Sample: Planets in Solar Return Report
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Planets in Solar Return Report for:
Prince Charles
November 14, 1948
9:14 PM
London, England
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Solar Return calculated for:
November 14, 2006
10:47:36 PM
London, England
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Cafe Astrology
http://www.cafeastrology.com
*** INTRODUCTION TO SOLAR RETURNS AND THEIR INTERPRETATION ***
What is a Solar Return Chart?
A solar return chart is a chart erected for the time that the transiting Sun
returns to the position of the natal Sun. Approximately once every year the
transiting Sun goes through the entire zodiac, every degree, minute, and second
of each sign. When you are born, the Sun in your natal chart has a specific
position in the zodiac. This position can be measured exactly. At some point in
time during each subsequent year, the transiting Sun returns to this natal
position, conjuncting your natal Sun. The date and time when the conjunction
occurs down to the exact second of arc is the time of the solar return chart. A
chart is then calculated for that date, using the time (of the transiting Sun's
return to your natal Sun's position), and your location (longitude and latitude)
at the time of the conjunction.
Tropical, Placidus, Nonprecessed Solar Return
There are many different types of solar return charts: tropical, sidereal,
precessed, and nonprecessed. This report is based on research using tropical,
Placidus, nonprecessed solar return charts. Interpretations are very similar to
natal interpretations and this should make the material more understandable to
both the professional and amateur astrologer.
Solar Return Location
The solar return chart is generally calculated for your location at the time of
the Sun's return. This may occur on your birthday, or the day before or after.
During leap years, it sometimes occurs two days before your birthday. If you are
going to be away or traveling near your birthday, calculate the time of the
Sun's return before you leave so you can note your position the exact moment of
the solar return.
You can also calculate the chart for your natal birth location even if you no
longer live there. The natal location solar return chart is not as definitive as
the relocation solar return, but it can give you good information. The natal
location solar return is like a progressed or solar arc chart; you are born with
it. Therefore, a natal solar return cannot and will not reflect any free will
choices you might have made regarding where you live or where you are when the
sun returns. It is a good chart, but it does not mirror the whole picture,
especially if you have moved a great distance.
Some individuals prefer the chart calculated for their place of residence
regardless of where they are located at the time of the Sun's return. This chart
can be useful also, but again, it tends to be secondary to the chart of your
actual location at the time of the Sun's return to its natal zodiacal position.
Some individuals relocate for a short period of time, usually about 24 hours, to
adjust the house placements of the planets in the solar return. Those who
calculate the chart for where they are at the time of the transiting Sun's
conjunction to the natal position sometimes travel to other locations to change
the yearly interpretation. The relocation adjusts the angles and cusps,
orienting the planets into different houses. The zodiacal degrees and aspects of
the planets remain the same, but because of the different planetary placements
different areas of life are emphasized. The free will choice to make this
adjustment seems to bring this chart closest to the truth.
Period of the Solar Return's Significance
The significance of the solar return runs birthday to birthday with a three
month overlap at the beginning and end of each year. The symbolism of the new
solar return can be felt as much as three months before the birthday by very
intuitive people. Usually, at this time, one becomes aware of new directions,
opportunities, and problems. Many times there is even an event exactly three
months before the birthday which triggers awareness and signals the beginning of
the new solar return. This event is usually very much related to the new solar
return and very much out of context with the old one. If you have plans to
travel overseas during the three months before your birthday, do not look for
the event in the old solar return even if you have been planning to take the
trip all year. The old solar return will probably indicate the planning stage,
but the new solar return will indicate the trip. The trip itself illustrates
change, and since it occurs in the three months before your birthday, it will
most likely be indicative of the new solar return chart.
On the other hand, the significance of the old solar return may not feel passé
until three months after your birthday. The old themes and issues which you have
worked with for the year should begin to lose their importance just as the new
solar return starts to manifest itself. As your attention naturally shifts to
new themes and issues, previous concerns are phased out. This is especially true
if you experience a sense of completion relevant to the old tasks. However,
there are times when the old solar return drags on. If you are working on a
major project for the year, it may be impossible to complete it within the one
year time span. If you normally procrastinate and avoid making decisions, tasks
associated with the old solar return can easily last past your birthday and into
the first three months of the new solar return year. Unresolved issues carried
over from year to year become stumbling blocks to further advancement and
development. Individuals who consistently avoid facing the real issues in their
lives accumulate major problems which are very difficult to handle.
The important thing to remember about solar returns, and life experiences in
general, is that they are part of a cumulative process. The more attentive and
productive you are this year, the greater your options next year. The less you
accomplish now, the more limited you will feel as time goes by. Unlike transits
which can seem disconnected and singular, solar returns are closely aligned and
can easily be viewed as building blocks, one upon the other, year after year.
For this reason, each year becomes important and each task has a history and a
future. The rhythmic pattern of the solar return helps us to see this.
The main transitional month for the change from the old solar return to the new
solar return is the month directly preceding the birthday. Issues related to the
old solar return are resolved at this time unless they drag on (as explained
above), or they are part of the new solar return as well. Issues related to the
new solar return become more pressing during this transitional month and are
certainly full blown by the birthdate. Sometimes the new solar return simply
gains strength during the three months before your birthday and sometimes it
comes in with a bang on or near your birthday. Rarely does it happen that a
solar return chart starts to change manifestation later in the year. Themes in
the chart usually persist for the entire year, but once in a great while one new
theme will appear later than expected. In every case, the new theme can be seen
in the solar return chart, yet it lay there inactive for some unknown reason. An
external event is the triggering mechanism used to activate this inert
awareness, and the event generally occurs within the three months following the
birthday. It can be hypothesized that unconscious factors help to avoid full
involvement with this new issue until such time as it is associated with an
external event of importance and thereafter becomes very obvious.
Planets conjunct a house cusp within a few degrees may be read in both houses.
It is especially important to read outer planets in both houses since they
eventually transit or retrograde into the other house, indicating dual or
shifting concerns during the year. The more planets that are in a solar return
house, the more emphasized that area of life will be during the coming year,
especially if the Sun is one of the planets present. Four or more planets in any
one house indicate a strong need to be involved with those themes and issues.
But the individual may become so focused on this one area of life that
perception is distorted and these themes are overemphasized. He or she may not
want to think about anything else or accomplish tasks in other areas. The
overloaded house becomes a symbol for obsessive preoccupation or emotional
overload.
*** Astrological Data of Birth ***
The birth chart is a map of the positions of the planets at the time and place
of birth. For the benefit of students of astrology, these positions and other
technical information is listed below:
Sun 22 Sco 25 Neptune 14 Lib 08
Moon 0 Tau 26 Pluto 16 Leo 34
Mercury 6 Sco 57 Asc. 5 Leo 23
Venus 16 Lib 23 MC 13 Ari 16
Mars 20 Sag 57 2nd cusp 22 Leo 08
Jupiter 29 Sag 53 3rd cusp 13 Vir 38
Saturn 5 Vir 16 5th cusp 22 Sco 54
Uranus 29 Gem 56 6th cusp 3 Cap 50
Tropical Placidus Standard Time observed
November 14, 1948 9:14 PM
GMT: 21:14:00 Time Zone: 0 hours West
Lat. and Long. of birth place: 51 N 30 0 W 10
Astrological Data of Solar Return:
Sun 22 Sco 25 Neptune 17 Aqu 07
Moon 16 Vir 32 Pluto 25 Sag 20
Mercury 9 Sco 58 Asc. 21 Leo 51
Venus 27 Sco 00 MC 8 Tau 00
Mars 15 Sco 10 2nd cusp 10 Vir 33
Jupiter 27 Sco 57 3rd cusp 5 Lib 11
Saturn 24 Leo 39 5th cusp 17 Sag 23
Uranus 10 Pis 49 6th cusp 23 Cap 27
November 14, 2006 GMT: 22:47:36
London, England 51 N 30 0 W 10
Aspects and orbs:
Sun and Moon only All other planets
Conj. : 8 Deg. 00 Min. 7 Deg. 00 Min.
Oppos. : 6 Deg. 00 Min. 6 Deg. 00
Square : 6 Deg. 00 Min. 6 Deg. 00 Min.
Trine : 6 Deg. 00 Min. 6 Deg. 00 Min.
Sextile: 5 Deg. 00 Min. 4 Deg. 00 Min.
ELEMENTS, MODES, QUADRANTS, AND RETROGRADE PLANETS
Charts with nine or all of the planets below the horizon indicate a period of
internalization rather than a push for outward achievement. It is the internal
integration which is most important at this time. This is true even of 5th house
placements, wherein the inner personality must be made external through some
creative or artistic mode of self-expression. It is also true of the 6th house,
where health and work changes result from inner processes moving toward outer
manifestation. Emotional satisfaction and fulfillment are the primary goals and
motivating forces, therefore a lot of attention is given to feelings and
subjective thoughts. What others think has little influence if the personal
perspective is strong. Some will be withdrawn or somewhat reclusive during the
year, using this time for quiet reflection and the fostering of inner strength.
You might appreciate evenings at home with family and friends rather than social
or business evenings out on the town. Use this time to become more rooted and in
touch with yourself and others. Allow intuitive processes to grow so you will be
better able to sense your true future direction.
The difficulty associated with the northern emphasis is that you may get so
involved with your feelings that they overwhelm you and prevent you from living
a normal life. You can neglect your responsibilities and lose all motivation
toward success. It may become more important to express your negative feelings
about your boss than to correct detrimental situations. If you cannot achieve a
sense of fulfillment, you will grow bitter and sever relationships with little
or no negotiation or warning. Nursing a wound is an inadequate substitute for
emotional gratification.
This time can be used to get in touch with your sense of fulfillment and past
achievement. You cannot understand where you are going if you don't understand
where you have been. You cannot set goals for the future if you have not
assimilated your past successes, and you can't branch out if you have not
created a good support system among those you love. This is a time for building
the foundation necessary for a new cycle of external achievement. Although you
may actually be very successful during this period, you will still be laying the
groundwork for a new round of activity.
Zero or One Cardinal Planet
A lack of cardinal planets implies a need for simplification. It is common for
the focus of attention to narrow from many activities to one major project or
concern that dominates your perception for the year. For example, new mothers
are usually primarily concerned with the care and feeding of the infant. Where
many cardinal planets can show a scattering of energy, a lack of cardinal
planets is more likely to be associated with a concentration of energy in one
particular area.
However, the lack of cardinal planets can also imply a lack of activity. The
pace of life can slow down because of external situations, or because of
self-imposed limitations. You may decide that the schedule you keep is too
hectic and consciously cut back on future obligations and activities.
Occasionally illness will play a role, but generally this is only true if you
are overtaxed and still have trouble saying "No" to new obligations. You will be
less than energetic if you allow others to dictate your schedule and activities.
Follow your own inner needs; this is a good time to work on the essentials only.
Narrow your focus and push ahead full steam on that one project or issue that
you want to concentrate on.
Five or More Fixed Planets
When there are five or more fixed planets in the solar return chart, this is an
indication that change or the lack of change is a major issue during the year.
