Solar Return

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The Solar Return Moon

Much information about the year ahead can be gleaned by studying the
condition of the Moon in the Solar Return chart. This is because the Moon
represents involuntary responses to the environment. Its position in the Solar
Return chart shows the emotional condition of the native for the year. This
emotional disposition is so vital because the manner in which
we handle, manage, and perceive events in our lives goes a long way towards
defining the year’s events.

Although the Moon is relatively passive in absolute terms, it represents how we


react to the stimuli around us. These responses are extremely critical. For
example, when the Moon is angular, also called the “foreground” (conjunct an
angle and/or in the first, fourth, seventh, or tenth house), the native’s
responses to the events of the year are rather naive, instinctual, and automatic.
Because the native is very close to any situation he or she confronts, it is hard
to get a good perspective. Impulsive and emotional reactions are most
common. The native is left very open to outside influences.

On the other hand, if the Moon is in, for example, the second or eighth house,
the emotional responses are more stable. The native is able to take a step back
and examine any given situation without immediately magnifying issues out of
proportion. This is true of the Moon’s placement in, or close to, any succedent
house (second, fifth, eighth, or eleventh house). In these cases, the Moon is
essentially in the “middleground” of the chart. It is not close to an angle (and
remember that angles are points of great activity, outside influence, and
subjectivity).

The emotional responses are considerably different when the Moon is in the
“background” of the chart (behind the angles but not close enough to be
considered conjunct an angle — in the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth houses, or
the cadent houses). This is a rather passive position of the Moon in the Solar
Return chart in that the native does not feel an onslaught from the outside,
although the native can nevertheless be very busy adapting to the environment
and preparing for things to come.

The sign of the Solar Return Moon can be interpreted rather similarly in terms
of the modalities. In general, cardinal signs suggest instinctive reactions to the
environment and much activity. When found in fixed signs, the native possesses
much emotional strength. Even if the rest of the chart suggests a difficult or
crisis-oriented year, the native is able to keep some level of calm.

One of the most “favorable” Moon signs in the Solar Return chart is Leo. A
cheerful and strong emotional state dominates the year. If other factors support
it, it may be a time when the native attracts romance into the life. Because the
emotional responses are very stable and positive, even if the Moon, for
example, squares Pluto, indicating sweeping changes in the emotional life, the
native tends to turn changing circumstances into something positive.

Even when the Moon is in Scorpio or the eighth house, the emotional responses
can be intense yet rather controlled nevertheless. This is due to the inherent
emotional strength of the native. This is especially obvious if the native is born
under a more vacillating Moon sign, such as a mutable sign, simply because the
emotional responses are notably different.

The position of the Moon by house, and to some extent, by sign, will show
where your heart is, so to speak. If, for example, the Solar Return Moon is in
Libra in the 5th house, it is likely that you will be emotionally tied up in, and
concentrated on, love and relationship. A strong need for personal self-
expression will be characteristic of the year, and emotional ups and downs are
likely to occur in this area of life, simply because this is where your heart is—
this is the area of life that you have the biggest emotional investment in—and
you may not be completely rational and “in control” in this area. More than
simple fluctuations will be in store in this area of life if, for example, the Moon is
also forming a square to Pluto in the Solar Return chart. Profound changes are
likely to occur here. Thus, factoring in the Moon’s aspects will help refine the
reading.
The house position of the Moon, then, can reveal some areas of life’s ups and
downs in the year ahead. For example, if the Moon is in the eighth house of the
Solar Return chart, joint finances may be an issue or a cause for concern.
Changes with regards to a partner’s finances may affect the native seriously. As
an aside, even if the native is divorced but is still tied up with the ex-spouse
because of children or alimony issues, the eighth house still rules the ex-
partner’s financial state. The eighth also rules taxes, debt, and insurance
matters. Occasionally, there is concern about the health of a loved one and fear
of death. Because the eighth house also rules sexual sharing, sex can become a
large focus or a sensitive issue in some manner. Changes in the sex life are
often evident.

S ola r Ret u rn M oon i n t he S ig ns

Solar Return Moon in Aries

You have an emotional need to start something new this year—to make a fresh
start somehow. Impulsive decisions characterize the period. This promises to be
an active and energetic year in which you feel renewed self-confidence. You are
more assertive and enthusiastic, and also more willing to let go of the past.

