How to survive Saturn retrograde: Vedic astrology
Your short guide to surviving the planet of karma!
Saturn is the planet of karma - and this whole universe is karmic. So it’s no coincidence that this is one of the strongest planets but also, one of the most problematic.
Retrograde means the movement of Saturn will slow down and move backwards, this time in its own sign of Aquarius after 30 years (which means the effects will be enhanced, both positive and negative).
During this time, you may experience upheaval. A revisiting of karmic lessons and patterns that are unresolved, and a call to move into deeper discipline, examine your life and throw away the patterns which hold you back.
This can be a deeply transformative period if you work with the energy in the right way. However, Saturn is also known for throwing some of the biggest challenges which Vedic astrology can help you mitigate if you stay prepared.
How will this retrograde affect me?
Generally speaking, Saturn retrograde will positive affect you if the lord of your ascendant is a friend of Saturn (Libra, Aquarius, Taurus, Capricorn, Virgo and Gemini ascendant), yet the exact positive and negative effects could only be determined from your chart.
In general, this period will be most problematic for Scorpio, Cancer, Leo and Aries ascendants and neutral for Pisces and Sagittarius ascendants.
What does ‘negative effects’ entail? Well, this will apply for the collective as well as the individual; examples include delays because Saturn is known to create delays. It can also result in breakdowns in finances, relationships, health and so forth.
What are the solutions from Vedic science?
In Vedic culture, astrology is a science; derived directly from consciousness. The solutions outlined in Vedic astrology aren’t just superstition, they go straight to the energetic and karmic root of what you’re experiencing.
So let’s talk about the solutions in Vedic astrology for Saturn retrograde from the most powerful:
A sure shot solution to issues with Saturn is Annadanam, donation of specific foods related to Saturn in your body weight. The best place in the entirety of Bharatvarsh for Annadanam is Kashi, not because I’m biased but because Kashi is the most prominent of the 7 Moksha Puris AND ALSO the kshetra of Mata Annapurna. The punya of doing Annadanam in Kashi is manifold, and if you’re trying to resolve astrological difficulties then Kashi gives you expanded results.
What is the Annadanam process to resolve issues of Saturn? Ideally this should be done on four Sundays, because in Kalyug you need four times the amount of effort to attain full benefit.
Saturn Annadanam involves giving in your body weight Udad and Rice khichdi, which is then served to the devotes. This can be arranged for you either per your body weight contribution (details shared at the very end of this article) or just from your desire and devotion of what you want to contribute.Chanting the Dashrath Krita Shani Stotram is a valid solution, which you can do in the night time (not the day time). Stotrams can be chanted by anyone, without deeksha (initiation). Be sure to find an authentic version on YouTube so that you can chant along with it and learn. Remember that learning and chanting Sanskrit has manifold benefit beyond just solving astrological issues. It expands your consciousness, rewires your neural pathways and brings you inner peace.
Be absolutely sure to light a mustard oil lamp under the peepal tree every Saturday, pray for the peace of your ancestors.
As is already known, worship of Shree Hanuman and chanting Hanuman Chalisa alleviates the effects of Saturn (which I’ve shared in my article on Shani Jayanti)!
What are the Annadanam and Jyotish details in Kashi?
Let’s speak about the practicalities of Annadanam for those wanting to alleviate issues with Saturn or simply protect themselves during this period, reap punya and engage in dharma.
Annadanam details in Kashi are as follows:
Khichdi Baba Danam organisation (feed hundreds of devotees daily near Dasaswamedh ghat)
Contribution:2.5k vegetable and oil + different Danam according to your weight
100kg - 25k
50kg - 20k
25kg - 15k
Or give an amount you feel like 3k which will be put together for the khichdi, for this Danam please contact Pandit Rajan on +91 98385 43708 WhatsApp with my reference. He can also look into your individual chart and give you the exact answers to how this retrograde will play out for you and what solutions you can do, including rituals in Kashi for Sadesati and related issues.
What do be mindful of during this period?
How do you survive this period? Vedic solutions and rituals definitely help, yet along with this - here’s a few individual points to take care of!
Saturn is a planet of shadow work. This means it brings up all your repressed and unresolved karmic patterns and problems. Be extremely mindful to TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH during this time! Don’t be scared of the waves of karmic lessons, to bring your power back focus on your morning and self care routine. You’ll have to allot more time for self-care in this period for sure.
Take time to introspect on the dysfunctional patterns in your life, independent of others. What patterns bring you down and lower your frequency? What patterns can you let go of? Where can you be more supportive and nourishing towards yourself?
Be extra cautious with triggers of the outside world. Triggers will be enhanced. Which means, people projecting on you, insulting you, deception coming to the surface, as well as your own triggers which need healing - stay as less triggered as possible, because the murky waters of Saturn retrograde may enhance this.
Saturn loves hard work and discipline, so if you’re not an exercise person, choose one basic physical exercise for your own wellness and get started. Write. Paint. Create, working hard doesn’t mean slaving away. The higher level of consciousness tells us that we need to move out of this ‘I have to work hard to achieve something’ mindset and into flow. Working hard here means karma yoga, means putting your commitment and focus and attention into disciplining your life and work.
Let the universe serve its karma. Simply put, those who have wronged, betrayed or mistreated you during recent periods will receive their pushback from the universe. Karma is always in the hands of the universe and not an individual responsibility. If something’s been troubling you, this is a good time to offer it up to the universe, relieve it from your psyche and let the fake people get what they deserve.
Did this help? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
Har Har Mahadev
Time to get back into the grind.