Posted on: 10 Jun 2024
[Shri Jayesh Pandey asked: Pada Namaskaram Swami ji!, Does having Shani Dev as the Lord of the Ascendent (lagna) in an astrological chart mean good or bad?]
Swami replied:- Shani Dev is very good since he is the deity of spiritual knowledge (Jnaana kaaraka). The planet Saturn (Shani Dev) stands for Tamas, which stands for firm decision in implementing spiritual knowledge in practical life. During this implementation, the soul has to face a lot of severe difficulties and hence, Saturn is famous in giving difficulties. The planet Saturn is also highly materialistic to give a lot of materialistic benefits so that the soul will be vexed with happiness and turns towards the difficult spiritual effort. This is called giving salvation through excess materialistic pleasure (Bhogamoskshaprada). Saturn resembles God Datta and the difference is only that Saturn catches the soul for seven and half years whereas God Datta catches the soul till the soul gets salvation! Saturn is the Lord for two zodiac signs (Makara and Kumbha). The firm practical decision for Makara is the highest since Makara is crocodile. Shri Datta Swami is born in the zodiac sign of Makara whereas Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was born in the zodiac sign of Kumbha.
