Solunars by Aldebaran Sidereal Academy

Click to go to the desired section below:

Sun-Moon aspects in the Solar Return
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=2805&p=20726#p20723
Bradley variation for comparison: viewtopic.php?f=53&t=2805&p=20726#p20724

Solar Moon aspecting Solar Planets
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=2805&p=20726#p20725

Solar Moon aspecting Natal Planets
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=2805&p=20726#p20726

[From Interpreting Solar Returns, copyright 1979 & 1985 by James A. Eshelman, all rights reserved..]


SUN-MOON ASPECTS IN THE SOLAR RETURN

In general, Sun-Moon aspects in a Solar Return represent crisis, i.e., significant turning points where the individual is most assuredly passing from one phase to another (just as the Moon is). Typically, there is a major involvement with other people. Significant pairings are established. The aspect may even indicate marriage, though in such a case a warning is in order: Because the life of the individual is coming to a transition point, it is important to examine relationship expectations and wants closely. A hasty pairing at such a time may meet with a premature end if the normal, healthy changes in one partner, accelerated by the Sun-Moon aspect, exceed the parameters of the original bonding.

Nonetheless, there is a natural inclination to get together with other people. Someone of singular importance may take a strong personal interest in an individual with this aspect in the current Solar Return. Self-assurance and pride are generally increased. Sun-Moon aspects are dynamic, so this will be an exceedingly active and busy period.

Others may find themselves expected to adapt to this individual’s long-term goals. This is fine, when those others are willing to do so. In fact, this is why Sun-Moon co-aspect between two birth charts are so fortunate for partnerships of various kinds. On the other hand, enhanced self-assertion can stimulate emotional domination tactics. The rest of the chart should at least suggest which eventuality is most likely.

More specifically, conjunctions of the Sun and Moon represent the birthing of a new cycle or emerging phase, while an old phase eases away. Doors can be ripped open and slammed shut! There is a refocusing upon the direction in which that life is proceeding. The individual is apt to acquire a new basic orientation to life. This conjunction seems heavily infused with a solar quality, with assertiveness strong and awareness of direction paramount for the life of the return chart.

By contrast, the opposition (Full Moon) carries with it much more of a lunar quality. Change, responsiveness and adaptation are the requirements life places on the individual during this period. At opposition to the Sun, the Moon is at its fullest and most whole-appearing stage. This translates almost literally into life terms, for an astrological Full Moon signals some sort of culmination, and with it a stage of maximum extension in some area for the time being. Rudhyar comments, “In any case, some kind of concrete limits have been reached.” While determination and the full focus of one’s talents could allow one to continue beyond the present state, a fitting climax is slated to occur naturally now. This, too, is an aspect that calls for a reorientation of some sort.

Squares between the luminaries sponsor the greatest amount of ego involvement. The impetus to do something is pressuring. Therefore, the individual is apt to feel his or her options unduly limited. In truth, they probably are not; however, the driving intensity of the quadrature seems to impart that there is little time to slow down and think. Of all the Sun-Moon aspects, these are least likely to produce successful relationships, but are probably best suited for accomplishment. Major adjustments to the needs of others may be requisite to close, comfortable interaction in an otherwise competitive period.

Trines and sextiles of the Sun and Moon are characteristically different from conjunctions, oppositions and squares for two reasons. First, they are static aspects. Though all couplings of the lights are inherently robust, there isn’t the pressure to do something with trines and sextiles which is built into the dynamic aspects. Rather than primary phase changes, they are more likely to indicate personal re-evaluation from an introspective point of view.

The second difference is that, while the previously interpreted aspects are actually solar Moon transits to natal Sun, soft aspect transits don’t seem viable. Therefore, Sun-Moon trines and sextiles are more truly blendings of a transiting Moon with a transiting, rather than natal, Sun, personalized by their presence in the Solar Return. Two things result from this. First, there is a greater chance that the individual will receive special attention from some significant personage or authority in the outer world. Secondly, relationship opportunities seem to be more numerous, but far less climactic, than with dynamic aspect contacts.

For comparison, here are the interpretations given by Donald Bradley in Solar and Lunar Returns for aspects between the Sun and Moon in a return chart:

"All soli-lunar aspects imply busy-ness. The native often becomes 'involved' with people and things ordinarily outside his private little world. His affairs become silhouetted sharply against the broad background of 'social relationships,' for his connections with other people become of prime importance during the period charted."

Moon in aspect to the Sun, especially square or opposition: "...egoism is even more intensified, although little 'individuality' as such may be shown, as the native is eager for the approval and attention of others. His relationship to the general milieu is vivified, so that the may confidently seek or chance to meet persons of social and business importance." "sign-posts along the highway of life."

