The Vedic samvatsara Shubhakruti started on 2^nd Apr 2022 and will continue till 21^st Mar 2023. There were very typical transits in this year so I had divided the yearly predictions into three posts (phase 1 and phase 2.) This last phase starts on 17^th Jan 2023 when Saturn enters his own Aquarius. During this time the major energy is Saturn in Aquarius. He will go briefly combust from 5^th Feb – 14^th Mar. Jupiter will be in Pisces till 22^nd Apr. And Rahu in Aries and Ketu in Libra till 29^th Nov. 

The transit of Sun into Capricorn is called Makar Sankranti. The Sun appears in different forms in each of the 12 signs of the zodiac, the twelve Aditya. The Sun in Capricorn sign is called Bhaga Aditya, the luck, fortune, prosperity etc. Makar rashi represents rules, structure, social and professional life, the father etc, it is located at the zenith of the natural zodiac. The regal individualistic Surya will be entering in the house of his son Shani on 14^th Jan 2023 at 20:57. And within a day, Saturn will be re-entering Aquarius bringing about even more significant changes.

First, in brief the results of the Makar Sankranti.

Sun’s transit into Capricorn will be celebrated on 15^th Jan 2023. The general auspicious time/muhurt, Punyakaal, for  the Makar Sankranti pujas is from 07:10am to 6:02 pm. And the highly auspicious time, ie Mahapunyakaal is only from 7:10 – 8:59am. Everyone is required to do some pujas during this time frame. Ideally, get up before sunrise, get fresh, apply sesame oil to the body and have a bath. Get ready for pujas. Start with the Agnihotra, give Arghya to the newly risen Sun, do your daily pujas, Dhyan, Sandhyavandanam or recite the Gayatri, Adityahrudaya stotra, or any other mantra which you practice. This will channelise the energy of the Mahapunyakaal into your life. Then go to a nearby temple, offer sweets made of white sesame and jaggery to the deity and pray for the wellbeing of yourself, your family and also for everyone in the universe.

Next, let’s briefly see the predictions for Makar Sankranti 2023. If you open any standard Panchangam, you will get a detailed description of the Makar Sankranti Purush. For the current year, his name is Rakshashi, he is young, wearing yellow clothes, riding a tiger, wielding a mace as a weapon, holding jasmine flowers, eating sweet rice from a silver bowl, facing south, etc. These terms are used to interpret the results of this Makar Sankranti. The name Rakshasi, means that this transit will create confusion, indecisiveness, hatred, selfishness, etc general tamasic sort of mindset in everyone. Everyone will feel anxious and afraid of something on the other which will make them act in adharmic, illegal, immoral and unethical ways. People will try to get their desires satisfied at any cost, which will have an extended negative karmic effect. Violence, turbulence, destruction etc will increase. He is riding a tiger, wielding a mace, indicating an increase in force, violence and cruelty. The elected governments all over the world will become strict and the authorities will enforce its power to control public unrest and civil issues which will erupt sporadically. The youth will suffer more, there will be an increase in stress, sickness, deaths etc in this age class. Prices and availability of metals, sugar, rice and other food crops will fluctuate. Weather will be hotter and this year summer will be hot, rains will be lesser and there is a real possibility of drought and its impact on agriculture.

Now let’s briefly analyse the results of Saturn re-entering Aquarius.

Saturn becomes very comfortable and powerful when he occupies his own Mooltrikon sign, Aquarius. And he is in the Dhanishta nakshatra, the lunar mansion represented by war drums. He had already entered Aquarius last year but had returned to Capricorn retrograde for about 5months. Now he is back with a bang. Jupiter though in his own Pisces, is now severely hemmed in between two cruel planets/ kroor graha. This is a paap kartari, ‘malefic scissor’ yog. Saturn and Rahu will not allow Jupiter to express his auspiciousness fully. Next Jupiter will move into Aries in Apr 2023. He will be conjunct Rahu and create a Guru chandal yog till Nov 2023. Thus, for practically the entire 2023, Jupiter will be unable to give his expected good results, there will be inauspiciousness. This is a very critical point when you analyse Jupiter this year. Jupiter is the Jivkarak, ie he helps us sustain life on this earth with auspiciousness. If he is unable to exert his full power then it will have repercussions on health, wealth, food, peace etc all the things needed for a fulfilling life. The ‘Shubh’ auspiciousness will be missing. For those who were enjoying Jupiter’s auspiciousness in this past 2nd phase, especially after Nov 2022, be ready for a change in fortunes. I always look at Jupiter very critically. Even if he is benefic for the chart, he is always should be given a second critical look. The misfortunes that he triggers are the ones which seem manageable initially but are devastating later. (The best example for this Jupiter’s tendency is the diabetes disease). Rahu is comfortable in Aries and he finds the energies of this marital sign a good channel to express his typical ‘I want it all’ nature. A major worrying point is that Saturn in Aquarius is aspecting Aries with his third aspect. His aspect on Rahu is called Shapit dosh which gives cruel results. And post Apr 2023 he will be aspecting a conjoint Jupiter-Rahu! creating several typical situations. (The extra aspects for Mars, Jupiter, Saturn are more severe than their regular 7-7 mutual aspects.)

