Astrology

Solar Returns

What is a Solar Return?

A solar return chart is cast once a year on your birthday (hence the origins of the term “many happy returns”). It is based on an original Hindu Vedic astrology system of drawing a chart at the specific moment when the earth/sun relationship is exactly the same as it was when you were born (this is usually within 24 hours of ones’ birthday).

At that moment, a seed is planted which will indicate the nature and pattern of the next 12 month period when it is read in conjunction with the birth chart. The position of the solar return ascendant and the natal ruling planet are especially significant; there are usually prominent areas that will show a focus of activity and events over the forthcoming year.

A solar return is usually integrated as part of a larger forecast, but I offer it as a separate reading as it makes an interesting alternative birthday present. It is necessary however to have had a birth chart done first, and to have a very accurate birth time and location.

The Aspects

What are the Major Aspects?

Conjunction:

An intense merging and interaction of two life energies.

Fused and blended together.

A united effort or combination of forces, depending on the nature of the planets concerned.

Planets that act together whether harmonious or not.

Frequently one planet dominates, due to stronger sign position than the other.

Effects tend to be obvious to others, but hard for native to assess.

Takes Action and self-projects energy out to the world.

Square:

Conflict and uneasy relationship;

Working against each other and causes tension and clashes between two energies.

Working at cross- purposes and inhibiting each other.

Deep frustrations and Active efforts made to get over problems.

Reinforcing each other at the wrong moment (overcompensation)!

Open tension and divisiveness.

An achievement of one goal interferes with progress toward the other.

Valuable energy that is initially impulsive and uncoordinated.

Naturally destructive, but their energy can be employed constructively to clear away old and make way for new.

A restlessness that keeps us busy; thanks to its drive and inherent unrest, it puts us on the path of many possibilities.

The instability of the Square and difficulty of perceiving clearly the different planetary energies will lead to ongoing growth to new levels except when due to the persons resistance, the conflict is repeated continually on the same level

Trine:

Specific energies in areas of life that integrate well and flow together harmoniously.

Shows a way of being, rather than a way of doing, and therefore one takes for granted the abilities and talents shown by the trine.

Working harmoniously together and supporting one another (by element).

A gift on which we can fall back on, a resting place.

A holding of considerable promise.

Great deal of creativity locked away in it.

Absence of tension leaves little incentive to action, and therefore can encourage laziness.

Generally represents rest, balance, relaxation and harmony.

Restores balance after an imbalance.

Sextile:

Bestows talent, but application required to exploit it; its promise is not too easily realised.

Hesitancy with use of talent is typical, people with many sextiles tend to be waverers who might do much but never make the most of themselves.

Requires expenditure of energy to reap benefits, hence "opportunities".

Symbolises openness to develop potential talents.

Opposition:

An internal tug-of-war between two parts of the self.

Torn apart and fluctuating between two halves of self.

Polarity, strife and conflict but also partnership, cooperation and consciousness.

Tension and doubt, vacillation and uncertainty with a general sense of uneasiness caused by the swinging between of two extremes.

The feeling of being caught in the middle, felt most directly as constant challenge in personal relationships (someone on the other side of chart).

Conflicts develop when unrecognised parts of the self are projected onto another.

Difficulty in distinguishing what is yours and what belongs to somebody else. Energy and growth in consciousness result when the projected parts are recognised and integrated.

Planets involved can be used together in remarkable ways if native learns to reconcile them.

Planets tend to be in signs that share same axis, which have similar yet also contradictory tendencies.

Sesquiquadrate:

An unstable, dynamic linking of energies resulting in change.

Incongruity and mutual resistance of two sets of goals challenges their validity.

Planets acting in an unconscious fashion that can create situations that occur suddenly without due care or consideration.

However can also be remarkably productive at attaining solid and concrete results because they have a ’purposeful’ energy.

Overall can be interpreted in similar manner to the square, but with less emphasis on resistance.

The Planets

The Sun: Describes the basic energy of being, our vitality, our will and our creative self-expression. It also symbolises the process of finding ones’ identity, discovering and distinguishing the hero within us all. Represents the Father and early life role models, those who we looked up to.