Solar Return Moon in Taurus

You have a greater than average need for security and for establishing roots
this year. You focus on acquiring things, especially for the home, and stabilizing
your domestic environment. If there are any difficulties this year, you have the
emotional strength to face them without cracking under pressure.

Solar Return Moon in Gemini

This is a year of emotional adjustments. You may feel pulled in a number of


directions, and you could find yourself very busy and perhaps in demand. If the
Moon is afflicted, you may feel behind schedule and you may have difficulty
keeping up with the pace of your life.

Solar Return Moon in Cancer


Your heart is with your family and your home this year. This position is
sometimes associated with a birth. If the Moon forms mostly challenging
aspects, there is a tendency to dwell on emotional hurts from the past.

Solar Return Moon in Leo

You project a more confident and warm manner during this period of your life,
and could very well attract romance into your life. You feel more playful than
ever, and you look for opportunities to “play”. This can be a highly creative
year, and whatever you do is colored by at least a little bit of drama.

Solar Return Moon in Virgo

This is a busy period in your life when you might work behind the scenes. It will
be easier than most years to stick to a diet or health regime. Keeping “on top”
of things in terms of staying organized is likely a focus. More responsibilities
than usual are likely.

Solar Return Moon in Libra

You are emotionally tied up in relationships, partnerships, and issues of


cooperation and collaboration this year. Your power of attraction is stronger
than usual. You may be more socially active or do some work with the public. If
the Moon is mostly challenged, you may experience some problems in one-to-
one relationships that you actively work on in order to restore harmony and
balance.

Solar Return Moon in Scorpio

Your emotions are intense but controlled this year. You may feel somewhat like
a warrior on an emotional level, able to handle problems perhaps better than
ever. You are not as given to quick emotional reactions. Rather, you can sit
back, watch, and wait. You are likely to be particularly perceptive when it comes
to sizing up people and situations.
Solar Return Moon in Sagittarius

You are emotionally restless, looking for new experiences. You are more able to
have fun, and you seek out new adventures. Restlessness is probable. You may
feel somewhat unsettled this year, and travel is possible. Legal matters may
need to be attended to. If the Moon is mostly challenged, you could be
struggling with indecision about where your life is headed.

Solar Return Moon in Capricorn

Focus this year is mainly on work. You might withdraw on an emotional level
within your family and home life, either to focus your energy on work or
because of increased responsibilities with work or the family itself. Your desire
for a certain level of solitude and your emotional reserve this year might be
cause for concern for others around you, depending on your usual personality.
The condition of the Moon by aspect can suggest whether your reputation
changes for the better or for the worse.

Solar Return Moon in Aquarius

The need for emotional “space” this year is evident. You are emotionally curious
and somewhat detached. Your emotional reactions this year may be quirky, but
you are not ruled by your emotions as much as other years. New friendships or
group activity, or changes in these areas, may be part of the picture.

Solar Return Moon in Pisces

This can be a year of endings of some sort, especially with regards to something
that has become very much a part of everyday life. You are more sensitive to
your environment than usual, and you may not feel quite as “equipped”
emotionally to handle the ups and downs of life. You are more sensitive to
others as well. If the Moon is mostly challenged, emotional chaos may be the
theme of the year–feeling “put upon”, ignored, or deceived by others.
S o l a r Re t u rn M o o n i n t h e Ho u s e s

Solar Return Moon in the 1st House

Your emotions tend to be on your sleeve in the year ahead. Some emotional
restlessness is likely, and acting on sudden impulses can be a theme. You are
more sensitive to your environment and the emotional atmosphere around you
this year. As such, changeable moods are likely. You tend to enjoy making
connections with others this year, but, particularly if the Moon is challenged in
your Solar Return chart, you could take on more projects and interactions with
others than you can manage. The key to success will be some emotional
detachment–something that can be hard to achieve but is essential for an
emotionally healthy year. Moon-related people, events, and activities feature
prominently in the year ahead–women, family, nurturing, dealings with the
public, and so forth. Your sensitivity to the expectations of others may dominate
your emotional life this year.

Solar Return Moon in the 2nd House

Your emotions are strongly tied to what you have and don’t have this year–
security derived from your income and possessions. Fear of lack can be behind
many of your actions during this period. Fluctuations surrounding money may
occur, but more likely you are more sensitive to them. Keeping things status
quo is a tendency this year–too much change could frighten you now. In
general, with the Moon in the “background” in your Solar Return chart, you tend
to have a stronger hold on your emotions than usual.

