Vault of the Heavens

Preface to the eBook Version of Vault ofthe Heavens I began working on Vault of the Heavens my first week studying Vedic Astrology. I had been studying Western Astrology for a few years and just purchased a copy of Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra. As I read Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra I quickly realized that studying this great book was not going to be like studying a western astrology book - a quick read leading to knowing what I was doing was just not going to work with this great text, so I began by writing down each Sutra in the text and gave my thoughts on it. Over the years I revised my thoughts and six years later published a large part of those thoughts as my first book Vault of the Heavens. Vault of the Heavens was instantly successful. It opened up many doors that helped me to be able to support my new family at a time when I was studying 30 hours a week while also supporting my wife and first son by consulting with clients. Three years later and I sold through the first printing of Vault of the Heavens and decided not to reprint. Ever since then students of astrology have regularly asked me for a copy, for a reprint, for anything. For many years I resisted reprinting Vault of the Heavens. Why did I do this? It was my best selling book after all. There are two reasons. The first is that I did not know Sanskrit while writing Vault of the Heavens and so had to rely on the available translations, all of which had some errors and bad ideas and thus there are a few things that are incorrect in Vault of the Heavens (don't worry, I will tell you what those things are in a moment). The main reason, however, that I did not reprint Vault of the Heavens is that I wanted to write a multi- volume set of books expanding upon everything in Vault of the Heavens and going much beyond it. A Magnum Opus on Parashari Astrology as portrayed in Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra. I began that set of books with Graha Sutras, which expands the first two chapters of Vault of the Heavens into a book equally as long as Vault of the Heavens - now we are getting serious about the Grahas! And that was the last book I wrote. Since then I have been busy teaching audio and lately video courses all of which have extensive manuals - sveral books worth of manuals. While I myself would prefer to simply write books and forget about the talking as writing is my favorite pastime, many students seem to prefer audio or video courses, which, combined with the manuals give a much more rounded approach to learning. One day all these manuals will be written into their final drafts into my huge series of astrological texts, but until that time, videos are audios is all I have time for. My reason for releasing Vault of the Heavens now as an eBook is that so many people have asked it of me. I regularly get emails and phone calls of people asking if I have just one copy left as the only place they can find it is at amazon.com for $250.00-999.00. I hate to think of anyone being forced to pay such an astronomical amount for my book (even if it is astronomical in nature), so here it is digitally and cheap! And since it is going to be a while before I finish the companion books to Graha Sutras, I hope this release of Vault of the Heavens will satisfy the book lovers out there. What is wrong in Vault of the Heavens? 1. First, in Graha Sutras you will find much more perfect translations of the planetary chapters of Vault of the Heavens. There is only one Sutra that comes to mind that is in Vault of the Heavens that all translators have managed to totally botch and that is the chapter on the complexions of the planets. This has all be straightened out in Graha Sutras - which in my opinion is my best and most important book. In fact, half the questions that people ask me would be answered if they studied Graha Sutras. If you think you understand the planets, read Graha Sutras to find out just how far away the planets are and how little you know about them. 2. The colors of the Rasis given in Vault of the Heavens that I took from the available translations are not correct. Please refer to my Gems, Jyotish and Minerals audio course for correct information on the colors. 3. I have taught the use of Lajjitaadi Avasthas much, much better in my Lajjitaadi Avasthas video course than I have in Vault of the Heavens. 4. The correct calculation of Planetary War is a problem that prevails with modern Vedic Astrologers. In my latter writings and courses I teach how to do this properly. Other than these four points, I recommend Vault of the Heavens to you with great fervor, in fact, with so much fervor that I wonder why I did not release this as an eBook years ago. Come to think of it, perhaps there is one other reason I did not reprint. It is written very badly, lots of mistakes, typos, even some English words I made up - it was my first book and it shows! In this second release of Vault of the Heavens I am proud to say that I did not correct any of those errors, you have the original words of the original version with all of its idiosyncrasies. I have left all these errors and poor writings as they are as an inspiration to other would be authors. It reminds me of some of the multi volume novels I have read. In a few of my favorite series the first novel is a great story, written very badly, the next novel is written better, the next quite good, the tenth very well. Seeing this made me feel that writing a book is possible for anyone who wants to give the substance the due time it deserves, and thus I leave my first writing as it is with all its errors so that you too can believe that you can write a book if you have something worth telling. Ernst Wilhelm June 2012 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens ~Treatise on Vedic Astrology~ ~Treatise on Vedic Astrology~ ~Treatise on Vedic Astrology~ ~Treatise on Vedic Astrology~ by H Ernst Wilhelm I © Copyright, 2001 by Ernst Wilhelm First Edition, 2001 Library of Congress Control Number: 2001118600 ISBN 0-9709636-0-2 Käla Occult Publishers www.vedic-astrology.net To My To My To My To My Dear Friend Gaetano, Dear Friend Gaetano, Dear Friend Gaetano, Dear Friend Gaetano, Without whom Without whom Without whom Without whom My early career as an astrologer My early career as an astrologer My early career as an astrologer My early career as an astrologer Would not have been possible. Would not have been possible. Would not have been possible. Would not have been possible. Lord Ganesha Lord Ganesha Lord Ganesha Lord Ganesha Patron Deity of Astrology Con Con Con Contents tents tents tents Preface……………….……………….……….…….…..…. xi 1. The Planets and Myth……………………….………….. 1 Weekdays Governed by the Planets, The Avatars, Presiding Deities 2. Description and Indications of the Planets…………… 23 Chief Aspect, Planetary Cabinet, Gunas, Caste, Sex, Color, Doshas, Taste, Sight, Residence, Age, Maturation Age, Description of the Planets, Benefics and Malefics, Body Tissues, Five Elements, Trees, Person, Vedas, Time Periods, Period of Life, Seasons, Dhatu, Moola and Jeeva, Senses, Subtances, Clothes, Directions, Gemstone, Letters, Rasis, Exaltation and Debilitation, Planetary Types, Outer Planets 3. The Rasis……………………………..……………….. 53 Zodiac and Chakra Correspondence, Lords of the Rasis, Descriptive Symbols of the Rasis, Qualities of the Rasis, Determining Important Rasis, Rasi Table 4. The Lagna………………..……………………………. 65 Character Effects of the Lagnas 5. Planetary Relationships………………..….………….. 75 Natural Relationships, Rahu’s and Ketu’s Relationships, Temporary Relationships, Compound Relationships, Relationships in Dasa Interpretation 6. Dignities…………………..……...………………….… 81 Own Rasi, Exaltation, Moolatrikona, Debilitation, etc., Dignities Classified, Rahu’s and Ketu’s Dignities, Cancellation of Debilitation- Neechabhanga Raja Yogas, Effects of Exalted and Debilitated Planets 7. Deeptaadi-Avasthas………..……………………….…. 93 Planetary War, Retrograde Planets, Effects of Combust Planets 8. The Houses………………..…………………………. 107 Types of Houses: Kendras, Panaparas, Apoklimas, Trikonas, Dusthanas, Upachayas, Artha, Kama, Dharma, Moksha Houses, The 12 Houses, Body Parts, Secondary Meanings, House Systems 9. House Lords………………..………………..…….…. 121 Nature of Planets due to House Lordship, Dispositions of the House Lords, Planets as House Lords, House Lords for the 12 Lagnas, Important Influences to a House Lord, The Lagna and its Corresponding House 10. The Nakshatras………………...……………….…… 169 Importance of the Moon, Tara Bala, Planets in Nakshatras, Nakshatra Tables 11. Conjunctions of Planets………..……………………. 189 Influence of Planetary Relationships, Multiple Planet Conjunctions 12. Planetary Aspects .………..…………………….…… 193 Calculating Aspectual Values, Influence of Planets Aspecting Planets, Aspect Tables 13. Rasi Aspects……………..………………………….... 203 Aspect Chakra, Simple Yogas involving the Lagna, 14. Sambandha………………….……………………….. 207 Mutual Connections between Planets, Parivartana Yogas: Maha, Khala and Dainya Yoga, Hemming in between Benefics or Malefics 15. Raja Yogas………….…………………………….….. 211 Raja Yogakarakas, Rahu and Ketu as Yogakarakas, Raja Yogas in the Navamsa, Vipareet Raja Yogas: Harsha, Sarala, and Vimala Yogas 16. Yoga Karakas………………………………….…….. 215 Productive Effects of Planets on Mutual Angles from Each Other 17. Navamsa….……………………………………..…… 217 Table of Navamsas, Navamsa in Dasa Analysis, Vargottama 18. Dispositors………..………………….……..…...…… 219 Final Dispositor, Dispositors and Dasa Results, Rasi, Navamsa and Nakshatra Dispositors, Dispositors in Judging the Horoscope 19. Shad Bala……….……………………………….…. 223 Shad Bala Components, Shad Bala in Dasa Analysis 20. Vimshottari Dasa…..……………………………..….. 229 Calculating Vimshottari Dasa, Maha Dasa, Antar Dasa, and Pratyantar Dasa Lords, Samskaras- The Mental Tendencies, Nature of Dasa, Rohini, etc., Transition from One Dasa to the Next, Results due to the Natural Characteristics, Constitutional and Elemental Effects, Results due to Specific Indications, Results due to House Lordship, Position of AntarDasa Lord from Dasa Lord, 2/12 and 6/8 Positions, Dasa Effects Due to Friendship and Enmity, Effects of Specific Aspects and Conjunctions, Saturn/Rahu and Rahu/Saturn Periods, Venus/Rahu and Rahu/Venus Periods, Jupiter/Venus and Venus/Jupiter Periods, Saturn/Venus and Venus/Saturn Periods, Venus/Venus and Saturn/Saturn Periods , Rahu/Ketu and Ketu/Rahu Periods 21. Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas….……………..….. 249 Qualifying the Effects of a Planet in a House, Yoga, etc. 22. House Lords in Houses………………………………. 253 Results of House Lords due to Subha or Asubha Yogas 23. Judging the Horoscope……………………………….. 257 Karakas, Predicting Quality, Delaying & Separating Factors, Fatal Degrees, Influence of Houses and House Lords, Predicting Details, Use of the Navamsa, Dual Use of the Navamsa and Rasi, Importance of the Dasa Influence, Dispositors, Chandra Lagna, Other Houses as Lagnas 24. Lajjitaadi Avasthas………….………………………. 271 A Group of Avasthas that Significantly Affect the Houses 25. Shayanaadi Avasthas…..…………………………….. 277 A Group of Avasthas that individualize the Effects of the Planets, Summary of Avasthas 26. Developmental Qualities of the Planets…….……….. 297 Affliction by Rahu, Saturn, Mars and Ketu, Influence of Benefics 27. Saturn…………….……….………………………….. 307 Attitudes and Compensations of Saturn in the Rasis, Saturn in the Houses, Saturn’s influence on Planets, Rahu Gives the Results of Saturn, Combust Moon 28. Rahu and Ketu………..………………….…..….…… 313 Rahu and Ketu; General Nature, Rahu and Ketu in the Rasis and Houses, Lords of Rahu and Ketu, Aspects of Rahu and Ketu to their Lords, Rahu and Ketu Joining and Aspecting other Planets 29. Tajika Aspects……………….………………………. 349 Deeptamsas- orbs of Influence, Timing the Effects of Tajika Aspects, Summary of Aspects 30. The Outer Planets…………….……………..………. 353 Involutionary Urges of the Outer Planets, The Tri-Murthi and the Outer Planets, Using the Outer Planets, Transits of the Outer Planets, The Outer Planets and Rahu and Ketu Conclusion…..….……………….…….………………..… 361 Index…………...….………..….……………...………..... 365 About he Author..……………………………………….. 370 Lists & Lists & Lists & Lists & Tables Tables Tables Tables Allocation of Body Parts to the Rasis……..……..………… 80 Aspect Tables & Diagrams……….…..……….…………. 198 Astronomical Data of the Planets…….…..………….…….. 22 Cancellation of Debilitation…………………………….…. 86 Combustion of Planets…………...…..…….……………… 99 Directions of the Planets…………………………………… 48 Exaltation and Debilitation………..….…………………... 49 Fatal Degrees………………………………………..…… 264 House Indications………………..………………………. 120 Karakas………………………………………….………. 258 Moolatrikonas of the Planets………...……….…………… 81 Nakshatra Tables…..………….………………………… 178 Nakshatra Wheel with Planetary Lords………………….. 168 Nama (Name) Nakshatra……………………………….. 188 Navamsa Table………………..……………………….… 217 Planetary Glyphs and Sanskrit Names…..……..……….… 52 Planetary Relationships……….………………………...… 75 Planets and Sanskrit Letters…………………………...….. 49 Rasi Glyphs and Sanskrit Names…………….…………… 64 Rasi Tables…….………….…….………………………… 62 Rasis and Chakras…...………...….………………….…… 53 Rasis and Planetary Lords…..…..………………………… 54 Shayanaadi Avasthas…………………………………….. 296 Star Chart of Rasis & Nakshatras.…..………………..…. 192 Subha/Asubha Yoga Table……………………………… 251 Tajika Orbs of Influence………...….……………………. 350 Tara Bala……………………………..………..………… 172 Vimshottari Dasa Lengths………………..…………… 230 Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Acknowledgments My thanks to all those who helped with the proofing: Marty Russell Lisa Reina Mynx My Wife, Srishti; Double thanks to her for also assisting with the artwork. Thanks also to Paul Brinkley Rodgers for the loan of the computer resources necessary for the layout of this book. Special thanks are due Nick Hodgson of Astrogems for the generous loan that made the first printing possible. Rasis and Grahas Rasis and Grahas Rasis and Grahas Rasis and Grahas Surya, the Sun, surrounded by the Grahas (planets), and the Rasis. Preface Preface Preface Preface xi Preface Preface Preface Preface The Hindu Culture of India has its roots in the Vedas, the sacred knowledge said to have originated from Brahma, the Creator, even before the Earth was formed. Veda literally means “true knowledge.” The Vedas consist particularly of hymns to different aspects of God. Astrology is known as a Vedanga, a limb of the Vedas, specifically as the Eyes of the Vedas. As a limb of the Vedas, the purpose of astrology is to support the revelation of truth. As the Eyes of the Vedas, this ultimately means to change our consciousness in some manner that allows us to see God in our daily lives. For those of intellectual bent, the study of astrology may serve the purpose of transforming the consciousness in such a manner that upon looking at the world, the Truth is more evident. The study of astrology, therefore, has much to offer. There are five unique attributes of this text. First, it is a reference work of important significations of planets, signs, and nakshatras, or stars, not to be found elsewhere. Particular mention must be made to full ten pages of nakshatra tables containing more information on the nakshatras then any other source available to date. Second, all of the fundamental principles necessary for any study of astrology are explained with such depth and clarity that the advanced astrologer is sure to gain a new depth of knowledge, and the beginning student will be able to avoid the seeming contradictions that only a partial understanding will result in. Third, chapters devoted to Saturn and the Nodes of the Moon reveal the counseling potential of Vedic Astrology. Particular mention must be made to the chapter on the Nodes of the Moon, Rahu and Ketu, which provides a detailed understanding of these shadowy and elusive planets. Fourth, clear and concise, step-by-step instruction for applying all the fundamental principles to judging the horoscope as well as to the planetary xii Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens periods used for timing events. Fifth, chapters on the Outer Planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, and Tajika aspects, which are similar to the aspects used by Western Astrologers, assist the Western Astrologer in making the transition to Vedic Astrology. These chapters provide a framework for using the Outer Planets in the context of Vedic Astrology without bringing in misconceptions that may reduce the efficacy of Vedic Astrology. In short, every attempt has been made to render the fundamental principles of astrology clearly and concisely under one cover. Those new to Vedic Astrology must be told that many of the principles used by Western Astrologers have their mention in some ancient text in India, and that there are many parallels between the astrology in the East and the astrology in the West. There is, however, one significant difference, and that is that Vedic Astrologers have always used the Sidereal Zodiac, which is based on the greater galaxy, rather than the Tropical Zodiac used commonly by Western Astrologers, which is based on the Sun and the equinoxes. These days there is a difference of about twenty- four degrees between these two zodiacs, almost an entire sign. Therefore, it will be necessary for you to procure horoscopes calculated for the sidereal zodiac. With the Internet as your resource these days, this is a simple manner. Ernst Wilhelm June 2001 The Planets a The Planets a The Planets a The Planets and Myth nd Myth nd Myth nd Myth 1 1 11 1 The Planets and Myth The Planets and Myth The Planets and Myth The Planets and Myth According to Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra, the Supreme Spirit incarnated as the planets to bestow upon the Jeevas, the living beings, the results due to their karmas. The planets used in Vedic astrology are the seven visible heavenly bodies and the two nodes of the Moon. The visible heavenly bodies are the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. They are normally listed in the classical texts in the order of the weekday that they rule: the Sun ruling Sunday, the Moon- Monday, Mars- Tuesday, Mercury- Wednesday, Jupiter- Thursday, Venus- Friday and Saturn- Saturday. The nodes of the Moon, though not actually planets, are given full planetary status and are of great importance. The nodes are the points where the Moon's orbit around the Earth intersects with the orbit of the Earth’s movement around the Sun. This intersection occurs at two points, one northern and one southern. The northern point is known as Rahu and the southern point is known as Ketu. Rahu and Ketu, therefore, occur at the junctions of two powerful forces generated by the movement of the Earth around the Sun and the Moon around the Earth. These are the points where eclipses may occur. Considering this, it becomes apparent how important they are in astrology. Another point to note is that Rahu and Ketu, being invisible, and being the nodes of the Moon- the mind, symbolize the unconscious aspects of the mind. The planets are considered as deities and much mythology has been written involving them. Knowing some of this mythology becomes an integral part in understanding the planets. Following are the Avatars that stemmed from each of the planets, as well as the presiding deities of the planets: 2 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Avatar Avatar Avatar Avatar From the Sun the incarnation of Lord Rama, from the From the Sun the incarnation of Lord Rama, from the From the Sun the incarnation of Lord Rama, from the From the Sun the incarnation of Lord Rama, from the Moon that of Bhagavan Krishna, from Mars that of Moon that of Bhagavan Krishna, from Mars that of Moon that of Bhagavan Krishna, from Mars that of Moon that of Bhagavan Krishna, from Mars that of N NN Narasimha, from Mercury that of Buddha, from Jupiter arasimha, from Mercury that of Buddha, from Jupiter arasimha, from Mercury that of Buddha, from Jupiter arasimha, from Mercury that of Buddha, from Jupiter that of Vamana, from Venus that of Parasurama, from that of Vamana, from Venus that of Parasurama, from that of Vamana, from Venus that of Parasurama, from that of Vamana, from Venus that of Parasurama, from Saturn that of Kurma, from Rahu that of Varaha, and Saturn that of Kurma, from Rahu that of Varaha, and Saturn that of Kurma, from Rahu that of Varaha, and Saturn that of Kurma, from Rahu that of Varaha, and from Ketu the incarnation of Matsya occurred. from Ketu the incarnation of Matsya occurred. from Ketu the incarnation of Matsya occurred. from Ketu the incarnation of Matsya occurred. LORD RAMA Long ago during the Tetra Yuga there was an Asura (demon) king by the name of Ravana who was displaying great selfishness and arrogance, and who was fast breaking every conduct of dharma. Ravana had won many boons due to the strict penance he had performed. These boons made him so powerful that no one could conquer his display of unrighteousness and therefore adharma (unrighteousness) was becoming rampant in the world. Brahma and the Devas went to the all-pervading Vishnu to request his assistance in riding the world of Ravana, as none of them could do so. Vishnu promised to incarnate in the Solar Dynasty and put an end to Ravana and his unrighteousness. Vishnu was born as Rama, who exemplified all of the ideals of Dharma throughout the entirety of his life. Rama was of royal birth and was chosen as the crown prince of Ayodhya. Through the scheming of one of his father’s wives the throne was unjustly taken from him and he was exiled to the forest for fourteen years. To insure that his father’s good name would remain unblemished, Rama willingly accepted the exile with even minded calmness and detachment, even though his father had already died due to the grief caused by Rama's exile. Rama's wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshman, would not part from Rama and followed him to the forest. Many adventures befell Rama during his exile and not even once did he stir from the strict path of Dharma. After many years of living and wandering in the forest, news of Sita’s beauty reached the ears of Ravana, who then abducted Sita, hoping to make her his wife. Rama was heartbroken and made every The Planets a The Planets a The Planets a The Planets and Myth nd Myth nd Myth nd Myth 3 effort to find Sita and rescue her from Ravana. After much time and effort, Rama destroys Ravana, and Sita is returned to him. At that point the purpose of Rama's incarnation had been fulfilled; he had destroyed Ravana and exemplified Dharma to such a degree that mortal man weeps at the thought of the sacrifices Rama had made to reestablish Dharma in the world of man. On hearing the stories of Rama, man to this day becomes inspired to follow in his footsteps. The trials of Dharma are hard and Rama, after conquering Ravana, still had one more ideal to establish. After returning to his native-city and becoming crowned, Rama heard that one of his subjects spoke ill of his wife. His subject declared that once a woman resides under the care of another man she should not be allowed to return to her husband, though Rama might accept her because he was infatuated with her, he would never accept her. That Sita was taken against her will, that she remained outside Ravana’s palace, only eating roots and fruits so as to eat what her husband Rama was eating in the forest while she waited for him to rescue her, was not considered by this critic. Rama, feeling that as king his highest Dharma was to please his subjects abandoned Sita to the ashram of Rishi Valmiki. Sita was with child, after giving birth to Rama's twin sons she died. At hearing of Sita's death Rama was sunk in sorrow, but he remembered that a king has no right to have feelings of his own so he concentrated on ruling the earth until his death. For a man to live a life of such strict adherence to Dharma he must be conscious of the true Self that resides in him. Only then can he be separated and detached enough to do his duty. This Self is symbolized by the Sun and exemplified for all time by Lord Rama. BHAGAVAN KRISHNA Krishna is the beloved Avatar of the Hindus. The stories of Krishna are many and his devotees never tire of hearing them. Krishna was born of two saintly parents while imprisoned by the evil King Kamsa, Krishna's uncle. Kamsa had imprisoned Krishna's parents because a voice from the sky had told him that their eighth 4 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens child would be the death of him. Kamsa killed Krishna's six younger siblings as soon as they were born, but the seventh was transformed to the womb of Rohini, a cowherd of Gokula. This seventh was Balarama; an incarnation of Adishesha- the 1000 headed serpent, Krishna's lifelong companion. When Krishna was born the doors to his parent’s prison magically opened. His father carried him away to Gokula, and exchanged Krishna for the newborn daughter of Yashoda, who lay sleeping. When Kamsa heard of the eighth child being born, he rushed to kill it. When he raised the child, who was actually Yashoda’s child, up in order to smash and kill it, the child slipped from his fingers into the air, and before magically disappearing, told Kamsa that the eighth child was hidden safely away. Krishna spent his early life in sweet contentment among the cowherds. Kamsa sent many Asuras to kill him, but Krishna, though just a small child, vanquished them all. Krishna was a delight to all, and entertained them with the music of his flute and his constant pranks. At the age of fifteen Krishna left the cowherds to kill the evil Kamsa and release his parents. Krishna became known as a hero due to his amazing feats while destroying many Asuras. The people, therefore, always came to Krishna for his aid, succor and comfort. Krishna is best know for his role as friend, advisor and comforter to Arjuna and the Pandus during the great Kurukshetra war between the Pandus and Kurus, depicted in the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. During this war, virtually all those who were of an evil and arrogant nature were destroyed, purifying the world Krishna grew up in a contented atmosphere among the cowherds; it is the Moon that indicates the early environment essential for emotional well-being. The Moon also rules cows as well as dairy and butter, Krishna’s favorite food. Krishna spoke always of the importance of Bakti (devotion), keeping God always in mind. He loved his Baktis (devotees) more than all else, even more than Brahma and all the other deities. It is The Planets a The Planets a The Planets a The Planets and Myth nd Myth nd Myth nd Myth 5 when the mind, the Moon, is kept centered in the heart that bakti is cultivated. Among Avatars, it is Krishna whose many activities are questionable, but as his mind was always one with God, nothing he did could ever be construed as degrading to his spirit. The Moon is the mind; where the mind is, that is what is important. NARASIMHA Very long ago there was an Asura by the name of Hiranyakashipu. He had won many boons and had become very powerful. He conquered the three worlds, forcing the Devas (demigods) to become his vassals. The Devas appealed to the Supreme Lord, who told them that Hiranyakashipu would soon have a saintly son and that a time when Hiranyakashipu was mistreating his son, He, the Lord, would come and destroy him. Hiranyakashipu's youngest son, Prahlada, expressed all of the qualities of a saint. He was truthful, disciplined and loved all living beings. He had his senses under control and his conduct was faultless. Whenever his father asked him what he had learned, Prahlada spoke of the Lord. Needless to say his father was not pleased at this. He commanded Prahlada's instructors to teach Prahlada worldly ways and to make sure that he saw no devotees of the Lord. Prahlada's instructors asked him who had instilled him with such thoughts. Prahlada answered that like iron attracted to a magnet his mind was always pulled towards the Lord. With the threat of punishment they taught him their ways and he acted as though he was learning, but his mind was always with the Lord. They then brought him to his father who was interested in his “progress”. Again Prahlada spoke of the Lord. His father was enraged and commanded that he be tortured. Prahlada was undaunted, therefore Hiranyakashipu ordered that Prahlada be killed. Though many methods were tried the Asuras were unable to kill this child of five. Prahlada's instructors finally told the king that since they were unable 6 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens to kill the boy, in time he might reform, and so Prahlada was taken back to his studies. There then came a time when the instructors were away and Prahlada began converting the other students. When the instructors returned they were furious at this, especially since the other students would no longer heed them in their lessons. The instructors rushed to Hiranyakashipu who became enraged and decided that he would kill his son with his own hands. Hiranyakashipu then sent for Prahlada who came and greeted him respectfully. Hiranyakashipu chastised Prahlada, who remained undaunted, speaking only of the Lord to his father in a respectful manner. Prahlada told his father that he could benefit from the Lord who was greater than even him. His father asked him where this “Lord” was who was greater than he was. Prahlada replied that He was everywhere. His father asked him if He was in a pillar which he pointed to. Prahlada said that He was. Hiranyakashipu then told Prahlada that he was going to kill him, now, so if indeed the Lord was in the pillar, He should come out and rescue Prahlada from death. Hiranyakashipu then hit the pillar with his great fist. There was a terrible noise and the pillar split. Out of it came the Lord in a terrible form. He glowed like molten gold. His head and face were that of a lion, his chest also. His lower half was that of a man. Everyone was afraid except for Hiranyakashipu. He thought what a strange beast this is; it is neither man nor animal. He then remembered the time when he had asked Brahma for a boon of immortality. Brahma had been unable to do so, as he was not immortal himself. However Brahma granted him that he would not be killed by one of His creations, he would not be killed by man or animal, during day or night, inside or outside, on the earth or in the sky. Brahma did definitely not create this that came out of the pillar; could this be his death? Hiranyakashipu then hit the Lord in this beastly form with his mace. They fought, until finally the Lord lifted him and carried him to the threshold of the hall; it was neither inside nor outside. The sky The Planets a The Planets a The Planets a The Planets and Myth nd Myth nd Myth nd Myth 7 was deepening into darkness; it was neither day nor night. The Lord placed him in his lap, neither the earth nor the sky. Hiranyakashipu was still unafraid. He looked at Prahlada as if to say that perhaps he was right, that there was someone more powerful than he. The lord then ripped out his entrails, killing him. The Lord then went and sat on the throne. He was so angry that no one dared approach him, the Earth was trembling, and the heavens were scorching from the heat of the Lord. The Devas went to get Mother Lakshmi, the Lords consort. Even She dared not approach Him; She had never seen him so angry before. Finally Prahlada went to the Lord. The Lord raised him up and His anger vanished. Narasimha's righteous anger, providing protection to God's devotees, is the fiery energy of Mars’ utilized at its best. BUDDHA Buddha means ''the awakened one”. As a name, Buddha refers to the Buddha known as Guatama Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism. Siddhartha was born as a prince in the kingdom of Sakyas, on the border of present-day Nepal and India. Learned Brahmins who read his palms and bodily features declared that he would become either a world monarch, if he remained at home, or a Buddha, if he left home. But there was one Brahmin who said he would definitely become a Buddha. As a result of this, Siddhartha's father was always concerned that Siddhartha might desire to leave home and become an ascetic. He therefore always did his best to influence Siddhartha in favor of the worldly life, keeping him happy and contented with every comfort and luxury. When Siddhartha was 29 years of age his life took a sudden turn. When he was out driving with his charioteer he saw a decrepit, old man. Siddhartha asked his charioteer what had happened to the man. The charioteer explained that the man was old, that all men became old. This greatly perturbed Siddhartha. Another day he saw a sick 8 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens man that had fallen in his own excrement. His charioteer, seeing that Siddhartha was perplexed, explained that the man was sick, that all men succumb to sickness. On another occasion Siddhartha saw a dead body. Again his charioteer explained that the man was dead, that all men must die. Next Siddhartha saw a man with a shaven head wearing yellow robes. He was impressed with the calm demeanor and serenity of the man. That day Siddhartha decided to become a wandering ascetic. During the night he quietly slipped out of the palace, leaving his wife and newborn son. Siddhartha searched for truth. There were two sages who became his teachers, through their teachings he reached very high spiritual states. This was not enough for Siddhartha who continued his quest for Truth. After almost dying from practicing severe bodily austerities for six years in a woodland grove along with five other ascetics, Siddhartha realized that such mortification could not bring him to what he wanted. He changed his ways and began eating and taking care of himself in a balanced manner. His five companions, on seeing this, lost faith in him and left in disgust. From this point forward Siddhartha followed his own path. Soon after he attained enlightenment at the foot of a bodhi tree after determining that he would not rise from the foot of the tree before attaining enlightenment. After several tests he obtained his goal and became the Buddha. Buddha then began attracting disciples. His first disciples were the five ascetics who had earlier abandoned him. He spoke of a balanced “middle path” avoiding both self-indulgence and self-mortification. This became known as the Noble Eight-fold Path. This path consisted of right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right living, right endeavor, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Buddha's teachings rapidly spread, through himself and his many enlightened disciples. Buddha, upon seeing the death and suffering inherent in the world and the peacefulness of an ascetic, made the choice between worldly life and the spiritual life. In the same manner, Mercury, upon The Planets a The Planets a The Planets a The Planets and Myth nd Myth nd Myth nd Myth 9 seeing his options, has the capacity to make the choices that result in greatest security. Siddhartha went from royal luxuries to severe austerities, but only when he became balanced in his approach did he receive enlightenment. It is Mercury, a neuter planet, which gives a practical balance between two extremes. The Noble Eight-fold Path is a path of choosing, always, to do the right thing; it is a path of discrimination. It is Mercury who provides this type of discrimination. VAMANA Long ago there was a powerful Asura by the name of Bali. He grew to such strength that he chased Indra, the king of the Devas, from the heavens. He then ruled the heavens and the world from what had been Indra's city. Bali's fame spread all over the world. Though an Asura, he was famous, not only for his might, but also especially for his goodness and generosity. The mother of Indra was unhappy over the vanquishing of her son by Bali. She performed a mantra and the Supreme Lord came to her and told her not to worry; He would be born as her son to provide help to the Devas. A son was born to her who is known as Vamana. Vamana, as a boy, approached Bali during a spiritual rite that he was performing. Such was Vamana’s brilliance that it appeared as if a bright light was coming over the horizon towards Bali and the other onlookers. When Bali saw that he who came was such a glorious Brahmin boy he honored him and fell at his feet. “Welcome,” said Bali, “by your coming I have been blessed. Tell me what I can do for you?” Vamana answered him; “I want from you three paces of ground measured by my stride.” Bali was taken back, “You do not know what is good for you, boy. You are just a child. Instead of asking me for islands you ask me for three paces of ground measured by your tiny feet. Please, ask again, and ask for enough land to keep you comfortable for all your life.” 10 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vamana said, “If a man has not conquered desire all things in the world will not be enough to satisfy him. One who is not satisfied with three paces of ground will not be satisfied with the seven continents and all their wealth. I therefore ask you only for three paces of ground.” Bali was prepared to grant Vamana's request. At this time, however, Sukra (Venus), Bali's Guru stepped in and said, “Do not give. He is deceiving you in order to help the Devas. He is the Supreme Lord and with one pace of his foot He will cover the world, with another He will cover the heavens and the third step He will take on your head. You do not have to keep your promise of a gift to him, for he is deceiving you and intends to take all that you have.” Bali listened to his Guru and said, “I believe what you say, I do not have to honor my promise as all my possessions and security are at stake, but I do not fear loosing all that I have. I only fear the infamy of speaking an untruth.” Sukra was angry with Bali for this and cursed him to fall from grace and loose all his wealth and success. Bali was not perturbed by his Guru’s curse and granted Vamana's request. Vamana then grew to huge proportions and took the form of the Lord. With one step he covered the world, and with another the heavens. He then resumed the form of Vamana. Bali was then tied up, but he smiled, for he knew why the Lord had done this to him, to rid him of the two sins, “I” and “Mine”. By taking away all that he had, the Lord rid him of the sin “Mine”. The Lord now wanted to show the world that only by surrender could one rid oneself of the sin “I”. Vamana looked at Bali, “You promised