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EXPLORE • ASTROLOGY • PLANETS

Transiting Planets in Astrology, Explained

by AstroTwins

In astrology, we refer to the orbiting planets as “transiting planets.” A “transit”

means a movement. Just as subway and buses are referred to as “mass transit,” the
planets are always in motion, too.

What does it mean that a planet is in transit?

Each of the planets orbit around at the sun at a different speed. The transiting
planets can move quickly or slowly through the zodiac signs. Each has its own
“energy” when it is transiting depending on where it is in the zodiac. Their
journeys through the zodiac affect your day-to-day feelings.

The inner planets in astrology

The planets closest to the Sun are called the inner planets. These transiting
planets cruise through the zodiac signs in a matter of days or weeks.
The inner planets are the Sun, moon, Mercury, Mars and Venus.
Because these transiting planets move quickly through the zodiac. As a result, they
affect your day-to-day life, moods and habits. And you’ll notice the Sun is
included among the planets in astrology.

The outer planets in astrology

Planets farther from the sun are known as the outer planets. These transiting
planets can take months or years to complete a tour through a single zodiac sign.
The outer planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto. Because they
move slowly, they shape the bigger trends in your life. Because Neptune, Uranus and
Pluto orbit the sun so slowly, they are said to shape entire generations.

How long do transiting planets take to orbit the Sun?

Below is a chart of the planets and the time it takes each to orbit around the sun.
Divide that time into 12 (for each of the 12 zodiac signs) and you’ll have an idea
of how long a planet generally stays in one zodiac sign. For example, Jupiter takes
12-13 years to orbit around the sun. On average, it stays in one zodiac sign for 1
year, or 13-14 months. (See transit table on the next page.) Pluto, on the other
hand, is a little wonky, staying in a signs from 12-20 years variably.
Time it takes transiting planets to orbit the sun

What do the transiting planets mean for my birth chart?

Is this different than my birth chart? Yes it is. Remember: Your natal
(birth) chart is a “freeze frame” of where the planets were at the moment you were
born. In other words, it’s a snapshot of the transiting planets at your birth. This
chart never changes—it remains a fixed chart throughout your lifetime.
A transit chart, on the other hand, captures the planets in motion at any given
day. You can use a transit chart to “plan it by the planets,” or look back and
review a particular date in your past. Some people pick their wedding date by
running transit charts. 

How transiting planets wake up your natal planets

When transiting planets are over the same zodiac point as natal planets (in your
birth chart), it wakes up those planets energy. Imagine the natal planet was
lounging on the couch watching TV and suddenly, the transiting planet burst, glides
or struts into the room. (This all depends on if we’re talking about Mars, Neptune
or Venus, of course). There is a reaction as the two energies combine. 
The same is true if transiting planets are “aspect” one of your natal planets,
landing at a 90º square or 120º trine, for example, on the zodiac wheel. Read more
about aspects/angles in astrology, here.
PlanetFull transit through 12 zodiac signsTime spent in each zodiac signWhat the
transiting planets influence in your life and birth chartSun1 year1 monthSelf-
expression, personal growthMoon2.5 days2-3 daysEmotions, desiresMercury88 days3
weeksCommunication, information, mobile devices, short tripsVenus225 days5
weeksLove, social relationshipsMars685 days8 weeksDrive, temper, lustJupiter12-13
years1 yearLuck, travel, expansion, risk-taking, ego, optimismSaturn29.5 years2.5-3
yearsRestrictions, challenges, workUranus84 years7 yearsCommunity, innovative
ideas, technology, sudden changesNeptune165 years13-15 yearsDreams, fantasy,
illusion, spirituality, creativityPluto284 years12-20 yearsPower, sex drive,
transformationLunar Nodes18 years18 monthsKarma, destiny, spiritual
evolutionTransiting planets timetable in zodiac signs and what they mean in your
chart

All about the transiting planets

Sun (solar) transits

Moon (lunar transits)

Mercury transits

Venus transits

Mars transits

Jupiter transits

Saturn transits