Trying to follow Shani Dev

Hi everyone, I’m not Hindu but I’m interested in Vedic astrology n I’m very new to Hindu rituals. I have only been to a temple once so I might be doing things incorrectly.

Last Year there was a Shani Dev related day n I tried to do a small offering. I heard people place mustard oil near a Peepal tree but I got confused n ended up placing it near a Banyan tree instead.

After that some difficult things started happening in my life, so now I’m wondering if I did something wrong. I also bowed while praying… idk if Shani Dev was clearing difficult things out of my life or did I accidentally disrespect the

Also I genuinely want to know what’s the simplest way a beginner can pray to Shani Dev on Saturdays? 🙏