Saturn Mahadasha: 19 Years of Shani

Shani, Saturn, is held to be the lowest of the planets, but when well placed it brings you fame and success. Its mahadasha, a major period of constant length, extends over nineteen years. In the vimshottari order it comes in sixth position, after Guru and before Budha, and it is the first period of life if the natal Moon occupies Pushya, Anuradha or Uttara Bhadrapada. The antardashas, sub-periods handed to a second planet, each shade its tone.

Saturn supports the period in two situations. The first: exalted, in its own sign, in moolatrikona or in a friendly sign, in houses 3 or 11. The second: joined or aspected by a benefic, in a kendra, in a trikona, or else in the signs Dhanu and Mina. This brings recognition, renown, success in study and a position of command. In house 6, 8 or 12, fallen into debilitation or combust, Saturn shows the opposite side: disgrace with those in power, separation from the father. The Lagna adds its role: for Vrishabha and Tula, Saturn is yogakaraka, and the period is very favorable there provided it is well placed and unafflicted.

Shani can also sharpen flaws of character: jealousy, anger, a scattered mind, laziness, sorrow, the feeling of being ordered about by your own relatives. The good side of this tendency is power over a hamlet, a village or a city, a source of renown. In this case, the length and the sequence of periods do not follow the vimshottari: they derive from another calculation, with the strongest planet first.

The drekkana rule, which looks at the third of a sign Saturn occupies, fixes the timing of effects: beginning, middle or end, in reverse order if it is retrograde.

To read about the graha itself, open the Shani guide.