The birth chart is a map of the positions of the planets at the time and place of birth. For the benefit of students of astrology, these positions and other technical information is listed below:

Sun      9 Sag 45                Neptune  10 Lib 20
Moon    17 Pis 12                Pluto    13 Leo 18
Mercury 21 Sco 20                Asc.     18 Sag 40
Venus   17 Sco 49                MC        9 Lib 46
Mars    18 Sag 50                2nd cusp 15 Cap 43
Jupiter 14 Sco 37                3rd cusp 21 Aqu 50
Saturn   8 Leo 45                5th cusp  2 Tau 34
Uranus  20 Gem 11                6th cusp 25 Tau 12

Tropical  Koch   Standard Time observed
December 2, 1946   7:50 AM
GMT: 12:50:00   Time Zone: 5 hours West
Lat. and Long. of birth place: 40 N 36 29 74 W 16 41


Astrological Data of Solar Return:

Sun      9 Sag 45                Neptune  21 Aqu 43
Moon    21 Cap 40                Pluto     0 Cap 09
Mercury 13 Sag 01                Asc.      5 Cap 12
Venus   22 Cap 30                MC       20 Lib 04
Mars    10 Sag 59                2nd cusp  4 Aqu 31
Jupiter 22 Cap 17                3rd cusp 10 Pis 18
Saturn  20 Vir 56                5th cusp 15 Tau 01
Uranus  18 Pis 45                6th cusp  9 Gem 35

December 1, 2008   GMT: 13:52:21
Port Saint Lucie, Florida 27 N 17 37 80 W 21 02


Aspects and orbs:
        Sun and Moon only      All other planets
Conj.  :  8 Deg. 00 Min.       7 Deg. 00 Min.
Oppos. :  6 Deg. 00 Min.       6 Deg. 00
Square :  6 Deg. 00 Min.       6 Deg. 00 Min.
Trine  :  6 Deg. 00 Min.       6 Deg. 00 Min.
Sextile:  5 Deg. 00 Min.       4 Deg. 00 Min.

ELEMENTS, MODES, QUADRANTS, AND RETROGRADE PLANETS
        With nine or all of the planets in the eastern half of the chart, one is either self-motivated or not motivated at all. During the year, it is the personal desire of the individual which pushes for success in almost any endeavor, not the intent or wishes of someone else. For this reason, persons with the eastern emphasis chart do not have to depend on anyone else for guidance or support. They are already inspired on an inner level. Use this year to develop self-motivation, self-direction, and self-reliance. This does not mean that important others are missing from your life; but it does show a need for personal action and the realization that there are some things that others cannot do for you, and you must do for yourself.

        This type of chart can indicate too much emphasis on self-interest without any regard for others. You can ignore the effect your behavior has on others, make impulsive decisions without consulting the significant people in your life, or refuse to compromise when there is a conflict. You may become increasingly comfortable with yourself while becoming dissociated from those whom you love.

        This is a good time to feel your own power and sense of achievement on a personal level. You want to test your own ability to make things happen. Being successful this year can lead to further successes later in relationships and career. Many of your planets might be moving to the southern hemisphere next year, so this is a time for pilot studies and dry runs. You need to develop talents and self-confidence to prepare for future endeavors.

Zero or One Fixed Planet

        When fixed planets are lacking in the solar return chart, you may feel the need to initiate major changes and take greater risks. You will tend to welcome changes that come your way and actually see change as the natural way to improve your life situation. You have a desire for new experiences and can make major commitments to previously untried life-styles. You might move a great distance, have a first child, get married, or experience a similar major transition. An element of insecurity or a lack of attention to security needs is associated with this modal lack. There is a tendency to jump now and think later. Your resistance to change may be so low that you lack stability during this time and make some changes unnecessarily. Use this year to be open to new possibilities. Prepare for times of great change by planning ahead.

Five or More Mutable Planets

        The more planets you have in the mutable signs, the more likely you are to be involved in changing circumstances. This is a year when you are better able to recognize subtle fluctuations in your situation as they occur. You are also aware of major changes as they occur little by little. Major transitions are anticipated long before they occur; consequently, you are able to adapt and prepare. Think of this as ad-libbing life. New developments and information necessitate constant reassessments and adjustments to your situation; therefore, this may not be the best time to come up with a master plan of how things should proceed. It will be much easier to handle daily issues as they arise, keeping a future goal or direction in mind. The key to handling changes at this time may be learning to ride the waves and make the adjustments necessary to stay on top of the situation.

        There is a greater tendency to accept and adapt to changes as they occur than to initiate new changes yourself. Many times changes that other people are making or have made in the recent past directly affect your life. In some situations, you may feel that you have little freedom of choice and must adapt to surroundings that are different from those you have been used to in the past. At times, changes may be severe enough to cause anxiety, nervous upsets, and stress, and you should remember to take time for relaxation techniques.

Five or More Earth Planets

        When there are five or more earth planets in a solar return chart, basic material needs are emphasized. This is usually a year when security and stability are sought and may or may not be attained. All kinds of work and employment are emphasized, even housework and chores. Employment-related changes and monetary concerns are common. Everyday survival techniques for the modern person will be stressed, i.e., how to get and maintain a good job, buy a car, pay your bills, or rent an apartment. Common sense is perceived as an important part of practical decision-making. Your ability to accomplish tasks and provide for basic material needs may be your most important goal during the year.

Zero or One Air Planet

        The lack of air in a solar return chart is associated with several different manifestations, but basically only one underlying personality trait. It implies that rational thinking is not the major component of your decision-making process during this year. Depending on what other element is emphasized, you may be very practical (earth), emotional (water), or inspired (fire). Because of the lack of air, you might not be objective. A personal perspective will predominate. Without the lightness of the air quality, you might take life too seriously.

        Charts with little or no air can also indicate a year of little forethought. You may be impulsive, jumping first, thinking later. You respond to external events in a reactive way rather than planning your moves, especially if the water element is prominent. These reactions may be unconscious knee-jerk reflexes rather than considered responses formulated after a clear perception and assessment of the situation.

        This lack can indicate inexperience if you are involved in a new activity or unfamiliar situation. Hence, it follows that you do not have the experience or knowledge necessary for what you are trying to accomplish. For example, suppose you buy an older home that needs a lot of renovation and you've never done this type of work before. You will undoubtedly spend many hours reading books and consulting with experts as you renovate the house. You learn by trial and error. Sometimes you do things well the first time and sometimes you do them over. For this reason, you may feel intellectually incompetent. This is not meant to imply that you cannot be successful in your endeavors this year. You can be very successful, but usually this will occur through a process of trial and error.

        It is also common to feel uninformed. In its worst manifestation, it is a feeling of stupidity. But in its best manifestation, it is a thirst for knowledge and the courage to take risks attempting new tasks. This is an excellent time to gather information about new fields of interest, or to attend school.