The following readings are primarily as per your Moon sign. Karmaphal, ie the fruits of your past actions are dependant on the Moon for their fructification. But if your ascendant sign is stronger, then you can see the results counted from this sign too. These results are valid from Saturn’s entry into Aquarius till Jupiter’s exit from Pisces, ie from mid-Jan 2023 to Apr 2023.

Aries – Saturn in Aquarius is very favourable for you, and if you have a strong Saturn in your birth chart then you life will significantly change for the better. Jupiter is average so do some regular spiritual practice to channelise his energies. Rahu is in Aries, aspected by Saturn so you will feel a curious mix of aggression and suppression. Ketu will separate you from your partners and cause unexpected loss of money. Do not engage in extramarital affairs or do not marry randomly during this time. Health will improve, but try to adopt holistic lifestyle changes in addition to medicines. Tension in profession will go down. Better job prospects, increase in salary etc is possible. Family life will improve and you will feel more settled. This is a good time so you can try new projects, new investments and take some calculated risks. You might be afflicted by undiagnosable issues and often a victim of ‘black magic’, evil eye and negative intentions. Parents may require your attention. But overall it will be a good time.

Taurus – Saturn is poised to increase your work pressures and your social activities. Your father will require your attention. Jupiter is favourable will help you consolidate your gains. But still as he is in the paap kartari do not trust others unless you are sure. Ketu is favourable and will scatter your enemies and diseases. During this time, you will be given a lot of work but you will be able to deliver. You will be able to effectively counter gossip and office politics. Money flow, positivity will increase, better job options, etc are all possible. Buying new assets and long time investments can be considered. But on the flip side, you will have little time to rest, you will be travelling a lot, separation from family/children is possible. So pay attention to you diet, health and rest. Overall time is on your side so use it intelligently. And remember that daily pujas are necessary, else 10^th Shani has the capacity to cause negativity in the profession, fear and mental stress. Rahu is not favourable, you will be a victim of malicious gossip, evil eye and unexpected losses. Do mantra and daana to get over this. Overall it will be an average to good time.

(However if your ascendant is Taurus and birth Saturn is well placed, then this time can grant you significant success in your professional life.)

Gemini – Your Ashtam Shani phase is done with and Saturn in Aquarius is poised to add some auspiciousness to your life. Jupiter is average but still be careful about whom you trust, do not be unnecessarily hopeful about things. Be logical and try to think systematically. If the birth chart/Dasha is favourable, Rahu can be intelligently utilised in the profession to give gains and Ketu’s lack of confidence can also be controlled by behavioural changes. Do pujas of your Kuldevata, listen to your Guru and give tarpan to ancestors, this will ensure Saturn’s continuous support. Do not lose faith or turn atheist, this will add to your problems. In this time frame, you will show steady signs of recovery, health will improve. problems with the reproductive organs will come to light and be addressed. You will reconcile with what has happened to you in the past 2.5yrs, problems will slightly reduce. Your profession will be more in the limelight, work will increase, you will be more visible in your office, more assignments will be given, you will be recognised for your abilities. Finances will also slowly improve, your past investments will give you returns. You will receive help from unexpected sources. Budgeting is necessary but new investments can be done if you are sure about things. Demise of a close elderly family member is possible in this time frame. Your outlook towards life will change and you will be more perceptive and intellectually more in control over your mind. Overall this will be an average to good time.

