I am Saturn Speaking

Through air (Vayu) alone, there is sound and musical notes; there is music, knowledge, and the entire moving and unmoving (animate and inanimate) world is active. The entire functioning of the universe is run by an invisible power, and the visible form of that power is 'Vayu' (Air/Wind). The study of various sciences is possible because of Vayu. Such is the great Vayu element among the five elements (Panchatattva), which pervades the entire universe. Tell me, who is the source of creation and who holds the primacy of this element? It is me! In your language, what is the meaning of 'neuter' (napunsak)? And yet you call me neuter! Now you tell me, the one who creates, the one who nourishes—does he not perform the function of the Vayu element? Then how am I neuter?

Greetings, friends!

Today, a desire arose in me to converse with you all. I am 'Manda' (the slow one); this is how you perceive me. Today, I have a little more time to spare, so I have enough time to establish a dialogue with you.

Perhaps no one on earth has ever had such an introduction to me! Still, to establish a dialogue, an introduction must be given—this is a basic courtesy. I am Shani (Saturn), the son of Surya (the Sun) and Chhaya (Shadow). In the solar system, after Jupiter (Guru), I reside in a magnificent ring of large size and spherical shape.

All the planets in the solar system revolve around the Sun, while also rotating around themselves. While revolving around the Sun, I also rotate on my own axis. I complete one self-rotation in 10 hours and 14 minutes. It takes me approximately two and a half years to transit through one zodiac sign on the ecliptic. I orbit the Sun in about 30 years. My exalted sign is Libra (Tula), while my debilitated sign is Aries (Mesh). My Mahadasha (major planetary period) lasts for 19 years.

I am the prime planet of the Vayu (air) element. In the horoscope of the Kalapurusha (the cosmic man), I hold lordship over the 10th and 11th houses, which represent Karma (action) and Labha (gains). To give a practical example, in the business world, I am the sole owner who has a 'two-room kitchen' or a plant. My three Nakshatras (lunar mansions) are Pushya, Anuradha, and Uttara Bhadrapada. These are quadruped nakshatras. Since Cancer (Karka), Scorpio (Vrishchik), and Pisces (Meen) are water element signs, I am the indicator of the western direction. My Adhidevta (deity) is Adi and Pratyadhidevta (counter-deity) is Yama and Vidhi.

This is my true introduction. In contrast, most people on earth give me various labels and present my introduction like a notorious criminal's dossier. For example: Shani means dark, slow, the cause of sorrow and poverty, hardworking/drudge, miserly, neuter, the cause of destruction and death; whereas, on the other hand, Shani means a researcher, the indicator of analytical and logical fields, the provider of foresight, and the judge. During Sadhesati (the seven-and-a-half-year transit), humanity trembles with fear—this is the common perception. Therefore, I have come to analyze this for you, dispel your misconceptions, and converse with you.

At first glance, it appears that I, as well as my other fellow planets, are not self-luminous. Just like other objects in the infinite universe, your Earth is also in motion, meaning it is dynamic. The Earth also performs movements according to the laws of the universe. However, it does not have its own light; that light belongs only to the stars, and the stars are fixed. We reflect their (the stars') light and bring it to you. For instance, in your language, if we have to put it simply, we only do the job of a postman. We continuously deliver the auspicious or inauspicious fruits destined for you according to your actions. This is the most important part I want to tell you at the very outset. Receiving the good or bad fruits of planets is entirely in the hands of human beings. "As is your action, so is your experience"—if you understand this truth, and if everyone implements it in their life, what would you gain, or is there any reason to fear any planet? Now, let me try to clear your misconceptions one by one.

Shani means Black/Darkness/Time

The ecliptic (Kranti-vritta) is of 360 degrees, and it is fixed. It is divided into twelve equal parts, which are called 'Rashi' (zodiac signs). Even though in astrology I am considered a planet, in reality, Shani is a brilliant star, and we, all other planets (known to you) are associates in its family. Since the Earth rotates on its own axis and revolves around the sun, humans experience day, sunrise, noon, afternoon, evening, and night because of this continuous journey of the Earth. First of all, the Sun does not rise or set; it is self-luminous, radiant, and stable in its place.

