Horoscope compatibility

Horoscope compatibility (also called Synastry) is a complex field. Our home page has a less detailed explanation of compatible horoscope signs if you just want a broad overview. The following article Horoscope compatibility in a lot of depth, however it's still a simplification. Many exceptions exist to almost every rule, and more complex tricks and factors are used by individual astrologers. With astrology the devil is always in the details, and sadly the details are always the first thing to be removed when sharing information! This will however give a good flavor of some of the principles involved.

Horoscope aspects and angles

Because the horoscope is split into 12 signs, units of 30 degree measurement are commonly discussed (12 times 30 being 360 degrees, which is a full circle). These have some odd names, but are quite easy to understand:

30 degrees apart = semi-sextile (neighboring signs in the horoscope wheel)
60 degrees apart = sextile (2 signs apart in the horoscope wheel)
90 degrees apart = square (3 signs apart in the horoscope wheel)
120 degrees apart = trine (4 signs apart in the horoscope wheel)
150 degrees apart = inconjunct (5 signs apart in the horoscope wheel)
180 degrees apart = opposite (6 signs apart in the horoscope wheel)

How does this affect horoscope compatibility?

Astrology uses a duodecimal (base 12) number system. Just like music theory (which also uses a base 12 system) there are intervals which are more harmonious than others. The 12 horoscope signs provide a convenient unit of measurement (similar to hours on a clock). The horoscope signs themselves could be renamed or removed; astrology works just fine without them (it's just harder to discuss when it's more conceptual).

Same signs - tend to be very similar. For relationships this is typically harmonious but sometimes dull.
Semi-sextile - Hard to understand or relate to each other sometimes.
Sextile - Harmonious. You appreciate one another's style and it's easy to work as a team.
Square - Bad. It's hard to understand each other's style, and arguments are likely.
Trine - Excellent. Your styles are similar enough to understand, and different enough to be exciting.
Inconjunct - Paradox. If an attraction exists, it's typically very powerful, but it's hard to find the reason for it.
Opposite - Opposites attract. An all or nothing placement (common in soulmates). You find each other fascinating and (if not soulmates) frustrating.

Read more on Horoscope compatibility:
Horoscope love matches
Horoscope sign compatibility

Planets in horoscope compatibility

Venus - affection, attraction and romantic love
Mars - sex and passion
The Moon - emotional understanding, support and harmony
The Sun - honor, respect and appreciation
All the other planets also play a part.

Why does astrology focus so much on the number 12?

The number 12 is the smallest number with five factors (1, 2, 3, 4, 6). As a result of this high factorability duodecimal (base 12) representations fit more easily than decimal (base 10) ones into many common patterns. Within the base 12 system are other systems such as base 4 (qualities - cardinal, mutable, fixed), base 3 (elements - fire, water, air, earth), base 2 (polarity - positive, negative). These labels make the subject easier to remember.

Elements which affect horoscope compatibility

People of Water signs tend to be emotional, sensitive and more spiritual than average. Often they relate better to people of other Water signs. Their feelings run deep and they can be easily hurt (though they often hide this vulnerability). They tend to be very loving and romantic and take relationships very seriously. The water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Water signs tend to get along harmoniusly with other water signs, they do well with air signs. Water and fire is typically bad. Water and earth is somewhere in the middle.

People of Fire signs tend to be outgoing, energetic, passionate, adventurous, direct and ambitious. They typically don't mind taking the occasional risk to get ahead. They usually enjoy living for the moment and prefer romance to be fun and exciting. Compared to other elements they tend to be slightly more aggressive and confrontational. The fire signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Fire signs tend to get along harmoniusly with other fire signs, they do well with air signs. Fire and water is typically bad. Fire and earth is somewhere in the middle.

People of Earth signs tend to be practical, loyal, responsible, down to earth and cautious. They tend to prefer to plan things down to the last detail and to avoid unnecessary risks (they don't get a thrill from risk taking like some other signs do). They typically prefer long term relationships over one night stands, and are often more concerned with practicalities than being swept off their feet, and tend to value stability and loyalty from a partner. The earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Earth signs tend to get along harmoniusly with other earth signs, they do well with water signs. Fire and earth is typically bad. Earth and air is somewhere in the middle.

