Saturn in Vedic Astrology

In Vedic Astrology and Hindu Mythology, Saturn is a dreaded planet. Saturn is the son of Sun, but is represented as someone who is devoid of all the grace and beauty. In the mythological films made in India, the getup for Saturn is same as of other Rakshashas. Nothing can be far from truth.

Saturn is the slowest planet in the astrological system, taking 2.5 years to traverse a sign. Therefore, the effects of Saturn are seen for a long period of time. Sadhe sati – the transit of Saturn through houses 12th, 1st and 2nd is dreaded not because of the effect  of Saturn, but because of the duration of time – 7.5 years. Quite a long time considering other transits.

General properties  and behaviour
Saturn is representative of dark, cold and dry things – poverty is one of them. Saturn is considered a natural malefic, but it is not evil. Saturn is क्रूर and ruthless. Saturn is not a mindless rakshasa. Saturn is very unlike Jupiter, who is a teacher and a coach, but still teaches a lot in life, because it is a strict disciplinarian – it is a ruthless judge. It is the opposite of Moon who is moist, emotional and warm. Saturn is cold and icy by disposition and devoid of all emotions. Sun represents light but Saturn represents darkness. No wonder Saturn owns houses opposite of both Moon and Sun.

Saturn has a separative influence on any house. Its influence on 1st, 2nd, 4th house causes aloofness, a strong sense of privacy and difficulty to share emotions with others.

Properties of strong and benefic Saturn
With a strong Saturn in a janma kundali, the effect on a person is of a person who has strong opinions, profound logic and a loner. The person does not have confusion in his/her mind. He/she would learn from misery. There are two poems by two great men who describe Saturnian influence. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had Saturn in his ascendant, in exaltation sign of Libra. One of his poems shows this influence without any doubt:

ऊँचे पहाड़ पर,
पेड़ नहीं लगते,
पौधे नहीं उगते,
न घास ही जमती है।
जमती है सिर्फ बर्फ,
जो, कफन की तरह सफेद और,
मौत की तरह ठंडी होती है।

मेरे प्रभु!
मुझे इतनी ऊँचाई कभी मत देना,
गैरों को गले न लगा सकूँ,
इतनी रुखाई कभी मत देना।

This is Saturn for you. I do not have horoscope of William Wordsworth, but he is very lonely when he writes about Daffodils:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

This bliss of solitude in the pensive mood is benefic Saturn. Philosophers, politicians, great sages and persons with major responsibility on their head all come under such influence. They are good administrators with an ability to do long term planning. Saturn is the lord of Pushya nakshatra – this is benefic nakshatra where we start giving medicines to sick people such that they remain free from diseases for a long time.

Properties of a malefic Saturn
Saturn is considered a natural malefic. In this form, Saturn denotes death and destruction. It causes diseases and aging. The opposite of solitude is melancholy. The opposite of philosophical mind is perversion. The person worries too much and suffers from bouts of depression. Since the planet is a slow moving one, the effects are seen over a longer period of time.

Properties of a weak Saturn
Long term planning is not the forte of such a person. and he/she will run away from responsibility. Fatigue and lack of endurance is a huge issue and so is depression and negativity. Desires are unfulfilled. There is poverty and scarcity all over the place.

Exaltation, Debilitation and Moolatrikona
Saturn is debilitated in Aries, which is a fiery sign of Mars and the sign where Sun is exalted. There is no explanation required there. Saturn is exalted in Libra, which is the opposite of Sun, again, as a way of getting back with the father who he despises. Another logic is that Venus, who is a friend, provides with a good environment where Saturn is comfortable and does its work… dances with the daffodils…

Saturn with neechabhanga will add the fiery nature of Mars to the cold and confident nature of Saturn – solid ambition and sophistication.

Saturn is exalted in 20° Libra and its Moolatrikona is 0°-20° Aquarius. Saturn is similarly debilitated in 20° Aries.

Astrological Remedial Measures
Saturn is represented by black til and black urad. To strengthen Saturn or to reduce the affects of an adverse transit, donate these objects. One should also take care of poor and donate black blankets to them to provide warmth and keep them away from cold

Planetary Friendship
Saturn is friends with Venus and Mercury. Jupiter is considered neutral planet. Mars, Sun and Moon are natural enemies.

Governing Relationship
Saturn denotes servants and labour class in a birth chart. It also denotes elder siblings.

Body Part
In a janma kundali, Saturn denotes legs and the nervous system. Afflictions of Saturn in the horoscope usually represent problems with leg and nervous system. It also denotes problems of speech, not speaking, but ability to communicate with others.

Matter & Direction
Saturn denotes winter season. It governs iron. It pretty much governs everything that is found below earth – mining, ores, unpolished gems, crude oil. It governs metallurgy.

Occupation
In a horoscope, Saturn denotes dealers in iron, leather, black articles and folks working in mines. Saturn is a manager and a top manager in an organization. The occupation is modified by other planets, e.g. with Sun, it shows an executive in government, etc.

Karaka & commonality with various houses
These are the attributes that Saturn governs in a jamna kundali. I have also mentioned the houses in the horoscope that govern the same attribute such that it is logical and helps in chart interpretation.

1. 6th house (diseases)
2. 8th house (longevity, death)
3. 10th house (karma, work, discipline, focus)

Remedies if Saturn is weak, afflicted or malefic:

1. Wearing blue sapphire as it is the main gemstone for Saturn. Wear an iron ring
2. Wear dark blue clothes. Avoid bright colours.
3. Gift blankets and other objects of need to poor people
4. Worship Lord Hanuman – there is a special relationship between Hanuman and Shani