Forecasting Tips

Forecasting Tips

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: October 2024

Information Overwhelm

Of all the questions I get from aspiring astrologers, forecasting is one of the more common ones. People want to know where to start, what to do first, what’s more important in a chart than other things and so on. And I agree, It’s overwhelming.

With forecasting there is no end to the amount of information that you can generate with your software and apps. The trick, really, is to sift through and decide what’s important, where to start and also what to not look at and what to dismiss that you can leave for another day. So, if you’re suffering farm forecasting info overwhelm, I’ve got some ideas on how to focus onto what you’re supposed to be looking at first. I just like to share some of my ideas about getting started in forecasting.

Get Started

I’m just going to cover the main forecasting techniques which are the ones that I use and the ones I recommend you start with. Please be aware that there are other forecasting techniques and you are certainly encouraged of explore them as soon as you like.

If you are just getting started with astrological forecasting, then focus on transits first. Every astrologer needs to know how to work with transit and they are the backbone of your forecasting data. Even if you never learn the other forecasting techniques, always focus on transits first.

How to Spend Your Forecasting Time

Each Hour

Let’s just have a quick look at how much time you should spend on each forecasting technique. We’re going to suppose here that you’ve already worked on the natal chart and probably spent an hour or two interpreting that. Now you’re turning your attention to the forecasting. Perhaps you’re going to put an hour into your forecasting. The diagram below shows that if you have 60 minutes available for forecasting, you want to spend half your time or 30 minutes on transits, 15 minutes on secondary progressions, 10 minutes on solar returns and 5 minutes on solar arc directions. Clearly the emphasis that you ought to put in your energy expenditure on each of the forecasting techniques. It is evident that transits are far ahead, by a long chalk, the most important technique you can do.

forecasting-time-and-percentage

Percentage

It doesn’t really matter if you spend one hour, one day or one week on your forecasting. And in the beginning certainly you will put in more than one hour and I certainly did when I was starting out. The important thing is to pay attention to the percentage of time you spend on each of the forecasting techniques. This diagram clearly shows that solar arc directions are not as important as transits. And you should carefully expend your precious forecasting energy on the right things to start with.

Direct Forecasting

Direct forecasting refers to what is happening up there right now. There are several ways that you can work with direct forecasting techniques, but here I’m going to talk about a couple which I use and they are transits and solar returns. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Transits

Planets to Consider

When working with transits, always start from the outer planets and work in. So first look at Pluto, Neptune and Uranus and then move on to Saturn and Jupiter.

 

Transit Orbs

For all transit work, use a 1° orb applying and separating.

 

Transits What to Look For

With transits, need to know which natal house the transiting planet is in. Next you are going to look for any aspects that the planet is making to planets in the natal chart. Always look at the aspects in this order:

  • Neutral aspects: conjunctions.
  • Hard aspects: oppositions and squares.
  • Soft aspects: the trines and sextiles.

I like to call this aspect set, my “Fab Five” aspects.

 

Planets Changing Signs

For personal natal chart readings, there is not much value in discussing when a transiting planets changes signs, it will change signs for everybody. Unless the transiting planet makes a direct contact to their natal chart, either via an aspect or by a house cusp change, I would tend to ignore this in personal forecast readings

 

Planets Changing House

When a transiting planet changes house, it is hugely important for the person. The energy that was expressed by the planet in the old house will shift onto the new area of life which the new house represents.

 

Retrogrades

Transiting planets will retrograde back and forth over the chart. Each contact is important to show a main theme.

Solar Returns

The technique of solar returns is the second indirect forecasting technique which I use.

How to Cast a Solar Return Chart

For each solar return chart that you calculate, your software will work out the exact moment (time) for the chart. So, solar returns come into effect for each person around one month before their birthday and definitely by the time the transiting Sun has entered the birth Sun’s sign. What you need to do is put in the current place. The solar return place depends whereabouts you are in the world at the moment of the return. So, if you were born in New York and now you are living in Hong Kong, you will cast the solar return chart for Hong Kong.

Travelling on Your Birthday

If you happen to be away from home for your birthday, as I was one year when I went down to Mexico, use that place. I celebrated my birthday in Cancun, Mexico and so Cancun was my solar return chart place for that year.

