Astrology: Study of Transits

Scientists and other materialists disparage the validity of astrology because it does not conform to their methodology; yet esotericists awaken the part of mind that goes beyond limits of rationality – as of course does love, genius and imagination. The learning process is not especially esoteric at all; it conforms to normal learning practices. We need to apply ourselves to study what others think, then to find new interpretations and understandings and bring our own knowledge into some useful application. We trust that our point of view is valid, even if it contradicts accepted ideas – despite the danger of affirming a foolish understanding simply through lack of skills and insight. We address this point here, by offering a way to track the transit of slower moving planets through the individual degrees and keep a diary of the events and feelings we encounter. I suggest that at first we include only Saturn – which crosses a few degrees per month – and Uranus, Neptune and Pluto – which typically show in only one or two.

In order for this process to be instructive it is necessary to come to terms with each of the variables: a) The planets’ core meanings in our lives; b) The qualities of each stage of a transit; c) The significance of personal events; d) The mystery of the Sabian Symbol for each degree.

Stages of a transit

A planet appears to move both forward and backwards, and so typically crosses the same degree three times, although it can be once or five times. Here are the nine stages typical of a transit.
Stage 1   Approach                           Forewarning
Stage 2   First hit                              Shock
Stage 3   Moving away                      Assimilation
Stage 4   Retrograde approach           Reminder
Stage 5   Second hit                          Echo
Stage 6   Going back                         Revision
Stage 7   Second approach                Preparation
Stage 8   Third hit                             Realization
Stage 9   Moving on                          Application