IO Synasty

IO RELATIONSH (SYNASTRY)

                                                                                         for

                                                                   Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

Part One -- Planets and Aspects

Each of us has every planet in his or her chart. Each planet symbolizes a different facet of life. In synastry, when we compare two charts, we look at the aspects (distance in degrees) between the planets of one chart and the planets of the other to determine areas of potential ease or difficulty. In general, sextiles and trines are easy aspects; squares and oppositions are challenging or dynamic aspects. Conjunctions can be either easy or difficult, depending on the planets involved.

Below, a brief (necessarily incomplete) description of the areas of life ruled by each of the planets: SUN: The life force, the ego center, who you are at your core. MOON: Feelings, home, mother, family, sensitivity, nurturing, moods. MERCURY: Communication, schooling, short trips, negotiations, the mind. VENUS: Emotions, asthetic and artistic sense, what you have to offer a lover or partner if you're a woman; what you want in a partner if you're a man. MARS: Aggression, desires, competitiveness, ego drive, conflict, what you bring to a relationship if you're a man; what you want if you're a woman. JUPITER: Expansion, generosity, travel, optimism, knowledge, beliefs. SATURN: Restrictions, discipline, fear, burdens, status, ambition, authority. URANUS: Innovativeness, quirkiness, rebelliousness. NEPTUNE: Dreams, illusions, drugs, deception, spirituality. PLUTO: Death and regeneration, elimination, tumultuous change, power.

Common Aspects

Sun sextile Sun

You have a natural affinity for each other and can easily relate to and support each other's goals, ambitions and self-expression. The closer the sextile is to exact, the more strongly you are likely to feel this affinity. This aspect is typical of friendly, cooperative relationships, where each of you is similar enough to the other to appreciate the other's desires, needs and point of view, but different enough to be able to learn from each other and to keep things interesting. Romantic relationships with this comparative aspect are likely to either begin as friendships and develop into more, or to have a strong element of friendship in them, that helps the couple get through the rough times together.

Mercury conjunct Mars

This can be a dynamic combination, with both positive and negative potentials. These potentials range from the ability to work together in a carefully thought out plan of action, to a tendency toward lashing out at each other with ill-considered, rash words. Much will depend on which sign this conjunction occurs in and other chart factors. In Capricorn or Taurus, the positive side of the aspect is more likely to come through; in Aries, Leo, Virgo or Gemini, you may be prone to speaking first and regretting your words later. The Mars person is likely to be strongly affected by the Mercury person's words, which he or she may take as a challenge -again in either a positive or negative way, depending on other factors. The Mercury person can be challenged to put ideas into action by the Mars person.

Jupiter conjunct Jupiter

This aspect is usually characterized by generosity and expansiveness. The two of you may share a similar philosophy, belief system or way of looking at the world. You're likely to support each other in endeavors and tolerate each other's minor flaws with good humor. The potential negatives: you may encourage each other to overdo things, to be overly optimistic or to be a bit pompous in your shared beliefs.

Ascendant opposite Ascendant

This is actually more like a conjunction of each of your Ascendants to each of your seventh house cusps or Descendants. As such, it is the classic aspect of important relationships, and often signifies people who are both attracted to and cooperative toward each other. One mirrors the other's approach to life, at least on the surface. However, even though you will probably feel an instant affinity for and attraction toward one another, this aspect does not guarantee you will be compatible on deeper issues. It is a great aspect to have in a comparison chart though, if there are also strong positive relationships between Sun, Moon, Mars and/or Venus.

Fred Astaire's Planets Aspecting Ginger Rogers's Planets

Sun sextile Moon

Understanding, supportive relationships are typical with this aspect. The Sun person can bolster the Moon person's moods when he or she is going through emotional ups and downs, and the Moon person is likely to be caring and sensitive toward the Sun person's ego needs and self-expressive urges. This aspect tends to smooth the way in domestic relationships. While the Sun person is generally dominant in relationships with this comparative aspect, he or she is unlikely to be domineering unless this trait is indicated by other chart factors.

