~ Oleksiy Agafonov 22 2bdS -+–+= -t—1G– Ds 26 13Lc Chart 19. Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst’s solar return for the year of her move to Russia — 2 May 1743. 11:02 GMT, 53N27; 14E33 (natal coordinates) There was no common language with the betrothed. Yet 1744 was decisive in Princess Sophia’s life. During that year she made the necessary impression on the Russian Empress, and in spring 1744, by the time of the SR-1744, a decision on the engagement was made (it took place in June 1744). However, even after the engagement, there was no full clarity; the Empress hesitated. The wedding took place only on 21 August 1745. In the solar return of 1743, powerful cardinal houses. Evidently, this is a year of important decisions, actions, and changes. The future Empress was only 14 years old! During the receipt of the letter from Russia, the Saturn-Sun period was in effect (14 years and 8 months). Planets govern the personal axis of the natal chart. Saturn, the Sun, and Jupiter, ruler of the MC, form a bisextile. The Sun, the central planet of the solar return, is on the MC: a bright manifestation in society. In a female chart — marriage. It was with the hope of marriage that Sophia traveled to Moscow. Asc in Leo: this is a decisive year (always when the Sun governs the SR chart, the year stands out). A powerful grouping of planets around the Asc: this is a year of personal actions related to a distant journey (Mars governs the 9th house), difficult and responsible (Saturn), in which Sophia will want to present herself brilliantly (Moon in Leo), but may fall ill or experience depression (conjunction of the Moon and Saturn); the year will open new prospects before her, yet success will be incomplete, possibly wounded pride (Jupiter in detriment). The foundation of life and the home situation will completely change due to the distant move (Pluto on the IC governs the 4th and 9th houses). Adaptation of the personality to new duties is required (planets on the Asc in quincunx to Uranus on the 6th house), including a change of faith, assimilation of new, unexpected information (Mercury in the 9th house in square to Uranus). This is the year of fulfilling the dream of marriage to a high-ranking person (Neptune in the 11th, the second ruler of the 7th house, in sextile to the Sun on the MC). However, the future husband is hiding something (the Sun governs the 7th house), or there will be secret circumstances (the engagement was delayed). In the synastry of Catherine II’s radix and the SR-1743 (Chart 19-1), the SR’s MC is in conjunction with the Sun in the 11th house of the radix
127 ~ Oleksiy Agafonov 22 22 Chart 19-1. Synastry of Catherine II’s radix (2 May 1729, 1:31 GMT, 53N27; 14E33, author’s rectification) and the SR-1743 (in the outer wheel) of the radix, ruler of the radix’s Descendant: acquaintance with the future husband. The SR’s IC in the 9th house of the radix: relocation. The SR’s Asc in conjunction with the radix’s Descendant, but in the 6th house: partnership and illness. The Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and the SR in the 7th house of the radix: partnership. The Moon governs the 6th, Saturn the 7th house of the radix; both planets are in conjunction and opposition to the natal Asc: the attitude toward the future marriage is serious, there will be obligations, restrictions, illness. The SR’s Asc in square to Uranus in the 9th house of the radix: this year there will be a surprise from abroad, a change of image, relationships are non-standard, friendly or free, even a breakup is possible (as indeed happened: Peter clearly did not take the future marriage seriously, told the betrothed about his interests, the engagement was in question for some time).
The effectiveness of the solar return is indicated by: the coincidence of the personal axes of the SR and the radix; the exact square of Venus of the SR, mistress of the Sun and the 8th house of the radix, to Saturn in the 1st house of the radix, ruler of the natal Asc by secondary progression; the exact conjunction of the SR’s Saturn with the radix’s Descendant and the SR’s MC with the radix’s Sun.
