As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless possibilities for our businesses each year. Should this be the year we rebrand, write a course, submit a book proposal, or focus on building a team and streamlining our systems?
We often overestimate what we can accomplish on top of the day-to-day demands of running a business—I know I’ve been guilty of this!
But what if you could take the guesswork out of planning? What if you could pinpoint the most aligned focus for your business this year?
You can.
In this blog, I’ll guide you through my process of using your business’s solar return chart to create intentional, soul-aligned plans for the year ahead.
Why Use a Solar Return Chart?
Out of all the AstroPlanning techniques I teach in my advanced 10-week course within the Level 2 Business Astrology Certification, I always come back to my business’s solar return chart when planning my year.
A solar return chart is a snapshot of the planets at the exact moment the Sun returns to its natal position each year. Think of it as an annual “natal chart” for your business—a yearly update that overlays your business’s foundational blueprint, illuminating the themes and priorities specific to the year ahead.
It reveals the key opportunities and areas of focus to support your business’s growth, alignment, and success. For me, it’s an indispensable tool for intentional planning.
How to Create Your Solar Return Chart for Your Business
Creating your solar return chart for your business is a key step in aligning your annual plans with your business’s unique energy. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Start with a Business Chart
Before creating a solar return chart, you’ll need a business chart. If you’re unsure of the date or time to use for your business chart, check out this blog post.
Step 2: Use Astrology Software
Once you have your business chart details, use your preferred astrology software or follow these instructions to create your chart on Astro.com:
- Visit Astro.com:
- Create a free user account, or log in if you already have one.
- Click on your name under “My Astro.”
- Navigate to “Extended Chart Selection”:
- Find this option in your account details.
- Select the Chart Type:
- Choose “Solar Return Chart” from the drop-down menu.
- Set the Date:
- Enter a date two days after your most recent business birthday.
- For example, if your business birthday is June 3rd, you would enter June 5th for the year ahead. This ensures you’ll see the chart covering from June 2024 to early June 2025.
- Then, create another solar return chart for the date two days after your next business birthday (e.g., June 5th, 2025) to cover the period beyond your business anniversary.
- Set the Location:
- Follow the instructions in the next section to choose the correct location for your solar return chart.
- Generate the Chart:
- Select “Show the Chart” to view your business’s solar return.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Solar Return Chart
A common question is: which location should you use?
The location should reflect where your business is primarily operating. For example:
- If your business was incorporated in New York but later moved operations to Los Angeles, calculate the solar return chart using Los Angeles as the location.
- If your business anniversary occurs while you’re running a retreat or hosting an event in Bali, use Bali as the location since your business was active there at that time.
To update the location:
- Scroll to the default settings on Astro.com.
- Select “Modify Data” and change the reference location before generating the chart.
If You’re in Your First Year of Business
If you’re in the first year of business, your solar return Sun will align with your business’s natal Sun. In this case, focus on embodying your business’s natal Sun placement this year. To plan ahead, create a solar return chart using a date just after your business anniversary to see what’s next.
What if I Don’t Have a Business or Business Chart Yet?
If you don’t yet have a business or business chart, you can use your natal chart instead. Keep in mind that your natal solar return will reflect both personal and career priorities for the year ahead. Need help choosing the date and time for your business chart? Read this blog post.
Should I Look at My Natal and Business Charts Together?
Looking at both charts can provide deeper insight, but it’s a more advanced process. It depends on how much detail you’re comfortable integrating into your planning. For most people, starting with the business solar return chart alone is a great way to create intentional and aligned goals.
Key Placements to Analyze in Your Business’s Solar Return Chart
When analyzing your business’s solar return chart, I would take into account all the planets, their house placements, aspects, and the angles of the chart. However, when it comes to annual strategic planning, I focus on the most significant planet—the Sun.
The solar return Sun’s house placement highlights the most aligned area of focus for your business in the coming year and can even hint at potential opportunities.
For example, the year my oracle deck launched with Hay House, the solar return Sun was in the 7th house of business partnerships, conjunct Venus. This house also held Jupiter and Mercury—planets strongly connected to publishing and writing. Fascinatingly, in my natal solar return that year, Mercury was in the 9th house of publishing, and the Sun was conjunct my natal Midheaven (MC), symbolizing career milestones and visibility.
These solar return charts, for both my business and natal chart, clearly indicated the opportunities and focus areas that would unfold.
Once you have your solar return charts, consider how the solar return sun themes integrate or flow into each other for the year ahead.
Ask yourself: Where is my Solar Return Sun this year, and how can I align my focus with this energy to grow my business?
You might even choose to align your business’s “Word of the Year” with this energy (I guide you through this process and show you how to create an annual strategic plan in this training).
For example, suppose your Solar Return Sun is in the 2nd house for most of the year. In that case, your word might be “Abundance” or “Stability”, which focuses on building financial security, resources, and value in your business.
In 2025, my Solar Return Sun begins in the 7th house and transitions into the 5th house later in the year. As a result, I’ve aligned my strategic plan to focus on partnerships and resubmitting my book proposal in the first half of the year. I will then dedicate the second half to writing my book, perfectly harnessing the blissful, creative energy of the 5th house for my business.
From this analysis, I created my guiding theme:
Aligned Collaboration & Creative Bliss
“Through strategic partnerships and purposeful collaboration, I step into my authority and make space for creative freedom and flow.”
This theme beautifully reflects the journey from strategic partnerships and collaboration (7th house) to creative fulfillment and joy (5th house)—a harmonious blend of focus and flow for the year ahead.
In the Solar Powered Workshop I recently created, I teach you how to align your business’s strategic plan with your solar return charts and craft a quarterly plan that keeps you on purpose throughout the year.
Step Into Your Aligned Business Year
Using your solar return chart is a powerful tool for intentional business planning. By aligning your business’s goals with the cosmic energies of the year ahead, you can gain clarity, purpose, and a deep sense of alignment. The solar return chart offers insight into your business’s overarching themes and opportunities, helping you focus on what truly matters and creating space for growth and success.
Now it’s your turn to explore the energy of your upcoming year. I encourage you to take the time to create your solar return chart and reflect on how you can align your strategic plan with its energy.
If you’d like help creating and implementing your strategic plan for 2025, I encourage you to apply for the AstroBiz Mastermind. As your coach and guide, I’ll help you develop your strategic plan and then provide practical and energetic support to ensure you stay on track with your goals.
Whether you need accountability, practical help, strategy, or mindset support, I’m here to help you start or grow your soul-aligned business.
Are you ready to let the stars guide your business toward a soul-aligned year? The universe is waiting to show you the way.