INTERPRETING THE SOLAR RETURN INTERPRETING THE SOLAR RETURN By Celeste T
By Celeste Teal eal Y
Your birthday horoscope is a wheel-shaped chour birthday horoscope is a wheel-shaped chart indicating the positions of the planets inart indicating the positions of the planets in relation to the earth at the
relation to the earth at the time of the yearly return of the Sun time of the yearly return of the Sun to the exact position it heldto the exact position it held when you were born. This chart shows wh
when you were born. This chart shows what is in store for the coming year. It's rather likeat is in store for the coming year. It's rather like an auxiliary of your birth horoscope,
an auxiliary of your birth horoscope, painting a picture of this one-year period. lsopainting a picture of this one-year period. lso called a Solar !eturn, astrology programs calculate these to the precise moment that the called a Solar !eturn, astrology programs calculate these to the precise moment that the Sun in the sky returns to its natal position. "ike taking a snapshot, the configurations in Sun in the sky returns to its natal position. "ike taking a snapshot, the configurations in the sky at that moment become your blueprint for the year.
the sky at that moment become your blueprint for the year. #ecause it is so precise, you'll usually ha$e
#ecause it is so precise, you'll usually ha$e a different sign rising than you did at birth.a different sign rising than you did at birth. %owe$er, ha$ing the Solar !eturn rising sign the same as yo
%owe$er, ha$ing the Solar !eturn rising sign the same as your birth and near the sameur birth and near the same degree indicates a $ery important year.
degree indicates a $ery important year. Calculation
Calculation
&sing the location of your residence
&sing the location of your residence at the time of the birthday is recommended. at the time of the birthday is recommended. In fact,In fact, if one mo$es during the
if one mo$es during the year, the Solar !eturn should be relocated as well. There areyear, the Solar !eturn should be relocated as well. There are subtle shifts of energy as the planets may change astrological house position. Some subtle shifts of energy as the planets may change astrological house position. Some people actually tra$el for their birthdays in order to produce the most beneficial rays people actually tra$el for their birthdays in order to produce the most beneficial rays possible for the year
possible for the year. This is a fine way to start the year but not really a way to a$oid. This is a fine way to start the year but not really a way to a$oid issues as the configurations for the residence are waiting when one returns home. issues as the configurations for the residence are waiting when one returns home. If you're using an astrology program to
If you're using an astrology program to calculate your Solar !eturn, select the Tropicalcalculate your Solar !eturn, select the Tropical odiac and (lacidus house system. strologers ha$e long debated the need to precess the odiac and (lacidus house system. strologers ha$e long debated the need to precess the return chart which ad)usts for the slow change
return chart which ad)usts for the slow change of the earth due to its wobble of the earth due to its wobble on its axis.on its axis. This topic is discussed at length in
This topic is discussed at length in Identifying Planetary T Identifying Planetary Triggersriggers, where you'll find that*, where you'll find that* +The two charts are actually in
+The two charts are actually in agreement. It is as if one has the agreement. It is as if one has the ad$antage of twoad$antage of two eyewitness accounts or two expert opinions on an issue. Sometimes, what may not be eyewitness accounts or two expert opinions on an issue. Sometimes, what may not be accentuated in one
accentuated in one account is highlighted in the other. n optimum solution is toaccount is highlighted in the other. n optimum solution is to calculate and use both return charts.+
calculate and use both return charts.+ The guidelines in this article can be
The guidelines in this article can be applied to either the precessed or applied to either the precessed or the non-precessedthe non-precessed $ersion of the return.
$ersion of the return. Reading the Chart Reading the Chart
!eading the return chart is similar to a natal
!eading the return chart is similar to a natal chart reading, except that all the chart reading, except that all the themes willthemes will play out within a year instead of within a lifetime. "ook at the chart to see what stands play out within a year instead of within a lifetime. "ook at the chart to see what stands
out the most. re there lots of planets on the angles The angles are
out the most. re there lots of planets on the angles The angles are the cusps of the first,the cusps of the first, fourth, se$enth and tenth houses. These angles furnish an excellent outlet for energies and fourth, se$enth and tenth houses. These angles furnish an excellent outlet for energies and each of the
each of the planets carries a specific kplanets carries a specific kind of energy. Yind of energy. You can aou can anticipate acti$ity in keepingnticipate acti$ity in keeping with a planet's nature if it falls near one
re most of the planets in the upper part of the chart This shows outward moti$ations and a stri$ing to grow through interchange with others. If most of the planets are below the horion, it is a period of personal or familiar concerns. The latter implies something of an intro$erted tendency while the former shows an extro$erted nature. re most of the planets on the left side of the chart This gi$es you greater capacity to take control, to
lead and to initiate changes. ith most of the planets on the right side of the chart, other people and their interests will be an important consideration in your decisions and
acti$ities.
