Once each year, the Sun returns to the exact position that it held at the time of your birth. This report outlines the astrological influences on the year ahead for the positions of the planets at the precise time of your annual solar return.

The report delineates the influence of the Ascendant, Midheaven, Sun, Moon, and each of the nine planets as they interact with each other and with the Houses of the horoscope. Because there is such a wealth of information, you may find it helpful to orient yourself by first reading the following three sections in their entirety (including their subsections):

You have certainly heard the expression "Many happy returns!" - a reference to the annual cycle that begins at your date of birth. The astrological Solar Return is a chart cast for the moment when the Sun returns to the exact position it held in your Natal horoscope. Each year the Solar Return marks the start of your personal New Year, and astrologers look to the Solar Return horoscope to see what events and issues await you in the year ahead.

Astrologers have proposed many methods for interpreting the Solar Return chart. This report follows the method of Alexandre Volguine (1903-1976), a French astrologer who, in 1937, first published his 15 years of research on Returns. Until his death in 1976, Volguine continued to update his study of Returns in subsequent editions of his classic text, "LA TECHNIQUE DES REVOLUTIONS SOLAIRES". For those interested in the astrological theory, the method of Volguine is outlined in the appendix to this report.

In accord with Volguine's method, this report is based on a Return chart cast for your location (which may be different from your birth place) when the Sun returns to its position in your Natal chart. Because we insert an extra day into the calendar every four years during the leap year, your Solar Return may occur either on, or a day before or after, your calendar birthday.

If you do not know your exact time of birth, you can still do a general Return chart by using as your presumed "birth time" the exact moment of sunrise on your birth date. The Solar Return chart calculated from a sunrise birth chart provides a generally accurate astrological forecast for the year ahead; but, if possible, use your actual time of birth to get the most accurate forecast.

According to the astrological theory of Solar Returns, the Natal chart represents a basic blueprint of the individual (similar to the DNA within the nucleus of the cell) and the Return chart reveals the annual renewal or reactivation of the Natal chart as measured against both the ongoing movement of the planets and the newly generated set of House cusps at the time the individual's Natal Sun is "reborn" at the annual (SR) birthday. A key feature of Return chart interpretation involves studying the relationship between the annual Return Houses and the birth chart Houses.

Beginning with the next section, this report will review and interpret the major factors identified by Volguine for identifying the themes and events that will dominate your life during the coming year. The current Solar Return chart actually spans a period of about a year and a half because its influence is felt from three months before the current birthday until three months after next year's birthday. This three-month transitional overlap between subsequent Returns represents the period when the themes of one year gradually give way to those of the next.

In some delineations you will read that an adverse event could occur if the planet being discussed forms discordant aspects in the chart. The harsh aspects are the semi-square (45 degrees), the square (90 degrees), the sesqui-square (135 degrees), the inconjunct (150 degrees), and the opposition (180 degrees). In addition, the conjunction (joining together) of certain pairs of planets is intrinsically difficult because of the conflicting nature of the planets involved. To determine whether a stressful aspect is in effect, you may need to refer to the section where the aspects formed by the planet were first discussed in the report.

Into every life a little rain must fall. Do not be alarmed if negative predictions show up in various sections of this report. Stressful events often hover as potentials in the background but never materialize. The repetition of a trend in several parts of the horoscope chart is the key to accurate prediction in astrology. In general, adverse events occur only when many aspects or configurations repeatedly point toward their manifestation. If a stressful event is mentioned but once or twice, it is unlikely to manifest. In any case, forewarned is forearmed.

On Aspect Strengths: Next to the aspects you will often find a listing of the "strength" of the aspect. The number you see is based on how close the aspect is to being exact. The higher the number, the more exact the aspect. The aspects range in strength from a low of about 1 to a high of about 8. Theoretically, the very close aspects are more likely to manifest in your life.

If you are not familiar with astrology, it will help to know a little about the astrological Houses as you read this report. You probably know that there are 12 signs of the zodiac. In a similar way, astrologers divide the horoscope wheel into 12 "Houses," which look like a pie cut into 12 pieces. Each House represents a particular area of life. The 1st House starts at the Ascendant, which is the point where the zodiac circle in the heavens crosses the horizon in the east. By convention the Ascendant lies at the "9 o'clock" point on the circle. The remaining Houses follow the 1st House in a counterclockwise direction around the wheel so that the 10th House, which symbolizes your career and standing in the world, lies at the very top of the chart. The entry point into each House is called its cusp. Below is a list of the twelve Houses and some of their key meanings for reference as you read this report.

The Sun, ruler of Leo, is the most important "planet" in the Return. The primal energy of the Sun makes possible our life on earth. The Sun enlivens, asserts, illuminates, vitalizes, promotes, fathers, energizes, individualizes, elevates, and makes conscious. Astrological aspects involving the Sun show how we achieve (or fail to achieve) honor, status, recognition, achievement, and individuation - how we shine, create, and make our mark on the world. People signified by the Sun include fathers, husbands, mature men, bosses, authority figures, and people of influence. In health matters, the Sun symbolizes the heart and the spine.

The Return placement and aspects of the Sun may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by the Sun, or indirectly through people symbolized by the Sun. We will next look at the zodiacal sign and House positions of the Sun in the Solar Return chart.

The Return Sun occupies the exact location in the same sign as the Sun in your birth chart. Having the Sun in Aquarius generally makes you friendly, sociable, generous, progressive, independent, freedom loving, communicative, broadminded, humanitarian, easygoing, original, inventive, idealistic, skeptical, and dispassionate. Your faults may include being too oppositional, rebellious, stubborn, detached, perverse, eccentric, or unconventional.

The Sun occupies your Return 2nd House and places the focus on financial matters, values, and possessions. Decisions that you make this year could have considerable impact on your income or economic outlook. Important changes are taking place in your finances and also in your sense of self-worth. This is a good year to review your monetary circumstances, revise your budget, and make necessary sales or purchases. You need to align your values and spending habits with your core sense of identity.