129 ~ Oleksiy Agafonov Chart 19-3. Synastry of Catherine II’s radix and the SR-1744 (in the outer wheel)
The next SR-1744 — before the engagement, set for Moscow (Chart 19-2). In the SR-1744 chart, indicating the engagement, the Sun, ruler of the MC, is in the 7th house in sextile to Saturn in the 10th house: an official ceremony that strengthens one’s position in society, increases social status; a high-ranking betrothed; the formula of marriage as a social institution VII+X is repeated. The Sun is also in trine to Neptune in the 9th house: a religious ritual. In the synastry of Catherine II’s radix and the SR-1744 (Chart 19-3), the SR’s Descendant is in sextile to Saturn and in conjunction with Mars of the radix; this is an official ceremony that imposes obligations (in the radix, Saturn is in the 1st house), yet the relationship is unlikely to be cloudless. The SR’s MC in conjunction with the natal Descendant: another indication of the conclusion of the union and the importance of the year. The SR’s Mars, ruler of the SR’s Asc, is in close sextile to Jupiter of the radix, master of the natal MC: personal initiative in achieving social success. However, at the same time, the SR’s MC is in square to the radix’s Uranus: the social status of the Princess is unstable. In general, it will remain so until the coup of 1762. Interesting is the synastry of the relocation chart to Moscow and the SR-1744. The nodal axis of the SR falls on the personal axis of the relocation chart. The SR’s Moon on the MC of the relocation chart in socially oriented Capricorn. The SR’s Neptune, ruler of the 7th house of the relocation chart, its IC, creates the formula of homelessness IV-VII and indicates a vague situation at home. The opposition of the Moon and Neptune gives the formula of illness; Neptune is connected to the lungs, the Moon to the chest.
The next SR-1745 — before the wedding, set for St. Petersburg (Chart 19-4). In the SR-1745 chart, Pluto is on the MC: transformation of social status. The 10th house is strongly accented: the MC is aspected by both its rulers — by secondary progression and modern. One could say that this is a year of social activity, manifestation of authoritative and combative qualities, yet both Mars and Pluto are retrograde. They may manifest in the future; now is not their time. Considering this SR from the perspective of the marriage prospects and knowing the development of events, we see here in the future a struggle for a place under the Sun and even for power (Pluto/MC) through a military coup (Mars).
131 ~ Oleksiy Agafonov Chart 19-4. Princess Sophia. Solar return for the year of the wedding. 1 May 1745. 22:30 GMT The solar return is fateful, as it occurs at the New Moon. The planet governing the New Moon is very important. It is Venus, the planet of marriage. It is in square to Mars and Saturn: this marriage will be difficult, cold, and conflicted. Venus, Mars, Uranus, and the asteroid of marriage Vesta form the configuration of the Severed Hand, which signifies a sudden and violent termination of the marriage. Peter III was killed as a result of a military coup inspired by Catherine, though this happened much later, in 1762. By that time, in the SR, Saturn had reached the Lunar Node by solar arc, and transiting Pluto had reached the Ascendant.
132 /II. SOLAR RETURNS ~ MC 21 10 29~I=~_+—H 10 Chart 19-5. Synastry of Catherine II’s radix and the SR-1745 (in the outer wheel)
In the synastry of Catherine II’s radix and the SR-1745 (Chart 19-5), the SR’s Descendant is between the natal conjunction of Luna-Venus and Jupiter. These are very indicative aspects for marriage. However, the SR’s Saturn is in square to the conjunction of the radix’s feminine planets. There is no love with the husband. The SR’s Pluto is in square to the nodal axis of the radix, and the SR’s South Node is in conjunction with the natal Pluto. The SR’s nodes are on the personal axis of the relocation chart to St. Petersburg, where the wedding took place. Pluto governs the 8th house of the relocation chart, and Venus, afflicted in the SR and in the radix (this is the year of Venus’s return), governs the 7th house.
133 ~ Oleksiy Agafonov This is a karmic, fatal union. The solar return not only describes the nearest year (the married life did not take place), but also testifies to the distant future of the marriage! During the marriage, the Saturn-Venus period was in effect. The bisextile, which includes Saturn, is very favorable. Venus — the planet of marriage — governs the Sun, master of the 7th house. Venus is without essential dignity.
2. Child in the SR chart Angles, as always, are important. The axis of the 5th and 11th houses is also significant. The 8th house is often involved, connected with conception. A child is usually more clearly seen in a female chart.
Tense interactions frequently arise, as childbirth is an extreme event. The indications are generally the same as in other predictive techniques. Since the birth of a child is one of the most significant events in a woman’s life, indications of it can be found in the holistic equal-house system, which reveals the core, archetypal energetic flows of the chart.
a) Two girls
In the solar return for the year of conception (Chart 20), Jupiter is in the 1st house in trine to Uranus. Jupiter is often found in the 1st house of the solar return in years of joyful events. Mars, the ruler of the 5th house of the solar return, has just separated from an opposition to Neptune. It often happens that a planet connected to the main theme of the solar return leaves a tense aspect or conjunction with a malefic, signifying the release of its energy. The importance of Mars is underscored by its conjunction with the North Node.
