Quick Note: The analysis of Saturn’s transits are done from a person’s Rasi – ie, the house in a person’s horoscope that is occupied by Moon. Find your Rasi by using this tool – http://www.astrojyoti.com/5in1?uri-select-link=know-yourself

Saturn’s transit with the Earth signs are a mixed bag. The Libra transit of Saturn brings an auspicious sixth house transit for Vrishabha Rasi individuals. It augers the last 2.5 yrs of Sade Sati (7.5 year transit of Saturn) for Kanya Rasi individuals. Lastly it is in the tenth house of profession for Makara Rasi individuals.

Taurus (Vrishabha) Rasi
A sixth house transit of an exalted Saturn from Vrishabha where Moon is exalted too is an auspicious transit. Saturn is also a Yogakaraka for he owns the 9th and 10th houses.
During this transit, Saturn influences the eight house of chronic loss, illness; the 12th house of loss; the sixth house of illness & conflicts and the third house of courage and siblings.
Expect gains from inheritance due to the eighth house aspect. Expect improved communications and a firmer backbone to deal with sibling related issues. Expect an increase in material pleasures and expect to win the battles at work with sub-ordinates and overcome any health issues you currently face.
During this transit, Jupiter has three transits of its own. So let’s look at the composite effects in three phases.
Phase one: Upto May 2012
Jupiter and Saturn get into a lock by influencing the same houses – 12, 6, and 8. Since Saturn’s aspect is auspicious this might mean that the fruits of your efforts come easily and up front as related to the matters of these houses. Jupiter’s transit is a 12th house transit and more inclined towards spiritual growth especially since he also aspects the 4th house which is a moksha stana. This might give you a rather spiritual attitude of deattachment towards the progress you make in defeating enemies, resolving conflicts with sub-ordinates, finding a cure to your persisting illnesses and any gains through inheritance.
Phase two: May 2012 – 2013
Jupiter disengages from this planetary lock and moves to the first house of self. While Saturn’s benefits continue to come by, Jupiter’s influence on the fifth house of children, seventh house of spouse, ninth house of spirituality (or father) and house of self mean that the benefits are now also being shared with your family.
Phase three: May 2013 – June 2014
Jupiter and Saturn lock heads again with aspects on the sixth and eighth houses which further leads to an improvements in the matters of these houses. Additinally Jupiter is also in the auspicious second house of wealth and aspecting the tenth house of profession. Hence the last phase of the transit will bring much progress and betterment in your lives.

Virgo (Kanya) Rasi:
For Kanya Rasi individuals, this Libra transit marks the last phase of their sade sati – or the 7.5 year Saturnine transit on their natal Moon.
Saturn aspects the second house of wealth, the eighth house of chronic loss/illness, the fourth house of happiness and the eleventh house of good luck. In many ways this last phase of the sade sati will develop in you a strong sense of detachment. Resources will be constrained and limited and as a result you will need to find creative ways to address the challenges you face. The support of friends will be very welcome during this period.
Since Jupiter has three transits during this period, we will look at the composite results in three phases.
Phase one – Upto May 2012
Jupiter is transiting the eighth house of chronic loss/illness. He shares this eighth house aspect with Saturn as well as those of th second and fourth. So as a result there is a stalemate of sorts. Financial constraints will not immediately bear upon you as a result.
Phase Two: May 2012 – May 2013
Jupiter disengages from the lock and moves to the ninth house. This allows Saturn a free reign in aspecting the areas mentioned above. However Jupiter’s benefic ninth house transit with aspects over the first house of self, the third house of siblings and fifth house of children offer some protection in these areas.
Phase three: May 2013 – June 2014
Jupiter transits in the tenth house of profession and shares aspects with Saturn on houses 2 (wealth and family) and house 4 (happiness, mother). Additionally Jupiter also aspects the sixth house for fortune towards profession. So overall this period helps temper the struggles of the sade sati and offer a tempered exit out of it. Financial resources and familial security will improve and professional outlooks will take a turn for the positive.
Please also ensure to read through the remedial actions (pariharas) listed at the bottom of this post.

