Do you know who is a Guru? In Sanskrit, this word is defined as ‘Gu’ means darkness & ‘Ru’ means the removal of darkness. So, a guru is a definition of pure spirit that removes the darkness and fills the light in your life by giving knowledge. He teaches us the lesson to reach God. Guru Purnima Celebration or Asadh Purnima falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of July (Ashad), according to the Hindu calendar.
It is celebrated by both the Hindus and Buddhists in their own beliefs. It is a special day when people offer prayers and honourable worship to their Gurus or teachers. It is also known as Vyas Purnima as this sacred day is celebrated by Hindus in the memory of Guru Ved Vyaas. In the Buddhist community, this day is welcomed and celebrated in the honour of Lord Buddha as he did his very first preaching on this day at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh.
This day is very important for all such disciples, devotees and spiritual seekers. Guru Purnima celebration is an auspicious day when shishyas devote their feelings and love in the feet of their Guru.
Why to celebrate Guru Purnima
In ancient times, the famous Vedas were passed on by people to other generations by word of mouth. Then only, Maharshi Ved Vyas took this responsibility of classifying the Vedas in an ordered manner. He collected and edited the 4 Vedas so that they could be read easily by people. He also wrote 18 Puranas along with Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagvata.
Since, he gifted the world with such a divine and simplified knowledge about life and God, this made him Gurus of all Gurus, and hence, he is known as the Original Guru of Hindu Dharma.
Ways of Guru Purnima Celebration
Gurus are regarded as God in Hindu culture. On this day, Guru is worshipped in the same way as we worship Hindu Gods and Goddesses. All the Shishyas goes to the Ashrams of their Gurus and present their faith and spirit in their lotus feet. The Shishyas offer flowers and sweets to their spiritual gurus. In return, they receive words of long life and blessings from their gurus. Gurus also provide spiritual lessons to their shishyas.
Apart from this, many devotees or true believers of Guru Seva organizes Bhojan Samarohas, cultural performances and other several activities at the place that makes the day more special.
In today’s modern world, the name ‘Guru’ is not given only to spiritual masters. Everyone feels free to express their thankfulness and faith towards the school teacher, professor or any other type of guide or mentor who has shown you the path of success and positiveness towards life.
This is the famous Shlok that every devotee offers to his Guru during Pujan:
The meaning of the Shlok is – Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv and through him God, or Parabrahma is present. This shlok shows the importance of a Guru in our lives. It is only through a Guru that we can reach God.
Tirupati is a place Lord Vishnu chose as an alternative to Vaikunth his celestial home. Tirumala temple stands on a hill range comprising seven peaks, representing & hoods of Adisesha. Lord Balaji is also called Lord of seven hills.
Tirupati Balaji
Here are some interesting and unknown facts about the Balaji temple. The Arch at the entrance of Tirumala Hills is unique in the world.
Natural arch, Tirumala Hills is a distinctive geological wonder located 1 km. north of Tirumala Hills temple. The Arch is also known as Silathoranam. Sila is rock and thoranam is garland strung over a threshold connecting two vertical column as an arch. Arch measures 8m in width and 3m. in height. It is one of the few natural arches in Asia.
Balaji temple arch
Interesting stories related to Tirumala hill temple : The arch resembles the hood of serpent, a conch and discus all symbol of worship in Hindu religion and considered to be source of the idol of Lord Venkateswara or Lord Balaji. main deity in Tirumala temple is of the same height as the height of the Arch. Lord Vishnu is supposed to be have put his first foot down at place called Padalu, which is highest point of Tirumala hills, Second step at location of arch and thereafter next step is stated to have been placed where his idol is now worshipped in the temple at Tirumala.
A Chemical kachcha Kapooram (Green Camphor) is a soft white chemical is applied on the idol of Balaji everyday.
Fact is if this chemical is applied on granite cracks will appear on it.
But , surprisingly this is applied on Balaji every day still there is no damage to the stone.
Idol of Balaji always maintain a temperature of 110 degree F.
The temple is at a height of about 3000 feet so the climate is normally cold and also every morning at 4; 30 am Abhishekam is done in which the idol is bathed with water, milk as well as other dravayam. After the bath sweat appears in form of fine water particles on the body of the idol . Sweat is wiped with silken cloth. On every thursday when ornaments are removed before sacred bath it is noticed that they are warm. At the entrance of the main door, to the right side a stick which was used by Ananthaaivar to his Venkaleshwara Swamy is present. When this stick was used to hit the Small boy Venkateshwara his chin was hurt. Since then the practice of applying sandalwood paste on Swamy's chin started.