People of Air signs tend to be friendly, outgoing, and easy going. They love to socialize, talk, party, dream, meet new people and try new things. Typically they hate being bored or stuck in dull routines. When single they tend to be very good at flirting. When in a relationship they typically like a high level of independence and generally dislike to feel restricted. The air signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Air signs tend to get along harmoniusly with other air signs, water signs and fire signs (the most adaptable signs in this area). They don't typically do so well with earth signs.

How does the balance of elements in someones natal chart affect horoscope compatibility?

When we look at a persons entire natal chart they typically place a high value on the elements they lack. For example someone with very heavy fire and earth influences typicaly finds someone with very heavy water and air influences highly intriguing. Soulmates are always opposites in this area.

How does Horoscope sign polartiy affect horoscope compatibility?

People of positive signs tend to be extrovert, confident and optimistic (when compared to people of negative signs). They typically relate better to people of other positive signs (though their soulmates are typically of negative signs).
The positive signs: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius

Positive signs tend to relate best (most harmoniously) with people of other positive signs. However, soulmates of people with positive signs tend to have negative signs.

People of negative signs tend to be introvert, responsible, practical, serious and more likely to be pessimistic (when compared to people of positive signs). They typically relate better to people of other negative signs (though their soulmates are typically of positive signs).
The negative signs: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces

Negative signs tend to relate best (most harmoniously) with people of other negative signs. However, soulmates of people with negative signs tend to have positive signs.

How do Horoscope sign qualities affect horoscope compatibility?

People of cardinal signs tend to be initiators and leaders, and are typically forceful and dynamic. On the negative side they can be seen as demanding, inconsiderate or controlling. Two cardinal signs together can have control issues.
The cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn

Generally people of cardinal signs have the most harmonius relationships with people of fixed or mutable signs, and don't do well with people of other cardinal signs. However, their soulmates tend to be of other cardinal signs.

People of fixed signs are known for their determination, deep thoughts and persistence. They tend to achieve more than the other (cardinal or mutable) signs due to being so willful. On the negative side they can be stubborn, opinionated and inflexible.
The fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius

Generally people of fixed signs have the most harmonius relationships with people of cardinal or mutable signs, and don't do well with people of other fixed signs. However, their soulmates tend to be of other fixed signs.

People of mutable signs tend to be the most flexible and adaptable to change. They don't feel the urge to constantly create change (like cardinal signs do) or to constantly stick with a viewpoint (like fixed signs do). They're a healthy balance of the two extremes. On the negative side they can be seen as indecisive or flighty by those of fixed or cardinal signs.
The mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo,Sagittarius, Pisces

Generally people of mutable signs have the most harmonius relationships with people of fixed or cardinal signs, and don't do well with people of other mutable signs. However, their soulmates tend to be of other mutable signs.

Where can I get a horoscope compatibility reading?

I specialize in providing accurate and affordable astrology compatibility reports delivered promptly via email. The report first explores your personality, then your partner's personality, and then moves on to examine your relationship together in areas ranging from sexual attraction to problem solving. Each topic has clear explanations, scores and comparisons to averages. The relevant astrological charts are included, together with notes of how the information is derived from them.

Average size is 100 pages. The entire package is $27. It includes an unconditional guarantee, free email questions if anything is unclear, and free revision if you later find a more accurate birth time for you or your partner.

All the analysis is based off of the date, time and location of birth for you and your partner. Ideally the times should be as accurate as possible, but I can work with the best information you have.

Below is a questionnaire which shows the information I will need:

Your first name Your date of birth Please spell the month eg 12 January 1981 Your time of birth This time is in the... AM (Morning) PM (Afternoon/Evening) My time of birth is... Precise Close, but maybe an hour off Within a few hours either side No idea, so I used noon Location of birth - Town State / county / region Country Your Partners first name Partners date of birth Partners time of birth Please spell the month eg 12 January 1981 This time is in the.. AM (Morning) PM (Afternoon/Evening) Partners time of birth is... Precise Close, but maybe an hour off Within a few hours either side No idea, so I used noon Partners town of birth State / county / region Country E-mail Address* E-mail Address* * for delivery of the report. I never sell or share email addresses, and never send email advertising.

Life can be infinitely more enjoyable and satisfying with the right partner

Horoscope compatibility background and related topics:

Horoscope personality traits

Horoscope love matches

Horoscope symbols
Horoscope symbol meanings
Horoscope tattoos

What is my Horoscope sign?