Saturn limits, restricts, and disciplines the vitality of the Sun. This is a year when you may feel drained, isolated, sad, frustrated, and alone. You could lose sleep because of feeling burdened and overwhelmed by your many obligations. New responsibilities enter your life. Even pleasant happenings, such as increased income, may carry with them the burden of deciding how to wisely invest. From time to time, take a break to restore your health or recoup your energy.

Not infrequently Sun/Saturn aspects manifest as depression or physical illness. This could be due to some type of blockage, calcification, crystallization, obstruction, or to a chronic health condition. Be sure to seek professional attention if you are feeling under the weather. This aspect often correlates with the ending of an important phase of your life. It can signify a period of major stress and tension, such as overwork, personal illness, or unemployment. You may also need to deal with the illness or passing of a parental figure or of a significant man in your life.

Neptune aspecting the Sun heightens your intuition and creative imagination. This can be a year of artistic, musical, poetic, or religious inspiration. Significant spiritual or conversion experiences may lead to an awareness of hidden dimensions of the universe. Success results from your ability to tune into the moods and feelings of others, but you must be careful not to let negative vibrations from others get you down. You also become more attuned to your own inner psychological states and motivations.

Events may occur to dissolve the boundaries that limit your ego, to enhance your appreciation of life and death, and to make you more aware of the universality of human experience. You may engage in activities that selflessly assist others or promote the common good. Glamour, glitz, and illusion become appealing. You may want to reserve time alone for reflection, prayer, and meditation. Be careful with the use of drugs and alcohol. On occasion, hospitalization or confinement may be indicated. Neptune is a slow-moving planet and this influence may be felt for several years.

This promises to be a favorable year for career advancement and fulfilling your vocation in life. Success, honors, awards, and public recognition often accompany this placement. Students may receive diplomas or advanced degrees. Promotions may occur in the work arena. Others acknowledge your accomplishments, and you are able to shine and make your mark on the world.

The East-West Axis of the astrological map represents the Celestial Horizon. The Ascendant (in the East) signifies the filter through which you view the world and the manner in which you project your personality toward others. It also reflects your physical body and your personal initiatives. The Descendant (in the West) symbolizes your partnerships, close relationships, and the way you get along with other people.

Planets that form close aspects with the East-West Axis of the Return chart will color your personality style, personal initiatives, and manner of relating. The degree of the zodiac rising in the East (the Ascendant) varies with your location on earth at the time of your Solar Return. If the Return Ascendant receives particularly stressful aspects, some astrologers advise their clients to travel to a location that will minimize or negate those aspects on the day of their Solar Return. In the following section we consider the influence of the horizon (Ascendant-Descendant) axis in the year ahead.

The Capricorn Ascendant emphasizes matters related to the responsible, reserved, and status-conscious sign of the mountain goat. This is a time when you may assume new responsibilities and reap the rewards of your self-discipline and determination to achieve your worldly ambitions. If you have been working industriously toward a goal in recent years, you may now receive an honor, award, or other form of public recognition. You should use your sense of humor to balance your no-nonsense, rule-bound, and results-oriented approach to life.

Respect and status are important issues. Dealings with the establishment, with the rules of society, with parents, or with those in authority may occupy much of your time. You feel a need for structure, and you may now lay down roots to establish yourself in the community. Professional advancement could require the use of your teaching, organizational, management, negotiation, or leadership skills. This may also be a year when you buy, sell, refinance, or invest in real estate. Whatever you do, you will be making important decisions and tying up loose ends so that you can begin to realize your ambitions. Because the Ascendant signifies your body, check to see whether the Ascendant itself or the Ascendant's ruler Saturn forms stressful aspects. If so, you could encounter health problems during the year.

The Houses of your Natal chart with Capricorn on the cusp as well as the House of your Return chart that contains Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, indicate areas of your life that will be in high focus during the coming year. Planets that form close aspects to Saturn in the Return chart indicate the types of people and events involved.

Return Saturn occupying the Return 8th House makes you serious about matters related to joint finances, a partner's income, sexuality, investigation, death, inheritance, and human mortality. This is a year to tie up loose ends financially and, if possible, to get out of debt. A partner's earnings could become limited. Sexual difficulties may surface. You may need to assume added responsibilities related to taxes, loans, insurance, joint resources, the care of someone who is dying, a legacy, or the goods of the dead. Tremendous self-discipline and resourcefulness can accompany this placement. A serious interest in occult subjects or near-death experiences may develop. On occasion, a need for surgery or other major healing intervention may be indicated. Saturn here can also indicate the death of someone you care about.

The Natal House placement of the Return Ascendant shows where you are most likely to take personal action during the coming year. Your dominant interests and activities will center on 3rd House issues such as visits, frequent trips, mental work, studies, communication, news, announcements, phone calls, dealings with siblings and neighbors, and relationships in your immediate environment. You will be frequently on the go, perhaps attending school or going to meetings, negotiations, and conferences. Writing, editing, teaching, translating, or various types of literary work may occupy your time.

The Return Ascendant-Descendant axis also highlights 9th House matters such as religious and philosophical concerns, ethical issues, higher education, legal concerns, publishing, broadcasting, forecasting, flying, long-distance travel, and dealings with foreigners. It would not be unusual for you to be in the news or to appear on TV or radio in such a year.

With Pluto conjunct the Return Ascendant, you may undergo radical changes in your appearance and more importantly in your core sense of personal identity. Such changes may follow upon peak experiences or encounters with powerful forces beyond human control. Situation you encounter may cause you to reflect on your own mortality as you try to sort out who you truly are. This aspect calls to mind the parable of the grain of wheat that must fall into the ground and die if it wishes to grow.