Tirupati Venkateshwara chin
When Balaji lost small portion of hair after hit by shepherd, Neela devi a Gandharva princess cut a portion of her hair and implant it on his scalp. Lord Balaji promises her that all his devotees who come to his abode should render their hair to him, and she would be recipient of all the hair received .
It remain a miracle that there is a real hair on the main idol of Venkateswara Swamy. The authorities says that this hair is always silky smooth and never entangles.
Nearly 1.08 crore devotee offer their hair to the Lord and nearly 1.5 crore disposable blades are used for the purpose, TTD gets an income of 200 crore per year with the sale of the offered hair.
Tirupati - hair offerings
The length of the silken dress of Lord Balaji is around 21 arm length. (roughly one arm length is one and a half feet ), and its weight is around 6 kilogram. This can not be brought from any shop. devotee willing to offer dress submit assigned sum at the temple office towards the cost of the dress offered by the devotee. Andhra Pradesh govt. also offers one set dress twice in a year.
Every friday 15 such outer garments are accepted for offering. For this there is waiting period of at least 10 years or more.
The inner garment of Lord Balaji's consort Goddess Alarmelumanga are made of cotton at a place called Kathwaal. The weaver of this garment belong to Chechu tribe and they prepare it with utmost devotion. Since this inner garment touches the body of Goddess, the weaver take bath thrice daily during the preparation of the dress, They don't touch liquor or any non- vegetarian food. The worship of Lord Balaji is done as Mother Goddess Amba (Ambal) for 4 days, Lord Maha Vishnu for 2 days and Lord Shiva for one day in a week. Bilva leaves a must for worship of Lord Shiva are used during archana. Venkateshwara Swamy appears to be standing in the middle of the Garba Guddi. Actually, Swamy stands at the right side corner of the Garba Guddi . This can be noticed from standing outside.
Tirupati Garbhagudi
Abhishekam is performed every morning from 4:30-5:30. Many items required for Abhishekam are imported from abroad like saffron from Spain, kasturi from Nepal, Punugu from China, certain fragrance material from Paris. These items are mixed with sandal paste prepared in a golden plate. 51 small kalasam of milk is offered in Abhishekam. Then they apply Kasturi and Punugu to the idol. Specially packed roses are air-freighted from Amsterdam. Many fragrant items are sent from China to Balaji. These include chinese camphor, akila(a scented wood similar to sandalwood , sandalwood, amber, kumkum, thamalam etc.
There is also a traditional belief in vogue that Balaji has a third eye which he opens at the time of Abhishekam. The temple authority buy a mud pot daily in which curd and rice is offered to Lord. Except curd rice no other cooked or prepared food item ever cross the Kulasekara's steps and enter the sanctum sanctorium. It is deemed to be big blessing indeed if any devotee gets the used mud pot and any left over of the curd and rice offered to Lord Balaji. The value of ornament of Balaji is around 1000 crores (appreciates as the market rises). salagrama is golden necklace its weight is around 12 kgs, surya kadari- weighs around 500 kgs, pada kavasam (leg covering ) weighs around 375 kgs. The single blue stone that is in possession of the temple is a unique and can not be found anywhere in world. Normally any Hindu God idol in sathvik and shanthi posture would be depicted with at least one weapon in one of the hand. But, in case Lord Balaji has no weapon in his hand . He is Nirayudha Pani. In ancient Tamil literature he is described as Verungai Vedan, a hunter without any arms in hands. Abhishekam water or liquids are let out through pipe into a nearby sacred tank of the temple called Pushkarani. Hence the water in the tank is also considered sacred. It is believed that the sacred water is capable of removing one's sin on taking a dip in it. After taking a dip people offers Arghyam. Flower garland worn by the idol of female devotee known as Sri Aandaal at Srivilliputhur temple of Tamil nadu is brought daily to the hills and offered to Lord Balaji. Sri Aandaal worshipped Lord Balaji as her God.
15. There is a secret village about 22 kms from town which allows only residents of the village to enter. It is said that village has a garden of flowers from where flowers are fetched and used in the sanctum of Lord Venkateshwara. All the flowers used in garba gudi are in condition brought out. There is a waterfall behind the swamy and all the flowers used are thrown in the waterfall.
