Question: I understand the symbolism of the Sun and Moon coming together in synastry. But how does it work in practice? What is the interaction?
Connections between the Sun and Moon in synastry are an astrological given. We all hope for them, we all look for them first off. But what does it really mean to have the Sun and the Moon in aspect?
What we’re looking for in Sun/Moon contacts, what we expect, is a wordless union of purpose. If the Moon is all that we are (and have been), and the 
Sun is the engine to all that we’re becoming, the Moon/Sun link is the place where my consciousness meets up with your purpose. If my Moon is in the same sign as your Sun, my accumulated knowledge fits wordlessly into your spiritual unfolding. The Moon person, male or female, usually takes the supportive role, the Sun person the inspirational one. Moon helps the Sun to create. Sun inspires the Moon to become more.
Sun/Moon, in alchemical terms, is the symbol of the Conjunctio, the Heiros Gamos or ‘sacred marriage.’ It’s a stage in the alchemical process where the higher and the lower meet, the physical and the spiritual worlds work as one. It’s related to the heart chakra, which unites higher mind and body, Earth and sky. It allows the higher states of consciousness to be integrated. It is our best life, a path that allows each earthly moment to be imbued with spirit. (No one tells you that you have to go through the other stages, Calcinatio (burning), Dissolutio (washing, disintegrating) and Separatio (letting go) before Conjunctio will kick in.) In synastry, we expect good Sun/Moon contacts (the conjunction, especially) to float us down a river of bliss, or at least peace. It doesn’t really work that way.
In a natal chart, good Sun/Moon contacts go a long way to helping us make that desired integration of past and present, higher and lower, body and spirit. The person’s past emotional integration is not at odds with the current life path. Not much attitude adjustment is needed.
Theoretically, in a synastry, two people coming together with this aspect should facilitate one another in this way. There is an understanding between them. They feel comfortable together, complimented. They like one another. This works even in compatible elements (fire/air, earth/water) without an exact aspect, although the more exact the aspect, the greater the integration. The practical, worldly experience of the Moon person compliments and aids the Sun in its spiritual journey. In theory, at least.
Why isn’t it foolproof, then?
Ever had a non-sexual relationship with someone whose Sun was conjunct your Moon, or vice versa? A friendship perhaps? Work colleague? Ever notice what happens? Usually, you get along okay, sometimes fabulously. You like the same things, you have the same attitudes, you feel comfortable with one another. You have fun together. But then, what happens? All that same-y stuff runs down an unconscious river between you. Pretty soon, you don’t notice it anymore, and then that’s when the conflicts of other planets kick in. And that wave of unconscious nicey-nice-ness that you were relying on suddenly turns on you a bit, because you find that the same qualities you really don’t like in yourself are reflected in the other person, like a bad mirror staring back at you all the time. Moon in Leo starts resenting Sun in Leo’s need for attention. Moon in Pisces starts steaming because Sun in Pisces is never home for dinner on time. One thing that has to be watched for, with ‘soft’ Sun/Moon contacts, is partners taking one another for granted or not recognizing problems when they arise. They can assume too much of one another. Truthfully, I prefer to see Sun/Moon hard aspects in synastry, because it causes a couple to have to reach out to one another without causing much upheaval or stress. It makes them interesting to one another. (Moon/Moon hard aspects can be much more difficult, because their inner lives may be completely at odds.)
And of course, the contact can’t be interpreted on it’s own. Any planet affecting the aspect will colour the entire relationship. A Sun/Moon aspect with Pluto on top is always going to be about integrating power. With Uranus, freedom and space will be an issue. Neptune will raise boundary problems, and question the solidity of the relationship. Jupiter may veer towards excesses, or be focused on higher understanding. If Mars is there, there will be lots of sex or arguments or both. Venus softens the contact considerably, and Mercury facilitates the capacity for communication, verbal or otherwise.
Also, Sun/Moon, in and of itself, isn’t a particularly exciting aspect. If you’re looking for magnetic attraction, fire or sexual charge, you have to look elsewhere. Sun/Moon contacts are like the pieces of a puzzle. When the soft aspects are involved, the pieces fit in nicely. With the hard aspects, you may have to shove them in, or bite the edges a bit. Even so, this is better than no aspect, where the pieces don’t fit at all.
