♄ Saturn (Shani) in Vedic Astrology
Saturn (Shani) is the planet of discipline, limitation, karma, and longevity in Vedic astrology. As a malefic planet, Saturn governs hardship, delays, and restrictions. However, Saturn also teaches valuable lessons through challenges. Ancient Vedic texts provide detailed observations about Saturn's movements through nakshatras and the various phenomena that were believed to influence earthly events.
Saturn's position and movements were carefully studied by ancient astrologers to predict events affecting kingdoms, hardships, and the welfare of people. These observations form an important part of classical Vedic astrological texts.
Saturn's General Effects
When Saturn being of glossy orb stays in Sravana, Swati, Hasta, Ardra, Bharani and Purvaphalguni, he makes the earth filled with plenty of water.
When he stays in Aslesha, Satabhishak and Jyeshta, he bestows happiness on mankind. But there will not be plentiful rain.
When he stays in Moola, he brings about famine, war and drought.
Saturn's Effects in Each Nakshatra
Aswini
Destroys horses, grooms, poets, physicians and ministers.
Bharani
Destroys dancers, songsters, musicians, base and deceitful men.
Krittika
People living by fire (such as smiths) and commandants suffer.
Rohini
The people of Kosala, Madra, Kasi, Panchala and cartmen will suffer distress.
Mrigasira
The Vatsas, priests, nobility, and men of central countries will be troubled.
Ardra
The Paratas, Ramathas, oil-mongers, washermen and robbers will suffer.
Punarvasu
People of the Punjab, western tracts, Surashtra, Sindhu and Suveera will suffer.
Pushya
Bell-ringers, Yavanas, traders, gamblers and flowers will come to grief.
Aslesha
Aquatic animals or products and serpents will have trouble. Bestows happiness on mankind.
Magha
Causes trouble to the Bahleekas, Chinese, Kandaharis, Sulikas, Paratas, Vaisyas, godowns and traders.
Purvaphalguni
Juice-vendors, courtezans, virgins and the Maharashtras will have trouble.
Uttaraphalguni
Afflicts kings, jaggery, salt, mendicants, water and the people of Taxila.
Hasta
Barbers, potters, oil-mongers, thieves, physicians, tailors, elephant-catchers, harlots, people of Kosala, and makers of garlands will come to grief.
Chittra
Young women, writers, painters and coloured pots will suffer.
Swati
Afflicts the Magadhas, spies, couriers, charioteers, sailors and dancers.
Visakha
The Trigartas, Chinese, people of Kuluta, saffron, lac, crops, madder and safflower come to decay.
Anuradha
The Kulutas, Thanganas, mountain tribes called Khasas, Kashmerians, ministers, potters and bell-ringers come to grief. Discord among friends.
Jyeshta
Kings, priests, proteges of kings, heroes, associations, families and guilds come to grief. People of Kasi, Kosala and Panchala suffer.
Moola
Brings about famine, war and drought. Fruits, herbs and warriors suffer.
Purvashadha
The people of Anga, Yanga, Kosala, Girivraja, Magadha, Pundra, Mithila and those living in Tamralipta come to grief.
Uttarashadha
The people of Dasarna, the Yavanas, Ujjain, the Sabaras, men living in the Pariyatra region and the Kuntibhojas will suffer.
Sravana
King's officers, leading Brahmins, physicians, priests and people of Kalinga will suffer.
Dhanishta
Bestows victory on the king of Magadha and prosperity on those engaged in usury.
Satabhishak
Bestows happiness on mankind. Physicians, poets, toddy-distillers, traders and politicians suffer.
Purvabhadra
Physicians, poets, toddy-distillers, traders and politicians suffer.
Uttarabhadra
Those living on the banks of rivers, cart-wrights, women and gold will suffer.
Revati
King's servants, people residing in Krauncha island, autumnal crops, the Sabras and the Yavanas will be afflicted.
Saturn and Jupiter Conjunction
When Jupiter is in Visakha and Saturn in Krittika, terrible calamity will befall mankind.
If the two planets should transit one and the same star, there will be a civil feud in cities.
Saturn's Color and Appearance
Variegated Orb
Birds will suffer destruction.
Yellow Rays
He will cause famine.
Blood-Red Color
It portends war.
Ashy Color
There will be strife and intense hatred among people.
Bright as Beryl
He brings on happiness to the people.
Jet Black or Deep-Blue
He is auspicious like the Vana flower or Atasi-flower.
Saturn's Color and Social Classes
Whichever colour Saturn assumes, he proves destructive to that class of people represented by that colour:
- White: Brahmins
- Red: Kshatriyas
- Yellow: Vaisyas
- Dark: Sudras