by

Mary Shea

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INTRODUCTION TO SOLAR RETURNS AND THEIR INTERPRETATION What is a Solar Return Chart? Solar Return Location. Period of the Solar Return's Significance. ELEMENTS, MODES, QUADRANTS RETROGRADE PLANETS THE SUN IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART Solar Return Sun in a house: THE MOON IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART The Moon as an Emotional Indicator Conscious or Unconscious Emphasis Solar Return Moon in a house: Moon Aspects MERCURY IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART Solar Return Mercury in a house: Mercury Aspects		VENUS IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART   Relationships Finances Solar Return Venus in a house: Venus Aspects MARS IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART Solar Return Mars in a house: Mars Aspects JUPITER IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART Solar Return Jupiter in a house: SATURN IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART Solar Return Saturn in a house:  URANUS IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART Solar Return Uranus in a house: NEPTUNE IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART Solar Return Neptune in a house: PLUTO IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART Three Different Points of Focus Three Different Plutonian Processes Solar Return Pluto in a house:

Planets in Solar Return

for:

Shirley MacLaine April 24, 1934 3:57 PM Richmond, Virginia
******
Solar Return calculated for: April 24, 2006 12:17:32 AM Seattle, Washington


*** INTRODUCTION TO SOLAR RETURNS AND THEIR INTERPRETATION ***

What is a Solar Return Chart?

        A solar return chart is a chart erected for the time that the transiting Sun returns to the position of the natal Sun. Approximately once every year the transiting Sun goes through the entire zodiac, every degree, minute, and second of each sign. When you are born, the Sun in your natal chart has a specific position in the zodiac. This position can be measured exactly. At some point in time during each subsequent year, the transiting Sun returns to this natal position, conjuncting your natal Sun. The date and time when the conjunction occurs down to the exact second of arc is the time of the solar return chart. A chart is then calculated for that date, using the time (of the transiting Sun's return to your natal Sun's position), and your location (longitude and latitude) at the time of the conjunction.

Solar Return Location

        The solar return chart is generally calculated for your location at the time of the Sun's return. This may occur on your birthday, or the day before or after. During leap years, it sometimes occurs two days before your birthday. If you are going to be away or traveling near your birthday, calculate the time of the Sun's return before you leave so you can note your position the exact moment of the solar return.

        You can also calculate the chart for your natal birth location even if you no longer live there. The natal location solar return chart is not as definitive as the relocation solar return, but it can give you good information. The natal location solar return is like a progressed or solar arc chart; you are born with it. Therefore, a natal solar return cannot and will not reflect any free will choices you might have made regarding where you live or where you are when the sun returns. It is a good chart, but it does not mirror the whole picture, especially if you have moved a great distance.

        Some individuals prefer the chart calculated for their place of residence regardless of where they are located at the time of the Sun's return. This chart can be useful also, but again, it tends to be secondary to the chart of your actual location at the time of the Sun's return to its natal zodiacal position.

        Some individuals relocate for a short period of time, usually about 24 hours, to adjust the house placements of the planets in the solar return. Those who calculate the chart for where they are at the time of the transiting Sun's conjunction to the natal position sometimes travel to other locations to change the yearly interpretation. The relocation adjusts the angles and cusps, orienting the planets into different houses. The zodiacal degrees and aspects of the planets remain the same, but because of the different planetary placements different areas of life are emphasized. The free will choice to make this adjustment seems to bring this chart closest to the truth.

Period of the Solar Return's Significance

        The significance of the solar return runs birthday to birthday with a three month overlap at the beginning and end of each year. The symbolism of the new solar return can be felt as much as three months before the birthday by very intuitive people. Usually, at this time, one becomes aware of new directions, opportunities, and problems. Many times there is even an event exactly three months before the birthday which triggers awareness and signals the beginning of the new solar return. This event is usually very much related to the new solar return and very much out of context with the old one. If you have plans to travel overseas during the three months before your birthday, do not look for the event in the old solar return even if you have been planning to take the trip all year. The old solar return will probably indicate the planning stage, but the new solar return will indicate the trip. The trip itself illustrates change, and since it occurs in the three months before your birthday, it will most likely be indicative of the new solar return chart.

        On the other hand, the significance of the old solar return may not feel passé until three months after your birthday. The old themes and issues which you have worked with for the year should begin to lose their importance just as the new solar return starts to manifest itself. As your attention naturally shifts to new themes and issues, previous concerns are phased out. This is especially true if you experience a sense of completion relevant to the old tasks. However, there are times when the old solar return drags on. If you are working on a major project for the year, it may be impossible to complete it within the one year time span. If you normally procrastinate and avoid making decisions, tasks associated with the old solar return can easily last past your birthday and into the first three months of the new solar return year. Unresolved issues carried over from year to year become stumbling blocks to further advancement and development. Individuals who consistently avoid facing the real issues in their lives accumulate major problems which are very difficult to handle.

        The important thing to remember about solar returns, and life experiences in general, is that they are part of a cumulative process. The more attentive and productive you are this year, the greater your options next year. The less you accomplish now, the more limited you will feel as time goes by. Unlike transits which can seem disconnected and singular, solar returns are closely aligned and can easily be viewed as building blocks, one upon the other, year after year. For this reason, each year becomes important and each task has a history and a future. The rhythmic pattern of the solar return helps us to see this.

        The main transitional month for the change from the old solar return to the new solar return is the month directly preceding the birthday. Issues related to the old solar return are resolved at this time unless they drag on (as explained above), or they are part of the new solar return as well. Issues related to the new solar return become more pressing during this transitional month and are certainly full blown by the birthdate. Sometimes the new solar return simply gains strength during the three months before your birthday and sometimes it comes in with a bang on or near your birthday. Rarely does it happen that a solar return chart starts to change manifestation later in the year. Themes in the chart usually persist for the entire year, but once in a great while one new theme will appear later than expected. In every case, the new theme can be seen in the solar return chart, yet it lay there inactive for some unknown reason. An external event is the triggering mechanism used to activate this inert awareness, and the event generally occurs within the three months following the birthday. It can be hypothesized that unconscious factors help to avoid full involvement with this new issue until such time as it is associated with an external event of importance and thereafter becomes very obvious.

        Planets conjunct a house cusp within a few degrees may be read in both houses. It is especially important to read outer planets in both houses since they eventually transit or retrograde into the other house, indicating dual or shifting concerns during the year. The more planets that are in a solar return house, the more emphasized that area of life will be during the coming year, especially if the Sun is one of the planets present. Four or more planets in any one house indicate a strong need to be involved with those themes and issues. But the individual may become so focused on this one area of life that perception is distorted and these themes are overemphasized. He or she may not want to think about anything else or accomplish tasks in other areas. The overloaded house becomes a symbol for obsessive preoccupation or emotional overload.

*** Astrological Data of Birth ***
      The birth chart is a map of the positions of the planets at the time and place of birth. For the benefit of students of astrology, these positions and other technical information is listed below:

Sun      3 Tau 59                Neptune   9 Vir 47
Moon     6 Vir 58                Pluto    22 Can 36
Mercury 15 Ari 26                Asc.     29 Vir 10
Venus   17 Pis 55                MC       29 Gem 04
Mars     1 Tau 40                2nd cusp 25 Lib 42
Jupiter 16 Lib 19                3rd cusp 26 Sco 06
Saturn  26 Aqu 35                5th cusp  2 Aqu 03
Uranus  27 Ari 46                6th cusp  2 Pis 31

Tropical  Placidus   Standard Time observed
April 24, 1934   3:57 PM
GMT: 20:57:00   Time Zone: 5 hours West
Lat. and Long. of birth place: 37 N 33 13 77 W 27 38


Astrological Data of Solar Return:

Sun      3 Tau 59                Neptune  19 Aqu 36
Moon    16 Pis 03                Pluto    26 Sag 35
Mercury 11 Ari 06                Asc.     21 Sag 57
Venus   19 Pis 46                MC       20 Lib 49
Mars     5 Can 57                2nd cusp  1 Aqu 29
Jupiter 15 Sco 18                3rd cusp 16 Pis 07
Saturn   4 Leo 42                5th cusp 15 Tau 25
Uranus  13 Pis 31                6th cusp  4 Gem 34

April 24, 2006   GMT: 07:17:32
Seattle, Washington 47 N 36 23 122 W 19 51

Aspects and orbs:
Sun and Moon only All other planets
Conj. : 8 Deg. 00 Min. 7 Deg. 00 Min.
Oppos. : 6 Deg. 00 Min. 6 Deg. 00
Square : 6 Deg. 00 Min. 6 Deg. 00 Min.
Trine : 6 Deg. 00 Min. 6 Deg. 00 Min.
Sextile: 5 Deg. 00 Min. 4 Deg. 00 Min.



ELEMENTS, MODES, QUADRANTS, AND RETROGRADE PLANETS
Zero or One Earth Planet

        While the preponderance of earth is generally associated with attention to financial matters, the lack of earth is more closely associated with financial limitations. Implied is a lack of money, through a loss of income, mismanagement, or self-imposed limitations. If you usually have money problems, then the lack of earth in the solar return chart can indicate increasing or continuing economic difficulties during the coming year. You may find that you have reached your credit limit and can no longer spend money without planning. You will not necessarily have employment problems also, though sometimes that is the case. The lack of earth in the solar return chart suggests a lack of attention to financial concerns which can eventually lead to significant debt and overextension.

        On the other hand, this is an excellent time to budget. Those individuals who are able to set their own limits use this time to become artificially poor and live on less money than earned. The lack of earth can indicate the desire to impose a strict system for saving money toward a large purchase such as a down payment on a home. In this case, the monetary pinch comes from your own savings program and not a lack of real funds or impinging debts. You can channel your money into various projects and expenses, leaving less to play with. If you are very concerned with your future financial security, vow to do something about it now.

        For some individuals, the lack of money will not be a problem. You can place a greater emphasis on intangibles and therefore money is not a top priority. The quality of life is more important than the current financial state. If you are unhappy with your job, this is a good time to quit since career satisfaction will be more important to you than the salary you are paid. You are capable of living on less.

Zero or One Air Planet

        The lack of air in a solar return chart is associated with several different manifestations, but basically only one underlying personality trait. It implies that rational thinking is not the major component of your decision-making process during this year. Depending on what other element is emphasized, you may be very practical (earth), emotional (water), or inspired (fire). Because of the lack of air, you might not be objective. A personal perspective will predominate. Without the lightness of the air quality, you might take life too seriously.

        Charts with little or no air can also indicate a year of little forethought. You may be impulsive, jumping first, thinking later. You respond to external events in a reactive way rather than planning your moves, especially if the water element is prominent. These reactions may be unconscious knee-jerk reflexes rather than considered responses formulated after a clear perception and assessment of the situation.

        This lack can indicate inexperience if you are involved in a new activity or unfamiliar situation. Hence, it follows that you do not have the experience or knowledge necessary for what you are trying to accomplish. For example, suppose you buy an older home that needs a lot of renovation and you've never done this type of work before. You will undoubtedly spend many hours reading books and consulting with experts as you renovate the house. You learn by trial and error. Sometimes you do things well the first time and sometimes you do them over. For this reason, you may feel intellectually incompetent. This is not meant to imply that you cannot be successful in your endeavors this year. You can be very successful, but usually this will occur through a process of trial and error.

        It is also common to feel uninformed. In its worst manifestation, it is a feeling of stupidity. But in its best manifestation, it is a thirst for knowledge and the courage to take risks attempting new tasks. This is an excellent time to gather information about new fields of interest, or to attend school.

Five or More Water Planets

        The emphasis on water in your solar return is related to an increase in unconscious impulses and psychological factors. You may be more psychic or intuitive, but some negative psychological traits such as fears, phobias, dependencies, obsessions, and compulsions may pop into your behavioral repertoire. These need not cause you discomfort, but you will have a tendency to react to life from a feeling level rather than from a clear avenue of conscious thought. This is a good time to work with your feelings and create a stronger bond of nurturing and caring with others.

