Saturn’s transits at the sign level give an overview of a time frame of 2.5yrs. And Nakshatra level transit are used to analyse things for about 1yr. Navamsha arc or lunar mansion quarter or nakshatra pad level transit analysis narrows down his effects to 2-3month intervals. 

In the past one year from 18^th Feb 2022 till 15^th Mar 2023, Saturn in Dhanishtha Nakshatra (post here) caused intense events played out on the rhythm of the war drums /bheri. The dance of destruction which began in this period will continue for the next 10yrs or so (posts here and here). 

Now, Saturn will enter Shatataraka aka Shatabhisha nakshatra on 15^th Mar 2023 and will remain here till 6^th Apr 2024. He will briefly return to Dhanishtha, during 15^th Oct – 24^th Nov, as a part of his annual retrograde/ forward movement.

For analysing this Saturn in Shatataraka, do consider the broader picture. Saturn is aspecting Rahu with his intense 3^rd aspect. And Rahu and Saturn are holding Jupiter in a cruel scissor, Paapkartari yog, in his own watery Pisces. From Apr 2023, Jupiter (in a Guruchandal yog) will be aspected by Saturn. (If you have similar combinations in your birth chart, ie Saturn aspecting Rahu or Jupiter or Guruchandal then you must be especially alert.)

Shatataraka nakshatra lies completely within the Aquarius sign owned by Saturn. This lunar mansion is linked to Rahu and ruled by the devata/ deity Varun. A hundred faint stars make up this lunar mansion, Shata = ‘100’ Taraka = ‘small stars’ and Shata = ‘100’ bhishaka = ‘healers’. It is represented by a circle or an ox cart. This lunar mansion has a Vipra varna (post here). It is a Chara, ie a fast moving nakshatra (post here). It has the Ashva yoni (post here). It is of the Rakshas gan, ie it is prone to violence, confusion, harshness and unfeeling actions. It is an active nakshatra, faces upwards, ie under its influence events move fast with a tendency to ‘expand’. Shatabhisha indicates closely guarded secrets, intense occult, calculated deception, suspicions, coldness, deep healing, rigorous movements, rapid evolution, tight boundaries, strict enclosures, an infinite ability to hold, to protect, contained liquids, potential energy, powerful medicines, complete dissolution etc. 

During this transit, there will be an increase in deception and secrets of all types. Pragmatic decisions will be taken by the elected governments to safeguard the futures of the nations. These will not be pleasant decisions. And sudden, violent and harsh events will also occur. (The time when Saturn retrogrades and re-enters Dhanishtha will also be a trigger point for an escalation in the wars/riots etc.) The media will be active as a major disruptive element. Disinformation will be rampant as people in covert power will try to hold on to their positions by any means available. Do not get swayed by ‘popular opinion’ during this time. Wars will escalate, both the covert and overt ones, more fronts will open, physical, economic, legal etc, as boundaries will be challenged. Things will move very fast on the inside, and we will not be aware. There will be a harshness to things, unexpected twists and turns. Each one of us will face confusion, life/death situations etc and every one of us will be required to take one harsh decision at least to resolve these typical situations. Do take some time to think things over before deciding to act.

A tendency to lie and conceal real motives. Even friends and family members will hide their true intentions. You too will not share your innermost plans with anyone. Lack of trust, increase in suspiciousness and confusion will affect all activities. Disputes in the family and falling out with friends can cause stress. People will hold on to their narrow opinions, preconceptions etc, not wanting to accept other’s opinions so easily. Everyone will put barriers around themselves thus feel lonely, sad on the inside. Trusting anyone or anything at face value during this time is not advisable. Do not interfere with other’s issues or try to solve other’s disputes as this will boomerang on you. Learn to withdraw from things which do not concern you, a strategic retreat sometimes can be a good plan. 

