Author: Alison Price – Updated: January 2026

💚 Relationships, Love and Romance Astrology

This article is part of my Relationships, Love and Romance series, where I explore compatability, the Part of Marriage, synastry, composite midpoints charts, Davison Relationship charts and wedding elections.

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Synastry: Planetary Gender

Genders of the Planets

One-to-one Relationships

In relationship astrology, older texts often assume a partnership between a man and a woman. Today we know relationships are far more diverse, and our language and approach need to reflect that reality.

When working with synastry, the planets do not represent fixed genders. Instead, they describe roles, expressions and dynamics within a relationship. Which planets you use to represent yourself or your partner depends on who you are, how you identify and how the relationship functions.

Some planets carry traditionally active or receptive qualities, while others are more fluid and adaptable. These qualities can shift depending on the people involved and the context of the chart. The key is to focus less on gender and more on how planetary energies are being expressed between two individuals.

Astrology works best when it reflects lived experience. Let the chart show you the story rather than forcing it into outdated assumptions.

Masculine Planets

Traditionally, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are described as expressing masculine or outward moving qualities in astrology.

Feminine Planets

Traditionally, the Moon, Venus and Eris are associated with feminine or receptive qualities in astrology. To bring greater balance and nuance, many astrologers also work with the asteroids, most of which express feminine archetypes, such as Ceres, Juno, Pallas Athene and Vesta.

Neutral Planets

Mercury is generally considered the primary neutral planet, and some astrologers also place Uranus in this category due to its fluid and unconventional expression.

Personal Planets

In relationship work, astrologers usually focus on the five main personal planets: the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars.

Traditional Masculine and Feminine Planets

Masculine and Feminine Planets in Synastry

In synastry, certain planets are traditionally associated with “masculine” qualities such as outward action, assertion and initiative, while others are associated with “feminine” qualities like receptivity, nurturing and attraction.

Masculine Planets

Sun and Mars

Feminine Planets

Moon and Venus

How these planets show up depends on the individual and the relationship context.

In a Person Expressing Traditionally Masculine Energy

Sun and Mars show how they assert themselves, take action, and step into their active role in relationships.

Moon and Venus reveal the qualities they are naturally drawn to in others—the kind of emotional and relational energy they feel most compatible with.

In a Person Expressing Traditionally Feminine Energy

Moon and Venus show how they nurture, receive love and express relational warmth.

Sun and Mars reveal the qualities they are naturally drawn to in others such as the type of drive, energy or confidence which resonates with them.

This framework is about patterns of energy and attraction, not fixed gender roles. It helps illuminate how each person gives and receives energy in a relationship and what qualities naturally draw them in.

Masculine Planets in Synastry

Ejecting Energy

In synastry, planets traditionally described as masculine point to outward expression, initiative and how energy is directed into the relationship. These planets show how we act, pursue and assert ourselves with another person. Rather than focusing on gender, it is more useful to see these planets as describing active roles and conscious engagement.

The Sun in Synastry

The Sun represents vitality, identity and the core sense of self. In synastry, the condition of the Sun by sign, house and aspect shows how alive and seen you feel within the relationship.

It reflects your zest for life and how encouraged you feel to shine as yourself. The Sun also relates to creative life force, including attitudes toward children, parenting and legacy. It can show your openness to a partner’s children or the idea of creating something meaningful together.

In relationship dynamics, the Sun describes the qualities you admire and respect in a partner and the traits you naturally express when you are confident and authentic. It shows where honesty feels possible and where you feel recognized.

The Sun also connects to father figures, authority and role models. In synastry, it can reveal how parental patterns are replayed, supported or healed through partnership.

Mars in Synastry

Mars represents drive, desire and how energy is released. In synastry, Mars shows how passion, attraction and action flow between two people.

It describes energy levels and stamina within the relationship and highlights sexual chemistry and physical attraction. Mars reveals what sparks desire, what creates excitement and what motivates you to pursue your partner.

This planet also governs competition and assertion. It can show where you challenge each other, play together or push one another to improve. Mars plays a key role in how conflict is handled, including how disagreements arise and how resolution is reached.

Mars shows where effort is applied and where frustrations may surface. When Mars is strongly connected to Mercury, communication can become heated, leading to sharp words or arguments if energy is not managed consciously.

