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A sample Merriman's Solar Return Report. This report reveals the themes and circumstances likely to be encountered in the year ahead, from one birthday to the next.

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Sample Merriman's Solar Return Report

 

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Solar Return Report

 for  Annie

Sep 17, 2008

04:41:02 PM EST

Montréal, CAN


 





 

 

 

 

This report prepared by:

Cafe Astrology

http://www.cafeastrology.com

 


 


The Solar Return Chart

Astrologers use a number of techniques for forecasting, primarily Transits, Progressions and Returns, particularly the Solar Return. This is the first report writer to provide a detailed interpretation of the Solar Return chart, both as an independent chart and in relationship to the natal chart. For those who are interested in technical details, the program provides a list of the planets' positions in the natal chart and the Solar Return chart.

Solar Return charts are calculated for the place where you are on your birthday. Check the Solar Return data on the lower right hand portion of this page to see that the location and date are correct. Please note that the Sun may return to its birth position the day before or after your actual date of birth. Therefore, a difference of one day is not uncommon. You can see the position of the Sun, is the same for both the natal chart and the Solar Return chart.

 

Natal Chart                                                       Solar Return
Annie                                                                  Solar Return Chart
Sep 18, 1967                                                      Sep 17, 2008
07:36:00 PM EDT  +04:00                                 04:41:02 PM EST  +05:00
Toronto, CAN                                                    Montréal, CAN
079W23'00"  43N39'00"                                    073W34'00"  45N31'00"
Placidus Houses                                                 Placidus Houses

 

 

Planet

Posit.

Hs

Cusp

 

Plan.

Posit.

Hs

Cusp

 Sun

25°Vi21'

01st

03°Ar22'

 

Sun

25°Vi21'

01st

21°Aq22'

 Moon

28°Pi25'

02nd

15°Ta08'

 

Moon

28°Ar04'

02nd

13°Ar38'

 Mercury

14°Li37'

03rd

10°Ge59'

 

Mercury

20°Li51'

03rd

17°Ta24'

 Venus

27°Le41' R

04th

01°Ca40'

 

Venus

22°Li24'

04th

10°Ge29'

 Mars

05°Sg55'

05th

22°Ca38'

 

Mars

19°Li07'

05th

00°Ca08'

 Jupiter

24°Le21'

06th

19°Le33'

 

Jupiter

12°Cp41'

06th

21°Ca10'

 Saturn

10°Ar05' R

07th

03°Li22'

 

Saturn

13°Vi39'

07th

21°Le22'

 Uranus

24°Vi51'

08th

15°Sc08'

 

Uranus

20°Pi29' R

08th

13°Li38'

 Neptune

22°Sc09'

09th

10°Sg59'

 

Neptune

22°Aq00' R

09th

17°Sc24'

 Pluto

20°Vi38'

10th

01°Cp40'

 

Pluto

28°Sg31'

10th

10°Sg29'

 Ascend.

03°Ar22'

11th

22°Cp38'

 

Ascend.

21°Aq22'

11th

00°Cp08'

 Midhvn.

01°Cp40'

12th

19°Aq33'

 

Midhvn.

10°Sg29'

12th

21°Cp10'

 


 


The Solar Return Chart
by Ray Merriman

Welcome to your Solar Return! The interpretations given herein apply to your year ahead, based upon the principles outlined in The Solar Return Book of Prediction by Raymond A. Merriman (Seek-It Publications, 1977, West Bloomfield, MI). In addition, there is a great deal of new material added just for this custom program!

The Importance of the Solar Return Moment
"Being There on Time"

The exact time of one's solar return is a sacred annual event for each individual. It happens at only one specific moment each year. It is at that moment - and only that moment - in which the Earth/Sun relationship is exactly the same as when you were born. Such a moment constitutes an "event", and as with all events, this one too is the basis for a horoscope of import.

However the importance of this horoscope is unique only to the individual to whom it applies. The quality of that "moment" (i.e. the time of one's solar return) becomes the "seed" of that annual cycle. It is the basis for a horoscope that will describe the astrological factors in effect for that one-year cycle. A "moment" of such importance favors a certain mind-set of the individual as it occurs. This is especially true if one accepts the premise that thought creates (or influences) reality. If every moment of time has its own unique quality, then one would want the "quality" of the solar return "moment" to be special in a favorable way, especially since it becomes the horoscope for the year in that person's life.

