by Robert Wilkinson
The Solar Return is the moment each year when the Sun is exactly the same natal degree, minute, and second as when we were born. It can happen the day before our birthday, the day after, or on our birthday. A chart done for that moment, set for wherever we are, offers a look at what we can expect in our year to come.
As many of you know, my birthday is April 1. However, I always meditate at the time of the Solar Return, opening to the promise of what could be. It is said that moment opens us to our Solar Self, the Limitless Light that illuminates us. And as we are illuminated, so we illuminate others. That's why the Sun in a chart is the single most important indicator of our true Self. The return of our Light, offering us a chance to re-identify our lives with its incredible power and radiance, is an important moment in our evolution.
We do the chart for where we are, since that's where we experience the commencement of our next Solar year. As you can infer, the Solar Return gives us some latitude in shaping how we will experience the year to come, since where we choose to be at that moment influences what sign and degree are on the angles and therefore what house the planets are in.
We cannot influence the planetary aspects, since they are set by time itself rather than space. But by where we do the return, we can select whether we want a planet in a certain house. This is important in how we will experience our year to come.
Sometimes I've traveled across the continent to achieve a certain set of positions. Other times, I've stayed home since it yielded a great chart, or because of time, space, financial, or some other "real world" limitation. And some years I've been able to go a short distance to affect the degrees on the angles, placing the planets in seemingly more favorable positions.
This year I'm staying home, since I'd have to drive more than an hour simply to achieve even a shift of one degree on the angles. That's a lot of time, energy, and money expended for relatively little difference. Who wants to drive for more than an hour on a freeway, try to meditate from a place of centeredness in a strange location, then jump back in the car and drive over an hour back? You can see that spending a lot of time on a freeway might not be the best way to enjoy a Solar Return!
As I offered last year, I've had some very strange Solar Returns. One involved getting up at 4:20 am in New York City and trying to meditate, which of course is not the best time to do it unless you've trained your body to get up that early. I had just flown in for charts and talks, and saw that it was better to stay in the city that night. The meditation was short, since my body was still on PST, so it felt like 1:20 am. Still, that chart yielded the results I hoped for, though they came at the end of the year rather than throughout the entire year.
Another weird Solar Return involved driving a half hour to meditate in a park in a strange town in Northern California at 12:55 am, which became somewhat surreal since the police kept driving by. I'm sure they were wondering why a strange car was next to a park in the middle of the night! As you can imagine, that also was a relatively short meditation. That chart also yielded the results I hoped for, given the limitations of the aspects and just how far I could tweak the chart.
Still, I've had some really great meditations in other years at more reasonable hours, which is a good way to launch a year. By all means try to achieve whatever focus you can for as long as you can, since everything really is connected on one level and another.
Even if your Solar Return has already passed, much can be discerned by studying the chart set for wherever you were. You may see how some things have transpired already, or are challenging you to move your view in a certain direction. You may get clear about why you're feeling differently, or why you have had a new set of interests since your last Solar Return. Even if you were not in meditation at your last SR, you can still meditate on what the chart is showing you about this year of your life, and so align your consciousness with your Solar Self.
As noted above, sometimes the effects of doing the Solar Return in another place have seemed to be "postponed" until near the end of that particular Solar year, while other years the effects have been fairly dramatic from the get-go. Regardless of where we choose to do the Solar Return, it's always good to be in meditation at that moment of perfect Solar alignment with our natal Sun. We can set many intentions at that time, though I must add that we seldom achieve anything lasting not already shown by the natal and progressed charts.
That's because the Sun symbolizes our integrity, power, light, and centeredness within our "Solar system" of life and affairs. If what we want isn't in line with our integrity or illumination path, then even if we muscle it into existence, it will usually dis-integrate fairly quickly, being a set of aggregates with no substantial reality. Nothing is forever except our Light, Love, and Power to "restore the Plan on Earth." And one Solar Return gives one set of lessons and harvests, while the next holds different ones.
The Solar Return chart is a snapshot of the transits at a certain moment, thus showing an external set of patterns within which our Sun finds itself. It shows the larger gestalt and circumstances within which other primary factors in our charts demonstrate. The Solar Return chart must be related to what is already indicated by the progressed Sun, progressed Moon, progressed ruler of the Ascendant, and so forth. Then what we put into motion at the Solar Return corresponds to an element of our existence which we can work and play with.
In my counseling sessions over the years I've helped thousands find an ideal Solar Return chart within the limits already discussed. However, here I must stress an important fact. A Solar Return chart cannot be considered "more important" than the natal or progressed charts. Its influence lasts only one year, and it indicates the activities of that span to be incorporated in our Life Mythos. While any given year brings important experiences, they must be framed within our natal and progressed tendencies, since those indicate the unbroken experience of ourselves in various life areas.
