More than any other topic, astrology serves to help people with their relationships. This is probably the most prescient purpose of astrology since it presents the possibilities in an accurate and validated form. Compatibility can be easily measured with astrology and the success (or failure) of any relationship appears without fail each and every time. Take any two strangers in a relationship; compile their astrology charts; and a trained eye can spot the harmony and discord immediately. It is actually about the chemistry of the people.
The elements serve as the foundational pull between two people. Water to earth, air to fire, fire to fire, earth to earth etc. All the logical permutations illustrate compatibility, however, one of the more fascinating data points astrology brings to the conversation is that of merging. When two people combine their personalities, mannerisms, characteristics, likes and dislikes, they all become part of a complicated and yet, very human, stew.
In this case, the relationship stands as a new entity. When two people come together the relationship becomes a "personality" unto its own. One partner brings a certain energy to the union and of course, the other partner also brings their own attributes. Together these two equal (presumably) entities create another third entity known as the "relationship." This can be explained quite simply through a simple mathematical illustration. Partner A meets partner B and together they become one of two things; either an AB combination or a C union. This simple example illustrates the basic differences in how astrology approaches the idea of a relationship. In the AB case, the relationship becomes a combination of both people (a little bit me; a little bit you.) In the other case, the C example, the relationship takes on a whole new life of its own and exists as a brand new entity.
The first example; the AB combination; is known as synastry. This is the branch of astrology that deals with relationships. The second combination; the C partnership, is known as the composite view. All astrologers have their own opinions on the validity and accuracy of these two views. Some argue that the AB union (synastry) is the most accurate while others swear that the C union (composite) provides the most accurate picture of the relationship. There are significant differences and each has their place. I'll explain the differences.
In synastry (AB), astrologers look at characteristics of each individual. Does the person have a lot of water in their astrological profile, for example? Are they compatible with the earth sign? Does the Gemini person (air) fuel the fire of the Leo (fire)? Are there enough elemental combinations to make the union sustain? And so on... In this approach, each person's characteristics are taken into account separately. This approach is truly a "union of two." That union forms an AB relationship, and even though the AB acts a certain way and has a "personality," it is largely based on the unique traits of each individual.
In the composite approach (C), astrologers actually create a new entity with characteristics derived from the homogenization point of the two people. For example, if a Cancer (water) person where to be a relationship with an Aries (fire) person, the composite approach would assign a whole new character point that falls in between these two. In this case, that would be a Gemini (air). Now you may argue that logically that is unrealistic. How can a water person merge with a fire person and the result be an air person. It doesn't matter how it appears scientifically or elementally; that is how the composite charts are formed.
Personally, I favor the synastry approach simply because it seems far more rooted in logic and in reality. Two people, when joined, are not going to change their roles to be anything other than who they are. They may shift a bit with regard to adapting, but hardly to the extent illustrated in the composite view. I do not think that a new person is created through the union. Rather, I feel as if a relationship truly is a blend of two and even though that blend may have a distinct flavor or tone, it remains a combination of the two.
I realize this may be a confusing topic to digest, but if you are interested in solving problems or at least understanding your significant relationships, there is no more accurate method than using astrology. Astrology provides great insights into compatibility and the strengths and weaknesses are readily apparent. If you are facing relationship issues and are curious as to compatibility you will gain amazing amount of information from a professional reading.
The complication comes from making sense of it all. This is where a translator comes in. When your chart is properly cast and interpreted you can understand your purpose. The transits and placement in YOUR chart will be unique to your situation and circumstances, but they will involve the themes that you identify. If you want to learn more or want to have your chart properly interpreted, contact me at chris@chrisflisher.com and I will guide you with precision and accuracy. Thank you for your correspondence and continued support....Chris
