Countless people from all over the world consult astrology for insights into various facets of their lives, most especially, love relationships. Few would question that compatibility is key to happiness and fulfillment as a couple, whether or not they believe in astrology. Astrologers maintain that the ancient symbols of the heavens can help discover how human beings relate with one another.
Basic Compatibility Guidelines: Sun Signs
Zodiac signs are the easiest to use in astrological compatibility. Everyone knows at least his or her Sun sign or star sign. Your Sun sign is good for comparing the inner character and psychological motivation of you and people around you. The Sun sign influences the mind and how you think also (but not how you communicate, which is more Mercury).
Zodiac signs that are airy or fiery are compatible. These are the active signs, namely
Aries, Leo and Sagittarius (fire)
Libra, Aquarius and Gemini (air)
Zodiac signs that are earthy or watery are compatible too. These are the passive signs, namely:
Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo (earth)
Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces (water)
Their basic attitudes are similar. But this doesn't mean they always like each other. It is quite possible (and it often happens) that they don't like each other. For example, a Leo Sun sign may be enemies with an Aries Sun, yet their basic motivation and attitude toward life is similar: spirited, outgoing and passionate. Both fire and air signs are outgoing and active types.
In the case of the passive signs, they are all slow, quiet, introverted and feminine. They seek emotional and physical comforts. A Virgo Sun can relate to a Scorpio Sun, for example. Both are perceptive, analytical, loyal and often prone to worry.
Compatible Sun signs take to life in a similar fashion. You'll find it easier to understand and empathize with one whose sign is compatible with yours. For example, a Sun in Libra and Sun in Aquarius are both air signs. They are capable of abstract though and are intellectual. They can understand each other's preoccupation with ideas like, say, water signs can't so easily.
Moon and Ascendant Signs
Besides your Sun sign, check the compatibility between your Moon and Ascendant and your partner's. The Moon travels through the zodiac just as the Sun does, but much quickly: while the Sun takes a year to make a full revolution, the Moon takes only four weeks. The Moon sign reveals your emotional needs and instincts. If you have the Sun in a zodiac sign, it is similar to that of another person with the Moon in that sign; but they are not the same.
For example, let's say you have the Sun in Sagittarius. You strive to expand your mental and physical horizons as the way to fulfill your dreams and attain a sense of maturity. If someone you know has the Moon in Sagittarius instead, their needs are different. Moon in that sign likes to go outdoors and discover new things for emotional comfort, for relaxation and inner peace. That person may enjoy the same activities as you do -- maybe traveling, learning about foreign cultures, sports, philosophy, reading, etc. -- but it is for completely opposite reasons. The Sun sign seeks activity and power, the Moon sign seeks rest and comfort.
Having the Sun and Moon in friendly signs is a very good sign in astrological compatibility. To use the example above, if you have the Sun in Sagittarius and your partner has the Moon in that sign, it forms a strong bond. Your partner feels his or her needs fulfilled by you.
The Ascendant is not a planet. It is the first degree on the east of your birth chart. It represents the horizon. The Ascendant sign or Rising Sign is the most visible part of your personality. Just like the sun at sunrise, it shines where everyone can see it. Your Ascendant sign should ideally be compatible with your partner's Ascendant sign too, or perhaps his or her Sun or Moon sign and vice versa. For example, a Cancer Ascendant sign is highly compatible with a Capricorn Ascendant, its opposite sign.
Your Ascendant sign can be determined if your exact birth time is known. Your Moon sign depends on your birth date and year, and perhaps the time as well if the Moon switched signs on your birthday.
Beyond Zodiac Sign Compatibility
But astrological compatibility is much more complex than you may realize. You are not just one zodiac sign, or two or three. In fact, you do not have a zodiac sign to the exclusion of the others. Everyone has the twelve signs in their horoscopes; it's just different positions and strengths. To really discover how two people interact with each other from an astrological point of view, you or your astrologer would need to read the actual birth charts of the people in question.
In real astrology, you also look at the planets and the angles they form to each other between the two charts. You also need to look at the positions that your planets occupy in your partner's chart, and their planets in yours With so many factors to look into, it goes without saying that it takes a skilled astrologer to do this well.
How You Can Get an Astrology Love Reading
There are various ways to get a love reading. You can get a reading or perhaps a live consultation with a professional astrologer. You can also buy compatibility reports, at various prices, over the Internet. If you would rather have it done for free, you may find an amateur astrology student who wants to hone his or her skills offering free readings in forums or chat rooms. If you want serious, competent advice from someone who may also be a licensed relationship counselor (it depends on state and country laws on astrological practice), it is best to pay for consultation with a reputable astrologer.
What Astrology Can and Can't Do
Astrologers do not tell their clients what to do with a relationship. All astrology does is show you the potential of what's in your natal charts. You and your partner always decide what to do with that potential. This is important to keep in mind. Never let any reading or report convince you one way or the other. The decision is always yours. When you analyze yourselves and your charts honestly, you may be able to feel and understand how the astrological influences work. However you should also understand better than anyone else what you want. The final authority is always you and your partner together.
True horoscope compatibility is not just about zodiac sign matchmaking; it is about the complex interplay of two unique individuals as shown by their astrological birth charts. Learn more about natal chart compatibility as practiced by modern astrologers.