Changes are frequently viewed as all or nothing routines which can intimidate
individuals into fostering approach-avoidance issues. One train of thought will
emphasize stability and conservative action, while another stresses the fear of
being rut-bound. Situations often appear to be either/or combinations with no
options in between. Security becomes equated with familiarity even when what is
familiar is difficult. A lack of stability is associated with making dramatic
changes. In this sense, there is a tendency to accept things as they are and not
look for alternatives. Fear of making decisions that would greatly alter your
life could keep you immobilized and stuck in stalemated conditions. If you are
faced with impending major changes, but refuse to act on pressures and issues
that are plaguing you, changes may be forced on you by external circumstances
and these changes may be very dramatic.
Commonly, a fixed preponderance indicates you are stuck in the same old
situation again, particularly if you are involved in what seems to be a
never-ending conflict or a deja vu relationship. The inability to look for
alternative solutions to problems manifests as the inability to find new
patterns of behavior. Stubbornness and a refusal to compromise are negative
personality traits which can be particularly obstructive this year, especially
if you refuse to see your own contribution to difficult situations. How easy it
becomes to blame others! If only they would give in, give up or make changes for
us, clearing the way for our own wants, needs, and ways of doing things. This is
an unrealistic expectation. Positively, this is a time to draw on the creative
insights associated with the fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, to
develop new alternatives which optimize corrective action and change while
minimizing instability. There are alternatives to either/or, uncompromising
situations for those who are willing to be creative.
If your life is already stabilized, then this is a time for building and
maintaining resources. Further acquisitions can be had through creative use of
what is already owned or known. It is an excellent time for finishing major
projects that require plodding and sustained effort. But if major changes are
occurring, this is also a good time to maintain a sense of stability and peace
in the midst of disruption.
Zero or One Earth Planet
While the preponderance of earth is generally associated with attention to
financial matters, the lack of earth is more closely associated with financial
limitations. Implied is a lack of money, through a loss of income,
mismanagement, or self-imposed limitations. If you usually have money problems,
then the lack of earth in the solar return chart can indicate increasing or
continuing economic difficulties during the coming year. You may find that you
have reached your credit limit and can no longer spend money without planning.
You will not necessarily have employment problems also, though sometimes that is
the case. The lack of earth in the solar return chart suggests a lack of
attention to financial concerns which can eventually lead to significant debt
and overextension.
On the other hand, this is an excellent time to budget. Those individuals who
are able to set their own limits use this time to become artificially poor and
live on less money than earned. The lack of earth can indicate the desire to
impose a strict system for saving money toward a large purchase such as a down
payment on a home. In this case, the monetary pinch comes from your own savings
program and not a lack of real funds or impinging debts. You can channel your
money into various projects and expenses, leaving less to play with. If you are
very concerned with your future financial security, vow to do something about it
now.
For some individuals, the lack of money will not be a problem. You can place a
greater emphasis on intangibles and therefore money is not a top priority. The
quality of life is more important than the current financial state. If you are
unhappy with your job, this is a good time to quit since career satisfaction
will be more important to you than the salary you are paid. You are capable of
living on less.
Zero or One Air Planet
The lack of air in a solar return chart is associated with several different
manifestations, but basically only one underlying personality trait. It implies
that rational thinking is not the major component of your decision-making
process during this year. Depending on what other element is emphasized, you may
be very practical (earth), emotional (water), or inspired (fire). Because of the
lack of air, you might not be objective. A personal perspective will
predominate. Without the lightness of the air quality, you might take life too
seriously.
Charts with little or no air can also indicate a year of little forethought. You
may be impulsive, jumping first, thinking later. You respond to external events
in a reactive way rather than planning your moves, especially if the water
element is prominent. These reactions may be unconscious knee-jerk reflexes
rather than considered responses formulated after a clear perception and
assessment of the situation.
This lack can indicate inexperience if you are involved in a new activity or
unfamiliar situation. Hence, it follows that you do not have the experience or
knowledge necessary for what you are trying to accomplish. For example, suppose
you buy an older home that needs a lot of renovation and you've never done this
type of work before. You will undoubtedly spend many hours reading books and
consulting with experts as you renovate the house. You learn by trial and error.
Sometimes you do things well the first time and sometimes you do them over. For
this reason, you may feel intellectually incompetent. This is not meant to imply
that you cannot be successful in your endeavors this year. You can be very
successful, but usually this will occur through a process of trial and error.
It is also common to feel uninformed. In its worst manifestation, it is a
feeling of stupidity. But in its best manifestation, it is a thirst for
knowledge and the courage to take risks attempting new tasks. This is an
excellent time to gather information about new fields of interest, or to attend
school.
Five or More Water Planets
The emphasis on water in your solar return is related to an increase in
unconscious impulses and psychological factors. You may be more psychic or
intuitive, but some negative psychological traits such as fears, phobias,
dependencies, obsessions, and compulsions may pop into your behavioral
repertoire. These need not cause you discomfort, but you will have a tendency to
react to life from a feeling level rather than from a clear avenue of conscious
thought. This is a good time to work with your feelings and create a stronger
bond of nurturing and caring with others.
You are apt to be more sensitive to emotional stimuli this year. A very positive
manifestation would be a love relationship. Your feelings for family, parents,
children, and friends may be more poignant. But a preponderance of water can
also symbolize an overwhelming emotional nature. You can lead with your heart,
refuse to see things logically, and ignore your own best advice. There is a
tendency to be more anxious or worried. If you feel overwhelmed by your own
emotions and the problems of others, this is an excellent time to see a
counselor.
Mercury is retrograde
Mercury is usually retrograde in the solar return chart every six years. When
Mercury is retrograde, it is time to be introspective, especially about those
things related to Mercury's house placement. You should be doing a lot of your
own thinking and learning rather than depending on others. Integrate previously
acquired information into your own individualized mind-set. Think of your mind
as an overloaded cabinet or closet seriously in need of filing and organization.
It is time to process. You probably already know everything you need to know to
handle a certain life situation. If you continue to depend on others for advice,
you will find conversations meaningless within the context of your own
intellectual needs and experience. Be aware that your mental processes are not
very receptive to new information at this time. Your mind is like a cup that is
filled to the brim. Any additional knowledge spills over and is lost. Work
toward integrating what you already know.
You can experience this retrogradation as a certainty that you know you are
right and only you can make the best decisions concerning your own future. What
others tell you might clash with what you already know and you could tend to
disregard their comments. You may be right, but the danger is that you may be
wrong. You can be so in tune with your own thoughts that you are totally on the
mark; then again, you might be totally off the beam. Take the time to reorganize
information by focusing inward. You might find that your own opinions, thoughts,
and decisions truly work best for you. But be aware of the feedback others give
you, which may be particularly valuable if you have missed the mark.
Secretiveness is also associated with Mercury retrograde. There is a tendency to
withhold information and sometimes lie. Generally, there are two major reasons
for doing this: one is that you really do have secrets which need to be kept;
the other is that expressing your opinions or thoughts openly causes tension in
your relationships. Retrograde Mercury is associated with biting your tongue and
swallowing your own words in order to keep peace. Your true opinions may not
emerge until the start of the next solar return.
This time is excellent for putting your thoughts down on paper and writing
original material. You will be able to see things differently when your thoughts
are written down and this is a good way to get organized. Old opinions and
beliefs may be outdated so you need to reassess your thinking, reformulate
ideas, and shed new light on a subject area.
THE SUN IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
The Sun is the most significant planet in the solar return chart. Its position
by house shows the most emphasized area of life during the coming year, how and
where you expend the greatest amount of energy. The house placement of the Sun
is reflected in the interpretation of the other planets, and may be the
motivating force behind their symbolism.
Sun in 4th house:
The Sun in the 4th house is basically concerned with finding a physical,
emotional, and spiritual home or niche. There is a special place for everyone in
the Universe, a place that reflects their spiritual purpose and fulfills their
emotional/physical needs, a niche that defines, directs, and supports. It is the
place where you function at your best while feeling protected and encouraged by
your environment. On a physical level, this niche is a warm and comfortable
home. On the emotional level, it is a supportive relationship, and spiritually,
it is a fulfilling purpose or goal. With the Sun in the solar return 4th house,
you need to find that niche on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
This is a time for grounding your existence with purpose and establishing the
roots that will support you in the years ahead.
Finding the physical niche means finding or constructing a home that is a
comfortable place of revitalization. Your pleasures are simple and center around
whatever you call home, but it is not uncommon for "home" to become unsuitable
during the solar return year. Your needs have changed and you must now make some
adjustments in your surroundings. With only the Sun in the 4th house, you
probably only want to redecorate or reorganize your home situation. Those
individuals with Uranus or Pluto also in the 4th house may want to make sweeping
changes that tend to involve greater disruption.
The search for a home on the physical level leads many people to purchase new
homes or fix up their old ones. They need to have a physical place of retreat in
order to replenish their energy. The physical niche is crucial since it is the
beginning base of operation which goes on to support both the emotional and
spiritual levels. The external emphasis on purchasing or repairing a home
reflects the internal emotional need for a supportive environment. If you
examine your living or working environment now, you will discover that there is
something which physically impairs your future goals. In most instances, there
is a need for a private place for thinking, working or studying. This need for
space is important and must be satisfied if you are to build a multilevel
supportive environment which will augment your future abilities. Work begins
with the physical home. Watch the symbolism of what you are doing to the
physical home. As you are satisfying physical external needs, correlations can
be drawn to improvements occurring on the emotional and spiritual levels.
The Sun in the 4th house is also focused on the emotional level. This is a very
strong position for individuals seeking emotional satisfaction and fulfillment.
For this reason, you will tend to be more vocal about your feelings of
loneliness and lack of emotional support from friends, family, co-workers, and
bosses. You will also be more appreciative of the support these people give you.
Loneliness may be the result of delayed grief. You may grieve for those who have
died or left even though the separation occurred several years before. The Sun
in the 4th is meant to be a time of emotional healing; it may not be a year for
personal achievement, independence or assertiveness if you are more concerned
about emotional fulfillment and interconnections with others. Gains can be made
internally rather than externally.
Family involvement grows and this is a good time to improve or renew
relationships with estranged family members. Resolve old resentments which clog
up the emotional nature, making it more difficult to express positive feelings.
This process of emotional housecleaning may involve reevaluating your childhood
and your relationship with your mother and father. Your memories during this
time may not be especially pleasant; working to give yourself the emotional
support you will need in the future can involve reconciling past conflicts. If
you still cannot get what you need emotionally from your relatives, then you
will seek comfort elsewhere and grow apart.
Dependency issues are common. An increased need for physical or emotional
support can evolve into an obvious dependency. You may be physically or
emotionally dependent on someone else as a result of real or imagined
limitations. Those individuals who are already emotionally unstable can regress
and exhibit childlike characteristics. This is a very negative and, fortunately,
very rare manifestation.
You may feel physically and emotionally abandoned by your parents, and their
lack of support becomes an issue. They would feel that your demands are too
great; you would say their help is nonexistent. On the other hand, you might be
asked to give your support to others. Sometimes grown children or elderly
parents turn to you for assistance if they are emotionally drained or physically
weakened themselves and greatly in need of help. It is good to remember that we
all have different needs at different times. They wax and wane according to our
spiritual, emotional, and physical diet.