Given this premise, the individual is encouraged to enter the solar return moment with a sense of reverence. The individual is encouraged to put some thought and effort into assuring that this moment is somehow empowered, infused, with an energy or thoughts consistent with what that individual would want to experience in the coming year.

What should one do at this moment? That of course is up to each individual (you). Obviously it would not be a favorable omen if you engaged in an argument, or sat home brooding, or went to work in an atmosphere of frustration or boredom. Such experiences at the time of your solar return would likely set the foundation for your mind-set for the entire year - and it would be negative.

The following ideas are intended only as suggestions. They take into account the premise that your solar return is the most personally sacred of all days of the year for you. Therefore, going into the moment of a solar return, you are advised to plan something special, something ideally that would "empower" that moment for you. A ritual of some sort might be a good idea.

For instance, you might take into account your location-to-be at that moment. Choose some place special, some place in which you are comfortable, happy, and in harmony with. Perhaps it is near a lake, ocean, river, or mountain. Perhaps it is on a beach or in a forest. Or perhaps it is in a favorite room.

Set the "stage". Perhaps you wish to have a candle burning, and/or music playing. Perhaps the direction you are facing (North, East, West or South - facing the Sun, or the Moon) has special meaning to you. Perhaps there are artifacts (i.e. pets, jewelry, stones) that have personal meaning, and you wish to display them in your "circle." Perhaps there is a special person whom you have decided to share this moment with.

The setting (if effected) should be completely set at least ten minutes prior to the solar return moment. As you enter the 10 minute time band leading into the solar return moment, you may consider beginning a meditation. How one meditates is completely individualistic. Perhaps you prefer to just enter a very relaxed state. Perhaps you like to chant. Perhaps you use visualization or affirmation exercises. If the latter, then after achieving a state of relaxation, you might visualize the areas of interest coming up in the next year. In this visualization exercise, you might try to see yourself happy and successful in each situation.

This meditation should last into - and slightly beyond - the solar return moment. Once the moment has passed, and the meditation is complete, you are encouraged to give thanks. This may be done in a prayer, or whatever form is sacred to you. In this way, you bring a gentle closure to the sacred moment which has just passed, a moment which has now become the foundation for the one-year cycle about to begin.

You cannot be late for this moment. Otherwise, you might be symbolically late throughout the entire year. Do not take this moment in time lightly. Otherwise, all of your affairs may be symbolically taken lightly all year. The solar return is best viewed in the spirit of a pilgrimage, or a mission. It is the most important "holiday" of the year to you. It is the one time during the year that you are "connected" to the Infinite through the special relationship of the Earth and Sun. It is a moment when you are potentially in tune with your destiny, which is signified by the Earth/Sun relationship. The Sun is what you are becoming (the future, your growth potential). The Earth is where you have incarnated (present, your being). Give it the reverence it is due.


General Overview for the Year

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

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

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

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

Succedent Houses: The majority of your planets fall in the succedent houses of the solar return chart. This signifies the completion of projects already underway at the time of the solar return, especially so if fixed signs are also on any angles. Conditions may be entered into that are difficult for you to change, or even get out of. You may anticipate a year of many responsibilities with the resultant effect being one of great character-maturity development. Your values are likely to become stronger, and your principles more firm, which could be a positive in the future. In addition your goals in life may become more established, which could ultimately lead to your future success.

In short, this is not likely to be a year of change - at least not voluntarily. It may favor finishing - or at least continuation of - tasks that are already in process at the beginning of this solar return period. At its best, you may have a sense of security and stability, and possibly completion. At its worst, the year may be denoted by boredom, frustration, and lack of challenge or inspiration. It may also indicate a tendency to stay with something (or someone) too long, past the point of satisfying returns. This may be due to too much "pride", which may result in further loss of face due to your refusal to "cut your losses short", or refusal to give up something you are obsessed with when it is apparent (to everyone else) that it is not going to get any better.


