Your birth chart is a snapshot of the heavens when you were born, a map of the terrain of your life. But while you bring the blueprints with you, the landscape constantly changes as you go; your needs and desires change as you move through life. Planets’ transits are the changing astrological weather, assisting or hindering your progress, reflected in the unfolding of your birth chart, as seen in your astrology timeline (daśās).
Indian (‘Vedic’) astrology primarily uses daśās to predict life events, a Sanskrit word which means 'circumstance' or 'condition'. These ‘timelines’ represent your life’s changing circumstances.
Planetary timelines represent set periods (see below) but how and when you experience them depends on your birth chart.
The nine ‘planets’ of Indian astrology are divided into an ideal lifespan of 120 years as follows:
Astrology Beyond Transits
Timelines indicate the direction of your life beyond transits, which merely show the astrological weather. Timelines show what is coming alive from within. You began your life somewhere in the sequence, based on the Moon's position at birth.
Though we could calculate a timeline based on your ascendant or other planets, a timeline calculated from the Moon is so important: How you feel about what is happening is more important than what is happening. Also, how you feel dictates what happens, too.
Sun sign divisions of the zodiac relate to your physical environment while the lunar divisions or ‘Moon signs’ relate to your mental-emotional environment. Lunar mansions (nakṣatras) show a deeper storyline contained within Sun signs. These myths tell the story of your life – in real-time.
Each main period can be divided into sub-periods, which are further subdivided into smaller segments, maintaining proportional lengths, like fractals. Periods of Jupiter and Venus are often more favourable while Saturn's periods are usually resisted. Saturn represents a need to settle debts, which many of us face reluctantly, preferring the ease of Venus periods and the gratitude associated with Jupiter periods. Yet every period has its challenges and rewards.
Boat on the Ocean Analogy
Imagine your birth chart as a boat on an ocean. This is an analogy my astrology teacher Pearl Finn used. The winds are the transits and the sea is your timeline (daśā). Your journey is influenced by both the winds (transits) and the sea (timeline), which guide you to your destination.
Awareness of the astrological weather helps you understand your current position and brings a sense of calm, even during stormy weather. Knowing when challenging periods will end can provide immense relief, allowing you to prepare and make the most of favourable winds that lead to calmer seas.
Timeless Being
As helpful as having a timeline is, it's important to understand that a part of you transcends time itself. This timeless essence within you remains unaffected, regardless of life's unfolding events. From this vantage point, your astrology timeline is simply a navigational tool.
Your true orientation is your 'timeless being’, a constant presence accessible to you in the now, serving as your ultimate guide through life's journey.
Om Tat Sat
Indian (‘Vedic’) astrology primarily uses daśās to predict life events, a Sanskrit word which means 'circumstance' or 'condition'. These ‘timelines’ represent your life’s changing circumstances.
Planetary timelines represent set periods (see below) but how and when you experience them depends on your birth chart.
The nine ‘planets’ of Indian astrology are divided into an ideal lifespan of 120 years as follows:
- South Node (Ketu) (7 years)
- Venus (20 years)
- Sun (6 years)
- Moon (10 years)
- Mars (7 years)
- North Node (Rāhu) (18 years)
- Jupiter (16 years)
- Saturn (19 years)
- Mercury (17 years)
Astrology Beyond Transits
Timelines indicate the direction of your life beyond transits, which merely show the astrological weather. Timelines show what is coming alive from within. You began your life somewhere in the sequence, based on the Moon's position at birth.
Though we could calculate a timeline based on your ascendant or other planets, a timeline calculated from the Moon is so important: How you feel about what is happening is more important than what is happening. Also, how you feel dictates what happens, too.
Sun sign divisions of the zodiac relate to your physical environment while the lunar divisions or ‘Moon signs’ relate to your mental-emotional environment. Lunar mansions (nakṣatras) show a deeper storyline contained within Sun signs. These myths tell the story of your life – in real-time.
Each main period can be divided into sub-periods, which are further subdivided into smaller segments, maintaining proportional lengths, like fractals. Periods of Jupiter and Venus are often more favourable while Saturn's periods are usually resisted. Saturn represents a need to settle debts, which many of us face reluctantly, preferring the ease of Venus periods and the gratitude associated with Jupiter periods. Yet every period has its challenges and rewards.
Boat on the Ocean Analogy
Imagine your birth chart as a boat on an ocean. This is an analogy my astrology teacher Pearl Finn used. The winds are the transits and the sea is your timeline (daśā). Your journey is influenced by both the winds (transits) and the sea (timeline), which guide you to your destination.
Awareness of the astrological weather helps you understand your current position and brings a sense of calm, even during stormy weather. Knowing when challenging periods will end can provide immense relief, allowing you to prepare and make the most of favourable winds that lead to calmer seas.
Timeless Being
As helpful as having a timeline is, it's important to understand that a part of you transcends time itself. This timeless essence within you remains unaffected, regardless of life's unfolding events. From this vantage point, your astrology timeline is simply a navigational tool.
Your true orientation is your 'timeless being’, a constant presence accessible to you in the now, serving as your ultimate guide through life's journey.
Om Tat Sat