Shani (Saturn)

Shani (Saturn) 
In Vedic astrology the planet Saturn is called SHANI. In Sanskrit Shani comes from SANISCHARA, which means, “slow mover”. From Shani we get the word “shun”, which means to ignore, or lose awareness of something. Thus,Saturn represents a loss of awareness, or ignorance. This loss of awareness can also mean the diminishing awareness of the material world of manifestation. 

Here Saturn indicates the ascetic, rich with inner spirituality, and lost to this material plane of existence. Saturn is a malefic graha. He rules over the two sidereal signs of Capricorn (Makra) and Aquarius (Kumbha). He is exalted in Libra (Tula), and fallen in the opposite sign of Aries (Mesh). 
Saturn Significance: Saturn is a karaka, or indicator, of longevity, misery, sorrow, old age and death, discipline, restriction, responsibility, delays, ambition, leadership and authority, humility, integrity, wisdom born of experience.Saturn also indicates asceticism, denial, non-attachment, spirituality, hard work, organization, reality and time itself. 

Saturn’s most successful place in the chart is in the 6th, 8th and 12th houses. He is a particularly beneficial planet for Taurus and Libra Ascendants. Saturn’s nature is Vata, or Airy. His gem is Blue Sapphire and all black stones and his metal is Lead. Saturn’s direction is west and his day is Saturday. He reaches full maturity at age 36. 
In Vedic myth Saturn is the son of the Sun, born to his shadow wife, Chaya. Saturn is lame because one of the Sun’s first wife Sanjana’s children became angered with him and struck him in the foot. Thus Saturn walks with a limp, which accounts why he is the slowest of the Grahas.

Saade Sati : The graha SANISCHARA (Saturn), also known as Manda, is generally known to affect one adversely on occasions when he occupies certain positions in one’s horoscope like Saade Sati (7 1/2 years) Ashtama Shani (Saturn in 8th house – 2 1/2 years) etc.

Saturn slowest planet: He is the Lord of Makaram and Kumbam. He is the slowest moving planet taking 2 1/2 years in each Rasi, completing one cycle every 30 years.

Saturn relations with planets: Saturn rules over the zodiacal signs Capricorn and Aquarius. Mercury, Venus, Rahu, and Ketu are its friends and the Sun, the Moon, and Mars are its enemies. Jupiter is neutral in friendship.

Shani Friendly Signs: Its friendly zodiacal signs are Taurus and Gemini and it works well and gives good results in Sagittarius and Pisces. Enemy signs are Cancer, Leo, and Scorpio.

In Indian astrology, Saturn is considered to be a malefic amongst the malefic but its last effect is happy. Throwing man into misfortunes and calamities, the Saturn ultimately saves the man. He is regarded the strongest of all planets.

A prayer to this Devata, especially on Saturdays, is said to mitigate the hardships one will have to face during these periods. Sanischara bestows all benefits to the devotees who pray sincerely to him. The legend that depict the influence of the worship of SHANI goes as follows, and is narrated whenever a worship or offering is made

to the deity.

Saturn mythology:

The legend pertains to a king. The king invited merchants from far and wide and proclaimed that the king himself would purchase all unsold goods. The merchants were happy. Once a blacksmith brought an iron image of Saturn for sale, which ultimately was purchased by the king, who installed that in his palace with reverence.

Other gods became unhappy on this action of the king. At night, the king saw a brilliant woman going out of the house. On king’s enquiry, he learnt that, it was Lakshmi. She said that she could not stay in the place where Saturn is present. After sometime a male image went out and was told to be Bhaivabh (Prosperity).

Similarly all other gods Dharma (Religion), Dheriye (Patience), Kshama (Pardon) and all others went out. When the last Satya (Truth) was going out, the king protested and said that because of faith in Satya, he did not object to the others from going out. Feeling the sentiments of the king, Satya stopped. All other deities were waiting outside for Satya, but when he did not come out Dharma (religion) said that he could not remain without Satya; so he returned in. 