Zero or One Water Planet

        People with a lack of water in their solar return charts may find it difficult to express emotions or respond to emotional situations in a natural way. It could be more difficult for these people to make a complete emotional circuit, one in which they are nurtured, and in turn, are able to nurture others. Some of these individuals are victims of the strong-woman or strong-man syndrome. They pride themselves on being emotionally self-sufficient and self-contained, but may be experiencing a new depth of emotion which they need time to learn how to express more openly. There is a tendency not to do so.

        The third alternative is that the emotional side of life is just not a major consideration this year. This can be a time of intellectual or practical pursuits. A more rational orientation might be warranted. The danger is that the lack of emotional expression might be associated with sadness, loneliness or psychological stress, but this need not be the case. Other facets of the personality can take precedence.

THE SUN IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Sun in 12th house:

        The Sun in the 12th house indicates that this is a behind-the-scenes year for you unless the Sun is close to the Ascendent. This is not a year in which you will seek to be noticed. Recognition is more likely to come next year and you can be noticed then for something you accomplish now. Socially, you will tend to be quiet, more withdrawn and preoccupied with internal thoughts or projects.

        It is time for the important task of organizing information you have collected while the Sun was in the other cadent houses. Consequently, you will need time alone for reflection and introspection. You may daydream and fantasize a lot, or spend time contemplating your existence and the meaning of life. A religious theme is common, but all information is reorganized and not just data with a philosophical or religious theme. You will tend to keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself since they are usually only partially formed or partially understood for most of the year. You tend to be tolerant of different beliefs and will not push your incomplete opinions onto others.

        Yearlong goals and projects are often a direct result of the reorganization process. This is usually not the year for short-term success. You should be preparing for the future at least one year ahead. This is not to say that this is a wasted year; this is a excellent Sun placement for those who are working on a long-term project and do not expect to be rewarded or praised until they complete the task at hand. Generally, the fruits of their labor will not be evident until the start of the next solar return year. If the Sun should go to the 10th house the following year, this would be the time of career recognition and praise. If the Sun should fall into the 9th, this could be a time for publication. Authors who write their books with the Sun in the 12th house often present them to publishers as the Sun moves into the 9th.

        If you are working, you may find it difficult to gain recognition now for the work that you are doing. Again, you might have to wait until next year when you complete a long-term project. But some individuals with this Sun placement work in a back room forgotten by management. They rarely deal with the public on a regular basis unless they are a voice over the telephone. The work they produce is unsigned and anonymous. A good example of this kind of work situation would be the publication of a newsletter that does not carry your name as writer or editor. You may hope to finally receive the recognition you deserve in the following year, but if you have your doubts, you might consider switching jobs.

        If you are a housewife with children, you may prefer to spend more time at home. A demanding domestic situation will cause you to retreat from extra commitments and a hectic social schedule. You might have a major project you are working to complete, such as redecorating your home, but more simply, the demands of your family and children can be overwhelming. Numerous responsibilities will drain your energy and time alone helps you to recuperate.

        This is also the year of the "closet personality." People will wonder where you have been and what you are up to since you will tend not to be self-disclosing. Perhaps your reputation is clouded. You might feel egoless. You are less likely to make demands on others and more likely to accept things passively, even though it is unusual for you to act this way. You can ignore feelings, thoughts or even desires for the sake of another person, especially if that person is in need. Negatively, you may be trying to bite your tongue and keep peace rather than defend yourself or say what is on your mind. If you are consciously trying to hide something, you can be secretive and deceiving, but it is also possible that others actively deceive you. It is more usual to be confused than deceptive or deceived; more positive to be enlightened than disillusioned.

        This might be a year when you are involved with the sick or disabled. The individual with Sun in the 12th is usually a good Samaritan. He or she spends time helping those who are incapacitated or confined, visiting friends, neighbors or relatives in the hospital. Compassion increases this year, but it is better to help those who are truly in need than those who refuse to respond or take responsibility for themselves. Beware of the savior-victim syndrome. This is a very negative manifestation resulting from intense involvement with alcoholics, drug addicts, or mentally unstable people. You may think you can help them, and they may look to you for assistance, but as the year progresses you see that they are slipping back into their old patterns and you feel drained, used and disillusioned. Steer clear of these kinds of people in personal relationships and use your compassion to direct them toward professional therapists. Working with these kinds of individuals professionally, however, may be very fulfilling for you.

        This is a year that can be unstructured and Neptunian. Your goals and philosophy may evolve slowly as the year goes on; consequently, it will not be to your advantage to structure and plan your schedule far in advance. Some individuals will feel that they have little control over situations because the needs of others overwhelm their own needs and they are easily sidetracked. Some will not have good control over their minds either. Those individuals who were counseling candidates before the year begins usually find this to be a very difficult year. Mental afflictions and neurosis are possible for those who do not seek counseling when they need it.

        Healthy individuals may notice more anxiety and nervousness as unconscious patterns surface and create difficulties. You might be phobic, worried, indecisive, less confident, or less assertive. If you are already in therapy and have been for a while, this is the time when you begin to see previously hidden patterns of behavior. You are able to put everything together and long-term issues finally become resolved.

        It is important that you get proper rest and nourishment. When the Sun is in the 12th house, you may be more easily drained physically and emotionally. You need time alone for contemplation and planning; illness is one way to get it. This is more likely to happen if you are overwhelmed by numerous responsibilities which you do not allow yourself to avoid. Learn to say no. Time spent alone in reflection can give you a renewed sense of faith in the Universe and a new sense of dedication to the role you play in its creation and evolution.

Sun Aspects Mars

        Mars symbolizes the energy necessary for successful accomplishments. When Mars aspects the Sun, it is a good time to work on a project that requires a great deal of energy to complete. Success can come in the form of personal or professional achievement, or with defense. Relationships tend to be competitive, and you need to balance self-centered drives with the needs of others. Learning to deal with aggression, conflict, and anger in an effective rather than detrimental way can enable the individual to handle negative situations positively. Less spiritual themes involve destructive or self-destructive urges. Prolonged anger creates blockages which waste energy in a cycle of negative emotions that have no real purpose or goal. It is better to direct efforts into positive endeavors.

Sun Aspects Mercury

        Just as in the natal chart, the solar return Sun is never more than 28 degrees from Mercury so does not form any major aspects other than the conjunction. Mercury conjunct the Sun indicates that the intellectual mind is actively involved in the goals of the Sun. Reading, writing, learning, and communication in all forms will be important to the pursuit.

THE MOON IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Solar Return Moon in 1st house:

        The Moon in the 1st house can indicate increased emotional self-awareness during the coming solar return year. Feelings and emotional needs will seem stronger and more urgent, residing just under the surface. Sometimes the emotional nature is overwhelming and cannot easily be controlled. Individuals with this placement tend to cry easily, and to feel deeply. They may also be socially withdrawn or quiet. The Moon in the 1st house is distinguished by the fact that not only are the feelings particularly strong, they are also readily apparent to others and ultimately carry great personal significance for the individual. Resolutions for the future are made from the subjective interpretation of these pressing feelings. Feelings do not just gain strength during this time, they become a motivating force. Feelings become useful. They have rhyme and reason within the context of events and they play a major role in decisions that you make. This is not the time to make totally rational decisions without considering the emotional ramifications.

