On June 4th, Saturn entered its retrograde phase, which will last until October 23rd, 2022. Saturn’s retrograde motion will encourage a return to our past experiences, rethinking, mistake analysis, and deceleration. Also, let’s not forget that Saturn retrograde impacts global, large-scale processes. This Saturn motion will affect social life, business, government institutions, and the functioning of large companies. It often provokes a reorganization of structures, orders, rules, and a rethinking of goals and strategies.
In this article, I will share with you how Saturn retrograde will affect us, what karmic lessons this period can bring, and how we can soften the impact of this period on our lives.
Saturn Retrograde: What Does It Mean?
Like any other retrograde period, this is the time when Saturn is moving backward. Of course, the planet isn’t actually moving backward! It’s just that Earth’s position relative to Saturn makes the planet look like it’s moving backward. From an astrological point of view, this is an important event, since retrograde periods bring lessons and challenges in the spheres that the planet controls. In the case of Saturn, its lessons are usually associated with our inner self, wisdom, responsibility, and discipline.
Saturn In Vedic Astrology
In Vedic astrology, Saturn is the Lord of Karma and time. As the Lord of Karma, Saturn is often the most feared of all planets. However, Saturn doesn’t punish you for your “bad actions”, but rather gives you the ‘harvest’ from the ‘seeds’ you planted yourself. If you planted the seeds of love, compassion, self-discipline, and spiritual dedication, then you will reap only positive results of such actions. But if you planted the seeds of judgment, anger, cruelty, addiction to pleasure, or material possessions, then you will reap the negative consequences of such actions. Saturn always makes sure that we reap what we sow.
Shani (Saturn) is considered the greatest of teachers. His methods are not particularly gentle, but they teach discipline, restraint, concentration, and economy. He teaches us to follow traditions and take responsibility for our actions. Shani is responsible for introversion, focus, truth, work, limitations, organization, democracy, fairness, and asceticism.
What To Expect From Saturn Retrograde 2022?
Saturn’s retrograde period started on June 4th and will last until October 23rd, 2022.
- From June 5th till July 12th, Saturn moves retrograde through the constellation of Aquarius.
- From July 12th until the end of the retro cycle (October 23rd), the planet moves through the constellation of Capricorn.
During this period, Saturn will draw our attention to such areas as work, career, and, in general, the scope of our activity. During this period, we will face karmic situations that require patience and the right focus. Instead of feeling frustrated that things are not going the way you want, look at challenging situations from a karmic lesson perspective. Remind yourself that you might be paying a karmic debt or learning a karmic lesson. Take any challenges with gratitude.
Saturn, as the planet responsible for living practical experience, helps us to accumulate the necessary knowledge and skills for the formation of our personality and teaches us to realize our life goals in the best possible way.
There may be tension in relations with elderly relatives or superiors, and government officials during this retrograde period.
Three Things To Keep In Mind
In order to live through the period of Saturn retrograde harmoniously and peacefully, always keep in mind the following:
#1: Saturn retrograde 2022 teaches us responsibility, perseverance, restraint, compliance with the rules, seriousness, and control
Therefore, during this time, it is favorable:
- take on what you have been putting off for a long time and bring it to the end;
- review your plans and adjust them;
- to sum up the results;
- work on your self-discipline;
- fast or eat only vegan food on Saturdays;
- think through everything to the smallest detail before taking action.
#2: Be prepared for the fact that you will be thrown from one extreme to another
Therefore, try to analyze your behavior and things that trigger your emotions. Many people may experience anxiety, worries, fears, and pessimism during Saturn retrograde. Pay attention to your emotions and learn to take them under control before they start controlling your life. Daily meditations and pranayama will help you to balance your mood and emotions.
#3: Pay attention to your health
Problems can be associated with exhaustion of the body. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of your capabilities and not overwork. Also, pay attention to your stress levels. If you feel tired, make sure you take time to recharge yourself by spending more time close to nature, meditating, and doing breathing exercises (pranayama).
How Will Saturn Retrograde 2022 Affect Our Health?
During this period, there may be an imbalance of Vata dosha (dry skin, allergic reactions, dry joints, respiratory problems). People may experience the following health problems provoked by Saturn:
- Injuries to the knee joints
- Increased acidity
- Skin diseases
- Dental problems
- Respiratory system problems
- Herpes
- Problems with blood vessels
People who are prone to arthritis should take precautions, as, during the retrograde period, a chronic inflammatory process is possible. The same recommendations are relevant for chronic diseases of the liver and gallbladder.
Saturn in Dhanistha Nakshatra
During this retrograde, Saturn is in Dhanistha Nakshatra which is a Mars-ruled nakshatra that has symbology associated with the damaru (drum) or flute. The energy of this nakshatra is much like the pied-piper merrily leading his entourage under its melodious spell. A drum and flute are hollow, therefore, words you hear during this time may actually be empty and hold little truth behind them.
You may see people in leadership positions giving promising speeches that will make people feel more secure and hopeful about the future, however, Dhanista nakshatra brings the energy of the manipulative spell, which means that these speeches, may actually be empty as a hollow flute. Now is a good time to practice discernment with people in leadership positions. Use your own independent judgment before making any decision. During this time, you may hear a lot of promises that are ‘too good to be true’. Use your common sense and logic to analyze what you hear.
Dhanista nakshatra may cause weakness of the lower back, liver, and urinary tract, thrombosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis of the knees and ankles, neurosis, injury to the shins, and the fracturing of leg bones.
Recommendations For Saturn Retrograde 2021
#1: Refrain From Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol is not only bad for your health but also angers Shani Dev (Lord of Karma/Saturn). Therefore, it’s essential to refrain from drinking alcohol during the retrograde period, especially on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Also, avoid smoking and using any kinds of drugs or plants that affect your consciousness. All these habits add to your negative karma.
#2: Wear Black on Saturdays
On Saturdays, it is recommended to wear black or dark clothes.
#3: Chant Mantras
There are two mantras that are recommended to be chanted during the Saturn Retrograde period. You can choose one that you resonate with the most or chant both of them. Chant these mantras on Saturdays 108 times.
Mantra #1: “OM SHAM SHANICHARAYA NAMAHA”
Mantra #2: “OM SHANTI OM”
Conclusion
Though Saturn retrograde 2022 may seem like a challenging time for many, try to keep your focus on positive things. Observe the world events with a peaceful mind and trust the process. Remember that Saturn encourages humility, patience, the ability to wait, contemplation, a willingness to accept any outcome of the situation, asceticism, and modesty. Nurturing these qualities within yourself will help you to live through this period of Saturn retrograde in harmony and reap the positive benefits from the seeds you sowed.