Venus Astrological Characteristics

SUKRA – THE VENUS

The planet Venus is known as SUKRA in Vedic astrology. Sukra means “white”, or “bright” in Sanskrit. Venus is a first rate benefic in Jyotish (predictions). Venus rules over the two sidereal signs of Taurus (Vrish) and Libra (Tula).

Venus is exalted in Pisces (Meen) and in his fall in the opposite sign of Virgo (Kanya).

Venus is a karaka, or indicator of spouse, love, marriage, comfort, luxury, beauty, prosperity, happiness, all conveyances, art, dance music, acting, passion and sex, healing and the saying of mantras.

Venus Planet is mainly associated with family life, taste and business/livelihood. The benevolent influence of Venus favours accumulation of wealth, jewellery, landed properties, happy home life, success in business and occupations, controlling obesity and fatness.

Venus well placed in horoscope: When rightly aspected Venus is strong, and it brings wealth, comfort, attraction to the opposite sex in the early part of life, a well-proportioned body, and the attractive features necessary for a sensuous nature. It makes its natives tender, gentle, and considerate; lovers of jewelry, sour (pungent) taste, white dress, decoration, perfume, tasty food, and the fine arts. It inspires them to be poets, musicians, and seekers of truth and knowledge (secret sciences). The native loves the company of the members of the opposite sex, artists, and musicians.

Venus Bad placement in horoscope: When afflicted or ill-aspected, Venus creates problems in marriage. It causes diseases of the eyes and ovaries. The native may suffer from gout, cysts, swelling of the internal organs, anemia, eating and drinking, venereal disease.

Venus nakshatras and signs: The nakshatras connected with Venus are Bharani, Purva Phalguni, and Purvashada. Sagittarius and Capricorn are its friendly signs and Cancer and Leo its enemy signs.

Sage Parasara says of Venus; “Venus is charming, has a splendors physique, is excellent or great in disposition, has charming eyes, is a poet, is phlegmatic and windy and has curly hair.” Venus most powerful position is in the 4th House and enjoys the TRIKONAL Houses, 1, 5, and 9. Venus is a particularly beneficial planet for Capricorn and Aquarius Ascendants. Her nature is KAPHA, or watery in disposition.

Her gem is diamond and her metal is copper and silver. Venus’ direction is Southeast and her day is Friday. She reaches full maturity at age 25. In Vedic myth Venus, or Sukra, is known as the Guru, or teacher of the ASURAS, or one of the two camps of the Vedic deities. Sukra therefore is a Brahmin, or the highest priestly order, and is considered the forefather of the Brig lineage of sages from ancient India.

Shukra Divine power story: In Vedic myth the Asuras are the demonic aspect of the divine and, like many of the ancient creation myths, are locked in eternal battle with the Devas, the auspicious aspect of the Divine. In one episodic myth the Devas are particularly concerned in their battle with Asuras because Venus knows the mantra of immortality to raise the dead. This of course gave the Asuras an unfair advantage in their battle with the Devas. So Jupiter, or Brihaspati, the guru to the Devas, sends his son Kaca (brightness) to study under Sukra.

Sukra has a beautiful daughter Devayani (way to the gods), and she is quite taken with Kaca. Now, the Asuras know what Kaca is up to, so like all good demons they kill him. Devayani, of course, grieves for him and tells father, so Sukra repeats the mantra and Kaca comes back to life. Then the demons kill Kaca again. 

Once again Devayani complains, and once again Sukra repeats the mantra and Kaca come back to life. Undeterred, the demons go about killing Kaca and Sukra keeps resurrecting him. So the demons get a particularly demonic idea and this time they kill Kaca and grind him up into a fine powder and put him in Sukra’s wine. Sukra drinks the wine, Devayani begins her grieving, and in response Sukra repeats the mantra, but this time he has a stomachache as Kaca speaks from inside him. At last the demons appear to be happy.

But, they ironically bring about the very thing they were trying to prevent, for Sukra reveals the mantra of immortality to Kaca, so when Kaca tears himself out of Sukra’s body he will repeat the mantra and raise Sukra from the dead. This myth explains why all Brahmins committed to spiritual life are not allowed to drink wine, and one of the epithets of Venus is: the one who “produces stomach problems”.