Capricorn (Makara) Rasi
Saturn’s Libra transit is a 10th house transit for Makara Rasi individuals with aspects on house #12 (loss), house # 4 (happiness, mother) and house #7 (relationships). Expect to concentrate your resources fixing issues in these areas.
Since Jupiter has three transits during this period, we will look at the composite results in three phases.
Phase one – Upto May 2012
Jupiter shares the following aspects with Saturn: House #10, #4 and #12. This is a fourth house transit for Jupiter which is also not very auspicious. In addition Jupiter aspects the eighth house of chronic issues which might provide some improvement in chronic health issues or chronic debt issues.
Phase two – May 2012 – May 2013
Jupiter disengages from Saturn and moves to the fifth house. He also aspects the ninth, eleventh and first house from here. This can bring opportunities to start a family for Makara Rasi individuals since Jupiter is the natural karaka for children. Saturn has a free reign over his aspects and hence expect an increase in conflict & issue resolution in the affected areas. In particular be aware of issues related to marriage and relationships as well as those of issues related to your mother and tangible assets (house, conveyance etc)
Phase three – May 2013 – June 2014
Jupiter enters the inauspicious sixth house and shares a 10th and twelfth house aspect with Saturn. In addition Jupiter also aspects the
second house of wealth thus ending this composite transit period by bringing a welcome increase in resources and wealth.

Remedial Actions (Pariharas) For Kanya Rasi individuals
Saturnine aspects create an increase in fears and anxieties.
- Maintaining a daily journal to reflect on what you’re feeling / thinking can help you better exercise these fears and anxieties.
- Finding opportunities to be of service to others (volunteering) can do a lot of good in helping combat your fears and anxieties.
- Regular meditation and deep breathing exercises can also help you de-stress and take the focus away from needless worrying.
- Facing problems head-on with an open attitude that is humbling and focused on the needs of others that these problems also impact will help you deal with it better. This is not a time for self-indulgence nor will crying for help help your cause much.
- When acting and serving others, do not expect praise or award.
- Giving regularly to charity on Saturdays – such as feeding of the poor or taking care of dogs will help.
- Visiting a Sani temple and lighting oil lamps will help.
- Go on a Saturday fast where you have only one vegetarian meal and spend some time that day meditating on the characteristics of Saturn (through storytelling or reading Saturn prayers) will help. If possible, read the Dasharatha stothra for Sanishwara every Saturday.
- Most importantly action speaks loudly than words or intent. Practically devote yourself to finding sustainable solutions to all the problems that arise without complaining and with earnestness is key to reducing the challenges of this transit.

NOTE: The above transit based analysis is generic by Rasi. In order to understand what this means specifically to you, it will be important to juxtapose this transit with your natal chart. You may request a detailed analysis by requesting a personal reading for a particular area (Career, Health, Education, Marriage, Children etc).

Quick Note: The analysis of Saturn’s transits are done from a person’s Rasi – ie, the house in a person’s horoscope that is occupied by Moon. Find your Rasi by using this tool – http://www.astrojyoti.com/5in1?uri-select-link=know-yourself

Saturn’s transit with the Water signs are all challenging transits. The Libra transit of Saturn brings Kantaka Sani (Fourth house transit) for Karka Rasi individuals. It augers the start of the Sade Sati (7.5 year transit of Saturn) for Vrichika Rasi individuals. Lastly it brings on Ashtama Sani (Eighth house transit) for Meena Rasi individuals.
Challenging transits of Saturn encourage individuals to let go of desires and practices that threaten their own stability. It encourages individuals to reflect on their purusharthas (goals) and find a way to redress areas where they are overtly focused and find a balanced medium of living. Hard work, discipline and sensitivity to the pain and suffering of those around you is CRUCIAL to help Water Rasi individuals to meet the challenges of this Saturnine transit.