me three paces of ground. I have taken only two and there is nothing left. Tell me, where should I place my third step? You have not kept your word.” Bali was not frightened, “I do not consider my words to be lies, there is still a place for your third pace. Please place your foot on my head.” The Planets a The Planets a The Planets a The Planets and Myth nd Myth nd Myth nd Myth 11 Brahma then came to Vamana and said, “Please release Bali, he has given you all he has and has surrendered himself to you. He should be rewarded.” The Lord then said, “When I want to destroy a man I grant him all the wealth and power in the world. He then gets involved in them and forgets his true nature. When I want to save a man from this delusion I take away his all. Becoming rid of all his faults he will become Mine. Bali has never swerved from the path of truth. Blessed by me he will become the Indra during the Savarni Manvantar (another cycle of creation). Until then he will go to Sutala (a heavenly realm) where I will always be with him.” Vamana took everything from Bali, but after Bali surrendered to Him, He blessed him to be the next Indra. In the same manner Jupiter will take away in order to allow for greater blessings to follow. Bali had never swerved from truth and when he was ready to grow, Vamana, in taking, freed Bali from his attachments so that he could grow. In the same manner Jupiter, when we are ready to grow, frees us from those things that are preventing our growth. Vamana graced Bali, a mere Asura, to become the next Indra, the next king of the Devas. In the same manner, Jupiter turns all that is gross into the most perfected. PARASURAMA Parasurama was the son of Jamadagni. Due to some misbehavior of his grandmother, Parasurama, though born in a Brahmin (priest caste) family, had the qualities of a Kshatriya (warrior caste). A time came when Kartavirya, a powerful and arrogant king, came to the ashram of Jamadagni. So impressed was he of Jamadagni's divine cow of plenty that he stole her. When Parasurama found this out, he pursued Kartavirya and killed him and his entire army single- handedly, returning the cow to his father. His father was disappointed in him and scolded him for his impatience and for the sin of killing a king. He requested Parasurama to go on a one-year pilgrimage to the sacred rivers in order to purify himself of the sin. 12 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens A year passed and Parasurama returned home. Shortly thereafter, his mother, while fetching water on the banks of the river, saw a demigod playing in the water and thought how handsome he was. When she returned, Jamadagni saw with his mind's eye the thought she had. The thought that a man, other than her husband, was handsome was a sin. Jamadagni called his sons and commanded they kill her. They were hesitant to kill their mother at their father’s angry command. Jamadagni then called Parasurama, his youngest son, and commanded that he should kill his mother and brothers. Without hesitation, Parasurama did so. Jamadagni was pleased with him and told Parasurama to ask for any boon. Parasurama asked that his mother and brothers be returned to life, not remembering what had happened. Jamadagni was happy to provide this boon and it was done. In the meantime Kartaviraya's sons were nursing their hatred against Parasurama for killing their father. During a time when Parasurama was out hunting, they came to his father's ashram to kill his father. When Parasurama heard the cries of his mother and saw his dead father he left everything in the hands of his brothers, grabbed his huge ax and ran from the ashram. At that moment he had decided to kill all Kshatriyas. Parasurama killed all the 10,000 sons of Kartavirya, but this did nothing to appease his anger. His pride rampant, he would not brook any insult, not resting until he had punished the offender. With his pride as an excuse he went around the world twenty-one times killing Kshatriyas. He performed sacrificial rites to purify himself of the sins of killing so many kings. It is said that his purpose was to rid the world of evil Kshatriyas. A Brahmin by birth, he punished Kshatriyas that disrespected Brahmins. Parasurama was very loyal and devoted to his father. Venus also exhibits such traits of loyalty and devotion, which comes from understanding where the greatest good lies. Parasurama instigated many a fight due to his pride, the pride that is a characteristic of Venus, the most proud amongst the planets. The Planets a The Planets a The Planets a The Planets and Myth nd Myth nd Myth nd Myth 13 Parasurama became intoxicated with killing Kshatriyas. In the same manner Venus becomes intoxicated with passion for what he loves to do. Venus is considered one of the benefics, for an avatar, with such a bloody role as Parasurama had, to be related to the benefic Venus appears preposterous at first. A very important astrological text, Upadesa Sutras, states that Venus has the ability to abort siblings and cause the loss of children, so there is much more to Venus then meets the eye. KURMA There was war in the heavens between the Devas and the Asuras. The Devas could not stand the fierceness of the Asuras, and many of them were dying. Indra and the others came to Brahma for help. He advised that they pray to the Supreme Lord. Brahma and the Devas then prayed to the Lord and asked him to pity the Devas. The Lord appeared and counseled them to make peace with the Asuras in order to buy them time. He then suggested that they obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality. He told them that to obtain the Amrita they must churn the ocean with the mountain, Mandara, and that they would need the help of the Asuras to do so. He then told them that he would also assist and that he would make sure that the Asuras got nothing of the Amrita. He then cautioned that many things would come from the churning of the ocean and that they were not to oppose the Asuras in anything that the Asuras desired; their only aim was to be the Amrita. The Devas then made peace with the Asuras who agreed to help them for their fair share of the Amrita. First they began to carry the mountain, Mandara, to the ocean, but it was to heavy and they dropped it crushing many Devas and Asuras. The Supreme Lord then appeared, lifted the mountain and carried it to the ocean. The serpent, Vasuki, was then tied to the mountain. The Lord and the Devas went to the head of the serpent and grasped it in their hands. The Asuras were angry with this and complained that they would not hold onto the tail of the serpent as it was beneath their dignity. So the 14 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Lord allowed the Asuras to hold onto the head. They then began to churn the ocean, but the mountain was very heavy and sank into the ocean. The Lord knew that this happened because they had failed to pay reverence to Lord Ganesha. The Lord then went under the water and took the form of a huge tortoise, Kurma, and lifted the mountain on his back. Only very few knew why the mountain had sank and how it had come up again. The churning began and the serpent being pulled upon, could not take it. Fire and poisonous smoke came out of his mouth, and the Asuras suffered greatly from it. The difficult churning continued and many things of great value and beauty rose up from the ocean. The Devas took only that which the Asuras did not want until at last Amrita rose to the surface in a vessel of gold carried by a divine looking being. The Asuras quickly took the Amrita, ran away, and began fighting amongst themselves over who should have the first taste. The Devas appealed to the Lord. The Lord told them not to worry, for had not he already promised them that they would receive the Amrita. Among the Asuras then came a woman, Mohini, of such beauty that the Asuras stopped quarreling. The Asuras handed the Amrita to her and asked for her to decide who should taste the Amrita first. She said that she would do so if they promised to accept her actions, which the Asuras readily agreed to. This woman was actually the Lord who knew it was not right to give the Amrita to the Asuras because they were cruel by nature. He then, in the guise of the woman, seated the Devas and the Asuras in separate groups. Her smiles and loving glances were all for the Asuras, but all the while she was giving the Amrita to the Devas. The spell she had cast on the Asuras prevented them from realizing that the Amrita was all being given to the Devas. They were so enamored by the women's beauty that they thought how terrible that the Devas could only think of the Amrita and had no appreciation of beauty. They thought that it was okay for the Devas to have their share first and that surely the woman would not cheat them. One Asura, Svarbhanu, however was not fooled, so taking the appearance of a Deva he sat between the Sun and the Moon. He The Planets a The Planets a The Planets a The Planets and Myth nd Myth nd Myth nd Myth 15 partook of the Amrita. The Sun and Moon then recognized him and made signs to the Lord who cut off Svarbhanu's head with his chakra. Svarbhanu, though, was already immortal from drinking the Amrita. Brahma had previously granted a boon to this demon to make him a planet, therefore the Lord allowed him to drink the Amrita. Svarbhanu's head became Rahu and his body became Ketu. Rahu and Ketu forever after have had bitter enmity with the Sun and the Moon which they “swallow” during an eclipse. When the Lord saw that all the Devas had taken Amrita he resumed His form. Though the Asuras had worked as hard as the Devas they were not rewarded with any