Some amateur astrologers have the idea that a SR chart exists on its own, and read it like a natal chart, as though magically the natal and progressed factors are of less influence than the SR. The SR can never override our natal and progressed patterns. It can help us identify our "light" response within the larger pattern for the next year, but regardless of the sign on the SR Ascendant, our natal or progressed Ascendant tendencies are not altered, nor the power of the rulers of the natal and progressed Ascendant.
Natal and progressed factors do not cease to exist regardless of whether the SR chart indicates x or y. AND! According to traditional Astrology, the SR chart must be interpreted in a very different way than a natal chart. Everything in the SR must be referenced to the natal houses and their rulers, as well as progressed planets.
While we can find important factors standing on their own in the SR chart, everything relates directly to the rulerships of the natal houses. And the SR chart must be done with Equal Houses for very important reasons. I can't really go into the nuances of chart interpretation here, since that's an entire course of study. But when I set up my on line classes....
Anyway, since it's my Solar Return in a short while, I think I'll get another cup of coffee, pet the cat and prepare to do my meditation. If you want to know more, please revisit the article The Solar Return. In it I elaborate on some of the things I've touched on here. And to note, the Eclipse I reference at the end of that article did take me away from where I lived at the time, but also allowed me to embrace a new life that all in all is quite fulfilling.
Mahalo, L'chaiim, Prosit, A Salut, Namaskar, and A votre sante'!
From the April Fool, enjoy this day (and tomorrow!)
© Copyright 2009 Robert Wilkinson
Happy Birthday tomorrow, Robert.
Posted by: AnneTexas | March 31, 2009 at 08:41 AM
Happy Birthday, Robert!
Hope it's a great year:)
X M
Posted by: Marie | March 31, 2009 at 09:00 AM
I wish you a very joyful birthday, Robert, and many, many blessings during the year ahead.
Hugs,
Sue
Posted by: J. Sue Gagliardi | March 31, 2009 at 09:25 AM
Happy Birthday Robert!
This gives us a lovely, much deeper
take on the birthday blessing
"Many Happy Returns" :-)))))))
Be Blessed this year - in all your endeavours ...and Heart and Soul's desires....
and...Thank You ....once again!
Posted by: judith | March 31, 2009 at 09:43 AM
Happy birthday Robert and may all your dreams come true!
After 2 weeks is my bday also :)
Thanks for this post as always...
Posted by: suryamukhi | March 31, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Day after day alone on the hill,
The man with the foolish grin is keeping perfectly still,
But nobody wants to know him,
They can see that he's just a fool,
And he never gives an answer,
But the fool on the hill
Sees the sun going down,
And the eyes in his head,
See the world spinning around.
Well on his way his head in a cloud,
The man of a thousand voices talking perfectly loud
But nobody ever hears him,
Or the sound he appears to make,
And he never seems to notice,
But the fool on the hill . . .
Nobody seems to like him
They can tell what he wants to do.
And he never shows his feelings,
But the fool on the hill . . .
Many happy returns to the wise fool who is no fool at all. Namaste. dcu
Posted by: dcu | March 31, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Happy Birthday Robert
I am sure it will be a great year for you! You are already in such a great mood. I was laughing while reeding your artical... I guess you have another talent to discover.... but its not even a suprise as you born at 1th April (Food day here in Europe or Humour day in Russia.
My Best wishs
Posted by: Tatiana_monaco | March 31, 2009 at 01:23 PM
sorry- not food day :) but Fool day
XXX
Posted by: Tatiana_monaco | March 31, 2009 at 01:25 PM
'And as we are illuminated, so we illuminate others.' You do, Robert. Wishing you birthday blessings and most-daily thanks.
Posted by: Penelope | March 31, 2009 at 01:28 PM
Happy birthday to a fellow Aries, mine's on the 6th. :)
Posted by: Winnie Lim | March 31, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Yeah. What dcu said-- happy birthday, Robert!
(For me, nothing beats good company over brunch right around my birthday :).)
Posted by: WarriorLady | March 31, 2009 at 03:28 PM
Happy birthday, Robert! Hope you have a wonderful year.
Posted by: Leslee | March 31, 2009 at 04:04 PM
Happy Birthday, Dear ROBERT, with many Happy returns!
May you be healthy, happy and wise and may we enjoy your lovely company!!! Blessings...
Namaskara,
Isabel
Posted by: Isabel | March 31, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Oh, my God, happy birthday, Robert! I've always loved the hell out of Aries people! They're the best, as far as I'm concerned.
Posted by: Marly | March 31, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Happy Solar Return and Happy Birthday! Thank you for the great article. Looking forward to seeing your online classes. Aum and blessings, Vicki:)
Posted by: Vicki Evans | March 31, 2009 at 06:26 PM
Wow, see how many well wishers you have already... Happy birthday, and thanks for a very interesting follow-up article about the solar return! I myself usually study my solar return every year, it's a big help. I know you already posted it once some place, but what is your birth info, asc. etc.? Just want to compare aspects. As always, I enjoy your articles so much and have learned so many things. Keep up the good work and I hope your meditation brings wondrous revelations...
Happy birthday!! :)
Posted by: Valerie | March 31, 2009 at 07:40 PM
a very happy birthday to you! Thank you so much for all you do all year round. Would love to hear more about how you view your solar return aspects.
Posted by: Lainie | March 31, 2009 at 07:43 PM
we all celebrate you Robert. what a treasure you are. what a blessed day, the day you were born.
holding you in Light , in Admiration and Many Blessings....
Posted by: shanita | March 31, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Happy Birthday, Robert!
you are a very special person, and thank you for sharing your 'light' with all of us out there.
Blessings -- NS
Posted by: NS | March 31, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Many Happy Returns Robert....
Thank you for all you share
Love and light,
Lourdes
Posted by: Lourdes | March 31, 2009 at 11:37 PM
Happy Solar Return Robert! :)
Thank you for the wisdom you share with us.
Posted by: Jessi | April 01, 2009 at 12:05 AM
No I did not know. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBERT!!!!!
I wish you the best birthday, with much love, prosperity and abundance and joy and happiness and all those good things in life.
micheline
Posted by: micheline | April 01, 2009 at 12:12 AM
Adding my bit of light to the sparkling rays pouring down on you this day Robert.
Talking of fools, what sign do you consider is appropriate for the archetypal fool who is evident in all mythologies and religions,
eg. "Who shall bring redemption,but the jesters?" from the Talmud is a nice one.
It seems to be recognised as a springtime concept in most parts of the world, we Arians all identify strongly with it but perhaps the "entertainer/trickster" duality belongs to Gem/Sag and the Jupiter/Mercury connection.
I have faith that you can throw some light on this quandry which amongst others is a missing link in something I've been working on.
Big Love and Thanks,
Shanti
Posted by: Morvah | April 01, 2009 at 01:36 AM
Dear Robert, Happy Birthday and a very illuminated Solar Return!
Posted by: Alix | April 01, 2009 at 02:36 AM
i always find a way to tell as many people as possible it is my birthday. that way, others have an excuse to celebrate something.(i guilt em' into it!) it can be hard to move people out of their ruts. try a silly hat or crazy shirt too, that's always good. thank you for the brightness you shine on us all. that reading from september last is still moving through me and bearing fruit.
lots and lots of love to you today and everyday.
cheryl
Posted by: cheryl | April 01, 2009 at 03:20 AM
Happy Birthday Robert!
Ever since I came across your site last year, i've sent many heartfelt thankyou's but never managed to actually write one in a concrete form.Since this a special day,so here is a big "THANK YOU" for sharing so much with all of us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Regards,
Minu
Posted by: Minu Talwar | April 01, 2009 at 03:25 AM
Dear Robert:
Happy birthday and Happy solar returns!
Kind regards,
Pamela
Posted by: Pamela | April 01, 2009 at 05:09 AM
O! how this spring of love resembleth
The uncertain glory of an April day!
William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Sweet April showers
Do spring May flowers.
Thomas Tusser (1524?–1580)
A shower of birthday blessings and dreams come true to our great Bard of Astrology!
Posted by: Sue Moon | April 01, 2009 at 05:39 AM
Feliz Cumpleaños Roberto,
May you continue to be blessed with good health, good friends and good karma throughout this solar year. We truly appreciate all the love, light and wisdom that you so unselfishly share with us in mucho abundance, day after day.
Posted by: Maya Earth Coffee | April 01, 2009 at 05:59 AM
Dear Robert,
Many happy returns! I wish you love and serenity.
JOY
Posted by: JOY | April 01, 2009 at 07:04 AM
happy birthday Robert
Here's wishing you love and blessings.
Iris
Posted by: iris | April 01, 2009 at 07:40 AM
Dear Robert,
A very happy solar return to you. I pray that you evolve further and grow more luminous this year. I thank God that I met you (through this blog)a couple of years back. I am sure you remember what a wreck I was then.
Best wishes and love
Posted by: Aditya | April 01, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Happy Birthday Robert!!!!
Long time no blog from my end. But I'm on this site just about every day. I have so many planets and points in the Grand I. that it's not even funny. I do however "make time" to laugh. And hope you do the same. Best wishes in the coming year!
Posted by: Stevo | April 01, 2009 at 08:29 AM
Happy happy, Robert. Hope this year is a good one!
Posted by: Christine E | April 01, 2009 at 09:04 AM
Happy Birthday Robert!
