Our Friend Saturn

Transiting Retrograde and On the Edge Again (July 2022)

Please note that this and all my other forecasts are based on the sidereal zodiac used in both Vedic and western sidereal astrology, not the tropical system used by most western astrologers. All the astrological charts below are calculated according to the sidereal zodiac and Lahiri Ayanamsa.

Saturn has been transiting in Capricorn since January 2020 and transits briefly in Aquarius from April 28 to July 12, 2022, and then will transit back through Capricorn until January 17, 2023. At that point and until March 29, 2025, Saturn will transit in Aquarius. Saturn stationed retrograde at 1 degree of Aquarius on June 4, 2022 and will station direct at 24 degrees Capricorn on October 23.

Saturn, known as Shani (or Shanicharya) in Vedic astrology, is transiting retrograde now, and is on the edge in the rashi sandhi/one-degree cusp between Aquarius and Capricorn from June 14 to July 28. It will move back into Capricorn on July 12 in the morning in North and South America, Europe, and Africa; which will be in the afternoon or evening in Asia; and in the late evening in Australia and New Zealand.

In Vedic astrology, a sandhi planet is considered to be weak, meaning its qualities may be distorted or diminished. The 29th degree is called “anaretic,” meaning “that which destroys form.” It is known as the degree of fate, and can represent shocking events, volatility, and breaking points. It can also signify a decision-making complication. At the same time, the 29th degree embodies the wisdom and mastery that come with maturity.

The 0 degree, on the other hand, may reflect a brand new creative force full of sparkling initiative, but may also be inexperienced, immature, unregulated, and impulsive. It is true that all sandhi planets can be erratic and unpredictable. Yet, they can also have a very magical quality, as their liminality grants access into alternate realms of thought and experience.

More broadly, Saturn has been in bala avastha since February 23, 2022, and will remain in this “infant state” for the remainder of 2022, and on until March 9, 2023. Bala avastha occurs when a planet occupies the first six degrees of an odd-numbered sign such as Aquarius, and the last six degrees of an even-numbered sign like Capricorn. A planet in bala avastha has only one-fourth of its normal strength.

At the same time, the most vulnerable area within the bala avastha zone is from 29 degrees to 1 degree, or from 1 degree back to the 29th degree. From June 14 to July 28, Saturn is transiting in this position. It was also transiting on this one-degree edge from Capricorn to Aquarius from April 14 to May 26, 2022, and will be there again from January 8 to 26, 2023.

When Saturn is weakly represented, depending on its natural significations in a natal or mundane horoscope, the house placement of its transit, the aspects it makes, and the planetary periods in place, it suggests some notable difficulties. There can be a sense of frustration or depression dealing with myriad life pressures and problems. It can be hard to detach emotionally, and one may be tense, disorganized, or unfocused.

Procrastination may be an issue, and self-discipline can be a challenge for those who lack persistence or feel too tired to go on. There can be a general sense of insecurity, too, and one may feel more exposed than usual. Victim syndrome, believing one has no control and therefore blaming others, may be an issue with this. The need to establish and share healthy boundaries can also become a significant concern at this time.

Saturn is squaring the lunar nodes now, and has been for the past several months. Saturn will continue to do so for most of the rest of the year. This represents many obstacles and hard knocks that must be dealt with, and some blocks to overcome. There can be a sense of impasse at various times during this aspect, but also a growing pressure to move out of one’s comfort zone and go forward in order to grow and evolve.

As Saturn hovers on the edge and soon will move back into Capricorn where he has transited since January 2020, some people may feel an urge to return to the past. To see how this transit affects us individually, we have to look at the house that Saturn is moving back into, and what it represents. We should also look at events of the last few years to understand the task at hand, which may require that we revisit and complete some unfinished business related to the affairs of Capricorn and that particular house, and to any planets Saturn will aspect as he moves back one more time into Capricorn to apply his finishing touch.

Shani by by E. A. Rodrigues - Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14548200

In general, Saturn represents the transformation of practical affairs; the laws of the earth plane; ambitions; priorities; work structures; and basically, root chakra issues related to survival, safety, groundedness; belonging; and financial well-being. The less positive expression of Saturn is irresponsibility; feeling stuck or depleted; distractibility; pessimism, impracticality (poor perception of reality); anxiety and insomnia; and a lack of self-confidence. During Saturn’s retrograde periods, we may have to wrestle with some of these matters.

So, during his retrograde period and especially in the rashi sandhi cycles, we have to face and heal our fears and insecurities, and any other Saturn weaknesses such as maladaptive ego defense mechanisms. In Capricorn, Saturn is teaching us to create stronger inner and outer foundations, to be better organized, and to use our energies wisely and constructively.

Saturn is transiting in Dhanistha nakshatra from February 18, 2022 until March 15, 2023. This nakshatra spans from 23 degrees 20 min. of Capricorn to 6 degrees and 40 minutes of Aquarius. It is ruled by Mars, the enemy of Saturn, and Dhanishta also represents wealth, so the economy is a disaster and financial markets can be uncertain or volatile during much of this transit. In mundane astrology, Dhanistha is also connected to issues with police, war, revolts, earthquakes, electricity and communication systems, agriculture, industry, social welfare programs, and labor. Saturn transiting here brings some potential for difficulties in any of these areas.

There are a large variety of astrological remedies (upayas) to appease Saturn issues, but a professional astrological birth chart analysis is needed before prescribing some of them like ratnas (gems.) In general, you can always benefit from chanting Saturn or Shiva mantras; or using Ayurvedic grounding herbs like Ashwaghanda and Shatavri. The Triphala “Three Fruits” formula can also be helpful to cleanse the waste materials indicated by Saturn issues and a blocked root chakra. Frankincense incense or essential oil are also very helpful for clearing any heavy stuck vibrations.

Physical exercise is important for Saturn problems. Yoga asana for the root chakra can be helpful. Conscious Breathwork or yogic pranayama are exceedingly helpful as Saturn rules the breath. Music is helpful too, particularly during the period that Saturn is in Dhanistha nakshatra, which is known as the Star of Symphony. Prayer and charitable giving are good remedies. And perhaps the best remedies are to create a regular daily routine; and, to spend quiet time meditating and in peaceful, life-affirming environments, especially in nature.

I bow to Lord Shani, who removes the illusion of worldliness: Om Virodhadharabumaya Namah!
I bow to Lord Shani, who is the most senior and excellent One: Om Shresthaya Namah!
I bow to the One who speaks little: Om Mitabhasinaya Namah!
I bow to the One who destroys the root of ignorance: Om Avidyamulanasa Namah!
I bow to the One who is lowly and humble: Om Kurupinaya Namah!
I bow to the One who gives dispassion: Om Vairagyadaya Namah!
I bow to the One whose power arises from dispassion: Om Viraya Namah!
I bow to the One who is steady and reliable: Om Achanchala Namah!
I humbly bow to Lord Shani who is my own true nature. Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah!