The vulture is the vahana of Shani - the God of immense power and planet, Saturn - and denotes darkness and power.
In the illustration, the halo of seven rings that encircles the vultures head is representative of the seven rings that circumscribe Saturn.
The sinister aura of the vulture is unaffected by its closed and compact form. The narrow eyes, sharp, angular lines and commanding stance are indicative of a subtle, but fierce, authoritative energy that instils a sense of fear.