The House Containing the Sun

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

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

The Sun, at the time of your solar return, falls in the 7th house.

7th house: You are likely to identify yourself in terms of marriage (or thoughts of it), partnerships, legal matters, and popularity with others this year. It is a very active year in matters to do with others -- especially others with whom there is a significant relationship. There may be an emphasis upon who represents you in public - and how they represent you. There are quite possibly many new and advantageous unions entered into, such as marriage if you are single prior to this birthday. This year favors mixing with others, as it portends great social upswing in one's status among others. If you are married, this can indicate a year of great success and recognition for your partner, or for both of you as a team.

However one must be careful of seeking status too gregariously. A tendency to lose one's identity - or to "sell out" one's own principles - in order to be accepted by others, is a real danger this year.


Cusp Conjunctions of Solar Return or Natal Planets

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

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

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

Natal Mercury on the 8th house cusp:

This denotes an area of life in which correspondence, writings, business deals and transactions, signing of papers, and areas of current mental or intellectual interests may lie this year. It describes the areas in life in which you may make deals. New ideas may be expressed or learned here. In addition, you may be of service to others in this area of life. It is in these areas that you may be called forth to deal with younger people. In short, this is where a great deal of your mental energy is spent in the next year, and where communications skills come in very handy. It presents ample opportunities for learning. The qualities exhibited in this area of life are intelligence, knowledge, communicative but perhaps critical skills.

The 8th house pertains to your dealings with taxes, insurance, estate and death matters, and also sexual issues. It may describe the nature of threats you encounter during the year, but if positive, may also describe gifts, loans, scholarships, grants, etc. It describes the nature of one's research or investigative pursuits. It may also indicate conflicts between obligations to others versus work which one wishes to pursue.

Natal Jupiter on the 7th house cusp:

These are areas where unions and matters of "good fortune" occur; the areas where you might succeed and expand yourself in a favorable way. Beneficial contacts and opportunities are likely to arise here, so it is to your advantage to push matters (i.e. be assertive perhaps) in these areas. You will tend to meet with favor from other people here, particularly on a social level. It also is an area in which educational and teaching opportunities may be presented. In short, look for success and happiness in this area over the next year. However, also be aware of a tendency to "over-indulge" here. Temptations to go against your basic nature may be strong, so use common sense and good judgment in order to enjoy this area to its maximum potential - without debilitating consequences later on. The qualities you tend to exhibit here are friendly, hopeful, optimistic, happy, charitable, but perhaps "too loose."

The 7th house (Descendant) pertains to your marriage and partnerships (including business); it also pertains to others who represent or misrepresent you (lawyers, spokespersons, open enemies).

Natal Saturn on the 2nd house cusp:

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

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

Solar Return Neptune on the 1st house cusp:

This is an area where you are likely to be idealistic, imaginative, given to fantasies and illusions and infatuations, and aesthetic expressions. You tend to be vulnerable and even gullible during the current year in this area, at least in matters of the mundane world. You might be easily tricked, deceived or even betrayed. Hence, you are advised to exercise discrimination and discernment and to not harbor false illusions and hopes in these areas. At the same time, very wonderful, pleasurable, romantic, and dream-like circumstances may arise in this same area. Music, creativity, and imaginative ideas may play important roles in this area of your life now. In addition, you may have a "romantic mind", or romantic experiences here. It is an area where you may be of wonderful help to others, such as in a counseling capacity. But it is also the realm in which misunderstandings may arise, oftentimes due to misinformation or misdiagnosis, so you must make certain that facts are correct in these areas. The qualities you tend to exhibit are compassionate, sensitive, romantic, idealistic, but perhaps confused, nebulous, and ambiguous in this area of life.

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

Solar Return Pluto on the 11th house cusp:

This is an area in which you may experience potential greatness and/or may influence others with considerable power. It is an area in which things, matters, and people may be eliminated, removed, terminated, or at least transformed. It is an area that may require many reforms and major changes within your life flow. This is an area that may describe your relationship to, or position within, groups. It may describe your relationship to other people's assets and values. Oftentimes, something "dies" here, something is taken from the life here, or at least threatened with termination or removal in some way. A healing may be necessary in this area of life during the course of the year in question. The qualities you tend to exhibit are intensity, deep, profound and powerful, but perhaps obsessive and coercive, pertaining to this area of life.

