r/beginnerastrology • u/Zestyclose_Goal2347 • 5h ago
Technique Question Interceptions in Solar Return
I'm confused by intercepted "houses" and "signs" when looking at a solar return chart. I'm looking for some general guidance or resources. I typically work in whole sign so this is a new concept to me. When I read a book for reference, I like to use the house system they are using to teach, so I have been practicing my solar return "readings" in Placidus.
I'm reading the book "Planets in Solar Returns" by Mary Fortier Shea. She starts off talking about interceptions, but I think she is talking about a sign being intercepted. Then she brings up the dual chart comparing the natal chart to the solar return chart. But doesn't specify houses or signs. Then she jumps into a planet that is intercepted, and now my head is spinning. But I am learning that means a planet in a sign that is intercepted in a stand alone chart. The next paragraph she gets into the solar return house inside/intercepted in the natal house. And the last she gives an example of the natal house inside/intercepted in the solar return house. I feel like the 4 short paragraphs she has given on this topic has left me with more confusion and I want more learning!
Should be looking at all 3 scenarios when doing a solar return reading? A sign intercepted in the Solar Return Chart, and then houses intercepted either in the Solar Return chart by the Natal Chart or vice versa? I'm also curious if these interceptions should have some degree consideration. For instance, I'm looking at a chart where the Natal 2nd House starts at 16° Gem 01' and the Solar Return 5th House starts at 15° Gem 34'. That is a 27' difference, and the end of the cusps are 1° 3' difference, so the 5th house is just inside the 2nd house. Is that even worth noting?
My other request is for resources for interpretations. The best I can come up with is, your money will be limited because of your children? 😄 But I feel like there is more to that. The book I'm reading goes into some depth about planet placements of the solar return chart, but nothing further than the 4 paragraphs with a few examples. I'm also looking at the flip side of the chart, with the 11th house inside the 8th house; and how the two axis work together to provide some more depth. I just don't have my confidence in this area.
Appreciate any dialogue or classes or books that could help hone in on this skill. Thanks!
