Written 5 July 2006

When people ask about relationships, they are normally inquiring about the type of people they are likely to attract if they are single, or inquiring about the person they are currently in a relationship with.

Many are surprised to discover that the answer to this question has a lot to do with the type of behaviour or personality characteristics they are showing or projecting to others.

Modern astrology teaches us that within our psychological makeup there exists a natural counter-balance. What we project outwards to others is counterbalanced by the qualities that we seek in others and draw back towards ourselves. If we show or display certain qualities to others, then, as a consequence, we also attract certain qualities from others that are the mirror image of these.

The interesting fact revealed by the horoscope is that this natural counterbalance works on the principle of opposites – we attract from others the opposite of what we show others.

For example if you normally behave in an aggressive or assertive manner, then you are likely to attract into your circle of intimate friends, people who offer you diplomacy and cooperation. If you behave in a way that is mostly physical and practical, and judge life purely by factual observation, then you are likely to attract people who are very sensitive and emotional, intuitive and deep.

The part of your horoscope that shows the type of qualities and behaviour that you show others – your outer personality, is called the ascendant or the rising sign. These terms are synonymous.

The part of your chart that shows the type of qualities and behaviour that you attract and unconsciously seek in others is called the descendant.

These two points – the Ascendant and the descendant, are the two polarities on the relationship axis. This is the axis of relating, and contains within it the energies concerned with projection and attraction.

Aries Ascendant and Libra Descendant (click to enlarge image)

To understand what are the qualities of these two polarities you simply look to see what signs of the zodiac are shown there.

If you have an accurate time of birth your horoscope will show what type of behaviour and personality characteristics you typically show to other people; and your horoscope will also show what, as a consequence to this, you attract or unconsciously seek in others.

The behaviour you show to others is shown by the sign on the Ascendant (first house cusp), and also influenced by any planets in the first house. The qualities you attract are show by the sign on the Descendant, which is the opposite house cusp (the seventh house), and influenced by any planets in that house.

If you have your own horoscope you will notice that the ascendant is the point where your first house begins, at about nine o’clock on the horoscope wheel. Your descendant is the beginning of the seventh house, at about three o’clock on the horoscope wheel.

For instance, if your ascendant happens to be Capricorn, then the type of people you attract will have characteristics of the opposite sign, which is Cancer. If the sign on the ascendant is Aries, then the type of people you attract will exhibit characteristics of the opposite sign, which is Libra.

Cancer Ascendant and Capricorn Descendant (click to enlarge image)


An understanding of the elements is also useful in understanding the relationship axis. The four elements: air, fire, earth and water relate to communication, action, practicality and emotion respectively.

Air signs are always counter-balanced by fire signs. The air signs are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Fire signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

Earth signs are always counter-balanced by water signs. The earth signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. The water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.

However it is important to realise that the signs on your relationship axis may not correspond to your ‘sun sign’.

Astrology is a fascinating study and can reveal a wealth of information about our personalities and relationships. To reveal what your ascendant/descendants are, and get a fascinating insight into your personal relationships, visit our Consultations page for more information.