What orb is most appropriate to use aspects in the Solar return chart?
It depends on what style of analysis you want to use.
I can tell you my approach. I tend not to underestimate any astrology from the past. So I use Whole Sign House Aspects, that is, a plaet anywhere in Capricorn, is making sextile to a planet anywhere in Pisces.
Then, I would see if those two planets are inside the Moiety of Orbs, that is, their Orbs of Influence. For example, Saturn has Moiety of 9°, so in that diameter, every planet that touches that orb, Saturn is in particularly important relationship with it.
Furthermore, the aspect inside of 3° is particularly important and forceful. This comes from the earliest times of the Hellenistic Astrologers, where, even though whole sign aspects where considered, planet being inside 3° of orb, were regarded as very powerful in regards of configuration.
Especially if there is an application.
Then you have probably the most powerful aspect, that is, inside the same degree. So a planet in 24° Capricorn in sextile to a planet in 24° Pisces.
But to be clear, planet in 23° 59' and planet in 24° 2' are not as important as in being in same degree. Greek speaking astrologers called it "Moiria" and this is one of the words for Fate. So, we can see a basic methaphysical concept here, where planets being in same Moiria, share particular important mutual fate.
Knowing this, you are using it in your astrological skills package, and try to incorporate it in your astrological practice
Dear Sir,
I am quite worried for a friend of mine. His next solar return has 6 planets including Sun and Moon in the first house along with the SR asc. According to some astrologers this could be very detrimental to his health, others say it is a year of personl empowerment. I am suggesting he relocate for his birthday. Am I helping him or ruining a year that could give him the stgrength he needs to overcome his problems
I think I know where from this kind of approach comes. Ciro Discepolo, am I right?
He uses Stelliums in Solar Returns as something of great importance. It is not that it is not important, but according to traditional astrology, it all depends on what kind of rulership those planet has. Does they rule 6th, 8th, 12th? Or they rule 5th? If Venus rules 5th and is on the Ascendant in good zodiacal shape, why to be bad?
Also, it depends on what planet are activated through the Time Lord techniques, like Firdaria, Profections, and etc..
So it is not an easy reduction of a judgment on the stellium.
Just a note of caution. I am adding my personal traditional astrology approach here [in both answers].
I am not trying to set anything in stone.