        You are apt to be more sensitive to emotional stimuli this year. A very positive manifestation would be a love relationship. Your feelings for family, parents, children, and friends may be more poignant. But a preponderance of water can also symbolize an overwhelming emotional nature. You can lead with your heart, refuse to see things logically, and ignore your own best advice. There is a tendency to be more anxious or worried. If you feel overwhelmed by your own emotions and the problems of others, this is an excellent time to see a counselor.

THE SUN IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
        The Sun is the most significant planet in the solar return chart. Its position by house shows the most emphasized area of life during the coming year, how and where you expend the greatest amount of energy. The house placement of the Sun is reflected in the interpretation of the other planets, and may be the motivating force behind their symbolism.

Sun in 4th house:

        The Sun in the 4th house is basically concerned with finding a physical, emotional, and spiritual home or niche. There is a special place for everyone in the Universe, a place that reflects their spiritual purpose and fulfills their emotional/physical needs, a niche that defines, directs, and supports. It is the place where you function at your best while feeling protected and encouraged by your environment. On a physical level, this niche is a warm and comfortable home. On the emotional level, it is a supportive relationship, and spiritually, it is a fulfilling purpose or goal. With the Sun in the solar return 4th house, you need to find that niche on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. This is a time for grounding your existence with purpose and establishing the roots that will support you in the years ahead.

        Finding the physical niche means finding or constructing a home that is a comfortable place of revitalization. Your pleasures are simple and center around whatever you call home, but it is not uncommon for "home" to become unsuitable during the solar return year. Your needs have changed and you must now make some adjustments in your surroundings. With only the Sun in the 4th house, you probably only want to redecorate or reorganize your home situation. Those individuals with Uranus or Pluto also in the 4th house may want to make sweeping changes that tend to involve greater disruption.

        The search for a home on the physical level leads many people to purchase new homes or fix up their old ones. They need to have a physical place of retreat in order to replenish their energy. The physical niche is crucial since it is the beginning base of operation which goes on to support both the emotional and spiritual levels. The external emphasis on purchasing or repairing a home reflects the internal emotional need for a supportive environment. If you examine your living or working environment now, you will discover that there is something which physically impairs your future goals. In most instances, there is a need for a private place for thinking, working or studying. This need for space is important and must be satisfied if you are to build a multilevel supportive environment which will augment your future abilities. Work begins with the physical home. Watch the symbolism of what you are doing to the physical home. As you are satisfying physical external needs, correlations can be drawn to improvements occurring on the emotional and spiritual levels.

        The Sun in the 4th house is also focused on the emotional level. This is a very strong position for individuals seeking emotional satisfaction and fulfillment. For this reason, you will tend to be more vocal about your feelings of loneliness and lack of emotional support from friends, family, co-workers, and bosses. You will also be more appreciative of the support these people give you. Loneliness may be the result of delayed grief. You may grieve for those who have died or left even though the separation occurred several years before. The Sun in the 4th is meant to be a time of emotional healing; it may not be a year for personal achievement, independence or assertiveness if you are more concerned about emotional fulfillment and interconnections with others. Gains can be made internally rather than externally.

        Family involvement grows and this is a good time to improve or renew relationships with estranged family members. Resolve old resentments which clog up the emotional nature, making it more difficult to express positive feelings. This process of emotional housecleaning may involve reevaluating your childhood and your relationship with your mother and father. Your memories during this time may not be especially pleasant; working to give yourself the emotional support you will need in the future can involve reconciling past conflicts. If you still cannot get what you need emotionally from your relatives, then you will seek comfort elsewhere and grow apart.

        Dependency issues are common. An increased need for physical or emotional support can evolve into an obvious dependency. You may be physically or emotionally dependent on someone else as a result of real or imagined limitations. Those individuals who are already emotionally unstable can regress and exhibit childlike characteristics. This is a very negative and, fortunately, very rare manifestation.

        You may feel physically and emotionally abandoned by your parents, and their lack of support becomes an issue. They would feel that your demands are too great; you would say their help is nonexistent. On the other hand, you might be asked to give your support to others. Sometimes grown children or elderly parents turn to you for assistance if they are emotionally drained or physically weakened themselves and greatly in need of help. It is good to remember that we all have different needs at different times. They wax and wane according to our spiritual, emotional, and physical diet.

        Usually the Sun in the 4th moves to the 1st house in the following solar return year, so now is a good time to practice using your emotional and intuitive processes in a positive way. They are important sources of information, essential to your growth. If you get in touch with your emotional-intuitive nature, you will learn to trust the information you receive. Gradually, as the year moves on, you will become aware of factual or physical evidence supporting your intuitive impressions. You need to break through emotional fears and begin to work positively with your insights so that your intuitive feelings will flow easily. Next year when your Sun moves to the 1st house, you will have a good information base for independent action and personal assertiveness.

        And finally, you must find a spiritual niche in this world. Everyone is here for a purpose. Your spiritual purpose may be renewed, clarified, or changed at this time. You need to redefine what your higher purpose will be in the coming years, and how you can best serve the needs of the Universe. You will be guided in your search by what makes you feel fulfilled. This is why emotions are so important this year-they put you in touch with your spiritual purpose. Next year (when the Sun will probably be in the 1st house), and the following year (when the Sun will most likely be in the 10th house), you will be involved with expressing yourself more assertively to the world. With a clear sense of spiritual direction, a strong intuitive nature, and a supportive environment, confidence will be maintained and growth will occur easily. You will use the supportive physical environment, emotional connections and spiritual goals you establish this year to back up your efforts in those years to come.

Sun Aspects Saturn

        Sun-Saturn aspects in the solar return chart tend to imply a sense of structure. Whether this structure becomes supportive or restrictive is up to the individual's ability to handle Saturnian issues in a positive manner. This is not meant to be a depressing time, but it does entail stark realism. Accurate perceptions of existing situations are essential to either accepting or changing future expectations. The refusal to accept responsibility for one's own life situation or to work within obvious limitations can lead to frustration, isolation, and loneliness. Limitations are not an essential characteristic of Saturnian aspects, but denote a need to be more realistic and patient. Changes are slow and involve careful planning, hard work, and discipline. Many times a major project is being worked on for most of the year.

Sun Aspects Mars

        Mars symbolizes the energy necessary for successful accomplishments. When Mars aspects the Sun, it is a good time to work on a project that requires a great deal of energy to complete. Success can come in the form of personal or professional achievement, or with defense. Relationships tend to be competitive, and you need to balance self-centered drives with the needs of others. Learning to deal with aggression, conflict, and anger in an effective rather than detrimental way can enable the individual to handle negative situations positively. Less spiritual themes involve destructive or self-destructive urges. Prolonged anger creates blockages which waste energy in a cycle of negative emotions that have no real purpose or goal. It is better to direct efforts into positive endeavors.

THE MOON IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
        The solar return Moon seems to have two consistent themes throughout all of the houses. First and most simply, the Moon is associated with change and fluctuation according to its house position. Secondly, and probably more importantly, the Moon reflects the individual's emotional nature during the solar return year.

The Moon as an Emotional Indicator

        While we speak of the Moon as simply an indication of one's emotional nature, the actual interpretation of the Moon is more complex than simple. The Moon is not just an indicator of feelings; one's emotional nature is a multidimensional conglomeration of feelings, temperament, needs, and unconscious responses. We cannot look at the Moon as one-sided; we must study its interpretation from a number of perspectives.

        The Moon represents the individual's feelings regardless of whether or not they are expressed openly. The type of feelings you have during the year can be demonstrated by the Moon's sign, position, and aspects. The Moon's sign can be important even though the Moon has essentially only nineteen placements, because it is indicative of what the individual feels during the year and how he or she is most likely to exhibit those feelings.

        The major difference between an individual's feelings and basic temperament is that feelings tend to make up one's basic temperament. The word temperament implies one's overall pattern of emotional response; it is an emotional factor that remains constant regardless of the circumstances. On the other hand, feelings imply a specific emotion in response to a particular event or situation. For example, moody people have emotional swings. Their feelings change depending whether or not they are experiencing happy or sad events; however, their proclivity toward emotional highs and lows remains constant regardless of their particular mood at any point in time. Despite feelings of joy or depression, they still have a moody disposition. The solar return Moon's sign is generally very descriptive of your emotional temperament. It can suggest an array of emotional characteristics including moodiness, sensitivity, coldness, or enthusiasm.

        Emotional needs play a crucial role in the Moon's cycle of change and emotional maturation. As explained above, the Moon moves in an understandable pattern through the solar return. During each year, the individual knows certain emotional needs must be met in order to feel secure and fulfilled. These needs, which fluctuate from year to year, cause the individual to create the variety of situations necessary for emotional maturity.

Conscious or Unconscious Emphasis

        The Moon also signifies the unconscious experience. While Mercury's placement will suggest what the person is consciously thinking, the Moon's placement will suggest what the individual is experiencing on an unconscious level. Together, the Moon and Mercury (and sometimes also the Sun) symbolize the balance between conscious and the unconscious processes. We like to think that our decisions are based on the integration of rational and emotional information, but during any given solar return year, one process more than the other can influence our decisions, perceptions, and motivations. The focus of attention shifts to accommodate fluctuations in individual patterns of growth. There will be years when you lean more heavily on your emotional responses, tending to trust your instincts and follow your intuition. But there will be other years when you depend more on a logical assessment of your situation.

        The emphasis on the unconscious usually indicates a year in which the native will be interested in fostering emotional connections and unconscious insights. Logic and factual information may not be meaningful within the context of present situations, which will tend to be emotional. Example situations include (but are not limited to): involvement in counseling, therapy or self-help discussion groups; intense family situations (related to birth, child-rearing, sickness or death); and very nurturing social situations (e.g., communal living, helping the disabled, underprivileged or homeless). Emotional interactions and perceptions will naturally be more important if they are more likely to provide vital information needed to handle experiences during the coming year. An emphasis on the unconscious nature is conducive to emotional growth.

        All forms of mental activity are associated with an emphasis on the conscious mind, including educational and informational activities. Teaching, learning, lecturing, and writing are several examples. An emphasis on the conscious mind is conducive to intellectual growth.

Moon in 2nd house (within 3 degree orb of 3rd house)

        The Moon in the 2nd house shows an emotional need for financial security. In order to feel comfortable during the next year, it is important for you to review your financial situation and formulate plans which will increase or insure economic stability. This financial plan should be capable of meeting your immediate and future material needs by addressing three major issues.

        First, how dependent are you on others for your financial security? You may have been financially dependent on someone else in the past and at this point in your life, you could view your financial dependency as immature, unstable or undesirable.

        Second, how stable is your present salary and what can you do to increase future earning power? Although a steady income would be reassuring at this time, it is more common to have a vacillating income. This is not the time to expect a straight, dependable salary. Most likely your income will fluctuate, but this could happen for several reasons. You might be self-employed or only work part-time when the need arises. Your schedule could be erratic or your earnings could be based on commissions or incentives. For some individuals, the Moon in the 2nd indicates a break in income, though usually this is not the case. Your overall income can actually change either positively or negatively, but it is more likely to increase if you actively focus on money-making ideas. The Moon in the 2nd house is generally a sign that materialistic attitudes are very strong and making more money is part of this trend. Even so, the need for money is usually more closely associated with an emotional need for financial security than greed or avarice.

        Third, are you handling your present funds effectively in regard to spending practices, savings accounts and investments? Spending practices are changing and expenditures will go up or down depending on what you are purchasing and who is spending the money. If you are spending your own money, you are less likely to make frivolous purchases and more apt to budget, save or invest. You will tend to be more cautious and less speculative; with economic possibilities so varied, you would be wise to conserve money for rainy days and major purchases. Outside of investments, the one major purchase commonly associated with the Moon in the 2nd house is a home, particularly the initial house. This house is generally seen as an investment as well as a home, and a major step towards financial stability.

