Solar Returns

By Ron Bippus

GENERAL RULES

The Solar Return chart is calculated for the exact moment in time that the Sun
returns to its natal position, and is set in the place where you currently live. It
forecasts the general outlook for the year ahead, and should be used as part of a
whole spectrum of techniques that include transits, progressions, and directions.
The Solar Return is a snapshot of the zodiac at the precise moment that the
transiting Sun conjoins the natal Sun. This makes the Solar Return similar to a
horary, which makes predictions based on the quality of time that a question is
asked or an event occurs. It points out where the action is by its emphasis on certain
houses and signs. The Solar Return is always set up for your present place of
residence, not for your place of birth. Going somewhere else for your birthday to
change the nature of the coming year does not really work, since you would have to
stay there all year to experience the change in the rising sign.

INTERPRETATION

1. The rising sign and the house cusp it represents in the natal chart are the prime
focus for the year. If the sign is intercepted in the natal chart, it will be a very
frustrating and difficult year. Any planets in the first house also strongly influence
the emotional tenor, but the signs on all four angles are always important. The Solar
Return Ascendant and its ruler show the general approach to life, and the attitude,
health and fortunes for the year ahead.

2. The house that the Sun is in points at a major issue for the year, and shows where
a great deal of energy is being applied. It shows the basic life pattern for the year,
and if there are many aspects to the Sun, it will be a very active year. Fewer aspects
indicate less activity and a more tranquil year. The house in which the Sun falls in
the SR chart is the birthday month's forecast and influence, and each house after is
the following month, since the Sun transits at the rate of one sign or house per
month. Each house is treated as events in that month, and the sign and planet ruling
the cusp influences the outlook for that month. The chart is used like a clock, with
12 months on its face instead of 12 hours. As the Sun conjoins or aspects other
planets in the SR, it will generate events.

3. The Solar Return is a horary chart, and can be interpreted without reference to
the natal chart. Special attention must be paid to the aspects of the transiting Moon,
since its last aspect before it changes signs determines the final outcome of all issues.

a. If the Moon is void of course not much will change unless there are overwhelming
indications for change by house and aspect.
b. If a planet changes signs before the Moon does, then all efforts for change are
wasted, nothing will come of them.

c. If the final aspect is an opposition, then there will likely be a separation from
lovers or employers.

d. If the final aspect is a square, then challenges are met successfully, indicating a
very good year.

e. If the final aspect is a conjunction to a benefic, or a trine or sextile, then

everything will turn out well.

4. The SR can be interpreted as a temporary natal chart for the year.

The houses with several planets in them have the strongest influence on the coming
year. If the planets are somewhat scattered, then the chart must be assessed by
hemisphere and quadrant. If there are more planets in angular houses, then this
indicates many new projects for the year ahead. A preponderance of planets in the
succeedent houses indicates the completion of work already under way. A majority
of planets in the cadent houses suggest a year of changes and mental activity and
stress.

The Moon in the Solar Return

The Moon shows every day activity. In Fire Signs, it's very active, social, and
possibly temperamental and confrontational. In Earth, there are practical and
material concerns. Financial affairs are important, and need to be worked on and
balanced. Emotions are strong, but quiet and introverted. In Air, communications
and social activities, learning and cooler, detached emotions prevail. Energy levels
are fairly good. In Water Signs, it's an emotional year, with family and relationship
concerns and low energy.

The Moon sign signifies people with the qualities of that sign in your life. The
Moon's aspects, if strong and numerous, can cause emotional and health tensions,
and a very active daily routine. If there are few aspects, life is more relaxed and
slower, and you will have time to catch your breath. SR Moon above the horizon,
your concerns are mostly focused on career and social connections. Below the
horizon, the year involves subconscious personal problems.

Conjunct the MC, it is an indication of career changes and changes in personal

goals. Conjunct the IC, family and emotional security issues are sharply highlighted.
On the Ascendant, physical health and attitudes toward others are changeable,
whereas on the Descendant it indicates long term relationships, legal partnerships or
marriage undergoing change.

The Ascendant
The ascendant is what you want to be or achieve that year. The Descendant is what
you project to other people, how others see you. Planets on the Ascendant indicate
the quality, character trait or goal you wish to achieve that year. Planets on the
descendant are the qualities that you project to others.

CARDINAL signs rising indicate a very active year, with a lot of energy directed
into all areas of life.

FIXED signs indicate concerns with financial or emotional security.