In astrology, the Sun (Ravi) has lordship over the fifth house of the Kalapurusha's horoscope, and I have the lordship of the house opposite to the fifth, which is the eleventh house. The eleventh house has a direct, straight, and intense aspect (seventh aspect) on the fifth house, which represents the afternoon time. Therefore, Shani means 'Kaala' (Time/Darkness), and you have given me this attribute. But if you want to remove the fear from your mind and know how scientific your thoughts are, then when you get time, observe the sky through a telescope and determine for yourself whether 'Shani' is dark or beautiful.

Shani means Slow / Lame

In spiritual scriptures, I am called lame, and in astrology, I am called slow (manda). This is how everyone has perceived me. For your information, in terms of size, I am almost equal to your Earth. Earth completes self rotation in 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds I complete one self-rotation in approximately 10 hours and 24 minutes. From Sun, Earth is 93,00,3000 miles away, whereas I am 9 times further away from the Sun. Now you decide, who is 'slow' and who is 'hyperactive'?

Shani means Hard Labour/Drudgery

In this regard, I fully agree with you. All things in the universe, whether living or non-living, are constantly in motion. Motion means action, and this is the principal element of my life-force. If I have to explain in your language, only motion can lead you toward progress. In life, nothing is achieved without hard work; it is never otherwise. Some of you have a strong desire to achieve greatness without doing anything. Because of this, you find no other shortcut but to blame me for your sorrows, and instead of working hard, you wander on wrong paths to find temporary happiness, which only damages your life. Moreover, you yourself nourish the negative outcomes of your wrong deeds in your ledger of actions, planting the seeds to experience new suffering. Do you realize this? Therefore, my request to you is to work hard, do good deeds, and seek happiness through your own labor, which will last forever. Everything else is temporary.

To give an example, look at the banyan tree and the coconut tree. As the banyan tree grows, it shoots aerial roots (parambya) from its branches toward the ground, making its existence stronger and providing thick shade to you and other plants. But plants or trees do not grow under its dense shade. On the contrary, look at the coconut tree. It conveys a message that you should grow tall through your own effort and hard work. This effort will help you reach its crown. If you make such efforts and reach the top, you will surely get sweet, nectar-like water, but there is no alternative to it.

Sorrow-Poverty means Shani

Do you all feel relieved by blaming me for sorrow and poverty? Sorrow and poverty are states of mind. Now, what does a mental state mean? A mental state is a condition created by your own mind. The definitions of sorrow and poverty are beyond ordinary words; they are states accepted and understood by the mind. If you understand the theory of relativity in logic, this concept will become clear to you quickly. Samarth (Ramdas) has told you this in simple language in his Manache Shlok (Verses to the Mind):

"जगी सर्व सुखी असा कोण । विचारी मना तूचि शोधूनी पाहे ॥"

If you look closely, happiness and sorrow, poverty and wealth, are things you have to decide for yourself. For that, intellect is gifted to you by the Almighty. Study and do not blame me needlessly, saying "Shani means sorrow and poverty." I am a giver; I give abundantly. If your bag itself is torn, what can I do? Still, to make some people understand this, the following thoughts have been presented before the public through poetry:

"देणाऱ्याचे हात हजारो । दुबळी माझी झोळी ॥"

In today's modern era, humans live a life like superior animals. For them, poverty simply means the lack of money. But does poverty not also mean a weakness of mind or miserliness? Some time ago, I saw wealth amidst poverty in human lives. But now, I see that most of you have become so subservient to money, wealth, or material things that you are happy sacrificing your values and emotions at the altar of wealth. In my opinion, such rich people are actually beggars. I cannot tolerate these unethical, wrong practices because I am a lover of truth and a judge. So, tell me, is Shani bad because he punishes or disciplines those who are sinful, extremely arrogant, proud, and harsh? You tell me, how far is this true?

Keep one thing in mind: nothing in this universe is permanent. Then why greed? Greed and desire prompt you to commit immoral acts, and you get trapped in their illusionary net. They prompt you to commit various misdeeds. What should the judge award as the fruit of such actions? Poverty? The material things of this world are temporary. Purify your mind, which is anxious about these temporary things, so that you will feel richer than the wealthiest. The ownership of intellect and logic lies with me, and what is poverty compared to that!