Sun conjunct Saturn

While this isn't the easiest aspect to have in a relationship chart, it is one of those aspects that can add to the durability, and sense of responsibility, in any partnership. There is a likelihood that the relationship may be limited or restricted in some way. Perhaps there is a great age difference, or one of the partners may have outside responsibilities that limit his or her ability to abandon him or herself to the pleasures of this pairing. But both partners will tend to take this relationship seriously, whatever its limitations. The Saturn person may be a wet blanket occasionally but can help the Sun person be more practical and disciplined. The Sun person can bolster the Saturn person's self-esteem.

Sun trine Uranus

Usually this trine indicates an exciting, electric attraction. There's probably something about this relationship that is somewhat unusual or eccentric, but that very difference could be the glue that cements it. You may have fallen in love across a crowded room, or there may have been some other type of dazzling or surpising event that brought you together. Relationships with this trine work best when you are able to give each other a lot of freedom and you each respect the other's boundaries and individuality.

Sun sextile Neptune

Because Neptune spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Neptune in more or less the same position. This sextile is therefore more significant as an indicator of the Sun person's response to an entire generation than as a trait in a one-to-one relationship. If the aspect is within a degree of exact, you are likely to be very supportive of each other's dreams and ideals. You can also bring out the charitable and benevolent side in each other.

Moon sextile Mercury

You are likely to be able to talk out any emotional difficulties between you because of the affinity you feel with each other on deep and intellectual levels. The Mercury person's words are especially likely to affect the Moon person's feelings, while the Moon person's emotional responses will probably inspire the Mercury person's thoughts. If other aspects between the charts support this, you may find you have something of an intuitive connection, and can recognize what the other is feeling or thinking without requiring verbal or physical clues.

Moon square Venus

This is generally an easy square. You are likely to excite each other's emotions and there may be a few intense moments between you, when you have to work at understanding where each is coming from emotionally, but generally this just adds dynamism to the relationship.

Moon conjunct Ascendant

This is a favorable combination for any close relationship as the Moon person can identify with Ascendant person's method of projecting him or herself in the world and the Acendant person will feel at ease and understood around the Moon person . Relationships with this aspect are often focused on family ties or concerns.

Mercury square Uranus

Stimulating mental jousting and exchanging of ideas are possible with this square between your charts, but these exhanges may sometimes unexpectedly lead to argument or misinterpretation. There may be a certain rashness in your communications; you speak first, think later . You may also bring out the tendency to radical thought in one another . If this square is close to exact, there can be a tendency to encourage each other in eccentric, impractical ideas.

Mercury square Neptune

Because Neptune spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Neptune in more or less the same position. This square is therefore more significant as an indication of the Mercury person's response to an entire generation than as indication of one-to-one relationship traits. If the square is within a degree or two of exact, there can be muddled communication, confusion and misunderstanding between you. There is also the possibility of deceptive behavior or dissembling by one or both of you.

Mercury sextile Pluto

Because Pluto spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Pluto in more or less the same position. This sextile is therefore more significant as an indicator of the Mercury person's response to an entire generation than as a trait in a one-to-one relationship. If the aspect is within a degree of exact, you are likely to have compatible views concerning psychology, social reform and other deep issues. You may enjoy discussing weighty matters together and encourage each other to use communications and ideas to make changes for the better.

Venus square Neptune

Because Neptune spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Neptune in more or less the same position. This square is therefore more significant as an indication of the Venus person's response to an entire generation than as indication of one-to-one relationship traits. If the square is within a degree or two or exact, it can show heightened romanticism in a relationship, which may or may not be based on reality. There is the possibility that one or both of you will put the other on a pedestal and will be disappointed if that other turns out to be only human after all . In general you'll have difficulty seeing each other clearly and will be more likely to be gullible with each other.

