The transit of Saturn over the natal Moon is one of the most difficult astrological transits, it is often overlooked by western astrologers in spite of its importance, and it is often overly feared in the Indian culture, this transit is referred to as “Sade Sati” in Vedic Astrology.
The Sade Sati period is the time when Saturn transits the sign before the Moon, the sign of the Moon, and the sign after the Moon, meaning: it is the transit of Saturn in the 12th, 1st and 2nd houses from the moon. For example, If your natal moon is in the sign of Gemini, the sade sati period will begin when transiting Saturn enters Taurus which is the sign before the moon, transits into Gemini which the sign of the moon, and finally transits cancer which is the sign after the moon.
Saturn spends almost two and a half years in one sign which makes the Sade Sati period 7.5 years long, however it is most intensely felt when Saturn is in the same sign with the moon.
Generally, when Saturn transits the sign before the moon it is a psychologically challenging time in terms of bringing out insecurities and weakness, when it transits the sign of the moon it brings material, concrete worldly challenges, and when it transits the sign after the moon it usually brings financial difficulties and distance from the family.
The Sade Sati period can be intensely felt if you happen to be running a Saturn/Moon or a Moon/Saturn dasa “planetary time cycle” while the Saturn transit to the moon is happening. If Saturn is a functional malefic planet in your chart, that can also make it a more difficult transit.
The situation of the moon will determine the ease of this period or the lack of it; we need to examine how well placed is the moon by its dignity, Shad Bala strength, aspects it receives, and its position in divisional charts.
If the natal moon is placed in the 6th, 8th, or 12th house, in Scorpio or Capricorn, the Sade Sati period can be particularly challenging. We need to also consider the house placement of the moon and the house it rules; because this will show the areas Saturn is going to cause difficulties to.
Now depending on where your moon is placed in the birth chart this will show what kind of challenges and experiences you may expect during your Sade Sati period, the areas you should pay more attention to and be more responsible for during this transit.
Moon in the 1st house: This can deal with the body in general, the ego, psychological complexes, difficulties fulfilling personal desires, issues with appetite.
Moon in the 2nd house: This can deal with security and contentment within the immediate family. This also shows issues with the face, mouth and throat and sense organs.
Moon in the 3rd house: This can deal with issues related to siblings, peers and servants.
Moon in the 4th house: This can show issues with the mother, emotional security and stability.
Moon in the 5th house: Difficulties with imagination, clear thinking, difficulties and doubts regarding your path and how to improve your life.
Moon in the 6th house: This can deal with health, physical maturation and development of the body, issues related to fluids in the body.
Moon in the 7th house: This shows challenges related to public relationships and popularity. This also deals with your capacity to relate well to others.
Moon in the 8th house: This can deal with your ability to be adaptable to crisis, if the moon is too difficult you can feel very overwhelmed by changes.
Moon in the 9th house: This can deal with the father and can show difficulties with his popularity. This can also deal with your fortune and character.
Moon in the 10th house: This can bring challenges to your professional popularity and public image.
Moon in the 11th house: This can show issues with popularity within groups and organizations.
Moon in the 12th house: This can show difficulties with proper sleep, resolving unconscious patterns and psychological complexes.
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