“I’ve heard that the soli-lunar midpoint is important in synastry. What role does it play?”
A midpoint is the place of ultimate tension between any two astrological factors. When planets or lights are involved, anything hitting that point will activate the development of both planets, and be strongly felt. It’s a very sensitive, almost hyperactive place in the chart. It works with any two positions, but has more impact when planets involved are in aspect.
The Soli-Lunar midpoint, is, of course, the midpoint between the Sun and 
the Moon. Given what we’ve been discussing as to the way the interplay of the Sun and the Moon affects our own development (see The Mystery of Solar Fire, and The Nodes: An Introduction) and our development within synastry, you can sense how important this particular midpoint might be. Aside from the angles, the Sun and the Moon are the strongest influences in our charts. They describe and orchestrate our ongoing development. The Soli-Lunar midpoint is the place the developmental energies collide. It’s the place where we actively transform who we are. If we have one of our own planets there, it will play a vital role in our growth; whether it will be easy or challenging will depend on its aspects, but it will certainly play a leading role.
Transits and progressions to the Soli-Lunar midpoint stimulate our development in a very concrete and often rapid way. Anyone who has had the long term transit of a heavy hitting planet over this midpoint can vouch for this. But the Soli-Lunar midpoint has a particular knack for working in terms of relationships, which attests to the power of symbolic partnership, the symbolic marriage of Sun and Moon (see The Marriage of Sun and Moon) as an outer experience of unity reflecting an inner one. Sometimes, transits or progressions to the Soli-Lunar midpoint will bring partnerships to us, working much like transits to either end of the Vertex axis or Ascendant axis.
When we meet anyone whose angles, planets or points conjunct our Soli-Lunar midpoint, they stimulate and excite us. We’re particularly susceptible to the relationship planets landing there (Sun/Moon/Venus/Mars/Saturn) but any planet will do. It works almost like a conjunction to the Descendant–there is something in this person, represented by the planet, that we feel we need. However, the Soli-Lunar midpoint does not symbolize an emptiness or lack, the way the Descendant does. It is an active point of being, almost Uranian in its operation. It facilitates moving us to a higher state of consciousness awareness.
When someone else’s planet or light hits your Soli-Lunar midpoint, there is often an intense fascination, almost a compulsion. For a time, this person can appear to hold the key to everything. It makes sense, because for a time, that’s what they symbolize, a living embodiment of the path to your future. There is the further internal pressure to merge with this human being in whatever way possible, to take this energy within. It’s as if we are hypnotized and compelled by the evolutionary and developmental flow between the Moon and the Sun, which is now heightened by the contact. Human consciousness often translates the need for transformation into sexual terms, and these points can be very ‘hot’ if there is an appropriate meeting of hearts and minds as well as a physical attraction. Notice I include hearts and minds. This point is not sexual in and of itself, but can be if the two people involved are able to affect one another on a deeper level. The ‘heat’ here comes from the need for psychological integration (which doesn’t sound very sexy but is tremendously intense, and at the root of all of our desire).
The person who owns the midpoint is the one who feels the energy most intensely on a day to day basis, though the person whose planet or point is making the connection can feel a maximization of that planet in the relationship–that planet is now highlighted in its influence. The activity will be enhanced when the degree experiences a transit or progression, and these times can be particularly volatile for a couple. This is why it’s better to have something soft there, the Moon or Sun or Venus, rather than Saturn or Pluto. Normally I’m all for the intense influences of the outer planets, but the Soli-Lunar midpoint is such a tender and yet electric place that often couples who have a harsher planet there find it too uncomfortable to tolerate on a regular basis.
I only consider conjunctions and oppositions to this point. While other aspects have influence, they are not so immediate. If the planet making the contact is an important one in the partner’s chart, it will have a strong influence on the relationship that might not be detected from other contacts between the charts.
The Soli-Lunar midpoint via secondary progression is something I find is absolutely vital to consider in any kind of chart interpretation. If the progressed chart is reflective of where we are now in our spiritual development (see The Progressed Chart Confusion), and the progressed Sun and progressed Moon are the major indicators of our soul’s growth, continually in movement and in changing relation to one another (read Dane Rudhyar’s book on the progressed lunar cycle), then the Soli-Lunar progressed midpoint indicates our spiritual ‘hotspot.’ The midpoint of the progressed Sun and progressed Moon can indicate major life events, or turning points, when they hit natal planets or sensitive areas of the chart. And of course, it is a crucial point in synastry, particularly in regards to transits and other progressed planets. If another’s planet or point hits the progressed midpoint, the impact is as strong as a connection to the natal chart, but they are not as long lasting. The relationship might be temporary, or the connection will indicate someone entering our lives. The midpoint of the progressed Sun and Moon moves fairly quickly, given that the Sun moves forward roughly one degree per year and the progressed Moon about two and a half degrees per month. The progressed midpoint is ever-changing, fascinating to watch, and will often have its greatest impact when it is within minutes of exact and triggered by the transiting Moon or Sun. It can be particularly explosive when the progressed Soli-Lunar midpoint moves to hit the midpoint of two planets that are conjunct. The conjunction will come alive in a way it never has before, and its influence may colour the life for a long time to come, even after the progressed midpoint is long past.
