The synastry method is a side-by-side comparison of two charts. The distance between your planets and another person’s can tell you so much about how you’ll relate. Will you get along smoothly or need to compromise? Will your interpersonal dynamics be so easy it's actually a little boring—or constantly charged with tension? For example, if you have Venus in Aries and your partner has Venus in Gemini, your Venus signs form a “sextile” angle. Sounds pretty juicy already, doesn’t it? But this is actually more of a BFF-with-benefits vibe. We'll explain more of that in the next chapter.

You can also use this method to compare two planets in your own chart. In this exercise we will explore the synastry between your Venus sign and your Mars sign. By learning about the distance between these cosmic lovebirds, you can learn how to harmonize your seductive side and your sexuality; your desire for bonding and your need for boundaries. Bonus: Once you get the hang of this, you can compare the angles between any two planets in your chart—for love, career, or any purpose.