Usually the Sun in the 4th moves to the 1st house in the following solar return
year, so now is a good time to practice using your emotional and intuitive
processes in a positive way. They are important sources of information,
essential to your growth. If you get in touch with your emotional-intuitive
nature, you will learn to trust the information you receive. Gradually, as the
year moves on, you will become aware of factual or physical evidence supporting
your intuitive impressions. You need to break through emotional fears and begin
to work positively with your insights so that your intuitive feelings will flow
easily. Next year when your Sun moves to the 1st house, you will have a good
information base for independent action and personal assertiveness.
And finally, you must find a spiritual niche in this world. Everyone is here for
a purpose. Your spiritual purpose may be renewed, clarified, or changed at this
time. You need to redefine what your higher purpose will be in the coming years,
and how you can best serve the needs of the Universe. You will be guided in your
search by what makes you feel fulfilled. This is why emotions are so important
this year-they put you in touch with your spiritual purpose. Next year (when the
Sun will probably be in the 1st house), and the following year (when the Sun
will most likely be in the 10th house), you will be involved with expressing
yourself more assertively to the world. With a clear sense of spiritual
direction, a strong intuitive nature, and a supportive environment, confidence
will be maintained and growth will occur easily. You will use the supportive
physical environment, emotional connections and spiritual goals you establish
this year to back up your efforts in those years to come.
Sun Aspects Neptune
Neptunian aspects to the Sun indicate that the native is growing more intuitive
and more sensitive. This sensitivity will eventually lead to a greater
compassion for other human beings and a better understanding of relationships.
Individuals become less egotistical and more vulnerable during these years,
since they are likely to be confronted with their own human frailty or that of
someone close. Involvement with alcoholism, drug abuse, martyrdom, dependency
situations, and savior-victim type relationships is the more negative
manifestation of this aspect. For some individuals, being less egotistical
results in an unstructured personality which lacks control, certainty, and
direction. More positive manifestations include helping those in need, becoming
more intuitive, and growing less concerned with selfish interests.
Sun Aspects Saturn
Sun-Saturn aspects in the solar return chart tend to imply a sense of structure.
Whether this structure becomes supportive or restrictive is up to the
individual's ability to handle Saturnian issues in a positive manner. This is
not meant to be a depressing time, but it does entail stark realism. Accurate
perceptions of existing situations are essential to either accepting or changing
future expectations. The refusal to accept responsibility for one's own life
situation or to work within obvious limitations can lead to frustration,
isolation, and loneliness. Limitations are not an essential characteristic of
Saturnian aspects, but denote a need to be more realistic and patient. Changes
are slow and involve careful planning, hard work, and discipline. Many times a
major project is being worked on for most of the year.
Sun Aspects Jupiter
Although Jupiter transits a new sign every year, Sun-Jupiter aspects do not
occur in every solar return chart. The major task associated with Sun-Jupiter
aspects is expansion of the personality into new areas of expertise. Hopefully,
this expansion will be consistent with the individual's philosophical beliefs
and spiritual goals. Jupiter's sign may be significant in some way, though
usually it is the house placement that is important. For example, Jupiter in
Capricorn can suggest a preoccupation with materialism. If Jupiter is also in
the 4th house of the solar return chart, the individual may be looking to buy a
bigger house in a more prestigious neighborhood. The main danger associated with
this planet is a tendency toward excessive behavior and a refusal to curb
personal needs and desires in consideration of others. Beneficial opportunities
are associated with Jupiter; however, there is no guarantee of a positive
return. You can augment the possibilities through enthusiasm.
Sun Aspects Mars
Mars symbolizes the energy necessary for successful accomplishments. When Mars
aspects the Sun, it is a good time to work on a project that requires a great
deal of energy to complete. Success can come in the form of personal or
professional achievement, or with defense. Relationships tend to be competitive,
and you need to balance self-centered drives with the needs of others. Learning
to deal with aggression, conflict, and anger in an effective rather than
detrimental way can enable the individual to handle negative situations
positively. Less spiritual themes involve destructive or self-destructive urges.
Prolonged anger creates blockages which waste energy in a cycle of negative
emotions that have no real purpose or goal. It is better to direct efforts into
positive endeavors.
Sun Aspects Venus
Just as in the natal chart, the solar return Sun is never more than 46 degrees
from Venus, so it does not form any major aspects other than the conjunction.
Venus conjunct the Sun indicates that personal reward or sacrifice in the form
of money, self-esteem, values, or relationships is intimately tied up with the
goals of the Sun. Laziness might be very detrimental, while one can reap great
benefits from a personal best.
THE MOON IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
The solar return Moon seems to have two consistent themes throughout all of the
houses. First and most simply, the Moon is associated with change and
fluctuation according to its house position. Secondly, and probably more
importantly, the Moon reflects the individual's emotional nature during the
solar return year.
The Moon as an Emotional Indicator
While we speak of the Moon as simply an indication of one's emotional nature,
the actual interpretation of the Moon is more complex than simple. The Moon is
not just an indicator of feelings; one's emotional nature is a multidimensional
conglomeration of feelings, temperament, needs, and unconscious responses. We
cannot look at the Moon as one-sided; we must study its interpretation from a
number of perspectives.
The Moon represents the individual's feelings regardless of whether or not they
are expressed openly. The type of feelings you have during the year can be
demonstrated by the Moon's sign, position, and aspects. The Moon's sign can be
important even though the Moon has essentially only nineteen placements, because
it is indicative of what the individual feels during the year and how he or she
is most likely to exhibit those feelings.
The major difference between an individual's feelings and basic temperament is
that feelings tend to make up one's basic temperament. The word temperament
implies one's overall pattern of emotional response; it is an emotional factor
that remains constant regardless of the circumstances. On the other hand,
feelings imply a specific emotion in response to a particular event or
situation. For example, moody people have emotional swings. Their feelings
change depending whether or not they are experiencing happy or sad events;
however, their proclivity toward emotional highs and lows remains constant
regardless of their particular mood at any point in time. Despite feelings of
joy or depression, they still have a moody disposition. The solar return Moon's
sign is generally very descriptive of your emotional temperament. It can suggest
an array of emotional characteristics including moodiness, sensitivity,
coldness, or enthusiasm.
Emotional needs play a crucial role in the Moon's cycle of change and emotional
maturation. As explained above, the Moon moves in an understandable pattern
through the solar return. During each year, the individual knows certain
emotional needs must be met in order to feel secure and fulfilled. These needs,
which fluctuate from year to year, cause the individual to create the variety of
situations necessary for emotional maturity.
Conscious or Unconscious Emphasis
The Moon also signifies the unconscious experience. While Mercury's placement
will suggest what the person is consciously thinking, the Moon's placement will
suggest what the individual is experiencing on an unconscious level. Together,
the Moon and Mercury (and sometimes also the Sun) symbolize the balance between
conscious and the unconscious processes. We like to think that our decisions are
based on the integration of rational and emotional information, but during any
given solar return year, one process more than the other can influence our
decisions, perceptions, and motivations. The focus of attention shifts to
accommodate fluctuations in individual patterns of growth. There will be years
when you lean more heavily on your emotional responses, tending to trust your
instincts and follow your intuition. But there will be other years when you
depend more on a logical assessment of your situation.
The emphasis on the unconscious usually indicates a year in which the native
will be interested in fostering emotional connections and unconscious insights.
Logic and factual information may not be meaningful within the context of
present situations, which will tend to be emotional. Example situations include
(but are not limited to): involvement in counseling, therapy or self-help
discussion groups; intense family situations (related to birth, child-rearing,
sickness or death); and very nurturing social situations (e.g., communal living,
helping the disabled, underprivileged or homeless). Emotional interactions and
perceptions will naturally be more important if they are more likely to provide
vital information needed to handle experiences during the coming year. An
emphasis on the unconscious nature is conducive to emotional growth.
All forms of mental activity are associated with an emphasis on the conscious
mind, including educational and informational activities. Teaching, learning,
lecturing, and writing are several examples. An emphasis on the conscious mind
is conducive to intellectual growth.
Solar Return Moon in 2nd house:
The Moon in the 2nd house shows an emotional need for financial security. In
order to feel comfortable during the next year, it is important for you to
review your financial situation and formulate plans which will increase or
insure economic stability. This financial plan should be capable of meeting your
immediate and future material needs by addressing three major issues.
First, how dependent are you on others for your financial security? You may have
been financially dependent on someone else in the past and at this point in your
life, you could view your financial dependency as immature, unstable or
undesirable.
Second, how stable is your present salary and what can you do to increase future
earning power? Although a steady income would be reassuring at this time, it is
more common to have a vacillating income. This is not the time to expect a
straight, dependable salary. Most likely your income will fluctuate, but this
could happen for several reasons. You might be self-employed or only work
part-time when the need arises. Your schedule could be erratic or your earnings
could be based on commissions or incentives. For some individuals, the Moon in
the 2nd indicates a break in income, though usually this is not the case. Your
overall income can actually change either positively or negatively, but it is
more likely to increase if you actively focus on money-making ideas. The Moon in
the 2nd house is generally a sign that materialistic attitudes are very strong
and making more money is part of this trend. Even so, the need for money is
usually more closely associated with an emotional need for financial security
than greed or avarice.
Third, are you handling your present funds effectively in regard to spending
practices, savings accounts and investments? Spending practices are changing and
expenditures will go up or down depending on what you are purchasing and who is
spending the money. If you are spending your own money, you are less likely to
make frivolous purchases and more apt to budget, save or invest. You will tend
to be more cautious and less speculative; with economic possibilities so varied,
you would be wise to conserve money for rainy days and major purchases. Outside
of investments, the one major purchase commonly associated with the Moon in the
2nd house is a home, particularly the initial house. This house is generally
seen as an investment as well as a home, and a major step towards financial
stability.
Since the interpretation of this planet in this house has centered so much on
money, it is important to reiterate that the focus is not generally money needed
to fund materialism, but money needed for financial security.
Moon Aspects Uranus
Probably the most common activity associated with a Moon-Uranus aspect in a
solar return chart is moving from one home to another. You may move yourself, or
help someone either move in or out of your home. Domestic changes are likely.
Usually, a certain amount of disruption transpires in the home. Expect breaks in
your daily routine and habits. Most likely, relationships are also changing. You
could be involved in a new relationship, or an old one may be going through a
period of transition or separation. Either you or your partner initiates these
changes.
Strong attractions are possible at this time, but this is not the most common
manifestation. If you feel you are caught in an emotional rut, changes are more
likely to occur. The external changes you experience in relationships are the
direct result of internal restlessness. It stands to reason that if your
situation and emotional needs change, you will be faced with new issues and
problems, and be required to develop new ways of expressing yourself
emotionally. This is one way to break inhibitions. The involvement in new
situations will accentuate your ability or inability to handle emotions and
relationships in a positive way. At the very worst, emotional control will be
difficult and feelings will be erratic. You may be overwhelmed one day and
detached or cool the next. You could say or do things without really considering
the emotional consequences, but then, this might free you up to make necessary
changes quickly and easily.
