Introduction to Saturn

Saturn (Shani dev) is one of the most revered planet in the realm of all the planets in vedic astrology. As revered as it is, it is also most mysterious and dreaded. Scientifically, Saturn is a very cold planet (found in the deep space and very far off from the Sun), it is gaseous in nature and has a very low density, in fact Saturn’s density is so low that if we had a big enough pool of water to put Saturn in, it would actually float. 

How is Saturn described in Vedic astrology?

In vedic astrology, planets are seen akin to humans and are given humanly qualities and description. Shani dev is described as having dark skin. The other name for shani dev is shanicharaya, meaning slow moving. He is depicted as riding a vulture or crow at times. He carries many weapons like sword, arrows, bow, trident and an axe. Shani dev holds the portfolio of giving results to the natives on the basis of their karma. 

Birth of shani dev?

According to the scriptures, Shani dev is considered as the son of Lord Surya (Sun God). Surya was married to Sandhya. She was a very dedicated wife, however due to the heat of Surya, she found it hard to stay with him. Therefore, to protect herself from Sun’s heat, she created Chhaya (Shadow), in her exact image. Shani dev is son of Chhaya and Surya dev. 

Shani dev is considered lord of karma in a janam patrika. He has been awarded the task of dispensing justice to the natives in accordance with their karma. Shani also represents old age, obstructions, destruction, sorrow and depression. Shani is a very slow moving planet and takes around 2 ½ years to cross a zodiac sign. Transit of Shani over natal moon, and the house before and after it is called Sade Sati. This is often a difficult time in a native’s life. It is said that the native gets results of their actions of the previous years in their sade sati. 

Let's try to understand the impact of Shani dev in various houses through a different perspective and with the help of some stories of characters from ancient plays, and scriptures, based on the works of Vasudha Wagh.

Nidhi Saxena

(@JyotishNidhi)