MUTABLE signs indicate social activity and communication with others. The only
problem here is indecisiveness.

TIMING

The transiting Sun moves at the rate of 1 sign or house per month. Therefore, if you
count from the first house following the house that the Sun is in, then that would be
the first month after your birthday. The other months are similarly counted. Watch
for the Sun conjuncting planets or points in the SR, since this triggers events. Use all
inner transiting planets for event prediction, especially the Sun, since it is the most
important planet in a SR. The aspects made by the Sun as it moves through the
zodiac generate events.

INTERPRETATION

1. Put the natal planets around the inside of the chart, or print a bi-wheel. The
natal/SR planetary aspects can be quite revealing. Also watch the transiting inner
planets making aspects to both SR and natal planets.

2. SR Mercury by Aspect, Sign and House indicates thinking and communication

patterns for the year. Watch for retrograde and direct stations on a sensitive natal or
SR point.

3. SR Venus shows emotional and financial patterns, and how its conjunctions can
be used to accomplish beneficial changes.

4. SR Mars shows action and energy patterns for the year. As it conjuncts planets in
the SR and natal charts, it provokes temper and causes frustration, but can be
source of strength and courage.

5. SR North Node indicates areas of challenge and growth, whereas the South Node
indicates areas of stagnation and previous activity that needs to be left behind. The
outer planets as always indicate major events and activities.
6. Natal planets conjunct SR planets or angles emphasise and bring natal influences
into that month of life. Natal angles conjunct SR planets bring that natal house into
that month of life.

7. Grand aspect patterns bring about major changes in life, as will any natal aspect
pattern repeated in the SR.

ASPECT INTERPRETATION

Conjunctions - Emphasis for the year on those planetary house and sign energies

Oppositions - Reaction from others and to others in your environment. They are
separating aspects.

Squares - Obstacles to be overcome, problems in life style, new drives, directions

and actions

Trines - Benefits and enjoyment from your environment, time of rewards for use of
talents

Sextiles - Others appreciate your insights and creative abilities, achieving goals
through help from others

Inconjuct - Arguments with those close to you because of differences in philosophy,

new working conditions and responsibilities

SOLAR RETURN ASCENDING SIGNS

ARIES This indicates a year of action, quick decisions, and increased physical
energy. Often, there is an interest in relationships and added financial
responsibilities and new enterprises.

TAURUS Financial, career and domestic situations dominate the year, and some
need to consider physical appearance and pragmatic relationships with people in
authority. Caution is called for, and stubborn wilfulness needs to be controlled.
Career wise, this can be a time of heavy burdens and responsibilities.

GEMINI A head full of ideas and ever changing viewpoints accompany this sign.
Travel and communication with family members are highlighted, and the social life
may be very busy. There may be an addition to the family, or more than one
romantic partner.

CANCER This indicates an emotionally sensitive time, but feelings are close to the
surface and tempers may flare. Family security needs have to be addressed and
resolved.
LEO A good time to be creative, have fun, or have children. A tendency toward
extravagance needs to be watched. With hard aspects predominant, care should be
taken that the relationship and career don't founder due to an excessive search for
pleasure.

VIRGO A desire to change the type of work you do, and a discontent with the job in
general and the people at work in particular may predominate. Because of job
related stress, health may become an issue. Criticism from superiors may result in
financial woes due to lost raises.

LIBRA Legal issues surrounding relationships and business partnerships may arise.
Co-operation and persuasion rather than verbal aggression are called for.

SCORPIO Intensely repressed feelings and emotional issues dominate the year.
There is a need to rely on your own inner resources and strength. This is not a good
position for marriage and other personal relationships.

SAGITTARIUS Opportunities arise to make or spend money, and risky investments

may be undertaken because of an over confident and optimistic attitude. There is a
strong restlessness, so travel and other expressions of mental freedom are high on
the list of priorities.

CAPRICORN Personal restrictions and heavy responsibilities may be encountered.

There are likely to be changes in the career, and any opportunities that come along
should be grasped. This is a good time to tend to personal affairs rather than career
responsibilities.

AQUARIUS A need to detach from the usual social conventions and do your own
thing is very strong. Personal relationships need some focus, otherwise they are
likely to founder. Care should be taken not to spend all your time and money on
humanitarian ideals or travel.

PISCES Intuition and feelings play larger parts than logic and reason. This
indicates a wonderful romance, or hard times and confrontation over money. Time
should be spent on the arts and other creative pursuits.

