Principles of Relationship Compatibility

Well, this is what it’s all about, isn’t it? For millennia, astrologers have devoted lifetimes to correlating planetary positions to events on Earth, and dispensed advice on every type of development, from farmers eager to learn the fortune of their crop, to rulers desperate to know if the time is right to invade a neighbor.

Through it all, the charts most consistently consulted to answer the most poignant of human dilemmas: who is the best to share my life, and will I be happy with the lover I’ve found? In other words, is he Mr. Right-or Mr. One Night?

The chemistry of the Zodiac can be a great guide early in an encounter; not only is astrology a great way to start a conversation, but reviewing your attributes together can be a way to quickly decide if you should run off for a deeper exploration, or stick around in hopes of finding a better fit.

Astrological affinity is simple in principle: Each sign is most successful, on the whole, with signs who match elements: earth, air, fire and water. Conversely, one might not get along with those who share their “quality”: fixed, mutable, or cardinal. So, for example, Libra gets on best with other air signs such as fellow Libras, Gemini, and Aquarius, and worst with other “Cardinal signs” such as Cancer, Aries, and Capricorn.

(Fire Earth Air Water)

Fixed Signs (Persistent): Leo/ Taurus/ Aquarius/ Scorpio
Mutable signs (Flexible): Sagittarius/ Virgo /Gemini /Pisces
Cardinal Signs (Initiators): Aries/ Capricorn/ Libra/ Cancer

In general, then, you’ll tend to gel most naturally with those that are in your Element and clash with those who may compete for your usual role in the relationship- consider how water and fire relate! Astrology alone is no guarantee (sorry, the stars don’t have a return policy) but when navigating the dark corridors and avoiding the dead ends of love, sometimes a scorecard is helpful.

Of course, many Heavenly mismatches thrive on the conflict, and in any event, your own heart is the ultimate guide. Harmony is not necessarily the goal for either of you. Nevertheless, if you find yourself on the fence about someone and aren’t sure why, comparing charts can often bring startling clarity to the affair.

Whether you get along like cream and sugar, or like marshmallows with soup, will depend on hundreds of factors. Your Sun sign is just the beginning; many astrologers regard your moon sign as well as rising sign, which describes planets in relation to the location of your birth, as being just as important.

Add that to the subtle influences of the Twelve Houses, and non-celestial factors such as background, political leanings, even sports affiliation-and it becomes quickly apparent that no one can easily predict the outcome of even the unlikeliest matches. Horoscopes and Tarot cards can shed light on personality quirks, providing often stunning insight, but in the end there is no substitute for your own judgment.

So if he happens to come from the wrong side of the sky, don’t despair-but perhaps take a deeper look at what he has that you lack. Stranger pairs can and have worked out.