In synastry, Mars asks an important question: how do we act together when emotions run high?

Feminine Planets in Synastry

Absorbing Energy

In synastry, planets traditionally described as feminine point to receptivity, bonding and emotional exchange. These planets show how we receive love, offer care and create safety within relationships. Rather than referring to gender, they describe inner responses and emotional attunement.

The Moon in Synastry

The Moon represents emotional needs, instinctive responses and the desire for comfort and belonging. In synastry, the Moon’s condition by sign, house and aspect shows how emotionally safe and understood you feel with a partner.

It reflects emotional depth and your comfort level with expressing feelings. The Moon reveals how you nurture and how you wish to be nurtured in return. It also indicates how easily a partner feels like part of your inner circle, family or chosen clan.

The Moon is linked to home and survival needs, including food, shelter and emotional protection. In synastry, it can show whether a partner supports your need for security and how domestic life flows between you.

This planet also connects to maternal influences and early conditioning. In relationship charts, the Moon can reveal how family patterns are repeated or softened and how maternal figures are allowed to participate in your shared life. It often points to the emotional templates learned from caregivers and female role models.

Venus in Synastry

Venus represents love, attraction, harmony and shared values. In synastry, Venus shows what and who you are drawn to and what makes you feel appreciated and cherished.

It reveals what you find attractive, what you admire and how affection is expressed. Venus also describes the style of love you seek and the qualities that make a relationship feel pleasurable and balanced.

Venus has a practical side as well. It relates to financial expectations, shared resources and what you are willing to invest in a partner or relationship. In synastry, it can show what you need to feel secure enough to commit and what kind of partnership you are aiming to build.

Ultimately, Venus in synastry answers an essential question: what makes love feel worth choosing, again and again?

Mercury in Synastry

The Bridge Between You

Mercury holds a unique place in synastry. It is often considered neutral, yet it plays one of the most important roles in relationship astrology. Mercury shows how two people connect mentally, exchange ideas and make sense of each other.

Mercury in Synastry

Mercury represents communication, perception and understanding. In synastry, its condition by sign, house and aspect reveals how easily you talk to one another and how well you feel heard.

It shows your conversational rhythm, including how you listen, respond and process information together. Strong Mercury contacts often indicate effortless dialogue, shared humor and mental rapport. Challenging contacts can point to misunderstandings, crossed wires or differences in thinking styles that require patience.

Mercury also governs learning and curiosity. In relationships, it highlights where you teach each other, exchange skills or stimulate one another intellectually. This planet often explains why some connections feel mentally alive while others fall flat.

In conflict, Mercury reveals how issues are discussed and resolved. It shows whether disagreements are talked through calmly or escalate through sharp words and assumptions. When Mercury is well supported, communication becomes a tool for clarity and connection rather than division.

Mercury acts as the translator between inner feelings and outward action. In synastry, it bridges emotional needs and desires, helping partners articulate what they feel and want. Without Mercury working well, even strong attraction or emotional bonding can struggle to find expression.

The Social and Outer Planets in Synastry

Superior Planets

The superior planets are every planet outside the Earth’s orbit starting at Mars and going outwards.

The social planets are Jupiter and Saturn. The outer planets are Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

These planets work more slowly and deeply. In synastry they describe meaning, structure and long-term impact. They often explain why some relationships feel expansive, serious or life changing.

Jupiter in Synastry

Growth and Meaning

Jupiter shows where a relationship brings growth, optimism and opportunity. In synastry, Jupiter’s condition by sign, house and aspect reveals how partners encourage one another and where life feels bigger together.

Jupiter indicates shared beliefs, moral values and long range goals. It suggests where you support each other’s dreams and where enthusiasm flows easily. This planet often brings generosity, forgiveness and a sense of goodwill between partners.

Jupiter contacts can highlight teaching, mentoring or learning together. At times it can also show excess or unrealistic expectations if boundaries are weak. In synastry, Jupiter highlights where the relationship helps you grow and also where you may promise more than you can deliver.

Saturn in Synastry

Commitment and Reality

Saturn is one of the most important planets in relationship astrology. In synastry, Saturn shows responsibility, boundaries and the long term commitment needed for marriage.