During this Return year, events that seem fated to happen serve to eliminate the dross from your life and bring about personal transformation. You may be suddenly thrust into the limelight. Others are impressed by your charisma, animal magnetism, and passionate nature. Your sexual desires become intense, but at the same time you feel a greater need for privacy and seclusion. On occasion Pluto conjunct an angle may indicate a need for surgery or other powerful healing methods. In rare cases Pluto in this position may signal a brush with death or at least concerns about your own mortality.

Because the Return Ascendant shows where you take personal action during the year, the House(s) of the Return and Natal charts with Scorpio on the cusp will be especially significant during this Return year.

The Return 1st House reveals your yearly personal or psychological activity. Any planets that occupy the Return 1st House show the nature of your activity and your psychological reactions during the coming year. If a planet lies close to the Return Ascendant (within 5 degrees), you will have a fair amount of personal control over the action. Planets in the 1st House that lie further away from the Return Ascendant (more than 5 degrees) indicate that you will have less control and be more at the mercy of the forces symbolized by those planets.

Mars, the action planet, shows where you direct your energy. Assertive Mars in the 1st House enhances your self-confidence, enterprise, and initiative. This is a year when you can readily start new projects, take on challenges, and advance your personal goals. You are able to be decisive and assertive, but you may also need to watch your temper. You may wish to utilize this energy for self-improvement. You might wish, for example, to alter your appearance, begin an exercise program, or change the way you are perceived by others. Family members or associates could involve you in their disputes or conflicts at this time. There is a risk of accidents, injuries, or illness. You will need to guard against rash, aggressive, or impulsive behaviors. Excessive speed or haste is likely to have untoward consequences.

The North-South or Meridian Axis of the astrological map represents your vocation, public image, parents, and family matters. The Midheaven at the top of the chart (due south in those charts of the northern hemisphere) symbolizes your career, worldly status, and public activities. The Imum Coeli (I.C.) at the bottom of the chart signifies your home, your domestic life, and the final conclusion of pending affairs.

Planets that form close aspects with the North-South Axis of the Return chart will color vocational and family matters during the year. The degree of the zodiac on your Return Midheaven depends on your location on earth at the time of your Solar Return. If the Return Midheaven receives particularly stressful aspects, some astrologers advise their clients to travel to a location that will minimize or negate those aspects on the day of their Solar Return. In the following section we consider the influence of the meridian axis in your Return chart.

The Midheaven in Libra suggests that your career, status, and public activities will involve collaboration, partnership, and the balancing of relationships. Your capacity for objectivity, fairness, justice, and harmony can lead to career advancement. If there are indicators of marriage in the Return chart, this placement would give further confirmation.

The House position of the Return Midheaven's planetary ruler gives further information about your social reputation and vocation in the year ahead. The planet ruling the Return Midheaven is discussed below.

Benefic Venus in your Return 3rd House is a fortunate influence for writing, speech, and communication. You can express yourself in a pleasant and charming manner. Social invitations or love letters may come in the mail. You could spend time enjoyably with siblings, kin, and neighbors. Success comes in sales and commerce. Trips and visits for fun are in the offing. You may indulge yourself in mental pleasures and intellectual pastimes.

The Return Midheaven lies at the top of the Return chart where it reveals the actions and circumstances of your life that will be most visible to others during the coming year. When the Return Midheaven lies in your Natal 12th House, it highlights the benefits of quiet contemplation in the pursuit of spiritual truths. You will need to confront personal limitations in order to achieve professional advancement. The health and/or hospitalization of a parent, other family member, or close associate could occupy your attention. You may have official dealings with a charitable, health care, or service organization. This placement may be accompanied by a feeling of discontent about your career and position in society. You must be careful to avoid making decisions that can harm your career or public image.

Neptune in harmonious aspect with the Midheaven heightens your idealism and often indicates an interest in spiritual matters. Success may come in artistic, imaginative, glamorous, or creative endeavors. You may find yourself pursuing your dreams without regard for practical matters. This is an excellent aspect for actors, writers, musicians, and for anyone for whom creativity, illusion, and popular appeal are an integral part of their work.

With Mars squaring the Return Midheaven, you are likely to put a great deal of energy into career matters. This is a year when you can be decisive, resolute, dynamic, pioneering, and independent in pursuing your goals. A change in career is possible. You may take on new responsibilities or assume a position of leadership. The square aspect warns you to guard against rash, hurried, or premature actions. Problems could arise due to wrong instructions, poor planning, excessive haste, or misguided arrangements. Because the Midheaven can signify parental and authority figures, you may need to devote extra time and effort to matters related to a parent or to the demands of society.

Saturn in harmonious aspect with the Midheaven enables you to be serious and responsible about matters of career, reputation, ambition, public standing, and your role in society. This can be a time of long hours and hard work, but you will also learn a great deal. You could assume a position of authority. People of power and influence are likely to support your efforts. If you put in the necessary work and honest effort, this can be a year of great accomplishment.

With the Midheaven favorably aspecting the Part of Fortune in your Return chart, you can expect to receive some type of award, honor, diploma, publicity, or recognition for past accomplishments. This often correlates with a job promotion or some other elevation in status. This aspect benefits matters related to vocation, authority, worldly image or status, and parental issues. It is not uncommon to achieve success and advancement in your career. Be on the lookout for opportunities to enhance your standing before others.

The return Moon favorably aspecting the Midheaven benefits career, family, and domestic concerns. Others see you as more caring and emotionally available. Opportunities arise that allow you to follow your bliss. Relationships with family members flow smoothly. You may be offered a better job or an increase in income. A beneficial change in residence or an improvement in your home environment may accompany this aspect. Women may play an important role in your professional advancement.

