Lunar return — calculate online

What is a Lunar

A Lunar, or lunar return, is a chart constructed for the moment when the transiting Moon returns to the same degree where it was positioned in your natal chart. Such a return occurs approximately every 27.3 days, so the lunar describes one lunar cycle of your life.

The chart is read as a forecast for the month: the Ascendant of the lunar indicates the general tone of the period, the Moon’s position reveals the main emotional theme, and the planets in the houses suggest which areas will be active.

What period does the lunar cover?

The lunar is effective from the moment the Moon returns until the next return, meaning approximately 27 days. The start and end dates vary for different people: they depend on the Moon’s position in the natal chart, not on the calendar month.

How does the lunar differ from the solar?

The solar is constructed for the moment the Sun returns to the natal degree, occurring once a year around the birthday, and describes the theme of the entire year. The lunar is constructed monthly and details this year by periods.

Astrologers typically first examine the solar to see the annual framework, then the lunar to understand when exactly the annual themes will intensify.

Does the location affect the lunar?

Yes. The chart is constructed for the coordinates of the place where you are physically located at the moment of the Moon’s return. If you travel, the lunar will change: the Ascendant and houses will differ, though the planets’ positions in the signs remain the same.

This principle underlies the practice of lunar relocation, where the return date is observed in a different city.

Is an accurate birth time required for the lunar?

Yes, and it is critical. The moment of the lunar return is calculated based on the natal Moon’s position, and the Moon moves faster than any other planet, about 13 degrees per day. An error in the birth time shifts the lunar’s date and makes the chart unreliable.