On May 23, Saturn entered its retrograde phase, which will last until October 11, 2021. Saturn’s retrograde motion will encourage a return to our past experiences, rethinking, mistake analysis, and deceleration. Retrograde Saturn has an impact on global, large-scale processes. The period of Saturn retrograde will affect social life, business, government institutions, and the functioning of large companies. Saturn Retrograde 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 activate, 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, the lessons it brings are usually associated with our inner self, wisdom, responsibility, and discipline.
Saturn In Vedic Astrology
In Vedic astrology, Saturn is ‘Lord of Karma’ and time. As ‘Lord of Karma’, he is often the most feared of planets. However, it 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, 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, and 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. Saturn teaches us to follow traditions and take responsibility for our actions. He is responsible for introversion, focus, truth, work, limitations, organization, democracy, fairness, and asceticism.
What To Expect From Saturn Retrograde 2021?
Saturn retrograde period started on May 23 and will last until October 11. During this period, Saturn will draw attention to such areas as work, career, and, in general, the scope of your activity. During this period, karmic situations are activated 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 a 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, government officials during this retrograde period.
Three Things To Keep In Mind
In order to spend the period of Saturn retrograde as harmoniously as possible, you need to remember the following:
#1: Saturn retrograde 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;
- develop 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, pessimism during Saturn retrograde. Pay attention to your emotions and learn to control them! 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 do not overwork. Also, pay attention to your stress levels. If you feel tired, make sure you take time to recharge yourself in nature, meditate, and do breathing exercises.
How Will Saturn Retrograde 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 Shravan Nakshatra
During this retrograde, Saturn is in Shravan Nakshatra which is a highly karmic position that usually causes pain, suffering, and turmoil in the world. Saturn’s retrograde effect in Shravan nakshatra intensifies and also takes more time to get over with.
If you look at the world events of the past, whenever Saturn was in Shravan nakshatra, there were problems at the national and global levels. There have been several wars, economic collapses, deaths of kings/rulers, deaths of large numbers of people, distress, and general instability. And now we will be feeling the influence of Shravan nakshatra until February 18th, 2022.
This nakshatra may force us to focus more on material aspects of life more than on our spiritual development. Material matters may become a priority for most people so that they may forget the true spiritual purpose in this life.
The lesson here is to remind yourself that material stability is important but we should always remember to influence everything we do with the spiritual beliefs and principles we follow in life. The goal here is to find a perfect balance between your material and spiritual life.
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 “OM SHANTI OM”
Conclusion
Though this Saturn retrograde 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 the period of Saturn retrograde in harmony and reap the positive benefits from the seeds you sowed.