Amrita. Kurma made it possible to perform the difficult churning of the ocean by raising the mountain after it had sunk into the ocean and holding it on His back during the churning. It is Saturn who provides the capacity to persevere through difficult tasks. It is also Saturn who is slow, persevering, and lasting, just like a turtle. The Asuras churned the ocean with attachment and desire for the objects that arose from the ocean. The Devas only desired the Amrita, and after the Asuras ran off with the Amrita they had to surrender to God and believe that He would return it to them. When Saturn is attached to the results he tends to create obstacles, become inert due to fear, or actually push away what he desires, both resulting in the loss of what is desired. When Saturn works with detachment and surrender he finds that his efforts bring happiness. VARAHA In the beginning of the creation of this Kalpa (cycle of time), Brahma commanded his son to begin creating. “But please tell me where my creations are to live. The earth has been submerged during the great deluge,” his son replied. “She is now in the netherlands. If you can retrieve her I will be able to do as you wish.” Brahma thought to himself, “Lord, you have commanded me to create, so it is up to you to help me solve this problem.” Brahma then thought of the Supreme Lord and became absorbed in meditation. All of a sudden a tiny boar jumped out of his nostril and began to 16 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens grow and grow until it had assumed immense proportions. All those who were watching realized that the Supreme Lord had donned the form of a boar in order to raise the earth from below. The Supreme Lord then, in the form of the boar, plunged into the waters, swimming to the bottom He found the Earth. Raising the Earth on his tusks the boar began to rise up. A demon attacked him on is way up but was killed after a ferocious battle. Varaha then emerged from the water with the Earth, which he placed on the dents formed by his hoofs. Brahma and the others praised him and his glory, “We salute you and your wife, Mother Earth.” Varaha, (the Boar) after listening to their words, vanished from their sight, but not before giving the essence of yagyas; rites for manifesting desires, making changes, and creating karmic balance. Varaha, the avatar associated with Rahu, was necessary in order to create life on Earth, the physical plane, after the causal and astral planes had been created. Rahu indicates many of the deeper lessons and desires, and the need to create karmic balance in underdeveloped areas, which make it necessary for us to reincarnate on the physical plane. This is also symbolized by the Earth’s salutation as Varaha's wife. When Varaha was raising the Earth, an Asura attacked him. Many “Asuras” of phobias, hallucinations, pretensions, and compulsions similarly attack the areas that Rahu influences. MATSYA At the end of the previous Kalpa, Brahma, the Creator, went to sleep and the world became submerged under the waters. When Brahma was sleeping an Asura stole the Vedas from him and disappeared under the waters. Previous to that a saintly king by name Satyavrata ruled the world. One day Satyavrata was performing his ablutions on the banks of the river Kritamala. When he took up the water in his cupped palm he found a tiny fish in his hands. He promptly dropped the fish back in the water. The fish spoke and said, “O king, have pity on me, I am so small and afraid of the big fish which threaten to eat me up. Please The Planets a The Planets a The Planets a The Planets and Myth nd Myth nd Myth nd Myth 17 take me away and protect me.” The king was touched by the fish and took it home. The next morning the fish said, “There is not enough space inside the vessel I am in, please place me in a wider pot.” Satyavrata placed it in a wider pot filled with water but within an hour the fish had outgrown the new pot. Satyavrata then placed it in a pond and the same thing happened. He kept placing the fish in bigger and bigger areas filled with water but the fish kept growing and complaining that it did not have enough space. Finally Satyavrata took it to the ocean and dropped it there. The fish said, “The Ocean is full of sharks and whales which will surely eat me up. Why did you bring me here.” Satyavrata smiled and said, “You are no ordinary fish. I know who you are. You are the Supreme Lord who has donned this form for some good purpose.” The Lord, in the form of the fish, then said, “You are right. Seven days from today the three worlds will be submerged under the waters. The great deluge is coming. When the world goes completely under you will see a boat. Take your place in the boat with the Seven Rishis. I will be in the waters. When you see me tie the boat to one of my horns. I will play on the waters for the duration of Brahma's night (the period during which Brahma is sleeping and creation is submerged), and you will also be with me.” All happened as was said. The Lord in the form of the fish also taught Self-realization to Satyavrata. During this time he also fought the Asura who had stolen the Vedas, returning the Vedas to Brahma at the end of the great deluge. Matsya was a fish who was discontented with all smaller vessels except for the ocean of Spirit. Similarly Ketu is never contented with anything of the world and only finds contentment in Spirit. Matsya taught the knowledge of Self-realization to Satyavrata and returned the wisdom of the Vedas; Ketu provides the Jnana (knowledge) of Self-realization. 18 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Matsya liberated Satyavrata from the fears caused by the ending of creation; Ketu, in the end, provides us with spiritual liberation. Ketu is therefore known as the producer of Jnana and Moksha (liberation). Presiding Deity Presiding Deity Presiding Deity Presiding Deity The Sun has Agni as h The Sun has Agni as h The Sun has Agni as h The Sun has Agni as his presiding deity. The Moon has is presiding deity. The Moon has is presiding deity. The Moon has is presiding deity. The Moon has Varuna. Mars has Kartikeya. Mercury has Vishnu. Varuna. Mars has Kartikeya. Mercury has Vishnu. Varuna. Mars has Kartikeya. Mercury has Vishnu. Varuna. Mars has Kartikeya. Mercury has Vishnu. Jupiter has Indra. Venus has Lakshmi as well as Sachi Jupiter has Indra. Venus has Lakshmi as well as Sachi Jupiter has Indra. Venus has Lakshmi as well as Sachi Jupiter has Indra. Venus has Lakshmi as well as Sachi Devi. Saturn has Brahma as well as Yama. Rahu has Devi. Saturn has Brahma as well as Yama. Rahu has Devi. Saturn has Brahma as well as Yama. Rahu has Devi. Saturn has Brahma as well as Yama. Rahu has Adishesha. Ketu has Brahman. Adishesha. Ketu has Brahman. Adishesha. Ketu has Brahman. Adishesha. Ketu has Brahman. AGNI Agni is the god of fire. Like fire is hidden in wood, Agni represents the spirit hidden in matter; the conscious, but not self- conscious, energy or life force that is contained within and unites all things. Agni is also the “conveyor of the gods,” as it burns the sacrificial ghee, etc, it brings the sacrifice to the gods. Agni, as the presiding deity of the Sun causes the Sun to burn up things in life that are sacrificed for the purpose of self-development. VARUNA Varuna is the all encompassing god of the ocean, the ocean of cosmic consciousness. He is the lord of all creative forces arising out of the ocean of cosmic consciousness. In the Vedas, Varuna is considered as the most excellent and preeminent of all deities, as the primal maker and upholder of the universe. Varuna as the presiding deity of the Moon reflects the importance of our mental attitude in creating our reality. KARTIKEYA Kartikeya, the god of war and power, is the second son of Lord Shiva. He is the supreme warrior-general among the gods, who commands the armies of the gods in their battle with the demons and leads them to victory. Kartikeya represents the perceptive power of the pure and innocent mind that has the discrimination to control the The Planets a The Planets a The Planets a The Planets and Myth nd Myth nd Myth nd Myth 19 passions and lend them a spiritual focus. He does this by freeing the mind from its concepts and ideas, these being what we fight for, believing that things must be a certain way in order for us to be happy and secure. Kartikeya is also known as Subramanya or Skanda VISHNU Vishnu is known as the preserver and the protector. When the universe returns to an unmanifested state during the end of each cycle of creation, even spirit in creation shows its impermanence and is dissolved. It is Vishnu who preserves the worlds and non-liberated beings in an unmanifested state until the next cycle of manifestation begins. Vishnu sleeps during the long night of cosmic dissolution but is protected from dissolution. Vishnu is the only manifestation of the Absolute that does not suffer dissolution. He is therefore considered as chief of all of the intelligent manifestations of the Absolute. Vishnu is the immanent cosmic intelligence that provides the memory of all that has been created and done in order to maintain the order and rhythm of the universe, cycle by cycle. It is said that Vishnu protects those that are dear to Him by endowing them with intelligence and discrimination. INDRA Indra is the king of the gods and represents divinity. Indra is also known as the all-conquering. The word Indra implies “one who is a conqueror of the indriyas- the senses”. Many stories of Indra are related wherein he becomes proud of his status. In his pride, he even tested Krishna. Indra, though a god, is still part of manifested creation and therefore capable of succumbing to pride. SACHI DEVI Sachi Devi is the consort of Indra and symbolizes the feminine, passive aspect of divinity. Sachi Devi is, as the name implies, instilled with power. The power to maintain divinity while making use of the senses. The masculine Indra conquers the senses, while the feminine Sachi, enjoys but is untouched by the senses. 