Simplified Transits

By Shelley Jordan

The transiting planets trigger a resonant response in the psyche by means of some unknown suprasensory mechanism. This can be compared to a subtle perception of aromas or background music floating through the air and the way these stimuli make us feel. The mind senses these conditions to varying degrees, sometimes consciously, sometimes not. How each person responds to astral resonances is a highly individual matter. Responses to the astral differ not only in degree. The nature of the response to any planet can fluctuate throughout a lifetime, depending on personal and environmental conditions, maturity, wisdom and acquired experience, among other factors.

Another model for viewing transits can be seen in the example of phototropism and plants. Just as plants grow in the direction of the Sun, and respond with photosynthesis, the psyche can be said to respond and grow as a result of the subtle astral light from the planets. What grows in us as a consequence of this celestial stimulus can only emerge from what is already present in the psyche, even from material that is in a dormant or unconscious form. The personality responds to the environment, to physical-emotional conditions as well as astral, but it responds with its own essence.

When transiting planets form aspects to natal planets, there are internal psychic responses of varying degrees to that transiting planet’s signal. How anyone reacts is a combination of free will interfacing with conditions in the environment. Sometimes there will be a noticeable correlation and 'transit effect' from a planet, and sometimes there may be nothing at all. The planets don't force us to behave in certain ways, nor do they 'cause' events in our lives. They are simply conditioning the psychic atmosphere in subtle ways, as well as providing a symbolic narrative that gives meaning to our lives. Many factors beside the astrological shape our experience. Astrology provides some, but not all, of the information about life and its processes. It can provide a helpful narrative and language to describe our experience, if it's used with moderation and a clear understanding of its limitations.

The more simple your astrological technique is, the better. It is more important to have psychological insight into the personality than it is to have elaborate techniques. A simple astrological approach combined with psychological savvy is the most potent tool. The astrologer is the vehicle for receiving and interpreting astrological insight, so perception and wisdom are at least as important as the method of chart analysis. Overly ornate and complex techniques interfere with perception and the communication of astrological content. It is always good to ask yourself "what kind of information can astrology provide? What are the limits of astrology?" If you expect astrology to predict the future you're in for disappointment. Astrology does not address events as much as it provides information about psychic interiority - what's happening inside us.

Here is a sketch of the messages that the planets send to our psyches:

Saturn – work time. Be focused, determined, responsible. Grow up! Be realistic. Achieve something. Find your Inner Adult.

Uranus – seek freedom. Make new contacts, liberate yourself, become more independent. Find yourself.

Neptune – live your dream. Use your imagination, develop compassion; it’s creative visualization time. Seek to express your ideal self. Find your inspiration.

Pluto – let go of the past. Time to release old patterns and make way for new growth. Cleanse and purify. Get focused, deconstruct and rebuild, renew. Find your power and use it to change yourself..