It’s important to note that contacts to the Soli-Lunar midpoint do not necessarily indicate deep relationships, and they bring no guarantees for the long term. It isn’t better to have one than not to have one. In fact, they can often make a relationship uncomfortable, because real growth pulls us out of our comfort zones, requires real change, and is never easy. It’s easy to get all Neptunian and start wishing for these connections, or seeking them out, but the truth is that, as compelling as they are, they’re useless unless we’re very willing and able to do the work at hand.
Wonderful article, thank you. My Sun/Moon midpoint squares my Ascendant.
Thanks, Michelle. If your Soli-Lunar midpoint squares your Ascendant/Desc axis, it puts a stronger emphasis on relationships as a key to development. Sorting out the “I” from the “We” becomes crucial.
I have Pluto at mine.
And my husband’s Venus is there as well š
Thanks for the great article. I just discovered midpoints and am amazed.
My first real āboyfriendā had his Sun conjunct my Sun/Moon midpoint (in the 4th) and to say our relationship was life changing would be an understatement. Prior to meeting him, Iād been a late bloomer, resigned to never meeting anyone who sparked my fire. Wow, was I wrong. Since we didnāt have much in common — other than the fact that each of us desperately longed for an over idealized version of the other — our relationship was very short lived and never really came to fruition. It took me years to realize that Iād been āin love with loveā. As traumatic as the experience was, it eventually helped me to fine tune what it was that really mattered in a healthy relationship and to look inward to for what I had expected to get from him.
Iām not sure what kind of orb you would use, but my natal Saturn is within 5 degrees of this midpoint, so I think itās played an even more significant role in my life. Coincidentally (or not), my 4th house Saturn placement also represents the midpoint between my closest square (of my Moon to Mercury), as well as the midpoint between my Sun and Chiron trine.
Also interesting (at least to me), is that within the past week, Iāve had a progressed conjunction of my Sun and Moon, which is within a 1 degree separating orb of my natal Sun/Moon midpoint. I feel like Iāve just completed a major Karmic cycle in my life (involving 4th house issues) and am only now beginning to feel comfortable with who I am and what I know.
Thanks, LB. It’s important to remember that the midpoint of any two planets will reflect the conditions of the natal planets–both to one another and to any natal planets that aspect them. A midpoint between Mars and Jupiter will be more erratic if, for example, Mars is highly influenced by Uranus. Having a progressed new moon at the soli/lunar midpoint indicates an intense period of integration. The present will no longer be dominated by the past, unless you get in your own way.
It’s always good to look out for ‘hotspots’ in the chart–degrees where a lot of midpoints land, especially if a planet is there. Any transits or progressions to that spot will act as a trigger.
I just found this post and the Q&A about the Vertex and it’s making my head spin. I like it! *smiles*
I had a long-term relationship with someone whose Scorpio stellium (Mars – Uranus – Venus – Asc) was tightly conjunct my sun/moon midpoint, while my Virgo/Libra complex (N. Node – IC in Virgo conjuncting my Mars – Venus – Pluto in Libra) loosely conjuncted his s/m mp as well. Add to that, both of our vertices conjuncted the other’s Asc.
I don’t think either of us walked away unchanged. Frankly, I’m surprised we walked away alive.
Hello Dawn!!
What would be the effect if Someone’s sun moon midpoint was conjunct the other person’s descendant??
He has a sun sextile moon..with a Yod configuration with Chiron as finger. And my asc/dsc axis lies along that chiron/ solilnar midpoint. I was somehwat fascinated by this configuration š
Hope its not to complicated for you to imagine?
Hello, alpha–No, it’s not too complicated to imagine/envision but it’s too complicated to comment on in any detail. The reason is that Chiron is such a complex energy to deal with, and I would have to explain the way the Sun and Moon in aspect influence the chart. In essence, if Chiron is bisecting a Sun/Moon sextile, the process of moving from the past to the present, from the known to the unknown, would be a painful one for the person involved. It would indicate a lot of tension about feeling inadequate to the task. Your axis falling on the Chiron/midpoint line would be compelling and yet painful. There is healing to be had, but at what price?
