Transit of Sidereal Saturn

Those who follow Hindu (sidereal) astrology may be aware that on November 15, 2011, Saturn transited from Virgo (Kanya) to Libra (Tula). Saturn is exalted in Libra at 20 deg, so, it is now in a position of strength. From this exalted placement, Saturn casts aspects on Sagittarius, Aries and Cancer. Interestingly, with Jupiter currently transiting Aries, Saturn and Jupiter are in mutual aspect and, Aries, Libra and Sagittarius are also under the double transit impact of Saturn and Jupiter. As I have written elsewhere, the significations of the house or the sign that is activated by the double transit of the two slowest moving planets will come to fruition, especially, if one is currently running the dasha (planetary period) of Saturn or dasha of the lord of any of these signs (Mars for Aries, Venus for Libra or Jupiter for Sagittarius). As Mr. K.N. Rao has convincingly shown, Jupiter is the giver, but without Saturn's approval, Jupiter's gift will not take effect. It may seem counter-intuitive that a malefic planet known for obstruction is needed to have good things happen, but, that is the way it is! You can verify it in your own chart the transit positions of Jupiter and Saturn for any significant event in your life, marriage, birth of a child, job etc. (On the day my daughter was born, I was running the dasha (main period) of the planet in the 5th house and antar-dasha (sub-period) of 5th lord and, transiting Jupiter and Saturn were both aspecting the 5th lord and the 5th house. )


Here are some astrological facts about Saturn:

Name in Sanskrit: Shani

Signs: Makara (Capricorn) and Kumbha (Aquarius)
Day of the week: Sanivara (Saturday )

Direction: West

Season: Shishira (second half of winter)

Nature: malefic, tamasic

Kaalapurusha rulership: Miseries

Gender: Neuter

Son of : Surya and Chhaya (shadow) 

Exalted: Libra 20 deg; moola trikona: Aquarius 0 deg-20 deg

Directional strength: 7th house

Natural friends: Mercury, Venus

Represents: longevity, old age, death, renunciation

Represents (physical): limbs, feet, cemetery

Nakshatra (lunar mansion):  Pushya, Anuradha, Uttarabhadrapada

Dasa length: 19 years

Favorable in houses: 6

Aspects:  3, 7 and 10 house from itself

Yogas: Shasha yoga, when Saturn in exaltation or in its own sign is in a kendra (quadrant)

Navagraha Kirtana: divAkaratanujaM shanaishcaraM

Temples: Tirunallar temple, Karaikkal, Tamilnadu.

Mantra to chant: Om Saniswaryayai Namah

Kolam for Shani: You will find it on my blog here

Note: Saturn image source: Wikipedia Commons

Transit of Sidereal Jupiter

Jupiter



Along with the winter solstice another important celestial event took place on Dec 20, 2009. This was the transit of Jupiter from its sign of debilitation Capricorn to Aquarius. Transit of slow moving planets are always significant and their effects are also felt quite deeply. In the case of Jupiter, it spent most of the twelve months in Capricorn in the company of Rahu (North node). In Indian astrology this combination is called Guru-Chandala yoga and is not viewed favorably. Jupiter is the planet of dharma whereas Rahu is a non-traditional planet. Generally, Rahu's influence on Jupiter is said to indicate deviant behavior or thinking.

For those of us who have been feeling the weight of Jupiter's debilitation and its conjunction with Rahu, its passage to Aquarius is likley to offer much relief. Aquarius is the positive sign of Saturn and Jupiter's transit in this sign brings out the humanitarian impulses present in our selves. Serious practitioners of Hindu astrology will also notice that with Saturn in Virgo, the double of transit of Jupiter and Saturn now falls on Gemini, a Mercury sign. Ketu, the South node, is also transiting Gemini. Depending on which house Gemini falls in one's chart, that house may become active during this triple transit. Of course, all transit interpretations should take into account the natal chart placements as well as the dasha sequence.

Similar to western astrology, Jupiter is regarded as a great benefic in Vedic astrology. Referred to as Guru (spiritual guide or teacher), it is described in classical texts as having a big belly and a fat body, pale eyes, virtuous nature, knowledge of scriptures and sciences, bright yellow complexion, Sattvic (higher nature), sharp intelligence, keenness in religious pursuits and yello colored dress.. Jupiter is the lord of Saggitarius ( the 9th house of dharma) and Pisces (the 12th house of spirituality) and has directional strength in the first house. In vedic astrology it is the significator of five houses: 2 (personal finances), 5 (creativity including children), 9 (knowledge, education), 10 (career) and 11 (income from employment). Here is a brief summary of Jupiter's planetary qualities and significations:

Jupiter symbolizes: Growth, kindness, spirituality, optimism, generosity, wisdom, idealism, friendliness
Day of the Week: Thursday
Position in planetary cabinet: teacher, mentor, advisor
Relationships: children
Colors of Jupiter: Clear, bright and transparent shades of yellow, orange, and gold
Metals for Jupiter: Gold
Gems for Jupiter: Topaz, citrine
Its natural planetary friends: Jupiter is hostile to no planet though its natural friends are Sun, Moon and Mars.

As is my wont, to commemorate Jupiter's transit I created this jewelry piece in golden swarovski crystals and pearls.