An increase in laziness, absentmindedness, mental diseases, psychiatric problems, diseases of the nerves/brain, incorrect thought processes etc. Fears and unknown terrors will rise from the depths of the mind. Some of us will overcome these tests of the sookshma sharir/ subtle body and gain secret/ occult treasures. And some will succumb to the dangers hidden in the sea of their own subconscious. Keep an eye on your mental and physical health during this nakshatra transit. In the language of Ayurved, Vaat dosh issues are possible. Increase in addictions, self-destructive activities like promiscuity, drugs, hallucinogens, mind altering substances etc is possible. Lifestyle and diet can suffer. Be careful of who or what you accept into your life. People will be deluded, will act without thinking of the possible repercussions and later suffer alone. Finer emotions, eg love, will be put in the background and coldness, calculative behaviour, will dominate. Be careful if initiating new love relations during this time as there is a high possibility of grief later. Promises of contribution and support should also be viewed with due suspicion. A tendency to use brute force, harsh words etc and you might express your ambitions or your secret intentions at an inopportune moment. Or you will not think of the effect of your words/actions on others. Lashing out at unsuitable moments will cause you harm. Think before your speak and try to remain calm even under trying circumstances.

There will be a drop in human fertility, less number of children will be born. Generally children will suffer more in several ways. So pay attention to your children and their emotional, physical etc welfare during this period.

Saturn and Rahu influencing Shatataraka means that there will be several opportunities to break the rules for personal gain. If you cheat, take undue advantage of others etc ie take Rahu’s short cuts there will be immediate gains but in the long term Saturn will ensure a reckoning. Try to remain balanced, avoid extremes. If you have genuine well-wishers in your life then discuss with them before taking life changing decisions. Saturn in 0-20 deg Aquarius is transiting in his mooltrikon zone, powerful and at the core of things. He is neutral here, simply dishing out your fair desserts. Past karmic fruits will suddenly appear before you either to enjoy or to endure. Also remain aware of your decisions now, they will have future far reaching consequences. Karma is on a high. So use your free will. And think before committing yourself to any course of action.

Do try to increase your internal resources and mental strength. (If you are a student of the Vedanta, read the Upanishads, Bhagwat Gita. Try to solve the puzzle of existence.) Use this time to read books, learn new subjects, expand your mind, change your perspectives etc. Learn subjects like Math or Sanskrit, the Vedanga, Jyotish, Gandharvavidya etc. Train your mind to be logical and analytical, use your intelligence in new ways. You will enjoy these intellectual pursuits if you are sincere about them. Take up some spiritual practice, daily pujas etc, a daily routine will help. Otherwise you will feel depressed, pessimistic and lonely. (Especially so if you are in a Sade sati or Kantak Shani transit.) Traveling, especially to water bodies and water sports will be an enjoyable activity. Learning new skills, like driving, mechanical stuff, learning deep healing modalities like Reiki etc will be a good use of this energy. 

On the subtle level a re-set is underway, a deep healing for us and the world. Karmic healing is not a gentle process, a surgery always has pain, cuts, blood and an extended recovery. Saturn will perform a dispassionate surgery with the 100s of surgeons of Shatabhisha. The current economic system based on illusions will collapse, this will lead to pain on several levels for those who were enjoying its benefits at the expense of others. A new system will be gradually brought in place which will be fairer on those nations who actually have the resources. The legal system will also be overhauled, will be made fairer and transparent. Boundaries will be redrawn. The current society as a whole will also be replaced by a more Dharmic one, more aligned to the inherent nature of the human/universal soul. This will not be a peaceful change as the various groups who were enjoying the benefits earlier will protest.

There will be a separation from the safety nets of the family and friends. ‘Security’ will be challenged in so many ways. This Saturn in Shatabhisha is more suitable for activities which ‘end’ rather than the activities which ‘begin’.

As with every transit there is a mix of positives and negatives. 99% of us will move according the winds of time (prarabdha) as indicated by the transit. And 1% of us will have the courage (purushartha) to consciously make use of the energy. 

This transit will be good for people and professions related to electronics, energy, research and other intellectual pursuits, space, chemistry, army, media, literature, medicine, healing and lifestyle improvement professions, drugs (even illegal drugs), poisons, vehicles, travelling, education, philosophy, water, oil, etc. ie people who work alone and in secret, those who undertake personal risks, live in dangerous environments etc and are experts in subjects which require quickness, intelligence, hard work, analytical skills and personal courage. 

