★
Physical effort: High Inverted

Astrologer: he squats over her, facing her feet

The Astrologer is an advanced vaginal-sex position. She lies on her back with her legs spread wide and raised in a V; he squats over her pelvis, facing her feet, with his back to her face, and hugs one of her legs for balance. It allows deep penetration, but it asks a lot of his knees and balance, and the penis enters at an unusual angle, so it is best taken slowly.

Also known as: The Astrologer

Be the first to rate it
Illustration of Astrologer: She lies on her back with her legs spread wide in a V; he squats over her hips facing her feet and penetrates her while holding one of her legs.
Anatomy and biomechanics

She lies on her back on the bed, arms relaxed near her head, with both legs straight, spread wide in a V and lifted off the mattress. He squats over her pelvis facing her feet, with one foot on each side of her hips, his torso bent forward and his arms wrapped around one of her legs near the knee. From there he lowers his pelvis onto hers and penetrates her: the penis has to bend backwards, against its natural curve. He controls the rhythm with short movements of the hips while holding the squat. There is no eye contact and no kissing. Effort and balance demands are high for him; for her, the main demand is hip opening.

Why this position works

Some couples like it for its novelty and for the deep penetration it allows. She can rest on her back while he sets the pace, and the unusual angle can produce different sensations from more familiar positions. It is a demanding position, though: it often works better as a brief change within a session than as the main position.

Variations of this position

Variation 1: With a pillow under her hips

Same position, with a firm pillow under her buttocks to raise her pelvis.

Raising her pelvis brings it closer to his, so he does not have to squat as low and the penis bends less to enter. Her legs stay open in a V and his position does not change. It usually makes the position more comfortable for both.

  1. She places a firm pillow under her buttocks before lying back.
  2. She opens her legs in a V and lifts them off the bed.
  3. He squats over her hips facing her feet and holds one of her legs.
  4. He lowers himself slowly, guiding the penis by hand, and moves with short strokes.

Variation 2: Kneeling instead of squatting

He kneels astride her hips, still facing her feet, instead of holding a squat.

His knees rest on the bed on either side of her hips instead of his feet, which greatly reduces the effort and the balance needed. He can lean his hands on the bed or on her legs. Penetration is usually less deep and his movements shorter, but it is a good way to try the position for the first time.

  1. She lies on her back with her legs open and slightly raised.
  2. He kneels astride her hips, facing her feet.
  3. He leans forward with his hands on the bed or on her thighs.
  4. He guides the penis by hand and moves his hips slowly.

Variation 3: She holds her own legs open

She holds her legs open with her hands behind her knees, so he can rest his hands on the bed.

Instead of him hugging one of her legs, she holds both legs open by gripping behind her knees. He leans forward onto his hands on the bed, beside her legs, which gives him more stability in the squat. She controls how wide her hips open and can bring her legs closer if they strain.

  1. She lies on her back and holds both legs open, hands behind her knees.
  2. He squats over her hips facing her feet.
  3. He leans forward and rests his hands on the bed, beside her legs.
  4. He lowers himself slowly and she adjusts how wide her legs are open.

✓ Tips

  • Do it on a firm mattress or a mat: a soft surface makes the squat unstable. If he loses his balance, stop and start again.
  • He should go down slowly and guide the penis by hand: the angle bends it backwards, so avoid sudden movements and stop at any sharp pain.
  • Use short, controlled movements rather than strong thrusts from above.
  • She can keep her legs open with her own hands if holding them in the air tires her hips.
  • Use lubricant if needed and a condom to protect against STIs and pregnancy.
  • If his knees or thighs tire, switch to the kneeling variation or another position.

Key facts

Interaction type
Reverse vaginal penetration (he squats facing away)
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina
Main stimulation
Deep vaginal penetration
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is it suitable for beginners?

Not really. It requires holding a deep squat, good balance and hip flexibility. It is better to try it once you know each other's rhythms well, and to begin with the kneeling variation.

Is it risky for the penis?

The penis enters at an angle that bends it backwards. Going down slowly, guiding it by hand and avoiding strong thrusts reduces the risk. Stop at any sharp pain or cracking sound.

Can you see each other?

No. He faces her feet and has his back to her face, so there is no eye contact or kissing. Talking is especially important.

Safety and evidence 5 topics · 11 clinical and academic references

This section summarizes anatomical and clinical evidence relevant to this position. The sources provide context; they do not show that a specific position guarantees pleasure, orgasm or a particular type of stimulation.

Anatomical variability

Vaginal shape, axis and dimensions vary considerably from person to person. As a result, depth and comfort may differ even when using the same position.

Sources
Barnhart KT, et al. Baseline dimensions of the human vagina. Human Reproduction. 2006. PubMed ↗
Luo J, et al. Quantitative analyses of variability in normal vaginal shape and dimension on MR images. International Urogynecology Journal. 2016. PubMed ↗

Pain and deep penetration

If penetration causes deep, recurrent or persistent pain, it is advisable to reduce the depth or stop the activity. If the problem continues, a professional assessment is recommended.

Sources
Carlson K, Mikes BA. Dyspareunia. StatPearls / NCBI Bookshelf. Updated 2026. PubMed ↗
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Practice Bulletin No. 213. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2019. PubMed ↗

Lubrication and comfort

When there is dryness, friction or discomfort, a suitable lubricant may make sexual activity easier and improve comfort. Its use is not universally necessary.

Sources
World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on self-care interventions: availability of lubricants during sexual activity. 2024. WHO ↗
Vanderschee R, Kostov S. Approach to lubricant use for sexual activity. Canadian Family Physician. 2025. PubMed ↗

Penile fracture: prevention and warning signs

It is uncommon, but it can happen when the erect penis bends suddenly, often after slipping out and hitting the partner’s pubic bone or perineum. Moving with control and slowing down if the penis slips out helps prevent it.

Sources
International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM). Is it possible to break your penis? 2024. ISSM ↗
Barros R, Schulze L, Ornellas AA, Koifman L, Favorito LA. Relationship between sexual position and severity of penile fracture. Int J Impot Res. 2017;29(5):207-209. PubMed ↗
Reis LO, Cartapatti M, Marmiroli R, de Oliveira Júnior EJ, Saade RD, Fregonesi A. Mechanisms predisposing penile fracture and long-term outcomes on erectile and voiding functions. Adv Urol. 2014;2014:768158. PMC ↗

STI protection: condoms and dental dams

A condom, put on from the start and used throughout, is the most effective way to reduce sexually transmitted infections during penetration. For oral sex, a condom or a dental dam lowers the risk.

Sources
World Health Organization. Condoms (fact sheet). Ginebra: WHO, 2025. WHO ↗
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About STI risk and oral sex. Atlanta: CDC. CDC ↗

View the full safety and evidence system

Reviewed by Francisco Muñoz, editor ·

Related sex positions

Sex position Dolphin: A standing position from behind: she bends forward on one leg and hooks the other around his waist while he penetrates her from behind.

Dolphin

Be the first to rate it

A standing position from behind: she bends forward on one leg and hooks the other around his waist while he…

Standing vaginal penetration from behind, with her on one leg Effort: High Standing