Cancer (Karka) Rasi
Most planets are uncomfortable in the fourth house. Despite this house being about mother, house, conveyances and happiness, it is also a moksha stana. IE – It represents the initial seed for emancipation (of the spiritual variety).
Saturn does not favor the fourth house transit and hence this transit is referred to as Kantaka Sani. Saturn’s lesson for spiritual freedom or emancipation is a harsh jolt to reality and hence this period will be quite challenging. From this position Saturn aspects the 10th house of profession, the sixth house of overcoming troubles and the first house of self. In short, this transit is quite similar to that of the peak of the Sade Sati period.
Jupiter makes three transits during this period. Hence we can divide the results of this Kantaka Sani transit into those three periods.
Phase one: Upto May 2012
Karka Rasi individuals will ease into the Kantaka Sani period because of the stalemate that arises from both Jupiter and Saturn influencing the 4, 10 and sixth houses. This leaves Saturn’s influence to just that of the house of self. So keep an eye out for sudden fears or anxieties and start to find ways to regularly de-stress. Jupiter’s aspect on the second house of money will also ensure that there is some protection over the resources that you have.
Phase two: May 2012 – 2013
Jupiter disengages from this planetary lock and moves to the eleventh house of fortune. Jupiter does a lot of good in this position and the benefits will realize on improved relations with elder siblings, increase in good fortune, opportunities to start a family and improved marital relationships. Saturn on the other hand gets free reign over the 10th house of profession, the sixth house of troubles and illness and the first and fourth houses. Expect and increase in conflict, fears and anxieties in the professional front. Expect an increase in enemity – relationships that you have not tended to in the past will come back to bite. Keep an eye out for your health – once again if you have neglected this in the recent past, expect to find yourself spending more time and resources re-connecting with your health.
Phase three: May 2013 – Jun 2014
Jupiter’s influence of the sixth house and fourth house will help you find success in medical treatments. There could be some hospitalization but with positive outcomes. There is also an improvement in your relationship with your mother. Professional challenges and the personal sense of conflict and anxiety will however continue to demand much of your attention.
Please do reflect on the remedial actions (pariharas) that you can do during this period that is listed at the bottom of this post.

Scorpio (Vrichika) Rasi
Ninth lord Moon is debilitated in Vrichika Rasi. These Rasi indivduals will mark the start of the sade-sati period with Saturn’s transit to Libra. Saturn is the third and fourth lord who is now placed in the 12th house. From this house he aspects the second, ninth and sixth houses. Hence expect strains and challenges to your family and personal wealth. Expect troubles with foreigners, or displacement to foreign lands. Lastly expect an increase in conflicts, enemity and health issues.
During this transit, Jupiter has three transits so we will look at the combined effects in three phases.
Phase one: upto May 2012
Jupiter aspects the sixth house (luck for profession) and the 10th house of profession. Hence expect Saturnine influence to primarily increase issues relating to your health, conflicts with your maternal uncle and sub-ordinates at work. Jupiter also influences the second house of wealth and the 12th house of loss and displacement and hence this first phase will see you somewhat cushioned from the full impact of a Saturnine transit.
Phase two: May 2012 – May 2013
As Jupiter disengages from this lock and moves to the seventh house of relationships, Saturn has free reign to now surface all the inequalities that exist in the areas of health, money, father, foreign travel or stay and material comforts. You will find much of your resources and attention as well as your fears and anxieties focused on these areas.
Phase three: May 2013 – June 2014
Some relief from Jupiter’s influence on monetary and material comforts will happen – however this will not be enough to ease the lessons of the Saturnine transits. If anything, it might provide some respite while you toil away at finding that right balance to sustain your life-force.
Please be sure to read and apply the remedial measures (pariharas) mentioned at the bottom of this post.

Pisces (Meena) Rasi:
For Meena Rasi individuals, Saturn’s transit in Libra is known as Ashtama Sani – Ie, Sani in the eighth house. From the eighth house of loss, Saturn also aspects the tenth house of profession, the fifth house of children, and the second house of wealth. Expect the bulk of your anxieties and resources to be invested in these areas. Once again Saturnine transits encourage you to revisit and fix areas that are neglected or where you have ventured a bit beyond sustainable means.
Since Jupiter has three transits during this period, we will look at the composite results in three phases.
Phase one – Upto May 2012
Jupiter aspects the 10th, 8th and second thus creating a lock or stalemate with Saturn. Thus the start of this transit will neither develop nor harm these areas. Furthermore Jupiter’s aspect on the sixth house of illness and sub-ordinates will lead to support in these areas. A second house Jupiter is very beneficial so his aspects will ensure a calm transition into Ashtama Sani. Use this calm period to shore up your resources and be more aware of ways to fix areas of potential conflict that will come to roost in phase two.
Phase Two: May 2012 – May 2013
Jupiter disengages from the lock and moves to the third house. This allows Saturn a free reign in aspecting the areas of profession, children, chronic loans/losses or health issues and that of wealth and family. Saturnine transits are often akin to a clean up process – Out with the needless risks and in with actions that sustain your life-force. It forces us to question our consumption levels and will force us to act to resolve them. Jupiter in the meanwhile is in the third house where it is pretty much ineffective. However it aspects the ninth house of spirituality and the seventh house of relationships and the eleventh house of good fortune. So there is some help and respite available from support of your spouse and a decent measure of good luck and support from friends.
Phase three: May 2013 – June 2014
Jupiter locks aspects with Saturn once again with an aspect on the eighth and tenth houses. You can expect fruitful resolutions to issues at work and related to chronic illness and debts.
Please also ensure to read through the remedial actions (pariharas) listed at the bottom of this post.

Remedial Actions (Pariharas)
Saturnine aspects create an increase in fears and anxieties.
- Maintaining a daily journal to reflect on what you’re feeling / thinking can help you better exercise these fears and anxieties.
- Finding opportunities to be of service to others (volunteering) can do a lot of good in helping combat your fears and anxieties.
- Regular meditation and deep breathing exercises can also help you de-stress and take the focus away from needless worrying.
- Facing problems head-on with an open attitude that is humbling and focused on the needs of others that these problems also impact will help you deal with it better. This is not a time for self-indulgence nor will crying for help help your cause much.
- When acting and serving others, do not expect praise or award.
- Giving regularly to charity on Saturdays – such as feeding of the poor or taking care of dogs will help.
- Visiting a Sani temple and lighting oil lamps will help.
- Go on a Saturday fast where you have only one vegetarian meal and spend some time that day meditating on the characteristics of Saturn (through storytelling or reading Saturn prayers) will help. If possible, read the Dasharatha stothra for Sanishwara every Saturday.
- Most importantly action speaks loudly than words or intent. Practically devote yourself to finding sustainable solutions to all the problems that arise without complaining and with earnestness is key to reducing the challenges of this transit.

NOTE: The above transit based analysis is generic by Rasi. In order to understand what this means specifically to you, it will be important to juxtapose this transit with your natal chart. You may request a detailed analysis by requesting a personal reading for a particular area (Career, Health, Education, Marriage, Children etc).

Coming up next: Saturn’s Libra Transit for Earth Rasis

Quick Note: The analysis of Saturn’s transits are done from a person’s Rasi – ie, the house in a person’s horoscope that is occupied by Moon. Find your Rasi by using this tool – http://www.astrojyoti.com/5in1?uri-select-link=know-yourself

Saturn’s transit with the Air signs is much improved upon that over the Fire signs. For Gemini Rasi Saturn owns the auspicious ninth house. For Tula Rasi Saturn is a yogakaraka who owns the 4th and 5th houses. For Kumbha Rasi, Saturn is Rasi lagna lord. Saturn’s natural element is also air and represents the Vata dosha common to Air signs. So while Saturn is comfortable transiting these signs, that are owned by his friends (Venus and Mercury), it’s Moon’s own discomfort that causes much of the transit related problems.

Mithuna Rasi
So let’s begin with Gemini Rasi individuals. The transit of Saturn in Libra is in the fifth house from Gemini. This typically indicates illness for children, mental ill-health and decline of wealth. However given that Saturn is also the ninth lord for Gemini, and the ninth lord is the fifth from fifth, my sense is that this transit will also bring fortune to those looking to start a family. Saturn from Libra also aspects the second, seventh and eleventh houses from the moon. Hence the impact on wealth is evident through the second and seventh house influence. Jupiter’s aspect from Mesha (the eleventh house) on this fifth house is a benefic one. This will last till May 2012. When Saturn and Jupiter are opposite one another, my sense is that this creates a stalemate situation – so it could neutralize both negative and positive outcomes. Jupiter and Saturn both during this period (Nov 11 – May 12) influence the 11, 5 and 7th houses. Hence matters related to gains, children and spouse / relationships will experience a stalemate. As Jupiter progresses (May 2012- May 2013) and in turn disengages from this stalemate, these areas can cause intermittent troubles. Gemini Rasi individuals can expect an increase in travel, expenditures that are forced (pay up loans, or children-related expenses for eg) and an increase in fears & anxieties in one’s relationships. Towards the third and concluding end of Saturn’s transit (May 2013 – May 2014), Jupiter’s progression to Gemini will once again enforce a stalemate on matters related to children and relationships (spouse).
In short this transit of Saturn for Gemini Rasi individuals will bring a considerable amount of constrictions in the way of expenditures and excessive travel that will also be peppered with good fortune and positive outcomes during the first and last periods of this 2.5 year transit.

