The Tamesis
Astrology is a great way to connect with ourselves and others. The stars can give us insights into how we love, the type of person we love, and how we relate to each other; however, when looking at our zodiac sign to understand our compatibility with another person, we usually check after looking at our sun sign.
In fact, your sun sign is only a small part of the ten planets (Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) that make up your birth chart. They each have specific qualities: the Moon centers our memories and emotions, Mercury represents communication and travel, Venus represents love and money, Mars represents our actions and passions, Jupiter represents philosophy and luck, Saturn represents authority and responsibility, Uranus represents rebellion and innovation, Neptune represents dreams and creativity, and Pluto brings transformation and empowerment.
The sun depicts our selves and motivations, but it only accounts for one-tenth of the picture. Not to mention the rising sign, which is the rising sign on the eastern horizon at the time and place of birth. Many believe it holds more power than the Sun sign because it adds color to our personality and outer qualities. As you can see, there’s a lot to consider – which is why basing a romantic relationship solely on a person’s sun sign can be a problem.
Compatibility of two charts can be based on how the vast majority of planets interact with each other except the Sun. For example, if your Venus (the planet of love) is in opposition – they are 180 degrees apart and in a “sister sign” (example: your Venus in Cancer and theirs in Capricorn) – it will create an immediate attraction because you both have different ways of expressing your emotions but will usually find a middle ground. Their Mars (the planet of sex) connects with your Venus in the same sign (or vice versa), which can indicate a passionate, sensual alignment.
Sometimes this results in people with close relationships between their sun signs, such as Taurus and Leo, Gemini and Scorpio, etc. Even so, couples with unfavorable zodiac signs can survive in the long term. Harsh planetary suffering gives couples a goal to work towards, keeping the dynamic interesting. There’s a desire to make progress together, to overcome the little annoyance that Gemini is too flighty for the fierce Scorpio, or that Leo’s drama overshadows Taurus’s kindness. Astrology sets the tone, but we need to put the effort and energy into our relationships. No one wants to take shortcuts – especially when it comes to love. People get bored when they get too comfortable. We crave sparks and fireworks, not complacency.
When looking at a birth chart as a whole, it is important to remember that planets may behave in ways that contradict their usual behavior, as a person’s aura and attitude can change the way they navigate the universe. Do they use it to its highest or lowest potential? One person may have Pluto, a fierce planet, orbiting a partner’s Venus, suggesting triangular dynamics. I see it taking on a dynamic and evolving relationship that consumes both parties. Their careers are entangled, so they must find a balance between romantic and professional ambitions. On the other hand, I’ve seen it lead to competition and jealousy.
In my experience, there are two aspects that never work out: Saturn and Nodal Oppositions. When the Saturn sign in a chart is juxtaposed with another sign, it can create frustrations that hinder the relationship’s growth. Issues of authenticity, reliability and maturity arise. When the North Node of Destiny is in reverse order, it allows two people to heal from their shared past life karma, but drives them apart because they are unable to resolve it. Of course it’s a duo. able Get through this; however, it may take time to learn to trust again.