Solar Return Moon in the 3rd House

An emphasis on communication, learning, and making contacts is indicated with


this position. In terms of emotional orientation, this position can go one of two
ways: you more easily give voice to your feelings or tend to rationalize your
emotions to the point of not really knowing your heart’s desires. There are likely
to be frequent short trips, errands, visits, phone calls, and communications in
the year ahead. You are likely to be “on the go”. Solar Return Moon in the
4th House
Solar Return Moon in the 5th House

Solar Return Moon in the 6th House

Solar Return Moon in the 7th House

Solar Return Moon in the 8th House

Your emotional state depends heavily on the condition of the Moon by aspect. If
the Moon is mostly supported (for example, by trines and sextiles to other
points), then you possess more emotional strength than ever this year. Your
ability to step back and watch what is happening around you before reacting
emotionally will benefit you, especially if you are usually a more emotionally
reactive or impulsive person. You are more perceptive than ever, and better
able to size up both people and situations you deal with. If the Moon is mostly
challenged in its aspects to other planets and points, you may be dealing with
very intense—even primal—emotions and will have a hard time sorting out your
feelings.

Changing sexual relationships may occur this year. You may find that your
levels of intimacy with another person or persons changes rather dramatically,
and this is an area of focus or sensitivity for you on an emotional level. Either
sexual relations become more intense and you discover new levels of intimacy,
or you are affected by a decrease in this area. An example of this in my files is
a woman who discovered that her husband was having an affair. The eighth
house Moon squared Mercury on the Midheaven, and because the affair was
known amongst her friends and colleagues, she had to deal with her personal
life becoming “public”.

You are bound to encounter issues surrounding shared resources. If you depend
on someone on a financial level, even in a small way, there may be cause for
concern. Support from others in general is an issue that will concern you this
year. The situation is likely to change, and you will need to work out strategies
to deal with it. If you are married, or divorced but your resources are still tied
up with those of your ex-spouse, your partner’s changing economic status is
likely to affect you and concern you. For whatever reason, you may feel more
dependent on support from others, or may need to take on debt. Examples of
this position in my files include a person whose ex-spouse declared bankruptcy
and some of his debts that were originally co-signed became her responsibility,
a year when an injury forced a woman to be dependent on physical and some
financial support from others, and a year when a person’s student loan came
due and he faced debt repayment for the first time in his life.

Solar Return Moon in the 9th House

Solar Return Moon in the 10th House

Your heart is with your career and work goals this year–ups and downs in these
areas are taken to heart, and are likely. There may be some pressure to
“perform” this year as a result. You might find you are more involved with the
public this year, and the extent of your popularity with same depends on the
condition of the Moon. You would be wise to avoid letting emotions get in the
way of your progress. This position of the Moon can go in one of two directions
in terms of emotional orientation–you may adopt a business-like approach to
your emotional life, or you might bring your emotions into your professional life.
In some cases, people with this position of the Solar Return Moon take a more
“motherly” approach to their work, or their work moves in the direction of
nurturing or intuitive activities. Sensitivity to one’s reputation, or feelings of
being “in demand”, can figure prominently this year. Sometimes this points to a
change in marital status.

Solar Return Moon in the 11th House

This is a year in which you may plant one or more significant “seeds” in terms
of projects that will be carried forth down the road. It is a period of dreams for
the future–an excellent year in which to come up with progressive new ideas.
Still, if the Moon is unfavorable, some of these dreams may be pipe dreams.
You may also find that you put a lot of effort into generating income from a
business. Connections with friends or groups figure prominently this year, or a
longing to belong grabs hold of you. Your emotional orientation this year is
likely to be somewhat conservative but also quite steady and objective. If you
are normally an intensely emotional person, you could find that you are better
able to detach yourself emotionally this year. An important new friendship with
a female is possible.

Solar Return Moon in the 12th House

Ha rd As pect s o f t he Sola r Ret u rn Moo n

The hard aspects of the Solar Return Moon (the conjunction, square, opposition,
semi-square, and sesquiquadrature) point to active themes and challenges in
the year ahead. Note that with all hard aspects of the Solar Return Moon, the
characteristics and situations suggested in the interpretations below will be
more pronounced if the Moon is in the foreground of the Solar Return chart.

Solar Return Moon hard aspects to the Sun have been discussed on
the Solar Returns: Aspects of the Sun page. They point to major,
memorable periods in the life cycle.

