Synastry: Different Signs Born Under the Same Ruler
July 15, 2022
What do Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra and Scorpio have in common? Two of each share the same planetary ruler - in the case of Aries and Scorpio, we are noting that Scorpio is co-ruled by Mars. (Before the discovery of Pluto, Mars was the ruler of Scorpio, and still enjoys co-rulership today.)
I will note, on the subject of co-rulership, Neptune and Aquarius are co-ruled by their ancient rulers, Jupiter and Saturn respectively, allowing them to share the same rulers as Sagittarius and Capricorn, but I have left them out for a reason - keep reading :-)
Let me start by saying this synastry aspect of shared rulers I see regularly in families, but I have seen it in marriages, and long-term romantic relationships as well.
I will start with Taurus and Libra. Taken on their own, Taraus and Libra form, what is called in astrology, a quincunx. Not a popular term and it’s usually followed by a “Huh?” when speaking to non-astrologers. Call it an aspect pointing to a change that is not entirely evident as to how to achieve it; I have also heard it called a “funny” or “odd” aspect. It feels like blocked energy that wants to go somewhere (it will) but the work must be done to get there.
Typically, one doesn’t see a lot of quincunx signs going the distance together, think Leo and Capricorn, Sagittarius and Cancer - I am not saying it cannot work, and work well, but I do not see it as often as Taurus and Libra - I just don’t.
Taurus and Libra - these two have a magical bond created by Venus, their shared ruler. Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, peace and harmony showers these two with the best of what she has to offer. I constantly see this placement between siblings, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren… I do not see the quincunx hard at work here. I see more of a trine or sextile aspect.
(Other astrologers have argued with me on this, and will continue to do so, and I will continue to point to my evidence :-)
Now on to Gemini and Virgo - a square between these two mutable (changeable, adaptable) signs. I see this quite a bit in families, but so too marriages. These two share the common ruler of Mercury, the planet of thinking and communication. Which is why I think it works well in marriages, as communication is vital for long-term success and happiness. Mercury works here to file down the edges of that square, creating a sextile, allowing for a common understanding and appreciation of differences.
It will not always guarantee that these two, Gemini and Virgo, hit it off or get along as family members, but with the application of understanding and communication, they will “get” one another where others don’t.
Now we come to Aries and Scorpio… never dull. I see this pairing almost equally in families and long-term romantic relationships - even friendships. Scorpio respects Aries’ independence and inability to suffer fools, while Aries appreciates Scorpio’s drive and intense desire. If romantic, these two connect under the passion of Mars. They are technically a quincunx, like Taurus and Libra, but with fiery Mars, the planet of energy, drive and ambition as their ruler.
So, what about Sagittarius and Pisces, Capricorn and Aquarius? Despite each pairing sharing common rulers, I simply do not see these unions as often as the above pairings. I believe this to be due to these signs sharing outer planetary rulers - not inner planetary. The inner planets, Venus, Mars and Mercury (the Sun and the Moon are not technically planets, but luminaries, and do not share rulership) are our personal planets.
The outer planets deal with greater issues, the extreme outer: Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, cast their influence over entire generations. While Jupiter and Saturn form our relationships to the outer world. As such, I have not seen those signs benefit as easily as those with shared inner planetary rulers.
I close with saying, of course, there will always be exceptions to the rule, and in order for us to pinpoint enmity or goodwill we have to explore the complete synastry between two charts.
But for now, I continue to note with pleasure that Venus, Mars and Mercury live by their own synastry rules, seeking compatibility on their terms.
If you wish to explore synastry with a loved one or friend, please visit my Astrology Readings Page, or send me an email before booking.
Be well and love well,
Jordan
