Saturn’s strong influence will keep you on a moral path

I THINK my life is being greatly affected by Saturn. I have heard about the trouble that this planet can bring and it concerns me. What can I do about it and how can I improve my fortune? SS

DON’T fear Saturn because it is a favourable planet in your life. Because of this phenomenon, Saturn sade sati will be extremely favourable to you.

Saturn has been given the principal place, of all the nine planets, in your life.

It is known to have a long and lasting influence among the planets because of its slow movement in birth charts and is regarded as the chief justice.

It can give pleasure or punishment, depending on a person’s deeds, in a karmic way.

Because of its ability to direct the punishment at individuals, it motivates people to follow the path of morality and justice.

Since Saturn is regarded as the officer of service, therefore, people are inclined to be more determined, work harder and to be more dutiful.

People who are mindful of Saturn’s effects prefer to honour their responsibilities than to be concerned about their rights.

Saturn inspires people to perform good deeds or karmas.

The following are tips to maximise your luck on birthdays, because individuals receive the most blessings and good wishes on that day, and often there is a shift in the planets in a person’s horoscope on a birthday:

When celebrating your birthday, try not to blow out the

MAHESH BANG

candles – fan them out instead.

Keep at least one candle alight. A lit candle represents light (jyoti) and, according to Hinduism, we worship light (sun).

Light is also worshipped in some form among many religions, so you should always keep a candle burning.

Express gratitude to God and your parents, especially on your birthday.

Rise early and pray in the morning. According to Hinduism, it is considered auspicious to apply a red tilak (dot), if you can, and, if possible, visit a temple on this day.

Offer sweetmeats to your favourite deity and distribute them to your family on birthdays. You should eat a sweet meal on your birthday.

If you are in the company of your parents or elders on this day, touch their feet for added blessings.

Refrain from eating meat. It is appropriate to perform “tula daan” on this day. Tula means “scale” and daan means “donation” (so you should give a donation equivalent to your body weight).

This daan is mainly meant for removing obstacles and the fulfilment of wishes. It is a very powerful remedy and is good for warding off the malefic effects of the planets.

I advise that everyone do this at least once a year, to elicit a favourable response from the planets.

How it was done in the old days in India:

The person making a donation is placed on one side of a balance scale and the donation on the other side. When both sides are balanced and equal, that is what is given to charity. In the 90s this was a common practice in India. However, nowadays this only happens in villages.

An important ritual to be performed on this day relates to when you touch your parents’ or elders’ feet and they place the palms of their hands on your head in response.

They should recite the following mantra once: “Ashwathaama Balir Vyasaha Hanumanthra Vibeeshanaha Kriba Parasuramas cha Saptaitey Chiranjeevinaha.”

According to popular Hindu belief, there are seven immortals. Hindu scripture also contains a mantra about those immortals, and their names are recited for longevity.

In Hindu mythology, the group of immortals, or Chiranjeevis, includes Ashwatthama, King Bali, Shree Ved Vyasa, Lord Hanuman, Vibhishanjee, Rishi Kripacharya and Lord Parashuram.

Some of them were born humans but, given time and good fortune, have become Chiranjeevi – except for Ashwathaama, who was cursed.

Immortal, however, does not mean eternal. They are said to exist until the end of this “kali yuga” or live for thousands of years. As a special mention,

Rishi Markandeya and Jambavan are also widely accepted as immortals, in which case we could call these the other two immortals of Hindu mythology.

Please note: The above mythology is not widely believed in the West, but it is recognised in India.

Readers can send their name and surname, religion, date, place and time of birth and the advice they require to: Mahesh Bang, Tribune Herald, PO Box 47549, Greyville, 4023, or e-mail tribuneherald@inl.co.za or call him at: 083 659 2277 or 031 401 8888