Analysing the compatibility of two people is a complex area of thought which can focus on a range of aspects. From personality types, astrological signs, mutual interests and even numerology readings, people seek to better understand if their match is a good one.

1. Astrology

Astrology has long been a source of guidance to many who believe in the power of the stars and the wider universe surrounding us. Based on the exact time, date, and place in which you were born, each individual has a sun sign, a rising sign, a moon sign and many other placements within the planets.

The belief in astrology determining personality traits, personal goals and even relationship compatibility is widespread, and has seen a resurgence in recent years, especially with the younger generation. It’s roots in ancient mappings of the sky, and entrenchment in to highly regarded belief systems cement astrology as a legitimate belief, for many, and so some people chose to turn to the stars to predict their outcome with a particular relationship or person.

Generally speaking, astrology matches can be initially thought of through your sign’s element. If you are a fire sign, for example, (Sagittarius, Leo, Aries) you might find that you get along better with other fire signs, or the more free-spirited air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius). Earth signs (Taurus, Capricorn, Virgo) on the other hand, tend to get along better with fellow earth signs, or water signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio).

This is not a steadfast rule. Instead it is a generalisation of personality traits amongst the signs that might indicate a higher compatibility between two people. However, many people have found that they are more drawn to a certain star sign, due to these tell-tale traits, because it complements their own sign.

This is something to bear in mind when thinking about the compatibility with your partner. Do you signs complement, balance and positively encourage each other?

2. Personality Types - Myers Briggs 

If astrology is not your thing, perhaps a more specific personality type would help. The Myers Briggs test is a personality examination or indicator test, that categorises a person in to ‘Extroverted’ or ‘Introverted’, ‘Intuitive’ or ‘Sensing’, ‘Thinking’ or ‘Feeling’ and finally, ‘Perceiving’ or ‘Judging’. It is actually used by some companies in the hiring process, and is considered a very accurate indicator of a person’s behavioural quality and psychological aspects.

Based on your own specific indicator, you can work out which types of people will complement your own personality. Myers Briggs, similarly in some respects to astrology, emphasises a focus on the self primarily. By understanding yourself before looking for what you desire in others, you are better equipped to find a partner who matches your traits, ambitions, goals and desires.

For example, a person with the personality type of ESTP usually is attractive to all of the different personality types ( a true rarity). However, people holding this indicator tend to go for those who are out of reach, or a little bit ‘hard to get’. Understanding this potential about yourself may encourage you to think more carefully about your matches and really test the personality compatibility for what it is.

3. Numerology

Numerology is an often overlooked indicator of relationship compatibility, but by no means less accurate than astrology or a personality indicator, such as Myers Briggs. Similarly to astrology, it dates back to ancient times, and is thought to have been used by both the Egyptians and Babylonians.

If astrological signs appealed to you, it might be useful to use numerology in conjunction with sun sign evaluations to enable a deeper understanding of your relationship’s compatibility. Numerology is based upon calculating and reducing important personal numbers down, to land at a “life path number”.

This is usually the birth date of the person, or recurring numbers for important dates. Once you have reduced your number down to a single digit, you are left with your life path number. This number indicates your ethos and attitude towards life.

For example, if you fall into the category of life path number 1, you might find your keys values are independence, being individual and holding autonomy. Understanding what your life path traits hold in value can help you evaluate if you have similar, balancing and complementary goals to your partner.

If you are finding that you are struggling to feel independent in the relationship, and craving your own projects, this may be a sign that your partner is stifling the natural life path you have been set on since birth. You can find out more about numerology and how it can help understand your compatibility with your partner here. 

Within all this, it is important to remember that, whatever your belief, being happy is of the utmost importance. A better understanding of your own personality, star sign, or numerology life path, will almost certainly enable a better understanding of yourself. This, in turn, will ultimately lead to a better understanding of what you desire in a partner: It’s important to look within yourself first, to evaluate your compatibility with others.