Saturn Transit in Purva Ashadha

Purva Ashadha lies wholly in Sagittarius, Jupiter's sign, and Jupiter is neutral toward Saturn. Its lord Venus is Saturn's friend, which gives the stay some ease, and Apas, the waters, are the deity, with a fan and a winnowing basket as the symbols of a nakshatra that sifts. Muhurta Chintamani counts it among the fierce nakshatras, suited to work that requires force.

The name means the early victory, the one that cannot be undone. Invincibility, purification by water, persuasion, debate and the sifting of grain from chaff are the themes. Saturn winnows here. A victory built by years of quiet effort stands, and the thighs and the blood need care, and water taken regularly helps the body a great deal during this stay.

A stay runs about a year, and the retrograde usually divides it into two or three visits.

• Sade Sati: Capricorn, Sagittarius and Scorpio Moons, with Sagittarius in the middle phase.
• Kantaka: Virgo Moons, with Saturn in the fourth.
• Ashtama: Taurus Moons, with Saturn in the eighth.
• Favourable by Phaladeepika: Libra, Cancer and Aquarius Moons and lagnas, in the third, sixth and eleventh.

The transit separates conviction from stubbornness. Certainty that came from inquiry stands, and losing an argument with grace keeps every real victory intact through the whole of the stay.

Give water and respect water. Offer water to a Shiva linga daily, give sesame or oil on Saturday, and recite Om Sham Shanaishcharaya Namah. White cloth or rice given on Friday honours Venus, the nakshatra lord. Serve those who carry water or work in it, and keep the Saturday fast if health permits.