Solar Return Meaning In Astrology

What does it mean when the Sun comes back to the same spot it was when you were born?

By Edwin Learnard — Last updated on Oct 12, 2022

Photo: Jacob Lund via Shutterstock / pixabay and Chikovnaya via Canva

A solar return chart in astrology is cast on or near your birthday, which puts the Sun back into your Sun sign in the same precise position as it was when you were born.

It is calculated at the location you will be at the time of the return.

What is a solar return?

Your solar return starts at the time that your Sun arrives at the exact position when you were born until the time the next solar return begins. When you calculate your solar return chart, the Sun's placement reveals certain astrological energy, directions, tendencies, and interests for the coming solar year.

It doesn't supersede or surpass your energy in your natal chart but, can give some astrological energy for the coming year. You may still exhibit energy strongly connected with your natal chart, but perhaps some with the solar return chart for that year.

You can use a free solar chart calculator to calculate the exact date and time of your solar return.

Solar return house meaning

The house the Sun falls in the solar return chart can indicate the sector of life the sun's energy will be injected into for the coming year.

If the Sun in Taurus is in the third house, for example, then the focus may be on persistent, stable communications. There may be much concentration of energy on having things demonstrated visually.

If the Sun falls in the 6th house, this may "shine a light," so to speak, on health-related matters, especially if inconjunct the solar return Ascendant.

In Gemini, for example, there could be a concentration of energy and attention on Gemini health-related issues such as something with the lungs, arms, shoulders, or hands.

The Sun also rules the left or right eye, depending on gender. There could be a Gemini-related problem with one of the eyes such as double vision or one eye moving more rapidly than the other. Vitality issues may occur from spreading oneself too thin.

The Sun rules the heart, as well, so heart-related matters may arise from doing manifold (Gemini) service/employment-related endeavors (6th house).

Solar return aspects

Another significant element in delineating a solar return chart is looking at prominent points in your astrological chart relative to the solar return chart.

For example, my natal Aquarius MC was conjunct my Aquarius Ascendant in the solar return chart for 2019/2020.

This suggests that many people may see on a first impression in that solar year that my astrological career will be of great significance and figure more prominently. There may be more emphasis on it and will be strongly accentuated this solar year.

Attaining greater status and recognition in the astrological community may be imperative for me.

Also, it is important to look at the Ascendant in the solar return chart and see what house it falls in in your natal chart. This could indicate where a lot of this energy for the coming solar year will be distributed.

My 2019-20 return Aquarius Ascendant fell in the 10th house in my natal chart, reinforcing and reaffirming that my astrological career and perhaps gaining more notoriety and recognition in connection with it is of great significance for the solar return year.

Gaining a reputation as the universal friend may be of importance as well.

Transits during your solar return

Transits can be important in the solar return chart, as well. Transits can often bring about unanticipated, unexpected spontaneous events, just like in a natal chart, but won't exceed the solar year.

Let's say, for example, Saturn in Capricorn is in the 7th house is in your solar return chart but, later on, in transit during the solar return period, it traverses your 8th house.

When it hits the 8th house, there may be limitations/restrictions (Saturn) in moral, emotional, monetary support, and shared resources, loans (8th house), which may be causing you to feel despondent and melancholy (Capricorn).

At the same time, let's say it makes an opposition to your second house Sun in Cancer in the solar return chart.

Saturn in Capricorn in the 8th house issues may make it difficult in attaining Sun in Cancer basic wants associated with home and family and, being in the 2nd house, might have an impact on one's self-esteem and self-worth.

Mundane tasks may seem to require laborious effort.

Solar return chart vs. solar chart

It's important this is not misconstrued with a solar chart. A solar chart is often calculated by astrologers when the birth time is unknown and puts the Sun at the same position as the Ascendant.

A solar return chart is interpreted in the same manner as a natal chart is, but the direction and astrological energy again is just associated with the coming solar year.

Someone that has Aquarius rising in their solar return chart, for example, may adopt an unorthodox appearance for the coming solar year. He or she may perhaps express more eccentric, unique, unconventional unpredictable energy outwardly.

This could be a strong contrast from their natal Ascendant, especially if in a more conservative sign such as Cancer or Taurus. The person may come across as more future-oriented and innovative than usual. However, that energy expressed and exhibited won't eradicate the natal chart Ascendant energy.

It's important to look at the house the chart ruler falls in as this can show the area in life where the energy is strongly dispersed. If one of the rulers of the Aquarius Ascendant (Saturn or Uranus) falls in the 7th house, for example, the person may bring a lot of selfless Aquarius energy into matters with others, a significant other, and a grandmother.

What Your Solar Return Means In Astrology