Why synastry—an ancient technique dating back to Neoplatonist times—is more reliable for relationship analysis, offering clear insights through permanent interaspects, much like ongoing transits. Discover how both partners feel the connection differently depending on chart prominence, planetary themes, and aspects. Composite charts, on the other hand, are newer (developed in the 1920s) and hypothetical—best used only after a relationship is well-established. Explore how to read love and compatibility astrologically with nuance and depth.

I am often asked whether reincarnation is real or possible. I assume this is because the the Hindu concept of Samsara is often nebulously applied in modern astrology, which, by now, seem almost inexorable from astrological interpretation. Any contacts to the south node, the imum coeli, Chiron, Pluto and so on are commonly explained with the simultaneously dismissive and weighty pronouncement: "it's a past life connection" or "it's karmic". Never mind the fact that "karmic" in these contexts is shorthand for "bad, toxic and abusive" while "past lives" can be translated to "twin flames". It's a mess.

Put simply, Neptune can be described as the "longing for spirit" - a longing for spiritual ecstasy, for transcendence, for peace and spiritual redemption; a longing to merge with everything, the way a water droplet merges into the ocean.

In astrology, Venus doesn't only rule love... Far from it. Venus rules everything you value, from creature comforts and money to the things you find beautiful and pleasing... Including potential partners.

Moon is the most important celestial body in synastry, in my view. The Moon is a part of us that never changes, even though its effect on us may make us more changeable. Think about it: the Moon is connected to some of the most primordial aspects of our personality.

Some harsh aspects are actually quite good in relationship astrology. Venus in aspect to Saturn - a dreaded aspect in synastry, but one of my personal favorites.