Shani (Saturn) Fast
Saturn in the natal chart shows the most challenging area of life, its aspect disturb its smooth flow, its conjunctions can influence planet negatively, its dashas are time to face karma and finally its transits make us deal with the reality of the situation. Saturn can also bring many positive things to us but most of us find Saturn a trying experience.
Saturn's transits to include sade sati and ashtama shani are the once that can be most difficult to handle. Doing remedies for Saturn are good for most people but essential for those who have difficult Saturn issues in their chart. Yuo will need to get your chart analysed professionally to know whether Saturn is positing a challenge to you.
The best remedial measure for Saturn is to fast for it.
Cancer, Leo and Virgo Moons are experincing Sade Sati at present. Leo Moon is in the most intense phase of the Sade Sati till 9th September. After that Virgo Moon will be in the most intense phase. Capricorn Moon are facing Ashtama Shani till 9 September and Aquarius Moon begin to face Ashtama Shani after that. From 9 September Saturn moves into Virgo and therefore Libra Moon will start to experience Sade Sati and Cancer Moon will finish Sade Sati. All these people would benefit from Saturn Fast.
Saturn Fast always begins in the month of Shravana which takes places usually in July/ Aug when the full Moon is in shravana nakshatra. The fast should begin on the 1st Saturday after the new Moon in Cancer and last for 16 weeks.
The day to fast is Saturday for 16 Consecutive Saturdays from 25 July to 7 Nov 2009. These dates will change annually as the fast begins on different days according to the New Moon.
The fast begins on sunrise on Saturday.
You begin the day with a shower or bath. Then sit in meditation and do prayer and mantra to Saturn. Ask for his blessings. It is not a good idea for ask for something specific as Shani may want to give you more than you are asking for. but if you do have something you are worried about , you could ask for that.
Two important mantras for Saturn are:
Shani Mantra
Om Nilanajana Samabhasam, Ravi putram Yamagrajam
Chhaya Martanda Sambhutham, Tam Namami Shanischaram
Maha Mritunjaya Mantra for Shiva - excellent for Shani as well
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sughandim Pushti Vardhanam
Urvarukmive bandhanan Mrityo mokshiya Ma amritat
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om
The mantras should be chanted once, thrice or 108 times on the day.
How to Fast
Fast from Sunrise Saturday to Sunrise Sunday for 16 consequetive weeks. During this time, you can choose to do half a fast or full fast.
Half Shani Fast - during daylight you should not eat anything. just water, fruit or juice if needed. Eat a simple vegetarian meal in the evening ( no meat, fish, eggs, chicken, grains, salt) after Sunset. No alcohol.
Full Shani fast- no food from Saturday sunrise to Sunday sunrise. water, fruit can be taken - nothing else.
if you are unable to the fast you can still keep Saturday Sacred - eat pure vegetarian and avoid alcohol.
Also when fasting do it with full faith. If you resent the fast, it will have no impact. Do not be angry or have negative thoughts during the fast.
— Komilla Sutton
