At the time of your solar return, planets are positioned throughout the sky in a system known as "houses." Houses are simply a 12-fold division of the sky as seen from the location of your solar return.

These 12 houses are furthermore divided into three types: angular, succedent, and cadent houses. Each of these types have certain general meanings. The more planets you have in a certain type of house, the more it points to a certain type of year about to unfold. The character of the year will be shaped greatly by which house types have the most - and the least - number of planets.

In this calculation, both your natal and the solar return planets are used, as they fall within your solar return horoscope.

The majority of your natal and solar return planets fall in:

Balance: Having a balance of planets in each house type is most desirable. You have this, and it indicates a "balanced" approach to life, a nice combination of initiative, follow-through, and inspiration or new ideas.

The House Containing the Sun

The Sun is definitely the most important planet (star) to consider in the interpretation of solar returns, for the whole chart is based upon its principle. It is the only placement which is always identical (by longitude) in the natal as well as the solar return chart. Its house position shows where the greatest growth may take place during the year and where one may express the self creatively. It also denotes the area of greatest recognition as well as the area where the individual will "identify" the self this year. It is an indication of success according to house placement -- an area where the person may "shine" and show honor, a place where the individual may take pride in his or her accomplishments.

The houses have basically the same principles in the interpretation of a solar return chart as they do in a natal chart. The only difference is that the solar return houses are temporal in nature, and thus the actual interpretation of their meaning will be slightly modified because of this factor.

The Sun, at the time of your solar return, falls in the 3rd house.

3rd house: Great growth may take place in your mind and mental activities. Very creative ideas may lead you to engage successfully in writing, speaking, or sales. This year may be favorable for marketing ideas, or writing projects. It also indicates a year that may highlight relationships with your neighbors, brothers and sisters, and/or correspondence with others (i.e. short journeys, letter-memo writing, telephone calls, etc.). Furthermore it can indicate a year in which you purchase a new automobile, or some durable communications good (i.e. computer), that enhances your efficiency. Overall, you are apt to identify yourself in terms of your ideas, and your success in relating those ideas determines the degree of your self-confidence for the year.

This placement might also indicate domestic problems, maladies involving members of your family or apprehensions of such. A tendency towards worry may be overcome through creative mental pursuits, like writing or studying something of interest.

Cusp Conjunctions of Solar Return or Natal Planets

An area of life is highly emphasized for the year of the solar return if a solar return or natal planet conjuncts any house cusp. The orb of the conjunction is approximately 3 degrees, 45 minutes, either side of the house cusp. The house system preferred (default) by the author is Placidus, Tropical method.

The planet making the conjunction describes the nature of activities - events, conditions - that tend to unfold in the coming year. This planet's nature is highlighted as being prominent for this year.

In your solar return chart, you have the following planets conjunct a house cusp:

Solar Return Moon on the 2nd house cusp:

This denotes where many changes -- and hence, events -- may occur for you during this year. This is an area where you may have great needs, especially emotionally. Your public image for the year may be effected by circumstances that unfold in this area of life. It also indicates the areas of life in which you may form significant relationships (intimate ones) for the year. It can indicate a potential partnership or marriage in that area of life during the year. It may also indicate an area of life where dependencies upon, or with, other people may form, and these dependencies may not be healthy for you if a high degree of trust is not present. Personal qualities exhibited in this area of life are sensitive, caring, emotional, and perhaps fickle and restless.

The 2nd house pertains to your money, income, savings, and new possessions.

Natal Mars on the 1st house cusp:

These are areas of life where you are likely to initiate new ventures. These are areas where you may initiate a pioneering spirit and eagerness to try new things, and if favorably placed and aspected, then success is very possible; if afflicted, then you must guard against an over-impulsive nature which could lead to failure of pursuits. This is an area of great motivation and activity -- an arena of "action." It also denotes where you tend to be competitive, or meet with competition from others. Furthermore, this shows where you are likely to experience discordance with others, and possibly engage in quarrels or disputes. It may be wise to utilize great caution and self-control in these areas and relationships ruled by these areas, as you may tend to be over-impulsive and rash here. The qualities you tend to exhibit in this area are assertive, competitive, driven, but perhaps argumentative and pushy.

The 1st house (Ascendant) pertains to all of your efforts; the manner in which you come across to others; your immediate surroundings, and how you tend to conduct yourself, or present yourself to others. This deals with your health, your basic energy level, and in general, describes how you see your year - the "umbrella" of the year. It describes what you desire of yourself and for yourself this year.

Natal Saturn on the 12th house cusp:

This signifies the area in which you are likely to experience many obligations and commitments to others; areas of great responsibility, demands, and consequent seriousness. Much work, self-discipline and control are required in the matters in this area, and without proper attention, these matters could very well prove to be burdensome and the cause of both delays and personal disappointments. If handled properly, then you may establish the foundations of a long-term cycle. It can also represent the beginning of a long, beneficial relationship in this area of your life. But if patience, self-control and discipline are not exercised here, then much frustration may be encountered due to set backs and delays in the realization of your goals. Furthermore, friendships may prove to be burdensome rather than helpful in pursuits involving this area of life. It is also possible that matters from the past come back into your life here. Dealings with older people and those in positions of authority, and activities involving government or law enforcement agencies could also arise if they pertain to this area of life. Remember to be totally accountable in these areas. There are no magical qualities about the conditions ruled by this set up. This area is reality, and as such, may represent losses or setbacks if not handled responsibly. The qualities you tend to exhibit in this area are serious, studious, goal-oriented, responsible, but perhaps pessimistic, critical, and judgmental.