Cancer – The Capricorn Kantak Shani phase is complete but now in Aquarius your Ashtama Shani starts. Jupiter is favourable in the 9^th house but he is hemmed in by Rahu and Saturn, thus incapable of giving auspicious results. Rahu is going to create pressures in your profession and Ketu will cause disturbance in your home life, rest, diet etc. Health should now be your primary focus. There is a possibility of blood diseases, serious surgery, problems in the reproductive/private organs, major accidents etc. Be especially careful if the judged longevity is nearing its end. Try to get enough rest, nutrition and mental peace. There will be fear of unknown things, loss of property, bad luck, etc. There will be failures and disappointments in the projects that you take up. Your spouse and in-laws will be a source of strain, do not get involved. You will face legal issues and be unable to defend yourself. Avoid involvement in other’s problems, avoid giving advice and do not follow to other’s advice unless you are sure. Do not do anything that is against your personal self-interest just because you are influenced by others. Do not trust others. Family and friends will misguide. Be very careful of any new people who enter your life at this point of time. If you are of a spiritual bent of mind then spiritual progress is guaranteed. But for the materialistic mind it is going to be a very trying time. Be prepared.

Leo – Saturn was favourable for you in Capricorn but now in Aquarius he enters your 7^th house and this is called a thorny Kantak Shani. Your partnerships will be primarily affected. Spouse, marriage, business partner, profits will start stressing you out. Health can suffer so take due care if you or your spouse are nearing the end of the calculated longevity. Legal issues are possible. Not a good time for new projects. Unnecessary travel and tiredness will make you irritable. Undesirable transfers or change in job is possible. Also you will not get time for your personal spiritual practice which will aggravate the issues. Unexpected loss of money is possible. Avoid unethical actions at all costs as immoral people will try to sway you during this period. Ketu is favourable so if you have a strong birth Ketu he will grant you the necessary strength to handle issues. Skin diseases should be addressed immediately. Jupiter is not favourable and you will suffer diseases of the private parts and humiliation/ pain in secret. However if Rahu is favourable for your chart then pujas, pilgrimages and occult practices can help you tide over. This will be an average to bad time.

Virgo – Saturn is very favourable. Jupiter is favourable but unable to give his full auspicious results because of the paap kartari yog. Rahu and Ketu are not favourable. If you have a powerful Saturn in your birth chart or are in a strong Dasha now then this will be a very good time, use it well. There will be growth on all levels, health will be good, partnerships will give you gain. This is a good time to start new projects, plan a baby, invest etc. There will be professional success, increase in salary, business will expand, profits will be high etc till Apr 2023 after which Jupiter will turn negative. So right now be very analytical of the gifts that Jupiter brings. Saturn is very favourable and he will help you in this matter. You can go full on ahead in matters indicated by Saturn in your chart. One point is that you will feel like taking advantage of others by hiding your true intentions, do not do this as this will result in bad karmaphal later. Jupiter is not auspicious so the opportunities he brings will be tinged with unpleasantness which will increase with time. Avoid being influenced by the teacher, parents and spouse. And if Rahu Ketu are more powerful in your chart then be very careful regarding your family members, in-laws as there is a possibility of being cheated here. Eg in case you are considering marriage proposals during this time then your family members or prospective in laws will hide some crucial facts from you. You will suffer some permanent damage or separation from your family during this period. Diseases of the mouth are possible. But overall this will be an average time.

Libra – Saturn in Aquarius will give some improvement. But Jupiter, Rahu and Ketu are not favourable for you. Personal health, relationships, marriage, profession, investments all will give you stress. Pay attention to your spouse and children and their health during this time. Avoid extramarital affairs. Do not trust people around you as there is a possibility of backbiting and jealousy causing you damage. Do take up some regular vrat during this time, eg fasting once a week or something like that. This will satisfy Saturn and you will also get some significant spiritual progress. Ketu will either cause damage on the physical level, eg skin diseases or grant you significant spiritual progress. Either way Ketu’s is a life changing transit.  Overall it will be an average to bad time.

However if your ascendant sign is Libra and birth Saturn is well placed, then this time can grant you mantra siddhi and the fruit of your past sadhana /efforts on the spiritual as well as material levels.

Scorpio – Kantak Saturn transiting over your fourth house is a ‘thorny’ situation. Jupiter in Pisces and Rahu in Aries are favourable for you so try to consolidate while they are helpful. You will be required to work hard and sincerely during this period. You will be overburdened by your professional commitments and stressed out. Fear and anxiety will dominate your mind. Do not cheat others even if you feel inclined to, because such activities will rebound on you. Rahu will encourage you to dabble in black magic, backbiting etc. Health will start going downhill as diet and rest will be affected. Kantak Shani will also start disrupting your family life. Expect problems in your family, as residence, mother, ancestral properties etc start causing issues. Avoid short term flings and extramarital affairs. Money flow will be good but Ketu in Libra is not supportive for accumulating gains, whatever you get will be immediately scattered. This is not a good time for risky investments. Spiritual gains are possible for those with a spiritual bent of mind. Overall it will be an average to bad time for the materialistic mind.