        Since the interpretation of this planet in this house has centered so much on money, it is important to reiterate that the focus is not generally money needed to fund materialism, but money needed for financial security.

Moon within 3 degree orb of 3rd house

        The Moon in the 3rd house is a sign that emotional influences compete or unite with rational thoughts for decision-making power. The interplay between these two levels of thought, the conscious and the unconscious levels, is key to the pattern of growth. If you depend too much on the conscious level, you might be trying to suppress or analyze your feelings before they are even apparent. This will not work. Feelings just are, and must be appreciated as they exist before symbols emerge and they can be understood. On the other hand, you may feel more ruled by unconscious urges than clear-headed rationalism. Within this scenario, feelings overwhelm common sense and burst into the open when you least expect it. Freudian slips are possible despite your conscious efforts for restraint, and you inadvertently say things that were better left unsaid. Although these comments honestly reflect your true feelings, they go too far and reveal more than is in your best interest or the best interest of others.

        The key to working with this placement is understanding the need for conscious and unconscious appreciation, integration, and consensus. This is not the time to depend totally on either conscious thoughts or feelings. It is the integration of the two levels of understanding which is most informative. Emotions will be the basis of learning, but once feelings have reached the surface, it is most insightful to understand them within the context of the total experience, both rational and emotional. For example, if you attend group therapy sessions during the year, you will focus on the psychological meaning of what is being said rather than the actual physical details. However, once the emotions have risen to the surface repeatedly, patterns of response will be intellectually understood.

        The combination of an emotional planet in a rational house can also indicate that you get mixed messages. You may not be exactly sure when you are thinking and when you are responding from the gut level. You may even be of two minds, especially regarding a relationship. Your heart tells you one thing while your mind tells you another. Competition, rather than integration, is possible in those who do not work towards comprehension. Positively, this is a strong combination for those who yearn to integrate feelings and thoughts, and experience life as multidimensional yet whole. If you are a writer, artist, psychologist, counselor or holistic practitioner, the placement of the Moon in the 3rd house can indicate that you experience the conscious and unconscious mind as a unit working together. The artist can use creative projects to explore and understand emotional themes. If you are a counselor or involved in therapy yourself, you can use the conscious mind to decipher and interpret unconscious messages. Used wisely, mixed messages can lead to great insight.

        You can become a more public personality, especially in your own neighborhood or area of expertise. For example, one individual with the Moon in the 3rd house of the solar return had been working for a large organization. He then started his own business and began pushing his own products. He was lifted from the obscurity of the company to a more public position. What you do and say will become more noticeable this year. Your demeanor and presentation are important. You can make a lasting impression on those who see or hear you in a public capacity. You may even be a role model for others. Therefore it is important that you maintain a good public image and reputation.

        Neighborhood selection is important to those who are thinking of purchasing a home. If you are already settled, this is a good time to become more involved with your neighbors and community associations.

Moon Aspects Uranus

        Probably the most common activity associated with a Moon-Uranus aspect in a solar return chart is moving from one home to another. You may move yourself, or help someone either move in or out of your home. Domestic changes are likely. Usually, a certain amount of disruption transpires in the home. Expect breaks in your daily routine and habits. Most likely, relationships are also changing. You could be involved in a new relationship, or an old one may be going through a period of transition or separation. Either you or your partner initiates these changes.

        Strong attractions are possible at this time, but this is not the most common manifestation. If you feel you are caught in an emotional rut, changes are more likely to occur. The external changes you experience in relationships are the direct result of internal restlessness. It stands to reason that if your situation and emotional needs change, you will be faced with new issues and problems, and be required to develop new ways of expressing yourself emotionally. This is one way to break inhibitions. The involvement in new situations will accentuate your ability or inability to handle emotions and relationships in a positive way. At the very worst, emotional control will be difficult and feelings will be erratic. You may be overwhelmed one day and detached or cool the next. You could say or do things without really considering the emotional consequences, but then, this might free you up to make necessary changes quickly and easily.

Moon Aspects Jupiter

        Moon in aspect to Jupiter suggests that your ability to express your feelings within a significant relationship is important to your own emotional growth during the year, and also to the growth of the relationship. Jupiter symbolizes your ability to expand and the Moon symbolizes your feeling nature. Together in aspect, they emphasize the process of sharing emotions, having those emotions understood, and growing from the interchange. For example, if you are involved in counseling, this exchange is crucial to the therapeutic process. If you are involved in a serious relationship, sharing your feelings is very important for the development of greater intimacy. Problems expressing your feelings or reaching a level of understanding will cause emotional stagnation and eventually strain your relationships.

        Some real or imagined barrier to expressing feelings can exist with this aspect, and it is important that you break through this barrier and be understood if emotional growth is to occur. Sometimes the barrier is really no problem at all, but a wonderful opportunity for openness. Expansion through emotional interchange and relatedness is the key. It can come about by overcoming barriers or creating rewarding opportunities.

        Moon-Jupiter aspects sometimes imply overwhelming emotions. You do best with objective feedback from others. Your perception may be distorted if you keep your feelings isolated. It is just as important for you to convey cheerful emotions as serious feelings, especially if you are in a situation where enthusiasm could motivate others. For instance, if you are working on a humanitarian project and you need volunteers, your ability to inspire others with your enthusiasm will help your cause.

Moon Aspects Venus

        The Moon in aspect to Venus suggests that emotional security and domestic issues are tied to financial considerations. Your monetary situation can be affected either positively or negatively. If you are planning on pursuing an emotionally fulfilling goal, you will have to consider your financial situation before making any changes. Whether or not your goal is feasible at this time depends on how much money you have set aside. You might have to compromise your present income and take a pay cut to enter a more rewarding field. Ultimately, your salary will increase if you are successful in your new endeavors. Financial stability is also affected by domestic conditions. Moving, pregnancy, and birth are common events that affect the amount of money earned and spent. Occasionally this aspect can show a time when you are financially dependent on others for support for one of the reasons mentioned above.

MERCURY IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
        Mercury has two basic interpretations in the solar return chart: it symbolizes both your mental condition during the coming year and what you are thinking about. The first task involved in understanding Mercury's interpretation is to evaluate the indicators for mental conditioning and the possible sources of tension.

Solar Return Mercury in 3rd house:

        Mercury in the 3rd house suggests a strong inquisitive mind with a thirst for knowledge. You could spend a lot of time reading, writing, studying, or communicating. You want an influx of new ideas. Information that you gather during this year may relate to a project or particular field of interest. But it is also possible that your interests are scattered and the information is superficial. If you are attending school, learning may tend to be tedious and involve the memorization of numerous details. Interpreting Mercury's aspects and assessing the mental conditioning reflected in the chart can give you a better idea about what type of information is important and its purpose during the coming year.

        All types of information can be important. Significance is not limited to educational material. This can be a time for major disclosures and realizations. Some individuals remember childhood sexual abuse while having Mercury in the 3rd house. Realizations and resurfacing memories can have major ramifications. It is possible that the information you receive at this time or have received in the past is false. You may be misinformed or even lied to. Mercury in the 3rd does not guarantee that the information you gather will be correct. There may be inconsistencies between what you are told and what you intuitively feel. It will be your task to assess what is truth and what is fiction.

        Mercury in the 3rd house can suggest that the rational thinking processes are stronger than feelings. This is most likely to be so if the Moon is not particularly strong by house, sign, or aspect, and the chart is not watery. If the greater emphasis is on Mercury, decisions will be based on rational considerations rather than emotional needs. But if the Moon is very prominent in the chart, rational thoughts may be overwhelmed by emotional considerations. Emotions and rational thoughts may seem to contradict one another. You may be torn between what you know or hear and what you feel in your heart or sense intuitively. If you are very stressed, unconscious needs may surface. Negative feelings, obsessions, compulsions, phobias, and extreme anger may defy rational control.

        Your mental attitude during the year is very important. You need to think clearly in order to function at an optimal level. Influences that either hinder or promote logical thinking. Among the more detrimental influences are abusive substances such as alcohol and drugs. Mental illnesses (especially depression and anxiety) are also negative influences which can affect one's ability to think clearly. These very negative manifestations correspond more closely to an individual's negative behavioral pattern than to any one specific astrological pattern in the solar return chart. Although stress may be suggested by the solar return chart, disease is not. Those who are intimately and enthusiastically involved in life experience few problems. For them, great excitement rather than stress fuels their thinking processes.

Mercury Aspects Mars

        Mars-Mercury aspects suggest an energetic thought process. This can be a time of great mental energy and an active search for knowledge. Your mind should be quick and alert, though not necessarily highly retentive. Learning can be very exciting and self-perpetuating even if you study alone.

        What is great for the learning process may not be so advantageous when making decisions. The speed normally associated with Mars may indicate that you are impulsive and quick to jump to conclusions. You may not take the time necessary for careful consideration or thorough research. Instead, you may choose to handle situations with gut-level reactions rather than considered responses.

        Mars-Mercury combinations imply assertive ability, but at their worst, these aspects can suggest aggressiveness and great anger. Ongoing conflicts and daily confrontations may occur with very negative manifestations. Those with strong tempers may have trouble controlling their anger. In the heat of the moment, they will say things without thinking about the consequences.

        Old unconscious anger and resentment may fuel present conflicts. You may not be fighting for what you believe is right in this situation; instead you fight because you have been wronged in the past. Focusing on angry thoughts and acting out conflicts can be a terrible waste of a good mind. Mars-Mercury aspects show that thoughts can be put into action. Get motivated. Use this time to accomplish many things. Let your experiences teach you along the way.

        Mercury's relationships to the other planets in the solar return chart indicates how information is gathered, assimilated and integrated into attitudes that persist for most of the year. How easily this is accomplished, and in what manner, is suggested by the aspects. What you are actually thinking about is indicated by Mercury's house placement. The important thing to remember about Mercury's placement is that it is indicative of a mental exercise only. Alone in a house, Mercury can show mental preoccupation without psychological pain or physical consequences. It suggests the ability to make decisions only, and may not be a clear indication of action in any particular area.

VENUS IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
        Venus is the key to understanding your relationships and financial situation for the solar return year. Many times these two areas go hand in hand; financial security tends to be coupled with secure relationships while financial difficulties are more likely to occur when close relationships are strained. Although this correlation is common, it is not the rule, and interpretations for finances and relationships should always be viewed separately. When assessing Venus in the chart, evaluate Venus twice, first with respect to the other relationship factors in the solar return and then with respect to the other monetary indicators. In this way, you can develop a clear picture of each area of concern.

        Venus also indicates a need for comfort and it is informative to note what has preceded Venus in its present house position. If, during this year, Venus resides in a house which last year represented an area of conflict, Venus would imply an improvement in the conditions associated with that house and may indicate a healing process. Benefits commonly follow after much hard work. A Venus placement in the solar return chart following a more difficult placement during the previous year can indicate great reward. Your awareness of this possibility may encourage you to work harder in more problematic areas since you can see the rewards in the following year.

Relationships

        Venus, by house, shows what relationships will be important during the coming year. For example, Venus in the 3rd house might indicate that relationships with neighbors or community involvement will be emphasized. With Venus in the 6th house, pleasant office conditions, and good co-worker relationships will be important. But the interpretation of relationships as they appear in the solar return chart involves more than an understanding of Venus' house placement. Look at the 5th and the 7th houses, especially if you are interested in a love relationship. The more planets in these houses, particularly the 7th house, the greater the need to relate on a one-to-one basis. Generally, the 5th house shows sexual affairs, while the 7th house indicates a greater commitment (though not necessarily marriage). Clandestine affairs or secret relationships are more likely to occur when Venus and/or the Moon appear in the 12th house.

        One fact about marriage and the solar return chart is surprising. The solar return is not necessarily a good indicator of a marriage during the year. The beginning of a relationship might be easily seen, but the marriage itself is more likely to be reflected in other techniques. On the other hand, postponement of a marriage or the refusal to make a commitment can be easily seen with Saturn, Uranus or Neptune in the 7th house.

