Annual Revolutions, or as they are modernly called Solar Returns are simply a method of prediction that counts from one birthday to the next. These charts are usually only counted one way modernly but there is also another traditional method of calculating an Annual Revolution chart which I will further discuss below. Solar Returns predict what events will unfold throughout the specific year they are cast for. These charts aid in the confirmation of Directions and Transits and should be used with these charts as well to further illustrate the future events that will take place.

There are essentially two ways in which to calculate the Solar Return. The first of these methods is simply by calculation which is modernly used. The second way of doing it is by adding 5 hours, 48 minutes to your correct time at birth for the first Solar Return chart. For the next years add 5 hours and 48 minutes on top of this time and you shall come to the correct Return time. With the advent of computers and calculating technology these methods arent needed to come to a correct time however I thought it appropriate to include these for the education of the student.

Solar Returns are very easily read as the Astrologer simple reads them as a Nativity except rather than the influences stretching over a life time, they only stretch over the year. So if we find benevolence towards the second house and his Lord, it can be determined that the Native that year will obtain some form of money or substance. Once the figure has been cast the first thing to observe is how close it is to the Nativity chart. If it is close or there are good aspects between each chart, then it shows that the Native shall have a favorable year. If its dissimilar and there are bad aspects between the charts then it shows the opposite. The aspects are found when Planets behold their Radical location (where they are placed in the Nativity) by any aspects.

For example if we find that in the Nativity chart Venus is placed 20°Libra and we find her placed in the Revolution or Return at 20°Aries we can confirm that any signification concerning Venus will be negative for the year because she beholds herself with an opposition aspect. You are to further examine the rest of the Planets in the same manner. The more benevolent aspects appear, the greater year the Native will have. It must further be pointed out that this should only prove beneficial if the Planet in the Nativity is essentially dignified. If it is not essentially dignified in its placement then its Revolutional influence will be weak.