Tula Rasi
Tula Rasi Individuals account for Saturn as their yogakaraka because he owns both a kendra and a kona house. As a result, even though they are experiencing the peak of Sade-Sati as a result of this Libra transit, the intensity of Saturn will be low. Nevertheless this is a period that calls for a high level of discipline where the mind is duly exercised in regular measures. Tula Moon is a weak and disgruntled one and hence Saturn’s influence will only add to the doom & gloom. It is all about perceptions – Tula Rasi individuals might use the Saturnine influence to conjure up all sorts of ills happening to them that might not really reflect their reality. Jupiter’s initial transit in Mesha with a direct influence on Tula up to May 2012 will considerably ease the initial phase of this transit. As Jupiter transits Taurus, the constriction on one’s mind will become that much more obvious. This will last about a year from May 2012 – May 2013. The year that follows will find Jupiter in Gemini once again bringing balance to Saturn’s influence.
Regular meditation and charity wherein you are of service to others will help Libra Rasi individuals best ward off any mental struggles that this sade-sati period brings.

Kumbha Rasi
Saturn’s transit to Libra marks a ninth house transit for Kumbha Rasi individuals. After the previous Ashtama Sani transit, this transit will certainly be an improvement on that. Kumbha Rasi individuals will find themselves better able to handle conflicts at work. Any continuing illness will get better attention and treatment. Foreign travel and relations with friends, elder and younger siblings will improve. Once again it helps to reflect on the type of improvement – Saturnine influences encourage you to be of service to others. As the natural karaka of work, Kumbha Rasi individuals will find themselves engaged in developing good and lasting relationships with their friends and siblings.
On the basis of Jupiter’s transit we can divide the Saturnine transit influence into three periods. The first period upto May 2012 and the last period May 2013- Jun 2014 we can expect to be better than the intermediate period from May 2012 to May 2013.
In the first period, the focus will be on travel and relationships (friends, siblings). There will be more challenges and conflict at work and to your personal health – however you will find the resources to combat these effectively. Now is not the time to ignore or avoid conflict.
The second period of May 2012 to May 2013, we see Jupiter move to the fourth house from the Kumbha Moon. One can expect a promotion at work that reflects the work and commitment demonstrated in the previous months. There can also be opportunities to invest in property and conveyances. Remember to approach all such investments with utmost caution and careful deliberation.
The last period of the Libra transit will once again bring about renewed attention on travel with an emphasis on spiritual endeavours. Remember that there are four goals – purusharthas – for human beings: Material goals (Artha), Relational goals for love and affection (Kama), Sense of purpose (Dharma) and spiritual freedom (Moksha). Saturnine transits offer plenty of opportunities to reflect on where you are spending all your resources towards and which areas are being negated. In this last period of transit, focusing on spiritual endeavours can help you give back to those around you.

NOTE: The above transit based analysis is generic by Rasi. In order to understand what this means specifically to you, it will be important to juxtapose this transit with your natal chart. You may request a detailed analysis by requesting a personal reading for a particular area (Career, Health, Education, Marriage, Children etc).

Coming up next: Saturn’s Libra Transit for Water Rasis

Quick Note: The analysis of Saturn’s transits are done from a person’s Rasi – ie, the house in a person’s horoscope that is occupied by Moon. Find your Rasi by using this tool – http://www.astrojyoti.com/5in1?uri-select-link=know-yourself

It is noted by eminent astrologers that Saturnine transits are most intensive for fire rasis. This is perhaps because fire represents rapid consumption (it burns everything up). Fire sign individuals tend to exude energy and sometimes this leads to them being impulsive and tactical. When there’s a job to be done, fire sign individuals are quick to jump in and get going, often with little deliberation or caution. This nature is perhaps the opposite of that of Saturn. Saturnine traits include caution, deliberation, careful master-planning (and manipulation where needed) to ensure the sustenance of our life force. For fire sign individuals these lessons are perhaps the hardest to experience and learn from.

Amongst the three fire Rasis, Simha Rasi individuals are known to fare the worst during challenging Saturnine periods, and especially the sade-saathi (7.5 year influence over natal Moon) period.

