Rahu-Ketu (Lunar Nodes) Transit राहु-केतु गोचर
Rahu and Ketu always retrograde. They transit 7 rashis apart (always opposite). One ingress changes both signs.
Rahu-Ketu (Lunar Nodes) Sign-Change Ingresses
| Date | From | Enters | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Oct 2023 | Rahu was Mesha, Ketu Tula | Rahu→Meena, Ketu→Kanya | |
| 18 May 2025 | Rahu was Meena, Ketu Kanya | Rahu→Kumbha, Ketu→Simha | |
| 05 Dec 2026 | Rahu was Kumbha, Ketu Simha | Rahu→Makara, Ketu→Karka | |
| 22 Jun 2028 | Rahu was Makara, Ketu Karka | Rahu→Dhanu, Ketu→Mithuna |
About Vedic Transits
Vedic planetary transits (Gochar) describe how each planet's current sky-position interacts with your natal chart. Major transits — Jupiter changes signs every ~13 months, Saturn every ~2.5 years, Rahu-Ketu every ~18 months — produce significant life-area shifts. Smaller planet transits (Mars, Mercury, Venus, Sun) are faster and more daily/weekly in effect.
In Vedic astrology, gochar (transit) refers to the current movement of planets through the zodiac, observed against your natal chart. While the natal chart is fixed at birth, transits are dynamic — Jupiter's 13-month sign-change marks educational/spiritual phases; Saturn's 2.5-year sign-change defines major karmic periods (notably Sade Sati); Rahu-Ketu's 18-month nodal axis creates significant trajectory shifts. The slower the planet, the more profound the life impact: Saturn > Jupiter > Rahu/Ketu > Mars > Mercury > Venus > Sun > Moon. This page lists upcoming sign-change ingresses for all major planets, with Vedic interpretations.
Reading Transit Effects
Transit effects depend on which house the planet enters, COUNTED FROM YOUR NATAL MOON sign (not Sun sign as in Western astrology). Houses 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 are generally favorable for benefic planets. Houses 3, 6, 8, 11, 12 are favorable for malefic planets. The exact effect requires natal-chart analysis — use our /sade-sati calculator and personalized predictions for your specific reading.
FAQ
What is Gochar (transit)?
Gochar (गोचर) is the Sanskrit term for planetary transit — the current movement of planets through the zodiac, mapped against your natal chart. While your natal chart freezes the planets at birth, transits are dynamic — they activate or challenge specific houses of your chart over time.
How often does Jupiter change signs?
Jupiter (Guru/Brihaspati) takes approximately 13 months to traverse one rashi (sign) — it spends about 13 months per sign and completes the zodiac in ~12 years. Each Jupiter transit marks a significant educational, spiritual, or financial phase based on which house it enters from your natal Moon.
What is Sade Sati?
Sade Sati (साढ़े साती) is the 7.5-year period when Saturn transits the 12th, 1st, and 2nd house from your natal Moon. Each house = 2.5 years. It is considered Saturn's karmic-correction phase — challenging for the Moon-sign affected, but ultimately purifying and growth-producing. Use our Sade Sati calculator to check your status.
Why are Rahu and Ketu always retrograde?
Rahu and Ketu are not physical bodies — they are mathematical points (the lunar nodes, where the Moon's orbit crosses the ecliptic). They appear to move backward through the zodiac because of the way their position is calculated. Their motion is opposite to other planets — they always transit retrograde.
When does Saturn enter Meena (Pisces)?
Saturn enters Meena (Pisces) on 29 March 2025 sidereal (per Lahiri ayanamsa). Saturn stays in Meena until ~Sept 2027 — then moves to Mesha. This affects Meena Moon natives most (peak Sade Sati) and Mesha/Kumbha as adjacent rising/setting phases.
How is Vedic transit different from Western transit?
Vedic astrology uses sidereal (nirayana) longitudes — measured from the actual fixed stars — while Western uses tropical longitudes measured from the seasonal equinox. The two differ by ~24° (current ayanamsa) — about 24 days of zodiac. So Western 'Jupiter in Aries' might correspond to Vedic 'Jupiter in Pisces'. All dates on this page are Vedic sidereal.