Jupiter square Uranus

This can be a exuberant combination, but a problem exists that it can be difficult for each of you to know how far is too far. You can cook up grand, rash, wild plans together that may, thanks to the luck of Jupiter, work out against the odds, but can just as easily backfire and cause you both grief. Unfortunately, there's no way to guess in advance which it will be. You're likely to encourage each other in unwise activities and have overinflated expectations of success together. You must give each other plenty of freedom in order to feel comfortable in the relationship.

Jupiter trine Pluto

Because Pluto spends so many years in each sign, this trine is more significant as an indicator of the Jupiter person's response to an entire generation than as an indication of one-to-one relationship traits. If the aspect is within a degree or so of exact, this can be a profoundly deep relationship that provides you with considerable potentials for growth, both as individuals and as partners.

Jupiter conjunct South Node

There's a slight potential for one of you (usually the Jupiter person) to be a bit overbearing toward the other with this conjunction, with the attitude of "I know what's best for you. " While this may at times be true, it can ruffle the other's feathers and cause him or her to do the exact opposite of what you hope. There is also a slight danger that the pair of you will adopt a you-and-me-against-the-world attitude, which can become a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Saturn opposite Pluto

Because Pluto spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Pluto in more or less the same position. This opposition is therefore more significant as an indication of the Saturn person's response to an entire generation than as a trait in a one-to-one personal relationship. If the aspect is within a degree or so of exact, there can be scheming, and struggles for power and control between you. There is the potential, in a very close opposition, for ruthless, even cruel behavior by one or both toward the other, but this would have to be supported by other aspects that indicate similar problems, such as difficult aspects between one's Mars and the other's Saturn.

Uranus opposite Ascendant

Think of this as a conjunction between the Ascendant person's seventh house cusp -- the house of marriage and other partnerships-- and Uranus, rather than as a true opposition. This is likely to be an unusual relationship in some way. From the world's point of view, you two may appear an unlikely match, but if you enjoy each other's differences you may be able to make it work. The relationship is likely to be subject to many ups and downs, and unexpected events. It may have begun quite suddenly -- and has the potential to end just as suddenly, although you shouldn't set off expecting that this will happen. It would take more than one aspect to cause this. The key to success here will be to give each other plenty of freedom. Also -- be prepared to roll with the punches, because you never know what might occur with Uranus in such a prominent spot.

Neptune conjunct Pluto

People of this century with this comparative aspect will have been born into generations widely spaced by years. What is driving the will and intensity of the Pluto person may resemble the illusions, dreams and fantasies of the Neptune person. Each may seek to actualize the same ideals, but the Pluto person will put tremendous force behind the attempt where the Neptune person may simply daydream. As neither of these are considered personal planets, their influence on individuals and one-to-one relationships is quite subtle and may have little or no apparent effect.

Pluto conjunct Ascendant

Because Pluto is in the same sign for 12-31 years, the Ascendant person will have more or less the same reaction to the Pluto influence as all those of the Pluto person's generation. If this is a very close conjunction (no more than one degree) it can indicate intense passion and deep psychological links between you. There is also likely, in this case, to be some degree of secretiveness, manipulation and power tripping in the relationship.

Ginger Rogers's Planets Aspecting Fred Astaire's Planets

Sun square Mercury

There is potential here for clashing due to a basic incompatibility between the Sun person's ego and need for self-assertion and the ideas and communications of the Mercury person. The Sun person may occasionally see what the Mercury person says or writes as something of a threat or challenge. However, this is unlikely to be a really problematic aspect unless there are several other, stronger negative factors in the chart comparison. If so, this square will aggravate them.

Sun square Venus

This square is typically an indication of attraction, although there may be some friction. Yet, this friction is usually mild and may only add to the sexual tension between partners, which ain't all that bad. The Sun person's assertiveness may occasionally be felt as pushiness by the Venus person and the Venus person may sometimes seem oversensitive to the Sun person.

