A Saturnian Torch
According to Vedic Astrology, I am currently in the waning phase of my Saturn Mahadasha, which signifies a period of time ruled by one of the planets. Saturn, in particular, governs each of us for a span of 19 years, with my own starting in 2010. As it has been 13 years already, I still have six more to endure.
Saturn is renowned for its judgment, and during its Mahadasha, it bestows upon each of us impartial gifts or penances based on our karma. In other words, it gives us exactly what we deserve. The key to triumphing over this 19-year trial is to work diligently and accept the gifts and punishments with grace. “Thank you, sir. May I have another!?”
The auspiciousness of the Mahadasha varies depending on the house Saturn occupies in your chart. Unfortunately, mine happens to be in the third house, which is considered inauspicious.
Despite the hardships and challenging lessons endured over the past 13 years, I must say that my karma seems relatively clean. Famous last words? I don’t want to tempt fate or provoke Saturn the Disciplinarian though. Although I mentioned being in the “waning phase” of this cycle, there is no pinnacle where hardships gradually diminish over time. Trust me, I’ve checked.
Although life has been arduous since 2010, it has also enhanced my resilience and wisdom. Today, after reading Bernard Shaw’s “A Splendid Torch,” I felt inspired to write this article. It resonated with my experiences of the past 13 years and the potential challenges I may still face for another six, if I’m lucky. It helps me break free from self-pity or blaming others for my unhappiness, igniting a desire within me to persevere for at least six more years.
I’ve accomplished more in the past 13 years than my whole life before that. I’m 58 now so 45 when this Shani hit the fan and with every struggle that came my way and the ones I placed in my way I counterbalanced them with an achievement. I won’t bore you with a list, but I will tell you that this life, this human experience, is like an obstacle course for souls. The more times we navigate this course, the faster our times become, and the more brilliantly we shine in the spirit world.
Gaining admission to the Human Experience is akin to being accepted into Harvard or Yale. Even if you flunk out in the first semester (or trimester), you can always boast about having been accepted. However, persisting through and graduating means enduring a challenging life. Doing so with honors indicates that life truly sucked.
With this in mind, whenever I encounter a homeless person, I quietly remark to myself, “Show off,” because their soul willingly chose to play at a very advanced level of this game. Battling the elements, starvation, and the scorn of affluent students ensures that they will shine brightly as valedictorians of Earth.
If you have already experienced your Saturn Mahadasha, you understand. If you are currently undergoing it, you know. If not yet, look forward to it because this is precisely why you are here. Nineteen years to test your mettle. There will be no judgment of the choices you make after graduation, but while you are in class, Saturn acts as the strict nun with a ruler, seeking knuckles. “Thank you, Sister. May I have another?”
The Splendid Torch
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no "brief candle" for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.
-George Bernard Shaw
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