Basic Chart Comparison: Venus

You already know how important Venus is in relationships, especially in romantic ones. If there are no important Venus aspects between two charts, you wouldn't even expect there to be a romantic relationship at all. Venus is the planet that describes the romantic feelings the couple have for each other. Apart from the aspects to the angles, the most significant Venus aspects are:

• Venus to the Sun.
  When one person's Venus aspects the partner's Sun, there are very strong romantic feelings between them. The person whose Sun it is may feel that the partner is his or her perfect match, and Venus's owner is able to express love in a way he or she may never have managed before. These aspects often occur in the charts of people who marry. They are favorable for all other kinds of relationships—even business. Even the challenging aspects rarely have a strongly negative impact, although they can have important consequences. Venus adversely aspected by a strong Sun may feel dominated or controlled, while the Sun's owner may feel that the relationship is stagnant.
• Venus to the Moon.
  A connection between these two emotional planets is common and desirable in romantic partnerships. Positive aspects between them make the relationship feel smooth and easy; the feelings between the partners are strong and readily expressed, and there is a sense of a deep, inner connection. It is easier for them to share their inner selves. With the negative aspects or dignities, the relationship can become indulgent, with each partner allowing his or her emotions and emotional interactions to dominate the relationship. There can be an overemphasis on the emotional and sensual aspects of the relationship.
• Venus to Venus.
  As long as the two Venuses are not badly dignified, positive aspects between them contribute to harmonious living, strong mutual feelings of affection, and shared tastes and pleasures. A negative connection can show codependence or a tendency to avoid conflict and other serious issues.
• Venus to Mars.
  You should expect to find strong connections between these planets when there is a physical relationship. This is the passion combination, and a harmonious aspect link makes for a strong sexual connection as well as the ability to understand each other's sexual needs and drives. It also can contribute to understanding in the area of goals, and is a good combination for working together toward a common goal. It's a great idea to suggest that your clients create shared goals to really get the most out of this aspect. It is usually the Mars partner who is inclined to take the initiative. Although these aspects are usually present in romantic relationships, they are not enough to cement a bond. When the connection is negative, there still is likely to be a magnetic attraction, but the partners' sex drives may operate on different schedules and the Mars partner may be experienced as too aggressive and selfish or the Venus partner as too passive or self-indulgent. Squares can show involvement in a romantic relationship when a platonic one would have been more appropriate.

Excerpted from Synastry, by Rod Suskin