The Composite Chart
The composite chart is a fascinating area of relationship analysis, representing the relationship as an entity in itself. There are several different methods of obtaining a composite chart, but the simplest one is to take the midpoints of the two individual charts and use them to produce a new chart. This is a chart that is not tied to any specific place or time, and it is in this sense quite a strange beast in astrological thinking. Yet it seems to have validity, expressing to an extent the essence and meaning of a particular relationship between two people.
The composite Ascendant shows something of the personality of the relationship, the sort of energy the couple seem to embody when they are together. For example, Cancer here might suggest a couple that seem close and very family-orientated, or strongly imaginative and sensitive.
Any planets near the Ascendant or the composite first house (which can be seen as an extension of the basic personality of the partnership) will represent a powerful archetype in the relationship itself. For example, with Saturn in the first house, the couple may seem to be bound together for the long-term.
The composite Descendant can be viewed as the relationships of the relationship. It is the opposite sign from the composite Ascendant, and so is suggestive of what the relationship may be seeking in other people, or other couples.
Planets near the composite Descendant or in the 7th house may describe something of which the couple meets through other people, and suggest how others respond to them. Because the relationship as an entity is not an individual, there is little in terms of psychological work to 'take back projections' that can be done. Instead, composite charts seem to imply a greater level of fate than an individual chart does, and thus planets around the Descendant or 7th house may simply have to be met through those with whom the relationship engages.
Suppose for example that Mars is here, then the couple may meet hostility or aggression from others. Something about their relationship stirs and energises others. If they can harness this to some positive impact, for example through some working project that needs to reach out and get others moving, then this might be a good strategy. However, it is likely that at the very least the relationship will attract strong competition from others and perhaps be encountered as quite forceful or dynamic.
The composite Midheaven (MC) shows the status of the relationship, the outer perception it gives. The tenth house is an extension of this, showing the very public side of the partnership, and what it might achieve in the world. If Jupiter is here for example, we may see a relationship that appears very lucky or successful and which has large status and perhaps even wealth.
The composite Immum Coelic (IC) is the very private side of the relationship, the domestic side, the hidden part that is not visible to others. The fourth house extends from this idea, and represents the private, personal sphere of the partnership. Planets here may suggest the archetypal energies which are strong in the domestic life that the two people share.
Some of the other composite houses can be described as follows:
2nd house: the shared values and resources of the relationship; this relates particularly to what money the couple have together
5th house: the creative output of the relationship; this may relate to children and other creative 'offspring'
8th house: the intimate side of the relationship, what is shared on the deepest level and the sexual aspects; this may also relate to any shared loans or investments the couple have
11th house: the social life of the relationship, friends and how the couple relate to the wider collective
Composite planets should generally be interpreted simply and stick to the essence of the planet in question. For example, the composite Sun shows the purpose, the centre and core identity of the partnership. The Moon shows the shared emotional and domestic life, the family concerns and daily matter of the connection.
Laura Andrikopoulos is a professional astrologer from England. Visit her website http://www.starpoetry.co.uk/ for personalised reports and consultations.
This article is based on an extract from her book 'Short Guides to Serious Astrology: Relationships', available from Amazon. Visit http://www.amazon.com/author/astrologer to view all Laura's books.
Reading a Birth Chart: Looking for the Outstanding Features
Interpreting your chart as a whole is a skill that takes some time to develop and learning to read charts accurately will start to come with the more reading and practice that you do. In this article I am going to suggest what may be the most important features of a chart, to help guide you in making an overall reading. The order of this list is by no means fixed in stone; it is suggested as a guide to help you. In time you will come to your own method to get into a chart.
1. Start with the Ascendant
The Ascendant, itself symbolic of beginnings, is always a good place to start. What sign rises? This shows fundamentally how the individual approaches life and the themes they will encounter as they make their life's journey. Pay particular attention to close aspects to this point of the chart, as they will be vital in understanding the basic orientation of the individual.
2. The Chart Ruler
Next, focus on the Chart Ruler. What planet is it and what is its sign, house and aspects? This information in itself will tell you a great deal about the individual's main focus in life, where their energy is naturally oriented.
3. Consider the other angles and planets close to them
Look carefully at the Descendant, IC, and MC. Consider the signs and the rulers of these angles. These planets will be important in the life of the individual (although take secondary place behind the Chart Ruler).
Any planets that are placed within eight degrees of an angle are called angular planets. They are extremely important in a chart, and the tighter the aspect the more potent they are in the life of an individual. An angular planet on the Ascendant is particularly indicative of a planet that will play a major role in life.
4. Sun, Moon and Ascendant
Take a few minutes to consider Sun, Moon and Ascendant only. These three factors are crucial in the make-up of an individual. How do the three signs relate? Is there any link/clash in houses or by aspect?
5. Element and Mode emphasis
List out the signs of the Ascendant, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. From these is there an emphasis on one element or mode? For example, a predominance of fire may suggest an individual with much vision and creativity, who views life as a mythic journey to be conquered. An emphasis on the mutable mode might suggest someone very flexible and able to accommodate change.
The lack of an element or mode is also worth noting. A lack of water for example can suggest someone who finds it hard to contact their own feelings and who may need to dig deep to get to them. A lack of air might suggest an inability to detach and see things in a rational, logical manner; again a skill that might come with conscious effort. A lack of cardinality could show an individual who finds it hard to get going and to really start projects off.
6. Several planets in one sign or house
When there are three or more planets in a sign or house this is said to be a Stellium. This shows a particular focus of certain energy (sign) or an area of life (house) for the individual. A great deal of the person's overall dynamic may be thrust towards this focus.
7. Aspect patterns
Look at the aspect patterns in a chart. These show major relationships between the planetary cast of characters.
8. Tight aspects
Aspects that are less than one degree in a birth chart deserve special attention; these are the most powerful connections in an individual's psyche and life. They may be considered more important than looser aspects.
9. Other outstanding features
Often there may be some outstanding feature of a chart that is not part of a standard list of items to consider. Allow your intuition some rein if there is some part of a chart that leaps out at you for attention. Although you do need to filter your intuition through your knowledge and understanding to date, it is worth paying attention to any hunch you may have!
Laura Andrikopoulos is a professional astrologer from England. Visit her website http://www.starpoetry.co.uk/ for personalised reports and consultations.
This article is based on an extract from her book 'Short Guides to Serious Astrology: Beginnings', available from Amazon. Visit http://www.amazon.com/author/astrologer to view all Laura's books.