As far as most astrologers are concerned, prediction is among the most important uses of astrology. Any responsible and successful astrologer must devote great attention to developing skill in producing accurate assessments of upcoming conditions. We have to be able to understand the possible impact of the celestial picture on the lives of those who seek our advice and direction.

In her new book, Identifying Planetary Triggers, Celeste Teal presents an impressive array of techniques that let the astrologer construct and refine the shape of things to come. For instance, she devotes a great deal of material to the understanding of planetary returns, as excerpted here:

the basics of return charts
There are a few basic guidelines for reading any return chart. Although they are read in exactly the same manner as a natal horoscope, the return is of shorter duration. Whereas the potential shown in a natal horoscope has an entire lifetime to develop to maturity, the potential in a return chart reaches maturity by the conclusion of the return period. The return period is entirely dependent on the planetary return in question. A Lunar Return lasts only twenty-eight days; therefore, the potential will show fruit within the twenty-eight-day period. At the other extreme, a Saturn Return occurs only once every twenty-nine years, so the patterns in that return can be observed to reflect major turning points for the long haul.

A point worth repeating in regard to interpreting a return chart is that the astrologer should be familiar with the major themes within the progressed chart for the period in question. Planets, signs, and houses are each key in a variety of issues, people, and events, and without a familiarity of the progressed themes, the key planets in a return can be more easily misjudged.

The angles of the return chart show points of energy manifestation, so planets on the angles of the return chart are quite dynamic, whether a natal or return planet. The return period will see a release of the planetary energy as it accurately reflects the nature of events taking place. The subsequent transit of the return planet or luminary across the angles tends to trigger events, especially dynamic if also contacting one or more angular planets at the same time.

The first natal planet to rise to the return Ascendant is nearly always quite explanatory of the trend relating to the issues and events signified by the return planet. This is similar to the indicators shown by the Horary Ascendant and the first natal planet to rise to the transiting configurations in the progressed chart. This natal planet testifies to the type of activity coming due.

These are covered in some detail in my earlier work, Predicting Events with Astrology, so they will be touched on only briefly here. The Moon signifies fluctuations, usually involving travel, or sometimes a move. The Sun is protective in nature and may be regarded as an indicator of opportunity, advancement, or honor. Mercury could signify travel and may also show involvement with young people, close relatives, or important decisions and agreements. Venus is fairly protective and guarantees benefits. It may show activity surrounding young women or their concerns. Mars sometimes indicates new enterprise or more usually conflict, even to the degree of foretelling an illness or accident.

Jupiter usually shows benefits, often through connections with those of high honor and standing. It may be regarded as a sign of protection and/or fortune in the immediate future. Saturn usually shows some delays at hand, but just as often reflects an individual practicing great self-discipline, which leads to some degree of accomplishment as it relates to the return planet. It does sometimes warn of frustrating barriers or the disappointing outcome of current activities. Basically, one is urged toward a more practical view and approach. Uranus signifies an unexpected turn of events, which may turn out to be a great opportunity, or the reverse. Other chart indicators must be referred to.

Neptune suggests the dissolving of old connections and the forming of new ones. On one hand, it may show intrigue, clouds of confusion, misrepresentation, or deceit, and, on the other hand, the ultimate realization of dreams. It is a neutral planet and overall configurations will indicate whether to anticipate its bright or dark side.

Pluto suggests power and control issues; is sometimes an indicator of financial or support issues; and frequently reflects obsessive behavior. These planetary functions will pertain to the issues and events governed by the planetary return in which they are first to rise.