by Hank Friedman
Note: Like all of my other Vedic writings, this article could not have been
written without my having the great blessing of studying Jyotish with my
Vedic guru Hart deFouw.
[This article is based upon using Whole Sign Houses and the Sidereal Zodiac
with the Lahiri Ayanamsha.]
Vedic astrologers recognize that three planets, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn,
each have two additional "special aspects", that carry the full weight of the
planet's influence.
Saturn's special aspects are on the third and tenth house from it (counting
inclusively). In modern astrological terms, the forward sextile and the
backwards square. In other words, Saturn's forward sextile and backwards
square are as potent as Saturn occupying (or opposite to) a house, and much
stronger than all of Saturn's other aspects.
[I.e. These two aspects carry so much more weight than the forward square
and backwards sextile do that Vedic astrologers don't even use the latter two
aspects in their work.]
The above charts depict, in Western and Vedic formats, the houses that
Saturn influences.
A poignant illustration of the power of Saturn's forward sextile can be seen in
the following biwheel:
The above chart (showing outer transits on the day of Paul Newman's son's
death around Paul Newman's chart) reveals that there are no Ptolemaic
aspects formed by Uranus, Neptune or Pluto on the day that Paul Newman's
son died (within a one degree applying orb). However, natal Saturn, which
aspects the 5th house of children, the 5th lord, and the significator of children
(Jupiter), is receiving the forward sextile of Saturn on that day within 1
degree, and is therefore powerfully activated. To have such a major life event
indicated only by the forward sextile transit of Saturn is a clear example of
just how powerful the sextile can be.
One consequence of Saturn's special aspects is that Saturn has a specific set of
thematic impacts upon people, depending upon which houses it occupies and
influences at birth. That is the focus of this article.
Note: if Saturn is strong, and it aspects or occupies one of its own houses
(Capricorn or Aquarius), then while it will still powerfully challenge the other
houses it aspects, it will enrich the themes of the house it both aspects and
owns. Nevertheless, even a strong yoga-forming Saturn will have mixed effects
upon the houses it aspects and occupies -- even if it rules one of them --
because it is such a strong natural malefic. (Learn about the AND principle at
the very bottom of this web page.)
3 9 5 12
4 10 6 1
5 11 7 2
6 12 8 3
7 1 9 4
8 2 10 5
9 3 11 6
10 4 12 7
11 5 1 8
12 6 2 9
First House: Here Saturn aspects the 3rd and 10th houses, of achievement and
effort, making the individual work harder for results and/or be challenged in
marshaling their resources, throw roadblocks (internal and external) in the
way of completing tasks, and indicating that they take their tasks very
seriously. The person will often approach projects by themselves (i.e. without
others' support). With the maturation of Saturn at age 36, things will proceed
with fewer obstacles and delays after that age.
Because these house influences combine with Saturn's occupying the house of
self, the person's energy may have ups and downs (aka Vata imbalance), with
sensitivity to cold, wind, and moving too quickly.
Since the First and Tenth Houses are the houses of success and fame, as
mentioned previously, Saturn may delay recognition and rewards until later
in the life.
If you are born with Saturn in the First House, it is important to keep the
faith with yourself, be patient with obstacles and slowdowns on the road, and
pace yourself... Slow and steady wins the race.
Second House: Aspecting the 4th and the 11th, Saturn impacts friendship and
happiness. The person has to choose friends wisely, let the right ones in, and to
learn to receive. Try to keep your healthy friendships alive, as social isolation
is certainly not preferable.
Being in one house of money (the 2nd) and aspecting another (the 11th) can
indicate issues with money including interrupted and fluctuating income
streams, financial losses, and insecurities around resources. One needs to be
conscious of their attitudes around money, spend wisely, and carefully create
a nest egg.
The 2nd and 4th houses also have a lot to do with one's sense of well-being,
and so Saturn's influence on both of these house can be unsettling and create
the need to work to find inner peace. Remember to gradually build towards a
life that has more fulfillment, self-worth, and centeredness.
