If we are just starting a relationship, how can we know how it will go? How can we be sure that we are not wasting our time with the wrong person because they are on their best behavior and the dream date turns into a nightmare later?

As human beings we all have certain needs for a relationship, but there is one desire that almost everyone has -- a long lasting relationship with someone who means a lot to you. These days, it is hard to find that certain person with whom we click, someone who we can know we can get along with over a long time period.

You can tell a lot about two people through a comparison of your own astrological birth patterns versus the other. By getting the guidance of a competent astrologer, you can single out a good match better than eHarmony.com can -- and a lot quicker. If you are in a long-term relationship (or friendship) and you enjoy the company, but have different needs at times, this will help you to better understand the similarity and the differences and to allow for this.

The first thing to look for is the placement of the moon in both charts. The two moons' relationship will determine how comfortable each person is with each other. It also has a major influence on the ability to live together in a daily routine. This is important, as all those in intimate relationships eventually live together.

What? You feel like going out and they want to stay in? You want fast food and they want a home-cooked meal? These problems can be avoided altogether by checking to see if your moon is in a compatible sign with the other.

One thing I have found consistently is that if you and your partners' moon are in the same sign, you will definitely feel more comfortable with each other right off the bat (barring any major difficult aspects between the two charts). Even for those who have other problem areas in the relationship, both people will generally be on the same schedule. You'll both generally be in the same mood for the same thing at the same time.

Signs that get along together naturally are as follows:

AIR SIGNS: Libra, Gemini, Aquarius
WATER SIGNS: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
FIRE SIGNS: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
EARTH SIGNS: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Air likes Fire and Water likes Earth, as well. These particular combinations I just mentioned (Air-Fire, Water-Earth) are helpful and positive, but don't have the burst of energy that the above combinations have.

Sometimes it is better that way. A burst between Fire signs can cause a fire that is hard to put out and may get out of control. Or it can go the another way, as Earth signs in an easy relationship may be too dull and need outside stimulation, be it a person or an activity, to become excited about their life.

In general, the fire and air sign moons are more sociable, like to be active and have different things and people in their lives that stimulate their minds and inspire them. They get nurtured by change and changes of scenery. The earth and water types are more your homebodies, liking routine and ritual. Their needs revolve around comfort.

Usually you have to know how to read an ephemeris (a chart of planets daily positions) or have someone draw up your chart to get your moon sign because the moon moves so fast and there are time zones and birth times to consider. But if you want to do it yourself here is a site online called Astrodienst that is easy to use and gives free charts. Click on "Chart drawing, Ascendant." When you get your horoscope you will be looking for the symbol of the moon, which looks like a crescent, like a quarter moon.

It is not so much the sun that rules our lives, but the moon, which reveals the day-to-day activity and habit patterns. The sun sign may show how much strength and stamina we have to contribute to a relationship, but in the end, partnerships will be supported or broken by the placement of the moon, the one who adapts and nurtures so that everything works.