The Moon: Represents the urge to nurture and be nurtured, the need to care for and to be cared for. It is our feelings, reactions, responses and psychic perceptions. It indicates domestic preferences and the home, also the accommodation and how one accommodates. It describes the mother and those who cared for you in childhood.

Mercury: The significator of all forms of communication, the rational mind, thought, speech and writing. It is how we connect to those around us within local space. The articulation of truth, logic and reasoning. The nervous system, physical dexterity and movement, transportation, connecting and routine travels.

Venus: Symbolises our urge to harmonise, co-operate, and our desire to give and share. It represents love, spontaneous attraction, beauty, taste and aesthetic appreciation; the harmony of sexual union and of sensual pleasure. It also describes ones value systems, attitudes around money and means of exchange.

Mars: Symbolises the urge for survival on all levels, and how we express our courage and endurance. Its energy is needed so we can cope with the pressures of everyday living through assertion, competitiveness, action and daring. It also represents masculinity, force, strength and (complimentary with Venus) is the expression of sexuality in terms of the chase, conquest and penetration.

Jupiter: Jupiter has always symbolised success and achievement, good luck and benefits in general. It represents expansion, growth and an incorporation of the external world in order to grow, so wherever Jupiter touches one’s chart, inflation occurs, but with difficult aspects, exaggeration and greed are often noted. It is the planet that governs beliefs of all kinds and therefore our vision and faith; also ruling exploration, travelling, learning and increasing the scope of action and experience. Overall, Jupiter can be relied on for providing long-range objectives, vision, encouragement and confidence, and as life goes on it bestows wisdom.

Saturn: Saturn above all represents the principle of fear, which leads to self imposed restrictions and limitations, control and denial. When Saturn’s involved there is an area of life in which we can feel frightened and unable to express ourselves without awkwardness and clumsiness. It represents the father (in family and as "old father time") and also authority figures, teachers, guides and bosses. Saturn is much about growing into a social role and learning the rules by which society has its structure; so that it also covers responsibilities, duties, discipline and learning things the hard way. It is the limits of what can be perceived with the ordinary mind.

Uranus: Uranus is the revolutionary and radical planet. It has always been associated with sudden disruptions and "lightning-flash" changes that tend to undermine previously reliable structures. Its influence can also be recognised in innovative technologies, new inventions, the sciences and natural disasters. It represents the urge to break free, be independent, rebel and shock by deviating from the norm and becoming unusual or eccentric.

Neptune: With Neptune, nothing is quite as it seems; it is the planet associated with the blending of boundaries and diffusion of whatever it contacts in the chart. It is a planet prominently featured in charts of creative people, such as music, drama or art, because Neptune heightens perceptions of form, colour and sound. Neptune also represents idealism, dreams, fantasies, enchantment and the mystical perception of divinity; but can also manifest as deception, illusion, mystery, confusion and transcendence or escape.

Pluto: Pluto is the planet of transformation, rebirth and slow, irreversible change. It is the planet most associated with power struggles, obsessions and compulsions; deepening and intensifying whatever it touches. Traditionally it is linked to Hades and the Underworld, and today its effect can be noted with agents of breakdown and decay, such as terrorists, social malcontents and organised crime. However, when well placed, it is a powerhouse to assist in radical restructuring of consciousness, and is found in charts of healers and therapists as well as gurus and religious leaders who emphasize life after death.

Chiron: Chiron was only discovered in 1977 and is a planetoid which orbits between Saturn and Uranus. It was named after the centaur Chiron, a half man / half horse who was a wise teacher and healer in Greek mythology, and is therefore commonly known as the "wounded healer". It seems to have a generally beneficial effect, and can be most associated with education, a direction in life, faith and a search for an ultimate truth. It is often linked to a turning point in life and a new direction, which moves one forward down a path of no return (a permanent effect). Other associations are as a maverick (due to its erratic orbit), stewardship (it is strongly linked to parenting and fostering) and spirited (prominently found in charts of healers and therapists).