Is the chart a re$erse pattern of the natal chart with the escendant now on the
scendant This flip-flop $ersion of the natal horoscope may see some element of life turned upside down. It seems that control has been gi$en o$er to others. This appears to show an accidental debilitation, perhaps a fleeting moment of bad )udgment that carries wide ramifications.
Is there a Stellium in one house Stellium is a group of planets in one sign or on e house, showing a concentration of powerful energy as each of the planets boost the potency of the others. Stelliums are multiple con)unctions so the natures of all in this
grouping are undeniably bound together. The sign where the grouping falls describes much about how these planets express themsel$es. This may also be a Stellium of planets from the natal chart. epending upon the planets in$ol$ed, the Solar !eturn house that holds a natal Stellium shows an area of exceptional concern, acti$ity, or satisfaction in the coming year.
The natal planets must always be written into the return chart, because the interplay of natal potential upon this new springboard re$eals much of the details about the coming year. /heck especially to see if any natal planets fall on one of the angles of this new chart. gain, that natal potential has a perfect place to manifest.
The difference between a return or natal planet in a Solar !eturn house is subtle and is discussed in detail in Predicting Events with Astrology. The natal planet shows energy you bring into the new period while return planets show what the world is ser$ing you. Thus, natal (luto in the return shows an area where strength may be re0uired but where it is also a$ailable. !eturn (luto shows a place where outside circumstances may force a resolution or declaration.
The Solar !eturn rising sign should be carefully considered since the personality will take on many of the characteristics of the sign, and endea$ors will show an expression of the attributes of that sign. lso, in )udging the doorway of the scendant, find the natal house that holds the Solar !eturn rising degree. The natal house that is brought to the Solar !eturn scendant should be gi$en special consideration. Since the scendant is an area of energy manifestation, conditions and en$ironment pro$ide an ideal outlet for e$ents and issues associated with this natal house. The people, issues and affairs of that house will occupy your attention to a great extent.
s a focal planet in the Solar !eturn, the Sun furnishes a great deal of information about the coming year. The Sun reflects upon your will to achie$e, creati$e ability, sense of independence and enterprise, power of leadership and the potential for ad$ancement. 1pportunities may come through determined effort, ambition, merit or the support of superiors. s the $ital life force and symbol of the higher self, the Sun illuminates and $italies any planet that falls within its rays. /onscious will can more easily be applied using the solar forces of the Sun. long with the Sun, ha$ing 2upiter or 3enus well
configured on an angle of the chart generally indicates a year to anticipate special e$ents and a fa$orable period. %a$ing the chart ruler well configured is similarly fortunate. The Sun also reflects upon the potential to become better established through domestic security, in$estment or consolidation. If there are threats of loss in any of these areas, it will be shown in the Solar !eturn along with the source of the problem. Such problems may come from a false sense of pride, misfortune, damage to property, or the failing fortunes of superiors. The Sun also shows the health and fortunes of the father or husband and points to your own $itality or lack thereof.
In a general way, the house position of the Sun may be used to disco$er the busiest period of the year. If it is in an angular house, the beginning of the year will bring the greatest acti$ity. (i$otal circumstances and e$ents correspond with the Sun in an angular house. These positions of the Sun incline to turning points and exceptional acti$ity. If it is in a succedent house 4 houses two, fi$e, eight or ele$en 4 the middle portion of the year may pro$e to be the most producti$e. These positions of the Sun represent issues in$ol$ing resources and5or personal $alues. In addition, they usually represent
conclusions, finalities and the opportunity for stabiliation. If the Sun is in a cadent house 4 houses three, six, nine or twel$e 4 the last portion of the year may show the most
forward mo$ement as most of the year has been spent in preparation and ad)ustments. 1ften, a great leap of progress commences with the next birthday after such a year of regrouping. hile the house position of the Sun may be used as a general guideline in regard to timing, a prominence of planets in one of the three sectors may modify your findings.
How Linda Used her irthday Horosco!e to "anage her Li#e
The importance of the Sun's position is illustrated in "inda's Solar !eturn. %ere, both the precessed and non-precessed $ersions of her chart are shown and together with her natal planets, there's a hea$y concentration of planets in the cadent houses and mutable signs.