17. There are about 1180 stone engraving in the temple at the seven hills. Out of these 50 are in Telegu / Kannada and rest 1130 are in Tamil language only. Paintings / murals at Tirupati are over 300 years old. Every Friday,morning a special worship is performed before the commencement of Abhishekam. One Psalm in Tamil beginning with the word Venkatam yena Petra is sung. During special worship the idol is without any dress or flower decoration (Nirmalya / Viwaroopa Dharshanam / Dikambaram). A camphor is lighted and shown to the Lord (Karpoora Aarti). The Nayadyam is offered to the Lord(offering of fruits etc). Once again a karpoora aartiis done.
The idol of Balaji at this time shines beautifully and is a treat to the eye. Lakshmi devi is on the heart of Swamy. On Thursday during Nijaroopa Darshanam, Swamy is decorated with white wood paste . When this decoration is taken out the imprint on lakshmi Devi remains, This imprint is sold by temple authority.
Tirupati Lakshmi Devi
The lights lit in front of Swamy are said to lit since thousands of years.
Tirupati - lights are lit for thousand years
The Suprabhatam chanting to wake up Lord is not played in temple during month of dec-. jan as he never sleeps. The Garuda Hills in Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara features a natural rock formation that is in the form of Garuda. Garuda is vehicle of Lord Venkateshwara. A similar statue of silver is built inside the sanctum sanctorum in 966 AD for the purpose of doing Abhishekam as well as beautifying with all the jewelleries. Pallava Dynasty king sakti and his wife has donated lot of jewels and ornament to this silver idol of Balaji.
25.. Major source of income is offerings, sale of prasadam, sale of darshan tickets,seva ticket, sale of hair offered and receipt from choultries(place of accommodation). The gross income of TTDfor the year (14-15) ws estimated to be 2359.2 crores ie, about 6.34 crore every day.
26.. The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 devotees daily, on special occasion or festivals like annual Brahmotsavam, the number shoots up to 500,000 or more thus making it a most visited place in world. In 1800, temple was said to be closed for 12 years. One king is said to have punished 12 people by killing them and hanging them on the wall of the temple. It is believed that at this time Swamy appeared.
Tirupati Temple was closed for twelve years
According to Varaha Purana during treta Yuga , Lord Rama resides here along with Devi Sita and Lakshmana on his return from Lankapuri.
Followers of Indian mythology always wonder why Karna had to suffer so much in life despite being a good human being. As we know, every incident in Indian mythology has some reason behind it, this time also, we have a riveting story of Karna sufferings. The boon of Dambodhav
Much much before Mahabharata there lived a asura named,a Dambhodbhav. He wanted to be powerful so he prayed to Sun God. Pleased with his devotion God appeared before him and granted him a boon. Dambhodbhav asked God to make him immortal. Surya said it was impossible to make him immortal. Then he asked for thousand kavach (armour). It was not only this Dambhodbhav also asked that these armour could be broken by someone who perform penance for thousand years. And also, whoever break the armour should die immediately.
Karna the son of Surya
Surya granted him the boon despite knowing that he is not going to use his powers for good. He becomes reckless
Immediately after getting the boon, Dambhodbhav started wrecking havoc on people. people were scared of him and started calling him Sahasrakavacha (one who has thousand armour).
Lord Vishnu agrees to kill Dambodhav
Meanwhile, King Daksha (father of Sati) got one of his daughter Murti married to Dharma, son of Brahma. Murti knew about Dambhodbhav and wanted to put an end to to his menace. So she prayed to Lord Vishnu for help.Vishnu pleased with her devotion appeared before her and agreed to kill Sahasrakavacha. Avatar of Nara and Narayana
Murti gave birth to twins and named them Narayana and Nara. Twin brother were noble, brave and great warrior. They decided to kill Sahasrakavacha. First Nara went for the fight and Narayana went for penance After thousand years, Nara broke his first armour, but lost his life. On other hand Narayana also completed his penance and obtained Mrityunjaya Mantra (it was mantra to bring back dead to life) and he brought his brother back to life.
Nara and Narayana The fight begins
At this moment Sahasrakavacha realised that Narayana and Nara are two persons with one soul. Thus the penance done by one brother gives the other one more power. After thousand years, Nara retired to forest to perform penance while Narayana started the fight.
