synastry for:
- Understanding attraction and compatibility.
- Pinpointing the areas of ease and challenges in the relationship.
- Identifying growth opportunities as individuals to improve the relationship.
What is a Composite Chart?
A composite chart on the other hand, represents the relationship itself as an entity. This requires a brand new chart. It’s created by taking the mathematical midpoints of two individuals’ planets and charting them together. For instance, the composite Sun is the midpoint between the Sun in person A’s chart and the Sun in person B’s chart. In short, calculating 2 birth charts to create one. Think of it as the relationship’s birth chart.
Composite Charts Show:
- The Relationship’s Personality: The composite chart gives insight into the soul essence of the relationship. It can represent the relationship’s purpose and how it’s perceived by others.
- House Emphasis: Composite houses indicate where the two people’s energy is focused. For example, a 10th-house stellium in the composite may point to a relationship that may be very public. You may share the same career ambitions and run a business together. If you are a romantic couple you may known as a power couple.
- Strengths and Challenges as a Unit: Unlike synastry, the composite chart reflects how the relationship functions as a cohesive unit.
Use Composite Charts for:
- Exploring the overall dynamics and purpose of the relationship.
- Understanding how the relationship evolves over the course of time.
- Gaining insight into external influences or challenges the people in the relationship might face.
Synastry vs. Composite Charts
| Aspect | Synastry Chart | Composite Chart |
| Focus | Interaction between two individuals. | The relationship as a separate entity. |
| Purpose | Examines compatibility and challenges between people. | Explores the shared purpose and dynamics of the union. |
| Insights Provided | Individual needs, desires, and reactions to the other. | Joint focus, energy flow, and external perceptions. |
| Best For | Personal dynamics and understanding one-on-one interactions. | Viewing the relationship holistically. |
Using Both Charts Together
For a full understanding of your relationship, it’s best to look at both the synastry and composite charts.
Start with synastry by looking at how your planets interact with someone else. This allows you to gain a basic understanding of each others’ mutual attraction and potential friction points. Doing this helps show what each individual brings to the relationship and how they influence each other.
Explore the composite chart once you have grasped the interpersonal dynamics. By this time you’ll be able to grasp the big picture that the composite chart brings. You can begin to ask questions like, “What is the relationship’s purpose?” “Where does it thrive?” and “Where might challenges arise?”
Synthesize all these astrological insights by using the strengths from the synastry chart to help to address the challenges seen in the composite chart and vice versa. For example, if a synastry chart is pointing to communication struggles, using the previously mentioned Mercury square Saturn aspect, the composite chart might reveal a packed 3rd house (Mercury is ruled by the 3rd house). For this particular situation, this can suggest that effective and clear communication might be a big roadblock to overcome.