Finances

        Venus also relates to money and finances, and can be used to evaluate these circumstances for the coming solar return year. The house placement for Venus may indicate how you are most likely to generate income. This is sometimes true, but not always. Venus in the 9th implies a teaching salary, but if you don't teach, the emphasis will be on your beliefs concerning relationships. Don't stretch your economic interpretation of Venus' house placement. If the house position applies, the situation will be obvious. If the house position does not seem to apply to finances in particular, Venus will be more consistent with relationship situations during the year.

        For finances, it is perhaps more important to look at the planetary placements in the 2nd, 6th, 10th, and 11th houses, especially if you are interested in the amount of money you will be able to earn by employment. The 2nd house is the primary money house, but it also gives indications of spending practices. Any planets in the 2nd can reflect your salary and/or your spending practices (regardless of how much money you earn); it is always possible to spend more than you make or make more than you spend.

Solar Return Venus in 3rd house:

        Venus in the 3rd house of the solar return emphasizes all forms of communication, both verbal and written. Your ability to express yourself coherently is important to the activities of the year. Others will listen and respond to what you have to say; therefore your communication patterns need to be clear and concise. For example, one individual organized and wrote a correspondence course during the year Venus was in the 3rd house of the solar return chart. This person's ability to write well was crucial to the success of the task at hand. But one does not have to be involved in a major project to need good communication skills. Effective negotiating techniques are useful in many everyday situations, both business and personal. The ability to make your point quickly, easily, and clearly can give you the edge when mediating a dispute or bargaining for what you want. At other times, being diplomatic may be more advantageous. If you feel the need for improvement, you may want to take a course in communication skills, but for those who are experiencing problems of a personal nature, it is more common to attend counseling sessions, especially when the communication and negotiation of needs are the major topics of discussion.

        A love of learning is also shown by Venus in the 3rd house. This is a good time to return to school or sign up for a course. If you have been apprehensive in the past about finishing your education or going on for a higher degree, this is a good time to start. It may be easier for you to adjust now since you look forward to learning new things. If you do your best work, academic honors are possible during the year.

        Social contacts with neighbors are increasing and you may meet or socialize with a greater number of local people. Superficial familiarity with many neighbors is more common than in-depth relating to a few. The emphasis here is not necessarily on creating new and long-lasting friendships, but acquiring new acquaintances. In keeping with this trend, you may join the neighborhood coffee klatch or community association. My favorite example for a 3rd house solar return Venus is a teenaged girl who took her first job at a local neighborhood library. She not only met many of her neighbors, she also began to date a few. Your urge to meet and communicate with your neighbors can be motivated by a neighborhood problem. Socialization may be secondary to involvement in an organized community effort or public service.

Venus Aspects Uranus

        Uranus-Venus aspects in the solar return chart usually denote changes in relationships. For some people, this can mean a sudden attraction and the excitement of a new love. Involvements may be very strong, very quick, and may or may not have staying power. New relationships might eventually lead to marriage, but probably not during this solar return year. Loose associations are common. Friends become lovers and some love relationships seem more like friendships. Occasionally, relationships and attractions are less than conventional. Affairs between or with married individuals, homosexual contacts, and long-distance romances are possible. A general mood of disruption may permeate all partnerships, whether old or new. Difficult relationships may end or become on-again, off-again involvements, but for those in a healthy relationship, changes will occur within the relationship itself and do not indicate a break in ties or a loss of commitment to one another. One or the other partner has a desire for greater freedom and openness. For some people, the changes involve a loss of comfort and stability, but a gain in newness and excitement. For example, the birth of a child brings both disruption and excitement to the new parents. Gone is the relaxing comfort of a stable schedule; expectations and behavioral patterns which were once taken for granted may now be nonexistent. New patterns must emerge, but while the necessary adjustments are being made, the continuing disruption can cause difficulties and temporary distancing between the people involved. Any strong change can cause this disruption in established relationship patterns. Common examples are relocation, retirement, heavy travel, and changes in the number of people living with you.

        Financial changes are also likely to occur with Uranus-Venus aspects. If you are involved in a new and exciting relationship, you may give up your present home and job to relocate to his or her area. Some individuals dispose of much of what they own before the move. For one reason or another, you may decide to stop working or you may go out and get a job. The amount of money available to you is likely to change or fluctuate. You can be working on a commission or incentive basis, or be involved in a profit-sharing plan at work. Self-employment is also possible with Uranus-Venus aspects, especially if you are newly self-employed and have not established a steady clientele.

Venus Aspects Jupiter

        Aspects from Jupiter to Venus have several possible interpretations. You can benefit, either directly or indirectly, through the influence or assistance of others. Relationships can be very rewarding and you reap what you have sown. If you have been helpful and understanding to others in the past, you can expect the same treatment now. Your lover, business partner, or spouse may be actively supportive of your goals, either financially or emotionally.

        Indirect benefits can also come to you through your partnerships. For example, your spouse accepts a job transfer to Colorado and you always wanted to live in ski country. You may buy a house or expensive ski equipment when you get there since large purchases and expenses are commonly seen with Jupiter-Venus solar return aspects. Possibly you spend more than you can afford.

        What you believe to be true about most relationships can either be consistent with your experience, or in conflict with the reality of your situation. As would be expected of anyone, it is more common to notice the conflicts than the periods of consistency. Issues concerning morals, ethics, and monogamy are important and you may discuss whether your relationship is an open or closed one. Either one of you can be involved in a second relationship which causes this issue to be raised. Defining the ethics of relating becomes a goal during the year.

MARS IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
        The planet Mars represents an outward thrust of energy in a solar return chart. It is an active energy geared toward producing an external manifestation brought about through interchanges with the environment. The arrow on the symbol for Mars illustrates this outward thrust and movement. The interplay with the environment and the area of greatest energy expenditure are shown by the aspects to Mars and its house placement. There can be a number of ways in which the outward thrust of energy and activity manifests in the external environment. Positive manifestations implied by Mars include self-motivation, independent action, initiation of new projects, assertiveness, fulfilling sexual encounters, and original or pioneering creations. But anger, aggression, and sexual abuses represent negative and wasteful expenditures. Energy lost in negative exchanges cannot be used productively.

        Mars, by its very nature, denotes the spark of initiation and self-motivation. Original pursuits, independent actions and new projects are fostered during the year and are typically associated with those areas of life denoted by the house placement of Mars. Because of the new endeavors and the enthusiasm generated, these areas then become the focus of energy use as the level of activity increases and you begin to feel driven to work, accomplish, and complete. Sometimes ambition and competitiveness augment the need to excel, but an energetic attitude can flow without these personality traits since self-motivation tends to spring naturally from an inner source.

        During the year, activities may be specifically tied to your ability or inability to be assertive. In its most positive manifestation, the planet Mars denotes an active force. Except for a few of the more subtle interpretations for Mars, the implication is an external thrust which affects other people, places, things or circumstances. For example, if you install a home office, you make a change in your living situation. If you start your own business, you do, in effect, change the environment. If you insist on control over your own finances, you create a more independent relationship style. In each of these cases, you are the individual initiating the activity and asserting your own needs which are essential to the task at hand. The inability to be assertive can only lead to frustrated desires and anger. Your efforts will be thwarted until you make adjustments in your thinking. When extreme frustration occurs, more energy is expended toward being angry than working toward correcting the problem.

        The house position of Mars and its aspects to the other solar return planets provide information about the circumstances which will trigger angry responses in you. Anger may arise from a number of different circumstances, including, but not limited to, frustration at the inability to fulfill your own needs, aggression from others, stressful surroundings or unconscious resentment that has not been resolved. Anger is a signal that your attitude and/or environment need to change. Energy lost to anger cannot be used creatively. Anger that stimulates creative action can be recouped. Your task for the year will be to learn to deal effectively with these anger-producing situations. Do not allow anger to be triggered when insight coupled with assertiveness, tact or corrective action would suit your purposes better. As you focus on negative situations and gain understanding, you can begin to funnel your energies into the most positive manifestations.

        Aggression is a distortion of assertiveness. Assertion is the defense and maintenance of your own rights; aggression is the infringement or attack on the rights of others. Anger is most likely the motivation for the attack, although psychological idiosyncrasies may provide other motivations (of which fear is the main culprit). All acts of aggression, by their very nature, should produce anger in the person attacked, though some individuals, because of their own psychological nature, respond in other ways. Where you find Mars by house position indicates where you are most likely to meet the aggressor during the coming year. Either you will have to deal with a hostile person in the environment or you will be confronted with your own acts of aggression. If you are able to meet your own needs through assertion and you know your own rights while conscientiously defending them, you are less likely to be the aggressor or allow aggressive actions to arise in others. You should be able to strike a balance between your needs, and rights, and the needs and rights of others. In this way, you maintain your position relative to the environment. But regardless of how fair you are in your dealings with others, you may still have to defend your own rights.

        Mars as an indicator of sexuality is not consistent with the interpretation for every house position. There is the possibility that sexual intrigue can apply to the situations denoted by any of the planet's placements, but the connection is not always obvious. Themes of initiation, high energy output, anger, and aggression appear more consistently. For example, Mars in the 10th may mean a sexual attraction between you and your boss, but it is more likely for you to be extremely active in career endeavors. Your boss can be a prime motivator toward career success or he could actually be very offensive and thwart your efforts. Note the aspects between Mars and your other personal planets for further information. The sexual implications of Mars seem more obvious in the relational houses, but then individual differences apply. Sexual fulfillment is directly related to the appropriateness of sexual activity given the particular situation and any restraints or inhibitions involved.

Solar Return Mars in 7th house:

        This is a time to be energized by another person who can get you to do something you would not or could not do alone. In its most positive manifestation, collaboration with another carries you towards the initiation and completion of a project or joint endeavor. If the two of you can agree on mutual goals, you both can make great strides together. Your partner's enthusiasm and drive become the primary motivating force. Most likely, it is the other person's character which provides the spark of inspiration and the encouragement necessary to begin the task, but it is the interactive qualities of the relationship which keep each of you at a high energy level, working towards completion.

        Hopefully, you will be dealing with someone who has your best interests at heart. The problem associated with this placement is that you can be led down the wrong path if you do not choose your friends and partners carefully. If you are connected to individuals who are bad for you, their effect will be negative. For example, if you wish to start a food cooperative and your spouse feels you are too inept to succeed, his or her negative influence will hurt your chances for success. But if he or she is totally supportive, and in fact, leads the way, your chances are greatly improved. A lot depends on the partner's attitude. Since you are so susceptible to the influences of others, it is important to assess who the others are. Contacts can range from the most positive to the most detrimental, from successful achievement to damaging encounters. In the worst manifestation, involvement in a crime is possible. It is important to identify those relationships which are wrong for you and counteract their influence. Cultivate those more positive involvements which enhance your psychological health and soul qualities.

        There is the possibility that you will be in a relationship which involves conflict. You may be angry with someone you see daily or this other person may be angry with you; anger in both directions is possible. It seems that every time you try to express your feelings to this other person, the two of you become involved in an argument. If this is your present situation, you could be involved in an ongoing conflict that continues throughout most of the year and colors your perceptions and attitudes.

        Eventually, your frustration can spill over into other areas of your life and affect other relationships as well if you do not understand and contain the negative impact the conflict is having on your life. Disagreements may be poorly defined or specific, but generally involve a daily ongoing process. For example, a young man was to have inherited his grandfather's watch, but unfortunately, just before the grandfather died, another relative had him change his will and the watch went to an uncle instead. It just so happened that the young man worked with the uncle daily in a family-run business. The uncle spent much time talking about his good fortune. The young man constantly felt angry and tense at work because of the uncle's presence and actions.