134 lII. SOLAR RETURNS ~ 11MC IC
Chart 20. Solar return for the year of conception. 26 June 1983. 14:18 GMT. 44N36; 33E32
The solar return cusp is in square to the Sun. But Mars is in the 11th house of the solar return, ruled by Mercury, the lord of this house.
In the synastry of the natal chart and the 1983 solar return (Chart 20-1), Venus is emphasized. She rules the 8th house of the natal chart and the 11th house of the solar return. Venus of the solar return is on the natal Descendant, and the Descendant of the solar return is approaching the natal Venus. It is evident that conception helped strengthen or preserve the marriage. Venus highlights the female gender of the child.
The Mars–Neptune opposition of the solar return is on the axis of the 8th–11th houses of the natal chart. Mars is the ruler of the natal Moon, the lady of the 5th house.
135 ~ OLEKSIY AGAHONIV
25ds 22kr-+–+
Chart 20-1. Synastry of the natal chart (26 June 1958, 13:05 GMT, 48N58; 140E18) and the solar return for the year of conception
Its conjunction with the natal MC clearly indicates the theme of the year. The pregnancy was difficult, as indicated by:
a) the opposition of Mars and Neptune in the 8th–9th houses of the solar return;
b) the opposition of the 8th house cusp of the solar return to Saturn of the natal chart, which rules its 12th house;
c) the Moon of the solar return (lady of the 5th house of the natal chart and the 8th house of the solar return) in detriment in Capricorn on the 4th house cusp of the natal chart;
d) the transit of Saturn reaching the Ascendant of the relocation chart.
Conception occurred at the end of December 1983 – beginning of January 1984. At that time, transit Saturn had not yet reached a conjunction with the Moon, freeing it from its restrictive influence, while transit Pluto was approaching it closely. The Jupiter–Venus period was in effect.
In the natal chart, Jupiter, afflicted by Mars, is in the 8th house and in the 9th sign, which is ruled by Venus (recall that in Vedic astrology the 9th house indicates conception). Venus is strong by sign but at the critical 30th degree. In the harmonic chart, she aspires to the 5th sign–house. In the 7th harmonic, Venus rules the 5th house; she is strong by sign (in Taurus) but in the 11th house.
137 ~ OLEKSIY AGAHONIV
22 A-«r-l-+–+
Chart 20-3. Synastry of the natal chart and the solar return for the year of birth (outer wheel)
In the 9th harmonic, Jupiter is in trine to the Sun and Mars in the 5th house, but Venus is in the 6th house in fall. In this case, the harmonic charts indicate conception.
In the solar return for the year of the child’s birth (Chart 20-2), the Sun, Mercury, and Venus are in the 5th house. The Moon, lady of the 5th house of the solar return, is in exaltation. The sign of the Moon in the solar return charts for the year of conception or birth, in my opinion, is significant. The likelihood of the event increases if it is a watery, fertile sign (perhaps excluding Scorpio, the sign of the Moon’s fall), or Taurus.
138 lll. SOLAR RETURNS ~ Neptune is on the 11th house cusp of the solar return, and Jupiter from the 11th house aspects the 5th house. In the synastry of the natal chart and the 1984 solar return (Chart 20-3), all the cusps nearly coincide: this is the most important year. Neptune of the solar return is on the 11th house cusp not only of the solar return but also of the natal chart. Pluto of the solar return (ruler of the natal Moon) is in sextile to the MC of both charts.
Transiting and natal Neptune and Pluto form a configuration with the axis of the 5th–11th houses. Jupiter of the solar return is in opposition to the Sun and Venus of the solar return in the 5th house of the natal chart.
The daughter was born on 24 September 1984, so the final period of pregnancy is also described by the 1984 solar return. Particularly dramatic indications of a difficult pregnancy are found in the synastry of the relocation chart (44N36; 33E32) and the 1984 solar return:
a) Mars and Saturn of the solar return are on the Ascendant of the relocation chart;
b) the North Node and the Moon of the solar return are on the 8th house cusp of the relocation chart;
c) the axis of the 2nd–3rd houses of the solar return is in the 5th–11th houses of the relocation chart and in square to the Sun in the 8th house of the relocation chart;
d) the Black Moon of the solar return is in the 5th house of the relocation chart (see Chart 20-4).