The 12th house pertains to your dealings behind the scenes, or the behind-the-scenes-dealings which effect you; hospitals, prisons, jails, places of confinement; your "fantasy" world; places of reclusion; your secrets and private world.

Natal Ascend. on the 2nd house cusp:

This signifies a special area of importance to you this year. You are likely to project much energy into this area. Immediate attention may be necessary to handle circumstances which arise here. It is an area in which you hope to succeed (and probably will), to "look good," both to yourself and to others.

The 2nd house pertains to your money, income, savings, and new possessions.

 

Perceiving Reality and Relationships:
Planets in Aspect to the Solar Return Horizon

Since the time and location of the solar return set up a structure (astrologically) for which an experience will occur that the individual will relate to, the foundation of that structure becomes extremely significant. This structural foundation is symbolized by the angles of the horoscope, the axes of the Earth, in which all the zodiac and all of the planets combine within. The relationship of these axes (angles) to the planets -- both natal and solar return planets-- give special meaning to the structure of experience the native will undergo during the period of the solar return's influence (one year).

A planet (solar return and natal) in close aspect to the solar return horizon (Ascendant-Descendant) -- orb no more than six degrees -- affects the nature of how one perceives reality, how one projects the self, what one considers important in dealing with others, and the behavior and activities which one expresses in the world during the year. It also describes how one tends to handle situations as they arise during the year.

The following represents a brief description of the planets (solar return and natal) in close aspect to the Ascendant/ Descendant axis in the solar return wheel (plus means trine, sextile and conjunction aspects; minus means square and sometimes conjunction aspects):
Natal Mars Conjunction Ascendant (Orb: 2°48')

Mars Conjunction Ascendant is both harmonious and discordant.

Mars in harmonious aspect to horizon: This is a year of great motivation to do things successfully. You seem highly charged and energetic, and very self-directed. Your pioneering spirit can be a great aid in starting a particular (or many) new ventures. You seem eager to try new things. One area that may be of great benefit is physical exercise or athletic competition - or competition of any kind this year. You tend to fare very well in such endeavors. This indicates a year of great activity, and one not given to boredom.

Mars in discordant aspect to horizon: This year seems to have more than the normal amount of disputes and quarrels. Numerous battles with partners and close relations - personal and work - seem to occur. It is also a year of impetuous and perhaps immature behavior, one given towards temper tantrums. This is not favorable for relationships, and as such, close relations may be jeopardized because of your constant upset. In addition, you may have a tendency to act rashly and without thinking properly first. Such qualities may make you prone to mistakes or accidents. It may be wise to learn to count to ten before responding out of anger. It may also be wise to check over your work before putting it into effect. Try not to compete with others, but rather try to find value in who they are and what they are doing. Try to reach out and help others, instead of expecting them to get out of your way. If not, they may do just that - get out of your way, and out of your life.

Since this aspect tends to coincide with potentially difficult circumstances, it may be wise to consider traveling elsewhere for your solar return, a place where this angular relationship would be removed altogether. If you are open to this possibility, consult a qualified professional astrologer for assistance.

Return Uranus Square Ascendant (Orb: 1°18')

Uranus in discordant aspect to horizon: This is a year in which many unexpected things happen, things you did not anticipate nor plan for (like your power supply failing, and losing all of your computer data). Thus it could be filled with disruptions that make you proclaim: "Oh my God. What next?" The timing of these surprises is most likely terrible. They come when you least wish it. You may experience separations, divorce, but at the same time attractions to new people. Unfortunately these new people may be people with whom you really have nothing in common, and hence it may not last more than 90 days. Your own timing tends to be off, and hence this is not a favorable year for speculation. Try to relate to people on their level, and not expect them to come to your level. Otherwise you may feel this is just a year you are very out of touch with people - you just can't relate and you feel like a stranger, even among friends.

Since this aspect tends to coincide with potentially difficult circumstances, it may be wise to consider traveling elsewhere for your solar return, a place where this angular relationship would be removed altogether. If you are open to this possibility, consult a qualified professional astrologer for assistance.

Natal Pluto Square Ascendant (Orb: 2°14')

Pluto in discordant aspect to horizon: This is a year of threats. There may be a threat to one's very existence, as in a health crisis, or a dangerous situation. There may be a threat to one's position in a group, or in the community, as someone may try to undermine your influence or efforts. Be wary of those who might sabotage. Usually their motives are power or greed. You yourself must be careful of coming across too coercive and intimidating, or dealing with others who are. You may find yourself dealing with rejection, or forced into a position you did not seek.

Since this aspect tends to coincide with potentially difficult circumstances, it may be wise to consider traveling elsewhere for your solar return, a place where this angular relationship would be removed altogether. If you are open to this possibility, consult a qualified professional astrologer for assistance.