Hard aspects to Mercury point to a general “busy-ness”, expressiveness, and


mental activity. Travel may be in order. Some form of publicity is likely. This
can take the form of being called upon to express yourself. For example, in a
year when a woman announced her separation from her husband, she was in
the position to explain herself and her situation to those around her.
Alternatively, there can be an increased need to express yourself and to discuss
your personal life with others. You might find that you are less in touch with
your emotions simply because you feel the need to, or are pressed to, define
them! There can also be some tendency towards being nervous and restless.
Most of the time, there is an outside interest in your activities during this
period. More attention to schedules and deadlines is also in order.

Hard aspects to Venus are not explicitly problematic, although they have
their issues. You feel a lot of desire this year. Your passions are aroused in all
areas — sensuality, food, comfort, pleasure, material goods, and so forth.
Sometimes, a desire to create a family is strong. This aspect shows up
frequently in years when a woman becomes pregnant. Generally, there is more
social activity, and your sensuality is strong this year. You look to satisfy your
“sweet tooth” for pleasure. Your urge for affection may be temperamental, but
insistent when active.

Hard aspects to Mars can bring with them confrontations and moments of
emotional anger. This is largely because you are far from indifferent on an
emotional level this year. Your passions are aroused and it is hard for you to
step back and objectively review any given situation. You can be emotionally
impulsive during this period of your life, and your hunger for new experiences
can reveal itself in restlessness and/or impatience.

Hard aspects to Jupiter suggest a period of emotionalism, with big feelings


and the urge to expand your circle. Of all of the Moon’s aspects, this one is the
most frequently active in years when things come to individuals, such as
money, gifts, and rewards. Besides potential windfalls, this aspect generally
brings with it a positive and happy emotional outlook.

Hard aspects to Saturn point to a stronger need for emotional security and
some possible hypersensitivity. Others may find you somewhat withdrawn
emotionally. Obligations and responsibilities are magnified. With this aspect,
you find it challenging to keep a positive frame of mind, and if not kept in
check, you more easily attract negative circumstances as a result.

Hard aspects to Uranus have the effect of “speeding up” the emotional
reactions. You are more willing to take risks this year. Surprises come your
way, and you may do things or experience things that you never imagined. This
is a year when you can expect the unexpected. You are seeking emotional
excitement, whether this is a deliberate or subconscious thing.

Hard aspects to Neptune are tricky. This can be a year of vague feelings and
distinct moodiness. You may be feeling sorry for yourself at times, or you may
feel that you have been deceived or neglected. There can be some domestic
confusion this year.
Hard aspects to Pluto suggest very intense emotions and a strong will. You
may find yourself attempting to resist changes in your routines, or the complete
opposite: you have a great need to make changes on the domestic front. Either
way, this is a year of breaking of established routines. You may feel that others
attempt to manipulate you. Your emotional state is one in which you may feel
isolated on an emotional level, and it is a time when you need to gather
strength. In some cases, some sort of crisis, separation, loss, or shock occurs,
but this is not a given.

Remember that with all hard aspects of the Solar Return Moon, these
characteristics and situations will be more pronounced if the Moon is in the
foreground of the Solar Return chart.

S oft A spe cts of t he S ola r Retu rn M oon

The soft aspects of the Solar Return Moon (the sextile and trine) show
supportive themes. For example, a trine to Saturn suggests a generally stable
emotional attitude this year. A trine to Mars suggests emotional vitality and
strength. A trine to Venus suggests some support from the partner or the social
life this year. Soft aspects, while passive by nature, help to support, ground,
and stabilize the individual during the birthday year.

More

Back to Interpreting Solar Returns first page

Back to Predictive Astrology Main PageSolar Returns Feature: Page 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 Precess or Not to Precess?

Some astrologers precess their tropical Solar Return charts. Eshelman, in his
book,Interpreting Solar Returns (1), promotes this idea. Mary Fortier Shea’s
book Planets in Solar Returns (2), is based on Solar Returns that are tropical,
Placidus, and non-precessed. 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.
More Considerations/Interpretation
Techniques

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. Let’s 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 year—one in which the native’s 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.
Q u a l i t i e s o f t h e Ho u s e s a n d S i g n 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 one—perhaps too busy to the point that the
native feels there just isn’t 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 don’t 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.

He mis ph e re Emp has is

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 doesn’t have (or doesn’t
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. It’s 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.

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