Asteroids:

Between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter lies the asteroid belt, commonly thought to be a planet which never quite coalesced. It consists of hundreds of thousands of objects of which some of the largest are now being carefully studied to note their influences. It seems that the majority of the asteroids can be related to the feminine parts of the psyche; listed below are the four largest, which are now listed in a standard ephemeris:

Ceres: Is associated to the earth mother and the mother / child relationship in general; represents nurturing on a material, practical and responsible nature, and the "growing of" and "taking care of" plants, animals and people. Also links with domestic crafts, gardening and agriculture. Indicates how one truly feels protected, accepted and cared for by the environment and the world.

Pallas: Relates to the critical faculty, and to sharp incisive mentality. It is fond of making distinctions and "figuring" people out. It is linked to the fathers’ approval in early life, and translates in adult life to what one does (or refuses to do) to win approval with other kinds of authority figures or partners.

Juno: The asteroid which is associated with marriage and partnership between the sexes. Juno indicates the fears around what is or will go wrong in a relationship, and what keeps one from feeling totally secure. Its also part of the important dynamic that was learned in the relationship of the parents (particularly the mothers’ role and attitude to her marriage).

Vesta: The nature of Vesta is ascetic, able to make sacrifices in the name of duty. Vesta often represents the denial of short-term gratification or sacrifice of the self in favour of long- range or greater goals. Vesta can be afraid of intimacy and closeness with others leading to lack of relationship fulfilment or relationship frustrations, then Vesta works rather than plays, taking on roles of work-as-compensation; work-as-alienation; work-as-excuse or work-as-sublimation.

The Signs

Aries is energetic, spontaneous, a go-getter, uncomplicated, direct, spirited, light-hearted, dynamic, innovative, original, pioneering, assertive, quick-tempered, unburdened, strong drive, leader, ambitious, extroverted, competitive, enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-assured with carefree confidence. Arians can also be: irresponsible, immature, headstrong, impatient, impulsive, sometimes aggressive, rash, selfish, tactless, egotistical, over-assertive, temper and hot-headed, inconsiderate, reckless, short-sighted, thoughtless, primitive. Key lessons are coordination, conservation of energy and completion.

CARDINAL: Is involved with initiating action and with making a movement into the world. People with emphasis of cardinality have an urge to begin projects, take the lead and shape things. They are known for being active, enterprising and eager to take the initiative, acting according to their aims, goals and ambitions.

POSITIVE (masculine, yang): Are usually more objectively oriented, outgoing, assertive and interested in what is going on around them.However with an excess of fire its possible that egotistical tendencies may develop, leading to excessive self-centeredness and exaggerated self-importance.

Keywords: Self-expressive, spontaneous and extroverted.

Taurus is determined, efficient, cautious, placid, natural, cheerful, tender, affectionate, faithful, reliable, persistent, enduring, introverted, conservative, conventional, materialistic, security conscious, stable, industrious, dependable, practical, down-to-earth, decisive and one generally having significant financial ability.

Taureans can also be: Possessive, jealous, one-sided, lethargic, lazy, loafers, self-indulgent, gluttonous, sullen, apathetic, dull, inflexible and lacking in originality, obstinate, fixed, stubborn and resentful.

EARTH: Is about perfecting, materialising and practical, restrained worldly concerns. Earth is usually reliable and realistic, focussing on the present moment and manifesting, producing and embodying things that are ‘down-to-earth’. They react quietly and slowly and apply themselves with endurance; emotionally they are deep-rooted and slow to change. An excess of the earth element can lead to attachment and stinginess, clinging to physical things, resistance to change and over focussing on the physical rather than the spiritual.

FIXED: Is known for resourcefulness and persistence in preserving, sustaining and building upon what is already there. They are known for being predictable, reliable, steadfast and efficient organisers, acting in response to circumstances. They give existence some degree of stability but are resistance to change and can be stubborn and unmovable once their opinion is set.

NEGATIVE (feminine, yin): Are more likely to be inwardly directed and concerned with subjective experience.
Keywords: Self-repressive, passive, introverted.

Gemini is flexible, versatile, perceptive, methodical, deliberate, rational, jack-of-all-trades, lively, alert, entertaining, quick-witted, literary, communicative, a good conversationalist, changeable, sociable, logical, resourceful, ingenious, agile, dexterous, intellectual, and mentally ambitious.