The 11th house pertains to your friends, as well as people you have "power struggles" with; your professional rewards and accomplishments; the realization of your efforts; your dealings within groups.

Natal Midhvn. on the 11th house cusp:

This is an area where you may accomplish great tasks. It is a special area wherein lies a sense of personal destiny and unfoldment during the forthcoming year, an area of great expectation, where a great degree of professionalism may be both developed and expressed. It is an area in which you may have to deal with superiors, but if adequately prepared, rewards may result. There is a sense of challenge, and "work to be done" in this area.

The 11th house pertains to your friends, as well as people you have "power struggles" with; your professional rewards and accomplishments; the realization of your efforts; your dealings within groups.


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

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

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

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

Return Mercury Trine Ascendant  (Orb: 0°31')

Mercury in harmonious aspect to horizon: This year is favorable for communications of all kinds: writings, speeches, business transactions, negotiations, sales, and reading. The mind is highly alert and active, and very ripe for new learning - whether intellectually or in terms of learning a new skill. It is also favorable for teaching a skill to others. You are encouraged to make deals with others, as everyone (especially you) tends to benefit. It is also favorable for working with young people, doing any kind of detailed or analytical projects, and purchasing a new computer, computer products, or automobile. You tend to exhibit excellent organizational skills.

Return Venus Trine Ascendant  (Orb: 1°02')

Venus in harmonious aspect to horizon: This a year in which agreements and relationships of a very positive nature may unfold. In business, agreements lead to financial success. Many new and favorable contacts and contracts may arise, and you are encouraged to pursue these. Others seem to find you most agreeable and pleasant to be with. For the year, you exude more than your usual grace and charm. Romantic matters also are highlighted. You have a wonderful and appealing nature which draws others to you. In addition, your personal appearance is very attractive - even you like the way you look! Furthermore, others whom you find exciting and attractive come into your life, and from this, love may transpire. Things of beauty and value may also come into your possession. Financially, you tend to do very well this year, and your savings may increase, thus affording you a greater sense of financial and psychological security. You are encouraged to purchase things that will make you feel "good" about yourself, or to change your appearance in some way if you wish (i.e. clothing, plastic surgery, etc.). You may also function very well as a mediator between two opposing views, and receive compliments from both sides. If the aspect to the Ascendant is not exact, you may wish to consult with a qualified professional astrologer who can advise you on where this aspect would be more exact. The closer this aspect is to exact, the more powerful its correlation to your life experience is likely to be.

Return Mars Trine Ascendant  (Orb: 2°15')

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

Natal Jupiter Conjunct Descendent  (Orb: 2°59')

Jupiter in harmonious aspect to horizon: You tend to experience great lightness and happiness this year. All things seem to be taken in stride, with a philosophical and positive approach. Your demeanor appears more charitable to others, and more accepting of points of view different than your own. For this reason, it may be easier than usual to laugh and enjoy life. Such an optimistic and flexible attitude makes you a joy for others to be around, and they may want to do things with you. The year therefore favors unions of all kinds - romantic, social, and professional. In many ways, your life grows in leaps and bounds. It is a year of many successes, many opportunities, of much joy. It favors signing contracts, travel, romance, legal matters, publishing, entertainment, education, and dealings with people from foreign countries. It is one of the most fortunate positions, and you are encouraged to remain near this location at the time of your solar return. If the aspect to the Ascendant is not exact, you may wish to consult with a qualified professional astrologer who can advise you on where this aspect would be more exact. The closer this aspect is to exact, the more powerful its correlation to your life experience is likely to be.

Return Neptune Conjunction Ascendant  (Orb: 0°38')

Neptune in harmonious aspect to horizon: This year favors romantic travels and/or experiences. It is like living a dream. Travels to tropical islands - either literally or in your dreams - are prominent. The dream state is very active, which may be very good for imaginative efforts like advertising, writing, music and dance. It also favors passive, pleasurable and aesthetic activities like meditation, spiritual pursuits, movies, reading, and plays. Acting and sailing (or cruising) ventures are also favorable this year, as may be pursuits into psychic development. In the role of a counselor, you may develop and express great skills. You have the ability to truly help others through difficult times, and they are very grateful. If you can express compassion, you will likely feel a wonderful glow of love this year from others.