        For example, a new mother with the Moon in the 1st house of the solar return chart promised to return to work after the baby was born. Her full-time income was needed to support her student husband. She did not anticipate any problems with this arrangement, but she had not assessed how she would feel about this set-up. She had made an intellectual decision without any emotional input. Once she returned to work, she realized how unhappy she felt leaving her baby every morning. As the year wore on, she and her husband made decisions about their future that changed their work schedules significantly. The following year, the mother was able to stay home full-time to care for their baby. Her feelings about working while her child was young strongly influenced the choices she and her husband made. After this woman interpreted her feelings and grew to respect those emotions, she was able to work towards a positive resolution of the issue.

        When the Moon is in the 1st house, your emotional nature is trying to tell you something important. Your feelings can be viewed as a connecting link between events in the past and guidelines or preparation for the future. It is common to find the Moon in the 1st house of the solar return when one is recovering from an emotional trauma, regardless of when that trauma occurred. It could have occurred in the very recent past or it could have occurred long ago (especially if the individual has a habit of suppressing feelings). Or you may be involved in a situation or personality pattern that is detrimental to your emotional nature or development. Usually this situation or pattern is well within your power to change. Present events trigger feelings, both old and new, and force them to the surface. This is not meant to be a depressing time, though sometimes this is the case, especially in the early months of the solar return. Moodiness is a common complaint. The goal is to get in touch with your feelings and listen to them. Understand what they are saying to you. Some pains are inevitable and some pains are avoidable. You cannot change death, but you can change the way you handle emotions, situations, and relationships. The Moon in the 1st house signals a very strong developmental stage for the feeling nature. This is not just a year of recovery, it is a year for great emotional growth.

        This is also a time to become self-protective and self-nurturing. The Moon in the 1st house could be titled, "The Care and Feeding of your Emotional Nature." Many of us do not know how to soothe our own injured feelings and heal old wounds. Use this time to learn how to protect yourself from emotionally damaging situations while recognizing and fostering emotionally healthy relationships. Appreciate your own emotional needs and know when they are not being met. Allow your feelings to play a greater role in the decision-making process.

        This is a time when you are able to feel the pain of another and walk a mile in his or her shoes, so to speak. Since you are becoming more sensitive to your own emotional needs, you are also more sensitive and aware of the emotional needs of those around you. For this reason, you can become increasingly supportive of immediate family members. Dependency is a possibility. The Moon in the 1st can commonly be seen in the charts of those with a new baby or elderly parent to care for. Your ability to be more nurturing at this time draws those who are in need of your care and assistance. Whether you are male or female, strong involvement with a woman is especially common.

Moon Aspects Uranus

        Probably the most common activity associated with a Moon-Uranus aspect in a solar return chart is moving from one home to another. You may move yourself, or help someone either move in or out of your home. Domestic changes are likely. Usually, a certain amount of disruption transpires in the home. Expect breaks in your daily routine and habits. Most likely, relationships are also changing. You could be involved in a new relationship, or an old one may be going through a period of transition or separation. Either you or your partner initiates these changes.

        Strong attractions are possible at this time, but this is not the most common manifestation. If you feel you are caught in an emotional rut, changes are more likely to occur. The external changes you experience in relationships are the direct result of internal restlessness. It stands to reason that if your situation and emotional needs change, you will be faced with new issues and problems, and be required to develop new ways of expressing yourself emotionally. This is one way to break inhibitions. The involvement in new situations will accentuate your ability or inability to handle emotions and relationships in a positive way. At the very worst, emotional control will be difficult and feelings will be erratic. You may be overwhelmed one day and detached or cool the next. You could say or do things without really considering the emotional consequences, but then, this might free you up to make necessary changes quickly and easily.

Moon Aspects Saturn

        While the Moon in aspect to Uranus suggests an inability to suppress emotional information, Moon-Saturn aspects are more closely associated with emotional control. If you are involved in an important project which you feel must be completed, you can work despite any emotional strain. You take your commitments seriously and will enforce restrictions on your own behavior or suppress feelings in order to get a job done. This is a time when responsibility wins out over emotional expression. For example, a high school senior pushed himself in his chosen sport. He practiced when he was tired and missed a number of social events during his senior year, but he was able to set a goal and work toward it. He knew the importance of his talent and worked hard to develop his potential fully.

        Feeling that you can only depend on yourself and must take responsibility for your own welfare is characteristic of Moon-Saturn aspects. This is a time when you will be asked to make decisions affecting you emotionally. These decisions will have some bearing on your future sense of fulfillment (such as attending the school of your choice, or entering a particular career). You might have to make these decisions on your own if others are not involved, supportive, comforting or interested. They are either absent or for some reason unable to help you with the task at hand. At times, you may feel lonely. If you cannot depend on others, depend on yourself, your own resources, and abilities.

        Someone who started her own day care center had a Moon-Saturn aspect in her solar return. She worked alone to set up the center since she did not have an assistant. Her husband was fearful of the financial commitment and was less than supportive of her new business venture. There were times when she wished she could share her fears with someone who really understood.

        Major decisions are made only after careful consideration, and may be associated with some sadness or stark realization. Emotional implications are likely. You may have to give up something to get something. Options may be limited, and you might have to choose from an either/or situation. Suppose you wish to move to your own apartment. Although you wish to move quickly, the particular apartment you wish to rent might not be available until later in the year. You can either wait or settle for something else. In the long run, the delay could be beneficial.

Moon Aspects Jupiter

        Moon in aspect to Jupiter suggests that your ability to express your feelings within a significant relationship is important to your own emotional growth during the year, and also to the growth of the relationship. Jupiter symbolizes your ability to expand and the Moon symbolizes your feeling nature. Together in aspect, they emphasize the process of sharing emotions, having those emotions understood, and growing from the interchange. For example, if you are involved in counseling, this exchange is crucial to the therapeutic process. If you are involved in a serious relationship, sharing your feelings is very important for the development of greater intimacy. Problems expressing your feelings or reaching a level of understanding will cause emotional stagnation and eventually strain your relationships.

        Some real or imagined barrier to expressing feelings can exist with this aspect, and it is important that you break through this barrier and be understood if emotional growth is to occur. Sometimes the barrier is really no problem at all, but a wonderful opportunity for openness. Expansion through emotional interchange and relatedness is the key. It can come about by overcoming barriers or creating rewarding opportunities.

        Moon-Jupiter aspects sometimes imply overwhelming emotions. You do best with objective feedback from others. Your perception may be distorted if you keep your feelings isolated. It is just as important for you to convey cheerful emotions as serious feelings, especially if you are in a situation where enthusiasm could motivate others. For instance, if you are working on a humanitarian project and you need volunteers, your ability to inspire others with your enthusiasm will help your cause.