Moon Aspects Mars
Moon-Mars aspects imply involvement in a situation which is emotionally
uncomfortable yet rewarding, a mixed blessing. The energies represented here
suggest working at cross-purposes and you may have ambivalent feelings about
your circumstances. An example for illustrative purposes might be found in the
experience of trying to comfort a sick baby. You know the baby is sick and does
not feel well so you do everything you can to comfort the poor child. But at the
same time, you become very frustrated if nothing you do seems to stop the
screaming. At that point, stress is competing with concern and mixed feelings
arise.
Mars in aspect to the Moon is very suggestive of contradictory emotions. The
Moon symbolizes our nurturing qualities and emotional nature. Mars, on the other
hand, symbolizes our independence and assertiveness. The basic interpretations
for these two planets are so different that they tend to remain separate like
oil and water. They represent two sides of the coin or different perspectives on
one situation. For instance, a common situation often involving mixed emotions
is having to say good-bye to a good friend because one of you is moving. If you
are the person left behind, you may feel happy for your friend, but still sad
about your loss. If you are the person moving, you may be excited about the
move, yet sorry to be leaving. The purpose of the mixed feelings is to call
attention to your own emotional needs (Moon) and take appropriate action
accordingly (Mars). The mother of the fussy infant may need to take five minutes
away from the baby to cope with stress. The person who is moving may need to
concentrate on maintaining friendships even after relocation.
Moon-Mars aspects suggest that emotional situations are not simple and usually
involve a strange combination of contradictory emotions. They can also indicate
that you might act in a way that detracts from your own sense of security and
well-being, thereby creating stress. An example could be involvement in an
extra-marital affair. A Moon-Mars combination is not necessarily difficult, nor
must it involve your personal life. It can refer to professional endeavors or
social activism. You can be motivated to act because you are affected
emotionally by what you see. If you are upset by conditions in a poor section of
town, you might be motivated to volunteer your services at a local soup kitchen.
The unpleasantness you feel implies the need to look at your surroundings more
closely and work to correct or improve conditions.
MERCURY IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Mercury has two basic interpretations in the solar return chart: it symbolizes
both your mental condition during the coming year and what you are thinking
about. The first task involved in understanding Mercury's interpretation is to
evaluate the indicators for mental conditioning and the possible sources of
tension.
Solar Return Mercury in 4th house:
Mercury in the 4th house suggests that you should make long-range decisions
regarding your future financial security and stability. You need to provide for
your own retirement through a savings account or retirement plan. Reassess your
present financial arrangements to see if they are adequate for your future
needs. Mercury by itself does not indicate difficult problems in these areas,
only a mental focus on a secure future.
You are also likely to make decisions about your home or present living
conditions. Will you fix up your present home or will you move to another? Is
your neighborhood run-down? Does your present home meet your immediate needs and
will it also meet your future needs? This is a good time to make long-range
plans and assessments which will affect your living conditions this year and in
coming years as well. Decisions will be based on a rational reassessment of your
present situation and a need for domestic contentment. If you do not presently
own a home, you may conceive a plan that will make home ownership possible.
Regardless of where you live, you will want to analyze your use of space or
redecorate. Any type of redecoration or renovation usually involves great
planning and will not be done on the spur of the moment.
You will reflect on your past, your childhood and your relations with your
parents. You may learn new information which will give you a different
perspective on past events, feelings, and relationships. If your parents are
elderly, you may have to make decisions for them concerning their care and
future security. Communication with family members may be important. You can
coordinate or take part in a family project. If you are alienated from certain
relatives, this may be a time when you wish to reopen lines of communication.
If you are a parent yourself, you should be concerned with your ability to
parent effectively. This is a good time to gather information or join a
discussion group that emphasizes the techniques and problems associated with
raising children. Become aware of your assets and shortcomings as a mother or
father. Realizations can lead to a search for new information and new ways to
handle situations.
Mercury in the 4th house can also indicate an emphasis on the relationship
between the conscious and unconscious mind. You may be actively investigating
and analyzing your emotions. As the year progresses, it becomes easier to
discuss those feelings with others. Obviously this is an excellent time for
therapy, especially for those who find it difficult to think clearly and
logically. Psychological complexes may intrude on rational thought processes.
For some individuals, conscious/unconscious communication will include obsessive
thoughts, irrational feelings, and anxiety attacks. These conditions may be mild
and involve a need to listen to suppressed information or emotions. Vocalizing
your true feelings will help.
Mercury Aspects Uranus
Uranus-Mercury aspects suggest that you are open to new ideas which may take the
form of new information you are learning or new concepts you are developing
yourself. These aspects can show great creativity since they imply that the
individual is able to approach problems from many different angles and is not
locked into one structured way of thinking. Use this time to be innovative and
original. Brainstorm with others. But, because your mind is somewhat
unstructured, your ability to think clearly may be interrupted by erratic
impulses and an inability to concentrate over any length of time. New
information may be more exciting than reorganizing what you already know. If you
must work on a major project that requires sustained mental energy, take
frequent breaks.
There is the possibility that you will subject yourself to psychologically
stressful situations during the year. Increased nervousness, anxiety, and
irrational thinking may be directly related to these stressful situations.
Question the necessity for excessive tension in your life. If possible, withdraw
from those situations that tax your mental and physical health. You may want to
practice relaxation techniques and avoid stimulants. Work on calming and
nurturing your nervous system.
Mercury Aspects Mars
Mars-Mercury aspects suggest an energetic thought process. This can be a time of
great mental energy and an active search for knowledge. Your mind should be
quick and alert, though not necessarily highly retentive. Learning can be very
exciting and self-perpetuating even if you study alone.
What is great for the learning process may not be so advantageous when making
decisions. The speed normally associated with Mars may indicate that you are
impulsive and quick to jump to conclusions. You may not take the time necessary
for careful consideration or thorough research. Instead, you may choose to
handle situations with gut-level reactions rather than considered responses.
Mars-Mercury combinations imply assertive ability, but at their worst, these
aspects can suggest aggressiveness and great anger. Ongoing conflicts and daily
confrontations may occur with very negative manifestations. Those with strong
tempers may have trouble controlling their anger. In the heat of the moment,
they will say things without thinking about the consequences.
Old unconscious anger and resentment may fuel present conflicts. You may not be
fighting for what you believe is right in this situation; instead you fight
because you have been wronged in the past. Focusing on angry thoughts and acting
out conflicts can be a terrible waste of a good mind. Mars-Mercury aspects show
that thoughts can be put into action. Get motivated. Use this time to accomplish
many things. Let your experiences teach you along the way.
Mercury's relationships to the other planets in the solar return chart indicates
how information is gathered, assimilated and integrated into attitudes that
persist for most of the year. How easily this is accomplished, and in what
manner, is suggested by the aspects. What you are actually thinking about is
indicated by Mercury's house placement. The important thing to remember about
Mercury's placement is that it is indicative of a mental exercise only. Alone in
a house, Mercury can show mental preoccupation without psychological pain or
physical consequences. It suggests the ability to make decisions only, and may
not be a clear indication of action in any particular area.
VENUS IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Venus is the key to understanding your relationships and financial situation for
the solar return year. Many times these two areas go hand in hand; financial
security tends to be coupled with secure relationships while financial
difficulties are more likely to occur when close relationships are strained.
Although this correlation is common, it is not the rule, and interpretations for
finances and relationships should always be viewed separately. When assessing
Venus in the chart, evaluate Venus twice, first with respect to the other
relationship factors in the solar return and then with respect to the other
monetary indicators. In this way, you can develop a clear picture of each area
of concern.
Venus also indicates a need for comfort and it is informative to note what has
preceded Venus in its present house position. If, during this year, Venus
resides in a house which last year represented an area of conflict, Venus would
imply an improvement in the conditions associated with that house and may
indicate a healing process. Benefits commonly follow after much hard work. A
Venus placement in the solar return chart following a more difficult placement
during the previous year can indicate great reward. Your awareness of this
possibility may encourage you to work harder in more problematic areas since you
can see the rewards in the following year.
Relationships
Venus, by house, shows what relationships will be important during the coming
year. For example, Venus in the 3rd house might indicate that relationships with
neighbors or community involvement will be emphasized. With Venus in the 6th
house, pleasant office conditions, and good co-worker relationships will be
important. But the interpretation of relationships as they appear in the solar
return chart involves more than an understanding of Venus' house placement. Look
at the 5th and the 7th houses, especially if you are interested in a love
relationship. The more planets in these houses, particularly the 7th house, the
greater the need to relate on a one-to-one basis. Generally, the 5th house shows
sexual affairs, while the 7th house indicates a greater commitment (though not
necessarily marriage). Clandestine affairs or secret relationships are more
likely to occur when Venus and/or the Moon appear in the 12th house.
One fact about marriage and the solar return chart is surprising. The solar
return is not necessarily a good indicator of a marriage during the year. The
beginning of a relationship might be easily seen, but the marriage itself is
more likely to be reflected in other techniques. On the other hand, postponement
of a marriage or the refusal to make a commitment can be easily seen with
Saturn, Uranus or Neptune in the 7th house.
Finances
Venus also relates to money and finances, and can be used to evaluate these
circumstances for the coming solar return year. The house placement for Venus
may indicate how you are most likely to generate income. This is sometimes true,
but not always. Venus in the 9th implies a teaching salary, but if you don't
teach, the emphasis will be on your beliefs concerning relationships. Don't
stretch your economic interpretation of Venus' house placement. If the house
position applies, the situation will be obvious. If the house position does not
seem to apply to finances in particular, Venus will be more consistent with
relationship situations during the year.
For finances, it is perhaps more important to look at the planetary placements
in the 2nd, 6th, 10th, and 11th houses, especially if you are interested in the
amount of money you will be able to earn by employment. The 2nd house is the
primary money house, but it also gives indications of spending practices. Any
planets in the 2nd can reflect your salary and/or your spending practices
(regardless of how much money you earn); it is always possible to spend more
than you make or make more than you spend.
Solar Return Venus in 4th house:
Venus in the 4th house indicates that now more than ever you need a comfortable
home to serve as a retreat, a place to regenerate your vitality and nourish your
emotional nature. "Home" needs to be a supportive place, a shelter for the
wounded, a protection from less hospitable environments. Home may be the place
where you are now living, the place you are moving to, or the place where you
grew up. It is the sustaining quality that is important, not the location. You
need to feel comfortable somewhere on the face of the earth.
If you do have that warm and cozy place to call home, you will enjoy being there
this year and may not care to go out much. Rather than nights on the town, you
prefer staying at home and entertaining others. If you do not have a sense of
home at the present time, it will be your goal to develop a more comfortable
living space over the next year. You will want your interests and needs
reflected in the place you call home. The changes and decisions you make
concerning your external physical environment will reflect your internal
emotional changes and decisions.
You will probably redecorate your home. Venus by itself in the 4th house usually
indicates simple redecorating. Many planets in the 4th can show major
renovations (and a greater tendency toward strong emotional change). You may
have the urge to redo the whole house, knock down walls or build on additions.
Remodeling of this nature is more extensive and tends to take most of the year.
