Sade Sati is the period of about seven and a half years when Saturn (Shani) transits the sign before your Moon sign, your Moon sign itself and the sign after it. It is one of the most talked-about periods in Vedic astrology. Enter your birth details to see whether Sade Sati is active for you, which phase you are in, and the dates of each phase.
How Sade Sati is calculated
Saturn takes about two and a half years to cross each sign. Sade Sati begins when Saturn enters the 12th sign from your Moon sign, continues while it crosses your Moon sign, and ends when it leaves the 2nd sign. Because Saturn sometimes turns retrograde and moves back into the previous sign, a phase can start, pause and restart, so we show every entry and exit date.
The three phases
The rising phase (Saturn in the 12th from the Moon) is traditionally linked with expenses, travel and changes at home. The peak phase (Saturn over the Moon) is felt most strongly in the mind and in personal responsibilities. The setting phase (Saturn in the 2nd) relates to family, speech and finances. How each phase is actually felt depends on the rest of the chart.
Why Sade Sati is not always difficult
Saturn rewards patience, discipline and hard work. For people with Makara, Kumbha or Thula as the Moon sign or Lagna, or with a well-placed Saturn, Sade Sati can bring maturity, recognition and lasting results. Running Dasha periods matter too: a favourable Dasha softens a Sade Sati, and Saturn's own Dasha may intensify it. Naksathra avoids fear-based language and describes the themes of each phase.
Ashtama Shani and Kantaka Shani
Two other Saturn transits are often discussed alongside Sade Sati: Ashtama Shani, when Saturn transits the 8th sign from the Moon, and Kantaka (Ardhashtama) Shani, when it transits the 4th. Both last about two and a half years and are shown on the same timeline.
Traditional remedies
Common practices during Sade Sati include lighting a sesame-oil lamp on Saturdays, reciting the Shani Stotra or Hanuman Chalisa, feeding crows or people in need, and visiting Shani temples such as Thirunallar. Remedies are a personal choice; the most widely recommended one is steady, sincere effort.
Check your Sade Sati
Enter birth details. Date, time and place of birth.
See your status. Find out whether Sade Sati is active and which phase.
Read the timeline. Check the start and end dates of every phase.
Read the guidance. See the themes of each phase for your chart.
Frequently asked questions
Am I in Sade Sati now?+
Enter your birth details to see your Moon sign and whether Saturn is currently in the 12th, 1st or 2nd sign from it.
How long does Sade Sati last?+
About seven and a half years, in three phases of roughly two and a half years each.
How many times does Sade Sati come in a life?+
Saturn returns about every 29.5 years, so most people experience Sade Sati two or three times.
Is Sade Sati always bad?+
No. It is a period of responsibility and lessons. Many people achieve important results during it, especially with a strong Saturn.
Which phase is the hardest?+
Traditionally the peak phase, when Saturn transits the Moon sign, but this varies with the chart and the running Dasha.
Is Sade Sati calculated from the Moon sign or Lagna?+
From the Moon sign (Rasi).
What is Ashtama Shani?+
Saturn transiting the 8th sign from your Moon sign, a separate period of about two and a half years.
What is Kantaka Shani?+
Saturn transiting the 4th sign from your Moon sign, sometimes called Ardhashtama Shani.
Why do the dates have gaps?+
Saturn turns retrograde each year and can re-enter the previous sign, so a phase may begin, pause and resume.
What are common remedies?+
Saturday prayers, a sesame-oil lamp, Hanuman worship, charity and disciplined effort are widely practised.
Should I avoid big decisions during Sade Sati?+
Not necessarily. Plan carefully and check your Dasha and the Muhurta for major steps.
Can an astrologer read my Sade Sati in detail?+
Yes. A consultation can look at Saturn in your chart, your Dasha and the specific houses involved.