The Return Midheaven falling on your Natal Ascendant indicates a significant and memorable year with regard to career, public image, social status, family life, and professional advancement. Your personal efforts over the past few years now pay off. Fortune smiles on you, and there may be a ceremony or other type of public recognition to honor what you have been doing with your life. Under this influence, students often receive academic awards or advanced degrees, workers achieve job promotions, lovers join in matrimony, politicians are elected to office, the religious are ordained to the ministry, authors publish their books, and so on. This is also a time to pay close attention to your relationship with your parents, especially your mother.

This pleasant aspect increases your sensitivity, compassion, and nurturing instincts. Changes in your circumstances increase your feelings of security. Family and domestic matters proceed smoothly. Emotional ties with others, especially with members of the opposite sex, are particularly enhanced.

The Return 10th House relates to career, family, worldly status, and any public actions you take during the year. The Return planets that occupy the Return 10th House reveal the nature of such public activity and how it may affect your vocational and family life.

The Part of Fortune in the Return 10th House indicates success in career and vocational interests. You could assume a position of leadership and authority. Some form of honor or public recognition often accompanies this placement. Expect positive changes in your worldly status. Marriage or a change of residence sometimes accompanies this position.

The Moon, ruler of Cancer, receives and reflects the light of the Sun. As such, the Moon symbolizes the inner, reflective, receptive, emotional, and subconscious aspects of human life. The Moon represents our feeling states, heredity, instincts, habit patterns, our early experiences with mothering, and our domestic life. Astrological aspects involving the Moon reveal how we react emotionally, and how we give or receive nurturing and comfort. People signified by the Moon include mothers, females in general, and the significant women in our lives. In health matters, the Moon symbolizes cyclic changes, nutrition, and female issues; also, the breasts, the stomach, and the brain matter.

The Return placement and aspects of the Moon may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by the Moon, or indirectly through people symbolized by the Moon. Lunar aspects that are said to perfect on a certain date have an orb of a month or longer. We will next consider the Return zodiacal sign and House placements of the Moon.

The Moon in Sagittarius brings vitality and enthusiasm to your emotional life. Your sense of adventure and thirst for new learning could find an outlet in advanced studies, philosophical interests, or travel to a foreign or distant locale. Time spent outdoors or in athletic activities will be especially rewarding. You will enjoy meeting new people of different cultures or backgrounds than your own. You might even become invested in learning a new language at this time. Personal freedom and a dislike of restriction can make it hard for you to commit emotionally to a partner during this period. You will resonate strongly to the lyrics of the song, "don't fence me in."

The Moon, which reflects your feelings and emotional life, resides in your Return 12th House of solitude, sorrow, and spiritual development. This year you should allow yourself time to look within as you examine where you have been and where you are headed with your life. Meditation, prayer, respite, and reflection are especially beneficial. Pay attention to your dreams and your inner life. This is a good year to help those who are less fortunate. Any type of healing or therapeutic work is favored. Matters that were previously hidden may now come to light.

As the 12th is the House of personal limitations and self-undoing, you should beware of excessive emotionality at the expense of reason, and avoid excessive use of drugs or alcohol. This position could indicate loss, bereavement, illness, time spent in a hospital, or some other type of confinement. Individuals with emotional problems may become a source of sorrow in your life.

The Moon in aspect with Jupiter brings optimism, joy, good fortune, and pleasant experiences into your life. Close personal relationships bring much satisfaction. Your popularity increases, and you excel at any dealings with the public. Favorable publicity often accompanies this aspect. Events occur that increase your happiness, emotional well being, and sense of security. Success comes in social, domestic, and financial affairs. Rewarding religious experiences are possible. If indications of marriage occur in the chart, this aspect supports the formation of a bond of love and nurturance.

The Moon discordantly aspecting Venus warns of potential conflict, tension, unpopularity, separation, or lack of appreciation in relationships. Make a special effort to let significant others know how much you care about them. You may undergo periods of moodiness and irritability during which you are swayed by emotion and may be unable to think rationally. Beware of acting against your better judgment and acquiescing to the half-baked, misdirected plans of others. If you base your actions solely on emotion, you will suffer the consequences at a later date. Difficulties may arise due to excess, poor judgment, maudlin sentimentality, or overindulgence. This aspect can correlate with difficulties in a love affair, marriage, partnership, pregnancy, or childbirth. Make an effort to communicate your needs clearly and to work out your differences with close associates.

This aspect has a stabilizing influence on your emotions. You tend to become more security-conscious and more serious about your affections. Progress can be made in family and domestic matters. This is a year when you could settle down, get married, buy a home, start a family, or deal with parental issues.

With the Moon dissonantly aspecting Uranus, you may experience abrupt changes in your emotional or domestic life. You could experience radical fluctuations in your mood or sudden changes in intimate relationships, all of which serve to disrupt your basic sense of security. Reform and innovation are key words for this aspect. You are likely to feel a strong need for freedom and independence. A relocation or change of residence is not uncommon.

Sudden upsets, disruptions, or separations could occur within the family, resulting in overstrain and emotional tension. Circumstances may force you to confront conflicts that you have about dependency versus autonomy. Difficulties could arise with or through the important women in your life. An unexpected separation from your mother or another significant woman may occur. Accidents or unforeseen injuries are possible, so take proper precautions when on the road or operating potentially dangerous equipment. To safeguard your health, keep well hydrated and avoid any temptation to drink alcohol to excess.

Moon harmoniously contacting Neptune makes sensitive, imaginative, and compassionate. You readily tune into the needs and feelings of others, and you become more aware of your own inner psychological states and unconscious motivations. Artistic, poetic, musical, literary, and creative endeavors go especially well. You develop a greater appreciation of the universality of the human experience. This can be a year of tremendous spiritual growth, especially for those with any type of mystical or religious calling.

The Moon harmoniously aspecting natal Saturn stabilizes your emotional life. Committed relationships proceed smoothly. You are able to balance your responsibilities toward others with your own emotional needs.

