Why is Saturn so important? Know some special facts

In Vedic astrology, astrologers consider Saturn (Shani) one of the most important planets. Saturn rules two zodiac signs: Capricorn and Aquarius. In astrology, people call Saturn the lord of karma. Saturn changes its zodiac sign every two and a half years.

Recently, Saturn moved from Aquarius to Pisces. Astrologers associate Saturn with business, job, age, illness, suffering, knowledge, technology, iron, oil, and servants. Saturn gets exalted in Libra and debilitated in Aries. Saturn moves the slowest among all planets and stays in one sign for about two and a half years.

Sade Sati proves intense

People usually fear Saturn’s Sade Sati (seven-and-a-half-year phase). Among the nine planets, only Saturn affects three signs during its transit, making Sade Sati last about seven and a half years. The famous tale of King Vikramaditya also highlights the challenges of Sade Sati.

When Saturn enters a sign, it impacts that sign, the previous one, and the next one. People often see this time as difficult, but Saturn simply teaches hard work, patience, and detachment from instant rewards.

Saturn gives results based on karma

Many consider Saturn a negative planet, but Saturn actually acts as a judge. Saturn rewards people exactly according to their efforts and actions. If Saturn appears strong in a birth chart, it protects the native from problems.

Saturn rules over the constellations Pushya, Anuradha, and Uttarabhadrapada. Among these, Pushya ranks highest. If you want positive results from Saturn, you must treat subordinates with respect. Since Saturn represents karma, it mirrors your actions—how you treat others, Saturn treats you the same.

Saturn’s effects in a birth chart

If Saturn sits in the first house of a chart, astrologers generally see it as unfavorable. It can make a person lazy, slow, and introverted. Such people may develop grey hair early and prefer solitude.

Some astrologers find Saturn favorable in the third and eleventh houses. Certain planetary combinations with Saturn create negative effects. For example:

Saturn with Moon creates Vish dosha.
Saturn with Rahu forms Pishach dosha.
Saturn with Ketu forms Shapit dosha.

However, if Saturn occupies its own sign, exalted sign, or friendly sign, it gives very positive results. It makes the person just and fair and brings great career success. A strong Saturn in the chart blesses with luxury, happiness, and good health.

A weak Saturn causes problems

If Saturn appears weak or malefic in the chart, the person struggles in career and business. It can also increase the risk of accidents or legal troubles. To avoid the negative impact, one must avoid bad deeds and stay on the right path.

Lord Saturn: The son of the Sun

In Kali Yuga, devotees worship Saturn the most among the nine planets. Saturn is the son of the Sun, but astrology says that Saturn and the Sun do not share a good relationship.

From a scientific point of view, the Sun radiates heat while Saturn remains extremely cold, which makes their relationship naturally opposing. Yet when the Sun enters Saturn’s sign Capricorn, people celebrate Makar Sankranti, marking the Sun’s northward journey (Uttarayan).

A quick glance at Lord Saturn and its associations:

Career fields: Oil-related business, automobile sector, labor-related professions
Products: Machinery, leather, black sesame, oil, coal, leather goods
Gemstone: Blue Sapphire (Neelam)
Rudraksha: Seven-faced Rudraksha
Yantra: Shani Yantra

Saturn Mantras:

Tantric Mantra –
Om Sham Shanaishcharaya Namah

Beej (Seed) Mantra
Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaishcharaya Namah