The evolution of relationships
As I explained in a previous entry, relationship astrology can be analyzed by looking at many different factors. Important to take into account, aside from the synastry and composite chart effects, are the individual natal charts and their aspects. After all, what people are looking for in a relationship quite often differs. The synastry can be amazing between person A and B, but if person A has a challenging natal chart, he or she may not be looking for the perfect match, but rather for a more fiery relationship that has its ups-and-downs. More specifically, if person A gets involved in a what seems to be perfect relationship, he or she might even (unconsciously) try to sabotage the relationship in order to ignite a spark of challenge. Of course, these dynamics are not only dependent on natal chart planet positions and aspects, but also on how each individual actually deals with these aspects. If person A has a very challenging natal chart and prefers to live life on the edge - simplifying the causal mechanism at work here – but has been brought up in a strict and conservative environment, these character traits might not come out until after a certain age. Moreover, the consequence of the imposed constraints on behavior at a young age might lead to a drastic turn-around at a later stage in life. Overcompensation could take place and it might turn out to be hard for person A to figure out who he or she really is and with what kind of behavior expression of the true self can be attained. For more information on how synastry and composite charts work in relation to the natal chart, please see my previous entry.
In this entry I would like to focus on the progression of composite charts.[1] The composite chart can be seen as a blueprint for the relationship as a separate entity. It is therefore not specifically concerned with how the individuals involved in the relationship relate to each other, but more with how the individuals are perceived as a couple by outsiders, and how the relationship dynamics that evolve over time, as things get serious and the relationship deepens, play out and influence the relationship itself. I will give an example. If person A’s Venus is square person B’s Mars in synastry, sexual chemistry will be apparent but person B is likely to chase around A at an inappropriate place, pace or time. To simplify, these two people share an amazing sexual connection but often get their signals crossed. If they get past this challenge, become involved and get to a serious stage, we can take a look at their composite chart and see what kind of aspects and planet positions this chart has. Here we might see a supporting trine between Venus and Mars. But how is that possible? Isn’t the sexual compatibility a bit off? Well, the composite Venus/Mars trine shows that over time, the dynamics at work in the couple’s sexual union will be of a less challenging and more pleasant nature. One might argue that this is always the case: after all, once partners get to know each other better, it is easier to know what each individual is looking for in a sexual relationship. Still, if the synastric square had been emphasized by a composite square between Venus and Mars, the sexual relationship might always have stayed on the edge and exciting, but would also have become more troublesome and less predictable. What each individual involved in the relationship then eventually takes away from this depends on the natal chart, upbringing and experience that is brought into the relationship. The Progressed Composite Chart: a Case Study Over the years I have been analyzing not only composite charts, but also progressed composite charts and their influence on the evolution of relationships. Before I elaborate on my experience with progressed composite charts, I should explain that when I analyze a composite chart, I pay little to no attention to the signs the planets are in.[2] Exceptions are possible, for example when the Sun is conjunct Pluto in the composite suggesting a very intense, deep and primal connection, while the two planets themselves are in airy Libra. The complexity of this aspect increases dramatically when the intense energy that this aspect produces needs to be expressed in a sign that does not feel comfortable with such deep and irrational motivations. In general, though, I pay more attention to the house position of the planets and the aspects the planets make to each other. I also analyze, having been taught to do so by the infamous Cafe Astrology website and having witnessed successful results when adhering to this approach, the natal house that is emphasized by the composite Sun in the natal chart of the individuals. In that way it is possible to find out how the individuals feel about the relationship itself (as opposed to how they feel about each other). For example, if the composite Sun is effectively brought to the fifth house of person A, they will always feel the relationship is of a lighthearted and creative nature. It brings out his or her fun side. If person B’s sixth house is lit up by the composite Sun, however, the relationship might be or might become a burden to person B. He or she is likely to feel obligated to put time and effort into the relationship. One can imagine that if this feeling of obligation is constantly felt by person B, he or she will not be as excited to stay in the relationship as person A will be. As you can imagine, examples of this kind are numerous.
In his work, Blaschke discusses the progressed composite chart of Mia Farrow and Woody Allen for the date that a personal scandal became public.[3] Interestingly enough, he observes a progressed Moon squaring Neptune, a sign of deception. Furthermore, this same Moon opposes the midpoint between Uranus and Pluto, both planets located in the tenth house of the public image and the twelfth house of secret (enemies), respectively.
In my example of the progressed composite chart at work, the relationship of the people involved changed drastically after the progressed composite ascendant changed signs. It concerned a friendship that had the potential to become romantic. The woman involved in this friendship came to consult with me a few years back and told me she had recently developed feelings for her best friend, just as he moved to another country and had met a girl he had fallen in love with. She felt devastated and alone after what she felt had been a betrayal of their friendship by him. After having observed their synastric and composite charts, I took a look at the progressed composite chart and found some interesting results. At the time her best friend had taken the decision to move to another country for a job he had found there, the progressed ascendant of their composite chart changed from Libra to Scorpio. Venus, ruler of the chart before the ascendant changed signs, was in 20 degrees Leo. Venus has no particular affection to Leo, but Venus is not in detriment in that sign. When the Ascendant changed to Scorpio, the rulers of the chart became Mars and Pluto. In itself these planets are of a more combative nature (to put it simply) but on top of this, Mars was in detriment in Cancer and Pluto was in Scorpio, sitting right on top of the Ascendant, showing that the relationship would deteriorate (Mars in Cancer) and transform drastically (Pluto on the Ascendant, in Scorpio). Happy holidays,
Yours truly,
Maudy
[1] See three entries back for an explanation on what a composite chart is.
[2] In this book 'Composite Charts', Townley spends a lot of time explaining the signs the planets are in. In my experience this is just not very useful and makes the relationship analysis unnecessarily complicated.
[3] Woody Allen cheated on Mia Farrow with their adopted daughter.