Dasha & Timing

Gochar

गोचर • Gochara

Gochar refers to planetary transits — the current real-time positions of planets relative to the birth chart, used for timing predictions.

What is Gochar?

Gochar (Gochara, गोचर) — Gochar refers to planetary transits — the current real-time positions of planets relative to the birth chart, used for timing predictions.

Gochar (transit) analysis examines the current positions of planets as they move through the zodiac and their relationship to the birth chart. While the Dasha system provides the primary timing framework, transits serve as triggers — they activate or modify Dasha effects. Key transits include Saturn's 2.5-year sign transit (including Sade Sati), Jupiter's annual sign change, and Rahu-Ketu's 18-month axis shift. Transit analysis typically uses the Moon sign (Chandra Lagna) as the reference point, though the Ascendant and Sun sign are also considered. The Ashtakavarga system provides a numerical framework for evaluating transit effects.

Examples

Jupiter transiting the 9th from Moon brings fortune, opportunities, and spiritual growth.
Saturn transiting the 8th from Moon can bring health challenges and emotional difficulties.
Rahu-Ketu axis change every 18 months shifts karmic focus in the chart.

Practical Application

Track major transits (Saturn, Jupiter, Rahu-Ketu) through your Moon sign to anticipate life themes. Use transit analysis alongside Dasha to pinpoint timing of events. Favorable transits during favorable Dashas produce the strongest positive results.

Common Misconceptions

Transits alone don't cause events — they work in conjunction with the Dasha system and natal chart promise.
Not all transits are equally important — slow-moving planets (Saturn, Jupiter, Rahu-Ketu) have the strongest impact.
Transit effects are read primarily from the Moon sign, not the Sun sign as in Western horoscope columns.

Related Terms

Dashaदशा
Sade Satiसाढ़े साती
Grahaग्रह

More Dasha & Timing Terms

Sade Satiसाढ़े सातीDashaदशाMahadashaमहादशा

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gochar in Vedic astrology?

Gochar means planetary transit — the current positions of planets as they move through the zodiac. Transits are analyzed relative to the Moon sign (primarily) to predict timing of events and modification of Dasha effects.

Which transits are most important?

Saturn (2.5 years per sign), Jupiter (1 year per sign), and Rahu-Ketu (18 months per axis) have the strongest long-term impact. The Sun and Moon transits create shorter-term effects.

How do transits work with Dasha?

The Dasha system sets the primary life theme, while transits act as triggers. A favorable transit during a favorable Dasha produces excellent results. A challenging transit during a challenging Dasha intensifies difficulties.

How to check current transits?

Use a Vedic astrology app or transit calculator to see current planetary positions. Compare them to your Moon sign to understand which houses the transiting planets occupy relative to your chart.