What is Synastry?

Synastry is the art of comparing two birth charts to understand the dynamics of a relationship. In astrology, it reveals how two individuals connect on emotional, mental, and spiritual levels by analyzing planetary aspects, house overlays, and compatibility factors. Whether in love, friendship, or business, synastry helps uncover strengths, challenges, and karmic ties in relationships. This guide will break down the key elements of synastry and how to interpret them.
How to do a Synastry analysis
To analyze synastry, start by overlaying both charts to identify hard aspects. These interactions create dynamic interactions that are strongly experienced in relationships. Squares introduce stimulating challenges that encourage growth, while oppositions highlight contrasts that can generate both magnetism and complexity. Conjunctions amplify planetary influences, shaping key relational themes. Examining these aspects reveals the fundamental dynamics at play.
What the planets mean in Synastry
In synastry, the Sun shapes identity dynamics, while the Moon influences emotional responses. Mercury affects communication styles, and Venus governs love expression. Mars drives passion and motivation. The Ascendant/Descendant (AC/DC) axis highlights relational pull, while the Midheaven/IC (MC/IC) axis reflects public and private life balance. Jupiter expands experiences, and Saturn establishes stability. Uranus introduces unpredictability and change, Neptune enhances dreams or illusions, and Pluto deepens intensity and transformation.
Other compatibility analysis techniques
While synastry is a powerful tool for relationship analysis, it’s just one of many techniques in astrology. Composite charts merge two birth charts into a single chart, revealing the relationship’s overall purpose and dynamics. Davison charts use a midpoint approach to create a shared chart based on time and space. Progressions and transits show how a relationship evolves over time. By combining these methods, astrologers gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of compatibility.
Synastry offers deep insight into relationship dynamics by analyzing planetary connections between two birth charts. It reveals how individuals interact, where harmony flows, and where challenges arise. While this article provides an overview, specific aspects shape each connection uniquely. Subsequent articles will explore these aspects in depth, helping you interpret your own relationships with greater clarity. Understanding synastry is a powerful step toward self-awareness and deeper connections.
You may also like
When Life Paths Cross: Midheaven/Nadir Axis Synastry in Compatibility
The Midheaven/Nadir axis reveals our public and private lives, life direction, and emotional roots. When two people's axes align or interact in synastry, their relationship often feels fated, with a strong pull between personal ambitions and private needs. This dynamic can bond individuals through shared goals and values or highlight fundamental differences in their paths and family backgrounds.
Mirrors of Illusion: Neptune-Neptune Synastry and Shared Dreams
When Neptune in one person’s chart meets Neptune in another’s, a unique kind of soul connection can unfold. This synastry aspect speaks to shared ideals, fantasies, and spiritual longings. Whether subtle or profound, the Neptune-Neptune interaction often highlights a dreamy undercurrent in the relationship, where both may find comfort in their mutual sensitivity—but also risk losing sight of reality if the connection remains ungrounded.
Saturn-Venus Synastry: Building Love with Structure and Time
When one person’s natal Saturn aspects another’s Venus, a serious tone enters the realm of affection. This synastry reveals karmic ties and the potential for long-term commitment or emotional restraint. Saturn asks Venus to grow up, while Venus invites Saturn to soften. Their connection tests the balance between love and responsibility, often creating a bond that feels destined—yet demanding.
Veiled Attraction: Neptune and the Ascendant/Descendant Axis in Synastry
When one person's Neptune aligns with another's Ascendant/Descendant axis in synastry, the connection can feel dreamlike, fated, and elusive. This pairing stirs deep unconscious impressions and idealized projections in both people. The relationship often begins with magnetic fascination but may evolve into confusion or transcendence, depending on how grounded both individuals are in reality.
How compatible are you? 💕
Find out with Lani app