A planetary return happens when a moving planet reaches the natal zodiacal longitude of that same planet. Solar returns occur roughly annually, lunar returns roughly monthly, and Saturn returns at intervals of around three decades. Return charts and timing techniques differ by tradition.
Solar return charts
The solar return is calculated for the moment the Sun returns to its precise natal longitude. Some astrologers cast a chart for that instant to study the coming year, often emphasizing the return Ascendant, Sun’s house, angular planets and links to the natal chart. A birthday calendar date is only an approximation to this exact moment.
Lunar and Saturn returns
The lunar return reflects the Moon’s return to its natal zodiac position and is often used for shorter cycles of emotion, home and daily priorities. Saturn’s longer orbital period makes the Saturn return a major age-linked milestone in contemporary astrology. Its exact timing varies, and multiple contacts may occur with retrograde motion.
Reading other planetary returns
Jupiter returns occur roughly every twelve years; Mars and Venus returns have their own rhythms and interpretive conventions. A return should be read with the natal chart and broader transits rather than assumed to predict one fixed outcome.
Return to Transits & Predictive Astrology for the larger framework of forecasting methods, or read the Astrology encyclopedia for natal fundamentals.