Many of us read our daily horoscopes out of curiosity and interest, but there is so much more than Sun sign astrology. Unless you know your rising sign, however, you may find that this short forecast often does not fit for you and even if you do relate to it, it is still very generalized. The daily horoscope may track the moon or other planets through the different houses according to what sign is on the Ascendant, but it does not take into account your own individualized wheel. The sizes of your own houses may vary and some may be intercepted, making them wider than others, thus, it will take longer for the planets to complete their transits through those houses. Consideration also needs to be given to how frequently and for what length of time planets are in retrograde motion. More importantly, it is necessary to know the placement of your natal planets in order to interpret how these transiting planets are interacting with them, one of the biggest determining factors in the timing of events.
The following are descriptions of the general effects of the planetary transits. It is necessary to note the nature of the planet or house being transited along with the effect of the aspect for a more complete picture.
A Sun transit only lasts for a week, at the most, as the Sun moves about one degree a day. Sun transits have an effect on health, energy and willpower. You will be more creative and active. You may express yourself more openly according to the natal planet, sign and house being transited.
A Moon transit lasts only for three or four hours at the most. It effects mainly moods and feelings, not always consciously and these emotional changes should be judged according to the planet, sign and house being transited.
A Mercury transit only lasts a day or two. Mercury transits affect the mind and movement. So often, you want to travel, write letters, e-mail, make phone calls and generally communicate with others. A Mercury transit may also stimulate you to make many local errands.
A Venus transit can last for a few days at the most and can indicate enjoyment in your social life and feelings of love. You may want to beautify your home or self, and you may desire more entertainment than usual. You may attract people and things to you so this is the time to find new friends and lovers, or look for a better job or home. Venus can also bring out your pleasant side and you may feel more attractive than usual, and this Venus transit would be a superb time to schedule beauty regimens and appointments. Sometimes the energy plays out by receiving gifts or money.
A Mars transit can last about a week. Mars transits energize the areas of life related to the natal planet being effected. One can be more energetic and be able to work harder than usual. But Mars can also promote tension and anger. So plan to keep busy during a Mars transit so you can have an outlet for this excessive energy. One should also watch their temper during a Mars transit as well as take extra precautions against rushing and accidents.
As an astrologer, I pay particular attention to the transits of the outer planets. Being farthest from the Earth, their movement is slower and therefore, their influence is felt for longer periods of time. Jupiter takes approximately 12 years to make a complete cycle around your wheel, spending about one year in each house. It is the largest planet, so it is known for growth and expansion of whatever area it influences. It is generally believed to have a beneficial effect, as long as a person does not go to excess. It usually makes life a little easier for us and helps us obtain our desires.
Saturn, with its beautiful rings, presents a much more difficult and challenging energy and makes us face reality. Its transit is extremely important to follow in your chart and the familiar term “7 year itch” refers to the four major aspects it makes during its 28 year cycle. The house it is transiting through identifies an area of your life that is being tested and one in which you may experience great tension. Undoubtedly, Saturn is trying to teach us something and there are certain lessons to learn. Saturn can add structure to that particular area or it might bring losses, but generally there is a need to go. It is not uncommon to experience a heaviness or sadness, depending upon the planet being affected.
Uranus has an 84 year cycle and its opposition aspect at age 42 is referred to as the “mid-life crisis”. With Uranus, the expression “expect the unexpected” fits best. Sudden, unusual events will occur, and may be either exciting or upsetting, depending upon our response. The house Uranus transits through will indicate an area of your life which needs change. The Uranian transit definitely yanks us out of our old ruts and routines.
Neptune’s speed is about half as fast as Uranus at 165 years, and will only travel about halfway around your chart. Neptune, the planet of inspiration and illusion, dissolves our sense of reality and makes us more idealistic. We may believe things which are untrue. Matters of the house Neptune is transiting may become confusing or unclear, so it is not a good influence to make decisions or permanent commitments related to that area of your life. If you are not on the spiritual track, sometimes a Neptunian transit can be quite confusing.
Pluto is the slowest moving of the planets, with a 250 year cycle. It will probably only touch one quadrant of your chart. Pluto’s influence is strong, powerful and brings about major transformation to whatever house, or area of your life, is effected. Changes are inevitable, gradual and characterized by a tearing down of structures before new ones can be rebuilt. Power struggles result. Pluto’s transit can be psychological, but enables us also to clear away old behavior patterns and regenerate ourselves. In other words, Pluto’s energy can play out either internally or in the external world. Some think that Pluto transits can be hell. They can definitely be empowering.
Astrology is a very complex science. There is much to consider when forecasting events. In addition to following the transits of the planets through the houses, even more information can be found by understanding the angular relationships between the transiting and natal planets. Therefore, full interpretation of your chart is important to know trends and cycles coming up for you.
If one is experiencing a negative transit, remember…”this too shall pass”. Nothing ever stays the same.