The fight went on like this. One brother performed penance for a thousand years while the other one fought with Sahasrakavacha. The minute his armour broke, the person fighting with him fell dead and was brought back to life by the other. Dambodbhava takes shelter
when Sahasrakavacha lost his 999 armour to twins. He gave up and ran away. He decided to take refuge with Surya.
Narayana and Nara both went to Surya and asked for Sahasrakavacha. Surya said that Dambhodbhav and is his great devotee and has worshipped him with great devotion and he came to him help so he has to help him.
Nara on hearing this got angry and cursed Surya that he will be born as human and suffer for this. Surya bowed his head, he knew that he should not shelter a demon but he was willing to pay the price for his devotee.
Dambodhava reborn as Karna
This incident occurred at the end of Treta yuga. In next yuga (Dwapara yuga), Surya and Dambhodbhav and both were born as Karna. Karna was born with his kavach or armour, the one left with Sahasrakavacha.
Karna born with Kavach and Kundal
End of Karna by Shri Krishna and Arjuna
To fulfill the promise to kill Sahasrakavacha, Narayana and Nara were reborn as Krishna and Arjun. As Arjun would have died if Karna had the kavach so, Indra went to him in disguise and got the kavach much before the Mahabharata war begin.
As Karna was a demon in his previous life so he had a very difficult life to pay for all the sins he committed in his previous life. But Karna also had Surya within him so he was a hero as well. He was the most powerful, bravest and tragic warrior in Mahabharata.
Then, Karna’s chariot wheel was stuck. And all the curses followed. He forgot the incantations to divine weapons. And Arjuna killed him when he was the most vulnerable.
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.
[This article is based upon using Whole Sign Houses and the Sidereal Zodiac with the Lahiri Ayanamsha.]
Part One: The Aspects of Saturn
It is universally understood that each planet has a profound influence
upon the themes of the house it occupies. Those practicing ancient
astrological methods (Hellenistic or Vedic) also know that every planet
aspects the opposite house, whether that house is occupied or not, and
influences it just as strongly. (These ancient approaches also apply the
principle that planets which aspect a house also aspect every planet in
it, regardless of orb.)
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.
Part Two: Saturn's House Placement
and the impact of it's aspects
We often look at the individual houses impacted by planets, which is a
very useful endeavor. But in this article, we are focusing on the themes
shared in common by two or more of the houses Saturn influences,
so that we can discover confluent patterns in people's lives. For
example, when Saturn occupies the First House, it influences both
houses of success (1st and 10th) and therefore delays, inhibits, or may
even thwart worldly success unless Saturn itself is a strong
yoga-forming planet.
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.
The Houses that Saturn Influences
House
Occupied
Opposite
House
Forward
Sextile
Backward
Square
1
7
3
10
2
8
4
11
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.
Third House: With Saturn's aspect on houses
5 and 12 ,and 9 by opposition, it influences faith, trust,
spirituality, travel, and spontaneity. The lessons of developing faith
and trust, letting go, and learning when to move forward are present. Be
careful of cultivating too much doubt and scepticism; try to keep your
mind both grounded and open.
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.
One's success and popularity may be delayed, and so it is important to cultivate trust in life.
Self-judgment is common in this position, as are feelings of isolation,
anxiety, and the inability to count on others. To overcome these
patterns, one must be ones own best ally, cheering themselves on, and
spending time with people who are supportive.
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.
Saturn here can indicate a variety of types of relationship issues:
delays or obstructions to forming relationships, being distant in
partnership or having distant partners, commitment issues, and fears and
doubts about ones social connections. Get help by participating in
socializing workshops or groups if you feel too inhibited, and carefully
choose a partner who is both trustworthy and spacious.
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.
Don't be self-martyring or too self-sacrificing, but at the same time
donating your time and efforts to serving others part time can be very
rewarding.
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.
Other Factors to Consider
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).
2. Saturn's strengths and weaknesses (dignity, directional strength,
retrogradation, vargottama, combustion, planetary war, etc. Again, I
highly recommend evaluating strength or weakness by sign using the
Sidereal Zodiac.)
3. The planets aspecting and with Saturn. (Including, of course, yogas.)
4. The transits, dasas, progressions, directions, etc. involving Saturn.
Conclusion
Saturn is a very powerful and significant influence in each person's
chart. It teaches us to accept our limitations, conquer our fears and
doubts, develop patience and right pacing, respect human and universal
laws, cultivate spiritual detachment, and realize right attitude.
As such, it is our greatest teacher, and once we align with its principles, it blesses us incredibly.