        The conflict may only involve a general dislike for a person you see on a regular basis, or it can be more. Interactions range from mild irritation to legal battles, personal vendettas, both sexual, and nonsexual harassment, and aggression of any kind. More than likely, another is an aggressor if you allow yourself to be the victim. Don't lose sight of your self-esteem and need for self-expression. Be aware of your rights in any given situation. Someone may be telling you what to do, what to wear and who to be. You need to learn to practice assertiveness this year and it could be necessary to learn to protect or defend yourself. In very difficult situations, you need to decide whether you will fight or retreat. Some situations can be ignored, or controlled; others require a more definitive response.

        Learning to cope with angry people and angry situations may be part of the lesson associated with Mars in the 7th house of the solar return chart. Now is the time to deal with unresolved issues even if they have lain dormant for many years. Time is running out and you must act now. Learn to handle the curt responses and hurtful remarks and go for the heart of the conflict. Do not get sidetracked. Force the issues into the open so they can be discussed and understood from all sides. As long as anger remains denied or insidious, problems cannot be resolved. If resolutions are totally unattainable, learn to shield yourself from the barbs or retreat to more beneficial situations. Do not stay in situations which are detrimental or counteract positive growth and insight.

        Mars is also the planet of competitiveness. Here in the 7th house, it shows that the spirit of competition spurs you to action. You will be motivated to work harder if you are competing with peers or even enemies. The "I'll show you" attitude can work in your favor. You are very sensitive to criticism from others this year, and anticipation of future criticism, either real or imagined, can motivate you to work harder now and get more done.

JUPITER IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
        Jupiter has a number of possible interpretations in the solar return chart and any or all of the following meanings can manifest according to house position. First and foremost, Jupiter tends to imply a benefic event associated with its placement. How these benefits come about and the area of life affected are usually shown by the house position.

        All opportunities will probably involve expansion into new areas of activity. The primary function of the Jupiter principle is to expand beyond the scope of previous experience. One is not to remain in a static condition; growth is not only implied, but expected. Jupiter's slow and consistent movement through the zodiac implies the steady growth needed to advance.

        One of the most common activities associated with growth and expansion is the pursuit of an education. The impetus to learn is closely associated with any push to grow and our definition of learning in this case is not limited to a structured environment (school), but can include self-teaching and life-experience training. Although education is not always a consideration for every Jupiter house placement, it can be considered to have an impact on any of the houses.

        Areas of expansion can easily become areas of excess and this is a problem with Jupiter. Growth can be uncontrolled and purposeless, dwarfing any push for real attainment or benefit. For example, overeating may supplant a desire for nutritious food when Jupiter is in the 6th house. The weight gain takes the place of education. Already existing situations associated with any house placement of Jupiter may boil over if extreme limitations were previously the norm. This is especially true when emotions overwhelm the individual after a long period of emotional suppression. Any Jupiter placement can signal a false god. One or more activities associated with Jupiter's house may be emphasized to such a degree that a distortion of perception results, creating the false god.

        Perhaps excesses are directly and proportionately related to suppressed urges. We now zoom ahead where we previously lagged behind, making up for lost time. The overwhelming impetus enables us to grow and expand at a rapid pace. The task is to avoid restricting this growth, while staying in control. The best option is one of channeled and structured enthusiasm.

        A question of ethics and morals is often associated with the house placement of Jupiter. Unlike Saturn, which is more representative of societal structures and expectations, Jupiter implies the need for a philosophical (or sometimes religious) consistency between what you are doing physically and what you believe you should be doing ethically or morally. The underlying belief is always at the center of any conflict, not the external expectation. Jupiter by house indicates a desire to review those beliefs commanding a strong influence over one's philosophy of life and code of behavior. Current beliefs may be limiting future growth or freedom. Within this perspective, hypocrisy and moral dilemmas are more commonly a problem than the frustration associated with Saturnian external laws.

Jupiter in 10th house (within 3 degree orb of 11th house)

        Jupiter in the 10th house implies an easy flow of opportunity and advancement in the career arena. The harder the person has worked for this success in the past, the greater the opportunity for advancement now. Those who have done little to foster their own success might still advance, but if so, they are more likely to be at the beginning of a professional climb and will not be able to go as far as those who are better prepared. Regardless of your position, a chance for advancement can materialize without a lot of work on your part. Opportunities may specifically relate to a new field of interest, and moving into a new career arena can be so easy that one only realizes the transition in hindsight. This is a time when most career maneuvers can be accomplished easily. Sometimes little or no effort is needed to acquire a new job. You can be at the right place at the right time. You can also be released from a difficult employment situation of the past.

        If you are self-employed or in a position where the development of a clientele is important, you will most likely find that, by the end of the year, you no longer need to search out clients; they come to you of their own accord. If you own a business, you may expand your operations into new areas, open a new branch office, relocate the factory, or seek a more beneficial working environment. Both owners and employees can use professional connections to network with others in the profession.

        Those intent on staying with a chosen profession or job can enhance their present situation by seeking in-office opportunities for advancement or options to improve daily procedures. If you have performed well in the past, you may expect to be promoted. Transfers and travels to new locations, even overseas, are possible if they are self-initiated and welcomed. Past or future educational goals can play a role in governing your options. Educational benefits or on-the-job training opportunities could be made available to you. In the best possible scenario, the career becomes a point of stability and success in the life pattern for the year. If you are unhappy with your present position, this is an excellent time to change jobs or careers.

        Too much of a good thing is the negative manifestation with this placement. Short-term goals may overrun long-term career needs. You may be so busy advancing that you skip over necessary steps or compromise your own business ethics. Advancement may require that you maintain jovial relationships with authority figures, and this may or may not be in your best interest in the long run. Analyzing the lines of stress coming out of the 10th house can help you to envision the possibility of being put in a compromising position and the implications of such a dilemma. Opportunities abound and one does not necessarily have to settle for less.

Jupiter within 3 degree orb of 11th house

        The number one issue with Jupiter in the 11th house is the issue of freedom as it relates to one or more specific areas of life. Goals are being set early in the year, and most likely the goals are meant to directly benefit the individual. The goals may include educational pursuits which will enhance career potential, but this is not always the case. In order to fulfill the goals, the individual must fight for freedom in one or more specific areas of life. The specific areas are denoted by the houses with Sagittarius and Pisces on the cusps. The symbolism of either one or both houses will work. For example, one young man wanted to attend graduate school, but his work demanded that he put in much overtime. He needed to fight for freedom from the grueling hours before he could attain the educational goal he wished for. Sagittarius ruled the 6th house and Pisces ruled the 10th. He eventually quit his job and found part-time employment.

        A young woman also wanted to go to school, but needed money from relatives. Deep underlying family complexes made it very difficult for her to address the issues clearly and acquire the much-needed financing. She eventually applied for scholarships and loans and entered the school of her choice. The issue of freedom is crucial to success. If one cannot master the tasks necessary for eliminating restrictions, one will not be free to accomplish the goal. Those who are frustrated may function erratically. Freedom in this case is a negative reaction to a restrictive condition, rather than a quest for wholeness.

        Friends may be crucial to the goals you set during the year. They can directly assist you or help you to make the necessary connections. It might be more important who you know than what you do, and therefore networking is to your advantage. It's possible that goals can only be accomplished through a combination of energies coming together from several different individuals. The pooling of resources enables all to succeed as a group while maintaining some measure of individual success. Group efforts and self-help programs are consistent with this placement.

SATURN IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
        Saturn rules reality and the reality of any given situation is that we are all ultimately responsible for creating our own lives. The responses and choices we make to any given situation, together with the fears we avoid, form the backbone for our pattern of living. Only when we accept the responsibility for creating our own fate can we be freed from the necessity of living it. Only when we face our fears can we live unafraid. Saturn is the key to this change in orientation. It is the ultimate reality, the ultimate fear, the karmic avenger, and ruler of the universal laws of nature. It is through Saturn's house placement that we come face to face with ourselves, the structures, and limitations of reality, and the laws we must live by.

        Growth is a complex process, occurring in a variety of ways. Saturnian growth begins by recognizing the existing structures we have incorporated into our lives, and possibly, the frustration or limitation caused by this edifice. It seems strange to talk about growth in terms of limitation, but astrologically Saturn rules structures which are at one point protective and at other times restrictive. Like the lobster or crab which sheds an outgrown, protective, hard shell in order to grow, individuals must periodically shed old structures grown restrictive with time. As with the crustaceans, the shedding process may be slow and laborious, followed by a period of extreme vulnerability until the new shell has formed and hardened into a protective structure. We often complacently mistake familiarity for security. We assume we'll be safe as long as we stick with the same old routine and keep doing what we've been doing all along. But what was once protective and safe eventually ends up inhibiting our evolutionary cycle of growth. Sometimes, only our frustration with things as they are awakens us to the need for change.

        The movement of Saturn through the solar return chart coincides with an awareness of structure. Sometimes this awareness is associated with frustration, and the accentuation of restrictions now blocking evolution. It is through this realization process and frustration that we first become aware of the need to grow beyond our present structures. Therefore, the first step in the Saturnian process toward growth is recognizing structures, frustrations, and limitations imposed by our present patterns of living, particularly in those areas of life signified by Saturn's house placement in the solar return.

        The second step toward growth is reassessment of the situation. A review of the facts yields further information, options, and understanding. Only by defining the inhibitors to the evolutionary cycle can we move toward resolution and continued growth. Self-criticism and constructive feedback from others may be appropriate at this time.

        It is during the reassessment process that the reality of our situation becomes more obvious, as well as the laws by which we are governed. To succeed, we must deal with life realistically. We cannot twist nature to our own liking, nor can we expect others to compensate for our deficiencies and fears by solving our problems. Saturn rules the naked truth devoid of magical thinking. We must live within the laws of nature to succeed and survive. If you hate your job, quit. Do not wait for an act of God to find a new job. If you want to complete a major project, work on it. It is the only way it will get done. If you want to lose weight, diet, and exercise. Hard work and facing the issues head on will get you where you want to go. Wishful thinking will not.

        These issues are all totally within your range of control and you are free to act upon them, but other problems may not be yours to control. You cannot make your husband stop drinking; you can only change the way you handle the situation. You cannot change hypocrisy in others; you can only reassess your own beliefs. During the reassessment process, develop realistic options which could feasibly lead to a resolution of the problem or to a change in the way you handle the problem. Successful solutions are those which are practical and realistic -that is, they conform to the laws of nature.

        Once you understand the problem and the options available, you must assume responsibility for the outcome. Each man or woman contributes to his or her own fate. As the partial creator of any problem, you also have some control over the solution. But assuming responsibility for your present situation can be more threatening than blaming others. Some prefer to buck the system (defy the laws of nature) and complain, rather than take action. Remember, familiarity breeds a false sense of security and many prefer to hang on to their restrictions rather than venture into the unknown. They learn to live with their frustration rather than grow beyond it. Consciously making a decision implies assuming responsibility for your success or failure.

        Facing your fears concerning success or failure is ultimately what Saturn is all about. At this point, you are very aware of the reality of your situation, and you have a list of options for the future, not all of which may work. You understand your own contribution to the situation and what you must do in order to move toward a resolution. You have seen your own shortcomings and become aware of your darker side. You comprehend the laws of nature relative to your situation and know everything is earned in this case, nothing is given, and nothing is guaranteed by the Universe. You now realize that you must stick your nose out and take a calculated risk. In order to progress, you must face your fears, and move toward your nightmare rather than back away. It is only by passing through a period of vulnerability that one can break out of a protective, yet restrictive structure and progress into a more suitable environment. You give up the security of the familiar and step into the unknown.

        The test of any solution is that it works. Even chronic problems need to be solved and not just cosmetically concealed. Success requires much hard work and the systematic testing of solutions until the correct combination is found. Consequently, success may not come easily. If the first solution does not work, you must go on to test another and another. Thus with each failure begins a new cycle of awareness and reassessment, ultimately leading to a well-deserved success. There is plenty of room for hard work, discipline, and perseverance in the area of life indicated by Saturn's house placement. Eventually, every area of life will be touched by the need for reassessment and resolution. Chances are the time for reevaluation coincides with Saturn's placement in a particular house of the solar return. In that area of life, you must go above and beyond what is normally expected.