Addendum: I’ve noticed that on a few forums there has been a misunderstanding of the relation between the Sun and Moon as depicted in this article. The fault is all in my sloppy writing. The idea is being picked up that the Moon already has been where the Sun is going. This isn’t the case. The Sun is an absolute within itself, the energetic engine of spiritual development, and is complete within itself. The Sun is not a developing entity, it is the central creative impetus for the chart and the life. The whole point of the Sun is that it operates beyond material reality. The Moon provides a back up for what the Sun is poised to create. For a more detailed explanation of what the Sun and the Moon represent in a chart, see the series, “The Mystery of Solar Fire.”
I know this is an old article but I have been trying to understand this aspect for awhile now. You see, my issue is I have an air Sun and water Moon. A lot of air and water in my chart actually. I’ve read a lot of books and they all talk about the Sun/Moon, Sun/Sun, and Moon/Moon but none ever really say which is better. Or perhaps, which would be better for which people?
I mean, I think I’d like a partner who has a chart somewhat balanced between masculine and feminine as well but to have a soft Sun/Sun connection is to have a hard Sun/Moon connection. To have a soft Venus/Mars connection (I suspect it’s overrated too, I’d appreciate a Mars to keep up with mine!) is to have a hard Venus/Venus connection.
So is this quote your answer to those of us with this dilemma? (which should be like half of us shouldn’t it?)
“Truthfully, I prefer to see Sun/Moon hard aspects in synastry, because it causes a couple to have to reach out to one another without causing much upheaval or stress. It makes them interesting to one another. (Moon/Moon hard aspects can be much more difficult, because their inner lives may be completely at odds.)”
Or do you think it’s, as usual, much more dependent on the chart? The very tightest aspects in my chart involve my poor Sun being the point of a Yod with Uranus opposing to make it a Boomerang. Soft aspects to my Sun in synastry will then make hard aspects to my Jupiter, Uranus, and Mars/Saturn conjunction. Oh, and Juno too though she is not in the Yod, just semisextile to the Sun.
It’s really confusing when I’m merely making up people and possibilities in my head 😉
Tora, It’s obvious to me that you’re at the point in your astrological studies where everything just looks like an explosion of aspects and points and you find it hard to make sense of a chart.
First of all, I can only give general information here. There is nothing in astrology that is absolute–everything depends on the whole chart. Without an actual, specific chart in front of you, it’s impossible to make judgements. So my first suggestion to you is to stop thinking up abstract possibilities and focus on real charts.
There are no aspects that are ‘better’ than others. We are what we are–what matters is what we do with what we have. I see charts with tons of ‘easy’ aspects–but usually those people accomplish very little. The charts with the hard aspects are often the ones with the most rich, fulfilling lives. If we want progress in life, if we want to learn and evolve, we need grist for the mill.
Interesting way to see Sun/Moon contacts. I do have my Moon squaring my partner´s Sun so I like to think this isn´t a “bad aspect” We are opposites in many ways, but deep inside we love and respect each other even if at times we argue. I´m used to Moon squares anyway, as I have many in my natal chart. Probably I am already used to deal with them at this stage. Invigorating.. 🙂
Dear Dawn,
And what if there is no aspects between Sun and Moon in the natal chart? What does it mean in general?
There are other aspects that can compensate. The usual result of no Sun/Moon contacts is that the couple has to work a bit harder to maintain their notion of being a partnership. With Sun/Moon, it comes naturally and easily. (But it can also be taken for granted.)
(No one tells you that you have to go through the other stages, Calcinatio (burning), Dissolutio (washing, disintegrating) and Separatio (letting go) before Conjunctio will kick in.
Does this stage apply to the synastry aspect in terms of the actual relationship between the man and woman .. And if so could you give me an example.
I didn’t mean that each aspect will experience all of the alchemical processes before they balance themselves–but I suppose I would like that to be true. We have tests and trials with aspects that make us stronger, and affect change, and those who do not. The more we survive the ‘test,’ the stronger we are. Much stronger than if we are just ‘lucky.’