What to Look for in Solar Return Charts

Sun’s House

The first thing I look for is the Sun’s house, because that will show the trend for the whole year. Each year the solar return Sun will be in a different house. It cycles through the chart in a specific pattern. The solar return Sun’s house is an indication of the types of things that there will be a focus on for the individual that year.

 

Sun’s Aspects

The second step is to consider all of the solar returns Sun’s aspects. You need to explore each solar aspect as it will have something to say about the solar return chart. On a side note, I never look at the other planets positions or aspects within the solar return chart, although you can if you have time.

 

Solar Return Ascendant.

The solar return Ascendant is always an interesting position in the solar return chart. I would always put the solar return Ascendant position degree into the natal chart to see which house it is highlighting Additionally, if you have time, you can do this the other way around as well.

 

Indirect Forecasting

Indirect forecasting covers all techniques where the chart is extrapolated through a time-based count forward. Secondary progressions are equal to one day per year. There are many ways of calculating indirect forecasted charts, but we’re just going to concentrate on two here today. They will be the secondary progressed chart and the solar arc directed chart.

Secondary Progressions

How to Cast a Secondary Progressed Chart

Your computer software will calculate your secondary progressed chart for you. You do not have to enter the time, but make sure the chart is set for the natal place of birth. For all progressed chart interpretations please use a 1° orb.

Note

And for more certainty, this means use 1° of for all the aspects, whereas in a natal chart you would use an 8° orb for a conjunction, when working with forecasting, you’re going to be using a 1° orb both applying and separating.

Progressed Chart What to Look For

There are three main things to look at in the secondary progressed chart, and they are:

  • House ingresses
  • Sign ingresses
  • Aspects

Progressed Planets to Consider

Typically, with progressed charts, you start with the inner planets at the Sun and work your way out through the five personal planets. So that would be the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars in order. Now you can if you wish, work on the outer planets too, but you would have covered those energies already in the transits section.

Progressed Planets Changing House

Look for progressed planets changing houses. When they are within 1° orb of the actual house cusp. In general and loosely, the personal planets will be moving at about 1° year, so one if you use an orb of 1° it will give you a run up to the actual house change as well. These are important as some planets are better placed in some houses than others.

Progressed Planets Changing Signs.

With a bi-wheel, look for any progressed planet changing sign in the natal chart. And again using 1° or applying and separating.

Progressed Planet Aspects

With progressed planets play attention to the aspect starting in sequence with the conjunction, opposition, square, trine and sextile. If you have time, you can work on to the lesser used aspects as well, but I never do.

Progressions Overview

Usually there is not much information that comes through in a progressed chart. You may have 3 or 4 planets changing sign or house and you will definitely consider those.

Solar Arc Directions

How to cast a Solar Arc Directed Chart

Your computer system will cast the solar arc directed chart for you. Make sure the place is set for the natal birthplace.

 

Directed Charts What to Look For

The directed Sun’s position will be the exact same position as the as the progressed Sun’s position. Directed planets only move forward, there is no retrogradation in a directed chart. With the directed chart, you are again looking for the three main things:

  • Directed planets changing signs
  • Directed planet changing houses
  • Directed planet aspects to natal planets.

 

Directed Planets Changing Signs

Look for any directed planets changing signs. Use a 1° orb.

 

Directed Planets Changing Houses.

Look for any directed planets changing house and again use a 1° orb to the house cusp.

 

Directed Planet Aspects

Look for any directed planets making aspects to the natal chart. You will use it 1° orb for this. Look at the aspects in sequence of conjunctions, oppositions, squares, trines and sextiles. Again, you could look at the lesser used aspects if you wish and if you have time, but I never do. Typically, there is not much information that pops up in a solar arc directed chart, but what does come forward is gold.

Overarching

Transits First

Forecasting is a vast subject and there’s always something new to learn, but if you’re just getting started, then begin with transits and fully understand them because this knowledge will benefit you even if you’re doing horoscope work in general as well. For every client’s chart which you ever look at, you will always consider their transits. Getting to know where each of the planets currently are placed is always a great thing for an astrologer.