During this time you may experience a period of discomfort and physical upheaval
as you wait for the renovations to be completed.
There is a reason why the quality of the home life becomes so important. This
year can be a time of recovery and healing. Venus in the 4th is often seen in
the charts of those who have experienced difficulties in the previous year or
years, and who are now focusing their energy on healing old wounds. These
individuals need to feel centered and whole, and they focus on their physical
home as a source of comfort and rootedness. The healing process can be more
complicated than simple recovery. Issues need to be resolved and the native may
experience continuing or intermittent problems related to the initial wound.
This is a good time to improve your relationship with your parents. If your
parents have already passed over, use this year to foster and recall fond
memories you may have of them, especially if up until now you have only been
able to remember more painful times. If your parents are still living, work to
improve your relationship with them. You need that strong sense of rootedness
that can come from family ties. If your relationship with your parents has
always been difficult and things still don't work out well, this is a good time
to form your own roots and fond memories.
Venus Aspects Saturn
Saturn aspecting Venus can have one of two different manifestations: the
solidification of a relationship, or the inhibition of a relationship. Both
processes involve the use of structure to define a relationship. Healthy
relationships can strengthen and show a renewed sense of commitment to the
future by both partners. The ability to accept more responsibility with or for
each other is common. Marriage, raising children, and purchasing homes together
are three common events that reflect this change. The relationship gains more
stability because of a new definition of purpose and intent.
Partners who basically love each other and are committed to a relationship, but
experiencing a period of change and adjustment, might do well to give each other
a little space, understanding, and support. The distance needed can foster
individual expression and achievement. For example, if you or your spouse wants
to go back to school for a higher degree, time must be set aside for classes and
study.
Relationship inhibition occurs when the structure and definition of the
relationship is used to limit rather than give a sense of purpose. You may not
be allowed to give and receive love in a relaxed manner since love is always
controlled, defined, withheld, rejected or not accepted as it exists. You
yourself may refuse to make a further commitment, or it can be your partner who
backs off. Statements like, "We're just friends," or "This is only an affair and
I could never leave my wife," are two examples of the kind of structuring
associated with Saturn-Venus contacts. Very poor relationships may be defined by
separation and divorce. One person may accept total responsibility for a second
individual. The "parent" partner acts as the person in charge of the
"irresponsible child" and the relationship loses all sense of balance and
equality.
Financially, you will probably be working with less cash during the year. Your
budget will be tight, either because you have limited funds or you choose to
conserve money and build savings. If you are normally very free with your money,
this is a time when you are more careful with spending practices. Even the very
rich will want to know how much they have and where it all goes.
Some may experience a cutback in funds. These are the people who quit their
jobs, cut back on hours or salary, become self-employed, or experience a
dramatic change in their life-style which would naturally affect funds
available.
Venus Aspects Jupiter
Aspects from Jupiter to Venus have several possible interpretations. You can
benefit, either directly or indirectly, through the influence or assistance of
others. Relationships can be very rewarding and you reap what you have sown. If
you have been helpful and understanding to others in the past, you can expect
the same treatment now. Your lover, business partner, or spouse may be actively
supportive of your goals, either financially or emotionally.
Indirect benefits can also come to you through your partnerships. For example,
your spouse accepts a job transfer to Colorado and you always wanted to live in
ski country. You may buy a house or expensive ski equipment when you get there
since large purchases and expenses are commonly seen with Jupiter-Venus solar
return aspects. Possibly you spend more than you can afford.
What you believe to be true about most relationships can either be consistent
with your experience, or in conflict with the reality of your situation. As
would be expected of anyone, it is more common to notice the conflicts than the
periods of consistency. Issues concerning morals, ethics, and monogamy are
important and you may discuss whether your relationship is an open or closed
one. Either one of you can be involved in a second relationship which causes
this issue to be raised. Defining the ethics of relating becomes a goal during
the year.
MARS IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
The planet Mars represents an outward thrust of energy in a solar return chart.
It is an active energy geared toward producing an external manifestation brought
about through interchanges with the environment. The arrow on the symbol for
Mars illustrates this outward thrust and movement. The interplay with the
environment and the area of greatest energy expenditure are shown by the aspects
to Mars and its house placement. There can be a number of ways in which the
outward thrust of energy and activity manifests in the external environment.
Positive manifestations implied by Mars include self-motivation, independent
action, initiation of new projects, assertiveness, fulfilling sexual encounters,
and original or pioneering creations. But anger, aggression, and sexual abuses
represent negative and wasteful expenditures. Energy lost in negative exchanges
cannot be used productively.
Mars, by its very nature, denotes the spark of initiation and self-motivation.
Original pursuits, independent actions and new projects are fostered during the
year and are typically associated with those areas of life denoted by the house
placement of Mars. Because of the new endeavors and the enthusiasm generated,
these areas then become the focus of energy use as the level of activity
increases and you begin to feel driven to work, accomplish, and complete.
Sometimes ambition and competitiveness augment the need to excel, but an
energetic attitude can flow without these personality traits since
self-motivation tends to spring naturally from an inner source.
During the year, activities may be specifically tied to your ability or
inability to be assertive. In its most positive manifestation, the planet Mars
denotes an active force. Except for a few of the more subtle interpretations for
Mars, the implication is an external thrust which affects other people, places,
things or circumstances. For example, if you install a home office, you make a
change in your living situation. If you start your own business, you do, in
effect, change the environment. If you insist on control over your own finances,
you create a more independent relationship style. In each of these cases, you
are the individual initiating the activity and asserting your own needs which
are essential to the task at hand. The inability to be assertive can only lead
to frustrated desires and anger. Your efforts will be thwarted until you make
adjustments in your thinking. When extreme frustration occurs, more energy is
expended toward being angry than working toward correcting the problem.
The house position of Mars and its aspects to the other solar return planets
provide information about the circumstances which will trigger angry responses
in you. Anger may arise from a number of different circumstances, including, but
not limited to, frustration at the inability to fulfill your own needs,
aggression from others, stressful surroundings or unconscious resentment that
has not been resolved. Anger is a signal that your attitude and/or environment
need to change. Energy lost to anger cannot be used creatively. Anger that
stimulates creative action can be recouped. Your task for the year will be to
learn to deal effectively with these anger-producing situations. Do not allow
anger to be triggered when insight coupled with assertiveness, tact or
corrective action would suit your purposes better. As you focus on negative
situations and gain understanding, you can begin to funnel your energies into
the most positive manifestations.
Aggression is a distortion of assertiveness. Assertion is the defense and
maintenance of your own rights; aggression is the infringement or attack on the
rights of others. Anger is most likely the motivation for the attack, although
psychological idiosyncrasies may provide other motivations (of which fear is the
main culprit). All acts of aggression, by their very nature, should produce
anger in the person attacked, though some individuals, because of their own
psychological nature, respond in other ways. Where you find Mars by house
position indicates where you are most likely to meet the aggressor during the
coming year. Either you will have to deal with a hostile person in the
environment or you will be confronted with your own acts of aggression. If you
are able to meet your own needs through assertion and you know your own rights
while conscientiously defending them, you are less likely to be the aggressor or
allow aggressive actions to arise in others. You should be able to strike a
balance between your needs, and rights, and the needs and rights of others. In
this way, you maintain your position relative to the environment. But regardless
of how fair you are in your dealings with others, you may still have to defend
your own rights.
Mars as an indicator of sexuality is not consistent with the interpretation for
every house position. There is the possibility that sexual intrigue can apply to
the situations denoted by any of the planet's placements, but the connection is
not always obvious. Themes of initiation, high energy output, anger, and
aggression appear more consistently. For example, Mars in the 10th may mean a
sexual attraction between you and your boss, but it is more likely for you to be
extremely active in career endeavors. Your boss can be a prime motivator toward
career success or he could actually be very offensive and thwart your efforts.
Note the aspects between Mars and your other personal planets for further
information. The sexual implications of Mars seem more obvious in the relational
houses, but then individual differences apply. Sexual fulfillment is directly
related to the appropriateness of sexual activity given the particular situation
and any restraints or inhibitions involved.
Solar Return Mars in 4th house:
You are more likely to expend energy working around the house. You can
redecorate or renovate your living quarters, but projects you decide to tackle
will probably involve lots of do-it-yourself elbow grease. Renovations are not
necessarily beautiful, but do tend to involve a lot of hard work or at least
more work than would normally be required. Repairs and renovations tend to be
"first time" projects. For example, a newly married couple may inherit a lot of
used furniture from relatives which they decide to refinish before placing in
their apartment or home. Consequently, the decorating project becomes more
difficult than simply purchasing furniture. Minor repairs tend to grow into
major hassles that require a lot of work once you get into them. Simply
re-tiling a bathroom is hard enough, but when you discover you must replace the
rotten walls underneath the tile, the job becomes much more demanding.
It is common to have a conflict occurring between family members or within the
domestic environment. If you live alone, the conflict will probably be with your
parents or family members, but if you live with anyone, even a roommate, your
conflict is more likely to be in the home. Sometimes the confrontations can
encompass both sets of individuals and situations. It does not matter whether
you are angry about events as they occur or situations in the past; the anger is
just as real in either case. The reality of the situation is probably that past
and present perspectives are connected. Circumstances similar to the past are
probably occurring in the present and triggering old feelings of resentment and
hurt.
This is a time to air old resentments and release hurt feelings so that
circumstances in the future can be different. Unless you understand the past
hurts, you will not be able to correct present-day detrimental situations. It is
possible that those closest to you are hurting you regardless of their
intention. They may not see your pain, but you can explain it to them logically
if you understand the mechanism yourself. Perhaps you are being taken advantage
of or staying in a situation which is not emotionally healthy for you, but
allows your conflicting emotions to surface.
For example, a teenager from a wealthy family expected to go on to college, but
his parents were divorced and fighting over who should pay for his education.
Neither one offered to help and it looked like both would refuse to lend any
assistance. This caused great tension between the teenager and his parents and
there were many fights in the home. The teenager honestly felt that he had
raised himself to begin with, and had allowed his parents to take advantage of
his willingness to accept responsibility for himself even at a very young age.
It was during this Mars placement that he realized he had allowed an emotionally
unhealthy situation to persist. All during his childhood he had managed alone
and never had the luxury of being able to depend on his parents. He also never
confronted his parents or his anger with them. He was now very upset that his
emotional needs were never met either in the past nor in the present. He became
very vocal about this specific pattern of relating, but less argumentative over
little things. He zeroed in on the root of the problem and subsequently sought
out a family counselor.
This is a time when unconscious anger surfaces and individuals begin to see
behavioral patterns reminiscent of the past and most particularly childhood.
Seeing these patterns creates great stress, but the goal is not to live with the
conflict, but to break the pattern. The need for emotional self-protection is
implied by this placement, and you should want to protect yourself from future
uncomfortable situations. It is up to every individual to seek new ways of
interacting which fulfill rather than compromise emotional needs. Try to
understand the "why" of anger as well as the "when" and "how." Repetitive
conflicts which lack any insight allow you to spin your wheels without growth.
