Relationship Balance

Since Venus is currently in Libra at the critical 29th degree and retrograde, it might be a good time to reflect on relationships, both past and present. A good place to start in relationship analysis is judging the elemental and modality balance in the natal chart. Often at a time of crisis in a partnership it is useful to observe how each person reacts according to their natal chart. Ordinarily, there are many factors we can observe in the horoscope, but to keep it simple, the balance of the two charts are a good place to begin in any relationship assessment.

If one partner has an abundance of FIRE signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), these types are usually warm, with plenty of energy, enthusiasm and vitality. They are unparalleled optimists, and to them life is an adventure.

A predominance of EARTH signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) shows a steady, practical individual and they are far more cautious than their fiery counterparts, and are reluctant to take risks. Earth type people are often accused of being pessimistic due to their negative, introverted and grounded nature. Earth has dogged persistence and in times of crisis they can be relied on to find a reliable solution.

A person with an abundance of planets in the AIR signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) is more interested in the realm of ideas, communication and the intellect. Air signs are logical, rational and objective and are prone to analyzing difficult situations. These individuals bring clarity, objectivity and new perspectives.

The WATER signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are also considered to be negative and introverted. A person with plenty of planets in water are said to have a strong psychic sensitivity, compassion and understanding. They feel the undercurrents of any situation and tend to feel their way around life. 

CARDINAL signs ( Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) are ambitious and need to take action, the urge to achieve and succeed are important. The FIXED signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) are the most inflexible signs and are often resistant to change. MUTABLE (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) signs are extremely adaptable, but they do have a tendency to scatter their energies and have difficulty staying focused. Often they prefer intellectual pursuits.

House placements are also important and they often compensate for missing elements or qualities. I have a brother with cardinal energy and his partner also has a cardinal chart and they are both ambitious and active people. This is a worthwhile exercise to complete and it doesn’t take long to assess both charts and quickly see the astrological patterns in the relationship.