What is a Lunar Return?
An image of the moon moving through the different phases in an arc against a black backdrop.
So what exactly is a lunar return?
A lunar return is a chart that is cast for the moment the moon returns back to the exact position it was in at the time of birth. I generally recommend casting this for a person’s current location, but others may have different points of view. Similar to a solar return chart, we are able to cast and read a chart for every one of our placements’ returns. Considering the moon is the fastest moving planet, we actually experience a lunar return every full lunar cycle.
Just like our solar return tells us what the year ahead holds for us, the lunar return chart tells us what will be most important in the next 28 days. When we read these charts on top of our solar return or natal chart, we’re able to see how the planets play within different settings both in and around us.
Each chart offers us a chance to plan ahead.
What I love most about working with lunar return charts, is that each chart offers us a chance to plan for the next cycle. Using the lunar return chart, we can gather what our general energy levels will be, we’re able to gauge how social we may feel, and how much drive we’ll experience. Using the placement of the moon, we can also gather what might be the biggest focus for us in the coming season. Aside from setting goals, looking at the lunar return can help us plan for what type of care we might seek. I especially value using the lunar return chart to gauge what type of support my family members may need (with their consent) which reminds us of part of the power in astrology: the ability to use it for healing and wisdom.
Part of astrology’s power is its ability to connect us to macro and micro cycles.
Aside from the ability to use lunar cycles and astrology to provide care within the family, lunar returns can help us tune in to the macro and micro cycles of life. When we use the lunar return chart, we can learn so much about astrology by studying the way the chart played out by reflecting on the previous month.
An image of a full moon above mountains during sunrise.
Why are lunar returns beneficial?
Lunar return charts and readings can help us prepare during times of great change. They can help us understand where to focus our attention in our business. During periods of moving, during career searching, during relationship upheaval, lunar returns can assist us in helping ourselves understand whether or not we are being reactive, where we may want to look for work opportunities, when we can expect to ACTUALLY move and so much more!
From a spiritual point of view, lunar returns can assist us in checking in on what types of spiritual work we may want to rely on. They can give us guidance in what types of routines we may want to follow or if we are in a month of being able to receive great spiritual insight.
Lunar phases and cycles remind us to check in with ourselves.
On a more mundane level, we can use lunar returns and lunar cycles to check in with ourselves. These charts can often tell us if our energy is going to be on the lower side or if we will need more time alone. Seeing what house the lunar return moon is in can also show us where our hearts will be pulled. As someone who works with the dead and who practices folk magic regularly, I know the importance of tuning in. Being neurodivergent and managing chronic illness, however, makes it tricky to remember to do so. By using the lunar return as a check-in point, it becomes easier to tune into the larger cycles at play alongside tuning in to my inner world. Even if I only have a few minutes, I can still gauge a good idea of what I will be navigating in the month ahead. After getting an idea of what I might be facing, I try to set a small intention for the cycle.
How often do you tune in and set a clear intention for the month ahead?
In my Lunar Return Ebook, I offer a small intention-setting ritual that can help folks plant seeds for the month ahead. When I say plant seeds, I don’t mean strictly manifesting something however, it’s all about finding a simple intention and focus: almost like an affirmation. When we don’t know where to focus our energy, the lunar return chart, paired with a tarot reading, can give us an idea of how to move within the cycle.
We can get so caught up in making petitions and casting spells, that we forget the power of a simple intention.
3 full moons with various light shadows and reddish hues against a black background.
To wrap this post up…
The Lunar Return Chart is an opportunity to develop a deeper and more meaningful relationship with astrology, whether a person is able to check their chart each month or not. Even viewing the chart of past tumultuous months can provide insight into how the planets operate within our lives and in conjunction with our natal chart.
For those who are interested in learning how to cast a lunar return chart, what to study, and how to unravel the main elements, I offer a lunar return ebook that provides a great foundation in working with this chart and the lunar cycle.
Resources: Identifying Planetary Triggers by Celeste Teal.
The Lunar Return Ebook $11
Can be used each month. Members of The Celestial Realm get access to this and a Notion template version as part of the membership.
If you enjoyed this blog post, consider joining The Celestial Realm, where I’ll be soon offering horoscopes for each planetary ingress and where you can gain access to exclusive on demand classes, ebooks, free astro materia, and more!
A number of sliding scale memberships are available each month. Use code SLIDING to bring the cost down to $16/month (based on availability)