Geminis can also be: restless, cunning, inconsistent, superficial, fickle, crafty, phoney, flighty, flirtatious, dissipating, distracting, cynical, nervous, anxious and lacking in direction and depth.

AIR: Is about freedom and non-attachment and things that are mental and social. People with an emphasis of air are communicative, cerebral, mentally active and logical, liking to use their intellect in service to humanity. They tend to be quick, active and apply their energies in very diverse ways. Emotionally they tend to intellectualise their feelings and expectations. An excess of air can lead to difficulties with the feeling emotion, leading to depression and a lack of true connection to the self and others, or an overactive mind that blocks deeper peace and awareness.

MUTABLE: Is involved with changeability, adaptability, renewal and variation, symbolising the flexibility needed to allow structures to survive amid changing realities and unfolding processes. They are able to replace one thing with another and transmute a situation through their use of knowledge, consciousness and acting as communicators.

POSITIVE (masculine, yang): Are usually more objectively oriented, outgoing, assertive and interested in what is going on around them.
Keywords: Self-expressive, spontaneous and extraverted.

Cancer is emotional, romantic, devoted, caring, sensitive, family oriented, sympathetic, security-conscious, prudent, domestic, maternal, protective, quiet, calm, imaginative, soulful, conscientious, and affectionate: quite the traditionalist at heart. Cancerians can also be: Hypersensitive, over-emotional, possessive, touchy, snappy, moody, weak, unforgiving, introverted, reserved and retentive.

WATER: Is about things that are emotional, spiritual and about crisis and transformation. People with an emphasis of Water tend to be intuitive, feeling types who are very sensitive. They harmonise with spirit and co-operate with the divine through spiritual surrender, which manifests as a loving presence, compassion, service and in the creative arts. Their imaginative and emotional lives are very deep and rich. An excess of water can lead to attachment and addiction to emotional obsession, victimisation, insecurity, defensiveness and pain. Difficulties in separating and working on ones self due to constant merging with others, spirit, etc.

NEGATIVE (feminine, yin): Are more likely to be inwardly directed and concerned with subjective experience.
Keywords: Self-repressive, passive, introverted.

Leo is ambitious, a lover of limelight, speculative, extroverted, optimistic, honourable, dignified, confident, self-reliant, hearty, benevolent, humorous, generous, passionate, cheerful proud, exuberant, sunny, flamboyant, charismatic, dramatic, zestful, competitive, a leader and an organizer with strong convictions and creative intelligence. Leos can also be: complacent, narcissistic, vain, megalomaniac, overbearing, dogmatic, bullying, pompous, snobbish, intolerant, obstinate, bombastic, egocentric, big-headed, boastful and conceited.

The key lessons of the Leo are impersonal love, coming from the heart, detachment, and serving the Spiritual Self rather than the ego self.

FIRE: The free flow of divine creative energy in a positive, enthusiastic, assertive and uplifting fashion. People with an emphasis of fire are usually spontaneous and impulsive, applying their energy wholeheartedly into things that are self-expressive, creative and fun. Their emotional response is quick and they have a lively imagination. However with an excess of fire its possible that egotistical tendencies may develop, leading to excessive self-centeredness and exaggerated self-importance.

POSITIVE (masculine, yang): Are usually more objectively oriented, outgoing, assertive and interested in what is going on around them.

Keywords: Self-expressive, spontaneous and extraverted.

Virgo is practical, clever, orderly, diligent, thorough, reliable, objective, pragmatic, down-to-earth, shrewd, careful, reserved, demure, chaste, pure, responsible, sensible, logical, analytical, highly discriminating, a careful planner, precise and punctual, dedicated, perfectionist, critical, health conscious, and somewhat introverted. Virgos can also be: Worriers, narrow-minded, fussy, inhibited, mistrustful, pedantic, critical, finicky, thrifty, nit-picking, over-analytical, fault-finding, resigned, envious, bitter and unemotional.

The key lesson is being more loving rather than negative and critical.

NEGATIVE (feminine, yin): Are more likely to be inwardly directed and concerned with subjective experience.
Keywords: Self-repressive, passive, introverted.

