Gochar (transit) is the study of current planetary positions as they move through the zodiac, measured relative to your birth Moon sign (Janma Rashi).

Think of Dashas as the script of your life movie and Gochar as the weather during filming.

In Vedic astrology, transits are primarily judged from the Moon sign (Chandra Rashi), not the Sun sign used in Western astrology.

Advanced practitioners also check transits from the Lagna (Ascendant) and from the relevant house lord.

Slower planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu/Ketu) have the most profound and lasting effects since they influence a house for months or years. Fast-moving planets (Moon, Sun, Mercury, Venus) are used for fine-tuning predictions within the framework set by the slow movers.

Sade Sati is perhaps the most discussed transit in Jyotish.

Not always negative – for well-placed Saturn in birth charts, Sade Sati can bring discipline and career advancement.

Jupiter takes about 12 years for one full orbit, spending about 1 year in each sign.

For a major event to manifest, BOTH Jupiter and Saturn must simultaneously aspect the relevant house.

Jupiter aspects the 5th, 7th, and 9th houses from its position. Saturn aspects the 3rd, 7th, and 10th houses.

Rahu and Ketu always transit in opposite signs, moving retrograde through the zodiac in about 18 years.

The Rahu-Ketu axis transiting the 1st-7th house axis can significantly reshape identity and relationships.

Ashtakavarga is a numerical system that scores each planet's transit effectiveness through each sign.

The Sarvashtakavarga gives a quick overview: signs with 28+ total points are highly supportive.

Two important transit indicators: Chandra Balam and Tara Balam together determine daily auspiciousness.