The solar return chart constructed for the place in which you currently live, gives a snapshot of your next 12 months. In reading this chart, we look only to the tightest (2-3 degrees at most) Ptolemaic aspects (i.e. trine, square, sextile, conjunction, and opposition).

Naturally, we’re looking for angular planets – to the extent there are any, they will pretty much direct the show. Not only this but we’re looking to see if any planets make aspects to the angles or fall in the exact degree of the nodal axis. After that, we will look to the tightest (> 5 minutes of arc) aspects of planets to mid/points.

In predictive work, it’s best to keep it short and sweet – a sketch of sorts – the objective is to give the client every opportunity to fill in the details for him or herself.

The following is for SH – hope you’re having a great birthday and an even better 2017-18 year:

Summary – some hard work ahead but there’s plenty of opportunity for pleasant sociability (perhaps romance) as well as significant personal benefit as long as you keep things light and sunny and avoid being argumentative or competitive. Just don’t make any promises or binding decisions regarding relationships until next year because the reality of the situation may not be what it seems.

Details for 2017-18:

1. There are no planets conjunct the four angles. However, Saturn (21 Sag) is making a trine aspect to the ASC/DSC axis. This suggests that fortitude and hard work will improve your both self-esteem and your relationships. It might not be easy, but it will be rewarding – a mature outlook (based on years of experience) will help ease any feelings of frustration. You also have Neptune making a sextile to your MC (Mid-heaven). This may generate some confusion as to career path and/or your status in the world. However, this energy may easily be positively channelled – how about using it to get to grips with your spirituality?
2. Whilst no planets conjunct the angles, your nodal axis (25 AQ/LE) does. This puts the focus on harmonious conduct within your family circle – and indeed within your entire field of associates/acquaintances. The more social you are, the more sociable you’ll feel. With this placement (along with Leo rising) the sunnier your personality, the better – and because the Sun, the chart ruler, is in a tight conjunction with Mars, expect an energetic year – full of promise as long as you avoid the temptation to be argumentative or overly competitive.
3. This theme is echoed with Venus (25 Gemini) in the same degree as the nodal axis. Venus is in the 11^th house of dreams, hopes, and wishes as well as that of the groups that can help those dreams to become reality. Keep it light and friendly and you will benefit from these groups. Indeed, the more that you can ensure that everyone in the group benefits, the better. Mutuality is highlighted – key words: adaptability, pleasant, engaging personality.
4. The only midpoints under consideration are Venus/Neptune to both the Sun and Mars – this could lead to romance – enjoy !  Although (please) avoid making any promises/decisions in this regard until next year – health warning – the reality of the situation may not be what it seems.