Sakat Yoga, an important astrological combination (yoga)

Author: Acharya Deepak Taneja

Overview of Sakat Yoga

• Sakat Yoga is an important astrological combination (yoga) mentioned in classical astrology texts.

• It is primarily concerned with the positioning of Jupiter relative to the Moon or Ascendant (Lagna) in a horoscope.

• Specifically, Sakat Yoga forms if Jupiter is placed in the 6th, 8th, or 12th house from the Moon or Ascendant, which are known as the trika houses (houses of challenges or obstacles).

  
  

Meaning and Effects

• According to scriptures, individuals with Sakat Yoga often face a life of struggle and slow progress, metaphorically described as moving like an ox-cart—slow but steady.

• The current life situation tends to persist throughout life, implying ongoing challenges.

• However, results of this yoga are not uniform and depend on many factors.

Variations Based on Jupiter’s Position from the Moon

• If Jupiter is in the 12th house from the Moon, it can actually create a positive yogic effect by strengthening the Moon, contrary to general belief. This is considered a beneficial variant.

• When Jupiter is in the 6th or 8th house from the Moon, it requires careful examination of:

  • The strength of the Moon (whether it is waxing or waning, i.e., Shukla Paksha or Krishna Paksha).

  • The Moon's proximity to the Sun (Moon close to Sun weakens it).

  • Presence of Kemadruma Yoga (no planets on either side of the Moon), which is negative.

• If Jupiter is retrograde in these positions (6th or 8th from Moon), the negative results of Sakat Yoga tend to be neutralized.

  
  

Worst-case Scenario for Sakat Yoga

• The most difficult condition arises when:

  • Moon is very close to the Sun (especially near New Moon or Amavasya).

  • The Moon suffers malefic influences from planets like Rahu, Ketu, Saturn, Mars.

  • Influence from lords of the 6th or 8th house adds to the negativity.

  • Jupiter has no aspect or conjunction with the Moon or Ascendant.

  • The Moon is weak because there is no benefic support.

• In this situation, Moon becomes very weak mentally and emotionally, leading to feelings of loneliness and mental suffering without support.

  
  

Importance of Jupiter’s Strength and Aspect

• Jupiter is a benefic planet associated with fortune, blessings, religion, and growth.

• When Jupiter is weak (such as sitting in a trika house without aspecting important houses like Moon or Lagna), it cannot support the native effectively.

• Lack of Jupiter’s influence implies lack of protection and growth opportunities.

  
  

Mental and Practical Implications

• People with this yoga often experience mental struggles and loneliness.

• Those who are self-reliant and not dependent on others tend to handle this yoga’s effects better.

• The key advice given:

  • Accept that life is your own battle.

  • You must fight your own battles without expecting support from others.

  • Continuous effort and good deeds are essential to overcome difficulties.

Remedies Suggested for Sakat Yoga as important astrological combination

• Perform all remedies related to strengthening Jupiter and Moon.

• Respect and honor spiritual teachers (Gurus) and scholars sincerely.

• Avoid disrespecting or deceiving Gurus because disrespect leads to negative consequences called “Guru Shrap Yoga.”

• Past-life karmic issues related to disrespecting Gurus may cause lack of grace from Jupiter in this life, manifesting as Sakat Yoga.

  
  

Summary Table

Aspect	Details & Impact
Formation	Jupiter in 6th, 8th, or 12th house from Moon or Ascendant
General Effect	Life of struggle, slow progress
Positive Variant	Jupiter in 12th from Moon strengthens Moon
Critical Factors	Strength of Moon (Paksha, distance from Sun), Kemadruma Yoga, malefic influences
Retrograde Jupiter	Neutralizes negative effects
Worst Condition	Moon weak due to proximity to Sun + malefic influence + no Jupiter aspect
Mental Impact	Loneliness, mental suffering
Key Remedy	Self-reliance, continuous effort, respect for Gurus
Spiritual Factor	Disrespecting Gurus causes “Guru Shra Yoga,” worsening effects
Jupiter’s Role	Brings fortune and protection; weakness leads to lack of support