Sade Sati of Shani (Saturn) in Vedic Astrology

Sade Sati of Shani is the seven and half years of transit of Saturn or Shani over a person’s natal moon ( Janma Rasi) in Vedic astrology. The period of Sade Sati starts when Saturn arrives in the sign that is in the 12th house from the natal moon (that is, just previous to the Janma Rasi) and ends when Saturn exits from the sign that is 2nd house from the moon sign. Since Saturn takes approximately two and half years to transit a sign, the transit through three signs takes about 7.5 years and is referred to as Sade Sati in Indian Astrology. This phase of 7.5 years repeats approximately every 30 years and thus, is experienced a maximum of about three times in a lifetime. Currently, those with Cancer, Leo and Virgo Janma Rasi are experiencing the Shani Sade Sati in the last, middle and first phase respectively till September 2009.

A negative image of fear and pain is often incorrectly associated with Shani Sade Sati by many of the unfaithful practitioners of Vedic Astrology. While it is true that this period is unsettling in human life, the spiritual uplift associated with this period can hardly be overemphasized. This is a period of tremendous learning and advancement.

Saturn is the guru who teaches us the realities of our earthly existence. Obstacles, delays, failures, frustrations, displacement, loneliness teach us to look beneath the glamor, reputation, achievement, wealth and social connections. Saturn walks us through these educating experiences and leads us to where we belong and what we deserve according to our action or Karma. The period of Sade Sati (also spelt sometimes as Sade Shati) is an educating experience advancing us to the next higher level of consciousness.

It is important for us to be aware of these periods like Shani Sade Sati in our lives from our individual horoscopes. This is one of the unique contributions of Vedic or Indian astrology and helps us taking right decisions being aware of our environment and conditions.