My personal experience is that it is very important if the sun and moon are in harmony in the synastry. According in my personal experiences the sun conjunct moon synastry aspect gives very harmonic, strong and very good basic and flowing life together. Sun sextile/trine moon, and sun sextile/trine sun are also good. Also according Stephen Arroyo the harmony of the personal planets is essential important in a relationship. C.G Jung’s astrolgycal research resulted the same. I think the same. I can see this im my life. In the past I had two relationships with sun sqare moon and they were terrible and finished. I think harmonic sun-moon aspects are blessed. And of corse spice with some other aspects, but these are help so much the personal and relation development, but with a good, strong basic.
Dear Dawn, I had sun-moon conjunction or trine several time in synastries and nothing happened. It was a friendly relation, but we did not have strong saturn connection or some strong emotional connection in those relationships. It was absolutely not love, only a sort friendly connection. So I think it is not enough at all.. I think the moons are important in harmonious signs. And my experiance is that the sun-moon midpoint aspect to another one personal planet can be more strong as a sun-moon synastry aspect. For me it is much more strong than the sun-moon conjunction was. What about the sun-moon midpoint exact conjunction venus? And we have also sun-moon antiscia. I have never felt this kind of harmony before. The most perfect complement for my soul. Thank You.
The Sun/Moon midpoint is indeed intense, but it is more about attraction than anything lasting. There is an intense draw towards one another and a sense of meaning to the relationship. And yes, often Moon/Moon is more important by sign. People with compatible Moons are comfortable with one another.
★★ If you have a fixed moon trine a mutable sun in synastry, like moon in taurus trine sun in virgo, couldn’t that balance the aspect as they would both be aware of their boundaries and responsibilities yet interesting enough and feel like they can rely on each other? One gets uncertain of the way (mutable), and the other one picks them up (fixed) … how beautiful ^u^Thank you for the detailed and realistic article, it is amazing.
I hope that I (and everyone else!! (*my dream)) get to meet my soulmate as well in this life. And I also agree that there are many other factors in a synastry chart, and even natal chart, that could change the whole picture of another aspect or placement.
☆☆ ~ Also this question has been burning in my mind lately, do you believe that someone has to find their soulmate themselves, or that they just come to us, or both?
Thanks ♡,
Lucianna
Hi,
My partner and I are:
Sun (me) square moon
Moon (me) trine Sun
How odd is this and what does it mean?
Thanks
It’s not odd at all and if you had read the article carefully you would have your answer. These articles are trying to help you think astrologically so that you don’t have to refer to cookbook explanations.
Dear Dawn,
In synastry, me and my girlfriend have a Sun-Moon double whammy. i.e. her Sun square my Moon AND my Sun square her Moon . In both cases the orb is 2 degrees.
In the composite chart (midpoint method), this again turns out to be a Sun-Moon square.
In the composite chart (Davison method), there is again a Sun-Moon square with orb of 5 degrees.
This square is appearing in synastry as well as composites.
What do I make out of this…This looks so frightening. Can you please guide.
First of all, don’t be frightened. Never be frightened of a chart, you always have choices. Second, OF COURSE you have the Sun/Moon square in both composites, if you both have Sun/Moon squares between in the natals. That’s just math. Sun/Moon squares mean there is a struggle between habit and growth. The relationship will not allow complacency, but will compel you both forward, sometimes in uncomfortable ways. But it isn’t an aspect to worry about.
Thanks so much Dawn for your kind reply. It definitely makes so much sense.
Hi Dawn,
I would ask there what about sun-moon opposition in synastry. I read that it is a very strong attraction and bond and often indicate a marriage. (I also know several married pair who have this aspect) My moon and his sun in the connection. And we also have vertex conjunct moon that heard as a strong bond. What does it mean Moon-Vertex?
Thanks for your answer,
Zoe
Yes, it’s a very strong attraction, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say it runs to marriage. I wouldn’t say that of any single aspect. It indicates a complimentary life path together. The woman’s Moon opposite the man’s Sun is the classical arrangement, but it works the other way around as well. If you read some of the articles on this site regarding the Sun and the Moon, you will get a better understanding of the symbolism and why this indicates attraction. Essentially, the Moon symbolizes the feminine, Yin energy and the Sun symbolizes the masculine Yang.
