Composite Charts: The Astrology of Relationships

John Townley's text is one of the leading sources for understanding composite charts. Townley came across this method of analyzing relationships in 1973 when a Mensa-member friend of his mentioned it to him in New York. He proceeded to chase down its origins to understand it better. He discovered that it was not a new technique and that "Dr. Walter Koch (of the house system) apparently knew of it back in the 1920s" (p. xviii). Townley then discovered published writings from 1919 by biologist Paul Kammerer. Townley believes that the founding concepts that explain what a composite chart is and why it works can be derived from Kammerer's theory of "imitation effect." Townley explains this theory in the chapter "Some Theoretical Groundwork" (p. 3-12). The composite chart is defined by Townley as "a horoscope made up of the mutual midpoints between the natal charts of two persons-the composite Sun is located at the midpoint between the two natal Suns, the composite Moon is at the midpoint between the two natal Moons, and so on" (p. 11). Townley reasons "the composite Sun is precisely the point at which rhythms shift over from one person to the other, and shift from relative increase to decrease and vice versa, one to another. It is really a critical, phase shifting point where one person (usually unknowingly) 'hands the ball' to the other with a mutual shift of energy and responsibility. It is a point of mutual empowerment, the swing point where one gives to the other at the most primal level" (p. 12). Hence, "just as the composite chart itself describes the subtleties of mutual empowerment, the use of the technique further empowers those involved individuals and allows them greater control over their lives" (p. 14)I have presented excerpts from the book to help you understand the basis of how and why a composite chart works. These excerpts are important keys concepts that shed some light and understanding on the composite chart. Basically, the composite chart is the critical point between two people where a third powerful force is created, which represents the relationship. Townley explains the hows and why of the composite chart in the chapter "Some Theoretical Groundwork" (p. 3-11). When a relationship is formed it develops its own intensity and strengths, which impacts the individuals who comprise the relationship. This means that although synastry, which is another relationship analysis method, may be quite good between two people, the composite chart suggests the kind of relationship produced when two people come together. In other words, the composite describes what the couple undergoes within the relationship and sheds light on how they can cope with it.Townley's book is geared overall towards understanding relationship dynamics. The first few chapters explain Townley's belief of the scientific groundwork on which the composite chart is based. The rest of the book discusses the composite chart and its key components elucidating how it works. A

What I like about this book is that it is a wonderful reference for working with composite charts. It takes Hand's "Planets in Composite" a step further by speaking to the signs involved. It is not only a reference for insights into composites someone might be working with, but it also is a teaching tool through its examples of composites of US Presidents' charts and the USA's chart. As Hand states in the foreward to the book, using composites in an evolving technique, and Townley's work is based on research and experience. The writing is clear and succinct. Anyone practicing astrological relationship work should have it.

A significant other has entered your life... and you have fallen in love... and this love has created a third entitiy... Now what? Best thing I can suggest is for you to get a copy of this wonderful book! It is well written - loaded with insight into the dynamics of what you are creating as a couple. The way in which it is written will appeal to a novice as well as to the seasoned astrologer. You really don't have to be an astrologer to read this material, as it is written in such a way that anyone interested in learning about their relationship will easily understand. John Townley is one of my most favorite writers and I have enjoyed his material since the 1970s. I not only recommend this book... I will be using it in an upcoming class on AOL. I would also recommend Townley's other books: Planets In Love and Dynamic Astrology.

I was surprised to discover that the charts of two (people) always create a third entity which has it's own powerful aspects! I have not been a student of astrology, so the way this information is clearly presented is highly appreciated. I don't have to "study" a whole lot to get the benefits from these concepts. I expect the free composite chart to be very useful to me and my partner in our fledgling Web Services business!

If you are just entering into a significant relationship, or if you are already in it, you can certainly use composites (as revealed in this book) to "predict" and understand the unique characteristics of your SPECIFIC relationship. Imagine having one person's chart and then another's, and out comes a whole new chart that gives birth to a new opportunity.... I recommend it to any of my students and clients who are open to using an astrological perspective for additional insight! Even for those not into using astrology, with the free chart offer from the book, folks can explore.~:)