After we've analyzed the natal chart, we then need a mechanism for evaluating what current influences are.  Transits, the actual position of the planets at a specific time, help us to do this.

When I look at Transits, I always begin with the outer planets and work inward -- Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, and Jupiter.  The inner planets, Venus, Mercury, and the Moon move much too quickly to be associated with any lasting effect, so for practical purposes, these can be ignored when considering Transits.  The Sun and Mars rarely do much on their own, but most often act as a timing "trigger" in tandem with other major measurements.

I always look at the traditional "Hard Aspects" to natal Planets and Points -- but there are times when I am compelled to look at some of the soft or beneficial aspects.  I must confess that I rarely, if ever, use the Transiting sextile, but Trines, however often dramatically catch my attention.  

For example, several recent clients have had Tr Pluto Trine Na Pluto.  This once-in-a-lifetime influence is certainly long-lasting enough to open a significant window of opportunity for the individual.  This effect can easily span a year to eighteen months and I feel I would be remiss if this were not called to the client's attention.

This example represents an opportunity to transform by relinquishing certain aspects of the self in order to make room for new pursuits, people, and attitudes.  This Tr Pluto Trine Pluto has provided a major encouragement to several individuals that have recently been impacted heavily by the Saturn-Pluto Opposition.

These "beneficial" Transits from the slower-moving planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) are simply too good, and their upside potential too profound to ignore.