Planetary Transits: What They Are and Why They Matter in Astrology

In astrology, planetary transits play a significant role in shaping events and influencing an individual’s life. The term ‘transit’ refers to the movement of planets across the zodiac, and this movement holds immense importance in Vedic astrology. By understanding planetary transits, one can decode their impact on different aspects of life, including health, career, relationships, and spirituality.

What is a Planetary Transit?

The word ‘transit’ signifies movement. In astrological terms, it refers to the movement of a planet from one zodiac sign to another. Each planet travels at a different speed, which determines how long it stays in a particular sign. For instance, the Moon is the fastest-moving celestial body, while Saturn moves the slowest. The period when a planet moves into a new sign is known as a ‘zodiac change’, and this movement directly affects individuals based on their birth chart or Kundli.

Planetary Transits in Astrology: Importance

Planetary transits are considered highly significant in Vedic astrology because they symbolize dynamic changes in cosmic energy. The nine primary planets in astrology—Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu—exert specific influences during their transits. Depending on their position in the birth chart, they bring either auspicious or inauspicious results. Astrologers rely on transits to interpret upcoming changes, challenges, and opportunities in an individual’s life.

Transit Durations of Planets

Each planet takes a different amount of time to complete its journey through one zodiac sign. The following are the transit durations of the planets:

1. Sun: 1 month per zodiac sign
2. Moon: 2.25 days per zodiac sign (fastest)
3. Mars: Approximately 57 days
4. Mercury: About 1 month
5. Jupiter: 1 year to 13 months
6. Venus: About 1 month
7. Saturn: 2.5 years (slowest)
8. Rahu and Ketu: 1.5 years

These time intervals help astrologers predict how long a particular planet will influence a zodiac sign and what effects can be expected during that period.

Effects of Planetary Transits on the Houses

In astrology, each planet produces specific results when transiting through different houses in the birth chart. Below is an overview of the general outcomes based on planetary transits:

1. Sun

• Auspicious results: 3rd, 6th, 10th, and 11th houses
• Inauspicious results: Other houses

2. Moon

• Auspicious results: 1st, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 10th, and 11th houses
• Inauspicious results: 4th, 8th, and 12th houses

3. Mars

• Auspicious results: 3rd, 6th, and 11th houses
• Inauspicious results: Other houses

4. Mercury

• Auspicious results: 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, and 11th houses
• Inauspicious results: Other houses

5. Jupiter

• Auspicious results: 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th houses
• Inauspicious results: Other houses

6. Venus

• Auspicious results: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 11th, and 12th houses
• Inauspicious results: Other houses

7. Saturn

• Auspicious results: 3rd, 6th, and 11th houses
• Inauspicious results: Other houses

8. Rahu

• Auspicious results: 3rd, 6th, and 11th houses
• Inauspicious results: Other houses

9. Ketu

• Auspicious results: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th houses
• Inauspicious results: Other houses

The effects of these transits can be seen in various aspects of life, including personal growth, financial stability, relationships, and career progress.

Why Planetary Transits Matter?

Planetary transits are not merely celestial events; they hold the power to influence human lives in profound ways. For example:

• Career and Finance: Jupiter’s transit through favourable houses brings success and abundance, while Saturn’s transit may teach patience and hard work.
• Relationships: Venus’ transit can enhance love and harmony, while Rahu and Ketu transits might cause challenges or confusion.
• Health: Moon’s transit affects emotional well-being, and Mars’ transit may indicate physical energy or conflicts.

In Vedic astrology, planetary transits—also known as Gochar—signify the continuous movement of planets through the zodiac. These transits determine the flow of energy in an individual’s life and are key to predicting auspicious and inauspicious periods. By analysing the movement of planets and their position in different houses, astrologers help people navigate life’s challenges and opportunities.

Understanding planetary transits can empower individuals to make informed decisions and align their actions with cosmic energies. For deeper insights into how transits influence your life, consulting an astrologer is highly recommended.