Solar Return Saturn in 8th house:

        The most common interpretation for Saturn in the 8th house of the solar return relates to financial concerns caused by either debts or limited shared resources. Debts are an issue, and it is not uncommon to borrow a large sum of money during the year for an expensive purchase such as a car or house. But it is more likely that you will feel pressured to pay off your debts, both existing loans and any new ones you acquire. Some individuals force themselves to limit expenditures by refusing to spend any more money until they pay off all debts. Others, who have refused to face financial reality in the past (allowing their debts to reach the credit limits), are now forced by their circumstances to limit spending. They have exhausted all their options. Regardless of whether you are working hard to finish paying off your debts or just reaching your debt peak, you will probably feel pressured to pay your bills.

        Saturn can imply limited shared resources; consequently, you may receive less money from others. If you normally share finances with someone else or receive money for other reasons, this can be a year when these other forms of income (outside of your own earning power) decrease. If you are married or have a roommate, he or she may not be fully employed for part or all of the year, thereby earning less income than usual. On the other hand, he or she may be fully employed, but hesitate to share funds, instead spending whatever money is available on either worthy or unworthy causes, agreed upon or not. In any case, the amount of money shared or earned by your partner can decrease for one reason or another.

        For example, a young housewife with this placement was having trouble stretching her husband's paycheck to meet the bills. They lived frugally, but still there was not enough to go around. He was due for a raise and they hoped everything would work out, but just as he received the raise, they were forced by circumstances to buy a new car. The new car payment took up the entire raise plus ten dollars extra a month, so there was even less money to go around that year.

        If you normally depend on others (possibly your parents or some other relative) for financial gifts, you may receive less money this year than you have in years past. It is probably time you grew more financially independent and became responsible for your own debts. The restriction on shared resources also includes situations associated with wills, inheritances, and occasionally even bank loans. Do not expect someone to give you money unless you expect year-long delays. Saturn in the 8th is not a reflection of the amount of money you yourself earn. That is a separate matter seen through the other houses, most notably the 2nd. Your earnings may be very good this year, but with Saturn in the 8th you would still tend to have some of the above mentioned problems with the money you receive from others.

        Sexual issues are possible with this placement, but generally they are rare in comparison to the emphasis on financial considerations. Sexual limitations may include abstinence, impotence or frigidity in extreme cases, or a general lack of fulfillment. Critical judgments of self or others can inhibit sexual performance. Issues outside of the bedroom, such as power, dominance, and restriction, might affect sexual interchanges. Limitations occur for a variety of reasons, but the partner's absence, your or your partner's ill health, or an inability to function well are most notable. For example, if your wife is pregnant with twins, her desire may wane, assuming you could master the logistics to begin with.

        For a few, sex will be less enjoyable this year, especially if it is rushed, occurring in inconvenient locations, or under stressful circumstances. This is especially true for those who are involved in an extramarital affair. If you cannot fully relate to your partner, you may view the act more as a responsibility than a pleasure. Moral dilemmas in which you feel pulled between sexual attractions and the criticisms of others are possible. If you are a closet homosexual, you may feel pulled between a strong (and obvious to others) attraction to someone you see routinely and the desire to keep your life-style and feelings private.

        You are more aware of the dark side of human nature. You see evidence of it manifesting both in others and in your own personality. Normally you see individuals as a blend of both good and bad, black and white with variations of gray. But during this year, the separation seems more apparent and the grays tend to fade away. Black and white, good and evil, become all-or-nothing traits, different sides of one personality manifesting themselves at different times. The contrast tends to be stark. Situations you are involved in during the year, conflicts and stress cause the more negative traits to manifest. For example, if you are involved in a love-hate relationship, you will probably see both the best and the worst you and your lover have to offer. The stress of the situation, coupled with conflicting emotions, will tend to foster both strongly positive and strongly negative relating patterns. Disputes over a will or an inheritance can also magnify the split. You may think you know your relatives until either you or they contest a will. In the most extreme cases, you might be harassed by someone who is sadistic or at least has a sadistic side to his or her personality. Personal vendettas are rare, but not unheard of.

        Use this year to eliminate power structures which are controlling you. Develop psychological self-control. Gain insight into your own personal contributions to your situation. Work toward self-mastery.

URANUS IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
        Uranus is commonly seen as an indicator of change, and this is true for the solar return placements also. Conditions associated with the house position of Uranus are likely to evolve significantly over the year. Major changes or incessant fluctuations emerge as the pattern of manifestation, depending on how the individual copes with his or her situation and needs. Transformations may occur quickly and require a long period of adjustment, or progress slowly, possibly occurring late in the year and only after a long period of anticipation or restlessness. As a rule, most changes are expected, predicted, and initiated by the native him or herself. Many are carefully planned and well executed, involving a minimum of tension and anxiety. When working positively with the Uranian principle, the key is in the restlessness. Those who are very attuned to their own need for growth will feel the restlessness arising in outgrown situations and respond accordingly. They will welcome the opportunity for adjustment, and make all the necessary preparations for the coming change. They will not lock themselves into one particular situation or pattern of growth, but will allow changes and insights to develop and evolve naturally along the way.

        Generally, it is only when the individual thwarts his or her own desires or tightly controls situations that tensions manifest in the form of anxiety and nervousness. This anxiety results from ambivalent feelings which develop in those who resist needed changes. These people get caught between their own fear of change and a strong desire for the very change being thwarted. An ambivalent mind-set takes over, one built on an approach to, and also an avoidance of, a set goal or change. Remember, Uranus is associated with conscious and unconscious choices for change. Its appearance somewhere in the native's solar return chart implies the area of life in which the individual desires to progress through change. When one is unable to face or effect needed and desired changes, the mind splits between two mutually exclusive goals and anxiety results. Eventually, the mental ambivalence and erratic commitments to two very different paths are reflected in fluctuating external conditions. Long overdue, yet still avoided changes, tend to manifest in the environment as disruption caused by others, or by neglected areas of attention.

        Adding to the anxiety is a perceived loss of control over external situations. Eventually, the restlessness and tension rise to a feverish pitch until one finally agrees to make changes, or can no longer prevent their occurrence. When conditions reach this intensity, individuals usually make reactive changes, without careful consideration or adequate preparation. Sudden upheavals occur rather than welcomed transitions. If we would truly be in control of our own destiny, we should listen to the need for change and respond to the earliest hints of restlessness. We should give ourselves the freedom to work toward a conscious transition before a crisis arises.

        Consistent with the desire for change is the need for freedom. You cannot maneuver if you are locked into a restrictive environment. Sometimes the push for freedom is a prerequisite for change. At other times, the change itself becomes the motivating force behind the process. Occasionally, both mechanisms are operating. For example, you may have to convince your boss to give you the freedom to make needed changes in the daily office routine; at the same time, the changes you make could streamline procedures, creating more leeway in your work schedule.

        Freedom allows the process of change to occur smoothly. When we are functioning at our best and working positively with the Uranian concept, we move easily through a series of attractions, detachments and independent actions. We learn and grow from each of these encounters. While in the process of attraction, we are drawn to certain situations, persons or concepts. It is important to observe what experiences we are drawn to because they indicate conscious or unconscious needs and patterns of growth. By accepting different situations, interacting with different individuals, or listening to new ideas, we take in new information and learn to value various facets of life. We see that no one person, place or idea is perfect. The same is true of our existing circumstances, which we hold onto so tightly.

        With this insight begins the period of detachment from those situations, persons, or concepts which restrict our growth or no longer have anything to teach us. We are able to step back and intellectually reassess our involvement and commitment. We can either choose to separate physically from difficult situations, or take the corrective action needed to adjust present circumstances to our needs.

        Uranus does not always imply a complete and total separation. We are capable of detaching from the original attraction while still maintaining the experience, relationship, or train of thought. It is the independent action we ultimately take which defines the degree of separation.

        We learn as much from separation as we do from attraction when we define what we don't like as well as what we do like. The changing environment, the comparisons and contrasts, accentuate what is important and what is not. One should remember that this process of change through attachment, detachment and independent action is ongoing, occurring on many different levels simultaneously. The process can be either quick, occurring numerous times in one day, or drawn out, requiring a year's time span. For example, suppose you are building a new home. This is a year-long project and during this time you will be drawn to many different construction plans, ideas, and subcontractors. But as you begin to work with the possibilities, you will accept, reject, or change options to suit your needs. This process takes place over months, but also simultaneously many times in one day.

        The exposure to various ideas, situations and people stimulates creative thought through sudden insight into changing situations. All planets represent a creative process. Venus is the planet of creativity experienced through beauty, while Uranus is the process experienced through change. Because of the changing panorama of people, ideas, and situations, one becomes accustomed to looking at life from different perspectives. The multifaceted approach encourages the mind to create still newer ideas. In this way the individual begins to participate in the process of attachment, detachment and independent action by creating his or her own original options, and change becomes a process of perception, integrated into the pattern of growth.

Uranus in 2nd house (within 3 degree orb of 3rd house)

        Uranus in the 2nd shows a change in your earning power and financial situation. Alterations can be major or minor, fluctuating or one-time single events. The adjustment can be either positive or negative, but both manifestations can occur at different times during the year. Positive interpretations include pay raises or large windfalls. Those who have not been working can find employment and those who have been doing volunteer work can now get paid for the work they do. Being self-employed or working on a commission or incentive basis is common with this placement. You might land that big account, exceed previous sales records, or successfully start or expand your own business during the year.

        Negative interpretations include a total break in income because of either a job change, relocation, or leave of absence without pay (the most likely reason for this being maternity leave). Those who work steadily may receive or accept a pay cut. Some actually request a cutback in hours (and therefore pay) because of shifting goals or pressing personal needs. It is possible to give up a job with a very good income. Salespersons working on a commission basis may find it more difficult to sell products for one reason or another. Changes in earning power seem to be more closely associated with this placement than disruptive spending practices; however, impulse buying may be a problem for those with this tendency.

        Economic change is easy to foresee with this Uranus placement, but it is difficult to note whether the changes will be positive or negative. The aspects to Uranus are not a true measure of the shift. One can earn more with difficult aspects and one can earn less with softer aspects. What is shown by the aspects is the individual's innate desire to foster a financial change and the other areas of life that will be affected. The best course of action is to prepare for a rainy day. It is better to practice financial restraint than assume more money than you have.

        Uranus in the 2nd house also indicates that values and morals are changing. Non-materialistic attitudes are the norm. As a rule, inner fulfillment and personal satisfaction are more important than material possessions. Money itself does not matter unless the financial situation is dire. Possessions will not be important and this is a good time to unload useless things. During the year, you may not be interested in purchasing new items or replacing old ones. If you are not aware of your inner needs for emotional rather than material satisfaction, you may only experience the financially difficult side of this Uranus placement, especially if you repeatedly attempt to gain material wealth and acquire new things despite emotional considerations to the contrary.

        Morals are also in a state of flux at this time. It is best to allow for review and change. Regardless of changes, you may deviate from your own code of behavior. Sometime during the year, you may be asked to defend your position if your actions or values conflict with the standards of others. This will give you an opportunity to better define your own priorities and standards.

Uranus within 3 degree orb of 3rd house

        Uranus in the 3rd house is associated with rapid thinking processes and changing thought patterns. The mental acceleration can work to your advantage if you are in a pressured situation where decisions must be made quickly or information must be learned in a short period of time. This is an excellent time to take a crash course or intensive which forces you to learn a lot of material in a fast-paced classroom situation. Independent learning and correspondence courses are also possible since you have the ability to study on your own and move ahead at your own pace. The information under study should be unusual in some way, geared toward stimulating creativity, insight and free thinking. Do not limit your thoughts because of preconceived notions.

        It is very likely that during this time you will receive or learn information which could have a very strong effect on your perception of reality and your pattern of thought. This information may come to you through your studies, through conflict with others, or through intuitive insights, but the effect of the information will be transformational, causing your perception of reality to go through a period of adjustment.

