What is a solar return chart?

The solar return is the chart cast for the exact moment the Sun returns to its natal degree, which happens once per year, within a day of the birthday. It describes the themes and circumstances of the year ahead, from one birthday to the next.

The most important factors in a solar return are the Ascendant of the return chart (which sets the whole chart's orientation), planets in angular houses (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th), and the condition of the Sun itself.