Sade Sati (literally "seven and a half") is the period when the planet Saturn (Shani) transits through three consecutive rashis: the sign before the natal Moon's sign, the Moon's own sign, and the sign after it — that is, the 12th, 1st and 2nd from the Moon.
Because Saturn takes about 2½ years to cross each sign, the full passage across these three signs lasts roughly 7.5 years. It is defined entirely by Saturn's transit relative to the birth Moon, so it is computed, not interpreted.
- Planet
- Saturn (Shani)
- Reference point
- Natal Moon sign (Janma Rashi)
- Signs covered
- 12th, 1st and 2nd from the Moon
- Approx. duration
- 7.5 years (≈2.5 years per sign)
- Phases
- 3 (rising, peak, setting)
The three phases
- Rising phase — Saturn in the 12th sign from the natal Moon.
- Peak phase — Saturn in the natal Moon's own sign.
- Setting phase — Saturn in the 2nd sign from the natal Moon.
सामान्य प्रश्न · FAQ
What is Shani Sade Sati?
Sade Sati is the period when Saturn transits the 12th, 1st and 2nd signs from the natal Moon — a span of about 7.5 years.
How long does Sade Sati last?
About 7.5 years in total, because Saturn spends roughly 2.5 years in each of the three signs.
How is Sade Sati calculated?
It is based purely on Saturn's transit position relative to the sign occupied by the Moon at birth (the Janma Rashi).
Related concepts
The 9 Grahas (planets) of Vedic astrology The 12 Rashis (zodiac signs), lords and elements Vimshottari Dasha — the 120-year planetary timeline
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Definitions are computed from the BDA jyotish engine's canonical tables (Lahiri ayanamsa). This page explains the concept; personal outcomes depend on the full birth chart, dasha, location and current Panchang.