Planetary Returns

The planetary return in is when a particular transiting planet returns to the precise position it was in at the moment of a person's birth. This symbolically means that the planet is beginning a new cycle in a person's life. An astrologer would say that a person's birthday is technically their 'solar return', as it marks the day when the sun returns to the same position in the zodiac as it was on the day they were born. The most important returns are those of the outer planets Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus.

Half-returns (when the planet reaches the halfway point in its journey) are also important, especially in the case of Uranus, as many people may not live long enough to see or get the full benefit of its full return of 84 years.

Solar Return

A method of producing yearly forecasts which uses the date and time each year when the Sun returns to the exact position it occupied at birth; used to project conditions for the year of interest.

For any given year a return chart can be constructed using the date and time when the Sun or Moon have returned to the exact position that they occupied at birth and the longitude and latitude of the subject's current residence. Like a birth chart, interpretation is based on the planetary positions, aspects and configurations, but it is valid only for a year (solar) or a month (lunar). For example, if a solar return showed three or more planets in one house, there would be an emphasis on that area of life throughout that year. If the chart has difficult aspects, then a challenging year with regard to the areas and signs represented by the planets concerned would be expected.

Lunar Return

A monthly method of predictive astrology using the return of the Moon to the place it occupies in the birth chart and erecting a new chart for this position.

Jupiter Return

Jupiter returns occur every twelve years or so, and indicates a new phase of growth and development in life. The first Jupiter return, at around age 12, concerns the move into puberty and adolescence, whilst the second return at around age 24 concerns the first real moves into the adult world. The year of a Jupiter return will usually be a good one; sports people often achieve their first important goals in this year, and writers are first published. The Jupiter return is the ideal time to push forward and be assertive, as efforts will usually be well rewarded.

Saturn Return

Saturn returns occur approximately every 30 years and indicate a phase in the aging process when new realities must be faced. The first Saturn return occurs at around age 30 and concerns the time when the first real responsibilities are felt. Many people will make a serious commitment at this time, such as the purchase of a new home, a marriage or starting a family. Many will reassess their career and question their progress to date, and it is also a time when many assess relationships that have failed and realise that it is time to end them.

The second return occurs at around age 60 and concerns the time when people reassess the next phase of their lives. Many people begin to develop interests that have been neglected because of career and children, and consider retiring from full time work. It is also the first time that many have to face the reality of approaching old age. The Saturn return is often a challenging and difficult time, but decisions taken and changes made usually work out well in the long term if they are sensible and followed though.

Uranus Return

Uranus takes about 84 years to complete a full return. However, one of its most important influences is felt when it reaches the half way stage in its journey, at around age 42. This is the time when many people face their 'mid-life crisis'. Permanent and successful long-term relationships may be unsettled or disrupted by casual flirtations and affairs. Women, especially those with children growing up and leaving home, may feel that life has passed them by. The Uranus half-return can be tense and stressful, but can also be energising. It is the ideal time for people to break out of routine lifestyles and develop new interests.

The full Uranus return takes place around age 84, and if the person is reasonably well and fit, it can herald a new and lively interest in life.