Moon Aspects Venus

        The Moon in aspect to Venus suggests that emotional security and domestic issues are tied to financial considerations. Your monetary situation can be affected either positively or negatively. If you are planning on pursuing an emotionally fulfilling goal, you will have to consider your financial situation before making any changes. Whether or not your goal is feasible at this time depends on how much money you have set aside. You might have to compromise your present income and take a pay cut to enter a more rewarding field. Ultimately, your salary will increase if you are successful in your new endeavors. Financial stability is also affected by domestic conditions. Moving, pregnancy, and birth are common events that affect the amount of money earned and spent. Occasionally this aspect can show a time when you are financially dependent on others for support for one of the reasons mentioned above.

MERCURY IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Solar Return Mercury in 12th house:

        Mercury in the 12th house indicates that you are probably not outspoken this year. You keep your opinions, thoughts and feelings to yourself. You also keep secrets. You may be spending more time alone, lost in your own thoughts. This is a time for the development of new ideas and the understanding and organization of what you have already learned. Consequently, you may not be sure of exactly what you want to say or how to say it. Unfortunately, you may not be saying some of the things that need to be said. Mercury in the 12th house is associated with keeping quiet to preserve peace. You may find that when you do express yourself, it causes an argument. So, it seems easier to compromise before the argument starts, and just bite your tongue to begin with. You may not verbalize your true thoughts, even when you should. If you are caught in a lie, even one which was perpetrated by others, you may not correct the situation by telling the truth as you know it.

        This is a good time to be reflective and introspective rather than just withholding. This can be a very religious or spiritual placement for Mercury. Meditation, quiet reflection and spiritual studies are important and may give you a greater understanding of the Universe and your place within the Universal plan. But the concept of the "big picture" is applicable to all information and not just that which is spiritual in nature. You have accumulated much information in recent years which now needs to be organized into accessible and practical knowledge. Let's use an analogy as an example. If you are an astrology student, you spend many years learning astrological techniques. These techniques provide you with different bits of information. At some point you will need to learn to organize these pieces of information into a chart interpretation. This is the difference between "cook-booking" astrological facts and understanding the individual's personality by interpreting the whole chart. There is a leap of consciousness described here that transforms separate facts into cohesive knowledge. One is able to see the major themes or "gestalt" of the natal chart. Mercury in the 12th can denote this leap of consciousness from facts to knowledge, and from knowledge to wisdom. It represents the organization and assimilation of data necessary for true learning. Private study and personal research can help you with this process, but inner thoughts should be your focus of attention. This can be a good position for the writer, artist, or anyone beginning a long-term project which will involve much contemplation. Do not waste all this inner energy on daydreaming and fantasizing; use this time to deepen your understanding of what you have learned.

        The review and organization of information is not limited to factual data only. Unconscious impressions, feelings and intuitive insights will also be important. The 12th house seems to relate to the integration of all forms of existing information, whether on the conscious or unconscious level. If there is a conflict between what you are thinking rationally and what you are feeling emotionally, the integration process may be more difficult and you will probably experience some anxiety. This lack of continuity may be due to your avoidance of certain issues and feelings in the past. But it can also be caused by inaccurate information you are receiving at the present time. A very negative manifestation is that someone is lying to you or purposely misleading you. Your task during the year is to resolve any conflicts between feelings and conscious thoughts and become an integrated whole.

        If your mind does not have a strong inner or outer focus this year, you could experience mental problems in the form of phobias, compulsions, obsessions, jealousy, and anxiety. Free-floating anxiety (generalized fear) is the more common difficulty. Those who were counseling candidates before Mercury was placed in the solar return 12th house are not likely to improve on their own this year. If you are already experiencing problems, this is a time for therapy. The emphasis should be on integrating unconscious and conscious energies. Wisely channeled, you can use this time to intelligently evaluate unconscious insights in the light of previously gathered information. Together the two sources, the conscious and the unconscious levels, can provide you with a wealth of information organized into a body of knowledge.

Mercury Aspects Uranus

        Uranus-Mercury aspects suggest that you are open to new ideas which may take the form of new information you are learning or new concepts you are developing yourself. These aspects can show great creativity since they imply that the individual is able to approach problems from many different angles and is not locked into one structured way of thinking. Use this time to be innovative and original. Brainstorm with others. But, because your mind is somewhat unstructured, your ability to think clearly may be interrupted by erratic impulses and an inability to concentrate over any length of time. New information may be more exciting than reorganizing what you already know. If you must work on a major project that requires sustained mental energy, take frequent breaks.

        There is the possibility that you will subject yourself to psychologically stressful situations during the year. Increased nervousness, anxiety, and irrational thinking may be directly related to these stressful situations. Question the necessity for excessive tension in your life. If possible, withdraw from those situations that tax your mental and physical health. You may want to practice relaxation techniques and avoid stimulants. Work on calming and nurturing your nervous system.

Mercury Aspects Mars

        Mars-Mercury aspects suggest an energetic thought process. This can be a time of great mental energy and an active search for knowledge. Your mind should be quick and alert, though not necessarily highly retentive. Learning can be very exciting and self-perpetuating even if you study alone.

        What is great for the learning process may not be so advantageous when making decisions. The speed normally associated with Mars may indicate that you are impulsive and quick to jump to conclusions. You may not take the time necessary for careful consideration or thorough research. Instead, you may choose to handle situations with gut-level reactions rather than considered responses.

        Mars-Mercury combinations imply assertive ability, but at their worst, these aspects can suggest aggressiveness and great anger. Ongoing conflicts and daily confrontations may occur with very negative manifestations. Those with strong tempers may have trouble controlling their anger. In the heat of the moment, they will say things without thinking about the consequences.

        Old unconscious anger and resentment may fuel present conflicts. You may not be fighting for what you believe is right in this situation; instead you fight because you have been wronged in the past. Focusing on angry thoughts and acting out conflicts can be a terrible waste of a good mind. Mars-Mercury aspects show that thoughts can be put into action. Get motivated. Use this time to accomplish many things. Let your experiences teach you along the way.

        Mercury's relationships to the other planets in the solar return chart indicates how information is gathered, assimilated and integrated into attitudes that persist for most of the year. How easily this is accomplished, and in what manner, is suggested by the aspects. What you are actually thinking about is indicated by Mercury's house placement. The important thing to remember about Mercury's placement is that it is indicative of a mental exercise only. Alone in a house, Mercury can show mental preoccupation without psychological pain or physical consequences. It suggests the ability to make decisions only, and may not be a clear indication of action in any particular area.

VENUS IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Solar Return Venus in 1st house:

        Venus in the 1st house is usually indicative of a gentle demeanor. You would not wish to hurt anyone's feelings over transgressions that have occurred in the past, nor for intrusions occurring in the present. It is common to be nonaggressive and even nonassertive with this placement, depending on Mars. Your gentle and nonassertive manner can leave you open to the demands of others. If this is the case, your attention is divided between your needs and the needs of those you are involved with.