It is particularly important to understand family interactions since they are
the key to all relationship dynamics. Conflicts may be built on
misunderstandings and you should investigate. Once a divorcee with small
children chose to live far away from her parents. She honestly thought that they
would not want her around since they never offered to help her during the
divorce proceedings. But her parents were very upset that she moved away and
never sought their help. They assumed she knew she was always welcome in their
home and they were ready to lend a hand. They held back, not wanting to
interfere, while she left, not wanting to ask for help. This is a good time to
take the initiative in handling emotional conflicts. If misunderstandings are
occurring, open up the lines of communication. Seek counseling for very
difficult and detrimental situations, and protect yourself from further stress.
Use assertiveness rather than anger to dismantle unconscious complexes which
lead to painful interactions.
A few may decide to set up a home office and work totally or partially out of
their residence during the year. Mars can be indicative of a sideline business
you start or enter into with other family members. If you retain your regular
job, it may ease your workload if you can bring more work home with you in the
evening. Adjustments or conflicts in the balance of work and home life can be an
issue. This is true both for those who work out of the home and those who bring
work home. It is also true for individuals or couples sharing household chores
and repairs. The division of labor within the home can be a topic of discussion
or conflict. Renegotiating responsibilities for family chores commonly occurs
when life situations are changing and one individual is now home more or less
than previously.
Mars Aspects Neptune
While Mars-Pluto aspects imply actions that are unconsciously motivated,
Mars-Neptune aspects indicate actions which have no obvious motivation at all,
or which involve a great deal of uncertainty as to direction and goal.
Humanitarian pursuits are sometimes associated with this combination since very
spiritual endeavors emanate from a source which is not readily apparent.
However, the most likely interpretation for this combination is an uncertainty
as to future direction. Careful planning is generally not feasible. During the
year, you cannot be sure your actions will pan out since there are no guarantees
given for your efforts. Job security may be an issue. As an illustration,
suppose you wish to run a shelter for injured animals in your backyard and need
the approval of the zoning board. You can proceed with your investigations into
the matter before the zoning change comes through, but you cannot be sure your
efforts will succeed until the final vote. You must trust that situations will
work out in your favor.
Mars-Neptune aspects indicate the ability to function despite a degree of
uncertainty that colors your actions. If you are correct in your assumptions of
eventual success, everything will work out positively; but, if you idealize your
actions or situation and miscalculate the results, you will feel disillusioned
when you find that your efforts are for naught. Misguided endeavors are possible
with Mars-Neptune contacts in the solar return chart, especially with the more
difficult or stressful aspects; therefore you must carefully consider your
purposes and actions during the year. Be ready with an alternate plan when
matters do not progress the way you want them to.
Uncertainty and confusion seem to go hand in hand with this combination and
contradictory statements are possible. It is easy for others to misinterpret
your actions when your direction is not clear and your plans nonexistent. It is
also easy for you to stray from your original purpose when goals are not clearly
defined. What you originally set out to do may never materialize. You will be
shocked to realize how you have drifted from your own sense of purpose. Use
objective feedback from others to keep yourself well-grounded and focused on
goals. If you need secrecy for your endeavors, this is a good time to prevent
the left hand from knowing what the right hand is doing. But if you need to be
consistent, seek constructive criticism from others and don't stray from the
path.
Mars Aspects Uranus
Strong changes, usually self-initiated, are associated with Mars-Uranus aspects.
Changes range from a constant stream of minor adjustments to dramatic and
sweeping transformations. Either form can be beneficial or detrimental depending
on individual differences and manifestation. The energy patterns are shifting
and the individual no longer wants to be tied down to the same old routine.
Something new or exciting is expected and encouraged. During the transitional
stage, behavior patterns might be somewhat erratic, and on-again, off-again
situations are not uncommon. Changes and the need for greater freedom can lead
to sudden separations and broken relationship ties. Freedom of action may be an
issue and any restriction will be met with assertiveness if not anger. Speed may
be of the essence and therefore time delays are unlikely. Matters tend to move
forward quickly.
The real danger associated with Mars-Uranus contacts is the tendency toward
accidents of one form or another. Here we are talking about automobile
accidents, freak accidents, radical unexpected changes in direction that lead
one to stumble either literally or figuratively. Generally, accidents result
from suppressed anger or conscious rage. Nine times out of ten, they will not
come out of the blue without an internal calling card. Life is a mystery and
this is not always the case, but it is frequently so. Anger, suppressed or
expressed indiscriminately, can be coincidentally linked to many an accident.
The issue is not whether you allow the anger to seek expression: the issue is
one of directing the energy into a creative and productive outcome. Sticking you
head in the sand is not the answer and actually may be one of the worst things
you could do. If you have a Mars-Uranus aspect in your chart, remain aware of
your frustrations and the options available for dealing with them.
JUPITER IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Jupiter has a number of possible interpretations in the solar return chart and
any or all of the following meanings can manifest according to house position.
First and foremost, Jupiter tends to imply a benefic event associated with its
placement. How these benefits come about and the area of life affected are
usually shown by the house position.
All opportunities will probably involve expansion into new areas of activity.
The primary function of the Jupiter principle is to expand beyond the scope of
previous experience. One is not to remain in a static condition; growth is not
only implied, but expected. Jupiter's slow and consistent movement through the
zodiac implies the steady growth needed to advance.
One of the most common activities associated with growth and expansion is the
pursuit of an education. The impetus to learn is closely associated with any
push to grow and our definition of learning in this case is not limited to a
structured environment (school), but can include self-teaching and
life-experience training. Although education is not always a consideration for
every Jupiter house placement, it can be considered to have an impact on any of
the houses.
Areas of expansion can easily become areas of excess and this is a problem with
Jupiter. Growth can be uncontrolled and purposeless, dwarfing any push for real
attainment or benefit. For example, overeating may supplant a desire for
nutritious food when Jupiter is in the 6th house. The weight gain takes the
place of education. Already existing situations associated with any house
placement of Jupiter may boil over if extreme limitations were previously the
norm. This is especially true when emotions overwhelm the individual after a
long period of emotional suppression. Any Jupiter placement can signal a false
god. One or more activities associated with Jupiter's house may be emphasized to
such a degree that a distortion of perception results, creating the false god.
Perhaps excesses are directly and proportionately related to suppressed urges.
We now zoom ahead where we previously lagged behind, making up for lost time.
The overwhelming impetus enables us to grow and expand at a rapid pace. The task
is to avoid restricting this growth, while staying in control. The best option
is one of channeled and structured enthusiasm.
A question of ethics and morals is often associated with the house placement of
Jupiter. Unlike Saturn, which is more representative of societal structures and
expectations, Jupiter implies the need for a philosophical (or sometimes
religious) consistency between what you are doing physically and what you
believe you should be doing ethically or morally. The underlying belief is
always at the center of any conflict, not the external expectation. Jupiter by
house indicates a desire to review those beliefs commanding a strong influence
over one's philosophy of life and code of behavior. Current beliefs may be
limiting future growth or freedom. Within this perspective, hypocrisy and moral
dilemmas are more commonly a problem than the frustration associated with
Saturnian external laws.
Solar Return Jupiter in 4th house:
Jupiter in the 4th house indicates the need for increased peace and security in
your home. It is important to feel rooted and protected physically, emotionally,
and spiritually by the home environment. Many individuals choose to begin a
beautification program to make their living quarters more comfortable. Although
projects may be expensive, there is usually a minimum of disruption.
Improvements are not necessitated by a need to make repairs, or the need to make
major changes in the structure of the house. Projects tend to be minor, and
generally the domestic situation is not disrupted by the improvements.
Renovations or additions are not as likely as changing the decor with paint,
wallpaper, and new furniture. The object here is to enhance the surroundings
both inside and outside of the home, not to redo the entire house from scratch.
Outside improvements include landscaping the grounds or creating a small garden
for meditation. Individuals having this placement wish to create an environment
which not only suits the physical needs and comforts the soul, but pleases the
eye.
Security is also important; depending on the individual's age, issues can relate
to present or future needs. Domestic security is the immediate issue, and you
may be striving to purchase a home or secure your position in the present one.
Other influences which might support or threaten your homelife. For example,
after one man's parents died, he inherited the family home and for the first
time owned a piece of property. As he settled into his new home and began to
redecorate the interior, his future bride informed him that she did not care for
the house and wished to live elsewhere. This man felt the need to balance his
commitment to his fiancée with his desire for a sense of rootedness. The home
had become very important to him, since for the first time in his life he was
working steadily toward completing a major project without abandoning his goal
prematurely. He needed to work during the year to balance his needs and the
needs of his fiancée with the desire for rootedness. Married individuals with
this placement who are in the process of separating need to find and secure a
home for the future. This may be a complicated task.
For older individuals, issues concerning retirement and pension plans are
important. The emphasis is on IRAs, mutual funds and retirement packages, but
usually security issues do not apply to funds alone since included also is a
concern for the home. You may pay off your mortgage, refinance your loan at a
lower rate or purchase an insurance policy which will cover your payments should
you become disabled or unemployed. This is the time to make changes in your home
and in your financial planning which will insure the stability of your domestic
situation both now and in the future.
Occasionally Jupiter in the 4th house indicates an increase in the number of
people living in your home during the year. You expand your home by taking in
another person, either a boarder, roommate, foreign exchange student or
relative. Generally, the addition does not indicate an increase in
responsibility. The other person is able to meet his or her own needs and
contribute to household chores and expenses. It is likely you will enjoy his or
her presence although it can cost you extra money to have this person around.
Domestic responsibilities tend to lessen as individuals gain independence from
other family members. Children may enter school or go away to college. If you
were saddled with a lot of responsibility during the previous year because
either of your parents or some other family member was ill, it is likely that
his or her health or situation will improve at this time and your duties will
decrease. Parents who are very elderly could be placed in a nursing home, or
outside assistance may be brought in to help. In cases where the death of a
disabled person is imminent and could be considered a blessing, this is the
reason why responsibilities lessen at this time. For one reason or another, the
difficulty or demand for extra attention is no longer evident.
Feelings run high and emotional swings are likely. Excessive responses are the
norm and both highs and lows are evident. You could seek to suppress emotional
responses, fearing the strength of your feelings and the loss of control. Many
times there is a situation during the year which heightens the emotional nature
and forces you to deal with the adequacy or inadequacy of your responses and
those of others. If you are not in a fulfilling life-style, emotions will tend
to be negative as well as overwhelming. But if you are actively working toward a
fulfilling life-style, emotions can be very pleasurable and the support you
receive from others is reassuring.
SATURN IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Saturn rules reality and the reality of any given situation is that we are all
ultimately responsible for creating our own lives. The responses and choices we
make to any given situation, together with the fears we avoid, form the backbone
for our pattern of living. Only when we accept the responsibility for creating
our own fate can we be freed from the necessity of living it. Only when we face
our fears can we live unafraid. Saturn is the key to this change in orientation.
It is the ultimate reality, the ultimate fear, the karmic avenger, and ruler of
the universal laws of nature. It is through Saturn's house placement that we
come face to face with ourselves, the structures, and limitations of reality,
and the laws we must live by.