Libra is creative, stylish, tactful, enterprising, good-natured and idealistic, a peacemaker and diplomatic, refined, poised, gracious, kind, courteous, fair-minded, sociable, charming, artistically creative, innovative, strategic, affable, cooperative, tolerant, compromising and compensatory. Librans can also be: indecisive, weak, half-hearted, gullible, easily influenced, starry-eyed, susceptible, superficial, calculating, cunning, frivolous, changeable, uncommitted, moody, dependent and resentful.

POSITIVE (masculine, yang): Are usually more objectively oriented, outgoing, assertive and interested in what is going on around them.

Keywords: Self-expressive, spontaneous and extraverted.

Scorpio is intense, determined, powerful, passionate, intensive, inscrutable, strong-willed, tough, tenacious, provocative, forceful, bold, courageous, enduring, competitive, resourceful, researcher, an investigator, revealing, secretive, profound, mysterious, penetrating, sharp-witted, psychic, wishful powers, healer, compelling emotional strengths, lustful feelings and strong sexuality. Scorpios can also be: jealous, possessive, resentful, vindictive, obstinate, intractable, secretive, suspicious, closed, introverted, destructive, self-destructive, envious, vindictive, sadistic, cynical, fanatic, dogmatic, stubborn and overly-fixated.

NEGATIVE (feminine, yin): Are more likely to be inwardly directed and concerned with subjective experience.
Keywords: Self-repressive, passive, introverted.

Sagittarius is self-motivated, idealistic, optimistic, joyous, freedom-loving, loves travel, dignified, confident, sophisticated, casual, friendly, buoyant, gregarious, enthusiastic, philosophical, educated, studious, farseeing, direct, outspoken, liberal, honest, loyal and with noble convictions, magnificent plans and far-reaching goals. Sagittarians can also be: a big-mouthed dazzler, a show-off, arrogant, fanatic, presumptuous, insincerity, hypocrisy, extremist, tactless, blunt, clumsy, exaggerating, careless, rash and capricious.

POSITIVE (masculine, yang): Are usually more objectively oriented, outgoing, assertive and interested in what is going on around them.

Keywords: Self-expressive, spontaneous and extraverted.

Capricorn is ambitious (power, position, money), organizational, self-disciplined, rigid, thrifty, prudent, security-conscious, conservative, responsible, practical, persistent, political, business oriented, methodical, diligent, precise, sober, indefatigable, dependable, sensible, concentrated, serious, dutiful and well-controlled.
Capricorns can also be: rigid, over-exacting, inflexible, ponderous, pessimistic, miserable, cold, ruthless, inconsiderate, melancholy, calculating, inhibited, unsociable, unfair, stingy and gruff.

NEGATIVE (feminine, yin): Are more likely to be inwardly directed and concerned with subjective experience.

Keywords: Self-repressive, passive, introverted.

Aquarius is individualistic, unconventional, original, witty, rational, progressive, unique, independent, humanitarian, altruistic, visionary, perceptive, intellectual, logical, ingenious, inventive, detached, friendly, conscientious, clever, evaluating, enduring and scientific. Aquarians can also be: rebellious, contrary, unpredictable, eccentric, perverse, fixed, obstinate, isolated, anarchistic, misunderstood, impersonal, distanced, lonely and cold.

POSITIVE (masculine, yang): Are usually more objectively oriented, outgoing, assertive and interested in what is going on around them.

Keywords: Self-expressive, spontaneous and extraverted.

Pisces is receptive, supersensitive, impressionable, peace-loving, serious, sympathetic, charitable, compassionate, spiritual, self-sacrificing, empathic, devotional, enchanting, artistic, creative, dreamer, dedicated, imaginative, psychic, delicate, shy, introverted, spiritual, and reclusive. Pisceans can also be: vague, careless, confused, devious, impractical, unreliable, weak, gullible, addicted, indecisive, flighty, eternal victims, vulnerable, depressive, masochistic and longing to let go.

NEGATIVE (feminine, yin): Are more likely to be inwardly directed and concerned with subjective experience.

Keywords: Self-repressive, passive, introverted.

Julian Venables

Phone Numbers

Moon Phases

What is a Solar Return?

What are the Major Aspects?

Conjunction:

Square:

Trine:

Sextile:

Opposition:

Sesquiquadrate:

The Planets

Asteroids: