calculated when the birth time is unavailable), a solar chart uses the location of the
Sun on the day of birth as the position to begin the first house and then calculates suc-
ceeding houses in equal arcs of 30°. For example, if someone was born during a day
when the Sun was at, say, 12° in the sign Capricorn, the first solar house would begin
at 12° Capricorn, the second at 12° Aquarius, the third at 12° Pisces, and so forth
through the remaining signs of the zodiac. This solar chart is interpreted exactly the
same way as a standard natal chart.
SOLARRETURNCHART
A solar return chart provides a wealth of information: It describes the overall themes
of the year and the potential, options, problems, and issues associated with those
themes. Solar return charts are easy to interpret and give valuable clues regarding
major cycles of growth and transformation.
A solar return chart is a chart set for the exact time of the Sun’s annual return
to its natal position. At the moment one’s birth, the Sun has a specific zodiacal posi-
THEASTROLOGYBOOK [617]
Solar Return ChartThe Sun driving his chariot with a wheel bearing the image of the zodiacal Leo over which
he has rule. Reproduced by permission of Fortean Picture Library.