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Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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Solar Return Charts in Astrological Forecasting

Solar Return Charts in Astrological Forecasting

Solar Return Charts

A solar return chart is a chart cast for the exact time that the Sun reaches the same longitude (degree, minute and second) that it was placed at the time of your birth as shown in the natal chart.

Solar Return Place

A solar return chart is cast for the city you are in on your solar return date and not your birthplace. It is known as you solar return place or location.

Every year there will be a different solar return chart for you as the Sun will be in the same degree and sign, but the planets and angles will have moved.

Each of your solar return charts (year after year) will have the same sign, degree and minutes for the placement of the Sun as it is in your natal chart. In other words, your solar return Sun position on the zodiac is always the same as your solar return Sun every year.

When to Cast a Solar Return Chart

A solar return chart is cast every year on your birthday, or thereabouts, and can be used to predict the trends coming up for you each year.

A solar return chart is a direct astrological forecast method, which means it is based on transits, but it is crafted for you individually based on your natal Sun’s position.

If you can read a natal chart you can quickly interpret a solar return chart.

 

Solar Return Annual Forecasting Period

It is usual, and advisable, for clients to have a chart consultation on or near their birthday because of the power inherent in the solar return chart.

If you do a client consultation midyear you have to print the current and the next solar return chart.

Solar Return Charts can Stand Alone

A solar return chart is one forecasting technique that can be done alone and not combined with the other methods.

A solar return chart is useful for forecasting one year ahead which is a typical length of time for an astrological forecast for someone.

Relocate the Chart

Your birth chart is calculated for the town or city where you were born.

When the transiting Sun perfects the conjunction to its natal position you could be anywhere on Earth.

When using a solar return chart, it is necessary to cast the chart for the place that you are living in on that birthday.

As the potentials for the year are inhaled at the exact time of the Sun’s return.

If you move from your birthplace, each year’s solar return place can be different if you continue to move.

For example: If you were born in Toronto and now live in London then you would calculate the solar return chart for London for that year..

If you were born in Toronto and now live in London and are on vacation in Los Angeles on your birthday, then you would calculate the solar return chart for Los Angeles.

Solar Returns: Podcast Episode

Learn how to cast a SOLAR RETURN chart, what to look for and intrepret it.

In this episode, I (Alison) chat with Arwynne and discuss the direct forecasting technique of solar return charts.

We explain how to cast a new solar return chart, solar return travellers, and three key interpretation steps to understanding the message in the chart without being overwhelmed by too much data.

Date and Time Changes

All good astrology software such as Solar Fire and Astro Gold will calculate a solar return chart for you.

Check that the Sun’s position is the same as the natal Sun’s position and check the new location.

Solar Return Date

If you move extremely west or east of your birthplace then the solar return chart may end up being dated on the day before, or the day after, your actual calendar birthday.

Solar Return Time

The birth time for the solar return chart will be different to the natal time and different each year.

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Solar Return Chart Interpretations Interpretations

Interpretation of the solar return chart is not as complicated as re-analyzing a whole new chart.

There are specific details to look for and not every solar return chart will provide as much information as the next one.

How Often to Cast a Solar Return Chart

The solar return chart may come into effect one or two months before your birthday and last up to ten to twelve months after your birthday.

I find that it is best to start using the next solar return chart one month before your birthday.

That is when the Sun is at thirty degrees to its natal position, or one sign before.

This can be variable, and it depends on the placement of the planets that year.

 

When to Use a Solar Return Chart

You don’t just wake up one day under the effects of the new solar return chart.

It is a gradual process.

However, when the transiting Sun is in orb of a conjunction to your natal Sun (8 degrees) then the solar return chart begins its effect for sure and last year’s solar return chart fades away.

  

Using Two Solar Return Charts at Once Two Solar Return Charts

A situation may arise when you have to cast two solar return charts at once.

This would typically be the case if you were looking at the yearly forecast for someone and it was six months from their last birthday and therefore six months until their next birthday.

Previous Solar Return

You can use the previous year’s solar return up until the month before your next birthday.