        As much as you wish to assist others, part of your focus should be centered on meeting your own needs, and protecting your own interests from outside influences. You need free time and energy in order to "do your own thing." For this reason, Venus in the 1st house is associated with self-protection and balance. You may need to learn to protect your own interests from the intrusions, opinions, and demands of others.

        The most common form of self-protection associated with this placement is withdrawal from contact with others. You spend more time alone during the year for one reason or another. You probably like being alone and feel you are your own best company. You do not want to give up personal needs and interests just to be with others. Aloneness may be a simple matter of changing environment. Graduates leaving a college dormitory and living alone for the first time might have this placement, as well as individuals engaged or married, yet separated from their loved ones.

        Aloneness may alternate with a strong emphasis on relationships, indicating a seesaw, all-or-nothing life-style during the year. But usually "aloneness" carries more meaning and greater importance than merely being by yourself. You may need time alone to take care of your own interests. For example, a new writer needed more time alone to write an intense novel. She enjoyed working with the fantasy she was creating. Her time alone was used to foster a creative and productive working environment. During the year she tended to avoid superficial and unnecessary social contacts.

        Another individual was plagued by the demands of several neighbors. She was home during the day and constantly called upon for help. She did not mind helping others, but her nonassertive personality allowed the demands to become excessive and eventually she had little time to herself. Her neighbors took advantage of her, asking her to do things they would normally do for themselves. She began to leave her phone off the hook and pretend to be out when someone came to the door. She used aloneness as an escape.

        The reasons you want to be alone should be indicated by the rest of the solar return chart. You may be running from a situation you find difficult to control or to a situation you wish to create. There are individuals who are able to defend their own interests successfully without escaping. These individuals are more likely to be alone because aloneness has innate value during the year. Nonassertive individuals are more likely to see withdrawal as a form of self-protection.

        Benefits, money, and comforts are self-made during the year. Do not expect others to provide for you unless there are other indications in the solar return chart. This is generally not the time for obtaining from others, but rather a time to be good to yourself. You are able to advance through your own efforts, but to do this you must be more aware of your skills and more confident of your abilities. Your greatest opportunities are self-made, and your greatest achievements involve personal satisfaction.

Venus Aspects Uranus

        Uranus-Venus aspects in the solar return chart usually denote changes in relationships. For some people, this can mean a sudden attraction and the excitement of a new love. Involvements may be very strong, very quick, and may or may not have staying power. New relationships might eventually lead to marriage, but probably not during this solar return year. Loose associations are common. Friends become lovers and some love relationships seem more like friendships. Occasionally, relationships and attractions are less than conventional. Affairs between or with married individuals, homosexual contacts, and long-distance romances are possible. A general mood of disruption may permeate all partnerships, whether old or new. Difficult relationships may end or become on-again, off-again involvements, but for those in a healthy relationship, changes will occur within the relationship itself and do not indicate a break in ties or a loss of commitment to one another. One or the other partner has a desire for greater freedom and openness. For some people, the changes involve a loss of comfort and stability, but a gain in newness and excitement. For example, the birth of a child brings both disruption and excitement to the new parents. Gone is the relaxing comfort of a stable schedule; expectations and behavioral patterns which were once taken for granted may now be nonexistent. New patterns must emerge, but while the necessary adjustments are being made, the continuing disruption can cause difficulties and temporary distancing between the people involved. Any strong change can cause this disruption in established relationship patterns. Common examples are relocation, retirement, heavy travel, and changes in the number of people living with you.

        Financial changes are also likely to occur with Uranus-Venus aspects. If you are involved in a new and exciting relationship, you may give up your present home and job to relocate to his or her area. Some individuals dispose of much of what they own before the move. For one reason or another, you may decide to stop working or you may go out and get a job. The amount of money available to you is likely to change or fluctuate. You can be working on a commission or incentive basis, or be involved in a profit-sharing plan at work. Self-employment is also possible with Uranus-Venus aspects, especially if you are newly self-employed and have not established a steady clientele.

Venus Aspects Saturn

        Saturn aspecting Venus can have one of two different manifestations: the solidification of a relationship, or the inhibition of a relationship. Both processes involve the use of structure to define a relationship. Healthy relationships can strengthen and show a renewed sense of commitment to the future by both partners. The ability to accept more responsibility with or for each other is common. Marriage, raising children, and purchasing homes together are three common events that reflect this change. The relationship gains more stability because of a new definition of purpose and intent.

        Partners who basically love each other and are committed to a relationship, but experiencing a period of change and adjustment, might do well to give each other a little space, understanding, and support. The distance needed can foster individual expression and achievement. For example, if you or your spouse wants to go back to school for a higher degree, time must be set aside for classes and study.

        Relationship inhibition occurs when the structure and definition of the relationship is used to limit rather than give a sense of purpose. You may not be allowed to give and receive love in a relaxed manner since love is always controlled, defined, withheld, rejected or not accepted as it exists. You yourself may refuse to make a further commitment, or it can be your partner who backs off. Statements like, "We're just friends," or "This is only an affair and I could never leave my wife," are two examples of the kind of structuring associated with Saturn-Venus contacts. Very poor relationships may be defined by separation and divorce. One person may accept total responsibility for a second individual. The "parent" partner acts as the person in charge of the "irresponsible child" and the relationship loses all sense of balance and equality.

        Financially, you will probably be working with less cash during the year. Your budget will be tight, either because you have limited funds or you choose to conserve money and build savings. If you are normally very free with your money, this is a time when you are more careful with spending practices. Even the very rich will want to know how much they have and where it all goes.

        Some may experience a cutback in funds. These are the people who quit their jobs, cut back on hours or salary, become self-employed, or experience a dramatic change in their life-style which would naturally affect funds available.

Venus Aspects Jupiter

        Aspects from Jupiter to Venus have several possible interpretations. You can benefit, either directly or indirectly, through the influence or assistance of others. Relationships can be very rewarding and you reap what you have sown. If you have been helpful and understanding to others in the past, you can expect the same treatment now. Your lover, business partner, or spouse may be actively supportive of your goals, either financially or emotionally.

        Indirect benefits can also come to you through your partnerships. For example, your spouse accepts a job transfer to Colorado and you always wanted to live in ski country. You may buy a house or expensive ski equipment when you get there since large purchases and expenses are commonly seen with Jupiter-Venus solar return aspects. Possibly you spend more than you can afford.

        What you believe to be true about most relationships can either be consistent with your experience, or in conflict with the reality of your situation. As would be expected of anyone, it is more common to notice the conflicts than the periods of consistency. Issues concerning morals, ethics, and monogamy are important and you may discuss whether your relationship is an open or closed one. Either one of you can be involved in a second relationship which causes this issue to be raised. Defining the ethics of relating becomes a goal during the year.