This indicates a year of preparation and tending to details as she also gets more in touch with precisely what her longer-range goals are. Indeed, there are re$isions in her methods and through a ree$aluation of her ideals6 some of her goals will change. #y tidying up loose ends, which will take all year, she creates a $acuum for new experience.
ith three real estate properties in need of repair, this is one of the areas pinpointed that needed to be handled. Saturn in her 7nd house suggests consolidation while the 7nd house 8oon is directly tied to real estate expenditures. 1nce the repairs were done, she'd ha$e to decide which to keep and which to sell. This 8oon - Saturn con)unction 9in :emini and in the 7nd and ;th houses of the precessed and non-precessed Solar !eturn charts respectfully< also forewarned her that responsibilities would seem hea$y and that she shouldn't despair when the going got rough. %er mood would lighten up as the =ew Year matured and things would begin to progress in a more forward and flowing motion about early summer. In the meantime, she had many responsibilities to manage.
ttending school while also working at a hectic-paced )ob would keep her busy. She had, in fact, contemplated mo$ing as well as getting another )ob.
ith her Solar !eturn 8oon in :emini and her natal >rd house rising in the return, a mo$e was definitely a promising possibility. nd, with the influence of :emini within her 7nd Solar !eturn house, there's the promise of earned income from two or more sources during the year, underscoring her intuition about a )ob change.
Still, there were other things to attend to first and you'll notice the stress of (luto and Saturn across the 7nd and ;th houses. This answered "inda's 0uestion concerning
whether it would be a good time astrologically to file for bankruptcy. ith (luto and the 8oon influencing her financial sectors, a change in her monetary support systems is noted and there are indications of the legal proceedings needed in order to s0uare away her financial matters as well as her real estate concerns. %er natal ?th house rises in the non-precessed chart, showing such a legal emphasis. ith 2upiter's influence in the @th and ?th houses, these actions would bode well for her, although the T-s0uare with 8ars and the Sun re$eals challenges in restructuring her finances, while retrograde 8ercury reflects the time-consuming details in$ol$ed. ll the paper work and legal details would need to be handled with great care. The same T-s0uare configuration reflects the impact of ha$ing li$ed beyond her limits, but the (art of Aortune influencing her ?th house is a good indicator to carry on with these legal proceedings and it is actually the recipient of an eclipse, bringing a window of opportunity to benefit by tending to these matters. !omance was another 0uestion for "inda with her sensiti$e and yearning natal 8oon falling in the Bth house of the Solar !eturn 9S!<. e see the trine of S! 3enus to S! 8ars, which is a signature aspect for a romantic encounter during the year. In fact her natal 3enus is also closely trine S! 8ars. %er natal 8oon in the Bth is, howe$er, opposed by &ranus, showing a tumultuous situation in one romance. =eptune's input by its
position on the CCth house cusp indicates the dissolution of a friendship. "ilith in the Bth is another indicator of a disruption in this area and agreement comes from the T-s0uare between Sun, 2upiter and 8ars. %owe$er, she also has her natal =orth =ode in the S!
Bth, so there's promise of a timely and destined meeting. &ranus in the CCth presents fresh new opportunities and the trine of Sun to Saturn and to &ranus suggests that a more
promising and stable romance is simply delayed and may come into her life at an unexpected moment. !ealiing that she'd recently entered a relationship with all the earmarks of disaster, "inda took the initiati$e to dissol$e that romance herself, now
fortified with the patience to allow a relationship with an e$en newer and more promising ac0uaintance to de$elop at a natural pace as she handles more serious priorities.
1$erall, 8ars is angular and ele$ated in the ries rising chart, showing new initiati$e and 0uite possibly new $entures in her career sector. %owe$er, due to the configurations it is in$ol$ed in, "inda is aware that to rush into anything that isn't well thought out is not in her best interests as 8ars, 2upiter, and Sun in such conflict often point to an opportunity that not only files out but also ends in loss. The same goes with her relationships because 8ars is the primary ruler of the men in her life. &nderstanding that with the
cadent houses spotlighted, opportunities that are most promising will not come until )ust before her next birthday. Transits underscore these themes as Saturn mo$es out of her Bth
and 2upiter enters her Dth.