Journeys should be planned with some extra care, i.e. to compensate for
possible delays or other unforeseen obstacles, and rushing should be avoided.
This placement may indicate having periods of creative blocks, that can be
dissolved by loosening one's controlling patterns, releasing fears and self-
judgments, and learning how to get "into the flow".
Fourth House: When the 6th, 1st, and 10th houses are impacted by Saturn,
one may find it hard to take action; and work, and work relationships are the
testing grounds. Cultivating good work practices, steady routines, and a
supportive work environment can help.
Fifth House: In aspect to houses 7, 11, and 2, money, pleasure, and one's social
life are affected by Saturn. One needs to learn to enjoy life, and to receive
support from others.
It is also important not to make life all about work. If you have difficulty
letting go and having fun, explore additional recreational possibilities and find
activities that engage you that are not just productive.
Sixth House: Here Saturn aspects all of the dusthanas: 3, 6, 8, & 12, and
indicates a life where learning to navigate the obstacles and trials becomes
very important. Because this position presents life challenges, whether it be in
health, losses, financial issues, fears, etc., one needs to cultivate courage and
faith. This can be a journey of developing endurance and spiritual detachment
and attaining wisdom in the process.
It is important here to maintain good health and work habits, even if they are
hard to come by. Remember the importance of right attitude, and direct your
mind away from a "problem-mentality" and preoccupations with illness,
worries, and negative anticipations (and towards things that make you laugh,
align, and ground).
Seventh House: Saturn aspects both of the parent houses (4 & 9) with
directional strength, leading to the likelihood of challenges with one's parents.
Manifestations of this position include parents that are distant and
unavailable, controlling and judging, anxious and depressed, irresponsible
and/or repressive.
The impact of ones upbringing upon ones sense of self and well-being (Saturn
aspecting the 1st and 4th houses) is significant, and one needs to work on
recovering from early life issues and experiences. Healing self-esteem and
abandonment issues are paramount. The issue of intimacy vs. space arises
here, so one needs a relationship that offers a balance of closeness and
personal freedom, while owning ones responsibility for healing their issues
with emotional openness.
All three houses of passion (1st, 4th, and 7th) are influenced by Saturn, and
therefore libido is likely to be significantly affected. It might be inhibited,
inflamed, or run in unconventional channels, depending upon what other
planets are involved with Saturn. Find peace with your sexuality, and ways to
express it harmlessly.
Eighth House: When Saturn aspects the 2nd and 5th and 10th houses from the
8th house, it can create insecurities about expressing oneself (e.g. stage fright),
and so developing confidence in the value of your words and deeds and
creations is important.
You are likely to have plenty of time to grow into your fullness, so don't worry
if you're a late bloomer and don't compare yourself to others.
The combined 8th and 10th influences can also indicate a lack of clarity about
one's career or life path. Again, be patient and things will become clear.
Ninth House: Saturn in the 9th house aspects the 11th, 6th, and 3rd houses.
The influence of Saturn on the 9th and 11th may manifest as obstructions to
an easy "parting of the waves". In other words, one might have to exert a lot
of effort to succeed, and feel that support from others and from life is a long
time coming. Keeping the faith with oneself becomes crucial with this
placement, but perseverance furthers.
Both houses of siblings (3rd and 11th) are impacted by Saturn here, meaning
that Saturnian themes run through ones relationship with brothers and
sisters, including the possibility of a limited number of sibs, siblings with
serious problems, adopted siblings, and siblings that are problematic. The
teaching here is to have good boundaries with ones brothers and sisters (not
over accommodating, nor over-rigid), and to have a life of ones own
independent of them.
Adding the 9th house of ones father to the above pair of sibling houses can
indicate unfortunate dynamics around the father's relationship with all of the
children. Step aside from manipulations within the family, and don't let your
behavior be dictated by the actions or relationships of others.
Tenth House: Here the 7th, 12th, and 4th houses are aspected by Saturn.
Like Saturn in the 7th house (which you should read), Saturn in the 10th
house influences three sexual houses (the 7th and 4th of sexual passion, and
the 12th of orgasm). As a result, the libido and ability to flow with ones
sexuality can be impacted by this placement. One should choose ones bed-
mates carefully with this placement, not treat sex casually (as it won't be
casual), and learn how to surrender to passion with a tender partner.
The influence on the 4th and 12th houses shows a hidden vulnerability to
judgement, rejection, and control, so be careful to associate with people who
are both kind and sensitive, and generally positive. These houses also indicate
the ability to enjoy life and to let go into sleep, and therefore one needs a safe
haven in ones life and an unstressful lifestyle. One must find one's own way to
embrace life, and to let go enough to enjoy it.
The 10th house placement also makes career endeavors checkered with ups
and downs. If you're going to start your own business, form a business
partnership, or work for others, make sure that you are properly treated and
have enough influence upon others.
Eleventh House: Here the 1st, 5th, and 8th houses are seen by Shani (the
Vedic name of Saturn).
Given that the 1st and 5th are dharma houses, a person with this placement of
Saturn may experience issues with self-expresssion (blockages, fears, doubts)
and life direction (struggling to find ones life path and/or encountering
obstacles and dead ends along the journey). The task is to accept oneself
throughout, whether ones efforts pan out or not. Develop the trust that Saturn
delays but does not deny, and keep on believing that you will arrive at greater
clarity and purpose.
Life will improve over time (since the 11th is an Upachaya or improving
house) as you let yourself express and receive what you need to. Allow.
The combined influence on the 1st and 8th suggests that one should be careful
to maintain their health through good diet and exercise, to avoid developing
chronic ailments.
Twelfth House: In the 12th, Saturn aspects the 9th, 2nd, and 6th houses.
Since the 9th and 12th houses represent long-distance travel and foreign
residence respectively, Saturn can indicate difficulties during travel, and while
visiting or living in other countries. One must allow enough time for journeys,
be careful with foreign transactions, and watch ones health, diet, etc. when on
the road.
Both houses also represent spirituality (the 9th house themes include gurus,
grace, Divine intervention, and pilgrimages, and the 12th house themes
include ashrams, meditation, inner journeys, and enlightenment experiences),
and therefore the pursuit of higher endeavors must be done in a grounded
fashion, with teachers chosen consciously, while at the same time not falling
prey to disbelief and closing off to Spirit (especially if some life experiences
with teachers and religion are negative).
The 6th and 12th houses can indicate patterns like addiction, health issues,
deep fears, debts, and losses. It is very important to have healthy life routines,
to avoid ingesting inebriants, and to live a financially-balanced life style. The
aspect to the 2nd house in addition to the 6th and 12th makes it particularly
important to have savings, and to avoid risky financial behaviors (like
gambling and get-rich-quick schemes).
A Note on Saturn in the Signs: While many factors besides Saturn by sign
should be taken into account, including each chart's Rising Sign, as mentioned
above, there are some interesting quirks due to Saturn's special aspects on
specific signs. E.g. When Saturn is in Cancer, an enemy's sign, it aspects
Aries, its weakest sign, and is likely to greatly destabilize the themes of the
Aries house. When, on the other hand, Saturn is in Taurus, the sign of a
friend, it aspects its own sign of Aquarius and significantly augments the
themes of its house.
It is impossible within the scope of this short article to cover all of the relevant
qualities of Saturn's placement that will influence the nature of its impact, but
one must of course include in one's assessment:
1. The effects of the houses Saturn rules. (I strongly recommend using Whole
Sign Houses and the Lahiri Sidereal Zodiac for evaluating this).
Conclusion
As such, it is our greatest teacher, and once we align with its principles, it
blesses us incredibly.
Click to Return to
If the above email link doesn't work, please send me an email to:
stars@soulhealing.com
[This article is based upon using Whole Sign Houses and the Sidereal Zodiac
with the Lahiri Ayanamsha.]
Vedic astrologers recognize that three planets, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn,
each have two additional "special aspects", that carry the full weight of the
planet's influence.
Saturn's special aspects are on the third and tenth house from it (counting
inclusively). In modern astrological terms, the forward sextile and the
backwards square. In other words, Saturn's forward sextile and backwards
square are as potent as Saturn occupying (or opposite to) a house, and much
stronger than all of Saturn's other aspects.
[I.e. These two aspects carry so much more weight than the forward square
and backwards sextile do that Vedic astrologers don't even use the latter two
aspects in their work.]
The above charts depict, in Western and Vedic formats, the houses that
Saturn influences.
The above chart (showing outer transits on the day of Paul Newman's son's
death around Paul Newman's chart) reveals that there are no Ptolemaic
aspects formed by Uranus, Neptune or Pluto on the day that Paul Newman's
son died (within a one degree applying orb). However, natal Saturn, which
aspects the 5th house of children, the 5th lord, and the significator of children
(Jupiter), is receiving the forward sextile of Saturn on that day within 1
degree, and is therefore powerfully activated. To have such a major life event
indicated only by the forward sextile transit of Saturn is a clear example of
just how powerful the sextile can be.
One consequence of Saturn's special aspects is that Saturn has a specific set of
thematic impacts upon people, depending upon which houses it occupies and
influences at birth. That is the focus of this article.
Note: if Saturn is strong, and it aspects or occupies one of its own houses
(Capricorn or Aquarius), then while it will still powerfully challenge the other
houses it aspects, it will enrich the themes of the house it both aspects and
owns. Nevertheless, even a strong yoga-forming Saturn will have mixed effects
upon the houses it aspects and occupies -- even if it rules one of them --
because it is such a strong natural malefic. (Learn about the AND principle at
the very bottom of this web page.)
3 9 5 12
4 10 6 1
5 11 7 2
6 12 8 3
7 1 9 4
8 2 10 5
9 3 11 6
10 4 12 7
11 5 1 8
12 6 2 9
First House: Here Saturn aspects the 3rd and 10th houses, of achievement and
effort, making the individual work harder for results and/or be challenged in
marshaling their resources, throw roadblocks (internal and external) in the
way of completing tasks, and indicating that they take their tasks very
seriously. The person will often approach projects by themselves (i.e. without
others' support). With the maturation of Saturn at age 36, things will proceed
with fewer obstacles and delays after that age.
Because these house influences combine with Saturn's occupying the house of
self, the person's energy may have ups and downs (aka Vata imbalance), with
sensitivity to cold, wind, and moving too quickly.
Since the First and Tenth Houses are the houses of success and fame, as
mentioned previously, Saturn may delay recognition and rewards until later
in the life.
If you are born with Saturn in the First House, it is important to keep the
faith with yourself, be patient with obstacles and slowdowns on the road, and
pace yourself... Slow and steady wins the race.
Second House: Aspecting the 4th and the 11th, Saturn impacts friendship and
happiness. The person has to choose friends wisely, let the right ones in, and to
learn to receive. Try to keep your healthy friendships alive, as social isolation
is certainly not preferable.
Being in one house of money (the 2nd) and aspecting another (the 11th) can
indicate issues with money including interrupted and fluctuating income
streams, financial losses, and insecurities around resources. One needs to be
conscious of their attitudes around money, spend wisely, and carefully create
a nest egg.
The 2nd and 4th houses also have a lot to do with one's sense of well-being,
and so Saturn's influence on both of these house can be unsettling and create
the need to work to find inner peace. Remember to gradually build towards a
life that has more fulfillment, self-worth, and centeredness.
Journeys should be planned with some extra care, i.e. to compensate for
possible delays or other unforeseen obstacles, and rushing should be avoided.
This placement may indicate having periods of creative blocks, that can be
dissolved by loosening one's controlling patterns, releasing fears and self-
judgments, and learning how to get "into the flow".
Fourth House: When the 6th, 1st, and 10th houses are impacted by Saturn,
one may find it hard to take action; and work, and work relationships are the
testing grounds. Cultivating good work practices, steady routines, and a
supportive work environment can help.
Fifth House: In aspect to houses 7, 11, and 2, money, pleasure, and one's social
life are affected by Saturn. One needs to learn to enjoy life, and to receive
support from others.
It is also important not to make life all about work. If you have difficulty
letting go and having fun, explore additional recreational possibilities and find
activities that engage you that are not just productive.
Sixth House: Here Saturn aspects all of the dusthanas: 3, 6, 8, & 12, and
indicates a life where learning to navigate the obstacles and trials becomes
very important. Because this position presents life challenges, whether it be in
health, losses, financial issues, fears, etc., one needs to cultivate courage and
faith. This can be a journey of developing endurance and spiritual detachment
and attaining wisdom in the process.
It is important here to maintain good health and work habits, even if they are
hard to come by. Remember the importance of right attitude, and direct your
mind away from a "problem-mentality" and preoccupations with illness,
worries, and negative anticipations (and towards things that make you laugh,
align, and ground).
Seventh House: Saturn aspects both of the parent houses (4 & 9) with
directional strength, leading to the likelihood of challenges with one's parents.
Manifestations of this position include parents that are distant and
unavailable, controlling and judging, anxious and depressed, irresponsible
and/or repressive.
The impact of ones upbringing upon ones sense of self and well-being (Saturn
aspecting the 1st and 4th houses) is significant, and one needs to work on
recovering from early life issues and experiences. Healing self-esteem and
abandonment issues are paramount. The issue of intimacy vs. space arises
here, so one needs a relationship that offers a balance of closeness and
personal freedom, while owning ones responsibility for healing their issues
with emotional openness.
All three houses of passion (1st, 4th, and 7th) are influenced by Saturn, and
therefore libido is likely to be significantly affected. It might be inhibited,
inflamed, or run in unconventional channels, depending upon what other
planets are involved with Saturn. Find peace with your sexuality, and ways to
express it harmlessly.
Eighth House: When Saturn aspects the 2nd and 5th and 10th houses from the
8th house, it can create insecurities about expressing oneself (e.g. stage fright),
and so developing confidence in the value of your words and deeds and
creations is important.
You are likely to have plenty of time to grow into your fullness, so don't worry
if you're a late bloomer and don't compare yourself to others.
The combined 8th and 10th influences can also indicate a lack of clarity about
one's career or life path. Again, be patient and things will become clear.
Ninth House: Saturn in the 9th house aspects the 11th, 6th, and 3rd houses.
The influence of Saturn on the 9th and 11th may manifest as obstructions to
an easy "parting of the waves". In other words, one might have to exert a lot
of effort to succeed, and feel that support from others and from life is a long
time coming. Keeping the faith with oneself becomes crucial with this
placement, but perseverance furthers.
Both houses of siblings (3rd and 11th) are impacted by Saturn here, meaning
that Saturnian themes run through ones relationship with brothers and
sisters, including the possibility of a limited number of sibs, siblings with
serious problems, adopted siblings, and siblings that are problematic. The
teaching here is to have good boundaries with ones brothers and sisters (not
over accommodating, nor over-rigid), and to have a life of ones own
independent of them.
Adding the 9th house of ones father to the above pair of sibling houses can
indicate unfortunate dynamics around the father's relationship with all of the
children. Step aside from manipulations within the family, and don't let your
behavior be dictated by the actions or relationships of others.
Tenth House: Here the 7th, 12th, and 4th houses are aspected by Saturn.