MARS IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Solar Return Mars in 12th house:

        While Mars is in the 12th house you have the ability to work independently or behind the scenes. This is a great time to focus on projects which require some degree of "aloneness." You must provide your own sense of direction and motivation while working toward achievement, but what you ultimately accomplish can be very original and unique. Yearlong projects are associated with this placement since many people will not know what you are working on or have accomplished until late in the solar return year. The tendency with this placement is to prevent the left hand from knowing what the right hand is doing. It is even less likely that others will know what you are doing. This is your time to work in secret or "go undercover." Suppose you wish to surprise your spouse or parents with some secret homemade project you assembled in the basement; now is the time.

        This is not your year to be openly aggressive or angry. You tend to check your temper and bite your tongue, ignoring even offensive remarks from others. Your reflexes are slow and therefore you miss your chance to respond. More than likely, you think of a good comeback hours later. Occasionally, you will realize the next day that you should have felt insulted the day before. You do not have adequate or timely defense tactics, and even anger itself can be delayed or vague. For these reasons, you are more likely to withdraw from confrontations, especially those with family members. You may still feel angry, but you are less likely to express your anger openly and will not be as argumentative as you have been in the past. If you do not correctly understand your responses and your situation, pent-up emotions could cause you to feel very stressed and irritable. As the tension builds, gut reactions will tend to take the place of informed responses. Distortions in reality perception can occur. Actions and words will be inappropriate for the immediate situation if you are responding now to something that happened yesterday. If you allow tension to build to this extent, suppressed anger can cause you to act in a way that is counterproductive to what you hope to accomplish. In very negative situations, anger is displaced, moving from the truly annoying person to a less threatening adversary or innocent victim.

        Extreme anxiety during this year is ordinarily associated with the inability to express anger or defend oneself in difficult situations. The inability to understand what is happening psychologically contributes to the nervousness. Specific situations and people are most likely to trigger the undue stress. Normally, anger and a feeling of defenselessness underlie all anxiety.

        In many cases, there will be logical reasons for your lack of aggressiveness. You may be dealing with a situation where the use of force or even assertiveness is useless. We all know people who are unreasonable and belligerent. Some of us are even related to a few of these individuals. Angry responses may not be appropriate in present circumstances. In delicate situations, humor or evasiveness can be the best way to handle difficult issues. Do not allow yourself to become a victim of your own anger or the recipient of another's negative energy. With psychological insight and understanding, you can become immune to negativity. What is understandable becomes less threatening. Within this scenario, the lack of response becomes a conscious choice.

        You will probably tire more easily this year. There are two possible reasons for this. If you are continually involved in frustrating situations, your energy will be drained by the conflicts. But if you are absorbed in a project of your own choosing, you may need more quiet time to contemplate your next move. If you are actively pursuing your dreams, creating your vision, you are likely to have plenty of energy.

JUPITER IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Solar Return Jupiter in 1st house:

        Jupiter in the 1st house implies that personal needs and attributes are becoming increasingly important and future growth may depend on the recognition of these qualities. The potential for personal success and progress during this year is great, but only for those individuals who are convinced that they are worthy of the time and effort necessary for self-development. First evaluate your assets. You cannot begin to fully implement or promote assets you do not recognize and appreciate. Self-appreciation fosters self-confidence, which is crucial to the process of initiating and developing opportunities.

        Secondly, an understanding of personal needs is important since you will not fulfill needs you ignore or consider inconsequential. The urge toward self-development arises from an awareness of what you have to offer others and what is needed in return. Self-interest is the cornerstone of achievement during the year. You must believe in yourself, your abilities and your future in order to tap into the opportunities associated with this placement. Those who hang back for fear of appearing self-centered or egotistical will miss the chance to become fully motivated toward success. Now is the time to expand your horizons and test your capabilities by tackling new and more difficult projects. Believe in yourself enough to allow new experiences to stretch the limits of your expertise. Optimism, when not extreme or unwarranted, pays off.

        The most important task associated with this placement is the creation of opportunities. During the year, opportunities and benefits must be self-made; they will not fall in your lap. You must actively cultivate the situation or job you want in order to attain it. This is not the year to expect a lot of outside help. You must rely on your own wits to foster an opportunity for yourself which would not have existed if not for your efforts. Obviously you will not do this without some measure of self-confidence. This is why the reassessment of assets and needs is so crucial. For example, one individual created an exercise program in her home for neighbors and friends. She needed to shape up and she was able to draw upon her background (asset) to devise a program for herself and others. Many benefited from her enthusiasm and push for self-improvement. None of this would have happened without her motivation.

        Freedom is an issue with this placement. You cannot remain confined if you are to grow beyond personal boundaries. Personality expansion depends on freedom of movement. If you have been tied down in the past, this can be the year when freedom comes automatically. For example, your youngest child may enter school, freeing your days for new pursuits. But if Jupiter is heavily aspected, you may have to push for greater freedom since your attention is divided among several different areas. Selfishness, real or imagined, may be an issue.

        You can let this time slip by. It is only through your own efforts that opportunities will materialize and success will be realized. No one will push you to achieve. But if you do pass, you are likely to miss a chance for personal growth and reward, since the tendency is for things to turn out much better than expected. If there is a spiritual emphasis associated with this placement, it lies in the implication that self-help leads to Universal assistance. Trusting in your own abilities while allowing a sense of spiritual purpose to guide you can make things happen. This is a time when beliefs about yourself and higher forces in the spiritual realm can be easily implemented in practical everyday situations. Call it a spiritual tail wind. Don't just believe; act on those beliefs and behave in a manner that is consistent with your spiritual purpose.

SATURN IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Solar Return Saturn in 9th house:

        Saturn in the 9th house is associated with learning in one form or another. Commonly it can signify a formal education in an established university or college, but learning may instead involve an evening class or correspondence course. As a rule, the course of study is established rather than self-taught. Those who wish to continue their formal education on a high school, college or graduate level tend to experience some minor delays or impediments along the way.

        For example, one man who was employed full-time in a newly established office felt he could not start his degree program until he had organized his daily work schedule. After six months, when the office routines became easier to handle, he was able to start school without feeling pressured by job demands.

        Perfectionism is associated with the need to learn and individuals look forward to attending school when the time is right. They want to be able to devote their full attention to course work and are willing to wait until outside issues are handled. The delaying characteristic for this placement is especially true if Saturn is placed in the 9th house near the 10th house cusp, and it transits by direct motion out of the 9th during the solar return year. Those who do not wish to enter a degree program may take individual courses to suit their needs, but even these courses will tend to be very structured.

        On the other hand, some individuals would rather teach than study with this placement. If this is your goal, you must organize your notes into lesson plans. You can experience some frustration until you have structured your thoughts into a well-defined body of knowledge. Those who have already taught in recent years need to reassess their ability to continue teaching, given certain newly developing situations and possible impediments.