20 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens LAKSHMI Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu, the goddess of prosperity. Though having the capacity to endow with prosperity and all pleasures, she herself clings to the chest of Lord Vishnu. BRAHMA Brahma is the creative aspect of Spirit. For creation to manifest, the Absolute must hide behind a veil in order to give the idea of creation being separate from Himself. This veil is termed Maya and is created by each individual's Avidya, ignorance of his soul nature. It is Saturn who is responsible for this Avidya. Saturn creates this ignorance through his lordship of the nerves. It is through the consciousness descending through the nerves that we perceive things as soft, solid, bright, dark, mother, father, etc, in other words, not as God. YAMA Yama is the god of death who leads the disembodied souls into one of the darker or brighter regions of the astral world, according to each individual’s merit. The word yama means “control” and specifically self-control. Among all forms of self-control the control of the life force is paramount. Through Yama, there is enforced control of life as it is withdrawn from the body at death. ADISHESHA Adishesha is the great thousand-headed serpent that couches and canopies the sleeping Vishnu during the dissolution between cycles of creation. Shesha means “that which remains”, and refers to the preserved potentialities of creation that, in a suspended state, await expression in the next cycle of creation. During creation, Adishesha supports all spheres of manifestation through the agency of cosmic delusion. It is Rahu who indicates the desires that are preserved in the state after death that wait to return one to the physical realm for their The Planets a The Planets a The Planets a The Planets and Myth nd Myth nd Myth nd Myth 21 fulfillment or transmutation. Rahu also creates an illusion of possible fulfillment that keeps one's consciousness mired in the world. BRAHMAN Brahman is the Absolute, Unmanifested God beyond creation; “the origin of all knowledge and love, the root of all power and joy.” Brahman rightly presides over Ketu, the producer of liberation, the only planet who is never satisfied with any love, knowledge, information or happiness that creation, in its many aspects, has to offer. 22 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens As As As Astronomical Data of the Planets tronomical Data of the Planets tronomical Data of the Planets tronomical Data of the Planets Sun Sun Sun Sun Moon Moon Moon Moon Mars Mars Mars Mars Mercury Mercury Mercury Mercury Jupiter Jupiter Jupiter Jupiter Venus Venus Venus Venus Saturn Saturn Saturn Saturn Earth Earth Earth Earth Mean Mean Mean Mean Distance Distance Distance Distance from Sun from Sun from Sun from Sun N/A App. same as Earth 227,941, 040 km 57,910, 000 km 778,330, 000 km 108,200, 000 km 1,426,940, 000 km 149,6000, 000 km Sidereal Sidereal Sidereal Sidereal Period of Period of Period of Period of Revolution Revolution Revolution Revolution N/A 27.3217 days (from Earth) 686.980 Days 87.9694 Days 11.86 yrs 224.7 Days 29.46 yrs 365.256 Days Mean Mean Mean Mean Synodic Synodic Synodic Synodic Period Period Period Period N/A 29.531 Days 779.94 Days 116 Days >1 year 584 Days >1 year N/A Inclination Inclination Inclination Inclination of Orbit to of Orbit to of Orbit to of Orbit to Ecliptic Ecliptic Ecliptic Ecliptic N/A N/A 1.850 Deg 7.004 Deg. 1.3 Deg. 3.4 Deg 2.5 Deg 0 Deg. (Cause of Ecliptic) Mean Mean Mean Mean Orbital Orbital Orbital Orbital Velocity Velocity Velocity Velocity N/A N/A 24.1 km/s 48 km/s 13.06 km/s 35 km/s 9.67 km/s 29.79 km/s Eccentricity Eccentricity Eccentricity Eccentricity of Orbit of Orbit of Orbit of Orbit N/A 0.055 0.093 0.206 .048 0.007 0.056 0.0167 Tilt of Tilt of Tilt of Tilt of Axis Axis Axis Axis 24.936 Deg 0 Deg. 3.12 Deg 177.36 Degs 25.33 Deg. 23.45 Deg. Rotation Rotation Rotation Rotation Period Period Period Period 25days at equator, 35 at pole 27.322 Days 24h 37m 23s 58.6461 Days 9hrs 50 min at equator. 243 Days (reverse) 10h 39.4 min 23h 56m 4s Diameter Diameter Diameter Diameter 1,390,000 km 3,476 km 6793.8 km 4,878 km ± 2km 142,984 km 12,102.5 km 120,536 km 12,756.28 km Mass Mass Mass Mass 1.989e30 kg 7.353e22 kg 6.418e23 kg 3.30e26 kg 18.99e26 kg 4.87e24 kg 5.685e26 kg 5.976e24 kg Density Density Density Density 1.41 g/cm^3 3.34 g/cm^3 3.9 g/cm^3 5.44 g/cm^3 1.33 g/cm^3 5.24 g/cm^3 0.69 g/cm^3 5.52 g/cm^3 Surface Surface Surface Surface Gravity Gravity Gravity Gravity 162 cm/s^2 372 cm/s^2 370 cm/s^2 2,2888 cm/s^2 860 cm/s^2 896-1,214 cm/s^2 980 cm/s^2 Primary Primary Primary Primary Compo Compo Compo Compo- -- - sition sition sition sition Hydrogen Silicates Silicates Iron Sulphur Iron Nickel Silicates Hydrogen Helium Silicates Iron Nickel Hydrogen Helium Silicates Iron Nickel Satellite Satellite Satellite Satellites ss s 2 none 16 none >20 1 A study of the astronomical characteristics has much to reveal about the planets. Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 23 2 22 2 Description and Description and Description and Description and Indications of the Planets Indications of the Planets Indications of the Planets Indications of the Planets Following are the description and indications of the planets as given in classical texts with notes to facilitate understanding: Chief Aspect Chief Aspect Chief Aspect Chief Aspect The Sun is the Atman. The Moon is the Manas. Mars is The Sun is the Atman. The Moon is the Manas. Mars is The Sun is the Atman. The Moon is the Manas. Mars is The Sun is the Atman. The Moon is the Manas. Mars is one's strength. Mercury is speech one's strength. Mercury is speech one's strength. Mercury is speech one's strength. Mercury is speech- -- -giver. Jupiter confers giver. Jupiter confers giver. Jupiter confers giver. Jupiter confers wisdom and happiness. Venus is one's passions. Saturn wisdom and happiness. Venus is one's passions. Saturn wisdom and happiness. Venus is one's passions. Saturn wisdom and happiness. Venus is one's passions. Saturn denotes misery and grief. denotes misery and grief. denotes misery and grief. denotes misery and grief. The Sun represents the Atman, or universal soul, the divine Self, inherent in all. The Atman is the source of true self-esteem, confidence and humility. The Moon represents the receptive mind known as the Manas, or sense mind. In the Manas, the Jeeva (the self) lives with Ahamkara (the ego), the idea of separate existence. Separate existence, meaning an existence removed from the consciousness of Spirit, causes one to relate and experience the world in some habitually formed manner. Instead of viewing the world through Spirit, we view the world through the agency of the Manas; therefore the Moon indicates how we experience the world. Specifically it indicates our perception of how the world affects us in our separate existence. In short the Moon reflects our mental attitude. Mars is one's strength, both physical and mental. Physically, Mars is strong and appreciates a challenge. This makes him competitive. Mars provides the capacity for the body to keep going even when it is exhausted beyond its normal limits and is sick or famished. Symbolic of strength is willpower, which Mars possesses in abundance, and 24 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens which he very much enjoys using. Mars likes to display his strength and have it recognized, this may make him somewhat arrogant. Mercury, as the speech-giver, is important with regard to all worldly affairs. Speech and communication facilitate fair and practical behavior, comprehension of all sides of an issue, and the interpersonal sharing of needs and desires for the aim of reasonable fulfillment. If an individual is unable to fulfill their desires in a fair and practical manner, then the temptation to engage in unfair ways will increase. It is Mercury who indicates the capacity for negotiation in a fair, practical and impartial manner. Jupiter represents wisdom and happiness. His wisdom stems from the intuitive faculty and his happiness comes from faith in something greater, which manifests as optimism. Jupiter has the capacity to infer the deeper purpose in all our experiences. He sees the good in everything and has the wisdom to experience the joy of each moment. Venus represents passions; the motivating influence in the heart that helps us make decisions, and that which we love because doing so provides happiness. This includes, but is not limited to, the desire to share experiences with the opposite sex. When Venus is in a pure state she gives the capacity to enjoy the pleasures of the world in a healthy and balanced manner with unperturbed senses, and the ability to make the best, balanced and heartfelt decisions. Saturn represents the misery and sorrows that are the result of ignorance. Furthermore, Saturn provokes one to behave in a manner that continues to create misery. Saturn does this through the agency of psychological complexes. For example, due to ignorance an individual may have performed many selfish activities in a previous incarnation. During the next incarnation the individual grows up in difficult circumstances that create in him a psychological complex of neediness. This motivates him to again behave in selfish ways. Only after the results of one’s karma are reaped will the misery causing veils of ignorance ruled by Saturn be lifted in the form of psychological breakthroughs. In this manner, Saturn creates delays to the successful fulfillment of the areas he influences. Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 25 Planetary Cabinet Planetary Cabinet Planetary Cabinet Planetary Cabinet The Sun and the Moon are the royal planets, the Sun The Sun and the Moon are the royal planets, the Sun The Sun and the Moon are the royal planets, the Sun The Sun and the Moon are the royal planets, the Sun the king and the Moon the queen. Mars is the army the king and the Moon the queen. Mars is the army the king and the Moon the queen. Mars is the army the king and the Moon the queen. Mars is the army chief. Mercury is the crown prince. Jupiter and Venus chief. Mercury is the crown prince. Jupiter and Venus chief. Mercury is the crown prince. Jupiter and Venus chief. Mercury is the crown prince. Jupiter and Venus are ministers. Saturn is a serva are ministers. Saturn is a serva are ministers. Saturn is a serva are ministers. Saturn is a servant. Rahu and Ketu form nt. Rahu and Ketu form nt. Rahu and Ketu form nt. Rahu and Ketu form the army. the army. the army. the army. The Sun is the king and provides the confidence required for making and executing decisions in a congruent and steadfast manner. He is of noble blood and an aristocrat. The Moon is the queen who is full of social grace and care. Mars, as the army chief, has an objective and uses his will and power to accomplish it. Fulfilling the objective is of primary importance; pleasantries and other time consumers do not fall in his realm. Mars likes to be punctual, get to the point, and move on to another agenda. Mars runs the army with his strong will. When in power, he is a dictator and, like a surgeon, wields a precise scalpel to remove any obstructions. This is not to say that Mars is self-serving or evil, rather that Mars prefers to cut to the chase. Like most princes, Mercury is given the luxury of play. He represents the intellectual mind that is at home wheeling, dealing, and progressing in the material world. Mercury prides himself at making the correct calls in a business deal, card game, or marketing strategy. Doing these things, Mercury is at play. As the crown prince, however, he must eventually rule the kingdom. He does this when he becomes spiritualized; at which time he becomes Buddhi, the discriminative intelligence. Buddhi is capable of perceiving the Sat (Real substance) from the Asat (unreal substance) thereby determining what is truth. Mercury as Buddhi is most qualified to guide the kingdom. Jupiter ministers with his knowledge and wisdom. He is known as the preceptor of the Devas (divine beings). Jupiter comes as the guru, astrologer, teacher and counselor to those in need who have merited his time and attention. Jupiter is full of spiritual and lawful knowledge. He also ministers as the judge who uses his wisdom to establish fairness and order. 26 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Venus is the Prime Minister who is full of worldly wisdom and statecraft. Venus, more than any other, can recognize the true value of a situation and act accordingly. Venus is known as the preceptor of the Asuras (demons). He loves to enjoy pleasures and luxuries. In Vedic mythology Venus is constantly reinvigorating the dead Asuras in their fights with the Devas. This demonstrates his capacity to continually reawaken the desire for pleasures and emphasizes his role of teaching one how to enjoy the world. Saturn is the servant and who does those things which others refuse to do. Saturn indicates many self-worth and self-esteem issues, the rewards of poor karmas, which make it difficult to live life to its fullest capacity causing engagement, instead, in service to that which is beneath our aspirations. On a higher note, however, Saturn serves with the discipline, detachment and perseverance that supports the performance of distasteful actions that ultimately proves beneficial. An army has two purposes, to defend and protect secured territories, and to move outward and conquer new realms. This is what Rahu and Ketu do in their role as the planetary army. Ketu represents the secured, controlled and established territories; and also the reserve armies that maintain and protect the sovereign country so that there is always a safe place to fall back and recuperate. Established areas eventually run out of space, resources, adventure, etc. This gives rise to the desire, or need, to march into undiscovered realms. This task is given to Rahu, who represents the foreign, unexplored, undiscovered and unknown realms. Rahu is the aggressive front of the army that desires to conquer new territory with little knowledge of what this involvement may mean. The unexplored realms of Rahu are wild and unpredictable, very different from the secured and established areas of Ketu. Gunas Gunas Gunas Gunas Sattvic planets are the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter. Sattvic planets are the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter. Sattvic planets are the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter. Sattvic planets are the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter. Venus and Mercury are Rajasic. Venus and Mercury are Rajasic. Venus and Mercury are Rajasic. Venus and Mercury are Rajasic. Mars, Saturn, Rahu Mars, Saturn, Rahu Mars, Saturn, Rahu Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are Tamasic. and Ketu are Tamasic. and Ketu are Tamasic. and Ketu are Tamasic. Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 27 Sattva are the elevating qualities that bring us in touch with our higher natures and generate wisdom. Sattva results in: self-discipline, love towards neighbors and animals, love for good qualities, love for bliss and calmness, love for great men, practical sympathy, benevolence towards the needy, spontaneous and habitual truthfulness, duty out of love and respect, a reforming spirit, moral reason, self-respect, quietness, a reserved nature, tenderness, faithfulness, an obliging nature, patience, forgiveness, acting in accordance with the suggestions of superior minds, outspokenness, having a sense of propriety, amiability, simplicity, frankness, balance, calmness, devotional feelings, contentment, love for mental and physical cleanliness, modesty, philanthropic tendencies, impartiality, gratitude, and reverence. Rajas are the activating qualities that motivate us, through passion, to pursue desires and goals. The eventual outcome of Rajas is grief. Rajasic qualities are: occasional truthfulness with selfish motive, fickleness, adroitness, over-seriousness, smartness, impulsiveness, demonstrativeness, meddling, sanguine, fastidious, lively, and the tendency to equip oneself with information about the environment. Tamas are the obstructing qualities that prevent us from realizing happiness, whether spiritually or materially. Tamas results in ignorance. Tamasic qualities are: attachment to sense objects, hypocrisy, sympathy, an undeveloped sense of “ought”, want of self respect, inactivity, stupidity, dullness, shyness, imperviousness to reason, callousness, dependence through want of capacity, procrastination, moroseness, deception, carelessness, negligence, strong feelings of obstinacy and anger when chastised for faults but careless when not chastised and simply asked to mend faults, crookedness, duplicitous, intellectually bent but heartless, lustful, covetous, a stealing propensity, a begging nature, superstitious, treacherousness, habitual untruthfulness, and shrinking attitude or lack of self-confidence. The Sun is Sattvic because he represents the soul. The Moon is Sattvic because she represents purity of mind. Jupiter is Sattvic because he represents wisdom, the outcome of Sattva, and the noble 28 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens qualities of faith, spirituality, forgiveness, charity, etc. Venus is Rajasic because she seeks pleasure. Mercury is Rajasic because he creates worldly interests and the desire for information. Mars is Tamasic because he represents accidents, enemies and fighting. Saturn is Tamasic because he is lazy, inert and depressed. Rahu is Tamasic because he tends to operate with a lack of premeditation, becomes compulsively attached, and creates phobias and unrealistic perceptions. Ketu is Tamasic because he is shy, hides, is obstinate and tends to abstain from any action. Ketu, however, is good for spirituality, where he becomes capable of giving wisdom, insights, and liberation. Caste Caste Caste Caste Jupiter and Venus are Brahmins. The Sun and Mars are Jupiter and Venus are Brahmins. The Sun and Mars are Jupiter and Venus are Brahmins. The Sun and Mars are Jupiter and Venus are Brahmins. The Sun and Mars are Kshatriyas. The Moon and M Kshatriyas. The Moon and M Kshatriyas. The Moon and M Kshatriyas. The Moon and Mercury are Vaishyas. ercury are Vaishyas. ercury are Vaishyas. ercury are Vaishyas. Saturn is a Sudra. Rahu is an outcast. Ketu is of mixed Saturn is a Sudra. Rahu is an outcast. Ketu is of mixed Saturn is a Sudra. Rahu is an outcast. Ketu is of mixed Saturn is a Sudra. Rahu is an outcast. Ketu is of mixed caste. caste. caste. caste. The castes are determined according to individual nature. This nature is determined by the three Gunas. Brahmins manifest Sattva, keeping Rajas and Tamas under control. Kshatriyas manifest primarily Rajas, some Sattva and no Tamas. Vaishyas manifest primarily Rajas, and slight Tamas, with Sattva mostly hidden. