But there are lots of other ever-changing charts that decode relationships, explain a certain phase of your life, and might be able to help you make short-term predictions. The solar return chart is one of them. Here’s a quick-and-dirty primer on how to calculate yours and why it can yield such valuable insights. There are quite a few free tools online for casting an instant solar return chart. Our top choice is Astro-Seek, which lets you do a free chart without creating a login or profile. The solar return chart is calculated based on 1) your time of birth, 2) your birthday (month and day) and the current year, 3) and your location as you celebrate your birthday that particular year. When casting a solar return chart, it’s less important how you spend your birthday than where. You’d get an entirely different chart if you blow out your candles in Miami than you would for Minneapolis, Mumbai, or Marrakech. Location is everything—so your birthday plans REALLY matter. It’s 2019, and you’re debating whether to celebrate your 30th birthday in Mexico City or Paris, two places on your travel bucket list. In your astro chart calculator, you input 8 p.m. on August 10, 2019, in Mexico City, then see what the chart looks like. To compare options, you would then do a chart for August 10, 2019, at 8 p.m. in Paris. Et voilà! Ya esta! Two different charts and choices. You could book your travel plans according to which outcome you prefer for the next 12 months. And if you didn’t like the looks of one of those charts, well…disaster averted! If you’re a visual learner, check out this video of Ophi demonstrating how to calculate your chart:
