In Vedic astrology the planet Saturn is called SHANI. In Sanskrit Shani comes from SANISCHARA, which means, “slow mover”. Saturn represents a loss of awareness, or ignorance. Saturn indicates the ascetic, rich with inner spirituality, and lost to this material plane of existence. Saturn is a malefic graha. He rules over the two sidereal signs of Capricorn (Makra) and Aquarius (Kumbha). He is exalted in Libra (Tula), and fallen in the opposite sign of Aries (Mesh).

Saturn is a indicator, of longevity, misery, sorrow, old age and death, discipline, restriction, responsibility, delays, ambition, leadership and authority, humility, integrity, wisdom born of experience. Saturn also indicates asceticism, denial, non-attachment, spirituality, hard work, organization, reality and time itself. Saturn’s most successful place in the chart is in the 6th, 8th and 12th houses. He is a particularly beneficial planet for Taurus and Libra Ascendants. Saturn’s nature is Vata, or Airy. His gem is Blue Sapphire and all black stones. He reaches full maturity at age 36. In Vedic myth Saturn is the son of the Sun, born to his shadow wife, Chaya. Saturn is lame because one of the Sun’s first wife Sanjana’s children became angered with him and struck him in the foot. Thus Saturn walks with a limp, which accounts why he is the slowest of the Grahas.

Saturn rules over the zodiacal signs Capricorn and Aquarius. Mercury, Venus, Rahu, and Ketu are its friends and the Sun, the Moon, and Mars are its enemies. Jupiter is neutral in friendship.