---

What is a lunar return chart, and how does it differ from a solar return chart?

A Lunar Return chart is an astrological tool used to understand the emotional and psychological landscape of an individual for a specific month. It is created for the exact moment when the Moon returns to the same position (the same degree and minute in the same sign) that it occupied at the time of a person’s birth. This event happens approximately every 27.5 days, marking the start of a new lunar cycle for the individual.

The Lunar Return chart, like the Solar Return chart, provides insights into the themes and experiences that will be prominent during the period it covers. However, there are key differences between the two charts in terms of focus, duration, and their roles in forecasting.

1. Lunar Return Chart: Focus and Purpose

• Emotional and Psychological Focus: The primary focus of a Lunar Return chart is on the individual’s emotional state, instinctual reactions, and inner life during the month ahead. It reveals how the person will feel, what their emotional needs will be, and how they will respond to various situations. This makes it a valuable tool for understanding short-term emotional and psychological dynamics.
• Monthly Cycle: A Lunar Return chart is specific to the period between one lunar return and the next, which is about 27.5 days. This shorter cycle contrasts with the Solar Return chart, which covers an entire year. The Lunar Return chart is more about the ebb and flow of emotional experiences and the subtle changes that occur within a month, rather than the broader life themes that are the focus of a Solar Return chart.
• Predictive Insight: Astrologers use the Lunar Return chart to gain insight into the individual’s emotional focus and psychological state for the upcoming month. It can indicate periods of heightened sensitivity, potential emotional challenges, or opportunities for emotional growth. The chart can be especially useful for identifying how external events will affect the individual on an emotional level.

2. Key Components of a Lunar Return Chart

• Lunar Return Moon: The position of the Moon in the Lunar Return chart is the most important factor. The house and sign placement of the Lunar Return Moon indicate the primary emotional focus for the month. For example:
  • Moon in the 1st House: The individual’s emotional state and personal needs will be very prominent. There may be a strong focus on self-care, self-expression, and personal well-being.
  • Moon in the 4th House: The focus may be on home, family, and inner emotional security. This could be a time when the individual feels a strong need for comfort and a stable home environment.
  • Moon in the 7th House: Relationships and partnerships may be at the forefront of the individual’s emotional life. The person may feel a strong need to connect with others on an emotional level.
• Lunar Return Ascendant: The Ascendant of the Lunar Return chart reflects the individual’s outward demeanor and approach to life during the month. It can indicate how the person is likely to project themselves and how they might be perceived by others.
• Other Planets in the Lunar Return Chart: While the Moon is the central focus, the positions of other planets in the Lunar Return chart also provide valuable insights. For example:
  • Sun: The Sun’s placement can indicate where the individual will focus their energy and identity during the month.
  • Venus: The placement of Venus can reveal themes related to relationships, love, and personal values.
  • Mars: Mars indicates areas of activity, motivation, and potential conflict.
• Aspects in the Lunar Return Chart: The aspects between the Moon and other planets in the Lunar Return chart indicate how different areas of life will interact emotionally. For example:
  • Moon Conjunct Venus: This aspect might indicate a month where the individual experiences warmth and affection in relationships, or a focus on emotional fulfillment through beauty or harmony.
  • Moon Square Mars: This aspect could signal emotional tension, irritability, or conflicts that arise from impulsive reactions.

3. How a Lunar Return Chart is Interpreted

Interpreting a Lunar Return chart involves analyzing the position of the Moon, the Ascendant, and the aspects between planets to understand the emotional and psychological tone for the month. Here’s how it’s typically done:

• Identify the Emotional Focus: The first step is to look at the house placement of the Lunar Return Moon, as this indicates where the individual’s emotional energy will be concentrated. The sign of the Moon gives further insight into how these emotions will be expressed.
• Assess the Approach to the Month: The Lunar Return Ascendant and its sign reveal the overall demeanor and attitude the person will have during the month. This can provide clues about how they will navigate emotional challenges or opportunities.
• Analyze Key Aspects: The aspects between the Lunar Return Moon and other planets help to identify potential emotional challenges or support systems. For example, a trine between the Moon and Jupiter might indicate emotional ease and optimism, while a square between the Moon and Saturn could suggest feelings of emotional restriction or responsibility.
• Consider the Bigger Picture: Although a Lunar Return chart is focused on the short term, it can be helpful to compare it to the Solar Return chart or other predictive tools to see how the month fits into the broader context of the year. This can provide deeper insights into how monthly emotional experiences align with longer-term goals and challenges.

4. Solar Return Chart: Focus and Purpose

• Yearly Cycle: The Solar Return chart covers a full year, from one birthday to the next. It provides a comprehensive overview of the major themes, challenges, and opportunities that will shape the individual’s life during that period. The Solar Return chart is more focused on long-term goals, identity, and life direction than the Lunar Return chart.
• Life Themes and External Events: While the Lunar Return chart emphasizes emotional and psychological states, the Solar Return chart highlights broader life themes, such as career developments, relationship dynamics, and significant life changes. It offers insights into how the individual will express their identity, what they will prioritize, and how they will navigate significant events over the course of the year.
• Key Components of the Solar Return Chart:
  • Solar Return Sun: The position of the Sun in the Solar Return chart is central, indicating the primary focus and life theme for the year. The house placement of the Sun shows the area of life that will be most prominent, while the aspects to the Sun reveal how the individual will express their identity and deal with challenges.
  • Solar Return Ascendant: The Ascendant in the Solar Return chart reflects the individual’s approach to life during the year and how they will be perceived by others.
  • Other Planets and Aspects: The placement of other planets in the Solar Return chart provides further details about specific areas of life, such as relationships (Venus), career (Saturn), or personal growth (Jupiter). The aspects between these planets indicate potential challenges, support, or opportunities.

5. Comparing the Two Charts

While both the Lunar Return and Solar Return charts are predictive tools, they differ significantly in scope, focus, and duration:

• Duration: The Lunar Return chart covers approximately one month, while the Solar Return chart covers an entire year.
• Focus: The Lunar Return chart is primarily focused on emotional and psychological themes, offering insights into how the individual will feel and react during the month. The Solar Return chart, on the other hand, is focused on broader life themes, identity, and external events that will unfold over the year.
• Application: The Lunar Return chart is used for short-term emotional forecasting, making it particularly useful for understanding monthly cycles and how they affect daily life. The Solar Return chart is used for long-term planning and understanding the major influences and life changes that will occur over the year.

6. Using Both Charts Together

For a comprehensive understanding of both the short-term and long-term influences in a person’s life, astrologers often use Lunar Return and Solar Return charts in tandem:

• Monthly Check-Ins: While the Solar Return chart provides the overall roadmap for the year, the Lunar Return chart can be used as a monthly check-in to see how the individual’s emotional state aligns with the year’s broader themes. This can help the individual navigate each month with greater awareness of their emotional needs and how they fit into their larger life goals.
• Emotional Context for Life Events: The Lunar Return chart can provide emotional context for events predicted by the Solar Return chart. For instance, if the Solar Return chart indicates a major career change, the Lunar Return chart can reveal how the person will feel about it during the specific month when the change occurs.

Conclusion

The Lunar Return and Solar Return charts are both valuable tools in astrology, each serving different but complementary purposes. The Lunar Return chart offers insights into the emotional and psychological landscape for the upcoming month, focusing on how the individual will feel and react to daily life. The Solar Return chart, in contrast, provides a broader view of the major life themes, challenges, and opportunities for the year ahead. By using both charts together, individuals can gain a more nuanced understanding of their life’s journey, helping them to navigate both the short-term emotional fluctuations and the long-term developments that shape their lives.