One Step

Sometimes I think no one understands the implications of Saturn like an Indian does.

Recently, I read an article about an Australian man who moved to Bangalore, because his wife got a job in the IT sector here. This man had watched a documentary about garment sector workers in India, and he was moved by the terrible working conditions they endure, and the exploitation they face at the hands of their managers. He decided to make a difference and he opened a garment factory here, providing better working conditions and higher salaries.

Within the span of a year, he lost 30 lakhs. And the title of his story read "I think India might have beaten me". He could not retain employees despite his best efforts at egalitarianism and better pay. The article concluded with him saying that he has now appointed an Indian as the Operations Manager. This manager is teaching him to be less approachable and friendly, and to be more bossy instead.

Stuck In The Middle

You've got to be on your toes when you hire people to work for you. You've got to understand dynamics, make sure you are not cheated at every step, and then try to play fair yourself.

And then...you've got to have all the patience in the world when the system presses down upon you. Getting work done in a government office, trying to enforce a business contract, or trying to deal with anything in the legal system, are all nightmare conditions, no one ever wants to go through.

Frustrating, slow and apathetic. A lot of energy drained, a lot of days wasted.

What To Do?!

There are no winners in a low-trust atmospheric system.

It's not going to change overnight either.

Is there a way that we can change our perspective, so it helps us deal with the system around us in a better way?

Don't Shoot The Messenger

When I started studying astrology twenty years ago, I began by studying the charts of famous people. I distinctly remember 'The Buddha' having a stellium of planets in his 10th house of Capricorn. Call it 'The Mandela Effect', I checked recently, and the charts online show him having a stellium of planets in Aries, as his 10th house.

Whichever one it is, it is a chart with super strong 10th house energies. It shows someone who understands Saturn very well.

To understand His philosophy, is to make peace with Saturn.

Buddha said - Life is suffering.

A very Saturnine thing to say.

He didn't say that good and bad are only labels, just dissolve yourself in spiritual bliss.

Instead, he laid down the Eightfold Path. A list of rules and regulations, and he urged you to make the right choice. Do the right thing.

And that's also what Saturn is telling you.

The situation you face is one thing. What's more important is - who you are, when you're facing it.

A Chance To Learn

A couple of days back Saturn moved into Uttarabhadrapada Nakshatra. It is his own nakshatra. One of heavy duties and responsibilities. It's a good time to take care of pending work. Tying up lose ends. Taking care of people. Being of support to someone. Making a promise.

Don't get disheartened if the astrology of the week sounds a big strict. Or if things seem tough. Remember the Buddha. Stay in the middle. See your situation....and see who you are.

Patience is a strange thing. It sits on the ugly toad's head. When you first brush against it you feel repulsed. You don't want to be anywhere near it. But as time goes on, you get closer, look more carefully, you pick it up, hold it in your hands and know it for the treasure that it is.

"Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head."

We will continue to explore Saturn and Makara Rashi next week. Until then, take care of yourself and those around you.

Where Do You Stand?