You are experiencing a lunar return at the same time as your Solar Return. As a result, you are likely to be sensitive, receptive, adaptable, and restless at this time. There is a major focus on your emotional life under this influence. Matters involving your mother and/or other important women in your life will figure prominently in the year ahead. The Return House in which this conjunction takes places and the Return and Natal Houses with Cancer on the cusp are especially emphasized by this conjunction.

Mercury, ruler of Gemini and Virgo, was the messenger of the gods. Mercury symbolizes language, communication, the thinking process, the intellect, writing, correspondence, education, commerce, transit, movement, and all means of transport. Astrological aspects involving Mercury show how we think and communicate our ideas to others; also, how we move about in our community. People signified by Mercury include writers, communicators, salespersons, students, the young people in our lives, messengers, drivers, neighbors, siblings, and other kin. In health matters, Mercury symbolizes the tongue, upper extremities, lungs, respiratory system, nervous system, thyroid, and the sense of sight.

The Return placement and aspects of Mercury may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Mercury, or indirectly through people symbolized by Mercury. Travel accidents are often shown by afflictions to Mercury, especially hard aspects involving Mars or Uranus. We will next consider the Return zodiacal sign and House placements of Mercury.

With Mercury in the Return 2nd House, you will find yourself thinking and communicating about income, values, purchases, and possessions. Income can be derived from writing or speaking. You could profit from signing a contract or agreement. This is a good time to review your budget and engage in financial planning. Be sure to get sound financial advice before making any investments.

Return Mercury conjunct Return Uranus correlates with unexpected news and surprises. You tend to be clever, quick, and original in your thinking. Technological endeavors proceed smoothly. Sudden or exciting Opportunities for travel or advanced study may present themselves. This conjunction can sometimes indicate sudden disturbing news that shocks you out of your usual mode of thinking. Young people or siblings may act erratically. You will need to watch your tongue. Something said off the cuff or in haste could result in unanticipated misunderstandings, bad press, or recriminations. There may be abrupt or unforeseen opportunities to travel, but you should exercise caution on the road, as travel accidents and injuries are possible.

Venus, ruler of Taurus and Libra, was the goddess of love and beauty. Venus symbolizes attraction, romance, partnerships, social life, affection, harmony, fashion, art, style, luxury, money, possessions, indulgences, and sensual pleasures. Astrological aspects involving Venus show how we give and receive love, especially of the romantic sort; also, how we manage our finances, find pleasure, and adorn ourselves. People signified by Venus include lovers, wives, important women in our lives, artists, decorators, musicians, and anyone dedicated to the pursuit of beauty and/or pleasure. In health matters, Venus symbolizes problems of self-indulgence; also, the throat, the kidneys, the lower back or lumbar region, the parathyroids, and the sense of touch.

The Return placement and aspects of Venus may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Venus, or indirectly through people symbolized by Venus. We will next consider the Return zodiacal sign and House placements of Venus.

Venus in contact with the Moon's Node brings loving relationships and close working partnerships into your life. This is a year when your social life picks up and your popularity increases. You are able to smooth ruffled feathers and work cooperatively with others. Negotiations should go well. Marriage and business partnerships are favored by this aspect.

Venus, the goddess of love, in harmonious contact with phallic Mars signifies pleasant sexual tension, libidinal attraction, and playful competitiveness in relationships. Romance is in the air, as this aspect increases your sensuality, sex appeal, and animal magnetism. Marriage could occur in such a year. Now is also a good time to engage in creative projects and to join with others in pursuing a common goal. If you are involved in competition, you could come out a winner.

Venus in tense aspect to Saturn can bring hardship, loss, or obligation related to financial or emotional matters. Money may be tight, and economic burdens are possible. Obstacles and difficulties may arise in a close relationship. Love comes at a price, or someone you love may pass from your life. You tend to become dutiful and earnest in matters of the heart. If unattached, you could get romantically involved with an older, more serious, or mature individual. Your sense of duty and responsibility may lead you to sacrifice some personal pleasure or benefit for the sake of a cause that you cherish or a person whom you love. You could find yourself settling down, for better or worse, into a committed relationship.

Return Venus square Return Jupiter often brings love and romance into your life. There could, however, be difficulties in relationships due to overblown expectations, conspicuous consumption, or excessive behavior. Venus with Jupiter calls to mind the words of Oscar Wilde, "I can resist everything except temptation." You may overindulge your various appetites whether for social intercourse, food, sex, candy, alcohol, or whatever tickles your fancy. Under no circumstances should you take what does not belong to you. You will need to strike a balance between self-gratification and the obligations of daily life. Good fortune enters your life, but at a price. The main risks of this aspect are being overly expansive and consuming too much of a good thing. Remember that eating a lot of candy will upset your stomach, and large amounts of sugar can be toxic.

Venus conjunct Uranus often correlates with whirlwind changes related to love, money, art, and intimate relationships. There may be sudden disruptions in your friendships, romantic attachments, and close personal ties, which can leave you feeling anxious or emotionally distraught. A breakup or unexpected falling out with a lover is possible. Brief love affairs with abrupt endings are the norm. Artistic, literary, or musical creations may have a shocking effect. Sudden changes in financial status are possible. An unexpected pregnancy or childbirth may also be indicated.

This aspect stimulates your affections but can lead to excessive emotionality. Be sure to spend time with your friends and loved ones. Avoid falling head over heels into relationships that have the potential to damage your reputation.

Mars, ruler of Aries and Scorpio, was the god of war. Mars symbolizes initiative, courage, action, daring, aggression, leadership, drive, physical energy, heat, sexual passion, and the willingness to face challenges. Astrological aspects involving Mars show how we act independently, pioneer ideas, assert ourselves, and deal with competition. People signified by Mars include young men, husbands, leaders, warriors, and important men in our lives; also, those who regularly use force, tools, or weapons in their work. In health matters, Mars symbolizes fevers, cuts, wounds, the head, the muscular system, red blood cells, the gonads, urogenital system, adrenal gland, and the sense of taste.