Moon square Saturn

There is likely to be some restriction of emotional expression in this relationship, and probably some real emotional frustration. You may feel like there is an obstruction to your getting truly emotionally intimate with one another. Your timing may be off or there may be other situational factors that simply get in the way. Often this square indicates a relationship where there is a considerable feeling of emotional or family responsibility and obligation, but too little joy from the pairing. You may also bring out each other's fears and pessimism.

Moon square Neptune

Because Neptune spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Neptune in more or less the same position. This square is therefore more significant as an indication of the Moon person's response to an entire generation than as an indicator of one-to-one relationship traits. If the aspect is within a couple of degrees of exact, it can show that there is great confusion between the two of you about the emotional make-up of your relationship and each other. There is also some potential for one or the other to take on a victim or martyr role. Emotional disillusionment, disappointment or unrealistic emotional expectations are all possibilities when the square is close to exact.

Moon square Pluto

Because Pluto spends so many years in each sign, everyone born within a few years of each other will have Pluto in more or less the same position. This square is therefore more significant as an indication of the Moon person's response to an entire generation than as an indicator of one-to-one relationship traits. If the aspect is within a couple of degrees of exact, there can be emotional power trips, manipulation and attempts to control each other. Most often these will be initiated by the Pluto person.

Mercury square Jupiter

This combination can produce a lot of talk - sometimes quite grandiose - but rarely produces an equivalent amount of action (or, at least, action of any consequence). Other than the tendency toward wasting time and energy in discussions that go nowhere, this is not a particularly bothersome square.

Mercury trine Uranus

This trine tends to bring about intellectually stimulating relationships. The Uranus person can help the Mercury person expand his or her ideas and think in new ways. The Mercury person can help the Uranus person deal with the details so that inspiration can find practical application . If either of you is working on a project that requires innovation, the other can be a great help in actualizing the result.

Venus square Uranus

Generally a relationship with this aspect between the partners has lots of excitement but little stability. You may get together in a sudden, whirlwind romance and break with each other just as quickly, unless there are other stabilizing aspects between you. The Uranus person may feel the Venus person is too clingy and emotional; the Venus person may find the Uranus person erratic, unreliable and - perhaps - a touch too eccentric or kinky.

Mars opposite Jupiter

There can be a lot of exuberance with this comparative aspect, but there is also the potential for you to waste energy, activity and resources together. When you get along, you should have lots of good times together, but when it's not working as well, you can spur each other on to excess, and then blame each other for the results. The Mars person may sometimes seem too aggressive, impulsive or inconsiderate to the Jupiter person . The Jupiter person may occasionally come across as pompous or holier than thou to the Mars person.

Pluto conjunct South Node

Because Pluto is in the same sign for 12-31 years, the South Node person will have more or less the same reaction to the Pluto influence as all those of the Pluto person's generation. If the conjunction is within a degree or so of exact, there can be power struggles within the relationship and a tendency by one or both of you to attempt to manipulate the other . The Pluto person may feel that something associated with the Node person is a drain on his/her ability to maintain mastery or control.

Part Two -- Planets in Houses

This section is concerned with where the planets of one partner fall in the houses of the other, also known as comparative house placement. For instance, if you have 12 degrees Cancer rising (also known as Cancer Ascendant or Cancer on the first house cusp) and your partner has Moon in 15 degrees Cancer, your partner's Moon falls in your first house. Your experience of your partner's emotions, family and moods (Moon) will influence how you see yourself (Ascendant). In comparative house placement analysis, the planets generally have a greater impact on the houses than the houses do on the planets. In other words, where your partner's planets fall in your houses is a better indication of how you experience him or her than vice-versa. And where your planets fall in his or her houses will tell more about how he or she experiences you.

Ginger Rogers's Planets in Fred Astaire's Houses

HOUSE TWO

This is the house of what you have, both in a tangible and intangible sense. It rules your possessions, your values and what you have to give sexually to your partner. When the planets of another person fall into this house, you are likely to experience the energies symbolized by those planets as having an impact on your sense of self-worth, your possessions, your material security or your personal value system.

