Saturn’s transit spells trouble

What happens to you, the country and the world when the slowest moving planet shifts from Cancer to Leo

Saturn, by nature a great malefic, Lord of karma and taskmaster of life's hardest lessons but at the same time most rewarding, will make a move tomorrow, July 16, having a major impact not only on Sri Lanka and its people but also on the world. For Sri Lanka, when Saturn transits to Leo from Cancer, war will drag on for some time, before a settlement is reached. Major fires, storms, labour unrest and violence are predicted during this period.

Around the globe, storms, massive fires and whirlwinds will hit Europe and America, while Italy and Sicily will experience volcanic eruptions. Fire and storms and labour unrest will trouble some parts of France and India, as America will battle forest fires and chemical explosions in manufacturing sites. What is Saturn? Vedic Astrology, which we commonly use in Sri Lanka, has nine planets — Ravi (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Kuja (Mars), Budha (Mercury) Guru (Jupiter), Sukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu.

Saturn is the slowest moving planet among all nine planets and it takes an average of 2 ½ years in its transit from one rashi to another. Astrologically, Saturn’s transit is always very significant and important for all of us because Saturn is the only planet which does not fail to spread its effects.

Saturn takes 30 years to go around the 12 Houses, giving out benefic and malefic results to all of us. It was last in Leo from September 1977 to November 1979.

Saturn's lessons help us to gain maturity, be conscientious, responsible and ultimately teach us detachment, surrender and acceptance. It represents old age, sickness, sorrow, misfortune, losses and separations while also being responsible for chronic diseases, debility and poverty.

The teacher of difficult lessons, Saturn makes us learn the importance of hard work, perseverance, patience and loneliness while paying for karmas of the last birth during its Major period. While being responsible for labourers and servants, Saturn brings about air-borne diseases, injuries and fractures to the leg.

Saturn acts as a judge and balances your good and evil deeds. However, it is very unfortunate that only Saturn's malefic aspect has been highlighted, often forgetting its blessings. Saturn works according to our past karmas and if we are experiencing bad effects, it will be up to us to do good deeds in our present life to manage those ill-effects.

Saturn is a Yogakaraka benefic planet for Taurus Lagna, exalted in Libra — and Aquarius and Capricorn are its own houses where it is the Lord. When it is good it will deliver very good results. What will Saturn’s effect be on the Leo sign or rashi where it will be transiting to tomorrow? Lord of Leo rashi is Sun which is an enemy of Saturn and thus Leo rashi is not a friendly sign to Saturn.

Leo, a fixed rashi, is firm and belongs to a fiery house which is very active and spirited. This is the house where Saturn will be for two and a half years. There are 12 houses in a horoscope representing the history of a person.

1. The First House is responsible for the beginning of life, childhood, health, environment, the physical body and character. As Saturn moves to Leo it is the first house that matters for the Leo lagna.

If your lagna is Sinha (Leo), Saturn is in your first house. You would have suffered much during the last two and half years as Saturn was in your 12th house. As you are now in the middle of your Lagna Erastaka, you will be emotionally disturbed and facing heavy expenditure, financial losses and problems at the workplace. However, this position will be better than the last two and half years, depending where your moon was at the time of birth.

You will have to work very hard to maintain your position.Unexpected expenses will worry you. Be patient and avoid unnecessary travel. Live simply. If your Saturn is very strong with the other planets, you will be alright with only minor malefic effects. Saturn can aspect three houses from the house it is placed in and your 3rd, 7th and 10th houses can be influenced as a result of this.

2. The Second House signifies family, speech, vision, financial prosperity and wealth. If your lagna is Kataka (Cancer) you are in the last part of your Lagna Erastaka and the present situation is better than the last five years. There will be delays in promotions if you are aspiring to a higher position. Your financial situation will not be that good, while family life will also not be smooth.

Others will misunderstand you — even over small things. There is a possibility of a change of residence, depending on other planets. Next year will be better than this one. You will be cheated by others. Your spouse's health will also be affected. Saturn is your Lord of the 7th and 8th houses. It will also powerfully aspect your 4th, 8th and 11th houses.

3. The Third House rules younger brothers, sisters and relatives in general and governs over courage, communications, servants and subordinates. If your lagna is Mithuna (Gemini), Saturn is in the 3rd house which is very good. This is one of the best places for Saturn if it is not afflicted by other planets.

The situation will help you to gain your past position. Your financial position will improve and you will be able to enjoy life. Your health will be good and you will get a promotion which was withheld last year. It is the right time for business people to begin new ventures. Good for those who are looking for a partner. You will get servants, new clothes and good food. Saturn is the Lord of your 8th and 9th Houses. It will aspect your 5th, 9th and 12th houses which it will influence very much.

4. The Fourth House has reference to mother, immovable property, education, vehicles, happiness and mental peace. The Fourth House is also responsible for the chest and lungs. If your lagna is Vurshbha (Taurus) it is not a good placing for Saturn. You will be overworked but without extra money. Finances will be moderate. Your mother’s or a family member’s health will be of concern. Relations with your spouse or loved ones will be strained. Take care of your health and be calm. If Saturn is well placed you will get a new property and a house.

Saturn is your Yogaraka planet and will give good results if not afflicted. It is your Lord of the 9th and 10th houses. It can create Raja yoga if joined with benefic planets. The ninth house is your Punya Stanaya and you will visit many shrines and do meritorious deeds. Saturn aspects your 1st, 6th and 10th houses powerfully.

5. The Fifth House is responsible for children, emotions and feelings, education and intellect and faith. If your lagna is Mesha (Aries), Saturn will be in your 5th house. If afflicted with malefic planets you will have problems regarding your children and also create mental disturbances.

