Planets in Transit: Life Cycles for Living

by Robert Hand

In this comprehensive guide to astrology, readers will delve into the intricacies of the major transits—including conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition—that occur between the transiting sun, moon, and all planets in relation to each planet in the natal chart, as well as the Ascendant and Midheaven.

This insightful book provides complete delineations of each planet transiting each house of the natal chart, making it an essential resource for astrologers of all levels. With over 720 lucid and detailed delineations, this book offers profound insights into the complex and nuanced interactions between celestial bodies, providing a rich tapestry of knowledge that is both practical and accessible.

Whether you are a professional astrologer or a beginner, this book is sure to deepen your understanding of astrology and its transformative power.

Genres: Astrology, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Reference, Occult, Divination, Esoterica

544 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1976

About the author

Robert Sterling Hand (born December 5, 1942) is an American astrologer, author, translator, and lecturer, who received the Regulus Award for his life's work at the "United Astrology Conference" in Denver in 2008

Reviews

[Jonathan Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My so-called 'transit bible' has been invaluable in my astrological studies and in determining the cycles and patterns in my life - and the lives of others! The sheer amount of information and interpretation gathered here is impressive, smartly written and provides sound advice for delving deeper into the psychology of one's mind. It provides a sense of reassurance and inspiration, particularly during difficult periods, as we come to realise everything flows in cycles, nothing lasts forever and there's always something to learn or gain from the experiences we have in life.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fundamental book for the study of astrology, as good now, as it was 25 years ago. Robert Hand is both brilliant and able to set out complex astrological themes in a clear and simple form.

[Dante x · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only interpretation book I've used for 20 years

[Natali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve taken to carrying this book around the house, in my car, on trips. It is an amazingly insightful reference guide to transits in your natal astrology chart. Hand begins by making the point that transits are not meant to predict your future. They are meant to help you create your own reality based on the energies of support or challenge. This is not old-world fortune telling. It is new-world personal empowerment, even though this book is quite old now. I kind of wish it were an app of its own.

I admit, I read the first few chapters but then quickly realized that subsequent chapters on each planet are not meant to be read like a novel. They are meant to be referred to and I have found myself obsessively doing so lately and pointing out to my husband how accurate the transit descriptions have been in our lives!

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every serious astrologer needs this on their shelf. I appreciate how Hand states the most difficult transits and the possible more evolved expressions. I also like how Hand describes minor aspects with details.

[Alanna L.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started studying astrology about 10 years ago and this book has taught me so much and it continues to teach me so much. A must have for anyone interested in understanding the nuts and bolts of astrology.

[Lauren Thyme · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-have for all astrologers!!

Hand is brilliant, concise and articulate.

[Will Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I utilize this book all the time & will do so for the rest of my life :) I've had this for about 4 years or so, an essential tool for any Tropical astrologer & one that gives more & more as time goes on...I still haven't read every word here since some transits we don't experience until way later in life (if at all) but I look forward to exploring all this tome has to offer :)

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bible for transits, although transits don't actually make predictions, they can show you how you will feel about your life at that given phase. It's an important read and reference for any budding astrologer!

[Ann M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to planetary transits. Hand gives you food for thought -- astrology is a very participative science.

[Kathy Kaylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must have astrology book

[Danny Brzozowski · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up because of the author, however I was not impressed. Robert Hand's later Medieval and Classical astrology works are much better.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book to refer to when working with transits.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, straightforward education about the transits. It doesn't get easier or wiser than this~

[Sara Shipman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute classic.

[Chris Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a serious book and is not for the week or faint of heart.
Robert Hand is today's top Astrologer

[Jasmyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for astrology students. Great fusion of traditional and modern knowledge.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I enjoyed reading this book. I’d read it again or recommend it to a friend.

[Graisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-have reference book for any practicing Astrologer.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe I had this in my “currently reading” lmao it’s literally a textbook to reference as astrological transits occur

[Izzy Ensinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only an amazing reference but a great guide to learning!

[Ramit Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. An almanac for beginners interested in diving deeper into astrology. Once you've read through it, can be used as a reference in the future. Well explained!

[Jo Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing reference material for astrological transits.

[Julie]

A very big book

[Bree Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had this book for almost a decade & I couldn’t imagine a better interpretation on transits. Robert Hands writing is honest and sincere. By far my favorite author on astrology.

[Andrea Willers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Astrologers must have book

[Evelyn Blackwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Info bomb. But a good info bomb

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a classic that should be on every astrologers' bookshelf. It's a great reference work for learning to think about the possible meaning of transits, though it needs to be read in conjunction with the birth chart, an essential point that gets far too little emphasis.

[Allison Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Hand is a mega-genius.

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good reference book for both students and practicing astrologers.

[Stargazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE transit book