Simha Rasi
So let’s begin with these leonine individuals. The transit of Saturn to Libra conclusively ends the sade-saathi period for Simha Rasi individuals. This is fantastic. Saturn in Libra is in the 3rd house for Leo and hence it will seem like the pressure has suddenly lifted. Simha Rasi individuals will feel that they are now able to dislodge themselves from the sluggish and dark periods they have recently gone through. Health issues pertaining to joints, the backbone and lungs will ease and much relief will be found.

Saturnine influences cannot be seen in isolation. They need to be seen in relation to those of transiting Jupiter too. Since May 2011 Jupiter has been transiting Mesha Rasi and will remain there till May 2012. Hence the tail end of the Saade Saati for Leo Rasi individuals was much of a stalemate. This is because Jupiter has a fifth house aspect on Leo. Hence the life force was up against the life sustaining force thus creating a gridlock. As a fire sign, this might have been quite frustrating for Leo Rasi individuals. As Saturn moves to Libra, this stalemate comes to an end and the benefic continuing influence of Jupiter will help speed up recovery. During this period (up to May 2012) it will be beneficial for Leo Rasi individuals to commit regular time to their dharmic duties. Look at your responsibilities towards your family (both your own and that of the world) and find ways to be of service to others. This is the best way to see Saturn off and reflect on the lessons of his natal Moon transit.

Windows of opportunity during Saturn’s transit in Libra:
Leo Rasi individuals will find themselves with a burst of energy when Mars moves to Leo in November, 2011. After the constraints of the past seven odd years, it will not hurt now for you to live a little and employ this welcome burst of energy towards investments in land, vehicles. Foreign travel is also on the cards.

The second period during this Saturnine transit of Libra that will be most beneficial to Leo Rasi individuals is the second half of 2013 and the first half of 2014 when Jupiter will transit the 11th house from natal Moon. Expect these two periods to improve your Artha and Dharma quotient. Artha will result from gains through inheritance. There will be improved relations with your siblings and your spouse. Dharma will result from progeny – Jupiter’s influence on the fifth house of children will ensure that those looking to start a family will do so and those who have children will see them gain in their endeavours.

Dhanu Rasi
Of the twelve houses, Saturnine transits are beneficial in only three. I.E, 9/12 times Saturnine transits are perceived as difficult. The three beneficial houses are:
- Third house: This is in part due to the end of the sade-saathi period which is considered the most intense of Saturnine transits.
- Sixth house: Saturn is at best a teacher who can help us tackle strife. The sixth house that marks strife, illness and loans thus is where Saturn finds the opportunity to teach. As a result individuals facing a sixth house transit of Saturn benefit.
- Eleventh house: Contrary to most street-pundit views of Saturnine influences, Saturn like his father, the Sun is also very generous in nature. In the eleventh house he is his most generous self and as a result individuals with a eleventh house transit of Saturn stand to benefit.

Dhanu Rasi individuals will experience this eleventh house transit of Saturn from mid-november 2011 to approximately May 2014. Once again, the initial indication of this subtle and very slow movement of Saturn will be experienced as a sense of relief and easing of pressures.

The past five odd years have been particularly difficult for most dual Rasi (Sg, Pi, Ge, Vi) individuals given the Jupiter and Saturn gridlock in addition to the transit of Rahu-Ketu in Sg-Ge. All the dual Rasi individuals have felt this intense pressure – Dhanu Rasi individuals have perhaps felt this more than others. There was a time when all the bases were loaded – IE, we had Rahu-Ketu in Dhanu and Mithuna and Jupiter and Saturn in Meena and Kanya. The first to budge was Rahu-Ketu, followed by Jupiter and now finally Saturn.

The first area of improvement will be that of profession. All of your efforts in hanging on to your job or performing despite niggles and lack of support will pay off primarily through monetary gain and then followed by rise in status. This is a good time to change gears and accelerate – put to play the lessons of the past years to take calculated risks and do not hesitate from trying new things and new skills.

Jupiter’s influence during this period ensures remarkable progress for your Artha quotient – IE, you will gain monetarily – all your investments will bring more than expected dividends. This is because throughout this transit period Jupiter aspects either the second house of wealth or the 11th house of gains.

