In Sanskrit he is called Shani or Shanaishchara (the slow mover), because he takes about two and a half years or so to pass through each constellation of the sidereal zodiac.
In the Linga Purana it is said that Shani was born from the solar deity Rudra. The Markandeya Purana states that Shani is the son of the Sun god by his wife Chaya (shadow).
Saturn is cold and dry, tamasik (lethargic) and an elderly planet. His sight is bad, and he is said to be "malefic amongst the malefics."
Saturn destroys the house it occupies (except if positioned in the seventh house, where it receives directional strength) and any houses it aspects or any planet it conjoins or aspects.
When well placed it gives its natives integrity, wisdom, spirituality, fame, patience, ability to lead, authority, long life, organizational abilities, sincerity, honesty, love of justice and awareness of right and wrong.
When ill-posited it brings miseries, sorrow, delay, obstruction, disappointment, disputes, dejection, difficulties. Saturnine natives are defensive, nervous and secretive.
Saturn rules the direction west, Saturday is its day, black is its color and blue sapphire is the gemstone of Saturn. Saturn rules number 8 in indian numerology.
Saturnine Effects in the 12 Houses
Saturn in the Ascendant
Saturn in the Ascendant is not good from the perspective of health. There may be physical aliments during childhood. Laziness takes control of the native.
Saturn in the Second House
In the second Saturn makes one not above want and prone to lying. Will live in foreign lands. Will be a lover of justice.
Saturn in the Third House
Saturn in the 3rd makes one very intelligent & liberal minded. Will have strength of character and will be adventurous. Will have subordinates and all the comforts of life.
Saturn in the Fourth House
Saturnine tenancy of the fourth indicates affliction to the heart. Will lack happiness and mental peace. Will be crooked and will be a violator of social norms. Will live in foreign lands.
Saturn in the Fifth House
Will lack happiness and pleasure from children if Saturn is in the fifth. Will lack intelligence and will be fickle minded.Will have high longevity.
Saturn in the Sixth House
Saturn in the sixth is the destroyer of enemies. Will love all the pleasures of the mundane. Will be a voracious eater. Wealth will grace you in no uncertain measure.
Saturn in the Seventh House
Will be equivalent to a king as the royal planet of Liberation becomes posited in a quadrant. Saturn has full directional strength in the seventh. But some negative traits develop like lack of mental peace and happiness. Laziness also manifests.
Saturn in the Eighth House
This adverse position of Saturn makes one prone to illnesses, will be crooked, sorrowful and will be abandoned by relatives.
Saturn in the Ninth House
Saturnine tenancy of the Ninth makes one egotistic, without much wealth and devoid of happiness from father. Will indulge in sinful acts. Will be skilled in warfare. Will take delight in tormenting others.
Saturn in the Tenth House
This benign position of Saturn makes one have scholarship, intelligence, virility and will be the leader of assemblies. Will be well off in life. Will change professions often.
Saturn in the Eleventh House
This is the best postion for Saturn to be in. Saturn well posited in the eleventh makes one highly determined, healthy, wealthy and wise. Will have royal favour. Will be a good sculptor. Will have a lot of subordinates.
Saturn in the Twelth House
In the adverse 12th, Saturn makes one devoid of happiness & wealth. Will be tormented by many an illness. Will be subjected to the machinations of enemies. Will have to face defeat wherever he goes. Will be merciless and live away from one's place of domicile