Growth is a complex process, occurring in a variety of ways. Saturnian growth
begins by recognizing the existing structures we have incorporated into our
lives, and possibly, the frustration or limitation caused by this edifice. It
seems strange to talk about growth in terms of limitation, but astrologically
Saturn rules structures which are at one point protective and at other times
restrictive. Like the lobster or crab which sheds an outgrown, protective, hard
shell in order to grow, individuals must periodically shed old structures grown
restrictive with time. As with the crustaceans, the shedding process may be slow
and laborious, followed by a period of extreme vulnerability until the new shell
has formed and hardened into a protective structure. We often complacently
mistake familiarity for security. We assume we'll be safe as long as we stick
with the same old routine and keep doing what we've been doing all along. But
what was once protective and safe eventually ends up inhibiting our evolutionary
cycle of growth. Sometimes, only our frustration with things as they are awakens
us to the need for change.
The movement of Saturn through the solar return chart coincides with an
awareness of structure. Sometimes this awareness is associated with frustration,
and the accentuation of restrictions now blocking evolution. It is through this
realization process and frustration that we first become aware of the need to
grow beyond our present structures. Therefore, the first step in the Saturnian
process toward growth is recognizing structures, frustrations, and limitations
imposed by our present patterns of living, particularly in those areas of life
signified by Saturn's house placement in the solar return.
The second step toward growth is reassessment of the situation. A review of the
facts yields further information, options, and understanding. Only by defining
the inhibitors to the evolutionary cycle can we move toward resolution and
continued growth. Self-criticism and constructive feedback from others may be
appropriate at this time.
It is during the reassessment process that the reality of our situation becomes
more obvious, as well as the laws by which we are governed. To succeed, we must
deal with life realistically. We cannot twist nature to our own liking, nor can
we expect others to compensate for our deficiencies and fears by solving our
problems. Saturn rules the naked truth devoid of magical thinking. We must live
within the laws of nature to succeed and survive. If you hate your job, quit. Do
not wait for an act of God to find a new job. If you want to complete a major
project, work on it. It is the only way it will get done. If you want to lose
weight, diet, and exercise. Hard work and facing the issues head on will get you
where you want to go. Wishful thinking will not.
These issues are all totally within your range of control and you are free to
act upon them, but other problems may not be yours to control. You cannot make
your husband stop drinking; you can only change the way you handle the
situation. You cannot change hypocrisy in others; you can only reassess your own
beliefs. During the reassessment process, develop realistic options which could
feasibly lead to a resolution of the problem or to a change in the way you
handle the problem. Successful solutions are those which are practical and
realistic -that is, they conform to the laws of nature.
Once you understand the problem and the options available, you must assume
responsibility for the outcome. Each man or woman contributes to his or her own
fate. As the partial creator of any problem, you also have some control over the
solution. But assuming responsibility for your present situation can be more
threatening than blaming others. Some prefer to buck the system (defy the laws
of nature) and complain, rather than take action. Remember, familiarity breeds a
false sense of security and many prefer to hang on to their restrictions rather
than venture into the unknown. They learn to live with their frustration rather
than grow beyond it. Consciously making a decision implies assuming
responsibility for your success or failure.
Facing your fears concerning success or failure is ultimately what Saturn is all
about. At this point, you are very aware of the reality of your situation, and
you have a list of options for the future, not all of which may work. You
understand your own contribution to the situation and what you must do in order
to move toward a resolution. You have seen your own shortcomings and become
aware of your darker side. You comprehend the laws of nature relative to your
situation and know everything is earned in this case, nothing is given, and
nothing is guaranteed by the Universe. You now realize that you must stick your
nose out and take a calculated risk. In order to progress, you must face your
fears, and move toward your nightmare rather than back away. It is only by
passing through a period of vulnerability that one can break out of a
protective, yet restrictive structure and progress into a more suitable
environment. You give up the security of the familiar and step into the unknown.
The test of any solution is that it works. Even chronic problems need to be
solved and not just cosmetically concealed. Success requires much hard work and
the systematic testing of solutions until the correct combination is found.
Consequently, success may not come easily. If the first solution does not work,
you must go on to test another and another. Thus with each failure begins a new
cycle of awareness and reassessment, ultimately leading to a well-deserved
success. There is plenty of room for hard work, discipline, and perseverance in
the area of life indicated by Saturn's house placement. Eventually, every area
of life will be touched by the need for reassessment and resolution. Chances are
the time for reevaluation coincides with Saturn's placement in a particular
house of the solar return. In that area of life, you must go above and beyond
what is normally expected.
Solar Return Saturn in 1st house:
Saturn in the 1st house is a self-imposed limitation and it is likely you will
restrict yourself or your behavior for one reason or another during the coming
year. It may be that you are trying to complete a long-term task or you may take
on a major responsibility. You will tend to do all of the things you have to do
and none of the things you want to do. This is a good time to push yourself to
finish a master's thesis, doctoral dissertation or book, or to start your own
business. Any piece of work requiring long hours, discipline, organization, and
perseverance can be completed while Saturn is in the 1st house of the solar
return chart. The project is likely to take most of the year to finish and the
earliest completion date is three months before your next birthday.
You want to assess the reality of your innate and developing abilities. To do
this you can concentrate on a major project. Those who are not seriously
involved with the completion of a specific body of work can instead assume extra
responsibility which may or may not involve other people and can go beyond what
is normally expected. For example, suppose you have a newborn baby (which is
demanding enough by itself), and you also decide to be a nursing mother during
the year. Anyone who has ever nursed a baby or been involved with a nursing
mother knows how this can tie you down and seriously limit the amount of free
time available. However, you are the person who is deciding to nurse the baby
and therefore you are the one who imposes this limitation on yourself. This is
also the case if you are involved in a major project. You are the one who limits
your outside activities and social life in order to accomplish the task at hand.
The negative manifestation associated with Saturn in the 1st house is the
ability to impose limitations because of an overriding fear. You might shy away
from particular opportunities possessing great growth potential simply because
you are afraid to repeat a situation reminiscent of the past. Events occurring
during the year may mirror former events, allowing unresolved issues to surface
once more. In the negative manifestation, self-imposed limitations have nothing
to do with the successful completion of a task or progress toward the future,
but they have everything to do with stagnation and avoidance behavior. You can
restrict your activities simply because you are afraid to face your fears, grow
beyond your limitations and take risks.
If you meet and conquer your fears during the year, the rewards can be great.
You can free yourself from unnecessary restrictions and gain more control over
your life and destiny. But if you avoid the fear within you and limit your
behavior unnecessarily, you will not only maintain your present level of fear
and limitation, you will also augment your conflict for the future.
In your quest to avoid a confrontation with your fear, you will also have to
avoid certain people and certain situations. Isolationism in one form or another
is associated with Saturn in the 1st house. In the negative manifestation,
withdrawal is used to avoid that which you fear most. In the more positive
manifestation, withdrawal is necessary if you are to complete a body of work or
fulfill your responsibilities to others. You are capable of being
self-sufficient during the year. You are the one who must take total
responsibility for your own destiny and actions. You cannot depend on others to
accomplish what you alone can do. Nor can you expect others to undo what you
have done to yourself.
Minor illnesses are sometimes associated with Saturn in the 1st house, but
usually these illnesses are minor chronic inconveniences. Some examples are
perpetual sore throats, numerous colds, problems with teeth and bones, and back
problems. These illnesses are annoying, but generally they are not
incapacitating. They reflect stress on the body and emphasize the need to limit
activities to those experiences which are truly important. It is unlikely that
you can sustain your new level of responsibility and productivity while still
maintaining your former commitments. It is essential that you take care of your
body and reassess your level of activity. Minor illnesses are the body's way of
telling you to slow down and lighten up.
If you ignore your body's needs, or refuse to direct your energy into meaningful
and healthy experiences, it is possible that an illness can make it physically
impossible for you to continue. This is especially true if you actively avoid
certain situations and refuse to confront your own fear. Fear and tension
patterns can directly coincide with patterns of illness. The stronger the fear
and the avoidance behavior, the more likely you are to be ill during the year
and the greater the possibility of that illness being serious. If you sensibly
meet your responsibilities, realistically face your challenges, and get enough
relaxation, you can maintain good health.
URANUS IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Uranus is commonly seen as an indicator of change, and this is true for the
solar return placements also. Conditions associated with the house position of
Uranus are likely to evolve significantly over the year. Major changes or
incessant fluctuations emerge as the pattern of manifestation, depending on how
the individual copes with his or her situation and needs. Transformations may
occur quickly and require a long period of adjustment, or progress slowly,
possibly occurring late in the year and only after a long period of anticipation
or restlessness. As a rule, most changes are expected, predicted, and initiated
by the native him or herself. Many are carefully planned and well executed,
involving a minimum of tension and anxiety. When working positively with the
Uranian principle, the key is in the restlessness. Those who are very attuned to
their own need for growth will feel the restlessness arising in outgrown
situations and respond accordingly. They will welcome the opportunity for
adjustment, and make all the necessary preparations for the coming change. They
will not lock themselves into one particular situation or pattern of growth, but
will allow changes and insights to develop and evolve naturally along the way.
Generally, it is only when the individual thwarts his or her own desires or
tightly controls situations that tensions manifest in the form of anxiety and
nervousness. This anxiety results from ambivalent feelings which develop in
those who resist needed changes. These people get caught between their own fear
of change and a strong desire for the very change being thwarted. An ambivalent
mind-set takes over, one built on an approach to, and also an avoidance of, a
set goal or change. Remember, Uranus is associated with conscious and
unconscious choices for change. Its appearance somewhere in the native's solar
return chart implies the area of life in which the individual desires to
progress through change. When one is unable to face or effect needed and desired
changes, the mind splits between two mutually exclusive goals and anxiety
results. Eventually, the mental ambivalence and erratic commitments to two very
different paths are reflected in fluctuating external conditions. Long overdue,
yet still avoided changes, tend to manifest in the environment as disruption
caused by others, or by neglected areas of attention.
Adding to the anxiety is a perceived loss of control over external situations.
Eventually, the restlessness and tension rise to a feverish pitch until one
finally agrees to make changes, or can no longer prevent their occurrence. When
conditions reach this intensity, individuals usually make reactive changes,
without careful consideration or adequate preparation. Sudden upheavals occur
rather than welcomed transitions. If we would truly be in control of our own
destiny, we should listen to the need for change and respond to the earliest
hints of restlessness. We should give ourselves the freedom to work toward a
conscious transition before a crisis arises.
Consistent with the desire for change is the need for freedom. You cannot
maneuver if you are locked into a restrictive environment. Sometimes the push
for freedom is a prerequisite for change. At other times, the change itself
becomes the motivating force behind the process. Occasionally, both mechanisms
are operating. For example, you may have to convince your boss to give you the
freedom to make needed changes in the daily office routine; at the same time,
the changes you make could streamline procedures, creating more leeway in your
work schedule.
Freedom allows the process of change to occur smoothly. When we are functioning
at our best and working positively with the Uranian concept, we move easily
through a series of attractions, detachments and independent actions. We learn
and grow from each of these encounters. While in the process of attraction, we
are drawn to certain situations, persons or concepts. It is important to observe
what experiences we are drawn to because they indicate conscious or unconscious
needs and patterns of growth. By accepting different situations, interacting
with different individuals, or listening to new ideas, we take in new
information and learn to value various facets of life. We see that no one
person, place or idea is perfect. The same is true of our existing
circumstances, which we hold onto so tightly.
