There are four major transits that we track. In the short term, there is the movement of the Sun and Moon. This relationship is pretty much captured in our Panchang (Hindu Calendar).
Of the two, tracking the every fast transits of the Moon helps an individual be mindful of the present. This is more than just cognitive recognition on our parts. The movement of the Moon affects each of us physiologically and hence through being mindful of it we can help promote our own well-being. For example, if we were to track the most active nostril that we are breathing by first thing as we awaken in the mornings, that is often a very good predictor of whether the moon is waxing or waning. A contradiction can indicate a restriction to our prana and thus hint at illness.
After the Moon, we track the transit of the Sun which in complete contrast to the Moon is blissfully regular. The Sun spends one month in a house and there are twelve houses. The Sun reflects our soul and its transit however ‘boring and dull’ are key pointers to the rhythm in our world and inside us.
While the Moon and Sun are on the faster end of transits we track, the heavyweights and thus naturally slower transits are that of Jupiter and Saturn. While Jupiter takes about a year to transit through a house, Saturn takes about two and half years to transit a house. Jupiter is regarded as Jeeva – or life force while Saturn is regarded as life sustaining force. The transits of both these planets need to be considered together just as closely as we consider the dance between the Sun and the Moon in our Panchang.
Saturn’s transit to Libra occurs on November 15, 2011. While transits are often calculated in relation to the placement of your moon, for the purpose of these posts, I shall resort to the generic method of considering a transit by entry/exit to and from a particular house. IE – Saturn’s transit of Libra is the 30 degree equivalent period of time Saturn spends in the house of Libra.
What will this transit bring our way? First up I would like to address what Saturnine transits represent. For most, Saturn and all things associated with Saturn are looked upon with dread and fear. This attitude is further fuelled by some Jyotishis who treat the sharing of a Saturnine transit as nothing short of complete doom.
In my experience Astrology like our Hindu teachings is reflective by nature. It is not prescriptive. So while making predictions or when looking into the future it is essential for the person to not look for prescriptions but instead find time to reflect and act.
Saturnine aspects in particular are unique to each individual because it directly impacts our lives. Each of us has a unique life – we’re at different stages of growth and development and as a result Saturn’s transits will impact us uniquely.
So our approach to preparing for Saturn’s transit needs to be three-fold:
- Understand the general nature of a Saturnine transit.
- Reflect on how this will impact your unique life.
- Include in your analysis a thorough reflection on the transit of Jupiter as well.
To start us off, here are the points on the general nature of a Saturnine transit. In the posts that follow I shall further share my thoughts on how this Libra transit will particularly impact the fire, earth, air and water signs respectively.
General reflection on Saturnine transits:
Here are some general reflections on Saturnine transits that I have gathered from various readings:
- Saturnine transits are phases of maturity. They will feel like lessons that not only challenge us to face reality but through this offer us much wisdom and even freedom.
- Any fear, constriction we face are a result of us trying to avoid or reject this process of maturing our selves.
- Saturnine transits are a time for conservation. Saturn is called Manda – or the slow one and this slowing down of our lives is not about stagnation but conservation. This could be a time for re-aligning things that are potentially gone wrong.
- Saturnine transits teach us to take responsibility for ourselves. There are no other sources to blame, nor can there be any escapism. If we choose to blame or escape, then we experience different shades of depression. Depression is often associated with Saturn – however this is not a gift from Saturn. This is our Moon (mind) avoiding, deflecting or escaping responsibility for decisions that have brought us to where we are. Remember Saturn is about sustaining life and removing anything in our lives that impede this process. Accepting our responsibility for having landed in a particular place is the first and often most important step to make.
- When we find ourselves facing great odds or loss during Saturn transits, we must remember that these things are happening because we did not plan or prepare properly. Saturn reminds us of reality and the need for greater self-discipline. Re-organizing the area of life represented by the house or personal aspect Saturn is ‘hitting’ can lead to great rewards. Fortunately we do not have a choice – Saturn will impact us every seven years or so to help us sustain our lives.
Most of us do not want to accept that we have indeed complicated our lives in a myriad of ways. We make choices daily not always for the right reasons – but we play short stakes and look to win high. Saturn brings up the other end of this to help us reflect on our dharma. These are lessons but they are not meant to destroy – instead they are here to sustain life. We are all after all part of a world and we need to play our part in it towards its betterment. Saturn helps us understand how to do this through careful deliberation and by shedding that which is no longer necessary.
Handling Saturn transits thus require a measure of acceptance of one’s responsibilities (which includes not blaming others or circumstances or worse of all Saturn itself!), a measure of moderation necessary for your spiritual growth and lastly discipline in carrying through our actions without pushing too hard for recognition or support from others.
