Sade Sathi: What to do every day to ease Shani (Saturn)’s influence

The Sade Sathi, or the transit of Saturn (Shani) over the natal Moon for about seven and half years, is often associated with delays, tests and profound life lessons for many of the followers of Vedic Astrology. Astrologers say this isn’t necessarily a bad phase, but one that is generally thought to require discipline, patience and karmic responsibility. There are many traditions that suggest a number of daily rituals to help people move through this time with greater stability and resilience.The Moon sign Saturn starts when it passes through the Moon sign and ends when it leaves the sign that follows it. This is the start of Sade Sathi. It is said to impact emotional health, career, money and relationships. But, as the astrologers say, Saturn is a teacher, not a taskmaster. The results of this period are thought to be mainly determined by one’s actions, integrity and attitude.1. Morning discipline It is said to have the benefits of getting up early morning before sunrise during Sade Sathi. Saturn is all about responsibility, order and consistency so a structured routine is the way to go. Simple things like taking bath early, keeping oneself clean and starting the day with a purpose are said to help in lowering mental stress and improving concentration.2. Lighting a lamp to SaturnWorshipping Shani Dev is one of the commonly followed remedies. On Saturdays devotees chant Shani mantras and light sesame oil lamps. Regular worship is believed to give emotional strength, reduce fear and promote acceptance of life’s challenges.3. Service and charity Sade Sathi is considered as a time of charity and good deeds. It is believed that you can pay off karmic debts by donating food, clothes or other essentials, especially to the poor. Some traditions associate Saturn with humility and service, so feeding the poor, helping the elderly or assisting those in need fits into that.4. Feeding animals Saturn is commonly linked to the ritual of feeding crows, dogs or other animals. People think that giving food, especially on Saturdays, is a symbolic way of pacifying the cosmic energies. It is a simple but powerful daily or weekly practice for many of its followers. 5. Meditations and prayersChanting of mantras of shani dev or doing meditation can calm down the mind during extreme emotional phases. Some of the popular mantras are ‘ Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah’ , this is chanted on a daily basis to develop patience and inner strength. 6. Kick bad habits Sade Sathi is considered a period of self-correction. Don't be lazy, don't be honest and have bad habits. Ethical living, accountability and discipline can greatly reduce the intensity of Saturn's lessons, say astrologers. 7. Solid colors or dark Some traditions advise that dark colours, like black or navy, are worn, especially on Saturday, as those colours are associated with Saturn. These practices are largely symbolic, but are thought to help you get more in sync with the planetary energies.It’s time to change, not to be afraid Sade Sathi is dreaded but now more and more it is viewed as a period of transformation and not ill-fortune. Many astrologers say this is a time when one can achieve maturity, career progress and lasting stability, if one is willing to accept discipline and responsibility. Sade Sathi’s daily rituals are not superstition, but more about creating structure, humility and mindfulness into daily life. The energy of Saturn calls for reflection and responsibility, and those practices provide a structure for moving through difficulty and emerging on the other side more powerful.