Keys to Interpreting Solar Returns Pt.

3
On page 1 of our Solar Returns Feature, we offered our preferred techniques and
key points to consider when interpreting Solar Returns, as well as an example Solar
Return.On page 2 of our Solar Returns Feature, we offered a second example of a
Solar Return at work.On page 4 of our Solar Returns Feature, we offer
interpretations of the Ascendant sign in the Solar Return chart, as well as the natal
house brought to the Solar Ascendant.On page 5 of our Solar Returns Feature, we
offer interpretations of the Solar Return Sun in aspect to other Solar Return planets and
points.On page 6 of our Solar Returns Feature, we discuss the importance of the
Moon in the Solar Return chart, by sign, house, and aspect.On page 7 of our Solar
Returns Feature, we compare books and suggest resources for interpreting Solar
Returns.
On this third page of our Solar Returns Feature, we discuss some finer points of
Solar Return analysis and calculation, and address the tendency to worry about
upcoming ominous-looking Solar Return charts.

To P r e c e s s o r N o t t o P r e c e s s ?
Some astrologers precess their tropical Solar Return charts. Eshelman, in his book,
Interpreting Solar Returns (1), promotes this idea. Mary Fortier Sheas book Planets in
Solar Returns (2), is based on Solar Returns that are tropical, Placidus, and nonprecessed. In Identifying Planetary Triggers (4), Celeste Teal suggests that either
method works.
I work with tropical charts, and, like Fortier Shea, I do not precess Solar Return charts.
I have experimented with precessing, but I am not comfortable with the idea, and have
personally seen better results with non-precessed charts. It makes sense to me that I
use tropical non-precessed Return charts, since I use tropical charts in all of my
astrology work.

Location of Solar Return Chart

When working with Solar Returns, where the native lives at the time of the return is
generally the location used for the Solar Return chart.

M o r e C o n s i d e r a t i o n s / I n t e r p r e t a t i o n Tec h n i q u e s

If you study Solar Returns and find them as intriguing as I do, you will likely want to
fine-tune your analyses. On the first page of this Solar Return feature, I listed
some of what I feel are the key considerations for interpreting Solar Return charts. In
addition to these considerations, there are many different factors to consider that will
help you with fine-tuning.
Consider the aspects that SR planets are making. Lets say SR Venus is conjunct the SR
Ascendant. One might jump to the conclusion that the native may find romance, or that
it will be an especially social or romantic, in the year ahead. If SR Saturn is squaring
that Venus, and Saturn is, for example, on the IC, this may in fact be a reclusive
yearone in which the natives lack of social life or romantic life may be an issue or a
preoccupation.
I find the Vertex and the Nodes of the Moon prominent when important contacts are
made. I have frequently seen, for example, SR Venus in tight conjunction to SR Node in
the Solar Return chart before meeting a significant other, as well as SR Venus tightly
square the Nodal axis, and SR Vertex tightly conjunct the natal Vertex.
If you want to look more closely at a particular area of life, such as finances, study the
Solar Return 2nd house. Look at the ruling planet of the sign on the second house and
where it is posited, as well as the aspects it makes. If health and habits are areas of
concern, study the sixth house in a similar manner, and so forth.
Finding the natal ascendant sign on the Solar Return ascendant is significant. That year
may be one in which we find ourselves relying on ourselves, focusing on our needs, and
expressing ourselves as individuals. When the reverse is true, that is, when the natal
descendant sign is on the Solar Return ascendant, we might feel we are dependent on
others during that period.

Qu ali ti es o f the Ho us es an d Si gn s
When many planets (approximately 5 or more) are found in angular positions, and to
some extent when there are an unusual number of planets in cardinal signs, the year
can be a very busy oneperhaps too busy to the point that the native feels there just
isnt enough time to plan ahead or think things through. Poor decision-making may be a
consequence.
A preponderance of planets and angles in mutable signs and/or planets in cadent
houses suggests a period of time when the native needs to adapt to little and frequent
changes. The changes may not be quite as dramatic as the ones associated with
cardinal/angular Solar Returns, but they can take their toll if the native is, for example,
a largely fixed personality. The native may be in a preparation phase. This is generally a
good year for tending to details. Instead of being reactive, which is more likely when
there is a preponderance of cardinal/angular planets, the native is proactive. The down
side of this condition is a feeling that one is busy but not knowing where things are
heading.

A preponderance of planets in fixed signs and/or succedent houses can be indicative of

a year when things dont change very much, and/or when the native is in a building
phase. It may be a particularly stable year. Impulsiveness is far less likely with this
condition than if there is a preponderance of cardinal/angular planets in the Solar
Return.
Of course, considering the overall feel of the SR chart in this way is best when you
compare it with the natal chart. A Solar Return chart that is predominantly cardinal and
angular is likely to be more dramatic for a fixed personality than it would be for a
cardinal/angular personality, who would feel quite comfortable with the energy of the
year.
With a strong emphasis on angular houses (houses 1, 4, 7, and 10), the year can be a
time of new beginnings, much action, and a lot of attention. The first 4 months of the
year ahead may be most active.
With a strong emphasis on succedent houses (houses 2, 5, 8, and 11), this is a year of
developing, building, and overall stability. Some resistance to change is likely, and
inertia may dominate. Months 5 to 8 (that is, five to eight months after your birthday)
may be most active.
With a strong emphasis on cadent houses (houses 3, 6, 9, and 12), there is a tendency
to scatter energies, feel somewhat restless yet directionless, and it could be a year of
some obscurity. Months 9 to 12 (that is, the last 4 months of the year) may be most
active.
Cardinal signs generally indicate new initiatives, physical activity, and some
impulsiveness. Fixed signs can indicate some clinging to things the way they are, and
some inertia. Mutable signs predominating suggests some sociability, indecisiveness,
procrastination, and scattering of energies.

H emis phere Emphas i s

If the east side of the chart is strong, the individual feels in control of his or her destiny,
makes decisions, and may feel empowered. If the west side of the chart is strong, the
individual may feel he or she doesnt have (or doesnt exercise) his or her free will.
If most planets are above the horizon (with the possible exception of a heavy emphasis
on the twelfth house), there is a focus on external events, public life, and social and
business concerns. If below the horizon, this can be a more introspective and subjective
year.

A Note on Forecasting and Worry

There may also be a tendency to worry about heavy planets in a prominent position in
a Solar Return chart cast for the future. When I was a young(er!) adult, I remember
taking a look at my Solar Return chart for the upcoming year, and worrying about SR
Pluto conjunct the Midheaven, tightly squaring SR Moon in the 7th house. In that same
SR chart, Sun, Venus, and Mars were all in the 8th house. The chart looked ominous to
me! What happened that year was certainly life-changing, as the direction of my career
changed, I moved, and I met a man who I later married, but none of these things, at
the time, were things I considered negative. In hindsight, I look back to that time and
think perhaps I was a little hasty with my decision-making, but none of the events of
that year warranted the kind of worry I put myself through.
Whenever we use astrological forecasting methods, it is always important to remember
that we should really be doing these analyses in order to better prepare ourselves. We
should try to avoid getting ourselves into a tizzy over things that might be. Always
keep in mind the idea that we have free will and we have choices. Its perhaps easier
said than done, but looking into the past and applying forecasting techniques on the
years behind us can certainly help alleviate some of the worry. If we see that we
survived a year with an ominous-looking Solar Return chart, it is easier to relax about
the upcoming ones.