Conjunction: "brings the native face-to-face with person-to-person realities. There is little rest of seclusion for him when this happens; he is swept along in a floodtide of activities, engagements and conventions. Everything he does has a recoil of equal force; if he strikes someone, he is hit back with fierce retaliation (cf. Mars), as the conjunction of the Lights is a token of reciprocity... a very adverse indication, to most ways of thinking, for it is a too great bundling of energies, not allowing 'moderation' of any kind, so that things have a trying tendency to get out of hand... With the Lights rising, such commendation from others will most likely be from heroic deeds or singular achievements." "...implies such intensive concentration of selfhood with the not-self that conflicts often boil up in the soul, to the native's own undoing. A 'combust Moon' is therefore held to be a most adverse influence. Swept along in the tide of life's exigencies, the native passionately wanting to escape family and social entanglements, is like an ant or bee who never seems to find the chance to relax and regain self-composure."

Sun-Moon configurations (undifferentiated by type): "denote people and things coming to the native. Hence, he receives invitations, messages, citations, awards, congratulations, even curses and the like."

Opposition: "always denotes that an acme has been reached in the native's present cycle, so that the chart-period will be one of culmination rather than commencement." "...usually presages that the year or month in question brings the native to a fork in the road, a turning point, or culmination of some sort, wherefrom he is forced to strike out in another direction... The native reaches, as it were, a point of greater expansion or farthest possible outreach, the only movement left being a turnabout or retracement of the steps taken to reach his present position in the scheme of things. ...never fails to alter the scene in some basic, sometimes drastic, manner."

[From Interpreting Solar Returns, copyright 1979 & 1985 by James A. Eshelman, all rights reserved..]


SOLAR MOON ASPECTS WITH SOLAR PLANETS

Moon-Mercury
Life and personality overwhelmed by an intellectualism; prolific mental output and activity. Caught up in a Mercurial environment (academe, technology, commerce, “thinking people,” etc.). Called upon to express oneself (desire to teach stronger than desire to learn); circumstances require one to “speak up,” reveal information or commit oneself. Publicity. Easy exchange of information. Travel may be necessary.

Moon-Venus
Vivid feeling responses, intense emotional life (moodiness). Temperamentally hungry for affection (affection received, being in love); need for gentleness, tenderness,caressing, touching, holding; responding with full sensual vigor to another's enamored advances. Responding to beauty (aesthetics, art-minded). Marked predominance of female component in behavior (any problems arise from inability to accept full scope of feminine side); desire for children. High frustration tolerance, usually happy state of mind (shared happiness).

Moon-Mars
Circumstances arouse a fierce emotional response in the native, inciting anger and inflaming passions. Strongly sexual. Extremely busy (drive, feeling of strength; highly competent, productive, hasty). Needs elbow room and freedom to act (won't be held back). Competitive (quarrelsome). Environment seems threatening, harsh, confrontive (native is attacked, prone to irritation, tolerant). Other people can be seen as very critical, toxic, not emotionally safe. Possible sickness, injury, accidents, physical discomfort (see rest of chart).

Moon-Jupiter
Circumstances give native reason to be joyful, enthusiastic, optimistic, happy, good-humored. Others are emotionally supportive, nurturing, encouraging. Receiving honors, gifts, opportunities, advantages, pleasantries (object of others’ generosity; red carpet treatment). Feeling of personal specialness. Identification with the superior (desires only best in life; elitism may lead to snobbery; seeks qualitative lifestyle; spends time with others considered important or superior). Attunement to personal belief system (religious, mythological). Money matters go well, income and luck probably bountiful. (Perhaps ideal time for actualizing personal ambitions.)

Moon-Saturn
Emotional survival needs emphasized. Low frustration tolerance, increased security needs (wanting to "settle in" with someone or achieve domestic security). Others appear harsh, cold, nonsupportive, unsympathetic, unresponsive, placing severe emotional demands on the native. Pleasing others instead of oneself. Emotional loss (separation, estrangement). Cautious with emotions, private, distrustful, reserved. Lonely, pessimistic, anxious, little self-confidence, low spirits. Possible health problems. Hard working, furious self-drive, insistent (advancement difficult; wounded pride; financial obligations).
[Anecdote: A "bad day." Absent-minded forgetfulness, missing things needed, agitation, edginess, finding it difficult to bring sufficient resources to various issues. (PSSR Moon exactly -180- s. Saturn.)]

Moon-Uranus
Emotional excitement (thrill, hectic circumstances, dullness is rare). Being taken by surprise; responds to variety. Time of change (new directions, turning point, renewal; may be introduced to new lifestyle). Emotional stress (body and mind kept in sustained tension; nervous strain; possible anxiety or paranoia; watch your blood pressure!). Captivated by new areas of exploration (inquisitive, investigative, interests vary). Freedom from stereotyped attitudes (adventure, travel). Creativity, originality (manifestation of genius).

Moon-Neptune
Circumstances evoke an exaggerated (irrational) feeling response (not necessarily bad, but inclined to mood swings, emotional confusion, hyperbolic reactions or instability). Sensitivity (impressionable, vulnerable, easily wounded then withdraws; or attuned to others, empathic, psychic, sympathetic). Prone to psychic overload. Imagination active (painting, music, drama, fantasy). Idealism. Seduction, victimization, deception, exploitation. Sluggishness (slowed circulation?). Worry, fear of rejection, frustration, anxiety, feeling cornered (threatened).