SOLAR RETURN HOUSES

The Solar Return houses are the most significant part of the interpretation, since
they indicate in what area of life the action will take place. The natal house
placement of the Solar Return Ascendant ruler shows how the planet operates for
the year. Its house placement in the Solar Return shows how that function can work
out.

1st. A strong need for self-expression and initiating action without the help of others.
Opportunities for personal growth and self-development will likely arise.
2nd. The emphasis is on personal values and finances, as well as financial problems
or opportunities. Earning capacity may be stressed, and personal self-esteem may
become a problem.

3rd. The expression of ideas, and research into those ideas, will occupy most of the
spare time. Writing, travel, and relationships with family members are emphasised.

4th. Home, family, and health become major issues for the year. Get back to your
roots, keep in touch with the family, and settle some unresolved family issues.

5th. Romance and creativity are highlighted, and care should be taken that a
romance does not threaten relationships with your children. Have fun and play
games, enjoy life and take some risks, or bet at the racetrack. Write a book, or make
some paintings, or follow whatever creative streak you have.

6th. Relationships in the work place, and the kind of work being done are likely to
change. This change can be stressful, so physical health may suffer. The kind of
work you do may be in a state of flux, so try not to make long range career
commitments. Don't over work and burn out.

7th. Marital, partnership and legal issues need some work. This may be a good year
to get married, or to end a marriage. Let others express their opinions without
getting angry, but remain diplomatic, and try to see the other person's perspective.
Resolve conflicts and differences through negotiation, rather than direct action.

8th. Settlements in partnership disputes as well as in legal and marital affairs are
likely. Inheritances, taxes, or alimony may get some attention. Birth, death, and
other major changes are emphasised. This is an excellent time to make money,
especially through real estate and other investments.

9th. The urge to travel and expand your horizons may be very strong, or may be
enjoyed vicariously by reading books. Other people's legal affairs may intrude on
your personal life. Involvement with churches or political groups is likely.

10th. Career and business matters come sharply into focus. A change in professional
status is likely. Relationships with parents, or behaviour as a parent, become major
issues. There is a desire for public recognition and social approval.

11th. Old or new acquaintances become very important. Work related creativity
might acquire an outlet. Social activity of all kinds takes up a large amount of time.

12th. The need to relax and get away from work and other pressures becomes very
important. This may take the form of romantic affairs, involvement with drugs and
alcohol, or spiritual pursuits. A year to be spent in quiet surroundings to recharge
the emotional batteries.
RISING PLANETS

SUN A time of personal accomplishments which will be of benefit to oneself and the
family. There is an enormous amount of energy available. A feeling of confidence
and being in control persists throughout the year.

MOON A year of being emotional changes and tending to relationships and

domestic issues. Take care that the emotions don't run away with you. Restlessness
and a desire for travel and general changeability persist through the year, so don't
make permanent commitments.

MERCURY Intellectual interests and communication dominate the year, but

nervous exhaustion can be a problem unless there are periods of rest and relaxation.
Take care not to make hasty and careless decisions.

VENUS This is a good time to tend to romantic and financial interests. Make sure
that self-satisfaction is not the only goal. This is a good time for intimacy, social
affairs and fun, but investment opportunities should not be neglected.

MARS This is a year of exceptional energy, but good planning is needed to prevent
wasting a lot of time in aimlessly running from interest to interest without
accomplishing anything. Self-assurance is fine, but don't become arrogant and
confrontational.

JUPITER Great self-confidence and self-assurance come with Jupiter rising. This is
a good time for travel and seeking knowledge in foreign places, or to withdraw to a
quiet place and seek inner wisdom.

SATURN Self-worth will be tested severely, and confidence often evaporates. Focus
on practical matters, and accept responsibility when it comes along. Don't give away
opportunities, because the failure to take action will haunt you.

URANUS Take your freedom wherever you find it, and make sudden changes when
the opportunities arise. Be flexible and open to change, and don't try to hang onto
the past. Feel free to express your opinions, but don't be too outrageously different.

NEPTUNE Kick back, chill out and relax. This is not a year to push outward, but
rather to look inward and tend to spiritual needs. Be creative, take up acting or
painting, or write a book.

PLUTO A year of drastic and permanent changes is likely. Permanent relationships

and financial matters will dominate, and both may change for better or for worse.
Others may try to control and dominate you, so this is the chance to make
permanent improvements.