A Solar Return chart ( Birthday Chart) should be considered along with the natal transits, and the progressed and of course the natal chart for further information. Although each have themes it is often the combination of them all the gives the clearest picture. Much like the progressed the Solar Return shows areas of focus for our for the next year and our inner desires to accomplish. It is usually analyzed to see what the focus will be for the upcoming year and will be in conjunction to your progressed, you will find the themes line up with each other well, but each one adds additional information.The Ascendant of the Solar Return chart is very foretelling in terms of the projection in which the individual will approach his/her desires over the next year. The Ascendant tells one as to one's approach to life for the next year much like the natal chart, or progressed Ascendant, and is best understood in combination. Much like we have a planet in a sign, but is altered by the house and aspects to it. The same is for the Solar return, the natal and the progressed it is the combination of them all that gives the full picture.
The Sun
The Sun is very important as well, for it will be moved to matters of importance for the year. It will represent where you are likely to get the most attention because it will be your focus area. The Sun placement will show you where you the are along with upcoming lessons and benefits as well, which will mold you into the new person as you become more skilled and adept in the house in which it is located. Of course always look at the condition of the Sun, to see if it will be tougher or easier.
Another area of focus this year can be found by determining which natal house now associated to the Ascendant. For example, if the Solar Return Ascendant is 14 degrees Cancer, and this degree is found in the natal fifth house, the natal fifth house it will be another area of focus.
The Moon
The position of the Moon by house and sign will show your emotional needs and will point to the area in which you will be seeking security, or might even receive the most security. The sign the Moon is in will show you your approach to emotional matters, and aspects to it will show you your temperament. Emotional ups and downs are likely to occur in this area of life. Also, take into considerations of aspects to the Moon, if Jupiter is in a friendly aspect you can expect to experience many emotional highs and an overall emotionally happy period.
Please Note that a Solar Return chart can be read much like a natal chart, always keeping in mind that it is transient rather than permanent.
If you are interested in looking at a specific area, such as Career, you can study the Returns 10th house, to see what planets or aspects are present, for love and relationships check the 5th and the 7th, and the condition of Venus and even the moon.
Also look any patterns in the chart for instance if many of the planets are located in the 7th and 8th house relationships and intimacy will be a focus.
This first series will cover the Solar Return Ascendant first. Click the link below to learn more about the Ascendant in the signs.