The Return placement and aspects of Mars may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Mars, or indirectly through people symbolized by Mars. We will next consider the Return zodiacal sign and House placements of Mars.

The planet Mars symbolizes your energy, drive, and personal initiative. The zodiacal sign in the Return chart that hosts the planet Mars modifies how you are able to assert yourself, confront obstacles, and face challenges in the year ahead. With Return Mars in ambitious Capricorn, you are likely to demonstrate great self-control in channeling your energy to go after your ambitions. You can work in an organized and determined manner to achieve material success and professional recognition. Your responsibility and persistence will serve you well in the workplace. Others will appreciate your dedication, responsibility, efficiency, and practicality.

Powerful force (Mars) meets impenetrable object (Saturn). You may need to make adjustments this year as you keep running into barriers. Positively, you can channel this concentrated energy into overcoming obstacles as you pursue your goals. Negatively, the frustrated impulsivity and risk-taking of Mars can erupt in the form of disputes, accidents, collisions, injuries, broken bones, burns, overheating, sexual difficulties, hospitalization, or a need for surgery.

With Mars harmoniously aspecting the Moon's North Node, you have extra energy available for teamwork and collaboration with others. You are able to cooperate actively with colleagues who are working toward a common goal. This aspect is also likely to stir your passions and increase your desire for sexual union with another person. Getting engaged or married are potential outcomes.

Return Mars discordantly aspecting Natal Saturn can be a difficult aspect that puts a damper on your expenditure of energy. Your initiatives get frustrated, and you may feel like you are butting your head into a wall. Physical injuries are sometimes associated with this aspect, so be careful to avoid situations that put your body in the path of a destructive force. Problems with bones or teeth could arise. This is not the year to skip your routine dental exam. On occasion, an experience of loss, grief, or bereavement will accompany this configuration.

Return Mars (the god of war) square the Ascendant-Descendant is stressful for your physical body and your close personal relationships. Ill health or accidents are possible. People are in a fighting mood. Arguments with partners and close associates, including your spouse or significant other, could result from your irritability or aggressiveness. Spend some time coming to terms with your aggression so that it does not cause problems in your life.

Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius and Pisces, was king of the gods on Mount Olympus. Jupiter symbolizes good fortune, benevolence, expansion, learning, publishing, wisdom, long-distance travel, foreign interests, further education, philosophy, religion, and the broadening of one's horizons. Astrological aspects involving Jupiter show opportunities for advancement, potentials for growth, and our willingness to gather new experience. People signified by Jupiter include mature men, judges, lawyers, physicians, clergy, university professors, politicians, and those who have achieved positions of prominence or influence in their fields. In health matters, Jupiter symbolizes problems due to excess; also, the liver, pituitary gland, thighs, blood, arteries, and the sense of smell.

The Return placement and aspects of Jupiter may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Jupiter, or indirectly through people symbolized by Jupiter. We will next consider the Return zodiacal sign and House placements of Jupiter.

Jupiter in the Return 12th House benefits activities carried out quietly, with empathy, alone, in secret, or behind the scenes. This is an excellent time for any type of creative, compassionate, contemplative, or spiritual undertaking. Work that involves serving the physical, psychological, or spiritual needs of others can be rewarding. You are able to reconcile differences with those who may have been working secretly against you. Matters related to hospitals, prisons, monasteries, nursing homes, adoption agencies, or similar places of solitude or confinement meet with success. Research can be especially productive. You may have psychic experiences or precognitive dreams. Some engage in a clandestine romance under this influence. Large animals can bring profit or joy to your life. Help tends to be there when you need it.

You may experience disharmony in associations with others. A relationship that initially appears pleasant and agreeable may go against your better interests. Overindulgence, extravagance, excessive sociability, rebelliousness, zealotry, or fanatical proselytizing might characterize your connections with others. What appears to be a genuine spiritual breakthrough could be based on misguided religiosity.

You could suffer disappointment or disillusionment at the hands of a guru. Jarring events may give you a sense that something is missing from your life, prompting you to begin a search for meaning. You may feel particularly torn between materialism and spirituality. You might also run into conflicts with the norms of society, which in rare cases could lead to your being restricted or confined in some way.

Jupiter in hard aspect to Uranus suggests strain, tension, inconstancy, and missed opportunities. Sudden release from past situations or relationships may occur, even if you do not wish it to be so. Your urge for independence can put you into conflict with established authority. A noted astrologer, Ebertin, labeled Jupiter/Uranus contacts "Thank the Lord" aspects, because people often make such exclamations after the pent-up tension in this configuration is suddenly released. There will be periods this year that are extremely stressful and you will be glad when they are over.

Jupiter softens the limiting influence of Saturn. You can more easily accomplish your goals, confront your fears, and overcome your anxieties. Some type of professional success or advancement may accompany this aspect.

Saturn, ruler of Capricorn and Aquarius, wrested power from his father Uranus by castrating the ruling father sky-god and casting his genitals into the sea. Saturn symbolizes ambition, responsibility, stability, duty, discipline, boundaries, rules, and regulations. It also represents crystallization, aging, death, fears, restrictions, hard things, the reality principle, and lessons that we must learn. Astrological aspects involving Saturn show how we build structure in our lives and how we deal with the inevitable limitations and losses that life brings. People signified by Saturn include parents, teachers, taskmasters, older individuals, government officials, bosses, and those of a serious disposition. In health matters, Saturn symbolizes blockages, hardening, obstructions, and acid formation; also, the skin, teeth, bones, joints, spleen, gall bladder, knees, the vagus nerve, and the sense of hearing.

