Astrology and Love, Part II: Comparing Planets and Ascendants in Synastry

In astrology, a person's Ascendant or Rising sign is the fastest-moving point in the natal chart (because of Earth's rotation) and also its most sensitive. It quickly signals luck or difficulty and shows how other planets in the chart—whether yours or someone else's—bring their influence. The Ascendant also reflects a fundamental house attribute (the ruling planet of the cardinal sign Libra) that can trigger the most direct reactions or outcomes, even in something as superficial as a casual romantic connection. The most direct and significant impact on a romantic relationship comes from the interaction between one person's planets and the sign or element of the other person's Ascendant (the closer the aspect to the Ascendant by degree, the stronger the effect).

Sun and Ascendant

If someone's Sun is in the same sign, element, or quality as your Ascendant, you'll feel warm, energized, and able to express yourself more naturally. If someone's Sun is in a different sign, element, or quality from your Ascendant, you may feel tense and uncomfortable, making natural self-expression harder. If both parties' Sun placements are incompatible, the tension may increase.

Moon and Ascendant

If someone's Moon is in the same sign, element, or quality as your Ascendant, you'll feel comfortable and relaxed—though also more changeable—allowing genuine emotions to surface. If someone's Moon is in a different sign, element, or quality from your Ascendant, it might actually be ideal, as better-managed emotions won't negatively affect the relationship.

Mercury and Ascendant

If someone's Mercury is in the same sign, element, or quality as your Ascendant, it encourages communication and stimulates your thinking. If someone's Mercury is in a different sign, element, or quality from your Ascendant, you may feel indifferent, have little to say, or default to criticism—especially if your Mercury placements are incompatible.

Venus and Ascendant

If someone's Venus is in the same sign, element, or quality as your Ascendant, it usually points to a joyful romance, but it may also lead to overindulgence or even financial strain. If someone's Venus is in a different sign, element, or quality from your Ascendant, it can be the best scenario, as well-managed passion can lead to beneficial actions.

Mars and Ascendant

If someone's Mars is in the same sign, element, or quality as your Ascendant, it can boost your confidence and energy, especially if your Mars placements are compatible. If someone's Mars is in a different sign, element, or quality from your Ascendant, it may suppress your drive or make you feel threatened, particularly if your Mars placements are incompatible.

Jupiter and Ascendant

If someone's Jupiter is in the same sign, element, or quality as your Ascendant, it encourages optimism and generosity, inspiring travel or broader horizons, especially if your Jupiter placements are compatible. If someone's Jupiter is in a different sign, element, or quality from your Ascendant, you may feel unwelcome, unhappy, mistrusted, or even disliked, particularly if your Jupiter placements are incompatible.

Saturn and Ascendant

If someone's Saturn is in the same sign, element, or quality as your Ascendant, it may make you feel oppressed, unable to express yourself, and weighed down by responsibility. If someone's Saturn is in a different sign, element, or quality from your Ascendant, it's the best situation, as your relationship won't be affected by oppressive attitudes or a heavy sense of duty.

Uranus and Ascendant

If someone's Uranus is in the same sign, element, or quality as your Ascendant, it can bring surprise, excitement, and novelty, especially if your Uranus placements are compatible. If someone's Uranus is in a different sign, element, or quality from your Ascendant, it may lead to irritation and unrest, particularly if your Uranus placements are incompatible.

Neptune and Ascendant

If someone's Neptune is in the same sign, element, or quality as your Ascendant, it may leave you feeling melancholic or confused, and at times susceptible to deception. If someone's Neptune is in a different sign, element, or quality from your Ascendant, it's the best scenario, as their chaos won't spill into your life.

Pluto and Ascendant

If someone's Pluto is in the same sign, element, or quality as your Ascendant, they may push, coerce, or even exploit you for selfish purposes. If someone's Pluto is in a different sign, element, or quality from your Ascendant, it's the best situation, as you won't be under their control or coercion.

Summary: It's best for the other person's Sun, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus to be compatible with your Ascendant, while the Moon, Venus, Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto should ideally not be compatible with your Ascendant.