During this time try to bring these keywords into your life, ie secrets, focus, strategy, healing etc so that you can make maximum use of the time. eg, think of a personal objective for the next 1yr. Be realistic and true to yourself. What do you really want, what is your heart’s desire? Think. What is this desire based on your life philosophy and requires planning, strategy, thinking, logic and perseverance? Dedicate yourself to this goal. You have the necessary power within and will be able to achieve your desire using the power of Saturn in Shatataraka. The nakshatra devata Varun is the ruler of the subconscious mind. He is depicted riding a crocodile, ie he has the power to tame the dangerous tendencies lurking in the oceans of the subconscious mind and to harness these wild energies in a productive manner. So in your pursuit of your ambitions you have a chance to destroy the hidden inhibitions which have always caused trouble in your life. Resolve these subconscious issues and completely harness the power of your mind. 

To personalise the generic reading above,

Open your birth chart, and check which houses are controlled by Saturn. Whatever Saturn indicates in your life, there will be a material separation of this item or a material loss to your overall personality caused by this item during this Shatataraka transit. Depending on the individual charts, this separation/loss will be temporary or permanent. Whenever we predict a separation from a person, it is better to check the longevities, if the calculated lifespan is at an end then be alert.

• eg if he rules your 2^nd house then you will drain your resources or be separated from your family. Or your family will drain your resources.
• eg if he rules your 5^th house then separation from your children, a lack of creativity, a separation from your love partner etc.Or in some cases, the love of your life will cause you harm etc. He can make that you grow up from the illusion of a love affair and accept that he/she never really cared for your feelings at all.
• eg if he is connected to your 7^th house then he will separate you from your spouse, personal spiritual practice, deity or that one very special ‘mirror’. Or your spouse will separate from your spiritual practice etc. 

If you have any birth planets in Shatataraka nakshatra in your birth chart then this will be a testing time for you in the aspects of life represented by this planet. Saturn’s transit will force you to mature here, to accept reality and to give up all that was holding you back from your real path. You will face a slowing down, delay, frustration, restriction and loss here. You will have to face the reality that this planet represents. This will involve some practice/skill in interpretation so think for a bit before coming to a conclusion. Or during this period if something unexpected occurs in your life then see if you can link it to Shatataraka.

• Eg if your birth 4^th lord is in Shatataraka then you might be forced to grow out of ‘needy love’, take responsibility for your home, or sell your properties, loss of the mother/maternal figure etc. 
• Eg if your Ascendant lord lies in Shatataraka then there will be a permanent loss to your personality which will hit you deeply, changing you forever. Nature of the loss will depend on the planet in question. eg Mercury – sibling, Venus – loved one, Jupiter – husband/children etc.
• Eg 10^th lord in Shatataraka might indicate issues to/by the father, or challenges in the professional life.

You can also use the Janma navtara nakshatra chakra (refer to this post here) to get an overview of the results expected from Saturn’s transit in Shatataraka. If your birth Moon nakshatra is,

• Ashwini Magha Mula – Sadhaka
• Bharani Poorvaphalguni Poorvashadha – Pratyari
• Krutika Uttaraphalguni Uttarashadha – Kshema
• Rohini Hasta Shravan – Vipat
• Mruga Chitra Dhanishtha – Sampat
• Aradra Swati Shatataraka – Janma
• Punarvasu Vishakha Poorvabhadrapada – Ati Mitra
• Pushya Anuradha Uttarabhadrapada – Mitra
• Ashleysha Jeyshtha Revati – Naidhana 

If you are an advanced student then do use the Kota chakra (post here and here) for a more in-depth analysis of your Saturn in Shatabhisha. 

I wrote a detailed post here on predicting the results of transits of planets over the nakshatra pad/ lunar mansion quarters. Advanced students can try to predict the nakshatra quarter wise results using this.

As usual the remedies are Mantra and Daana. These will be more effective if you do some daily pujas/ spiritual practice. (Ref index page for more posts)

(I have used the dates from Drikpanchang)