Uranus in House 2

The Uranus person is likely to shake up the second house person's value system. The Uranus person can also have an unexpected impact on the fortunes of the second house person -- either positive or negative, depending on aspects between Uranus and the second house person's planets, as well as major transits.

HOUSE THREE

The third house is involved in communication, basic schooling and training, siblings, neighborhood, community activities and extended family. When another person's planets fall in your third house, the energies symbolized by those planets will have an impact on the issues of the house. For instance, if a friend's Venus (the planet of romance, relationship, emotion, art, luxury, among other things) falls in your third house, your emotional response toward this person might be in some way similar to what you would feel toward a sibling, or you might communicate emotionally with one another.

Moon in House 3

There is likely to be a great deal of communication between you about feelings, domestic matters and day-to-day happenings. The Moon person's emotional responses may have powerful effect on third house person's ideas; likewise, the third house person's words can influence the Moon person's moods and feelings. There is some potential for getting bogged down in talk about trivial matters.

HOUSE FIVE

Some astrologers refer to the fifth as the party house, and it's an apt description. The fifth house presides over entertainment and fun of all kinds; including romance, gambling, parties, creativity and pleasure in general. It is also the house of children, and may describe certain traits of your first child. When the planets of another fall into your fifth house, the energies of these planets will have an affect on what you do, think and feel about fifth house issues. If someone's Sun falls into your fifth house, for instance, you may be attracted to that person as a romantic partner or as someone to simply go out and have good times with.

Mars in House 5

Generally speaking, this placement is an indication of sexual attraction. The Mars person can stir up the fifth house person's desire for fun, entertainment and general good times. However, the Mars person may encourage the fifth house person to take unwise risks or gambles.

Saturn in House 5

This placement has both positive and negative potentials. It can indicate that this romance is more serious than the usual flirtation, but it may also be less fun, or it may be filled with obligations and responsibilities. There is some potential that one of you may have entered the relationship for reasons other than emotional consideration, or that one of you may be inconsiderate of the other's emotions. There may be a greater than typical age difference between you. If there are harsh aspects from Saturn to planets in the fifth house, there may be difficulties with children, or children may develop chronic conditions. With this combination, you are cautioned against engaging in risky ventures or gambling together, as there is a strong potential for loss.

HOUSE SEVEN

The seventh, also known as the Descendant, is the house of marital and other partners. It is exactly opposite the first house, which represents you. As the old saying goes: opposites attract. The seventh is also the first of the houses above the horizon in your chart, and is the beginning of that part of the chart which represents your dealings with the public. When the planets of another person are in this house, the energies of those planets will have an impact on your seventh house issues. For instance, if someone's Moon is in your seventh, that person's emotional make-up and nurturing instincts are likely to be in sync with those you would want in a partner.

Pluto in House 7

If Pluto is closely conjunct the seventh house cusp, this can be a deeply passionate, intense and powerful relationship, but it may involve secrecy, jealousy, underhandedness or manipulation. If Pluto is within a couple of degrees of the seventh house cusp, and there are major hard aspects from Pluto to the seventh house person's planets, there may be an element of obsession to the relationship.

HOUSE EIGHT

The eighth house deals with a host of intense and weighty issues: death, obsessions, repression, jealousy, taxes, joint resources, inheritances and other people's possessions. It also represents what you want or need sexually. When someone else's planets fall in your eighth house, the energies of those planets will have an impact on how you think, feel and act concerning eighth house issues. If, for instance, your rich old Great-Uncle Harry's Jupiter falls in your eighth house, he might bequeath you a generous inheritance in his will.

Sun in House 8

This placement often indicates intense contacts that swing between harmony and discord. The Sun person can have a powerful effect on the eighth house person's emotions and sexuality. There is, however, the potential for manipulation, secretiveness, jealousy and emotional flare-ups. There can be a greater than usual focus in this relationship on joint resources, inheritances, taxes, insurance and other money matters. The Sun person can gain from eighth house person's assets or may control the joint resources of both partners. The above comments apply most strongly when both Sun and house cusp are in the same sign.

