Astrology offers different predictive techniques to help us understand upcoming themes and potential events. Based on my experience, the two best techniques for practical predictions are transits and the Solar Return chart.
I believe these methods complement each other. I always analyze transits first and use the Solar Return chart to refine and clarify tense, complicated or positive and upcoming opportunities on the natal chart transits.
For example, if you have your Saturn return in the first house of your natal chart over the next 12 months, we want the first house of the Solar Return chart to be as clear, harmonious, and positive as possible—while also considering the other planetary positions and interactions.
If an individual has health issues, we need to be very careful about placements in the 6th and 12th houses in both the natal chart transits and the Solar Return chart.
But what if the transits and the Solar Return chart do not complement each other? One of the fascinating aspects of the Solar Return chart is that we can relocate the chart to create the most favorable Solar Return for the next 12 months. By choosing an optimal location, we can reinforce positive transits and minimize negative or conflicting influences.
What Is a Solar Return Chart?
Let’s start by explaining what a Solar Return chart is.
A Solar Return chart is cast for the moment the Sun returns to its exact natal position, which happens once a year around your birthday. Unlike the natal chart, which remains constant throughout life, the Solar Return chart changes every year and reflects the specific energies influencing an individual during that 12-month period. Additionally, the Solar Return chart will differ depending on the location where you spend your birthday.
Relocation of the Solar Return Chart
The topic of Solar Return relocation is somewhat controversial. Some astrologers cast the Solar Return chart based on the individual’s birth location, regardless of where they actually spend their birthday. Others, like me, prefer to use the current location on their birthday, believing that the place where the return happens can shape the energy for the year.
After completing my degree in astrology, I initially believed location wouldn’t affect the outcome of the year, so I understand astrologers who hold that perspective—I was once there myself.
However, I later studied the work of Ciro Discepolo on Solar Return charts, and one of his ideas made a lot of sense to me. If someone is born in Madrid, Spain, and their parents relocate to Miami, Florida, just a week after birth, their natal chart will always be based on Madrid, as that is their place of birth.
Following this logic, if you spend your birthday in a different place from where you live—even if just for a few days—the Solar Return chart will be influenced by that location.
I started my own research by asking clients where they had spent their previous birthdays before our consultations. Then, we analyzed the events that took place in their lives over the following 12 months. The results were revealing: there was a direct correlation between the birthday location and the events of the year.
I strongly encourage you to check your past Solar Return charts and compare them with your natal chart transits for that period. You may notice clear connections between the location, planetary positions, and real-life experiences.
As an example you can see the difference for Taylor Swift on the solar return based on her birth place and the location she spend her birthday this past December 2024.
See also the different interaction with her natal chart.
How to Interpret a Solar Return Chart
A Solar Return chart looks exactly like a natal chart, but its interpretation requires a different approach.
First, the Solar Return chart is only valid for 12 months, from birthday to birthday, and highlights temporary themes that will dominate the year ahead.
Key Points to Consider
- Solar Return Ascendant: The rising sign of the Solar Return chart sets the overall tone for the year, and where that ascendant is in relation to your natal chart.
- Sun’s Placement: The house where the Solar Return Sun falls in relation to your natal chart.
- Mars and the IC: Their position on the solar return and in relation to your natal chart.
- Stelliums: If any and also the relationship with your natal chart.
- Natal Chart Connections: If your Solar Return Ascendant is at 12 degrees of Leo, check where 12 degrees of Leo is in your natal chart, and so on with the rest of the placements of your solar return.
These elements indicate the areas that will be activated by the Solar Return—the “song” you will be playing for the next 12 months.
Certain placements are considered challenging, while others can be highly beneficial. Remember, the Solar Return must always be analyzed alongside natal chart transits to get the most accurate predictions.
Final Thoughts
The Solar Return chart is an invaluable predictive tool for understanding the dominant energies of the year ahead. While it does not determine fate, it provides insights into key areas of focus, emotional themes, and potential challenges. When combined with natal chart analysis and transits, it becomes a powerful guide for navigating life’s cycles with awareness and purpose.
Scherezade
Astrologer