Word of caution:
Despite the gains of a 11th house Saturnine transit, it is important for Dhanu Rasi individuals to note that since they are nevertheless a fire sign – these gains will be lower than those experienced by other Rasi signs. Secondly, the end of this transit in May 2014 (approximately) marks the beginning of sade saathi for Dhanu Rasi individuals. Hence use this period to best position yourself for that period of conservation.

Mesha Rasi
Saturn’s transit to Libra marks the end of the beneficial sixth house transit since he now comes into the seventh house – in direct opposition of the natal moon. From this position he aspects the ninth house of travel, spirituality and father and the fourth house of happiness and mother.

Expect displacement – extended travel periods and ill-health for your parents. Stability at home will be at risk and Mesha Rasi individuals will be challenged to sustain their current habits and preferences during this time of displacement and change.
Much of this change will be challenging emotionally – since our perception of reality will tend to be crowded in by needless fear and anxiety. Saturn like Rahu enjoy controlling the mind – clouding it with doubts, fears, anxieties and a sense of helplessness. For Mesha Rasi individuals, this will be all the more irritating since they often are quite clear-headed and handle emotions in quick bursts. This continued emotional upheavals will take up most of their energy leaving them less energy to do the things they really want to do. When Rahu joins Saturn during the second half of this transit, it will no doubt multiply the intensity while stirring in some mystery. Those prone to depression (while this is rare for Mesha Rasi individuals) will need to find ways to balance these influences.

Jupiter’s transit in Mesha up until May 2012 will help counter the onslaught of Saturn. At worst it might lead the Mesha Rasi individuals to deny or escape these new challenges – this is not a good thing. Jupiter’s next transit to Taurus in May 2012 will bring in some relief monetarily and via familial support. Health issues will also abate and career tensions will ease. The last period of the transit from May 2013 onwards will once again be challenging. This is due to the multiplication impact of Rahu with Saturn in Libra that will continue even after Saturn exits to Scorpio.

Pariharas (Remedial measures)
Mesha Rasi individuals will need to curb their natural impulsiveness. This is the chief lesson of Saturn and perhaps the hardest for Mesha Rasi individuals to learn. Their motto of ‘Let’s go first’ and then come up with the plan as we get along will only complicate existing situations.

Secondly post May 2012 they will find dwindling support amongst their friends and bosses. This too is quite unnerving for these individuals who are often steaming ahead with the confidence that they are pulling their loved ones along as speedily as possible. During this period, many of those around you will question your decisions, highlight your faults and you might perceive them as holding you back. This second lesson of partnership, Libra being the seventh house of partnerships, is what Saturn delivers. Listening, being empathetic to those around us and doing service without expectation of recognition or support will be key for Mesha Rasi individuals.

Investments made now during this transit period in learning the lesson of caution and partnerships will pay off as Saturn moves to the eight house of Scorpio that will bring a different set of lessons for Mesha Rasi individuals.

NOTE: The above transit based analysis is generic by Rasi. In order to understand what this means specifically to you, it will be important to juxtapose this transit with your natal chart. You may request a detailed analysis by requesting a personal reading for a particular area (Career, Health, Education, Marriage, Children etc).

Coming up next: Saturn’s Libra Transit for Air Rasis

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.

Both Ganesha and Karthikeya were up for the challenge. Karthikeya, being agile and quick, got on his peacock and off they speeded away to travel around the world. Ganesha, even then a portly child, was content in doing whatever it was he was doing at the time – perhaps continuing to read his book. Just as Shiva, Parvati and Narada spotted Karthikeya on his way back, they saw Ganesha jump up and quickly run around once around both his parents. Just as he finished, he declared himself the winner and accepted the mango from Narada Muni. Karthikeya got back just in time to see this exchange and lost his temper.

‘What’s going on here,’ Karthikeya asked, his face red, his lips quivering.
Ganesha went towards his brother, put his hand on his shoulder and said – I have won, brother because I was quicker in going around the world than you.
‘But it was I who went around the world,’ replied Karthikeya. ‘You didn’t even leave Kailasa.’
‘That’s true, brother, responded Ganesha in a calming voice. ‘However I believe that there is no world except for that habited by my parents. Therefore in going around them, I was able to be quicker than you in circumnavigating my world.’

What happens next is another story – however, it is incumbent upon all of us listening to this story to pause here and reflect on what is being communicated.