Mercury in House 8

With Mercury here, there is the possibility that you will be overly critical of one another concerning the handling of joint resources, taxes, insurance and inheritances. The Mercury person can stimulate the eighth house person to think and talk about deep and profound issues. The eighth house person's resources can affect Mercury person's ideas and discussions.

Neptune in House 8

This can indicate a deep relationship where you each have an intuitive understanding of what the other is feeling, but it can also indicate mind games and psychological confusion. There is a slight potential for financial loss through unwise or unrealistic joint financial dealings or business ventures. Occasionally, this can indicate a relationship that is caring and loving in many respects, but non-sexual.

HOUSE NINE

The ninth house is directly opposite the third in your chart and represents a higher order of some of the issues governed by the third house. Foreign travel or other long trips, higher learning, philosophy, culture, religion, law and book publishing are all matters related to this house. When the planets of another person fall into your ninth house, the energies of those planets can affect how you respond to ninth house issues. For instance, if a friend's Uranus, the planet of innovation and surprises, falls in your ninth, he or she might introduce you to a new philosophical system or a new way of thinking about situations or events; or he/she might be the perfect traveling companion for an adventurous trip.

Venus in House 9

This is likely to be a relationship where each of you feels warmth, tolerance and generosity toward the other. The Venus person can help soften and add gentleness to the ninth house person's opinions and beliefs. The ninth house person can help expand the Venus person's scholarly and cultural horizons. You tend to make good traveling companions and can enjoy pleasant romantic adventures together.

HOUSE ELEVEN

Friends, acquaintances, associates, associations, clubs, and virtually any other group you feel a part of are all matters related to the eleventh house. This is also the house governing your hopes, wishes and professional values (personal values are matters of the second house). When someone else's planets fall here in your chart, the energies of those planets will affect your reactions to eleventh house issues. For instance, if a friend's Pluto, the planet of power, falls in your eleventh, your association with that person can potentially bring you greater power and control.

Jupiter in House 11

This tends to indicate that you have a warm, trusting friendship as the basis of your relationship. You are likely to feel that you're both part of the same group and that, through your association, you can achieve your individual and mutual ideals and goals. The combination works best when each of you is willing to give the other freedom.

Fred Astaire's Planets in Ginger Rogers's Houses

HOUSE ONE

This is the house of self expression. The sign on the cusp of this house is called your rising sign or Ascendant. It shows your self image, the face you show the world and how others see you. The image you present can either be quite close to or very different from the inner you, depending on whether your Ascendant is in a sign that is similar or different in characteristics to the signs your Sun and Moon are in. When the planets of your partner or another fall into this, your most personal house, you will relate to the energies of that person, represented by those planets, in a very personal and immediate way; there may be a kind of instant recognition between you in these areas. For instance, if the Mercury of another person (which rules communications, short trips, thoughts, worries, and work, among other issues) falls into your first house, you may find that you instantly recognize, and/or identify with, the ways that person communicates or the ideas he or she has.

Neptune in House 1

It will be difficult for either of you -- particularly the first house person -- to see clearly who the other is; more so the closer Neptune is to the first house cusp. You will probably tend to have unrealistic expectations of one another . The closer Neptune is to the first house cusp, the more of a drain the Neptune person can be on the first house person's vitality, self-confidence and initiative. However, the first house person may be so smitten by the Neptune person's charm -- again, this is more likely if Neptune is closely conjunct the cusp -- that he or she will put up with a great deal, just for the sake of basking in the glow of this relationship.

Pluto in House 1

If Pluto is closely conjunct the first house cusp, it can indicate an intense relationship that has a transformative effect on the first house person. The Pluto person can help the first house person focus on issues of personal power, control and achievement. There is likely to be an element of compulsiveness or obsession in the relationship if Pluto is within a degree or two of the first house cusp.