Moon-Pluto
Sharp, intensive alterations in life situation; dramatic transformations; revolt against format. Experiences elicit a profound, climactic emotional response (crisis, shock). Others seem aloof, distant, emotionally removed, implacable. Refusal to be categorized, but feels sharp impact of others' expectations. Independent, rebellious. Separations, emotional alienation, withdrawing from participation. Deep feeling levels tapped (nervousness, emotional stress, compulsive behavior). Encountering the unlikely, improbable, unbelievable. Intuitive insights into underlying causes of occurrences (touching something divine).

[From Interpreting Solar Returns, copyright 1979 & 1985 by James A. Eshelman, all rights reserved..]


SOLAR MOON ASPECTS WITH NATAL PLANETS

Moon-Moon
Strong emotional responsiveness toward (affinity with) the environment and its occupants. “Feelers” extended (strongly affected by what happens); feelings experienced more immediately, intensely (moodiness). Adaptation (change, vacillation, confusion). Nurtured by attention (center of attention, rapport with public or audience). Familiar surroundings augment security (domesticity, “nesting”).

Moon-Mercury
Curiosity, willingness to learn (learning, reading, speculation, conversing, travel). Data storage and retrieval (active mind, quick perception). Communication flows well (psychic; talkative, large phone bills). Apt to respond to emotional issues using objective (analytic, intellectual) criteria and tactics. Sensitized nervous system (high-strung; insomnia, proclivity to use stimulants and depressants).

Moon-Venus
Loving, affectionate, caring feelings are easily aroused in the individual. Emotional component pronounced (much love to give, greater need for reciprocal involvement with others; moods dominate). Shared fun and happiness (enjoying life; pleasing behavior). Beauty and harmony are important. Others respond to native's amorous advances (desire to make emotional/sensual contact with another). Mutual desire to touch, caress, cuddle, hold, fondle (sensory enrichment, nourishing environment, love affair).

Moon-Mars
Emotionally aggressive, or aggressively emotional (heated emotions, strong passions, hot-tempered, quarrelsome, buried hostilities stir). Competitive feelings easily aroused in native. Trying to incite an emotional response in another (Be careful--you might get one!). Tendency to pick on others, seek out their vulnerabilities (then hurt them). Dynamic, physically expressive (strongly sexual). Impulsive, rash, hasty, excited.

Moon-Jupiter
Feeling superior (others regard native as an important person or exalted being). Much esteem, high prestige (desire to please, trying to win a popularity contest, entertaining others). Faith in life to treat him/her well (optimism, happy feelings; high expectations characterize the individual). In best form, outgoing, social, congenial, generally pleasant.

Moon-Saturn
Security needs emphasized (tenacious, possessive, needs roots; material ownership is basis for security; resists ending toxic relationships). Emotionally exhausting experiences (depression, sad feelings, frustration, resignation, illness). Being insensitive/unresponsive to others’ feelings and needs (uncommunicative, blocking others’ free emotional expression). Space/time sensitive. Feeling inferior or inadequate (emphasizing one’s shortcomings, anxiety, waning confidence). Self-punishing. Dutiful, thoughtful, conscientious, disciplined. own feelings in check (need to “be strong” precludes active feeling involvement). [Edited 7/11/23]

Moon-Uranus
Restlessness. Desires freedom, change of pace, thrill, novelty, and discovery (dullness is rare). Native is rebellious, less inhibited than before, experimental, individualistic (greets life's changing emotional currents with excitement and curiosity). Intellectual aptitudes acute. Drawn to continually keep in touch with what is new, different and liberating (interest in metaphysics, unorthodox medicine, scientific innovations, human growth movements). Emotional tension (fluctuating moods; freedom demands can threaten close interpersonal involvements). Willful (obstinate).

Moon-Neptune
Refined sensitivity (empathy or vulnerability; easily influenced, open to experiences, psychic). Intense emotional component (exaggerated reactions, taking things too personally). Imagination, idealism, inspiration, fertile power of visualization. Embarrassment, frustration, anxiety, hysteria, confusion, disorientation as a likely reaction to stress. Emotional security needs are emphasized (overdependence, exaggerated need to merge with another, clinging to a degenerate pair-bond). Retreat into one's own private world (distorted perceptions). Indulgence (thirst for sensation; tendency to excess). Be more aware of your subconscious motivations.

Moon-Pluto
Refusal to comply with others' expectations or limitations; little regard for convention. Others perceive the native as different from the rest, alien, a curiosity (and are hypnotized, enthralled or awed). Remaining aloof and distant (marshalling one's most imposing personality traits; being inconsiderate of others' feelings). Deep feelings easily elicited from native (reactions to serious issues are profound, personally moving). Separation (isolation, escape from pressing conditions, another's death). Culmination (decisions may be forced by impulsive actions as festering emotions erupt).

Thanks Jim, Solar Moons are super important.