How to read your Solar Return Chart in astrology

A Solar Return happens every year on your birthday. They are a horoscope for the year ahead of you. Solar Returns reflect transits as they are each year when our sun moves back into it’s original position, down to the degree and minute.

The Solar Return chart is static, meaning it does not move. It does not represent our growth, like progressions do, or the sky as it is right now like transits, but can help give us insight into the next year. For me, personally, Solar Returns are best looked at in hindsight, but some like to use them to prepare for the year ahead. A chart for 2016 would not be valid for 2020. Each year would have its respective charts for you. This is different from astrological profections - an ancient method that assigns a house to a year of life. Solar returns are charts that are different every year, and reflect what may occur on that year.

So how do you read a Solar Return Chart?

Look at the Solar Return chart separately first. Only layer it on top of, or in aspect to, the natal chart after you have gained all the insights you can from the original chart. Any planets in a particular sign or house may symbolize a focus on that area of your life for a following year.

There is no aspect of astrology that is more important than another, but these are some steps I’d take to understanding your Solar Return chart.

• Take note on any houses occupied, and the rulership of them, as these might reflect your views on that area of life for that year, or where you may find your energy directed to.

For example, an empty second house probably doesn’t mean you won’t have any money coming in, but you’d instead look towards the house ruler to see where you might earn your money, or where your values might be placed. It may also indicate where you spend your time. Planets in the eighth house might not mean that you’re going to lose all your money, it might mean that you come across some. It does not mean you’re going to die. A planet in the sixth house may recommend that you’re going to be working hard on something the next year, while a planet in the seventh may suggest that you focus more on your relationships. It is all within the context of the chart.

• Look towards your angles and the rulerships of them.