Matthew and Penelope: Opposites Attract...Then Argue

I don't know why I was so happy to hear that Matthew McConaughey had parted ways with Penelope Cruz {Source}, considering that, statistically speaking, it's not like it significantly improves my chances of getting on him. But there was something about the two of them together that always bugged me (motivated perhaps, granted, by my statistically unsupported urge to get on him). Turning to their natal charts, I was at first surprised (and annoyed) to see clearly why they were drawn together. But then I looked closer and saw equally clearly what pulled them apart.

Matthew is a Scorpio and Penelope is a Taurus, an opposite-sign pairing that often comes with a magnetically passionate attraction (see also: unapologetically homewrecking soulmates Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott). Penelope's Sun opposes Matthew's Sun-Mercury, enhancing their pull toward each other and fostering a mental connection. Unfortunately, Penelope's birth time isn't available, but if she were born slightly later in the day, she could have a Leo Moon opposing Matthew's Mars, again sparking a powerful attraction. We're talking big-time sexual chemistry here. See Penelope Cruz's birth chart (Astrotheme, no birth time) ~ See Matthew McConaughey's birth chart (Astrotheme)

But this aspect would also form a grand cross, or four-way square, with their opposite Suns. All this highly combustible passion between them could lead to some major arguments. Other volatile aspects, like Penelope's Pluto on Matthew's Uranus and her Uranus on his Jupiter, show that they could provoke each other into Category 5 outbursts of temper. Their Venuses are exactly inconjunct each other, revealing that their respective approaches to relationships are fundamentally at odds. With emotionally absorbing Venus in Pisces, Penelope may have wanted an all-consuming union while Matthew, with Venus in Libra, wanted a more noncommittal exchange of give and take.

With their Mercurys exactly opposite each other (Penelope's in Taurus, Matthew's in Scorpio) they would be drawn into fascinating conversations and enjoy challenging each other, but if the debate got personal, these two stubborn signs would both refuse to yield any ground. Taurus is like the immovable object while Scorpio is the irresistible force; this highly charged dynamic can be incredibly exciting, but it can also get exhausting if both sides stick to their guns indefinitely. And with Penelope's Mercury on Matthew's Saturn, she might feel that she needed to prove she was right in order to teach him a lesson.

A month ago, when they reportedly separated, we were all feeling the influence of that infamous grand trine in water signs between Mars, Jupiter and Uranus. For this couple, that emotionally destabilizing energy proved to be enough to tear them asunder. Uranus was on Penelope's Jupiter while Jupiter was on Matthew's Sun, giving them both the urge to break free and explore new horizons. Mars conjuncting Penelope's Mars and trining Matthew's Sun egged on the restlessness. This may well have been a mutual "you don't fire me, I quit" breakup, whether it ended with a dramatic Uranian bang or a Pisces drifting-apart whimper. Either way, the important thing is that Matthew is back on the market.