In Vedic astrology, planetary transits (known as Gochara in Sanskrit) play a huge role in shaping the flow of our lives. Let’s decode this fascinating concept in simple words.
What Are Planetary Transits?
Simply put, a planetary transit is when a planet moves from one zodiac sign (Rashi) to another. Every planet in our solar system is constantly in motion — they revolve around the Sun at different speeds and cover the 12 zodiac signs in varying time frames. When these planets shift signs or interact with the specific points in your birth chart, they create new energies that influence different areas of life — like career, love, health, and relationships.
How Do Planetary Transits Influence You?
Imagine your birth chart as a snapshot of the sky at the exact moment you were born. It never changes — it’s your cosmic blueprint. But the planets in the sky keep moving every second. When a moving (transiting) planet touches or aspects the planets or houses in your birth chart, it triggers events, thoughts, and changes related to that part of your life.
For example:
- When Jupiter transits to your 7th house, it may bless you with marriage or new partnerships.
- When Saturn moves over your Moon (Sade Sati), it can bring lessons, delays, or a time for hard work and emotional maturity.
- When Rahu and Ketu shift, they stir up karmic shifts that can change your direction completely!
Why Do Astrologers Track Transits?
In Vedic astrology, transits help astrologers time events. While your birth chart shows what is possible in this life, transits show when it might happen. That’s why transit analysis is so important for forecasting marriage dates, promotions, travel plans, and even spiritual breakthroughs.
Major Planets and Their Transit Durations
Here’s a quick glance at how long key planets take to transit through a sign:
- Moon: 2.5 days per sign — hence daily mood swings!
- Sun: 1 month per sign — think solar return or Surya Sankranti.
- Mercury & Venus: Around 23–30 days, but can vary due to retrogrades.
- Mars: About 45 days per sign — influencing courage and action.
- Jupiter: 12–13 months — brings expansion and growth.
- Saturn: 2.5 years — teaches life’s deeper lessons.
- Rahu & Ketu: About 18 months in one sign — governing karmic patterns.
So next time you hear about a major Jupiter transit, Saturn’s Sade Sati, or Rahu-Ketu shift — remember: these cosmic travellers are constantly weaving the story of your destiny. When understood and aligned with, transits help us make wiser decisions, plan better, and grow through life’s ups and downs.
If you want to know how current transits are affecting your chart, consult a trusted Vedic astrologer.