The Saturn Rahu Conjunction

Photo courtesy of G.D. Cloyd
Photo courtesy of G.D. Cloyd

A highly anticipated and somewhat dreaded event in Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, is about to take place this week.  It’s the Saturn Rahu conjunction in Libra in Vedic astrology. Saturn is considered the greatest malefic or the planet which causes us to experience circumstances which we deem undesirable. Rahu is the north node and it is associated with desire, ambition, drive, suddenness, and the unseen.  Libra is the house of partnership – both personal and professional. While the scales of Libra are associated with balance, that’s going to a difficult state to achieve at this time.

As Saturn and Rahu inch closer to each other, we can see how their conjunction has already had a dramatic impact in world events over the past few weeks and months. There has been international strife, national disasters, violent crimes,  and a great deal of political tension and upheaval.  There’s even recently been talk of a government shutdown in the U.S.

Saturn is currently exalted, or at the peak of its strength, in Libra.  That makes it an even more virulent malefic, which can wreck havoc. Rahu adds the factor of the unexpected and unseen. And the presence of the Saturn Rahu conjunction in Svati nakshatra (constellation) can cause events to scatter, disperse and be inherently unstable to situations. The influence of a debilitated Mars in secretive Ashelsha nakshatra adds another element of intensity. Ashelsha is also connoted with accidents occurring with out of the blue. A debilitated planet works extra hard to achieve its results so Mars brings more fire to the situation. The Saturn/Mars combination creates a relentless push to accomplish an objective.

Adding some stability to the situation are the two great benefics Venus and Jupiter.  Venus is the ruler of Libra and its presence in its own home helps protect matters related to whatever Libra signifies in your personal chart (which is dependent on your rising sign).  Venus is in the focused and driven Vishakha nakshatra, which seeks victory in all matters. Venus does so in a harmonious way, given its conciliatory nature.  Jupiter in protective and spiritual Punarvasu nakshatra also can pacify virulent outbreaks with its good counsel. Yet, Venus and Jupiter can not completely overcome the influence of Saturn, Rahu, Ketu, and Mars onto Libra.

The exact Saturn Rahu conjunction in Libra happens 9/25/13 at 3:30 AM PST. Saturn and Rahu separate by more than one degree on 10/1/13 at 2 PM PST. The next day, Venus moves into Scorpio. This move ends the Kala Sarpa Yoga which has been occurring for months.  Mars comes out of debilitation on 10/5/13, which should lessen the  planetary intensity greatly.

Historical events with the Saturn Rahu conjunction are examined in the next blog. With the upcoming conjunction, events can come to a head. It’s a time to be vigilant with oneself and one’s interactions. Don’t begin new ventures. Be mindful with your thoughts, words, and deeds. Resist the temptation to argue or become involved in confrontational situations.  Partnerships may be greatly impacted.  You may feel the urge to take out your frustrations on your romantic or business partner. Do not make any decisions that will have long ranging impacts on your relationships.  If fear and anxiety arise, keep in mind that it’s a temporary phenomenon and shall pass. Specific signs may be more impacted than others. Cancer, Libra, Scorpio, and Pisces ascendants need to be extremely mindful, as do those with a Virgo, Libra or Scorpio Moon in Vedic astrology.

Engage in spiritual practices and charitable acts.  Be selfless, rather than selfish.  Be flexible in your outlook.  Don’t make hasty decisions. Be patient and realize that this is an intense period and many are experiencing difficulty during this time. Saturn teaches us our greatest life lessons. Thus, it’s an ideal time for transformation and self-reflection.

Recent Comments

  • September 24, 2013 at 3:48 pm

    Thank you, as always Madhavi. It is always fascinating to watch personal and global events through the lens of Jyotish, though currently sad to see so much warfare and violence. In our own lives recently, Venus and Jupiter have been godsends! Thanks and love to you.

  • http://Sumitra

    September 24, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    Hi Madhavi,
    I am wondering why your dates are different from another jyothish?
    James Kelleher dated the exact conjunction of Saturn/Rahu on Sept. 17, 2013 and to take special care with 21 days preceding and after that date.
    I am confused?
    Thank you.
    Sumitra

    • September 24, 2013 at 6:36 pm

      I utilize the mean nodes, not the true nodes in calculating Rahu/ Ketu placements. Since the nodes are unseen, it’s hard to know exactly where they are at any time. It may also be a different dasha system that others are using or software program. I’m using Vimshottari dasha and Lahiri ayanamsha and Shri Jyoti Star software.

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