This planet reveals where your relationship feels serious and where lessons are learned through effort and time. Saturn contacts often indicate endurance and staying power but they can also feel heavy if fear or control takes over.

Saturn shows where structure is built and where trust must be earned. It highlights duties, obligations and all of your shared responsibilities. In healthy synastry, Saturn provides stability and a sense of reliability. In difficult expressions, it can feel restrictive or emotionally distant.

Saturn asks an essential question in relationships which is, “What are we willing to work for together?”

Uranus in Synastry

Change and Freedom

Uranus brings surprise and awakening. In synastry, Uranus shows where the relationship feels electric, unconventional or unpredictable.

This planet often points to sudden meetings or unusual dynamics. Partners may encourage each other to break free from old patterns and explore new ways of being. Uranus can bring excitement and originality, but it can also create instability if freedom is threatened.

Uranus in synastry indicates where change is needed and how much space each person requires to stay true to themselves within the union.

Neptune in Synastry

Dreams and Idealization

Neptune dissolves boundaries and heightens sensitivity. In synastry, Neptune shows where idealism, compassion and spiritual connection arise.

This planet can create deep emotional or spiritual bonding but it can also blur reality. Neptune contacts often bring projection, fantasy or confusion if clarity is lacking.

Neptune highlights empathy, creativity and shared dreams. It also warns where honesty and grounding are essential to avoid disappointment. In synastry, Neptune hints at what you are truly seeing and what you may be imagining.

Pluto in Synastry

Power and Transformation

Pluto brings intensity and profound change. In synastry, Pluto shows where your deep psychological transformation will occur by knowing this person.

This planet reveals power dynamics, emotional depth and the potential for healing or control issues. Pluto contacts are rarely casual, but rather they feel fated or unavoidable.

Pluto in synastry can lead to personal growth through vulnerability and truth. It can also expose fears around loss, trust and surrender. This planet alludes to whether transformation for you both will be conscious and healing or driven by compulsion.

Chiron and Eris in Synastry

Rash and Raw

These bodies work differently from the traditional planets. In synastry they highlight sensitivity, disruption and truth telling. They often reveal where relationships touch raw or weeping and oozing places and where growth comes through honesty rather than comfort.

Chiron in Synastry

The Wound and the Healer

Chiron represents vulnerability, healing and the places where we feel exposed. In synastry, Chiron shows where a partner touches, and may irritate, an old wound and how healing may emerge through awareness and compassion.

Chiron’s planetary complex by sign, house and aspect reveals where pain may surface in the relationship. This can feel tender or uncomfortable at first. Partners may unintentionally trigger insecurities or past experiences that have not fully healed.

At the same time, Chiron offers the potential for deep healing. When handled with care, this placement can create profound understanding and mutual support. The relationship becomes a space where growth occurs through acceptance rather than fixing.

Chiron in synastry asks a gentle question which is, “Can we sit with vulnerability and allow healing to unfold naturally or is the pain too much?”

Eris in Synastry

Disruption and Truth

Eris represents discord, strife and the refusal to be ignored. In synastry, Eris shows where tension arises which actually forces honesty and change.

Eris highlights areas in your relationship where one partner may challenge the status quo or bring hidden issues into the open. This can feel unsettling but it often exposes truths that have been avoided. Eris does not seek comfort, but rather she seeks authenticity.

In relationships, Eris can stir conflict when voices have been suppressed or needs overlooked. When consciously engaged, this dynamic energy helps rebalance power and encourages fairness and self-respect.

Eris in synastry denotes where disruption is necessary for growth and where truth needs space to be spoken.

Overarch

Be Yourself

If there is one thing synastry teaches us, it is that planets are far less interested in labels than we are. They simply show up, do their thing and stir the pot exactly where we need it stirred. Masculine, feminine, neutral, social, outer, wounded or disruptive, each planet plays a role in revealing how we connect, clash, grow and occasionally drive each other slightly mad.

Be yourself, everyone else is taken. – Oscar Wilde

Magic

So, take what resonates, leave what does not and remember that charts are maps, not rulebooks. The real magic happens when you let the symbolism breathe and allow the story of the relationship to unfold in its own wonderfully human way.

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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