Current Solar Return

The current solar return is cast for your last birthday and can be used for twelve months. You may begin to feel the effects of the next solar return chart when it is under one month to your next birthday.

 

Next Solar Return

The next solar return chart will come into effect around your next birthday. But the influences may start to develop at around one month before your next birthday.

If your birthday is in the next month use the next solar return chart.

Instances When to Cast Two Solar Return Charts

If you had a client who came for an astrological consultation and required a forecast between their two birthdays, then you would cast two solar return charts, the previous one and the next one.

 

Angles in the Solar Return Chart

Solar Return Angles

When reading a solar return chart, the four angles are very important.

The natal sign over the solar return Ascendant clues you into the year ahead.

Any planet conjunct an angle in the solar return chart will be prominent that year.

Planets Conjunct the Angles

  • Ascendant – A planet conjunct the solar return Ascendant may play a role in how your project yourself.

  • Descendant – A planet conjunct the solar return Descendant may play a role in your close personal relationships.

  • Midheaven – A planet conjunct the solar return Midheaven may play a role in the public persona you can project that year.

  • IC-A planet conjunct the solar return IC may play a role in what your private life looks like.

Solar Return Ascendant Sign

The Ascendant sign in the solar return chart indicates the way you will present yourself this year.

It may be that same as your natal Ascendant, but in years when it is truly different, it offers you a chance to express yourself through a different lens, or filter.

Solar Return Ascendant in Your Natal Chart

The natal house which contains your solar return Ascendant needs close inspection for it is through this portal that you will express yourself in that year.

The Solar Return Sun

“Happy Birthday and Many Happy Returns”

The Importance of the Solar Return Sun

The whole concept of solar return charts hinges on the Sun.

The Sun’s position in the natal chart dictates the Sun’s position in the solar return chart every year.

It follows that the Sun is the most important feature to be considered, not by sign (as it is the same as the natal) but by house and aspect.

Pattern of the Sun’s House Placement in Subsequent Solar Return Charts

Astrologers love patterns.

Having a pattern somehow makes astrology seem like it is part of a big plan.

Whose plan, we may not be sure, but a plan anyway.

The Solar Return Sun by House

Each year the solar return Sun will be in a different house of the solar return chart.

The solar return Sun moves through the houses in a particular pattern by type of house.

After around ten years, moves into the next kind of house (angular, succedent and cadent), eventually placed in each of the twelve houses in turn.

The pattern is loosely the angular houses (first, tenth, seventh and fourth), then the succedent houses (second, eleventh, eighth and fifth) and then the cadent houses (third, twelfth, ninth and sixth).

In this way the Sun may cover the whole twelve houses over a thirty year stretch.

This pattern is reliant on you not moving place.

The Solar Return Sun’s House Shift Pattern

This Sun house shift pattern works perfectly under three specific criteria:

  • If you live on the equator.
  • If you use the equal house system.
  • If you never move place.

But, if you use Placidus house system (which I do) or many of the other house systems, then the solar return Sun’s house shift pattern may be slightly out.

This is because the house widths are skewed by many house system cusps.

 

Relocating from Year to Year

Note: If you move place from one city to another for your solar return (that is your birthday) the pattern will be interrupted.

For around ten years the Sun is in angular houses and then it moves to succedent houses.

For example: You may have three returns with the Sun in the first house or only two returns.

It depends on your chart.

 

Solar Return Travellers

Therefore, the Sun could feasibly be in your solar return twelfth house for three years out of ten.

This twelfth house’s retiring and private position may or may not suit you.

For this reason, people travel for a better solar return Sun house position. 

 

First the Angular Houses

Sun in first house.

Sun in tenth house.

Sun in seventh house.

Sun in fourth house.

The Succedent Houses

Sun in the second house.

Sun in the eleventh house.

Sun in the eighth house.

Sun in the fifth house.

The Cadent Houses

Sun in the third house.

Sun in the twelfth house.

Sun in the ninth house.

Sun in the sixth house.

 

The Sun in the Solar Return Houses

The Spotlight is on Each House in Turn

The Sun’s house is very important as it shows which house has a spotlight on it for the forthcoming year.

It is where you can shine in your life.