However, the rulers of the 5th houses of the natal chart and the relocation chart in the synastry are not afflicted. In progressions and solar arcs in both charts—natal and relocation—we find almost no severe aspects.
In the natal chart for May 1984 (mid-pregnancy):
In progressions, the Sun is in sextile to Venus, in semi-sextile to the MC; Venus is on the MC in sextile to Pluto; the progressed MC itself is in sextile to Venus and in semi-sextile to Pluto; Mars was in sextile to the MC at the beginning of pregnancy; in solar arcs, the MC is in quintile to Mars, and this is the only tense aspect involving the 5th house.
In the relocation chart:
139 ~ OLEKSIY AGAHONIV
2505 -Г–Н:~ m13
Chart 20-4. Synastry of the relocation chart and the 1984 solar return (outer wheel)
In progressions, the Ascendant is in opposition to Venus, lady of the 11th house, and the Moon enters this house, but the elements of the 5th house are not afflicted; in solar arcs, the 5th house cusp is conjunct Mars and in square to Mercury, lord of the 11th house: this is the only threatening aspect, yet by the end of pregnancy, transit Jupiter approaches the trine to the MC and softens the threat.
The second daughter was born on 8 October 1991, during the Mars–Mars period. In the natal chart, Mars is in square to Mercury, ruler of the 5th and 8th signs from the Ascendant in the 5th house (a serious indication of difficult childbirth in the whole-sign equal-house system!).
In the 9th harmonic, Mars is in the 5th house and rules the 8th. He is conjunct the Sun, lord of the 5th house. Both indications are negative. Yet both planets are in trine to Jupiter in the 1st house, lord of the 11th house of medicine. In the 7th harmonic, Mars is very loosely connected to the 5th house: it is ruled by the Moon, which is conjunct Venus, lady of the 5th house. Mars is weak by sign, but the Moon and Venus are strong.
The pregnancy was also difficult, even more so than the first.
In the solar return describing the year of conception (for 26 June 1990, Chart 20-5), the 5th house is in Capricorn (not conducive to conception), and in this house are Uranus and Neptune, lord of the 11th house, as well as Saturn. Mars is in the 11th house in square, applying to Saturn in the 5th house and separating from a square to Jupiter, lord of the 11th house by septenary (same degree). Yet Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter are strong by sign: Mars and Saturn are in domicile, Jupiter is in exaltation.
In the synastry of the natal chart and the 1990 solar return (Chart 20-6), the Moon of the solar return (dispositor of the Sun) is conjunct the natal Descendant: this year highlights lunar themes. In the natal chart, the Moon rules the 5th house and is located in the 8th house. Mars of the solar return (dispositor of the natal Moon) is in exact square to Jupiter of the solar return in the 5th house of the natal chart.
The significance of the 5th house is also indicated by the exact conjunction of the axes of the 5th–11th houses of the natal chart and the solar return (though the axis of the solar return is reversed by 180 degrees relative to the natal axis). The difficult nature of the year is indicated by Saturn of the solar return in the 12th natal house and the square of Neptune of the solar return, lord of the 8th house of the solar return, to natal Mars (which falls in the 8th house of the solar return).
141 ~ OLEKSIY AGAHONIV
2Qlc
Chart 20-5. Solar return for the year of conception of the second child. 26 June 1990. 6:36:30 GMT
Indications in the synastry with the natal chart for the birth of the child (aside from the main indication given by the Moon) are as follows:
a) the Moon of the solar return is in sextile to Jupiter of the natal chart;
b) the MC of the solar return is in trine to Pluto of the natal chart.
In solar arcs at the conception of the second child, Venus = Ascendant = MC in the natal chart.
In the synastry of the relocation chart and the 1990 solar return (Chart 20-7), the Moon of the solar return is on the MC of the relocation chart—making it even more significant. The square of Neptune of the solar return to natal Mars becomes more severe, since Mars (natal) has moved into the 6th house of the relocation chart, and Neptune (natal) is in its 11th house.The opposition of Neptune to Mercury in the natal chart now affects the 8th house of relocation (ruled by Mercury). A T-square configuration is formed: Solar Neptune = 90° = Mars in the natal chart = 90° = Mercury in the natal chart, involving the 6th, 8th, and 12th houses of illness (this combination is formed specifically in the relocation chart). The natal Black Moon is also involved in the configuration. A harmonious aspect appears in the synastry of the Solar Return with the relocation chart: the transit Jupiter in trine to the relocation chart’s Midheaven.
The next solar return is for the year of birth of the daughter (she was born on October 8, 1991, chart 20-8). In the solar return chart — 143 ~ ALEKSEY AGAfonov 23 20 11 ~ +-+- -+–+- 9s 11 20 Chart 20-7. Synastry of the relocation chart and the solar return for the year of conception of the second child — Jupiter is on the Midheaven in Leo, the dispositor of the 5th house of the solar return by septenary. However, the modern dispositor of this house is Neptune, which is in opposition to Mercury, the ruler of the 8th house of the solar return. This is an indication of the complexity of pregnancy, as is the square of Saturn to the personal axis of the solar return. In the synastry of the natal chart and the 1991 solar return, the Ascendant of the solar return is on the natal Moon, the dispositor of the 5th house of the natal chart, and in trine to the Sun in the 5th house of the natal chart. The Moon of the solar return is on the 11th cusp of the natal chart. These are clear indications of a child. Jupiter of the solar return is in exact trine to Mars in the natal chart.
144
SOLAR RETURNS
Chart 20-8. Solar return for the year of birth of the second daughter. June 26, 1991. 12:27 GT
Indications of a difficult pregnancy: The nodes of the solar return are on the 6th–12th axis of the natal chart, the square of Saturn in the solar return to the natal Moon and Neptune (the main aspect!), Venus in the solar return, dispositor of the 8th house of the natal chart, is on its Descendant, Pluto in the solar return describes difficulties in marriage and the subsequent divorce, Uranus is in opposition to Mercury in the 5th house of the natal chart and in square to Mars (T-square). The prolonged square of Saturn to the Moon and Neptune (from March 3 to November 30, 1991), with the 12th house in the 8th house, of course, greatly complicated the pregnancy.
145 ~ ALEKSEY AGAfonov
Chart 20-9. Natal chart and solar return-1991 (in the outer wheel) in synastry with the relocation chart and solar return-1999 have special significance: the conjunction of the Ascendant of the solar return with the Moon and Neptune in the 12th house of the relocation chart — since Neptune rules its 5th house and the Moon symbolizes the child. Transits to the relocation chart appear somewhat easier than to the natal chart. The square of Pluto to the personal axis disappears, Uranus does not afflict the 5th house, and although the Moon and Neptune in the 12th house are afflicted by Saturn, they are no longer related to the 8th house. Jupiter, the dispositor of the 5th house by septenary, is not afflicted.
146
SOLAR RETURNS
Chart 21. Wife. January 18, 1974. 7:19 ST 57N49; 28E20
b) Birth of a child in the charts of the married couple
In the wife’s chart, Saturn on the Midheaven in opposition to the midpoint Sun/Moon brought about a relatively late child and constancy in love (the couple has been together since school years). Saturn and the dispositor of the 5th house, the Moon, are not afflicted. A girl was born on November 4, 2005. Conception occurred around February 15, 2005. Wife’s period (at conception): Moon–Moon. The Moon is the dispositor of the 5th house, it is in sextile to Mercury, which rules the 5th sign from the Ascendant.
147 ~ ALEKSEY AGAfonov
Chart 22. Husband. July 19, 1973. 3:45 GT 57N49; 28E20
The same period. The symbolism of the Moon and the fact that its dispositor Jupiter, the dispositor of the 5th house, harmoniously aspected the cardinal axes, with Neptune forming a characteristic semisquare to the Moon. Thus, it simultaneously activated the natal Moon and Jupiter. Pluto formed 8th-harmonic aspects with Venus and Mars, awakening desire. In arcs, the Sun is in trine to the Midheaven (and makes ingress into Pisces), Jupiter in a septile to the Midheaven, and the Midheaven itself is in trine to the Moon. The Moon is in a semiquadrate to Jupiter (repetition of the transit aspect). Note that the Moon and Jupiter are connected to the Midheaven in arcs. The same planets are connected by the IC: it forms a quincunx to Jupiter and a sesquiquadrate to the Moon. But the aspect of the Sun to the Midheaven and the Midheaven itself to the Moon is enough: this is the theme of a “cosmic marriage.” In progressions, the Midheaven is in opposition to Jupiter.
The wife’s solar return for 2005 (Chart 21-1) describes both pregnancy and childbirth. The Sun on the Midheaven of the solar return immediately emphasizes the most important theme of the year. It is echoed by Neptune in the 5th house. Jupiter in the 1st house of the synastry indicates a joyful year. The Moon of the solar return is in exaltation, in the 8th house, associated with conception, in a bi-sextile with Venus and Uranus, with Uranus ruling the 5th house. There is a characteristic Mars–Jupiter aspect. However, the end of the year brought illness for the husband, indicated by Pluto on the IC of the solar return. A. Volgin writes that the 4th house may relate to the outcome of the year. The approaching opposition of transit Saturn to the Sun, symbolizing the husband in a diurnal chart, is also noted.
In the synastry of the wife’s natal chart and her solar return-2005 (Chart 21-2), several accents stand out. Neptune of the solar return is on the Ascendant of the natal chart, the Moon of the solar return is in conjunction with Mars in the natal chart, the Midheaven of the solar return is in conjunction with the Sun and forms a trine to the natal Moon, Venus of the solar return is in trine to Mars in the natal chart — all these are more or less eloquent indications of a child. Transit Pluto (in the natal chart it is on the 3rd house cusp) is on the IC of the solar return, the Midheaven of the solar return is in conjunction with Saturn in the natal chart (ruling the 12th house of the natal chart), the opposition of the Black Moon of the solar return to the natal Black Moon on the 6th–12th axis — all these emphasize the houses of illness. Mars of the solar return on the Midheaven of the natal chart is apparently not particularly favorable, since in the natal chart it rules the 8th house, the 8th from the 7th house.
150
SOLAR RETURNS
Chart 21-2. Wife’s natal chart and her solar return for 2005 (in the outer wheel)
The effectiveness of the chart is indicated by the fact that the dispositors of both cardinal axes of the solar return are the same (by septenary) as the social axis of the natal chart.
In the husband’s chart, we have already examined indications of illness (see the previous volume, p. 68); now we will describe indications of a child in mid-February 2005. Jupiter and Neptune rule the 5th house. Transits. In the first half of 2005, Jupiter forms an opposition, and Neptune a sextile to Mars. Mars is the dispositor of the 4th house by septenary. The IV + V formula is formed. Mars–Jupiter aspects often form during conception. The same formula is formed by transit Pluto on the Midheaven (within a 1-degree orb in spring 2005). At the same time, Pluto aspects the IC and Venus. The combination Venus/Pluto = Midheaven: “Strong love feeling, karmic union” (R. Ebertin) — with the participation of the cadent house of children.
Neptune forms a characteristic conjunction with the Descendant. Transit Mars enters the 5th house on February 1 and on February 17 forms a sextile to the Moon. Since in the natal chart Jupiter is in a semi-sextile to the Moon, a short-lived combination of transit Mars/natal Moon = natal Jupiter arises, associated with conception.
Arcs. The Moon is in sextile to Jupiter (an aspect between the Moon and Jupiter at conception is not uncommon in both female and male charts), the Lunar Node is in conjunction with Jupiter. If a 1.5° orb is used for the Moon, then at conception Jupiter is still in conjunction with the Moon. The Midheaven is in opposition to the Sun. This is the main aspect, sufficient on its own. Four aspects form the IV–V formula: a) Jupiter aspects the IC by a sesquiquadrate; b) Neptune by a quintile; c) Venus, dispositor of the 4th house, is in a sesquiquadrate to Jupiter; and d) quintiles to Neptune. Thus, Neptune is involved in two quintiles, and Jupiter in two sesquiquadrates.
Progressions. It might seem that no eloquent aspects involving the 5th house are formed here, except for the square of the Ascendant to Neptune. However, both Jupiter and Neptune rule both the 4th and 5th houses. Progressed Jupiter is in sextile to Neptune, giving the IV + V formula and long-term motivation. The aspect was exact in September 2003, when progressed Sun formed a trine to the Midheaven (the main aspect). It was at this time that the decision to have a child was made, but circumstances intervened. The Sun aspect is still active in February 2005 (10° orb; the rectification can be shifted slightly back). Throughout this time, progressed Jupiter is also in quintile to Mars, the dispositor of Scorpio by septenary (which once again gives the IV + V formula).Importantly, Mars, Jupiter, and Neptune are planets that can facilitate conception. The “trigger” of the event was the quincunx from the progressed Moon to Neptune (exact aspect on February 18, 2005), though it coincided with a worsening of the illness. Let us examine two solar returns of the man — for 2004 and 2005.