The Return placement and aspects of Saturn may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Saturn, or indirectly through people symbolized by Saturn. Look to Saturn to see where your major struggles will occur in the year ahead. We will next consider the Return zodiacal sign and House placements of Saturn.

With Saturn in harsh aspect to Neptune, you often face situations that are limiting, constraining, depressing, debilitating, or disillusioning. This stressful combination of planets can mean the end of a significant relationship, a period of confinement, or the dissolution of an important structure in your life. Despite the pain of this loss, you are learning a valuable spiritual lesson that will help you to put your priorities in better perspective. This lesson may come in mysterious ways, perhaps through an experience of bereavement, illness, depression, self-defeating behavior, or the underhanded actions of someone acting behind the scenes to block your progress. Spiritual, artistic, or musical endeavors can provide a welcome relief from the stress of this aspect. The final outcome will be a more serious and responsible attitude toward your own creativity and spiritual development.

This is a very stabilizing influence. Careful planning at this stage will lead to future success. Work-related activities are likely to go well. Set your mind on a goal and keep plugging away for it.

You are capable of great self-control. Your sense of duty and consciousness are heightened. This can be a time of great emotional maturity in which you lay solid foundations for future development. This aspect has a stabilizing influence on your domestic life and on your close personal relationships.

This is a difficult aspect. Saturn blocks the natural enthusiasm and energy of Mars. You may feel frustrated in your pursuit of personal goals and initiatives. It becomes a struggle to assert yourself in the world. Others are likely to resist your wishes. Quarrels, separations, and ill health may accompany this influence.

This year you are likely to grow in experience, prestige, and maturity. Benefits may come through people in authority or through those who are older than you are. You happily take on new responsibilities and could assume a position of leadership. The hard work of your past pays off. Others appreciate your persistence and reliability.

Uranus, ruler of Aquarius, was the original sky-god who was castrated by his son Saturn in a coup to usurp his power. Venus-Aphrodite was born of the white foam that spread around Uranus' discarded genitals in the sea. Uranus symbolizes sudden shocking events, electrifying change, willful independence, separations, originality, inventiveness, modern technology, and progressive thinking. The action of Uranus is abruptly and without warning to shatter the old structure built by Saturn.

Astrological aspects involving Uranus show how and where sudden change, excitement, and disruption come into our lives; also, where we are likely to rebel against the past and strike out to do our own thing. People signified by Uranus include scientists, modernists, astrologers, reformers, inventors, eccentrics, and those who insist on marching to the unique beat of their own drum. In health matters, Uranus symbolizes strokes and accidents; also, the ankles and calves.

The Return placement and aspects of Uranus may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Uranus, or indirectly through people symbolized by Uranus. Look to Uranus to see where you can expect the unexpected in the coming year. We will next consider the Return zodiacal sign and House placements of Uranus.

Uranus in the Return 2nd House suggests sudden happenings that disrupt the status quo with regard to your values, income, and possessions. Abrupt changes in your financial situation are possible. You tend to appreciate money for the freedom and independence it can afford. The purchase of computers, electronics, and high-tech equipment is common with this placement.

Neptune, ruler of Pisces, was the god of the oceans. Neptune symbolizes boundlessness, intuition, psychic sensitivity, compassion, spirituality, sleep, unreality, creative imagination, artistic inspiration, fantasy, illusion, Hollywood, subconscious processes, fog, confusion, self-sacrifice, and self-defeating attitudes. Astrological aspects involving Neptune show how we attune to the feelings of others, use our imaginations, distort our perceptions, undo our own efforts, and also how we deal with the dissolution of old structures in our lives. People signified by Neptune include poets, artists, dreamers, musicians, mystics, spiritualists, idealists, sensitives, and those who compassionately tend to the needy. In health matters, Neptune symbolizes the feet, sleep difficulties, intoxicants, mental disorders, and problems with drugs and alcohol.

The Return placement and aspects of Neptune may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Neptune, or indirectly through people symbolized by Neptune. We will next consider the Return zodiacal sign and House placements of Neptune.

With Neptune in the Return 2nd House, you may gain financially through creative, musical, theatrical, or artistic endeavors. You are likely to reflect on the value of money and its role in your spiritual life. Income may come from service you render to others. Neptune here also suggests dissolution, loss, sadness, misunderstanding, deception, confusion, or letting go with regard to income, finances, major purchases, sales, and possessions. A longstanding situation, relationship, or concern related to such matters may dissolve or fade from your life. Be careful not to let money slip through your fingers, and get sound advice from a financial expert before spending large amounts of money. What now looks like a sure-fire investment may later turn out to be a pipe dream. If you make a major purchase, be sure it's the real McCoy.

This aspect enhances your emotional sensitivity, empathy, and compassion for others. Any type of creative, inspirational, or artistic endeavor is favored. Strange, peculiar, or otherworldly people may enter your life. You may join with others in seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Pluto, ruler of Scorpio, was the Greek Hades, lord of the underworld. He abducted and raped Persephone - an action that ultimately brought about the season of winter on earth. Pluto symbolizes power, control, domination, the management of joint resources, penetration, unconscious processes, irresistible forces; also, uprooting, elimination, death, regeneration, rebirth, radical transformation, and the ending of a phase of life. Astrological aspects involving Pluto reveal which deeply buried factors in our lives need to be brought to the surface so that they can be reviewed, reworked, transformed, or eliminated. People signified by Pluto include miners, psychoanalysts, occultists, undertakers, money managers, and anyone whose work involves exposing that which is concealed or hidden. In health matters, Pluto symbolizes the gallbladder, the sex organs, the organs of elimination, and the body's ability to restore itself.

The Return placement and aspects of Pluto may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Pluto, or indirectly through people symbolized by Pluto. We will next consider the Return zodiacal sign and House placements of Pluto.