The Significance of Vocation and Family:
Planets in Aspect to the Solar Return Meridian

A planet in close aspect to the meridian -- Midheaven and I.C. axis -- describes influences upon your vocation and home or family matters. It may also describe your spiritual impetus in the coming year and sense of purpose.

You have the following planets in close aspect to your solar return meridian this year.

Natal Mercury Sextile Midheaven  (Orb: 4°08')

Mercury in harmonious aspect to meridian: This year may be one of great success in business. If you are a business person, you may see your sales and income rise nicely. You may be an excellent negotiator or deal-maker this year. The key to success is effective and timely communication. It is also an excellent year to learn or teach new skills. If you have writing ability, then a major project may be completed this year. Relationships with your children are apt to be positive. This is a very favorable set up, and if the aspect is not exact (within 1 degree), you may wish to travel a short distance (i.e. probably less than 300 miles) to bring it closer to being exact. The more exact this planetary  aspect is to the meridian, the more powerful this planet's nature is likely to be in your life this year. Consult a qualified professional astrologer for assistance in this matter if you are open to it.

Natal Mars Conjunction Midheaven  (Orb: 4°34')

Mars Conjunction Midheaven is both harmonious and discordant.

Mars in harmonious aspect to meridian: This year highlights a strong drive to accomplish goals in work, to succeed in vocational projects. You seem very energized by your work, and the more you do, the more energy you get. Work may turn you on. It is as if you have a passion for attaining things this year. Should you wish to become more independent at work - perhaps even begin your own enterprise - this year is favorable for such an effort. It also suggests faring well in any area of competition. Work is not the only area in which things get done - so too are projects in the home. Perhaps there is a remodeling or building project you have in mind. It may also be favorable for the procreation of a male child. Financially this may be an exceptional year.

Mars in discordant aspect to meridian: This year may be fraught with numerous battles and conflicts, both in home and at work. It may be helpful to develop more sensitivity to the effects your actions are having upon others around you. They may feel you are making too many hasty and unwise decisions, decisions that are detrimental to the goals of the company or family. Perhaps you might ask them their thoughts on the matter before embarking upon it. Otherwise you may find yourself stepping on many toes, and upsetting those who support you may have been counting on. The result could be loss of support, even loss of job, as well as conflict within your own home. This set up portends some difficult conditions during the year. You may wish to consider traveling elsewhere for your solar return in order to remove this aspect. If you are open to this idea, you are advised to consult with a qualified professional astrologer for assistance.

Return Saturn Square Midheaven  (Orb: 3°10')

Saturn in discordant aspect to meridian: This year may seem like a struggle. Tasks are difficult to complete, either because you lack motivation to finish, or because of a series of obstacles arising which cause delays. Some of these obstacles may be in the form of other people - people who may be critical in their judgment of your efforts, or people who are in a position to delay the results or rewards of your efforts. Patience is necessary, as well as the realization that the more time it takes someone to accept your ideas, the more time you have to either perfect your efforts further, or to work on other projects. There is a danger, however, that your efforts will be rejected in total, or in part. Perhaps you should be certain that you are not in danger of wasting your time before you begin such projects, i.e. get a contract to do the job before doing it. The worst possibility is that someone asks you to do it over again in a different way, or to modify it somehow, in a manner that requires as much work as you have already done. In addition to these things at work, there is also a possibility of a setback in the home or with a family member. This may not be a favorable year for relocation, building a home, or taking on a new job (unless your current position is just too frustrating). This set up portends some difficult conditions during the year. It may be wise to consider traveling elsewhere for your solar return in order to remove this planetary aspect to your meridian. If you are open to this idea, you are advised to consult with a qualified professional astrologer for assistance.


Being in the Flow:
Solar Return Planets Related to their Natal Positions

Some years we feel totally in synch with certain aspects of our nature, and some years we feel completely out of synch. Such periods may show in the relationship of your solar return planets to the natal planets of the same type. Although