SWEETSIGNS
Sweet Sign is an archaic term applied to the air signs, which were said to be sweet (in
contrast to the bitter signs).SWIFT
A planet is said to be swift when it appears to be moving faster than average. Because
of its elliptical orbit, the Moon, especially, can move noticeably more slowly or more
rapidly than its average of 13°10’ per 24-hour period.SYNASTRY(CHARTCOMPARISON)
Synastry, or chart comparison, is the practice of superimposing two or more horo-
scopes and examining their interactions. Synastry is an especially popular technique
for evaluating romantic relationships, but it can also be used for illuminating business
partnerships, parent-child interactions, and so forth. The basic idea of chart compari-
son is very old. In Hindu astrology, for example, the practice of comparing charts to
determine marital compatibility is quite ancient. In the Western tradition, Ptolemy
mentions synastry in his Tetrabiblos,the single most influential astrological treatise in
European history. Even the famous Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung used chart comparison
in his work with married couples.
Traditional chart comparison focuses on the aspects between key planets.
Thus, if the natal Mercury (planet of communication) of one individual is conjunct
the Mercury of the other, the relationship will be characterized by easy communica-
tion between the two. Mentally, they will see eye to eye on many issues. In romantic
relationships, it is especially interesting to note how Venus (the planet of relating)
and Mars (the planet of passion) are aspected. A close conjunction between one per-
son’s Mars and the other person’s Venus, for instance, is traditionally viewed as a pow-
erful romantic-sexual aspect.
Among astrologers who accept the notion of reincarnation, Saturn is viewed
as the planetary ruler of karma (one’s ledger of debts and dues from previous lifetimes).
Where the Saturn of a person with whom one is in a close relationship falls in one’s
natal chart indicates something about the nature of one’s karmic tie. For example, if a
close relative’s Saturn is located in one’s second house (the house of money and pos-
sessions) when the charts are superimposed, there is some sort of financial karma from
past lifetimes. If neither person’s Saturn is strongly aspected in a comparison, there is
no significant karmic tie, and the relationship will usually be transitory.Sources:
Brau, Jean-Louis, Helen Weaver, and Allan Edmans. Larousse Encyclopedia of Astrology.New
York: New American Library, 1980.
Sakoian, Frances, and Louis S. Acker. The Astrology of Human Relationships.New York: Harper
& Row, 1976.Sweet Signs
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