In the Aquarius Papers, you can find an April Fool,
Following compassion's path, wisdom his greatest tool,
Armed with star charts and insights, his talent is dual,
Playing many roles well, through heart fire does he rule,
Glorious natal day wishes to one who sparkles like a jewel!
Namaste
sandra
Posted by: Sandra | April 01, 2009 at 09:28 AM
From one Aries to another, I wish you happiness, peace, strong health, good friends and true abundance in this, your Personal New Year.
Posted by: duse | April 01, 2009 at 09:43 AM
G'day Robert! Happy birthday and many more wonderful solar returns to you. Thank you for your fantastic astro insights. All the best, Pepper
Posted by: Pepper | April 01, 2009 at 09:51 AM
"if [we] want to know more.." of course we do! Let's see that solar return chart, birthday boy!
Posted by: Pleiades | April 01, 2009 at 01:05 PM
Tanti auguri a te, tanti auguri a te,
Tanti auguri caro Roberto,
Tanti auguri a te !!!
Robert,
I just wanted to sing the italian version of the « Happy Birthday to you » song.
May this year be filled with love and happiness, just for you.
alessandra
Posted by: alessandra | April 01, 2009 at 02:16 PM
Happy Birthday Robert!
Posted by: Matt | April 01, 2009 at 03:47 PM
Happy birthweek! I know, I read your article, but why should it only last a day? Have a great day, week, year, life. I hope all your dreams come true.
Posted by: kelsta | April 01, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Love, Light and Joy to you Robert!
Posted by: tolly | April 01, 2009 at 08:16 PM
Hi all - Blessings be to all of you! I truly love the community who visit here, and wish all of you the best that I could ever experience. By this time next year may you ALL receive a blessings appropriate to your heart's desire!
I must admit that I do begin celebrating at the appropriate time before my SR, continuing through my birthday, and extend the celebration for some time afterward. This year I'm continuing the party (with a slight work break tomorrow for a special friend in Germany) through this weekend in Santa Fe, where I'll be attending a concert involving a very dear Spiritual Brother, Richard Hardy, performing at the Lensic Performing Arts Center with David Lindley and Hani Naser. If you can be there, excellent! If not, I'll be communing with all my friends of the site in the aethers. Truly, thanks for all your blessings and good wishes. It's made this a wonderful SR/Birthday!
Posted by: Robert | April 01, 2009 at 08:35 PM
Wishing you a day of magical happiness and many returns, dear friend! This world is so blessed because you are in it... thank you for being your fine self and for honoring us with your beautiful spirit and the depth of your soul..... (hope the pizza was great!).....
"To find the true love within...."
With much love....Diana } ----*
Posted by: DianatheHuntress | April 01, 2009 at 08:37 PM
Belated Birthday wishes, Robert!!!! Wishing you all the best in life! Thanks for all your wonderful writings, positive attitude and healing words.
Posted by: SB | April 01, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Dear Robert,
A very Happy Birthday for yesterday. Thank you for the info on equal houses this immediately put everything into a much stronger reading on my own chart. I am expecting a relocation this year and have been looking at my S/R for the past month or so although not official for another 11 days. With mercury on S/R AC and natal mercury within 1degree it was all there but houses didn't tie in very well. Now they do with thanks to you. Regards Pamela. p.s. Could you please tell me if the progressed chart becomes stronger the older you get?
Posted by: Pamela | April 02, 2009 at 03:24 AM
Happy Birthday fellow Aries! My SR will occur 4/9 at the full moon (5:07pm CST). Any tips for a SR full moon in H4, moon ruling the AC, natal AC in cancer as well?
Thank you for this site!
Posted by: John | April 03, 2009 at 03:15 PM
Hi all - Again, thanks for such an amazing outpouring of affection. I couldn't ask for much more (except whirled peas, the "Supreme Lord" returning to Earth, etc....)
Hi Pamela - While the progressed chart may seem to become "stronger," in fact it always shows us the path by which our natural tendencies evolve. So while progressed planets do seem strong, it's a natural correlary of the larger process of unfoldment. It may be that we become more aware of our growth process and our "path of becoming" rather than any quantitative measure.
Hi John - Happy birthday and Solar Return to you as well. Study the patterns at work in the chart, seeing how the various rulers of the natal houses are positioned and aspected. As for specifics, there are too many factors to consider to discuss in a comment stream. You have a host of very productive and beneficial aspects. The larger pattern indicates that 7th house stuff is very important to you right now, and that the world of the "not self" is where you're getting most of your spiritual experience. This year you will have major revelations about perception, communication, motive, and the whole of your life story. You'll separate from old karmas bound in old mindsets, and understand the collective from a whole new angle of vision.
Posted by: Robert | April 07, 2009 at 11:53 AM