"inda still has choices to make all along the way but she feels better e0uipped to make them wisely through the obser$ation of her Solar !eturn. She's also comforted that the burdens she feels are only temporary. ith the knowledge that S! /hiron is s0uare her
(luto and approaching se$eral natal contacts including her /hiron s0uare, she also recognies a period of processing painful emotions about the lack of affection she feels from her parents. Experiences and encounters will in$ite spiritual progress through which her awareness will rise to a higher le$el. Taking care of practical matters and remaining grounded will assist the process. These themes underscore the inner processing in$ol$ed with her S! Sun in the cadent houses.
House Polarities
"inda's chart illustrates the need to consider the house polarities when working with the Solar !eturn, especially when a planet falls precisely on a house cusp. The presence of =eptune on the CCth house cusp stimulates the axis of the Bth house as well. hile her
natal 8oon and return "ilith occupy the Bth house in this chart, in the non-precessed Solar !eturn her natal 8oon lies precisely on the CCth house cusp while se$eral natal planets fall within, including natal 3enus.
As!ects
In regard to aspects, you can use a similar orb as you would to interpret a natal chart, although the closer to exact an aspect is, the more pronounced the theme suggested by the natures of the aspect and the planets in$ol$ed. nother thing you can do is add C7
degrees to the 8oon position. The 8oon will progress at the rate of about a degree per month so during the course of the year, it will tra$el forward C7 degrees. If it forms an aspect to another planet, especially a con)unction, watch for associated acti$ity during that month.
Speaking of the 8oon, there's much you can learn about domestic conditions for the year by checking the sign and house position of the 8oon. Aor example, a mo$e may take place if the S! 8oon is in :emini or the third house. Tra$el or a mo$e by a family
member may take place during the year it is in the ninth house or Sagittarius.
Aurthermore, a close aspect from a return planet to the natal 8oon allows a deep look into the chart. Especially by con)unction, the energy $ibrations from other bodies easily influence the 8oon. Since the 8oon re$eals our pri$ate domain, personal affairs and emotional well being on a daily basis, a planet linked to it in the Solar !eturn shows a trend for the entire year. /onditions and circumstances reflecting the nature of such a planet will ha$e an impact on daily personal affairs, family and domestic affairs.
Identifying (lanetary Triggers co$ers the Solar !eturn 8oon in depth.
The "unar !eturn is another handy way to keep track of monthly themes and this chart is read the same as the Solar !eturn except it shows a one-month trend.
How Carol Played her Cards
This illustration was contributed by a fellow astrologer due to the case in point of + afflicted benefics on the angles+ which is discussed in Predicting Events with Astrology* +hen there are benefic planets on the angles of a return chart, a good period can usually be anticipated. These are the traditional 2upiter and 3enus, or greater and lesser fortunes,
and also the Sun, unless it is badly afflicted. If any one of these is on an angle and making positi$e aspects, a fortunate return period can be anticipated. In general, these three
bodies can pro$ide health, wealth and good times in amounts relati$e to a summary of the chart.
+If, howe$er, there are badly afflicted benefics on the angles, it can show all kinds of upsetting circumstances, 0uite often indicating a health problem, distress or grief. 3enus against 2upiter especially indicates grief if combined with similar indicators. 3enus against 2upiter without other ma)or afflictions usually shows excess of some sort. 2upiter against 8ars can show accidents, carelessness, extra$agance, or going o$erboard in general.+
The benefic planets in an angular position suggest ease but when afflicted you know there is a disturbance to such ease. /arol recognied such a case that would affect her 0uite personally and thankfully, that it is a "unar !eturn means this theme was only for one
month and not for the whole year.
/arol saw 2upiter, 3enus, Sun and 8oon combined in harsh aspect on the angles.
Fnowing it showed material losses and more money going out than coming in, it alarmed her o$er an upcoming trip to 3egas. That trip and expenditure had been unplanned but it was a chance to connect with her son, who would be there for three days. "i$ing fairly close to 3egas, the opportunity had been too good to pass up because her son li$ed across country and $isits were infre0uent. %er husband had been recently laid off so this chart was not encouraging that he'd return this month due to the in$ol$ement of the Sun in the
afflictions. They had some sa$ings but were trying to make it last. Still, the chart showed excess and expenditures, so there was more to this than that.
/ontrolling what she could, they did watch their expenditures in 3egas, gambling )ust a little and coming home no worse off than they'd left other than the flight expenses. lert to the fact that more expenses would come up, /arol was watchful for ways to be frugal as the days went along. week later came an unexpected car repair of G7BHH. 1ut of warranty but still unpaid for, this was a double whammy and a real +ouch+ to the
pocketbook. week later a family emergency necessitated a long distance flight and yet another expense of nearly a thousand dollars 9&ranus shows unexpected tra$els through its position near the ?th house cusp<.
