Astrology + Relationships: Composite Charts
What is a composite chart? How is it different from a synastry chart?
Composite charts are all about the relationship. They see the relationship between two people as an entity separate from the individuals in the relationship. The energy of a composite affect the individuals in the relationship and draw from their energies, but the composite chart doesn’t focus on the individuals, unlike synastry charts, which show us how different energies within the individuals interact with each other.
How are composite charts calculated?
There are different ways to calculate composite charts. The most popular way is to take the midpoint between the individuals’ placements. So, the composite chart’s sun will be at the midpoint between Person A’s sun and Person B’s sun.
For example, my sun is 3º in Virgo, and my boyfriend’s sun is 8º in Aries. The midpoint between these two points is 20º in Gemini, so that is where the sun in our composite chart is placed.
You can find the composite chart for two people by going to astro.com > “Free Horoscopes” > “Extended Chart Selection.” Create an account or enter as a guest, and follow instructions to enter Person A’s birth information. Then, find where it says “Add New Person” under “Partner” as shown below:
Then enter in the birth information of Person B. Afterwards, select “Composite Chart, Mid-Point Method” as shown below and click the button that says “Click here to show the chart”
How do I read the composite chart?
You can essentially read the composite chart like any other astrological chart or like a natal chart “for the relationship.” However there are certain parts of the composite chart that are seen as very indicative for the relationship. Below is a list of particularly important and indicative parts of the chart. It’s important to remember though that it may not be easy for us to personally understand or relate to the composite chart between us and others. First, because we are in the relationship, it is difficult for us to view it from a 3rd party like the composite chart does. Also, the composite chart sums up the relationship and its dynamics as a whole. You might not have been or be in a relationship with them for long enough to fully see all the dynamics in action.
The Ascendant and Chart Ruler: the ascendant of the chart along with the chart ruler can show how the couple first met or how the relationship began, how others perceive the relationship, and how they initiate things and projects together and react to things. For example, in the composite between me and my boyfriend, the ascendant is placed in Leo, and the chart ruler (sun) is placed in the 10th house in Gemini. He and I met in school (the 10th house is related to our professional career and school and aspirations, and Gemini is associated with education) and we fell on love on the stage doing drama. He asked me to be his girlfriend backstage before a production we were both in, and as we know Leo is the zodiac sign of theatre, performance, the arts, and attention.
The Moon: in the composite chart, the moon is associated with sensitivity and the level of comfort in a relationship. A moon that is intercepted, unaspected, detriment or in fall, or only forming discordant aspects will probably indicate feelings of insecurity, dissatisfaction, or distance. However, a trine or tight sextile between the moon and sun can point to a tight bond and a strong feeling of comfort in the relationship.
House of the Sun: the house of the sun can show where the “heart” of the relationship lies. It shows what’s necessary in the relationship in order for it to survive and prosper. For example, if the composite sun is in the 4th house, there is a need for security in the relationship. They feel at home with each other, but if that feeling ever leaves, the relationship can crumble apart.
House of the Mars: the house of the Mars shows where the energy of the relationship lies. For example, a composite Mars in the 8th house can point to lots of sexual energy in the relationship along with jealousy and fear.
Chiron: aspects with Chiron can point to either healing in the relationship or a shaky foundation or damage in the relationship.
Dominant Houses: when you have three or more planets in one house (especially the sun or moon), that house can point to where the focus of the relationship lies. If the 1st house is emphasized, the relationship’s focus may be the outward appearance of the couple. This may make the individuals focused more on looking strong than working on the fundamentals of the relationships. The composite chart for Beyoncé and Jay-Z for example is extremely 1st house-heavy, with the moon, Pluto, Jupiter, sun, and Mercury all within the 1st house.
Uranus: strong or prominent Uranus influence can point to excitement, spontaneity, and eccentricity in the relationship. This can also make the relationship very individualistic, which can be good or bad.