With this insight begins the period of detachment from those situations,
persons, or concepts which restrict our growth or no longer have anything to
teach us. We are able to step back and intellectually reassess our involvement
and commitment. We can either choose to separate physically from difficult
situations, or take the corrective action needed to adjust present circumstances
to our needs.
Uranus does not always imply a complete and total separation. We are capable of
detaching from the original attraction while still maintaining the experience,
relationship, or train of thought. It is the independent action we ultimately
take which defines the degree of separation.
We learn as much from separation as we do from attraction when we define what we
don't like as well as what we do like. The changing environment, the comparisons
and contrasts, accentuate what is important and what is not. One should remember
that this process of change through attachment, detachment and independent
action is ongoing, occurring on many different levels simultaneously. The
process can be either quick, occurring numerous times in one day, or drawn out,
requiring a year's time span. For example, suppose you are building a new home.
This is a year-long project and during this time you will be drawn to many
different construction plans, ideas, and subcontractors. But as you begin to
work with the possibilities, you will accept, reject, or change options to suit
your needs. This process takes place over months, but also simultaneously many
times in one day.
The exposure to various ideas, situations and people stimulates creative thought
through sudden insight into changing situations. All planets represent a
creative process. Venus is the planet of creativity experienced through beauty,
while Uranus is the process experienced through change. Because of the changing
panorama of people, ideas, and situations, one becomes accustomed to looking at
life from different perspectives. The multifaceted approach encourages the mind
to create still newer ideas. In this way the individual begins to participate in
the process of attachment, detachment and independent action by creating his or
her own original options, and change becomes a process of perception, integrated
into the pattern of growth.
Solar Return Uranus in 8th house:
Changing financial conditions are common with Uranus in the 8th house. Usually
the change directly affects shared resources, but sometimes the change also or
instead affects debts either positively or negatively. Desired or not, the
hallmark of this placement is financial independence either from the partner,
some other person, or an overwhelming debt which is restrictive. It is possible
for shared resources either to increase or decrease, but generally there is a
break in the partner's income during the year. He or she may quit work entirely
or switch from one job to the next with a period of unemployment in between.
Problems may be very minor and only situational. For instance, if your spouse is
in the service working overseas and you are employed in the States, you may
choose to work and live entirely off your own salary, not dependent on other
funds at all. This will allow your spouse to save his or her salary for future
expenses. The money is not lost permanently, only withdrawn for one year's time.
Your financial situation may change specifically because of others you depend
on.
Unfortunately, some couples choose to fight over money and possessions during
this year. Problems arise when one of you refuses to share expenses or funds.
The positive manifestation is to move towards financial independence by
separating accounts and responsibilities, but some people turn this process into
a battle scene. Serious situations involving separation and/or divorce can
eventually end up in court. Decisions, though fair, may not be worth the trauma
you go through. If you see serious problems arising, use this time to separate
your funds and protect your resources by dividing accounts, funds and expenses.
Debts either grow dramatically or are completely wiped out, but they do not stay
the same. Increases result more from necessity than luxury. The most common
manifestation is to eliminate all debts entirely either by paying them all off
or by declaring bankruptcy. The need for financial independence extends to the
debt situation and you do not want to be bothered by large bills or overwhelming
and restrictive debts. Sometimes your future plans require a debt-free
life-style.
Changing attitudes may affect your sex life. The issues of sexual freedom or
sexual preference (homosexuality, bisexuality or heterosexuality) may be
important either to you or someone you are close to. During the year, you may
experiment with new techniques or change old practices which you no longer enjoy
or benefit from. In the age of AIDS and herpes, many with this placement have
begun practicing safe sex or curbing their appetites. A very negative
manifestation might be a disrupted sex life, one in which encounters are
on-again, off-again, brief exchanges or twisted experiences that are not meant
to be fulfilling.
Deaths are not likely to occur during the year, but if one does, it will be
unexpected and the manner of death will involve unusual circumstances. This is a
very rare possibility.
Your insight on the psychic and/or psychological level may increase
dramatically. You are better able to perceive the motivations and manipulations
of others, especially in financial and sexual situations. Often these
perceptions will come in the form of sudden realizations triggered by
psychological awareness of the workings of the unconscious mind. It is the inner
workings of your own mind you are particularly interested in. A positive
manifestation might be to learn about psychology or astrology.
More negatively, you might be surprised by your own irrational thinking and
sudden outbursts of emotion. Your feelings and attitudes will tend to be
unpredictable and erratic. Positions change from day to day. You are probably
reacting to unconscious impulses rather than responding rationally. Be aware of
the people and situations which trigger your upsetting emotions. Others may be
actively trying to manipulate you. Dismantle the triggering mechanism by
understanding the pattern of manipulation and the complexes or fears in you
which foster the responses. Gain a perspective on your emotional depths.
NEPTUNE IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Neptune is many things on many levels, but first and foremost it is the
aspiration for a higher manifestation as opposed to a lower one. The
distinctions between higher and lower influences are not limited to the
spiritual plane alone, but can occur on the emotional, mental and physical
levels also. At all times, it is up to the individual to steer his or her
consciousness toward the highest manifestation possible. For example, Neptune on
the spiritual level is associated with Universal Oneness, Karmic Laws, Ideals,
God, and higher beliefs which form the backbone of spirituality. A strong sense
of trust in God and the Universe supports the growth process on the spiritual
level, but has ramifications on the other levels as well. Each level of
experience supports and triggers the others. It is all the insights on all of
the levels which eventually help us toward a more rewarding and fulfilling
life-style. The lower manifestation of Neptune on the spiritual level is
disillusionment with higher principles. Here the individual falls off the true
path and becomes entangled in fanatical beliefs or outright fantasy. Spiritual
despair rather than enlightenment is the result, and the support needed for
growth on all levels is thwarted.
The same dichotomy of higher and lower is present on the emotional, mental and
physical planes also. At the emotional level, the individual is capable of great
compassion and sensitivity to others. This is a time when empathic understanding
strengthens the bonds between loved ones. The lower manifestation of Neptune is
a susceptibility to anxiety and worry. The sensitivity which is meant to foster
true understanding instead heightens a sense of vulnerability to life, others
and the future. There is no trust in God emanating from the spiritual level to
support decisions. In negative situations, true understanding of others does not
develop because the individual is too involved with personal feelings and issues
to focus on others.
At the mental level, creativity and inspiration help to expand the individual's
intellectual capacity. Neptune is more closely associated with the right brain
than the left, and indicates the ability to let the mind float free to new and
better insights. The lower manifestation is confusion and deception. What you
are told is different from what you intuitively feel. Thoughts contradict
insights and you are unable to comprehend the truth. There is no trust of the
higher right brain inspirational or spiritual processes. Creativity is thwarted.
Without an understanding of the big picture, mental energy is wasted through a
lack of cohesiveness as one begins to focus on the insignificant, confusing
details.
And finally, Neptune on the physical level is service to others. Principles
which have filtered down from the various levels and have been understood in
each of the higher manifestations begin to flow into daily practices on the
mundane plane. There is a consistency; as above, so below. It is possible to
physically manifest the spirituality to which you aspire. When only lower
manifestations have filtered down to the physical level, confusion,
disorganization and exhaustion are most apt to occur. You lack a total concept
necessary to unify your actions and prioritize tasks according to their
importance. Neptune at its highest level of manifestation on the physical plane
is a direct reflection of the enlightened promise made at the spiritual level.
In all of the houses, either the higher or lower manifestations will be
operating. The more the individual focuses on the higher energies, the more
cohesive and insightful actions will become. The more the individual is
sensitive to spiritual insight, the easier it will be to deal with issues on
every plane. The unifying principles of the spiritual level and the higher
manifestations combine to focus energy and understanding right on down the line.
Solar Return Neptune in 6th house:
Neptune in the 6th can mean working at a job when your heart's not in it, or
when you really have no sense of direction or purpose. Most commonly, you are in
a period of transition between jobs. You are in the process of finishing up an
old job, business or career, and moving toward a new professional endeavor.
Usually there is an overlapping period when you are not physically through with
your former job even though you are mentally finished. Mentally, you are now
involved with your new position even though the physical transition has not yet
begun or been completed. So you are just marking time, picking up a pay check,
or existing in limbo until everything is set for the transition to be
accomplished. It is unlikely that this will occur until the end of the solar
return year, or until Neptune transits out of the 6th house, unless your new
position is as probationary or "iffy" as the transitional period itself.
Becoming self-employed generally falls in this category. A need for job
fulfillment pushes you to find a more suitable position. The job you are leaving
might fall short of your abilities. You may not feel as helpful or as effective
as you could be if given more opportunity. Misunderstandings between you and
your employer are possible. A few individuals might be unemployed or drifting
from one job to the next during this time.
Assuming you are happy with your present employment situation, this can be a
time of job confusion or uncertainty. New office procedures might turn your
workday upside down if inadequate training leaves you unsure of what to do. Job
security in your present position can seem precarious. Rumors of layoffs,
mergers, relocations, or shift changes are possible. Poorly defined threats to
your job are likely, but generally there is no loss of position or employment
time. Coming reorganization plans leave future responsibilities undefined and
you might be unsure where you will be in one year's time. Or you could be
involved in a project which has an indeterminate outcome. You and the others
could risk your time and effort on a long shot project you are not sure will pan
out. If you are the owner of a business, you may be considering a merger,
buyout, partnership or stock option. You will find it difficult to make concrete
business plans for the future until certain issues are settled.
Misunderstandings with others can occur during the year regardless of your level
of employment. It is to your advantage to communicate directly with business
associates. Do not rely on intermediaries to convey your messages.
Illnesses and diseases, if they occur, tend to be more difficult to diagnose
while Neptune is in the 6th house. Generally you are the person seeking
diagnosis, but if you are responsible for a child or an elderly adult during
this year, it is possible that the vague and undiagnosed health problem is his
or hers rather than yours. The health provider may be baffled by the symptoms
and recommend several different courses of treatment. He or she may not be sure
exactly what will work. The tendency is to try one method first, and then move
on to another form of treatment if needed. A second opinion might be
advantageous. You can be successfully treated without ever really knowing what
you had. The origin of an illness needing diagnosis and treatment may not be
clearly understood for most of the year, or until Neptune transits out of the
6th house. Symptoms are generally vague, conflicting or intermittent. Complaints
of tiredness are common. A case of the flu might hang on longer than expected,
or leave you feeling less than "right." Allergies to smoke, aerosols,
pollutants, medications, and foods are more likely to affect your life-style or
diet during the year.
The increased sensitivity associated with Neptune is apparent in the physical
body's acceptance or rejection of certain daily work, living or eating habits.
Emotional upheavals and stress are more apt to affect your physical form and
aggravate existing illnesses, causing symptoms to reappear or multiply. If
stress is coming from your job, realize that health is more important than work.
Spiritual beliefs and attitudes need to become a pa |