Like Saturn in the 7th house (which you should read), Saturn in the 10th
house influences three sexual houses (the 7th and 4th of sexual passion, and
the 12th of orgasm). As a result, the libido and ability to flow with ones
sexuality can be impacted by this placement. One should choose ones bed-
mates carefully with this placement, not treat sex casually (as it won't be
casual), and learn how to surrender to passion with a tender partner.
The influence on the 4th and 12th houses shows a hidden vulnerability to
judgement, rejection, and control, so be careful to associate with people who
are both kind and sensitive, and generally positive. These houses also indicate
the ability to enjoy life and to let go into sleep, and therefore one needs a safe
haven in ones life and an unstressful lifestyle. One must find one's own way to
embrace life, and to let go enough to enjoy it.
The 10th house placement also makes career endeavors checkered with ups
and downs. If you're going to start your own business, form a business
partnership, or work for others, make sure that you are properly treated and
have enough influence upon others.
Eleventh House: Here the 1st, 5th, and 8th houses are seen by Shani (the
Vedic name of Saturn).
Given that the 1st and 5th are dharma houses, a person with this placement of
Saturn may experience issues with self-expresssion (blockages, fears, doubts)
and life direction (struggling to find ones life path and/or encountering
obstacles and dead ends along the journey). The task is to accept oneself
throughout, whether ones efforts pan out or not. Develop the trust that Saturn
delays but does not deny, and keep on believing that you will arrive at greater
clarity and purpose.
Life will improve over time (since the 11th is an Upachaya or improving
house) as you let yourself express and receive what you need to. Allow.
The combined influence on the 1st and 8th suggests that one should be careful
to maintain their health through good diet and exercise, to avoid developing
chronic ailments.
Twelfth House: In the 12th, Saturn aspects the 9th, 2nd, and 6th houses.
Since the 9th and 12th houses represent long-distance travel and foreign
residence respectively, Saturn can indicate difficulties during travel, and while
visiting or living in other countries. One must allow enough time for journeys,
be careful with foreign transactions, and watch ones health, diet, etc. when on
the road.
Both houses also represent spirituality (the 9th house themes include gurus,
grace, Divine intervention, and pilgrimages, and the 12th house themes
include ashrams, meditation, inner journeys, and enlightenment experiences),
and therefore the pursuit of higher endeavors must be done in a grounded
fashion, with teachers chosen consciously, while at the same time not falling
prey to disbelief and closing off to Spirit (especially if some life experiences
with teachers and religion are negative).
The 6th and 12th houses can indicate patterns like addiction, health issues,
deep fears, debts, and losses. It is very important to have healthy life routines,
to avoid ingesting inebriants, and to live a financially-balanced life style. The
aspect to the 2nd house in addition to the 6th and 12th makes it particularly
important to have savings, and to avoid risky financial behaviors (like
gambling and get-rich-quick schemes).
A Note on Saturn in the Signs: While many factors besides Saturn by sign
should be taken into account, including each chart's Rising Sign, as mentioned
above, there are some interesting quirks due to Saturn's special aspects on
specific signs. E.g. When Saturn is in Cancer, an enemy's sign, it aspects
Aries, its weakest sign, and is likely to greatly destabilize the themes of the
Aries house. When, on the other hand, Saturn is in Taurus, the sign of a
friend, it aspects its own sign of Aquarius and significantly augments the
themes of its house.
It is impossible within the scope of this short article to cover all of the relevant
qualities of Saturn's placement that will influence the nature of its impact, but
one must of course include in one's assessment:
1. The effects of the houses Saturn rules. (I strongly recommend using Whole
Sign Houses and the Lahiri Sidereal Zodiac for evaluating this).
Conclusion
As such, it is our greatest teacher, and once we align with its principles, it
blesses us incredibly.
Click to Return to
If the above email link doesn't work, please send me an email to:
stars@soulhealing.com