In the 2004 solar return chart (Chart 22-1), Venus, the ruler of the 5th house, is angular. It forms a sextile to Mars (physical attraction), similar aspects to Jupiter (expansion), and Pluto (passion). The North Node is on the solar return’s Midheaven. The Moon, after an opposition to Neptune, forms aspects to Venus, Mars, and Pluto, again emphasizing this passionate and fertile combination. If we equate one progressed Moon month to one real month, the conjunction with Mars falls at the beginning of February 2006. The Moon rules the 3rd house, associated with conception, and the 8th from the Ascendant, approaching a conjunction with Mars, the ruler of the 5th sign from the Ascendant. The Moon is in reception with the Sun in the 8th house and the 8th sign from the Ascendant — again, a theme of a “cosmic marriage,” but with an anxious nuance. The Moon reactivates the separating opposition between Mars and Neptune (a tense Mars-Neptune link), and Mars rules the 12th house and the 12th sign from the Ascendant in the solar return. The Sun’s position in this chart is threatening. It is in the 8th house, in reception with the ruler of the 8th house, and Saturn, located in the same house and sign, is approaching a conjunction with the luminary. Perhaps the illness had already begun by the summer of 2005. Note the placement of the solar return’s Part of Fortune at 25° Sagittarius.
In the synastry of the man’s natal chart and the 2004 solar return, indications of conception include:
a) the solar return’s Part of Fortune on the natal Midheaven;
b) the solar return’s Midheaven on the natal IC: the end of one life period and the beginning of another; the importance of domestic concerns (an indirect indication); this is an effective chart;
c) the solar return’s Midheaven in sextile to the natal Moon, square to Jupiter, trine to the natal North Node;
d) Venus, the ruler of the 5th house in the solar return, in sextile to the natal Ascendant;
e) the solar return’s Moon in opposition to the natal Jupiter.
However, the conjunction of the solar return’s Lilith with the natal Saturn, the opposition of Mars to Neptune on the natal Ascendant-Descendant axis, the square of the solar return’s Saturn to the natal Mars, and the square of the solar return’s Nodes axis to the natal Pluto are alarming indications.
In the man’s 2005 solar return (Chart 22-3, birth of a child and illness), on July 18, 2005, at 21:28 GT, the Sun, Moon, Venus, and Jupiter form a mutual reception: Jupiter rules the Moon, which rules the Sun, which rules Venus, and Venus rules Jupiter. We can imaginatively place these planets in their own signs. This chart has inner strength and coherence. This chain links the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th houses. Since the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter are fertile planets, this is certainly an indication of a child. The same indication is given by the trines from the Moon converging on Venus and Mars, and Venus’s placement in the 5th house of the solar return.
In the synastry of the man’s natal chart and the 2005 solar return, indications of illness include:
– the conjunction of the solar return’s Moon with Pluto in the 8th house;
– Mars in the 12th house, moving toward a square to Saturn;
– the Nodes in the 6th and 12th houses, indicating illness as a karmic task of the year (North Node in the 12th house).
In the synastry, the solar return’s Mars is on the natal Midheaven, square to the natal 12th house cusp and to the natal Sun and Mercury in the 12th house. Active work may be interrupted by an inflammatory illness; intrigues and quarrels are also possible. Indeed, work was temporarily lost even before the illness. The solar return’s Midheaven square to the natal Mars also suggests troubles at work, potentially escalating to legal disputes (in the natal chart, Mars is in the 9th house). The next aspect of the Midheaven — a square to Uranus — may indicate unexpected changes in employment (the native was forced to resign). The possibility of disputes is also highlighted by the solar return’s North Node with the natal Mars. This aspect could alternatively suggest a trip abroad, though problematic due to health.
Indications of illness are also given by:
– the opposition of the solar return’s Lilith to the natal Jupiter (ruler of the 8th house in the 6th house);
– the conjunction of the solar return’s IC with the natal Pluto;
– the position of the solar return’s Saturn in the natal 12th house.
Indications of the birth of a child include:
a) a Grand Trine between the solar return’s Mars and Pluto (attraction);
b) a Grand Trine between the solar return’s Venus and Mars with the natal Midheaven;
c) the solar return’s Moon is involved in both configurations.