We don’t know much about the Vertex. However, it is an alternative Asc; some go so far as to call it the Ascendant of the Soul. The Vertex creates experience that lets us know who we are on the deepest level. When someone’s Moon is conjunct the other’s Vertex, there is an element of karma involved regarding our personal evolution and self-awareness. We may find instant intimacy, with the Moon person taking the lead.
Dear Dawn,
Thank You for Your answer! Yes, it is a very strong attraction. I had several sun-moon in the past: conjunction, sextile, trine nad one time it was moon conjunct moon too. there were harmonius and very frinedly feeling together, but the attraction was not as strong as now with the sun-moon opposition. It is very good feeling and strong exciting attraction also, something more than a trine/sextil, or even the conjunction. There were very friendly, but not a strong attraction. Yes I, agree absolutely with the Yin and Yang energy as the analogy this connection. But I don’t understand why many astrology site take the sun-moon opposition as a negative aspect. If we see the Woman and Man, they are not the same energy, they have differences that need to be “complement” in an union. I think the sun-moon opposition absolutely symbolizes this.
The vertex seems to be a deep and important point in a chart. I hope the vetex conjunct moon is a strong bond also.
Thank You and greetings,
Zoe
Dear Dawn, but my latest conclusion is that both of the conjunction, trine or opposition are not enough, the sun-sun, moon-moon, asc-asc compatibility and some saturn contact also needed. I think an attracted and long lasting relationship needs some strong and harmonius aspects with some spicey other aspects (for example some okpposition) and the sensitive balance of all of these is very important. Greetings, Zoe
From my experience, the longer term relationships are the ones with contacts to angles.
Zoe, relationships can be very complicated, both psychologically and on an evolutionary basis. We are often drawn to what is not the easiest path, and in fact it may be the difficult aspects that keep a relationship going. It’s too easy to judge a synastry the way you suggest. There are many other factors involved, including most importantly, angle and angle ruler contact.
Do you think aspects between (for example) asc-asc, ic-asc, mc-asc or asc-moon, asc-sun, asc-saturn? Conjunctions or other contacts?
Hello Dawn,
What about descendant exact conjunct descendant?
We have also sun trine sun and his sun trine my moon.
Thank You!
sorry! it was wrong before, this is the right question:
Hello Dawn,
What about his moon exact conjunct my descendant?
We have also sun trine sun and his sun trine my moon.
Thank You!
Sorry, Sunshine, you can’t fragment a synastry this way. You have to look at so many things before you look at specific aspects. Sun trining Moon is affable; Moon conjunct Descendant gives emotional attraction and belonging. But a relationship is so much more than this.
According me the sun moon harmony is so important. I had two relationships with sun square moon, and they did not work at all to live to live together. we have very different point of view about the domestic life, lifestyle and about the whole life (althogh our mercuries were in the same sign). Now I have sun moon double harmony and we have the very same point of view about the life, lifestyle and domestic life, etc. Our moons are in opposition. It is also interesting because in the past I had moon conjunct moon synastry contact with someone and we had different lifestyle. So I think the sun moon good contacts are so important in the relationship harmony.
Eve
It means more to some people than others, and that has to do with whether or not the Sun and the Moon are large factors in your relationship signature (ruling the Desc, heavy aspects to relationship planets, nodal rulers, angular, etc.).
We have sun-moon harmony in our natal charts, and we have sun-moon harmony in our synastry (double whammy), and we have sun-moon harmony in our composite and Davison chart also. I think this matters a lot!
Mathmatically, if you have harmony in the natals it will also show in the composites. One chart is an extension of the other.
These sun-moon harmonies are also our own inner needs. We need this energy and we can share this in our connection also.
It is blessed and so great. I’m sure this double sun-moon harmony in synastry reflects on our natal charts, gives the very good energies between us, and helps in our relationship a lot.
I wish you a long and happy relationship. Good luck.
Thank You 🙂
Great article- thank you. What about sun moon square DW with sun moon conjunction in composite. I’ve read this means the couple work things out enough to get along? Or would there still be much conflict from the squares in synastry? Also no Venus mars connections (except a very wide orb trine) but lots of eros-Pluto-Venus going on, Venus fifth house overlay and Eros psyche close conjunction in composite. Would that make up for lack of Venus mars? Thank you for your thoughts!