The final e$ent for the month came when her sister-in-law ga$e them a practically new refrigerator. She )ust wanted a new color that matched the new kitchen she'd reno$ated. ell, /arol figured, it was newer than her own refrigerator, probably worth the switch although there was nothing wrong with hers. She decided it would be nice to ha$e a few frills in the newer model and they could sell the older one. ell, as it turned out, the actual switching in$ol$ed days of incon$enience and problems because of a leak,
problems with le$eling, new filters re0uired, light bulbs, cleaning, etc. #y the time it was o$er, the expense was about e0ual to what the old one could be sold for t least /arol has a sense of humor and a good spirit about it all, because she was forewarned in her "unar !eturn, which enabled her to play some of her cards right. She said it seems e$en gifts are costly with these afflicted benefics.
Each of the planets ha$e something to say about the house they reside in whether angular or not. Aor example, 8ars shows dynamic acti$ity and sometimes conflict. The Bth house go$erns children, romance, sports, gambling and entertainment. So if 8ars falls in the Bth house of the return and you ha$e children, you'll know that this will be a year of
increased acti$ity surrounding them. 8aybe your B-year-old will learn to ride a big bike or your C7-year-old )oins a league. If 8ars is afflicted, one of them could get hurt so
precautions should be taken. If you're single, you might meet a new romance with this Bth house 8ars. If you're a single parent, both e$ents could happen.
The following brief descriptions may be used as a general guideline to interpret the
energy o# a !lanet in a house or by its exceptional prominence in the Solar !eturn chart.
The Sun shows an accent on authority, prestige, honor, limelight, established or
settled conditions, achie$ement of goals, patronage, indi$idual consciousness, power of creation, pride, the father, husband or male element.
The "oon brings an accent on publicity, personal popularity, restlessness,
feelings, fluctuations and change, instinct, sensiti$ity, cherishing nature, the mother, wife or female element, the domestic life and home.
"ercurydenotes an accent on mo$ement, tra$el, reading, writing, speaking,
spreading of ideas, study and detailed work, ability to fathom concepts, brothers, sisters, relati$es, young people and children.
)enus symbolies an accent on lo$e, marriage, romance, pleasure, financial gain,
harmony seeking propensities, aesthetic sensiti$ity, accommodating instincts, young women and the wife.
"ars signifies an accent on energy, enterprise, passion, initiati$e, hard works,
impatience, fire, inflammatory conditions, 0uarrels, antagonism, destructi$e tendencies, young men, the husband or masculine types.
*u!iter indicates an accent on increase or honor, expansion, ad$ancement,
patronage, financial gain, )oy, charitable instincts, tra$el, legal ceremonies or legal matters, religion and philosophy.
Saturn shows an accent on consolidation, contraction, crystalliation, the need
for self-discipline, loss, delay, hindrance, limitation, disappointment, lack of appreciation, hardships, integrity, hard work, responsibilities, selfishness, the father, authorities or old people.
Uranus announces an accent on unusual de$elopments, the awakening of new
interests, new and cataclysmic connections, mental stimulus, enlightenment, unexpected or sudden changes.
Ne!tune suggests an accent on the remo$al of barriers, loosening of bonds,
dissol$e, long distance tra$el, especially by sea or air, ecstasy, the manifestation of long held dreams, restless dissatisfaction, disappointment, deceit, treachery, abandonment, self-sacrifice.
Pluto signifies an accent on new beginnings, transformation, rebirth, elimination,
compulsion, refusal to compromise, death, reorientation, destruction.
The North Node accentuates the nature of any planet with which it forms a
con)unction. "ike an exclamation point, study the aspects to such a planet, for it will function 0uite dynamically this year. Similarly, an eclipse that falls on a
sensiti$e place in the return may show dynamic e$ents and a window of opportunity to handle specific matters during the course of the year.
Eclipses and other specialied topics are discussed in Predicting Events with
Astrology, which includes a table of eclipses through 7HB@. Identifying Planetary Triggers includes separate chapters for interpreting each of the planetary returns6 "unar, Solar, 8ercury, 3enus, 8ars, 2upiter and Saturn. It also includes material on the nlunar !eturn, which is the return of the 8oon each month to the position it held in the Solar !eturn.
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