Sagittarius – finally the Sade sati is at an end and Saturn now in the 3^rd is willing to help you in your endeavours. Jupiter is supportive and Rahu will help you gain confidence. But Rahu will cause overconfidence so keep your common sense about you. If you have a strong birth chart/ongoing Dasha then this time will give you very significant gains in health, profession, family life, finances, etc. Finally you can take up new projects, calculated risks and be enthusiastic about life. You will travel, attend happy events, festivals, etc. Success and happiness is possible. But even if situations are favourable they may or may not be auspicious in the long run so do think on the consequences before committing yourself. Do use your common sense in all things. Jupiter in the paap kartari yog indicates that there will be hidden unpleasantness which can pop up in unexpected ways. Overall this will be a good time.

Capricorn – The third phase of the Sade sati now begins for you. Saturn’s negative intensity should reduce to some extent. But Rahu and Jupiter both are not favourable. So the overall stress on health, relationships, profession etc will continue and may increase. This is not the right time for investments, risky speculation, gambling or starting new projects. Loss of money, position and peace is possible. You must take up some pujas or daily Dhyan so that you can find some peace within you, else your mind will get stressed out. Do not get involved in other’s business as this will invite trouble for you. Avoid risks and speculation. Try to stick to the ethical and moral path. Overall an average to bad time.

Aquarius – Saturn is transiting over your birth Moon and the middle phase of the Sade sati has begun. However the time till Jupiter is in Pisces ie till Apr is somewhat favourable. Rahu is favourable so there will be a mix of results. There will be positive effects on your health, money flow, family, profession etc. You can also consider investments during this time. However speculate in the stock market only if you are clear about things. Use this time to work hard and get your affairs in shape, do not leave any loose ends. (Rahu will remain supportive till Nov.)  But overall the middle phase of the Sade sati is tiring and stressful. So take care of your health, ensure adequate rest and proper diet. Do not get involved in other’s affairs, keep a low profile. Do not misguide others or force your opinions on them. Family and friends will also be a source of stress. Perform your duties the best you can. Take up some daily spiritual practice so that your mind can recover. If you can find an inner core of strength then things will be more bearable. Depending on others inevitably brings in disappointments in the long run.  Overall an average time.

Pisces – You had a supportive Saturn in Capricorn but now he is in Aquarius, thus your Sade sati has begun. In his next transits through Aquarius, Pisces and Aries, you will be forced to mature in several ways. Navigating this time will be easier if you have a strong birth chart and a favourable Dasha ongoing. The time frame till Apr 2023 ie till Jupiter in Pisces will be disappointing. Saturn, Jupiter, Rahu and Ketu are all in unfavourable positions. Personal health, partnership, family matters, money flow, budgeting, investments, profession, office politics, etc everything will be a source of stress. Avoid investments, speculations, disputes, legal issues, conflicts etc as you will be on the receiving end even if the fault is not yours. The mind will be under stress and the body will also feel weak. The environment will not be supportive. You have had a very good time in the past Saturn in Capricorn transit and hopefully have accumulated enough resources to tide through the 7.5yrs of the Sade sati. Overall this will be an average to bad time. 

In rare cases, especially with Taurus or Libra ascendants if you have a very strong birth chart then the Sade sati can also push you into public life where you will be required to work hard for social and general welfare. But if you have a weak birth chart or are in a unfavourable Dasha then be extremely careful, this is the start of 7.5yrs of growing up. Be prepared. 

As usual there are only two ways to reduce the impact of the planetary transits. Targeted Mantra and Daana. (ref to the index page for more posts on this) If you are already doing your daily pujas and regular spiritual practice then the transits become even more easier to handle as you can more easily adapt your mind or take up behavioural changes which help reducing the impact. However completely eliminating the effects is impossible. These results are all the results of your own past karma so will have to be endured /enjoyed. The remedial effects can only reduce the intensity of the impact, eg if you were to fracture your ankle then with the remedies you might get away with a minor sprain. The maximum reduction in intensity is when you suffer the negativity in your dream states and this is possible with regular pujas, ie ‘Nitya and naimittik pujas’ and the targeted mantra and daana, ie the ‘Kamya pujas’.

(The time/date I have used is from Drikpanchang and is calculated for Ujjain).