 

First House

When the solar return Sun is in your solar return first house it is a year to:

  • Focus on self-improvement.
  • Expect physical changes.
  • Let people get to know you.

Second House

When the solar return Sun is in your solar return second house it is a year to:

  • Improve your self-esteem.
  • Improve your personal and core values.
  • Earn a good income.

Third House

When the solar return Sun is in your solar return third house it is a year to:

  • Focus on short courses and learning skills.
  • Participate more in the neighborhood.
  • Allow self-expression to become important.

Fourth House

When the solar return Sun is in your solar return fourth house it is a year to:

  • Spend time at home.
  • Stamp your personality on your home.
  • Identify with your family.

Fifth House

When the solar return Sun is in your solar return fifth house it is a year to:

  • Fall pregnant
  • Enjoy children and play
  • Give birth to your creative projects.

Sixth House

When the solar return Sun is in your solar return sixth house it is a year to:

  • Begin your own business
  • Go back to work
  • Attend to your heart health.

Seventh House

When the solar return Sun is in your solar return seventh house it is a year to:

  • Consider marriage.
  • Feel an individual within a partnership.
  • Experience legal matters.

Eight House

When the solar return Sun is in your solar return eighth house it is a year to:

  • Possibly inherit from your father.
  • Acquire individual debt.
  • Spend time on personal inward looking.

Ninth House

When the solar return Sun is in your solar return ninth house it is a year to:

  • Expect to travel.
  • Be attracted to and identify with foreign things.
  • Begin a self-improvement courses.

Tenth House

When the solar return Sun is in your solar return tenth house it is a year to:

  • Finally get your career to take off.
  • Gain public accolades for any previous endeavors.
  • Become known and have a reputation in the public domain.

Eleventh House

When the solar return Sun is in your solar return eleventh house it is a year to:

  • Identify with a cause close to your heart.
  • Become humanitarian and concerned about humanity.
  • Begin a self-interest group.

Twelfth House

When the solar return Sun is in your solar return twelfth house it is a year to:

  • Retire and withdraw from life.
  • Reflect on your life path.
  • Recharge and replenish your inner self.

Planetary House Emphasis

Any house in the solar return chart that has more than three tenants needs special attention.

The areas of life indicated by the house will be of importance in the following year.

 

The Importance of the Solar Return Sun’s Aspects

The aspects the solar return Sun makes in the solar return chart (and therefore to the transiting planets at the time) are very important is showing the year’s identity and ego for the individual.

At the exact solar return, the Sun will be transiting the natal chart and triggering all the natal solar aspects that are in the natal chart.

This transiting Sun conjoined the natal Sun tends to recalibrate the meanings of the solar aspects.

The most important Sun aspects in the solar return chart in sequence are:

  • Conjunctions

  • Other Ptolemaic aspects; the square, trine, opposition and sextile

  • Minor aspects; the semi-sextile, quincunx, semi-square and sesquiquadrate

  • Lesser used aspects such as the quintile, septile and novile

  • Tip: I usually only consider the conjunction and the Ptolemaic aspects.

Transiting Sun Reinforces the Natal Sun’s Aspects

As the Sun moves into its natal position each year it remakes all the solar aspects that are in the natal chart.

For instance, if you have a natal Sun square Moon, then you will have a transiting Sun square natal Moon at the solar return.

Solar Return Videos on YouTube

There are 3 videos in this series.

 


Part 1: How to correctly cast a solar return chart

This gives you some specifics about the correct time, date, and place for your solar return chart.

 


Part 2: The solar return Sun’s house and the solar return Sun’s aspects.

This video explains what each house position of teh Sun means in your solar return chart.

It also explains the importance of the Sun’s aspects and which aspects to choose.

 


Part 3: Solar return chart retrograde planets and other planetary returns

This video looks at retrograde planets in your solar return chart. It also covers other types of planetary return charts that you may wish to use someday.

There is a checklist for when you work with solar return charts.

 

Have a prosperous day,

Alison ⭐️


 

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Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison specializes in guiding Aspiring Astrologers. Her aim is to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart, often sprinkled with a touch of humor.

To learn more about Alison’s journey, visit this page.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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