Pluto, the planet of radical change and transformation, occupies your Return 12th House of spirituality, artistic expression, hospitalization, confinement, sleep, escapism, and self-undoing. Work related to hospitals, asylums, prisons, museums, ashrams, or similar large institutions can have a powerful personal impact. This is a year to look within and resolve deep-seated psychological hang-ups that now come to light. As you confront the "Shadow" aspects of your personality, you may undergo intense experiences that bring about profound spiritual transformation.

The 12th is the House of "secret enemies," and someone you have alienated may oppose your interests. You are likely to reorganize your priorities and reflect on the meaning of life. In-depth research and study are favored. If other factors in the chart indicate health difficulties, there could be problems caused by alcohol or drugs, violent encounters, or a need for surgery or hospitalization. On occasion, this position will signify an intense period of grief over the loss of a loved one.

Return Pluto going over Natal Moon indicates a time of profound emotional upheaval. There will be periods in the coming year when you will feel compelled to deal with emotionally charged issues and intense feelings that emerge from the deepest recesses of your subconscious mind. Those around you may be prone to violent emotional outbursts. You must resist the temptation to be swept into action solely on the basis of your feelings without regard for the effect you may have on others. You may become deeply concerned about your own health and welfare or that of an important woman in your life. Problems related to bodily fluids could arise. By the end of this year you will likely have made a sweeping review of your emotional life. This would be a good time to study the teachings of Buddha on human desire and the value of non-attachment.

During this time you experience events that will alter your life for years to come. Get ready for a period of hard work when you will have to keep your nose to the grindstone. Be very careful with finances. Study the details of any business deal. Commitments you make now may have hidden demands and may later turn out to be quite burdensome. Seek expert advice before spending your hard earned money. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes or you will pay a steep price. As economic times change over the next few years, money now borrowed or lent may become hard to repay. Be careful about making large loans or mortgages at this time. You are also likely to become keenly attuned to issues related to human mortality.

Return Pluto harmoniously aspecting your natal Ascendant brings profound beneficial changes to your personality and your close relationships. Your contacts with others could have a transforming effect. You could assume a position of power or leadership. This is an excellent time for an in-depth understanding of your psychological functioning.

The Return Part of Fortune is a benefic point whose location in the chart is based on the relative positions of the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant in this year's Return. It symbolizes those areas of life that are likely to be especially profitable and productive in the year ahead. Knowing where your greatest benefit lies will allow you to focus your energies so that you can achieve a greater measure of success.

When in Libra, the Part of Fortune advises you to make optimal use of your capacity for fairness, balance, diplomacy, tact, harmony, and adjustment. Your ability to share yourself with others will bring great benefits into your life.

The universe smiles on you this year and bestows general good fortune. Events that improve your lot are likely to occur. Not a bad time to enter a contest or take a chance on Lotto. Events conspire to advance your personal initiatives. Your personal popularity is high.

The House cusps are power points in the chart, and any planet that aligns closely with a House cusp will be especially prominent in the year ahead. Planet to House cusp alignments often portend specific events whose nature combines the symbolism of the planet and the House involved.

The three sections that follow will look at the contacts, if any, (1) between Return planets and Return House cusps; (2) between Return planets and Natal House cusps; and finally, (3) between Natal planets and Return House cusps.

When comparing the Solar Return and the natal charts, any close alignment between a planet and a House cusp is highly significant. In fact, the conjunctions of planets with House cusps in the superimposed natal and return charts usually pinpoint the major factors that will be operative during the year. Pay close attention to the following three sections because they highlight the specific events that you will need to deal with in the coming Solar Return period.

Uranus, the Great Awakener, represents novelty, originality, disruption, nonconformity, independence, sudden insight, and electrifying change. With Uranus crossing your 3rd cusp, you are likely to experience abrupt changes in the areas of communication, learning, and contacts within the local environment. The chance discovery of a progressive or novel system of thought can open your mind to new ways of gathering and processing information. Surprising events may occur in the lives of siblings and neighbors. You may be somewhat accident-prone while traveling or operating moving vehicles during this year.

The Moon's North Node on the cusp of the 3rd House advises you to seek personal growth through clarity of thought and breadth of learning. Free your mind to consider new ideas, and avoid rigid or dogmatic thinking. Other people can open you to intellectual vistas you never thought possible.

Return Mercury conjunct the cusp of the Return 3rd House puts the focus on communication, news, mental activity, local travel, and other 3rd House matters. You can expect a year of constant mental activity, talk, letters, phone calls, writing, movement, busy work, short trips, and comings and goings. You tend to be more youthful, adaptable, quick-witted, agile, and verbally expressive. You may teach or take classes. Activities that require physical movement and dexterity are especially appealing. You are likely to have frequent dealings with siblings, kin, neighbors, and members of your local community. You should be especially careful in anything you write or say. You should also exercise caution when traveling or operating a motor vehicle, as mishaps are possible.

Your thoughts turn to love, romance, affection, and close relationships. You could be involved in negotiations or contractual agreements. This is also a good time to gather financial information and review your budget. Relations with siblings, kin, and neighbors go well. Your pleasant manner of self-expression could lead to success in writing, speaking, or persuading others of your ideas.

Return Pluto going over Natal 3rd House cusp marks a period of inner transformation mediated through siblings, relatives, and contacts within your environment. Something that you study or read may have a tremendous impact on your personal development. You may decide to do research or study a particular subject in depth. A powerful message or piece of news could dramatically alter the course of your life. If you are an author, you will be able to look within for inspiration; you may even feel compelled to put your thoughts into writing.

The Return Ascendant conjunct your Natal 3rd House cusp puts a strong emphasis on communications, education, and contacts in the community. Your schedule will be full of phone calls, messages, paperwork, errands, commutes, and local travel. If you are an author, you could get a lot of writing done at this time. You might decide to take a class or otherwise advance your learning. Relationships with siblings, close kin, and neighbors may occupy your time.