Shukra bestows long life, wealth, happiness, children, and property and good education. He is the Guru for Asuras. Well learned in Neeti Sastras follower of such sastras and one who dispenses justice, Sukra is considered a beneficial Devata. He blesses the devotees with power to control one’s Indriyas (Sense organs) and enables the devotee to obtain fame and name.

Jupiter Nature

BRIHASPATI / GURU – THE JUPITER

The planet Jupiter in Vedic astrology is known as GURU, BRIHASPATI, and DEVAGURA. In Sanskrit these names mean, “teacher, lord of light, and teacher to the gods.”

Jupiter is a 2ND most benefice planet after Venus,  generally considered to be the most auspicious of the planets. He rules over the two sidereal signs of Sagittarius (Dhanur) and Pisces (Meen).

Jupiter exalted and debilitated  signs: He is exalted in the sign of Cancer (Karka) and fallen in the opposite sign of Capricorn (Makra).

Jupiter bestower of successes: Jupiter is believed to be a bestower of successes. It is generally believed that one who is graced by Jupiter, commands respect from others. Cleanliness is a virtue preferred by Jupiter. Jupiter in astrology is named as ‘Guru’, meaning, biggest of all planets. The persons with grace of favour of Jupiter enjoy elderly quality, towering respect and business. If it is powerful, it can counter the ill effects of other planets comfortably.

Where the Sun is known as Atman, or the soul, Jupiter is known as JIVA, the consciousness of the soul representing the individuality of self.

Where Venus is a Brahmin and follows the Brigu lineage of Brahmin sages, Jupiter is also a Brahmin and follows the Angiras lineage of Brahmin sages. Jupiter’s epithets are sacred and many: “Lord of sacred speech”, “Lord of power”, “Guru of the Gods”, “reader of minds” and “beloved by the Gods”.

Jupiter Characteristics: Jupiter is a karaka or indicator of fortune, wealth, fame, luck, devotion and faith, spirituality, charity, morality, meditation, mantra, children, magistrates, ministers, lawyers and leaders in government and religion.

Jupiter represents sacred scripture, wisdom, benevolence and philosophy. Jupiter’s most favored position is in the first house. He does well both in the Kendra’s and Angles, and the auspicious Trikonal Houses.

His nature is KAPHA, or watery. His gemstone is Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj) or Yellow Topaz and his metal is Gold. Jupiter’s direction is Northeast and his day is Thursday. As a benefice planet he reaches full maturity the earliest of the 9 grahas at age 16.

Jupiter characteristics: Jupiter is the teacher of the science of light, that is, astrology and astronomy. He is the ruler of the Sun and the Moon and controls the movement of the planets. Jupiter is a benefic planet, signifier of luck and fortune, and he rules religion, philosophy, spirituality, wealth, and progeny. He is noble, buoyant, dignified, fruitful, optimistic, jovial, and masculine. If favorable, this planet gives name, fame, success, honor, wealth, progeny and good relationship with progeny, and it brings benefits to whatever planets or house it is associated with.

Worship of BRIHASPATI or GURU (JUPITER) Devata results in a cure from ailments affecting the stomach and helps one to ward off his/her sins, helps him/her in gaining strength, valor, longevity etc. He grants the boon of father-hood to the childless, good education (Vidya). He is revered as the Guru of Devas, protector of the world and is considered SRESHTA (matchless) among the wise. Kind-hearted he is considered the Loka Guru and dispenser of justice and can be known only by a proper study of the Vedas. Thursdays are considered to be the best day for the worship of Jupiter.

Jupitar  organs: Jupiter rules over the liver, thighs, circulation of blood in arteries, and fat in the human organism.Jupitar Diseases: Diseases connected with an afflicted or wrongly posited Jupiter are liver ailments, jaundice, arthritis, swelling, and tuberculosis.

Female marriage karka: Jupiter is very important for a female, because it determines her marriage and her relationship with her husband.

Jupiter relation with planets: Sun, Mars, and the Moon are its friends. Mercury and Venus are its enemies. Rahu, Ketu, and Saturn are neutral in friendship. Its signs of detriment are Gemini and Virgo.