A lunar return in astrology is when the Moon reaches its natal point in your chart every month. This is not to say it returns to its natal position on the same day month. This is because of the inherent cyclic nature of the Moon. The lunar return offers us insight into the month ahead. It can show us where we place our energy for the month, what we do, and how we might express our emotions.
I read a lunar return chart much like how I read a solar return chart. If you want some insights on solar returns or how I read them, you can read that article here. The gist of it, and what I do, is read the lunar return chart like a natal chart first- on it’s own. I do not overlap it with the natal or compare aspects just yet. Once you get the gist of the month ahead, then I recommend overlapping it with your natal chart. This is more so just to provide more background info.
A lunar return’s chart’s houses are crucial, as any clusters of energy may provide where you put your focus for that month.In the above example, we have a lot of energy in the sixth house, with a focus on work, health, and wellness. It can be helpful for setting goals or knowing when to take breaks. The signs would show how you express that energy, while the house would provide where. Please note, I am referring to reading the lunar return chart separately and on its own first. Then, once you read the lunar return chart, you can overlap it with the natal. This should only be used to provide extra information. I do not recommend reading it in conjunction with your natal chart first.
You also want to notice any planets conjunct an angle. These planets will be extra potent this month, and it may be useful to harness the energy of the planet in the area of life that the angle and house reflects. In this case, Mercury is conjunct my Desecendant. My relationship with others has been important to me this month. I've served jury duty, and started taking walks every day. Very sixth and seventh house, huh?
Then, I take a look at the zodiac signs and aspects of the planets before moving on to the overlapping. Any tight aspects, like Mars exactly square Uranus in the example lunar return chart, would be important for the month ahead. This was a change up in routine and activity level for me, as I said I started taking walks to work on my health. This is likely reflected in that aspect. We can also see a tight sextile with Uranus and the Sun, with a semisextile to Mars.
Next, on to interpreting the lunar return chart in conjunction with the natal chart.
The natal chart on top of the lunar return chart should be looked at to see aspects to natal, any close conjunctions, and how the planetary energies might interact with your natal chart. When you put the lunar return on top of the natal chart, you can then look at the aspects to the natal and any close conjunctions besides the Moon, that will be conjunct your natal Moon). In the above chart, it is just slower planets that have been conjunct my natal planets for a while now. :)
It is also important to take note of the Moon phase you were born with. I touch more on Moon phases in your birth chart here. This can be a regeneration of your emotional energy, or something that your soul has called you to focus on. The Moon phases are not to be looked at as a singular fixture or thing- they need to be looked at in concurrence with the transit sun. Since the transit Sun and Moon are constantly moving, they both need to be taken into account.
This time of reconnecting with your natal Moon phase may be a time of rest, regeneration, and a good way to set goals. It may also be a good way to set boundaries and safeguard your emotional state.
Thanks for reading! I hoped this helped. Let me know if you have any questions or want anything covered next on the blog.
Much love,
Abby
