The Solar Return is one of the more important charts we can have done. It is a chart done for the exact time each year that the Sun returns to its natal position at the exact degree and minute of longitude as it was at our birth. It provides a snapshot of what the year to come looks like, and stands on its own as a powerful indicator of what we can expect in the year that follows. It is the original reason the birthday was deemed so important, and why we celebrate our birthday every year. It represents the renewal of our light.

The Solar Return interpretations begin to apply about three months before your birthday, last the year, and usually fade by the time of your following birthday. Three months to the day before your birthday is usually a significant time. The month before the SR marks a time of great transition to the new chart. If you tend to procrastinate, a SR interpretation can stretch 3 months past your birthday. Each Solar Return year is built on the last. The more you accomplish this year, the more options you will have next year. The effect is cumulative.

A Solar Return chart is a chart calculated for the exact moment when the Sun returns to its natal position (within 2 days of one's birthday). This chart can be read much like a natal chart, except that it must be kept in mind that it is in effect only for the course of a year—approximately from birthday to birthday.