        During the year, your opinions will change sequentially as the weeks go by; therefore, this is not the time to make irrevocable statements. You may end up eating your own words later on. A better course of action is to allow the mind complete intellectual freedom for the purposes of investigation and insight. Do not limit your thoughts to what is already known, what is rational, or what you are told. Allow your thoughts to form intuitively, creatively or unconsciously. Work with information from many levels of experience to gain a better understanding of your true reality. You can gain great insight if you read between the lines and accept all information that comes your way without judgment. Let the final say occur toward the end of the year after all the information is in.

        There is a propensity for anxiety and nervousness with Uranus in the 3rd house. Mental problems are associated with a fixation on what is desired or expected rather than an openness to new possibilities for the future. Anyone who experiences acute anxiety or panic attacks should seek counseling. But most individuals will find this placement somewhat nerve-wracking unless they are able to channel mental tension into productive pursuits such as learning, insight, creativity, etc. A lot of the tension arises from the sequential changes in thinking that occur during the year, but daily disruptions, constant interruptions and hectic schedules also contribute. It is difficult to plan a routine while Uranus is in the 3rd house. At the very least, you may be attempting to do too much in too little time. The tendency is to work with scattered thoughts and many activities, scattering your energy in several directions even on a single day.

        Crisis situations rather than well-organized routines are the norm, since your daily activities generally demand more time than you actually have available. If you are trying to do five different things on any one day, and realistically you can only schedule in four, each day will have a different rotating schedule so that you can fit everything in on a weekly basis. Your hectic schedule leaves little room for adjustments when problems occur, and of course, problems do occur. Imagine ad-libbing your daily routine for a year because you and everyone and everything around you are changing. Daily life just does not run smoothly enough for you to stick to a schedule.

        Uranus can be indicative of original thinking and creativity. You need time to create. Ideas can be close to the surface, yet just out of reach. This is why disruptions can be especially annoying when they interrupt the creative process. It is important to establish some quiet time to allow insights to manifest. Find a way to retain your thoughts and insights. If you are on the go a lot and creative insights are developing quite rapidly, you can use a tape recorder to preserve your thoughts. Allow erratic energy to flow out freely and come to the surface. This is not the time to limit your mental wanderings simply because you question their logical implications. The thought processes are not very organized or directed this year. There is the tendency to go around and around to get to a simple truth. Play with ideas and concepts. Restricting your erratic insights could mean limiting your creativity.

        Conflicts are not directly associated with Uranus in the 3rd house, but a bad temper can be. The stress of daily life can make you snap at people and make rash statements you later regret. The connotation here is more akin to, "Open mouth, insert foot," than argumentativeness, but you can only make faux pas so many times before you enter a verbal battlefield. Learn to think before your open your mouth. Do not jump to conclusions. Remember that anything you say can get back to others and can be used against you.

        Problems with brothers, sisters or neighbors may arise during the year. These people may not be especially dependable or predictable and a conflict of interest may occur. This is not the more common interpretation for this placement. The emphasis seems to be more on the mental changes and creativity. You can work things out through discussions, but be careful what you say. Neighborhood problems can be addressed through involvement in the community association. It is possible that rather than disagreeing with a neighbor, a close friend in the neighborhood needs your help during the coming year.

NEPTUNE IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
        Neptune is many things on many levels, but first and foremost it is the aspiration for a higher manifestation as opposed to a lower one. The distinctions between higher and lower influences are not limited to the spiritual plane alone, but can occur on the emotional, mental and physical levels also. At all times, it is up to the individual to steer his or her consciousness toward the highest manifestation possible. For example, Neptune on the spiritual level is associated with Universal Oneness, Karmic Laws, Ideals, God, and higher beliefs which form the backbone of spirituality. A strong sense of trust in God and the Universe supports the growth process on the spiritual level, but has ramifications on the other levels as well. Each level of experience supports and triggers the others. It is all the insights on all of the levels which eventually help us toward a more rewarding and fulfilling life-style. The lower manifestation of Neptune on the spiritual level is disillusionment with higher principles. Here the individual falls off the true path and becomes entangled in fanatical beliefs or outright fantasy. Spiritual despair rather than enlightenment is the result, and the support needed for growth on all levels is thwarted.

        The same dichotomy of higher and lower is present on the emotional, mental and physical planes also. At the emotional level, the individual is capable of great compassion and sensitivity to others. This is a time when empathic understanding strengthens the bonds between loved ones. The lower manifestation of Neptune is a susceptibility to anxiety and worry. The sensitivity which is meant to foster true understanding instead heightens a sense of vulnerability to life, others and the future. There is no trust in God emanating from the spiritual level to support decisions. In negative situations, true understanding of others does not develop because the individual is too involved with personal feelings and issues to focus on others.

        At the mental level, creativity and inspiration help to expand the individual's intellectual capacity. Neptune is more closely associated with the right brain than the left, and indicates the ability to let the mind float free to new and better insights. The lower manifestation is confusion and deception. What you are told is different from what you intuitively feel. Thoughts contradict insights and you are unable to comprehend the truth. There is no trust of the higher right brain inspirational or spiritual processes. Creativity is thwarted. Without an understanding of the big picture, mental energy is wasted through a lack of cohesiveness as one begins to focus on the insignificant, confusing details.

        And finally, Neptune on the physical level is service to others. Principles which have filtered down from the various levels and have been understood in each of the higher manifestations begin to flow into daily practices on the mundane plane. There is a consistency; as above, so below. It is possible to physically manifest the spirituality to which you aspire. When only lower manifestations have filtered down to the physical level, confusion, disorganization and exhaustion are most apt to occur. You lack a total concept necessary to unify your actions and prioritize tasks according to their importance. Neptune at its highest level of manifestation on the physical plane is a direct reflection of the enlightened promise made at the spiritual level.

        In all of the houses, either the higher or lower manifestations will be operating. The more the individual focuses on the higher energies, the more cohesive and insightful actions will become. The more the individual is sensitive to spiritual insight, the easier it will be to deal with issues on every plane. The unifying principles of the spiritual level and the higher manifestations combine to focus energy and understanding right on down the line.

Solar Return Neptune in 2nd house:

        Neptune in the 2nd house generally indicates monetary uncertainty lasting for most of the year. Those who are self-employed or working on a commission basis already have incomes which fluctuate. They can never be too sure exactly how much money will be earned. This is a common occurrence for these professionals, but there may be reasons for even more variation than usual at this time. One might be opening a new shop or pushing a new product, and a degree of uncertainty surrounds the hoped for, yet unproven success. For those who are on a fixed salary, this placement may appear more threatening. Supposedly, you already earn a specified amount. If this is your situation, a number of possibilities exist. Rumors of layoffs, pay cuts or salary increases will make the exact amount of your earnings appear uncertain. Pay cuts may never materialize, while promised raises can be put off indefinitely. Rumors might be all that exist for the entire year. Salaried positions which are funded by grants will not be confirmed until the money arrives. Part-time employees with flexible hours have changeable incomes, and might only report when work is available. Seasonal fluctuations affecting some professions dictate the number of hours worked.

        The salary situation is usually 99% uncertainty with no actual loss of employment or funds, but the situation can make you anxious. Decisions you make during the year might also lead to fiscal uncertainty. A leave of absence without pay is an option you could choose if you are pregnant, desire more time with your children, or plan to travel or study. Long-term projects without any guarantee of financial return are another option. You may volunteer your services. These are just some of the possibilities indicated by this placement which make money seem uncertain.

        Financial anxiety is a problem especially if your income appears to be totally unpredictable or undependable. If you are presently unemployed, but share resources with another person, you may worry about his or her income as well as your own lack of funds. This is a time when it might be essential that you cope with some financial uncertainty in order to progress. However, it is not essential that you become anxious. That is a conscious or unconscious choice. For example, aspects to Neptune in the 2nd house  can indicate that goals are initially or basically economically unrewarding, or can only be accomplished with a degree of financial risk and uncertainty. If you can cope with the uncertainty, you may be very successful later on.

        Some individuals have an unstructured attitude toward money and will not be very concerned by fluctuations. For others, uncertainty may be a product of the accounting system or lack thereof, rather than related to actual income. Hand-to-mouth economics prevails over budgetary restraints. Strict savings programs are unlikely at this time. The tendency is to be very free with money and not tightfisted. What money you have can be drained away unnoticed or used to help others. You easily give away extra funds or sacrifice your own financial security to assist those in need. The lack of concern may or may not be to your advantage. If you are too busy to be unduly concerned with money, this is no problem; however, if your present lack of financial accountability limits your progress or threatens your security, it is time to handle the situation in a more structured way.

        The act of giving should be an act of love and not a product of low self-esteem. You must reassess issues of self-worth if you consistently remain in situations where you are unappreciated. Self-deprivation is not to your advantage and is not indicative of a higher consciousness. It is a manifestation associated with an inability to value oneself. If you remain in a low-paying job because you doubt your abilities, or a high-salaried, unfulfilling position because you are only worth the amount of money you bring in, you suffer from low self-worth. If you truly valued yourself and your abilities, and understood your spiritual purpose, you would move on. It is important to comprehend the mundane symbolism associated with finances. Monetary problems are meant to signify issues in personal assessment and appreciation. Issues in these two areas are interconnected and difficulties should be addressed.

        During the year, money and possessions could be seen as unimportant in the long run. Other priorities tend to be stressed more than a good cash flow. Values are fluctuating toward a non-materialistic emphasis, and inner qualities and spiritual ideals gain significance as possessions or money lose ground. The appreciation of inner beauty increases over anything of external value. Personal satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment are now more meaningful, or at least they should be. The plane of matter needs to become consistent with spiritual purpose, and you must start to use possessions and money in a more enlightened manner. A simple desire for or dependency on funds will not suffice. Fiscal fluctuations will produce great anxiety in those fixated on their wallets. Use this year to put material possessions in perspective. Your present priorities set the stage for the future. Do you value cash more than health? More than job fulfillment? Could you use funds in a more meaningful and helpful manner? Do you keep yourself in a constant state of anxiety over money? This is a time when one is asked to trust the financial flow. You can live on less, take risks and still survive, going on to new opportunities. Those who are able to trust will experience minimal discomfort with this placement; those who are unable to do so will experience great anxiety. If you believe you deserve to be prosperous, you can simply trust in the flow of goodness and bounty while moving toward the fulfillment of a Universal need. Sustenance flows to those who work for the good of all.

PLUTO IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
        In the solar return chart, the interpretation of Pluto includes an understanding of the issue of power and its various manifestations, which can be directed toward three different points of focus and through three different life processes. Complications are associated with all of these orientations and processes since each manifestation is multidimensional and complex, occurring not only on the physical level, but on the intellectual, emotional and spiritual levels as well. Within these complex situations, power can be focused on three different targets: the self, others, and/or circumstances. As a rule, the power to control oneself is mostly beneficial, the power to control others is mostly detrimental and the power to control situations varies according to the circumstances involved. By studying Pluto's house placement in the solar return chart, you can assess in which areas of life these control issues are most likely to arise. The scope and effects of the power issues are seen through the connections to other solar return planets.

        Power also manifests through three different processes. One may choose sameness, elimination or transformation. When you choose to keep things the way they are, it is implied that there is some force urging you to change and you are resisting this force. A possible power struggle might ensue. When you choose elimination, you relinquish control over some facet of your life or refuse to have further contact. When you choose change, you may be either yielding to an outside power or actively seeking transformation of that which already exists. Let us explore the power orientations and processes further.

Three Different Points of Focus

        Generally, the focal point of self is beneficial. As long as you are using Plutonian insights and techniques to control yourself, to own your own power and to further your own growth, the process will be a positive learning experience, unless you overcontrol yourself, succumbing to hair-shirt asceticism, taking self-denial to absurd extremes. The greater your awareness of yourself and Universal principles, the more likely you are to make good decisions. You become the captain of your own destiny. Enlightenment leads to power and power leads to enlightenment as a rewarding cycle of manifestation is set in motion.