What an interesting article! I discovered that my Sun/Moon midpoint conjuncts Chiron in Leo, 2nd house…but don’t know what that means…
If your Sun/Moon midpoint conjuncts a planet, it elevates that planet’s status in the chart. It’s as if your very life is breathing through that planet. In this case, there is no escaping Chiron and his lessons–your life must be devoted to something beyond your ego, something that is in some way healing. And you must learn that your life is a vehicle for the greater forces to express themselves. There may be a severe sense of limitation but a true empathy with others is possible. It is, in fact, a gift which must be shared with others. You may also have healing abilities of which you are unaware.
in my case it’s uranus conjuct midpoint sun/moon. That’s strange, I don’t feel I vibe this, but my partners? yeah, 100%, since uranus is in the 5th house
Very very interesting!!!!!Wouldn’t a moon [exactly] square sun/moon midpoint count in synastry as well? I mean because you said only conjunction/opposition matters isn’t it strong with all hard aspects to it? Thank you! š
Yes, the square works too, though it’s third in the line of ‘power’ and sometimes avoids rather than confronts.
In natal to natal contacts one might consider it as an obvious point of attraction – psychologically-since it is the blending point of two most important factors.
but..!!
I have seen it get activated in composites so often its amazing-
progressed natal to composite, progressed composite to composite , transit to composite etc etc. When activated in composite It draws two people together so suddenly as if it were the nodes or vertex. Like for years and years they just hang around each other as nobody and suddenly decide to be in a relationship precisely when something happened to activate the composite s/m midpt.
Yes, it’s an extremely hot point in composite. I’m going to be writing about it as part of this series, along with some other points.
Okay, just checked. Our Composite sun moon mid point is 3 degree Sag.
My sun moon midpoint is 4 degree sag.
Her Sun Moon midpoint is 2 degree sag!
What do you think?
Or rather pretending to be nobody..
Hi Dawn,
I know someone where his Moon is Conjunct his Ascendant and my Moon Conjuncts his Descendant. My Venus conjuncts exactly his Sun/Moon Midpoint. Being that a man’s moon and venus shows the type of woman is his ideal, is it fair to say that these points in synastry could indicate that I may offer him the idea of an ideal, if that makes sense?
He is an Aquarius (Sun, Venus) and Sag Rising and Moon. I am a Scorpio. We have different natures, yet maintain a communication and have an unusual relationship (a bit of a hybrid). Just trying to get some insights into the nature of what he may be feeling since he an Aquarius and ‘feelings’ could be a challenge for him to express.
Yes, NL, these are both excellent positions to have in a synastry. Alas, no two aspects are enough. The analysis of what attracts a partner is complicated and often contradictory, and the entire chart has to be analyzed for the capacity for relationship. I’ve seen the best synastries in the world fall apart because one of the partners was just not ready, willing or able.
“If anotherās planet or point hits the progressed midpoint, the impact is as strong as a connection to the natal chart, but they are not as long lasting. The relationship might be temporary, or the connection will indicate someone entering our lives.”
This is a phenomenon that happened to me recently. On the day that this person appeared in my life for the first time, his progressed sun-moon midpoint is conjunct my natal sun to the exact degree.
After that day, we were both confused why we met in the first place and what’s the purpose of that meeting.
I’m fla-a-a-abbergasted!
Since my current focus on *our* progressed Sun/Moon midpoints, … pffft!;)
Ok, look at this:
I’m in a *new* relationship since april 2012.
I broke up with my ex dec. 2011 (serious relationship for almost 2 years)
I just now looked (for the very first time) at *our* (all three yes) *progressed Sun/Moon midpoints*.
I almost can’t believe my eyes.. at this right-now-moment;
The *progressed* Sun/Moon midpoint of my *new love* – Cap./Cancer at 16’14
The *progressed* Sun/Moon midpoint of my *ex* –
Cancer/Cap at 16’14
To THE minute exact alignments! (opposite)
(I’ve seen both their birth-certificate, so no doubt about time of birth)
Ok, right now *my* progressed Sun/Moon midpoint:
Cancer/Cap. 26’03
Now when looking into the future regarding *our* progr. S/M midpoints, I see *this* happening;
10 years later;
*MY* progr. S/M midpoint: Libra/Aries 3’26
*New Love* progr. S/M midpoint: Pisces/Virgo 25′ 33 (that’s about the opposite of my natal Sun/moon midpoint btw)
*Ex* progr. S/M midpoint: Aries/Libra 0’46
Ok, first it’s clear now that their progr. s/m midpoints are applying to make the opp./conj. alignment with my progr. s/m.
