Relationships in Astrology: A Review of Planets in Composite by Robert Hand

Planets in Composite, a reference book on astrology written by Robert Hand, was originally released in 1975, but was recently reprinted. It gives detailed delineations (interpretations) of a relationship composite chart. Essentially, a composite chart takes two people and combines all of their planetary information to create a whole new astrology chart with a new sun, rising sign, moon, venus, etc. It looks at the two people as a couple rather than as individuals. It shows how the relationship functions as a whole and what joint lessons a couple must face.

For more information on how a composite chart differs from a synastry chart, see my other article: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8087445/relationships_in_astrology_synastry.html?cat=41.

Planets in Composite shows astrology students and professionals how to break down a composite chart. It analyzes each planetary position and house placement and then goes through all of the aspects. What is great is that Robert Hand goes beyond the aspects between planets to include aspects to the lunar nodes and to the ascendant. I only wish the midheaven and descendant were included as well.

It is easy to look up whatever information you need. There are symbols for each planet along the edge of the book so that you can thumb through to the section you want. Each chapter begins by discussing the planet in relation to the house position and then it goes into the aspects (conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition, respectively). Then, Hand lists aspects to the ascendant.

Chapter fifteen is where the nodes are explored. Though Robert Hand does not explain the specific nodal positions (for example, North Node in Aries, South Node in Libra), he does discuss the aspects between the planets and the nodes. So you can look up Venus-Node Aspects and it lists Venus conjunct north node opposition south node, Venus trine/sextile the nodes, Venus square the nodes, and Venus conjunct south node, opposition north node. Many astrology books don't even discuss the nodes, so this is an excellent addition.

What makes Planets in Composite such a terrific astrology reference book is the fact that it is well written, concise and has a clear format. You can look things up by the table of contents, the thumb tabs, the headings within the chapters, or in the index in the back. Though it is a thick book, you can easily dive into it and find just what you need.

The interpretations are accurate as well. I recently went through a compatibility chart, aspect by aspect and looked up the interpretations in this book. It described the relationship so well and highlighted certain issues much more clearly than the synastry report I had recently done. And, while some flipping through the book is necessary, I found that the information was clear, relevant, and easy to follow. Robert Hand uses a language that is practical and approachable so that even if a lay-person had a list of aspects and tried to use the book, most of it would make sense.

I would rate this astrology text 5 out of 5. The only thing it lacked was details on the aspects to the midheaven and descendant. Otherwise, the book is superb and I would recommend it to any serious student of astrology.