        However, those who use psychological insights to control and block their own growth waste precious energy. They set up a negative pattern of stagnation wherein insights are not accepted as they are, but twisted to fit previously conceived notions about life and self. Rather than progressing through enlightenment, the individual uses insights as weapons against growth and understanding, opting for sameness despite new information. Contradictory realizations are not allowed to surface; instead they are either suppressed or misinterpreted. In very negative situations such as these, the power associated with increased Plutonian awareness and its creative potential is never realized.

        The same thwarting of personal growth is evident when you shift your attention from self to the need to control others. By and large, this is not a good focal orientation. The symbolism of the planets exists in your consciousness so that you can grow and prosper from insight. Since growth begins at home, the main thrust of the focus should always be toward self, and it is generally unnecessary and also counterproductive to shift the emphasis to an external struggle. The most efficient use of power exists on the internal plane because it takes much less energy to control your own reactions than to seek power over someone else. Once power is removed from the inner self and used to control others, the effectiveness is reduced. Stalemated power struggles are particularly detrimental because they deplete resources. It is conceivable that there are life situations where it is essential to control another person. For example, children, disabled or elderly loved ones may not be able to make informed decisions. In these situations you might be asked or forced to wield power over another. You are meant to grow from all your experiences. Even in these instances, self-awareness and insight are crucial to the decisions you make. Start with yourself first, then work your way outward. Blaming others for your problems distorts the perception of self and the realization of your own personal involvement. Always be aware of the interactive process and the role you play in it. This internal perspective is of primary importance, much more so than the process of controlling someone else.

        Trying to control life situations can lead to power struggles, but at some point in your life it may be essential to make a stand for the good of your own growth or that of world consciousness. Ultimately, it is much better for you to control yourself, but this is not always possible. Someone can be seeking to control you, your family or your livelihood. Certain injustices must be corrected for everyone to progress, and sometimes the only viable option is to work for change. Always be aware of the struggle you take on. It is usually easier to correct a situation than to convince your opponent he or she is wrong. It is easier to get forgiveness than permission. Go for the simplest task that gets the job done. For example, your office routine might be very inefficient and next to impossible to accomplish in a day's time. Perhaps you see where improvements can be made, but your immediate boss disagrees with you or thwarts your efforts. As long as you continue to try and convince your immediate boss of the need for change, you will get nowhere. If you can easily go over his or her head to a higher boss, this could be an effective way to handle the stalemate. Seek the quickest solution to a problem if one is available. Do not get locked into long, drawn-out struggles if they are not necessary.

        Ultimately, power struggles can have either beneficial or detrimental results, depending on your perspective. In the external environment, you may or may not win, assuming there can be a victor. More than likely, victory, if it comes, involves compromise for all involved. But the inner process of awakening one's own ability to effect a creative change in the environment is usually beneficial. You can make a difference. The creative potential associated with Pluto comes from a penetrating insight into the hidden worlds of the unconscious and an understanding of the Universal laws of Karma. Powerful insights should spring spontaneously from the situations associated with Pluto's placement in the solar return chart. Suddenly you can become aware of new forces, subtle and previously unnoticed, which seem to influence personal decisions and situations you are involved in. Once you have the insight, what you do with the information becomes crucial to the creative process.

        The primary goal of the Plutonian process should be growth through awareness. Therefore it is essential, no matter what your focal orientation, to use information and insight gleaned from experiences to foster a new understanding of self and Universal principles. The main growth process begins and ends with the self.

Three Different Plutonian Processes

        Plutonian power is associated with three different processes: keeping things the way they are, usually by resisting an internal or external force; changing the form of what already exists, i.e., transformation; or eliminating what is no longer useful or essential, a form of death. Any of these powers can be either beneficial or detrimental to the user or others involved. It is the purpose and intent of the process that is important.

        The power to keep things the way they are can sometimes be an awakening to personal power. Implied here is a resistance to a force seeking change, and sometimes the intent of change is negative. The pressure can come from an external or internal source, and the changes desired may be either external or internal also. For example, if you are a recovering alcoholic facing a difficult life situation, you might feel the pressure to start drinking again. The pressure could come from your own wish to avoid major decisions, or from a person you are associating with.

        In actuality the internal and external sources are really one and the same, a reflection of each other since internal needs draw external situations. In the situation given above, the individual seeks to remain a recovering alcoholic despite internal and external pressure. This is a positive goal and if attained, implies personal power. It is also beneficial to remain the same when others seek to control your actions and thwart free will. Pluto represents the insight necessary to perceive manipulative efforts as they arise and avoid ploys whenever possible.

        In some instances, the power to remain the same can be a negative manifestation, actually causing the stagnation of growth. If you resist all new internal and external insights which would enhance your growth or cause you to make changes, little progress will result. You will stall. When your purposes are not in keeping with Universal Good or personal benefit, you are more likely to be involved in a negative use of Plutonian power.

        The process of elimination can be very cleansing, even though a symbolic death is involved. If you streamline your business or office procedures, letting go of compulsive and unnecessary activities, this is a death of sorts, but much to your benefit. So is a budgetary review which eliminates the fat from your spending practices and allows you to cut back on your work schedule. In more serious circumstances, perhaps all you can do is release a situation that is detrimental to your progress. Letting go can be a positive choice, but it might also be a negative one if you cut someone out of your life without resolving or releasing the conflict. If this is true in your case, avoiding persons or situations will consume your energy. Transformation is the process whereby a situation, thing or level of consciousness is changed into a new, and hopefully higher, manifestation. Careers, marriages and self-images can all be transformed for the better. Commonly, though, we think of the transformation process in terms of psychological insight and level of consciousness. Information from subtle sources or the unconscious is gradually or suddenly made available to either the rational mind or the Higher Self, and subsequently a change occurs on the mental, emotional or spiritual level. Information that was previously unavailable becomes understandable through the process of insight, and power is released through new awareness. This can be a very enlightening and beneficial transition, but naturally it is what you do with the information that is important. If intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth are triggered by the new awareness, the process continues to be positive; however, if instead you use your newfound insight to control others or block growth, you have used your knowledge in a negative way.

        Misuse of the Plutonian process creates an inability to continue on the life path until issues are resolved and lessons are learned. Stagnation occurs as the individual fails to progress to the next level of comprehension or misinterprets the task at hand. Power struggles can be the cause of such stagnation, and should be taken on only after careful consideration of the issues and implications. Power struggles are expensive in terms of time and energy. Some are essential to growth, others are self-inflicted. Know the source. Ideally, if you avoid a conflict in Pluto's solar return house placement, you should have more resources available for higher awareness. Conflicts consume energy and sap the strength necessary for the ascent. Without opposition, one can move quickly when concentrating on insight and awareness. Barriers can be torn down and the connections among all things become apparent.

        But a world without struggle is the ideal, and not necessarily the reality. Your situation may require that growth be attained through struggle. The resistance may stimulate your awareness and creativity. Real progress might only occur after the resolution of conflict or during respites in the battle. However, within a long-lasting, stalemated struggle, one is more likely to get caught in a circular argument going nowhere. Nonproductive battles can be avoided by those who work toward increased awareness.

Solar Return Pluto in 1st house:

        Pluto in the 1st house indicates a strong desire for self-control and an emphasis on personal power issues during the coming year. Positively, you are capable of doing whatever you set your mind to. You have the ability to reshape your personality and control personal habits. Some individuals have used this time to quit smoking or drinking, or lose weight. This can be a great time for self-improvement since you have the ability to start a regimen and stick to it. The personal changes you are able to make may lead to career changes or successes in other areas either this year or the next. The power you use to gain control of yourself can ultimately be used to guide others to personal power in the years to come.

        But a self-improvement kick is only the superficial interpretation for Pluto in the 1st house. Personal power in all situations is the real issue. As the year begins, you may not like yourself and may want to make sweeping changes toward controlling your own behavior and taking charge of your life. An awareness of personal power or the lack thereof becomes the focus for growth during the coming year. Often there is a question of who is in control here; you, the unconscious, or those you are involved with. Unresolved psychological issues, conflicts, or current personality patterns can be stumbling blocks or barriers to success. You must investigate and understand those factors which hold you back from achieving your maximum potential. Psychological insight into yourself, your own behavior, and the manipulations of others will be essential in having power over your own life.

        Pluto indicates a confrontational style, and in the house of self it ensures confrontation with the deepest self. All power issues arise from self-awareness and the recognition of either the ability or inability to assert personal needs and rights when interacting with others. To reclaim power over yourself, you must start with psychological insight into your own unconscious blockages. You should not rest easy while standing in your own way, allowing your fears to inhibit your success. You must investigate if you are to overcome inhibitions blocking freedom of action and meaningful encounters with others. This is a time to bravely enter what you would normally consider dangerous territory. We all have areas of the mind or patterns of behavior that seem difficult to understand and frightening to reclaim or correct. These blockages are built and maintained by fear born of past situations which were handled ineptly. These difficult situations occurred at least once, but often a traumatic pattern with an inept response was repeated. Now is the time to learn to deal with these situations successfully and undo the blockages and trauma that have stood in your way too long. If you are able to gain insight into the fear motivating the inhibitions, you can now repeat a past crisis successfully and undo the complex. If you eliminate fears, inhibitions and the complexes they support, you can reclaim personal power and respond rationally to future events.

        Your past trauma or current blockage is activated by a present-day situation; consequently, your psychological idiosyncrasies tend to be obvious to those in the immediate environment. They will undoubtedly know what sets you off, and may use this knowledge to gain power over you. Using an extreme example, suppose you have a compulsion to gamble and eventually incur huge gambling debts. Your inability to curb your own habit leads to an excessive dependency on money. Others can use this monetary need and gambling compulsion to their advantage. If they love you, they will use this information to help you, but if they are unscrupulous, they will use it to control you. You need to learn more about your psychological make-up in order to deal with self-defeating behavior and free yourself from bondage to others.

        Ignoring the issues only makes you powerless. The struggle you experience with self and commonly associate with others is only an external manifestation of an internal process or blockage. You must look inside yourself for the answers. Events that occur during this year will affect you deeply, and may cause a permanent personality transition to new levels of awareness, self-expression and interaction. The potential is there for a milestone year. But the potential is also there for increased psychological pressure resulting from difficulties you refuse to face. Own your own power; don't give it away.

        The task is to begin making conscious decisions rather than reacting from the gut level. If you refuse to face your own issues and claim what is rightfully yours, present circumstances and those you must deal with can have power over you. What you do not claim as your own can be claimed by lovers, friends and even enemies. You can choose to avoid the issues innate to your psyche, but then you also avoid the wonder of the power you possess and your ability to provide insight to others. The process of gaining control over yourself leads to power in all other areas of life.

        This is the year to make a stand, and you are likely to confront others. Once you have healed yourself and owned your own power, you have the ability to give insight to others and influence their behavior also. The psychological power associated with Pluto can be used to heal more than one person. It can be used for your own healing or that of others. In the ideal situation, both healing processes occur simultaneously, with each individual involved contributing pieces of information leading to wholeness.

        Be mindful not to control your environment unnecessarily. With Pluto in the 1st house, you may have a tendency to manipulate others in an attempt to divert attention from your own real issues. Even the facilitation of someone else's growth is suspect unless the facilitation is mutual. When in doubt, use insight to your own best advantage. Transform yourself first and then you will have the key needed to help others. You are the number one priority as illustrated by the placement of Pluto in the 1st house.

        There are many avenues leading to transformation. Personal insight and vulnerability are but two. Manipulation and control are avoidance behaviors meant for diversion. The key to growth is to interpret everything that is said and done within the personal context first. Every experience drawn during the year will correspond to a personal need or lack. This is an excellent time for in-depth relationships and personal observation. Whatever the task for the year, it will be fueled by a need for intensity. Superficial or casual experiences will not suffice. Only power confrontations and intense relationships will have the depth of feeling necessary to foster transformative change.

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