The health of the family members may not be satisfactory. If powerful at the time of birth, there will be good news on the education of your children. You will have more religious faith and do meritorious acts.

A promotion is also on the cards after some delay. Saturn can aspect your 7th, 11th and 2nd houses and if the main period (Maha Dasa) is favourable, your income will be satisfactory. Saturn is your Lord of the 10th and 11th houses. As Saturn aspects its own (11th house), income will be satisfactory during this period.

6. The Sixth House signifies accidents, diseases, enemies, mental affliction and misfortunes. If your lagna is Meena (Pisces), this transit is favourable. If you have been ill for sometime, you will be cured. Hurdles will be removed. Domestic harmony will make you extra enthusiastic. There will be a windfall and your career will be promising. Good news on children's education. You may be able to buy vehicles, furniture and other items to enhance your comfort.

You will achieve fame and recognition if the other planets are favourable. Saturn is your Lord of the 11th and 12th and aspects the 8th, 12th and 3rd Houses.

7. The Seventh House mainly refers to marriage, spouse and marital happiness and business partners. If your lagna is Kumbha (Aquarius), Saturn is moving to your 7th House and if afflicted, it is likely to disturb your marital life. Saturn will not cause a separation from your spouse but will create a tense atmosphere in your home. If favoured by other planets you will not face these problems.

You will meet your financial commitments with extra effort, expenses will go up by draining your pockets. Children, however, will find employment. Long distance travel is indicated. Some may go on pilgrimages. Saturn is your Lagna Lord and Lord of the 12th house. As a Lagna lord, it will safeguard you and your affairs. It aspects your 1st, 9th and 4th houses.

8. The Eighth House deals with longevity, legacies, gifts and unearned wealth, nature of death, disgrace, degradation and details pertaining to death. If your lagna is Makara (Capricorn), Saturn is in the 8th House which will make you prone to accidents and ill-health of which you will have to be careful. Be extra careful when driving. From time to time domestic peace will be disturbed. This is also an Erastaka period during which you will have to be extra careful.

However, Saturn as your Lagna Lord will protect you. You will get money from legacies. The conditions in your life during this period will depend on the strength of other planets. Saturn is your Lord of the 1st and 2nd Houses. It aspects the 2nd, 5th and and 10th Houses powerfully.

9. The Ninth House signifies father, righteousness, intuition, religion, fame, leadership, long journeys charity and places of worship. If your lagna is Dhanu (Sagittarius), there will be a possibility of changing premises or jobs during this period. A financial crunch will affect you. However, you will get money but it will also be lost in no time. You will change your routine and will be inclined to do more religious work and donate money to temples, kovils etc.

Your parents or elderly relatives will fall ill. You will have the courage to face any situation. You may go on long pilgrimages abroad or travel to foreign countries on official matters. Saturn is your Lord of the 2nd and 3rd Houses. It aspects your 3rd, 6th and 11th houses.

10. The Tenth House refers to occupation, profession, foreign travel, honours, self-respect, knowledge and dignity, livelihood and achievements. If your lagna is Vurshika (Scorpio), Saturn is in the 10th is not a very good position. If afflicted, Saturn will bring failure, loss of dignity and career hazards.

You will be disappointed and disturbed by money matters. You will get opportunities to go abroad for work. Do not take hasty decisions at your workplace. You will not get the cooperation of workers. Be careful about heart ailments and problems of the knees. Saturn is your Lord for the 3rd and 4th Houses and aspects your 4th, 7th and 12th Houses.

11. The Eleventh House refers to gains and income, acquisitions, freedom from misery, good news, money, entertainment, elder brothers and sisters and friends.

If your lagna is Thula (Libra), Saturn is in the Eleventh House which is very good. Your family life will be excellent. You will recover all the past debts and be financially stable. You can purchase a land or a house. All delayed promotions be granted to you. You will get profits from your business. Overall you will be very happy and prosperous. Saturn is your Lord of the 4th and 5th Houses and aspects the 5th and the 8th Houses.

12. The Twelfth House signifies losses, waste, expenses, foreign countries, confiscation, imprisonment and death. If your lagna is Kanya (Virgo), Saturn will be in the 12th house which is not good and you cannot expect much from this transit. Your efforts may not be fruitful and you will be restless and worried. You have to engage in religious and meritorious acts . Saturn in the 12th is the beginning of an Erastaka. With the help of other benefic planets this bad period would be balanced. However, you can expect moderate financial prospects.Saturn is your Lord of the 5th and the 6th Houses and aspects the 2nd, 5th and 9th.

The details mentioned here are only the impact of the transit of Saturn in Leo rashi and the lords of the houses mentioned for individual lagnas. In addition, Saturn also can aspect the 3rd, 7th and 10th houses powerfully and can harm such houses and planets.

The conjunction of other planets with Saturn also can influence the individual. The effects of yogas such as Raja Yoga, Dhana Yoga, etc., occurring in houses can be altered by Saturn’s influence on a tenant, (the place where he is staying) or by aspect.

The quality of Saturn at the time of birth and transit can alter its influence (eg. its exaltation, debilitation, or friendly house or in an enemy house). The strength of Saturn and the house it is in should be considered through Shad Varga and Shad Bala. The Astaka Varga system will help what results Saturn will deliver to each house.

Finally for Saturn to deliver adverse or favourable results while in transit will depend on the Maha Dasha or Antar Dasha of the person (major period or inter period). Though Saturn is in Leo for two and half years, there cannot be adverse effects all through the period. People should thus not worry too much but be religious and do good deeds.

In each horoscope we have the lagna lord, Atma Karaka planet or Yoga Karaka planets, lord of the Neketha, etc. to counteract the bad influence of Saturn.