HOUSE THREE

Mars in House 3

The Mars person can stimulate the third house person's mental processes, but also may make the third house person irritable, nervous or uncomfortable at times. There is the potential for you to be less tactful than you should be with each other and to speak before you think. This placement may occasionally stimulate something resembling sibling rivalry between you. Frequent arguments are likely if there are harsh major aspects between Mars and the third house person's chart.

HOUSE FIVE

Jupiter in House 5

With this placement, each of you is likely to get genuine joy from the company of the other. You will enjoy similar cultural, artistic and musical entertainment and are likely to expand each other's appreciation of various art forms. The Jupiter person can bring the fifth house person luck when taking calculated risks, unless there are negative major aspects from Jupiter to the fifth house person's chart. There is a slight potential that you will over indulge in pleasurable activities together.

HOUSE SIX

The morning after the partying of the fifth house, you've got to get back down to business, and that's what the sixth house is about. It rules work, health, service, worries, diet, dress, personal habits and other mundane, but necessary details of life. When someone else's planets fall into your sixth house, the energies of those planets will affect the way you respond to the above sixth house issues. If, for instance, someone's Saturn is in your sixth house, he or she might be an authority (Saturn rules authority figures) who you consult about health, such as a doctor; or he or she might be your boss at work.

Uranus in House 6

The Uranus person is likely to have a surprising effect on the sixth house person's work situation, health habits or dress. The Uranus person may introduce the sixth house person to different attitudes concerning diet, work or fitness.

HOUSE SEVEN

Saturn in House 7

Generally, this is an indication of a serious partnership, with mutual feelings of responsibility and loyalty. If other comparative chart factors are favorable, it can show that this is a lasting bond that endures through the years. If other chart factors are unfavorable, particularly if Saturn makes harsh major aspects to the seventh house person's planets, it can show coldness or a lack of consideration for each other or an unwillingness to share responsibility equally.

HOUSE ELEVEN

Mercury in House 11

This relationship may be based more on intellectual, superficial bonds than on deep emotional ties unless other factors contradict this. The Mercury person's words and/or ideas are likely to have an impact on the aspirations, hopes and associations of the eleventh house person. You probably relate to each other as members of the same group or organization.

Venus in House 11

You will probably enjoy a feeling of close friendship, in addition to any other relationship you have together. The Venus person can help the eleventh house person's social standing, help him or her achieve aspirations and help him or her advance through valuable associations. This comparative placement works best if both partners are willing to give the other plently of freedom and elbow room.

HOUSE TWELVE

This is the house of illusion, where things are not quite what they seem. Secrets, ideals, deception and self-deception, dreams, drugs, chronic illness, institutions and intuition are all matters of the twelfth house. Older astrology texts call this the house of self-undoing, but this is probably too negative a reading in most cases. It is true, though, that it is difficult to get a clear picture of what is going on in this house; so the energies of any planets of another person that fall into your twelfth are likely to be harder for you to understand than those falling in other houses. If, for instance, someone's Venus falls in your twelfth, you may find it difficult to see that person's flaws and you may respond to the person as if he or she were your ideal mate, whether or not this is objectively realistic.

Sun in House 12

With this placement, it may be very difficult for the twelfth house person to see the Sun person as he or she really is. There is some potential for the twelfth house person to over idealize, or to have unrealistic expectations of the Sun person, and to become disappointed as a result. There is also a slight potential for the Sun person to take advantage, consciously or not, of the twelfth house person, or to engage in some mild deception. Sometimes, the twelfth house person's intuitive understanding of the relationship is more on-target than a purely rational analysis.

Moon in House 12

This comparative house placement has both positive and negative potentials. On the positive side, you are each likely to have a sixth sense about the other's moods, feelings and emotions. However, rational communication about these issues may elude you. You may keep a great deal hidden from each other, either by design or because you have difficulty making yourselves clear to one another. The twelfth house person may misinterpret the Moon person's feelings or may worry needlessly about losing the Moon person's affection. There is a slight danger that one or both of you will indulge in guilt trips, dissembling, martyr-like behavior or downright deception. There is also the potential for emotional disappointment.