Shani means Death / Destruction

Sometimes I feel pity for your thinking. What is your study and what are your conclusions? It seems you want to make assertions before understanding the essence of the subject. The Creator has established the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution or decay. Life and death are states of the soul. Life is immortal. It is a part of the non-dual supreme power, meaning whoever is born will die, and whoever dies will be reborn; this is inevitable. Who says "death means destruction"? Under physical things and due to superficial thoughts, the concept that "death means destruction" has settled in your minds. Today I want to completely change this deep-seated belief in your mind. Before that, let me present two lines of a devotional song (Abhang) described by saints, and see if you understand it:

"जन्मा संगे मृत्यू । मृत्यू संगे जन्म । चक्र नेहमी क्रम ऐसा चाले । चक्र नेहमी क्रम ऐसा चाले ॥"

Even then, the web of illusion is so dense and your vision is so limited, how can I make you understand? Let me give another example. Let's see how much you understand. Dissolution or destruction is a stage in the cycle of life. Just as a seed buries itself in the soil, it breaks and mixes with the mud, and from that seed, a sapling is born. That is, the destruction of the seed leads to the creation of the sapling, and over time, it becomes a tree. Now tell me, is the seed the cause of creation or the origin of destruction? Creation is born from destruction.

Human minds find joy in physical things. This joy is momentary, yet they wish it would last forever, and they have a longing for it. Therefore, they worry that this happiness should not fade, and destruction should not happen. That is why they fear this state of destruction, but they forget that destruction is the origin of creation. I am the principle planet of the vayu (air) element, now let us speak about creation of the universe. Samarth Ramdas, in the 16th chapter of 'Dasbodh', has addressed 'Vayunirupan' (discourses on the air element), where he has described how creation originated. Among the five elements, the Vayu element is highly important. Vayu is the only first-class element present throughout the moving and unmoving world. Therefore, you say—in water, on land, everywhere, the water-bearing Vayu is present. I am present in water, in fire, and also in the earth. I am found in all states like movement, contraction, expansion, restraint, and carrying. I am also addressed as Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, and Samana. Vayu is the cause of the origin of all elements, and therefore we call it 'Prana'.

When the Vayu element first manifested in the universe from the elements, many types of physical forms appeared. Birds can fly in the sky only because of Vayu. Gods, demons, humans, animals, aquatic beings, forest-dwellers, and crawl-dwellers—all play in Vayu. All living beings in this universe survive and move because of Vayu. Fires flare up only because of Vayu. Vayu brings clouds in the sky, and then it rains; this is all the strength of Vayu. Vayu scatters and drives away clouds. Not only this, but all supreme activities in the universe happen because of Vayu. Taking inspiration from the subtle lotus, the creator (Brahmadev) who resides in it is also of the form of Vayu. Water has his support, and Vayu's serpent-bed (Shesha) holds the Earth; this is also the support of Vayu.

Because of Vayu, there is sound, tone, music, and knowledge, and the moving and unmoving world is active. The entire functioning of the universe is run by an invisible power, and the visible form of that power is Vayu. The study of various sciences is possible because of Vayu. Such is the great Vayu element among the five elements, which pervades the entire universe, being the source of creation. And who holds the primacy of this element? It is me! You call me neuter (napunsak) in your language. Tell me, what is the meaning of neuter? Now you tell me, the one who creates, the one who nourishes—does he not perform the function of the Vayu element? Then how am I neuter?

Shani Sadhesati - The Time of Doom

This is a very dark and terrifying period in your life—this is how some so-called people have engraved this scary concept on your minds. In reality, it is not so. On the contrary, Sadhesati represents golden days! During this period alone, you get to realize the ultimate goal of life. Who are you really, and along with your relatives, what is your true value? This realization becomes clear to you, and you get cooperation to solve these questions.

Human birth is the only means of liberation. Do not show negligence there and walk blindly. It is with this noble intention of preventing human misdeeds that I endeavor to impart knowledge to you in the form of Sadhesati. During this very period, I introduce you to the real world, teach you new lessons, and give you a clear understanding of time. No one else has the capability to do this as I do. I also give the message: "Experience and be liberated."

I am not your enemy. The ego, misdeeds, social-harming acts, jealousy, and malice within you are my enemies. But unwise people call me a sinner when they are struck by crisis. What an irony! The Creator has made this beautiful world for you; enjoy it. Do not commit misdeeds, and if you do, do not blame me.

I am in Mathematics and the Infinite

I am in mathematics and also in the infinite. Look closely. I mean zero. I am the only planet that resides in zero. The attractive ring around me is a symbol of residing in zero. Without zero, mathematics will not be complete, and the state of the infinite/incalculable also exists because of me.

Since the subject has come up, let me tell you that in mathematics, if a zero is placed to the right of any digit, the value of that digit increases, and if placed to the left, the value remains the same. This is the mathematics you all have understood. Do you know how incorrect you are in your calculation? Let's see if this is true.

I am zero, so I do not have any addition or subtraction (+/-) measured in me. The digit which wants to increase its value comes to my left (Vamasthan). I do not change my position. That digit decides its own value by changing its position according to its own desire. Now, is your illusion removed? That placing zero behind a digit increases its value—now change this phrase.

Now, as I am about to leave, let me share an important message: In the horoscope of the Kalapurusha, the tenth and eleventh houses represent action (Karma) and gain (Labha), and their lordship has been entrusted to me by the Creator. From the first house to the tenth house, I calculate your actions on this earth in the form of the chief justice, and deliver gains or fruits from the house of gains. Human birth is the only path to liberation, and life is like a Ferris wheel. If your actions are pure and auspicious, I will be found in an auspicious house in your horoscope in your next birth; otherwise, I will be in an inauspicious house to deliver the bitter fruits of your bad deeds. You do not need any rituals, prayers, or sacrifices to please me. If your actions improve, there is no reason to fear me. Have you ever read Shani Mahatma? An example of my Guru is given in it. When the Guru became arrogant, he was not spared from being humbled. When I am at a distance from all of you, then what about you? The Creator has entrusted me with the work of a judge of 3-7-10 aspects.

Because of this 3-7-10 aspect, my full gaze is on the 360 degrees of the ecliptic, and this is achieved because of the rings around me. Now remaining are the 11th, 12th, and 2nd houses. It is like this: the lordship of the 11th house, which belongs to the Kalapurusha's horoscope, lies with me. Therefore, there is no need for a separate aspect. Also, the 12th house represents expenditure/loss, which comes after the 11th house. Therefore, once the judgment of your deeds is settled in the 11th house (gains/outcomes), there is no reason to cast an aspect on the 12th house. Now, regarding the 1st and 2nd houses: who you are yourself, and what your family is—this is decided by the fruits of your past deeds in your previous births. Therefore, I do not feel it appropriate to cast an aspect there, because that part has already been decided based on the balance sheet of your past actions. After that, the 3rd house (valour/effort) and to 10th house (Karma) are the places where I keep a full eye on your actions. That is why the Creator has addressed me as 'the Judge'.

I stay at a distance from all of you, but I am also your well-wisher. My existence is highly important. Because of you all, I am important and great, but I have no pride in greatness or sorrow in smallness. I am steady (Sthitaprajna), because I reside in zero. Staying far away from ego, greed, misdeeds, extreme attachment, malice, and anti-social acts, perform selfless deeds for the public good, serve the poor and weak, raise social awareness, and fulfill your moral responsibilities toward elders. By such behavior alone, you will attain liberation (Moksha). No judge will do injustice to you. Human birth offers plenty of scope for self-realization. What is possible for humans is not possible in any other birth. For example, you might have read this in some sacred texts: "iti devanamapi durlabham" (this is rare even for the gods).

Well, I must leave now. But keep my message in mind, and accordingly, elevate yourself in this human birth, otherwise...

"पुनरपि जननं पुनरपि मरणं । पुनरपि जननी जठरे शयनं ॥ |"

I hope this gave you a fresh perspective on Shani beyond the common myths and fears. Vedic astrology has many such concepts that become truly meaningful when understood in their proper context. If you're interested in exploring more about planets, yogas, doshas, karma, or birth charts, Astrochitra regularly publishes well-researched articles to help make these timeless teachings easier to understand.