        The 9th house is also the house of our beliefs, whether philosophical, religious, or mundane. This is a time when you may realize a conflict between what you believe now or have been led to believe in the past, and what you are experiencing in the present. A relationship, activity or professional endeavor you are currently involved in may specifically contradict what you once thought to be true. This situation will continually test your beliefs until you come to conclusions which are more consistent with reality. This conflict can occur on a higher level of thought as readily as it might relate to more common beliefs. Most frequently, it will encompass and affect both. Inconsistencies which exemplify and fuel your awareness of the conflict constantly arise from everyday situations.

        Insight can come from the simplest exchange. The extent to which these insights have ramifications on either higher or mundane thoughts is directly related to the individual's level of consciousness and ability to focus on multidimensional issues. For example, a nurse practitioner dealing with mostly low-income elderly patients in a clinic environment was surprised to learn that doctors who prescribed medicine for high blood pressure and heart disease frequently neglected to counsel these individuals about the positive effect of dietary control regarding these two illnesses. The nurse practitioner had a strong background and belief in the holistic field and found this lack of attention to the whole individual upsetting, counterproductive and not in keeping with the Hippocratic Oath.

        In another example, a lay person who regularly participated as a church assistant doing charity work aimed at helping the poor began to question the pastor's allocation of funds to various projects. Money was being diverted to finance the pastor's need for comfort. This individual spent much of the year pondering his faith, his allegiance to his pastor, and his belief in what the church stood for.

        Hypocrisy seems to keynote this Saturn placement. You are acutely aware of what others espouse and whether or not they practice what they preach. You are also acutely aware of those philosophies and beliefs which differ greatly from your own. These philosophical inconsistencies and differences are to help you discriminate what is real and true for your own life path. You must verify your current and developing beliefs within the context of daily experiences and immediate life situations.

        Established beliefs form the backbone of the decision-making process. Normally they are meant to have helpful, practical applications to issues, conflicts and situations we face. Those beliefs which dangle in mid-air without any substantiation are useless. Remember, the 9th house is also the house of prejudices, intolerance, and beliefs not based on fact. You could be overly critical of others and their beliefs, setting standards too high for anyone to reach. Saturn indicates that the weeding-out process has begun and a realistic reassessment of all beliefs is called for.

URANUS IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Solar Return Uranus in 3rd house:

        Uranus in the 3rd house is associated with rapid thinking processes and changing thought patterns. The mental acceleration can work to your advantage if you are in a pressured situation where decisions must be made quickly or information must be learned in a short period of time. This is an excellent time to take a crash course or intensive which forces you to learn a lot of material in a fast-paced classroom situation. Independent learning and correspondence courses are also possible since you have the ability to study on your own and move ahead at your own pace. The information under study should be unusual in some way, geared toward stimulating creativity, insight and free thinking. Do not limit your thoughts because of preconceived notions.

        It is very likely that during this time you will receive or learn information which could have a very strong effect on your perception of reality and your pattern of thought. This information may come to you through your studies, through conflict with others, or through intuitive insights, but the effect of the information will be transformational, causing your perception of reality to go through a period of adjustment.

        During the year, your opinions will change sequentially as the weeks go by; therefore, this is not the time to make irrevocable statements. You may end up eating your own words later on. A better course of action is to allow the mind complete intellectual freedom for the purposes of investigation and insight. Do not limit your thoughts to what is already known, what is rational, or what you are told. Allow your thoughts to form intuitively, creatively or unconsciously. Work with information from many levels of experience to gain a better understanding of your true reality. You can gain great insight if you read between the lines and accept all information that comes your way without judgment. Let the final say occur toward the end of the year after all the information is in.

        There is a propensity for anxiety and nervousness with Uranus in the 3rd house. Mental problems are associated with a fixation on what is desired or expected rather than an openness to new possibilities for the future. Anyone who experiences acute anxiety or panic attacks should seek counseling. But most individuals will find this placement somewhat nerve-wracking unless they are able to channel mental tension into productive pursuits such as learning, insight, creativity, etc. A lot of the tension arises from the sequential changes in thinking that occur during the year, but daily disruptions, constant interruptions and hectic schedules also contribute. It is difficult to plan a routine while Uranus is in the 3rd house. At the very least, you may be attempting to do too much in too little time. The tendency is to work with scattered thoughts and many activities, scattering your energy in several directions even on a single day.

        Crisis situations rather than well-organized routines are the norm, since your daily activities generally demand more time than you actually have available. If you are trying to do five different things on any one day, and realistically you can only schedule in four, each day will have a different rotating schedule so that you can fit everything in on a weekly basis. Your hectic schedule leaves little room for adjustments when problems occur, and of course, problems do occur. Imagine ad-libbing your daily routine for a year because you and everyone and everything around you are changing. Daily life just does not run smoothly enough for you to stick to a schedule.

        Uranus can be indicative of original thinking and creativity. You need time to create. Ideas can be close to the surface, yet just out of reach. This is why disruptions can be especially annoying when they interrupt the creative process. It is important to establish some quiet time to allow insights to manifest. Find a way to retain your thoughts and insights. If you are on the go a lot and creative insights are developing quite rapidly, you can use a tape recorder to preserve your thoughts. Allow erratic energy to flow out freely and come to the surface. This is not the time to limit your mental wanderings simply because you question their logical implications. The thought processes are not very organized or directed this year. There is the tendency to go around and around to get to a simple truth. Play with ideas and concepts. Restricting your erratic insights could mean limiting your creativity.

        Conflicts are not directly associated with Uranus in the 3rd house, but a bad temper can be. The stress of daily life can make you snap at people and make rash statements you later regret. The connotation here is more akin to, "Open mouth, insert foot," than argumentativeness, but you can only make faux pas so many times before you enter a verbal battlefield. Learn to think before your open your mouth. Do not jump to conclusions. Remember that anything you say can get back to others and can be used against you.

        Problems with brothers, sisters or neighbors may arise during the year. These people may not be especially dependable or predictable and a conflict of interest may occur. This is not the more common interpretation for this placement. The emphasis seems to be more on the mental changes and creativity. You can work things out through discussions, but be careful what you say. Neighborhood problems can be addressed through involvement in the community association. It is possible that rather than disagreeing with a neighbor, a close friend in the neighborhood needs your help during the coming year.

NEPTUNE IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Solar Return Neptune in 2nd house:

        Neptune in the 2nd house generally indicates monetary uncertainty lasting for most of the year. Those who are self-employed or working on a commission basis already have incomes which fluctuate. They can never be too sure exactly how much money will be earned. This is a common occurrence for these professionals, but there may be reasons for even more variation than usual at this time. One might be opening a new shop or pushing a new product, and a degree of uncertainty surrounds the hoped for, yet unproven success. For those who are on a fixed salary, this placement may appear more threatening. Supposedly, you already earn a specified amount. If this is your situation, a number of possibilities exist. Rumors of layoffs, pay cuts or salary increases will make the exact amount of your earnings appear uncertain. Pay cuts may never materialize, while promised raises can be put off indefinitely. Rumors might be all that exist for the entire year. Salaried positions which are funded by grants will not be confirmed until the money arrives. Part-time employees with flexible hours have changeable incomes, and might only report when work is available. Seasonal fluctuations affecting some professions dictate the number of hours worked.