But.. How is it ever possible that *me & ex* approach the Opposite-alignment now, while if you look at 10 years earlier there is an applying Conj.-alignment? ~ When I use the midpoint-calculator it really gives for ex Aries/Libra (so *first* Aries).
Well, I’m aware that the progressed Sun/Moon midpoint moves at an approximate rate of 6 or 7 degrees per year, so I don’t get it…
Dawn,
Do you know/see what I’m missing here? It must be *something*…
And second,
Do you think these appl. conj./opp. alignments between both progressed S/M midpoints are very special? Or is it something that occurs more often than not…
Thanks in advance!
When points hit points it is not highly significant, unless its the Nodes and the angles– but obviously you are sensitive to this point and it will clearly be affected by transits and/or other progressions.
I’m not sure what you mean by alignment. The progressed Moon moves at a steady rate of 1 degree per month, but the Sun’s movement depends on how old you are and what time of year you were born.
Good morning Dawn,
I would like to ask a question about the Sun/Moon midpoint.
Do you think that our Draconic sun/moon midpoint is also significant, or is it not ?
Is there something to understand about our own “soul purpose”, or “inner balance or harmony to seek”and the means we can use to reach it in our reality, when our Dr Su/Mo MP conjuncts a planet or angle on our own tropical Chart ?
I’m interested in someone who’s s/m midpoint is on my 5th house South Node. I’ve also got Pluto conjunct my North Node with 1 degree of orb. Is this at all significant if we look no further than this one aspect? Would it be significant even without the Nnode conjunction from Pluto? I know there is MUCH more going on than this one point, but I find so little on the internet on this particular aspect that I’d love to learn more about what it represents. Thanks!
Hi Dawn!
what does it mean if composite venus-north node conjunction with another person is on my natal sun-moon midpoint? Does it mean that this relationship has an important role in my life?
More likely you have an important role to play in the relationship, and it will help you integrate and grow so that you can reclaim the unclaimed pieces of your natal chart. Masculine and feminine will learn to integrate and you may learn to withdraw your projections.
what would natal chiron conjunct sun moon mid point -conjunct the composite north node (and chiron) mean about the relationship?
is this significant?
thank you!
The success of the relationship would depend on both of you overcoming the ‘failings’ of the relationship as described in Chiron’s position in the composite.
Hi Dawn:
Fascinating. I’m still not clear on what the angle person might feel if it’s their AC/DC or MC/IC conjunct a midpoint, since you have said that angles are like antennas, should the angle person intensely feel the other person’s planet energies?
Also do you work with venus/mars midpoint, do you think it’s as valid as sun/moon mp?
Thanks!
Venus/Mars is about desire and the fulfillment of desire. Sun/Moon is about something much more essential.
A midpoint is not as intense as an actual planet falling on an angle. It’s a point of tension/resonance. Not an object.
Thanks Dawn! That’s very interesting. So if person A’s ascendant activates person B’s venus/mars MP does it mean B will feel passionate about A’s outward presentation, while A will feel the energy of B’s passion?
Something like that, but I wouldn’t rely so strongly on midpoints.
Speaking of composite, we have sun/moon midpoint exactly conjunct comp north node (also vertex conjunct descendant)
The relationship feels fated but there are so many obstacles. Can you tell me what sn/mn= nnode means?
Sorry, but I can’t respond here as this is a detailed aspect which needs explaining in depth. But on the whole, yes, it means the relationship facilitates growth for each, but it will be a bumpy ride.
What will it imply if two people have their soli-lunar midpoints at very same spot? I know a girl whose soli-lunar midpoint is located at the same point as mine ā Taurus 9. Moreover, her Jupiter (Taurus9), Pluto (Scorpio10), and Mars (Aquariu7) make conjunction, opposition, and square aspects respectively to that point. What do these planets do to her and to me? Some clue pleaseā¦
Points are not as powerful as planets. We would need a look at the whole chart to make any kind of judgement.
What could you say about IC conj. sun/moon midpoint in
synastry?
Thanks, and congrats for the article!
Hello..
I met my ex today after 7 years. Came back and checked that his progressed Sun/Moon midpoint was exactly on our composite Moon. Hmm.. also transit Moon today at 17 degree Pisces was exact on our composite Dsc/Vx conjunction.
It was amazing meeting him and very healing.
Would composite pluto (angle ruler) have any particular weight if it opposed the composite s/m midpoint?
Since Saturn brings longevity.. could the conj between Saturn and Sun/moon Midpoint bring it ?
Saturn doesn’t always indicate longevity. Saturn can be a symbol of separative selfishness and fear. These forces can make people stay together, but they can also cause distance and separation.