With the time of birth, astrologers can cast a “solar return” which involves casting a chart at the exact time of your true birthday.

What is your true birthday?

It is when the sun returns to the exact degree and minute (and second, of course) that it was placed when you were born. For example, if you were born around midnight on January 1, 2012 in Greenwich, your sun would be at 9 degrees, 57 minutes and 27 seconds of Capricorn. The next time the sun reaches 09:57:27 of Capricorn will be on December 31, 2012, not January 1, 2013. On January 1, 2013 midnight, the sun will be at 10:45:45 of Capricorn (GMT).

Make sense?

Casting the solar return I’ve found to be an accurate depiction of where a year’s energy will focus. While I didn’t do well this year on my friend from Texas’ solar return, I’ll give it a try with Kate Middleton. This solar return uses the Astrotheme horoscope with time at 11:33 p.m. GMT.

Kate Middleton’s Focus for 2012

Middleton’s solar return sun (in Capricorn) is in the 1st house and solar moon (in Leo) is in the 7th house. In addition to the sun in the 1st house, Pluto and Mercury are also hanging out there, both in Capricorn.

In her natal horoscope, Middleton’s sun is in the shy, inward-looking, home-oriented 4th house. Her moon, while in the house of career, is in Cancer, which normally rules the 4th house. While Kate is in the public eye, she’s both shy and controlling about her public image.

Mercury, Pluto and sun in the solar return 1st house means Middleton will be more honest and open about her true self. Mercury and Pluto indicate transformative communications, especially about her Capricorn matters of career and state. Middleton may find herself the spokesperson for the family this year.

Moon in Leo in the solar return 7th house suggests she’ll be getting major kickback from others as she develops her new communication style. In Capricorn, her communications are factual, blunt and to the point. The Leo moon “others” of the 7th house may be asking her to show more “regality” in her speech.

Middleton, as a true Capricorn, may also try to take over where she’s not needed. Capricorn is the Executive whereas Leo is the King. Middleton may try to take over as CEO and be reminded that the King trumps the CEO in the English deck of cards.

Who said life as royalty was easy?

Capricorn seeks the path of most resistance, not least. Middleton is probably aware of the challenge she has taken on. Capricorn needs a task, a purpose. Middleton has chosen one and is probably looking forward to success. Like all true success, it involves overcoming hurdles.

Middleton’s solar return Jupiter in Taurus is in the 4th house indicating acquisition of material goods and property. Prince Harry has this going on as well so maybe some shifts and/or transfer of royal property is occurring.

In the 2nd house of money, Venus and Neptune are hanging together as good friends in the sign of Aquarius. This, too, suggests the acquisition of money through community and/or social endeavors. With Neptune, though, one must be careful that there is no foul play involved in managing community assets.

Saturn in Libra in the 10th house of the solar return says there are still some work and/or public image issues to resolve. This is in loose square to the solar return sun in the 1st. Again, I think Middleton will get slapped on the hand for some of her communication. Her partner (Saturn in Libra) will be saying “You’re trying to be too much in control. Just be nice, just smile.”

Solar return Mars (in Virgo) is in the 9th house and Uranus (in Aries) is in the 3rd. That indicates lots of travel, some of it sudden, and possibly to help people in need (Virgo). The image that comes to mind is of Middleton traveling to the place of some catastrophe, man or god made, and helping others while also making public pleas for assistance.

This year appears to be a transformation in communication and public style for Middleton. In her past as a model, her physical beauty and charisma were all that were necessary. This year she will learn that what she has to say and how she says it is powerful.