Jim's Procedures for analyzing a Solar Return (2011)
Posted: Tue May 09, 2017 5:31 pm
by SteveS on Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:38 pm
Since there are many members of this Forum who do not have Jim’s book ‘Interpreting Solar Returns,’ and this book is out of print, I thought it would be good to post Jim’s procedures from his book for Solar Return analysis. Always remember, the Solar Return must account for precession by either using the precession-free sidereal zodiac or if using the tropical zodiac, you must correct for precession. Also, you should use your current residence verses your birth location coordinates.
Jim wrote in ‘Interpreting Solar Returns:’
This was written in the 70’s and I have studied many systems of astrology and I have yet to see a system that can out forecast a Solar Return.At the same time, the Solar Return is the basis of the most powerful forecasting system presently known to astrological technology.
Procedure for Solar Return Analysis
1: Note which planets are foreground (angular), both natal and solar. Frame the core of your delineation around these factors alone, trying to come to some kind of integrated assessment of the map’s general tone.
A: If the same planet is foreground in both the natal and solar wheels, it takes on special significance as a theme planet.
B: The planets closest to the angles have the most to say. While the entire map has to fit together synthetically, this guideline will often help prioritize and weigh planetary involvement.
C: Solar planets are interpreted as describing circumstances the world brings to the individual. Natal planets represent the individual’s reactions to these circumstances or, sometimes, the actions which invoke them.
2: Note aspects between/among foreground (angular) planets.
A: Aspects to foreground solar planets help refine judgment on what to expect from the outside world.
B: Interpret foreground (angular) natal planets in terms of what they represent in the nativity (shown by their natal aspects and, to some extent, sign placements).
C: Note foreground (angular) solar (transiting) planets aspecting foreground (angular) natal planets.
3: Interpret aspects of solar Moon to both solar and natal planets. See “Luminary Importance in Terms of Angularity” in Chapter Four. Stop at this point to make sure the delineation is consistent and makes sense.
4: Observe which solar planets are background and how they color the picture so far obtained. (This procedure is explained in the book).
5: Interpret aspects of the Sun to solar planets. See “Luminary Importance in Terms of Angularity” in Chapter Four.
6: Consider any remaining aspects within about 1 degree. These represent supplementary, background considerations.