Regarding two children with the 5th house in Capricorn and the Moon afflicted by Saturn (Chart 23): from the perspective of traditional astrology, indications for children in this female chart are very questionable. However, mixed reception between the Moon and Saturn, the ruler of the near house, slightly improves the situation. On the other hand, the affliction of Mercury/Uranus at the cusp of the 7th house by a square from Uranus worsens it. Indeed, both births were difficult, with complications, and both children had critical health issues in infancy.
In the natal chart of the contemporary woman (Chart 23, January 27, 1971, 17:09 GT, 55N34; 37E35), the first birth involved blood poisoning, an indication highlighted by the tight conjunction of Mars, Jupiter, and Neptune in Sagittarius — the sign of the liver — with Mars ruling the 8th house and the 8th sign from the Ascendant. The Mars-Neptune combination often signals the possibility of inflammatory diseases due to infection. The Mars-Jupiter-Neptune combination in Ebertin is interpreted as “prolonged or difficult labor.” A daughter was born on November 2, 1992. Conception period: Jupiter-Jupiter. Birth period: Jupiter-Mars. Jupiter conjunct Mars, according to GSHA, signifies labor. Mars rules the 8th house but is subordinate to Jupiter. Jupiter is strong; danger will be overcome. In the 7th harmonic, Mars and Jupiter are in the 8th house. Jupiter is in its own sign, strong, in sextile to Mercury, the ruler of the 5th house. Mars rules the 12th house and Venus in it, imprisoned: “I end up in the hospital.” In the 9th harmonic, Jupiter rules the 12th house and the Sun, ruler of the 5th house. Mars is in the 1st house in its own sign, strong, ruling the 8th house. In one harmonic, Jupiter is strong, ruler of one house; in another, Mars is strong. Importantly, in the 9th harmonic, the strong ruler of one house indicates recovery of health. In the natal chart in arcs, the Midheaven reaches the Sun. In monthly progressions at the time of conception:
– Venus in novile to Mars: an aspect of intense desire;
– Venus square Uranus: excitement; however, this is more likely a negative indication, as Uranus rules the 6th house;
– Jupiter in quintile to the Moon and noviles to the Midheaven;
– Midheaven trine Pluto.
In transits, Jupiter is on the Ascendant and trine the Midheaven. In February, four planets, all related to conception, are in the 5th house. However, on April 26, 1992, Saturn enters a long conjunction with the Moon in the 6th house. It is worth noting that at the end of January–February 1992, the couple was in Dombai, where conception occurred. The relocation chart provides two additional indications of conception in progressions: Venus reaches the Midheaven, which in turn forms a novile to Venus (an indication of the child’s female gender).
In the 1992 solar return chart with natal coordinates, the Sun is on the Midheaven. Saturn in the 5th house, the Moon in Scorpio (in fall), approaching a conjunction with Pluto, indicates problems related to emotions, gestation, and possibly the child’s health. However, the native celebrated her birthday in Dombai. In the Dombai-coordinate solar return chart, retrograde Jupiter, ruler of the 6th house, in detriment in the 12th house, and a stellium of Mars-Uranus-Neptune (with Uranus ruling the 5th house of the solar return), indicate blood disease. The Mars-Neptune-Uranus combination (with Uranus ruling the 5th house) literally means “unexpected infectious disease as a result of childbirth.”
Mars-Neptune conjunction — part of the natal stellium (Jupiter “rolled over” into the North Node house of the solar return) — thus, the possibility of realizing the natal chart’s indications is quite real. In the synastry of the radix and the 1992 solar return (chart 23-1), a transit situation is recorded: a powerful grouping of planets in the 5th house. Mars, Uranus, and Neptune of the solar return are in the 5th house of the radix, with Mars in square to the natal Uranus, the ruler of the 1st house of the radix and both luminaries. Mars governs the 8th house of the radix and gives an indication of danger to the child. Ascendant of the solar return is on the Midheaven of the radix, the South Node of the solar return is on the Ascendant of the radix, indicating illness and a threat to the life of the woman herself. However, Jupiter from the 1st house of the radix in trine to the IC (which gives an indication of illness in the solar return chart) in the synastry chart brings aid and salvation.
The second child (a boy) was born on July 21, 2003. The conception period: Jupiter-Saturn. Saturn governs the 5th house and the 5th sign from the Ascendant and both luminaries. Most of the pregnancy and the birth itself took place under Mars-Mars. Mars is the ruler of the 8th house. His rays laid
