WHAT IS A SOLAR RETURN?
A solar return is an astrological chart that is calculated by locating when the Sun will return to one’s natal Sun’s position. It is a chart used to determine the themes of the native during the course of a year.
WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED TO CALCULATE A SOLAR RETURN CHART?
To calculate your solar return, you will not only need your birthday, birth time, and birth location, but you will also need your current location, for your current location affects the calculation of your solar return chart.
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO LOOK AT IN A SOLAR RETURN CHART?
While the whole chart should be looked at, you should look at the following:
House position of the Sun and aspects made to the Sun
House placements of other planets
Ascendant and chart ruler (and aspects made to the chart ruler)
Any aspect (especially stelliums) patterns
HOW LONG IS A SOLAR RETURN CHART IN EFFECT?
You can often feel the effects of your solar return starting to appear a few months before your birthday. The initial effects are strongest approximately 20-30 days before your birthday. The solar return is then strongly in effect for the year, and its effects will fade once your next birthday occurs with a new solar return chart in place.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CHANGING MY SOLAR RETURN CHART BY CHANGING MY LOCATION?
While the effects are a bit unpredictable to know, what is most definitely true is that the chart will change. With that being said, a new motive and drive will be indicated in the solar return due to your conscious decision to change your location.
HOW CAN I READ A SOLAR RETURN CHART?
While it is recommended to read the native’s natal chart first before reading the solar return chart, the solar return chart can be read by itself. A good start to reading is to first look at the house position of the Sun, the chart ruler, and the Ascendant and seeing how it relates to the native’s natal chart.