Learn Astrology: Aspects & Compatibility

Have you ever googled "Which signs are compatible with (enter your Sun sign here)?" only to get a list of other signs with no explanation whatsoever? In my experience, trying to memorize random information is the worst way to learn something. Instead, let me assure you that astrological compatibility can be understood and put into practice in your everyday experiences. Learning about compatibility is great for dating, business partnerships, friendships, and mending family bonds -- literally any relationship can be bettered with this information in your tool belt. 

Compatibility in astrology shouldn't be used to help us find a partner, but rather to help us understand the challenges that we'll face with any given person, and to give us guidance to work through these issues. Just because some pairings are 'more compatible' than others doesn't mean they'll definitely work out. All couples face challenges. Every partnership features a unique dynamic because no two people are identical regardless of their signs. Still, understanding these aspects can give you insight and help improve the understanding of any existing relationship.

Below, I'll walk you through the aspects between signs in relation to compatibility. But first, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• All personal planets, luminaries, and the ascendant should be considered in compatibility readings, not just your Sun signs! 
• In the discourse below, I talk about elemental 'gender.' This has absolutely nothing to do with biological gender! Water & Earth are feminine elements while Air & Fire are masculine elements. They represent the Divine Feminine & Divine Masculine, which are present in all people regardless of gender identity. 
• There are 3 different modalities to be aware of when studying astrology: Fixed signs, Cardinal signs, and Mutable signs. These modalities describe the way that the elements express themselves. Each of the 4 elements has one sign in each of the 3 modalities (4 elements x 3 modalities = 12 signs in the zodiac.) 

Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius 

Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn 

Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius 

Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces 

Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn 

Mutable Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces 

Fixed Signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius

With all of this in mind, let's get into the aspects. (Aspects are relationships between two signs or planets.)

Conjunct

Conjuncts occur when planets are in the same sign (ex: Leo & Leo.) This aspect amplifies similarities between the parties. Conjunct couples will either get along seamlessly or become annoyed with one another. They can finish each others sentences or step on each others toes. 

Conjunct couples should work to develop their own individuality and give each other space as needed. 

Trine

Trines occur between signs of the same element but different modalities. For example, Scorpio & Cancer are both Water Signs. Scorpio is a Fixed sign, but Cancer is a Cardinal sign, therefore they are trine one another. This aspect brings harmony, ease, and understanding.  They may express themselves differently but they are similar in many core ways. Any differences between the parties can be easily resolved because trines are as close to effortless as it gets. 

One downside to trines is that the ease of understanding can breed laziness and stagnancy. 

Sextile

Sextiles occur between signs of the same 'gender' but different modality. For example, Sagittarius is a Fire sign (masculine) and a Mutable Sign. Aquarius is an Air sign (masculine) and a Fixed sign. Therefore, Sagittarius & Aquarius are sextile. This aspect brings fun, long-lasting interest, and welcome new ideas. 

This type of couple has enough difference to keep them interested in one another without creating tension. 

Opposite

Opposition occurs between signs of the same 'gender' and same modality. For example, Virgo is the Mutable Earth sign (feminine) and Pisces is the Mutable Water sign (feminine,) therefore they oppose one another. This aspect brings completion and balance, but not without a some struggle. Attraction between opposites is very strong because they mirror each other. 

These relationships are good for life-time partnerships so long as the parties agree not to change but rather to complete each other by being themselves. 

Square

Squares occur between signs of opposite 'gender' but the same modality. For example, Aries is the Cardinal Fire sign (masculine) while Capricorn is the Cardinal Earth sign (feminine,) therefore they square one another. This aspect brings tension, transformation, and intrigue. 

These relationships can be exciting and challenging, but if they're going to last, both parties must compromise. Otherwise they will always struggle for dominance and bring out negative qualities in each other. 

In my experience, Square couples with Fixed signs struggle the most because Fixed sign individuals are very reluctant to change or compromise in any major way. 

Quincunx / Inconjunct

If you want to figure out which signs are inconjunct to Libra, for example, find the opposite sign of Libra (Aries) and then locate the signs on either side of that (Pisces comes before Aries and Taurus comes after.) Therefore, Libra is inconjunct Pisces and Taurus. This aspect brings competition, bickering, and drama. 

Inconjunct relationships are the least compatible of all because they have a lot of difficulty understanding each other. These people have signs in different 'genders' AND different modalities, so they have nothing in common. They struggle to vibe with each other which leads to competition and compartmentalization. Typically one party will shine while the other fades into the background in any given situation. 

If this couple is to last, they need to actively support each other and create opportunities for the other to shine and be heard. 

Overall, every aspect has its challenges and its benefits. Don't forget to look at multiple points in the birth chart when considering compatibility! Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, & Ascendant should all be taken into consideration. 

Want to learn more? Get a synastry reading for you and your partner here.