Planets in Solar Returns: Yearly Cycles of Transformation & Growth Paperback – February 1, 1998

I purchased Mary Shea's book when it first came out in the early 1990s. That copy is now falling apart and difficult to navigate with pages falling out. This new edition is updated with more information and new graphics, and the binding appears to be perfect for many more years of use. All I have to do is transfer my many margin notes and underlines to the new book--no simple task!!Ms. Shea writes in a personable style, with anecdotes and real life examples illustrating her solar return interpretations. Her background in counseling psychology informs every page with insights every astrologer needs to hone her/his skills in interpretation. It is indeed a 'teaching' book in many ways to both the layperson and professional.Through the years, I have found this book to be a roadmap for my year ahead. As my life has unfolded, natal transits, progressions, directions and solar return astrology have helped me maintain my sanity through insane times, both good and not so good. I know myself so much more deeply through the study of this art.With her uncanny insights into this art of astrology, Ms. Shea reaffirms the mysteries that astrology makes real. By that I mean she is able to articulate what is happening, why it is happening, and often times when and how it will happen, ahead of time. THAT is bringing divination down to a single page with astrological glyphs in a circle, to be interpreted by a good astrologer.The mystery of life (and god) is, as Joseph Campbell said, "...beyond all categories of thought." With the help of authors like Mary Shea and a few others, that mystery can be grokked...explored...experienced deeply, with a few more categories than usual. Not the whole mystery, but glimpses here and there.Ms. Shea's book "Planets In Solar Returns" work is one I turn to most often during the year for guidance, especially during the 3 months leading up to my birthday. As I look to the closing phase of my year just ending, and my new birthday year approaching...like clockwork: "Here Comes the Sun" -- and once again I begin this wonderful journey called life.Thank you Mary Shea. A masterful piece of insight for all who dare or care to ask.

would buy again

Easy reference, valuable information

Pretty good book about solar returns, she didn't make any mention on if plants in the solar return conjunct planets in the native chart, and parts of the book are heterosexist, (references to opposite sex attraction) but overall an interesting read and starting place for someone wanting to know how to decode their solar return chart

The book is well-written; and gives a very detailed view of interpreting solar return charts. It is clear in describing the ways in which solar return charts differ from natal charts; as well as how they differ from other predictive charts. The reader can appreciate that the author has done years of her own extensive research on the use of solar return charts in prediction; and she includes very informative example chart interpretations to illustrate the principles of interpretation she outlines in the book. The author also directs the reader to additional interpretive resources she has posted on her website; which serve to reinforce the information presented in the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone searching for a good resource to aid in understanding of the use of the solar return chart. I'm glad to have given this birthday gift to myself!

Excellent. This is a very good guide for understanding and reading a solar return chart. The author offers information about the solar return that I have not seen in other books. A must have guide if you are interested in solar returns.

Very interesting. It should be noted there is significant emphasis on the solar return as it relates to personal development. It places less emphasis on events per se in a person's life. Very readable however and informative. Would definitely read another book by this author.

Includes every detail you could need about solar return charts PLUS detailed "cookbook" interpretations. Even though most people put up their nose about "cookbook" interpretations - I find them a very helpful starting off point and ideas.

Soy Astrologa Certificada y la información y el formato del libro son excelentes.

This is Amazing Book! So much useful information on the subject!!!! And, the writer is so articulate and knows how to present the information well. Very easy to understand and I like how the information is organized and presented in the book.But, I have one not so little problem though! My Solar Returns make absolutely no sense to me when I use the locations where I currently reside (I have immigrated) as the book suggests. However, whenever I use the location of birth everything makes complete sense and the predictions make absolute sense to me.I guess this is the only modification I will make - I will use the location of birth for my predictions and not the locations of residence. Otherwise, everything seems absolutely correct in the book and makes absolute sense to me.

Obrigada!

Sans aucun doute un des meilleurs ouvrages sur la thématique des révolutions solaires.Analyses très fines et fouillées.Je le recommande sans hésitation

es ist verblüffend, wie treffend die Beschreibungen sind. Bin sehr beeindruckt. Ich kann dieses Buch nur wärmstens empfehlen.