        The salary situation is usually 99% uncertainty with no actual loss of employment or funds, but the situation can make you anxious. Decisions you make during the year might also lead to fiscal uncertainty. A leave of absence without pay is an option you could choose if you are pregnant, desire more time with your children, or plan to travel or study. Long-term projects without any guarantee of financial return are another option. You may volunteer your services. These are just some of the possibilities indicated by this placement which make money seem uncertain.

        Financial anxiety is a problem especially if your income appears to be totally unpredictable or undependable. If you are presently unemployed, but share resources with another person, you may worry about his or her income as well as your own lack of funds. This is a time when it might be essential that you cope with some financial uncertainty in order to progress. However, it is not essential that you become anxious. That is a conscious or unconscious choice. For example, aspects to Neptune in the 2nd house  can indicate that goals are initially or basically economically unrewarding, or can only be accomplished with a degree of financial risk and uncertainty. If you can cope with the uncertainty, you may be very successful later on.

        Some individuals have an unstructured attitude toward money and will not be very concerned by fluctuations. For others, uncertainty may be a product of the accounting system or lack thereof, rather than related to actual income. Hand-to-mouth economics prevails over budgetary restraints. Strict savings programs are unlikely at this time. The tendency is to be very free with money and not tightfisted. What money you have can be drained away unnoticed or used to help others. You easily give away extra funds or sacrifice your own financial security to assist those in need. The lack of concern may or may not be to your advantage. If you are too busy to be unduly concerned with money, this is no problem; however, if your present lack of financial accountability limits your progress or threatens your security, it is time to handle the situation in a more structured way.

        The act of giving should be an act of love and not a product of low self-esteem. You must reassess issues of self-worth if you consistently remain in situations where you are unappreciated. Self-deprivation is not to your advantage and is not indicative of a higher consciousness. It is a manifestation associated with an inability to value oneself. If you remain in a low-paying job because you doubt your abilities, or a high-salaried, unfulfilling position because you are only worth the amount of money you bring in, you suffer from low self-worth. If you truly valued yourself and your abilities, and understood your spiritual purpose, you would move on. It is important to comprehend the mundane symbolism associated with finances. Monetary problems are meant to signify issues in personal assessment and appreciation. Issues in these two areas are interconnected and difficulties should be addressed.

        During the year, money and possessions could be seen as unimportant in the long run. Other priorities tend to be stressed more than a good cash flow. Values are fluctuating toward a non-materialistic emphasis, and inner qualities and spiritual ideals gain significance as possessions or money lose ground. The appreciation of inner beauty increases over anything of external value. Personal satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment are now more meaningful, or at least they should be. The plane of matter needs to become consistent with spiritual purpose, and you must start to use possessions and money in a more enlightened manner. A simple desire for or dependency on funds will not suffice. Fiscal fluctuations will produce great anxiety in those fixated on their wallets. Use this year to put material possessions in perspective. Your present priorities set the stage for the future. Do you value cash more than health? More than job fulfillment? Could you use funds in a more meaningful and helpful manner? Do you keep yourself in a constant state of anxiety over money? This is a time when one is asked to trust the financial flow. You can live on less, take risks and still survive, going on to new opportunities. Those who are able to trust will experience minimal discomfort with this placement; those who are unable to do so will experience great anxiety. If you believe you deserve to be prosperous, you can simply trust in the flow of goodness and bounty while moving toward the fulfillment of a Universal need. Sustenance flows to those who work for the good of all.

PLUTO IN THE SOLAR RETURN CHART
Solar Return Pluto in 12th house:


        The 12th house rules things that are hidden, behind-the-scenes, and/or not easily recognized. When Pluto, the planet associated with unconscious and hidden forces, is in the 12th house, the interpretation is particularly subtle, but also especially important. What is happening behind-the-scenes may be more important to growth in consciousness than what is happening in the public environment. Use this time for backroom negotiations if it is to your advantage not to be very public about what you are doing. For example, you might be designing and testing a new product, or having a love affair. The power of this placement lies in what you know, but do not say or make others aware of. A son comforted his father during his illness with massage and holistic techniques. Because the father had strong religious beliefs, the son never talked about what he was doing or the holistic concepts behind the techniques. It was enough to comfort his father. This can be a time to deal with behind-the-scenes issues in a quiet, rather than confrontational, manner.

        A more negative interpretation might emphasize manipulation and underhanded tactics rather than a positive use of discretion. Motivations are not necessarily noble. Undercurrents might be ignored and not discussed. Sometimes you are not aware of the problem yourself. If Pluto doesn't cross the Ascendant by transit into the 1st house during the year, a hidden focus will remain; however, as Pluto crosses over, the personal urge will be to reveal or deal with what was previously hidden.

        The same is true with major changes that are waiting in the wings. When Pluto is in the 12th, but close to the Ascendant, there is usually a change of significant magnitude being formulated. It is more likely to occur during the year if Pluto actually crosses. If Pluto comes close, but never actually transits into the 1st house, look in the following solar return chart for an indication of change. You may not quite make the change, or only partially make the change this year.

        Psychological complexes are very important with this placement, but they are also less controllable and more difficult to recognize. You may try to ignore your own issues. It is easy to point the finger at someone else and declare that the other person has the problem without being aware of how you, yourself, contribute to their difficulties with your own psychological idiosyncrasies. Compulsive tendencies are common. For example, you may feel compulsively drawn to a new love relationship. There is an interplay here between the compulsion, your urge to control the unconscious, and the frank realization that this is hard to do. The past comes back to haunt you, and present situations may be of a deja vu nature, making control especially difficult. If Pluto stays in the 12th, you are less likely to confront your own psychological complexes; however, if it crosses, you should feel the need to do so.

        The higher concepts associated with Pluto, or any planet for that matter, are not always readily understandable to the individual. There are levels and degrees for all interpretations. You must work for the higher manifestation and there is a price to pay. You cannot be focused on personal power or gain and be in touch with Universal consciousness. Personal motives and true spirituality are the antithesis of one another, like oil and water. The oil (personal gain) covers the water (Universal consciousness) so that it cannot reach the surface and is drowned out by the oil. If you try to reach down for the water, your finger will come up greasy and barely wet. Personal motives must be put aside to truly understand the Plutonian process and work with it in its purest form. The point of focus for Pluto in the 12th is the ability to draw Universal power through the unconscious mind. The free-association and visualization capabilities of the unconscious are the perfect vehicle to enlightenment and growth. Those who are pure of heart and mind and soul become universal receptors, receiving information that needs to be on the earth plane. For this, there is no need for compensation or glory; it is enough to know.