One of the things I love about these stories is that they can be meaningful at many levels.
As a child, when this story is told, there are two take-aways:
1) Intellect is more important than Might. Ganesha was smarter than Karthikeya even though physically Karthikeya was fitter than Ganesha. So study hard and develop your intellect.
2) Respect your parents. Ganesha, the guru of wisdom, in this story, is telling us that there is nothing more important or more real to us than the world that our parents have given us.

As an adult, Devdutt Pattnaik will tell us that in this story, Ganesha is responding to his subjective reality (MY world) while Karthikeya is responding to his objective reality (THE world). This gives us the opportunity to look at any situation that we’re in where when working with others we feel cheated or holding the shorter end of the stick and reflect on the lesson from this story. Is the problem varying points of perspective? If so, what can we do about it?

My reflection on this story is a bit different (as each of yours will be too). When Narada Muni announced his competition for the two children, Ganesha chose to identify what method would be most effective. In a race to finish based on speed, he was not going to win. So he chose to wait and watch. He saw Karthikeya take off. He then reflected some more on how he could win and to his merit found a solution that won him the prize.

Karthikeya, on the other hand, believed that this competition played to his strength. Thus convinced he got going immediately. He did not stop to see what Ganesha was doing or pondering about. He already was convinced he would win because the game was set to his strengths. Had he waited and watched for Ganesha’s play, he might have still won because he was the swifter of the two. However this would not have made a good story.

In so much, both children responded to their subjective realities, except that in the case of Ganesha, since he recognized his disadvantage he was able to innovate & identify a solution that worked for him – however in the case of Karthikeya, he lost because he was limited by his perception of his advantage.

Ganesha’s triumph is one of acceptance – He accepted the limitation of his subjective reality and in doing so was able to see more than just one reality. Karthikeya’s loss was one of ignorance – He saw his advantage and nothing else and thus failed in this game.

As a jyotishi, let’s reflect some more on our subjective reality. Human beings increasingly are finding it VERY difficult to recognize the limitations of their reality. By this I mean, more so than ever we are today convinced that the way we SEE things is the way they really are. As a result we mobilize people and resources to act on our subjective realities.

This is not a choice – to be able to see – to be able to perceive – to operate in a subjective reality. It is a limitation. Most of us however do not get this. We are convinced that what we SEE is what IS and as a result the ‘end justifies the means’.

In our personal lives and in our public lives, this approach can come to haunt us. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan is one such example. The day to day practice of corruption is another example. The decision some of us take to kill female babies is another. The list is long and begs us to reflect and re-consider.

From a Jyotish point of view, who governs our subjective realities? It is the mind. In our horoscopes the mind is reflected by Moon. How we perceive our life, the happy moments and the difficult moments can be interpreted through the placement of Moon in a horoscope. Subjective reality is one form of truth. However it is not ALL the truth. As human beings most of us are incapable of seeing ALL the truth for any given situation. We can continuously endeavour (and doing so is the biggest blessing of life itself) to see more of the truth in a given situation but we CANNOT see ALL of the truth. This is the limitation of a subjective reality. Accepting it is how we can free ourselves of this limitation.

Another myth based story can help us further understand this. The Moon had twenty-seven wives, each a nakshtra. Every month, at the request of his father-in-law Daksha, the Moon would visit each wife and spend some time with her.

However as time passed, the Moon became overtly attached to one of his wives. As a result the other wives felt neglected and this angered Daksha. Daksha thus cursed Moon to lose his vitality, that which the latter was most proud of.

Moon was crushed. He prayed to Shiva who took Moon and placed him in his locks, thus giving him access to ‘Soma’ a herb that would help him rejuvenate. Moon having recognized his mistake, apologized to his father in law and wives and set about treating them equally. However he does so a bit reluctantly – moving quickly from one house to the other and completing all twenty-seven visits in about 28 days – one lunar month.

Every month we see the Moon wax and wane reminding us of our limitations and the cost of being blinded to our subjective realities. Shiva here demonstrates the opportunity to accept this limitation and through this find the means to rejuvenate.

Referring back to the first story, then, when our mind is afflicted, let us be inspired by Ganesha to help us accept the limitations of our subjective reality. Let us then look to Karthikeya to help us act swiftly towards our chosen goal. Unlike Narada Muni who set the two brothers to compete, let us instead get the two forces to work together to help us be useful to others in our lives.