Astrological Compatibility

One of the most popular uses of astrology beyond the daily horoscope is to assess potential compatibility between people. In the past this was sometimes phrased as "good" or "bad" compatibility however - as with the aspects - this is now considered misleading by some and the terms "easy" and "difficult" are often preferred by astrologers.

Note that "difficult" relationships can sometimes prove the most rewarding and passionate whereas "easy" ones can become boring for some people. Some love the sparks of a "difficult" relationship, others prefer a quiet life. The most important factor in any relationship, romantic or otherwise, is not the stars but the people!

Astrological compatibility is usually based on the nature of the various signs, in particular their element. Each of the twelve signs is allocated to one of four classical elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. Signs in the same element are considered to have an easy relationship, signs in in complementary elements also work well together (Fire and Air are complementary as are Earth and Water). However the Opposing sign is an exception to this rule - although it is in a complementary element it is usually considered difficult. This relationship could perhaps be described best as "complicated" or "intense". Opposites do sometimes attract.

Applying these rules of thumb we get the following table:

Sign Compatibility Table
	Very Easy	Easy	Complicated
Aries	Aries, Leo, Sagittarius	Gemini, Aquarius	Libra
Taurus	Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn	Cancer, Pisces	Scorpio
Gemini	Gemini, Libra, Aquarius	Aries, Leo	Sagittarius
Cancer	Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces	Taurus, Virgo	Capricorn
Leo	Aries, Leo, Sagittarius	Libra, Gemini	Aquarius
Virgo	Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn	Cancer, Scorpio	Pisces
Libra	Gemini, Libra, Aquarius	Leo, Sagittarius	Aries
Scorpio	Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces	Capricorn, Virgo	Taurus
Sagittarius	Aries, Leo, Sagittarius	Libra, Aquarius	Gemini
Capricorn	Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn	Scorpio, Pisces	Cancer
Aquarius	Gemini, Libra, Aquarius	Aries, Sagittarius	Leo
Pisces	Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces	Taurus, Capricorn	Virgo

As with most areas of astrology, compatibility reading can be either simple or complex. At its simplest it just involves comparing Sun signs (hence the classic "What's your sign?"). Whilst this is a good starting point it misses much of the subtlety of a detailed reading. For this, the astrologer will compare the birth charts more thoroughly looking at other planets as well as just the Sun and considering how the two charts interact overall.

Some people feel that an accurate compatibility analysis - a love match - takes some of the fun and romance out of building a relationship. On the other hand, if both you and your potential partner have in interest in astrology then at least you have one thing in common!

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