Vedic astrology · graha · the great malefic
Shani (Saturn)
Discipline, delay, labour, old age and karma.
At a glance
- Signifies
- discipline, delay, labour, old age and karma
- Nature
- the great malefic
- Exalted
- Libra, deepest at 20°
- Debilitated
- Aries, deepest at 20°
- Own signs
- Capricorn, Aquarius
- Moolatrikona
- Aquarius 0° to 20°
- Friends
- Mercury, Venus
- Enemies
- Sun, Moon, Mars
- Neutral
- Jupiter
- Day
- Saturday
- Gemstone
- Blue sapphire
Shani mahadasha: 19 years
Nineteen years of work, patience and karma: slow, solid results, responsibility, and lessons that last.
In the Vimshottari order it follows the Jupiter dasha and is followed by Mercury. Your first dasha is set by the nakshatra of your Moon at birth: anyone born with the Moon in Pushya, Anuradha or Uttara Bhadrapada starts life in the Saturn dasha.
The nakshatras of Shani
Shani as Atmakaraka and Darakaraka
In Jaimini astrology the graha furthest through its sign is the Atmakaraka and the least advanced is the Darakaraka.
- Atmakaraka (the soul)
- The soul came to work, serve and endure. The test is patience; the reward, a deep and peaceful detachment.
- Darakaraka (the spouse)
- The spouse is serious, hard-working, older or mature beyond their years. Marriage may come late and grows stronger with time.
Shani in the 7th and the 10th
- In the 7th house
- A serious, older or late-arriving partner, and a marriage that matures with time: delay first, then a loyal bond that lasts.
- In the 10th house
- Saturn in the 10th builds a slow, solid career: heavy duties, late success and real authority in the end.
Yogas of Shani
- Shasha yoga
- Saturn strong in a kendra: authority, discipline and influence over many people (a Pancha Mahapurusha yoga).
The nine grahas
Questions and answers
What does Shani signify in Vedic astrology?
Discipline, delay, labour, old age and karma. It is the great malefic.
How long is the Saturn mahadasha?
19 years. Nineteen years of work, patience and karma: slow, solid results, responsibility, and lessons that last.
Where is Saturn exalted and debilitated?
Exalted in Libra (deepest at 20°), debilitated in Aries.
Who are Saturn's friends and enemies?
Friends: Mercury, Venus. Enemies: Sun, Moon, Mars.
What is the gemstone of Saturn?
Blue sapphire, by tradition. Astrologers advise wearing it only after the whole chart has been read.