Sun/Moon squares are usually not an issue. There are many erotic substitutes for Venus/Mars. Moon/Mars. Pluto/Mars. (Eros/Psyce is not particularly erotic. It’s about testing the parameters of love.) Venus/Pluto.
I am still trying to figure out what it means if the aspect doesn’t go both ways. My moon trines his sun and our suns trine. But his moon makes no aspect to my personal planets (though it does sextile my asc). Does the asc take the place of the sun? I’ve read some sites that use sun and asc interchangeably and others that say the asc is superficial. Does my moon trine his sun mean he is not emotionally affected by me?
Frankly, Tiffany, I don’t set a lot of store by trines. They can be quite sleepy in the real world. I’ve called them the couch potatoes of astrology. Yes, there is something about them that reconciles, that transcends, there is agreement. But it isn’t necessary to have them in a synastry. People are more attracted to squares and to angle contact. It gives them something to work out with the person, spiritually speaking. Grist for the mill.
The Asc is not interchangeable with the Sun (honestly, where do people get away with making up this stuff?). Our Ascendant is where we are grounded in the world, it is our sense of ‘I.’ I am here, now. The Sun is the spiritual engine of the chart. We can barely deal with the concept of the Sun. Along with the moon, it creates our lives in every moment, and allows us to process our experiences. It creates according to our understanding. It is far, far beyond the small I of the ego. Please read my pieces on the roving ‘I’ (ASC) and the five part series on the Sun.
I have someone where my sun conjuncts his moon. My moon opposes his sun and our moons square each other. Cancer sun and Cancer moon. Aries sun and Libra moon. Curious about this combination. I do feel that he gives a lot of what I need from someone but we both withdrawl when hurt. We both have some of the same throw a fit when we don’t get our way type of deal yet seem to be very accommodating to one another. It can be very scary to love someone so deeply without have known them for a long time. Trust, love, respect are all earned in time threw effort and hard work. I do love him , very deeply and it’s defiantly side slapped me how fast it just happened. I think we both hold on to hurts for a very very long time not only that but easily hurt, or atleast I am.
There is always an affinity between the Sun and Moon, even with difficult aspects. If your Moons are square, that is probably the culprit. Moon square moon can make things disturbing and uncomfortable, feeling alienated from the partner and feeling abandoned, lacking trust. Just plain uncomfortable. You will probably need space from time to time. Follow your own instincts about what you need, take responsibility for them, and you’ll be fine.
So glad to have read this article. I am dating someone his sun squares my moon and I often feel very needy but that’s always been something I’ve wanted to grow out of, and he forces me to grow up a little a realize yang just b/c I feel a certain way doesn’t make it true. And he does more to go out of his way to make sure my emotional needs are met. It does helps a lot that our moons are fine each other. His moon is also square my moon but not in close aspect. I’m Aquarius sun pisces moon 29 degrees he’s Sagittarius sun scorpio moon. My moon takes a lot of hard hits on my own natal chart, it is square my Sagittarius stellium composes of mars, Saturn, and Uranus. Idk what type of past life I lived (I also have Karmic debt number 14/5) but my poor moon is definitely different right now. I Hope this relationship lasts though. If not, I’m sure there will be more to come. 🙂
What are your thoughts on sun inconjunct moon in synastry? How wide of an orb should be considered, and would there still be affinity between the sun and moon in the instance of this aspect?
It’s a difficult one. The past of one doesn’t fall in sync with the present/future of the other. There are often misunderstandings with the Moon thinking the Sun is insensitive. It can work, but you have to be conscious.
What’s your view on me taurus sun Scorpio moon with a Scorpio sun Aries moon? My Venus is in Aries Pluto in scorp and I have a cap and Scorpio stelium. We’re opposites but my moon supports his sun and our moons are squared. Adore him though just dno I overthink it. I’m very deep (Scorpio moon)
I will give you a question to digest:if we already talk about this marriage of sun and moon what is your interpretation on sun/moon midpoint of both conjunct in synastry. Other details are that the her sun and moon square this point(so her birth occur on full moon)Mine don’t make any aspect to this point and i wonder what impact we have on each other?
How about sun conjunct moon but moon quincunx moon? Can one powerful aspect of synergy help ‘override’ or balance the disconnect of the quinxcunx?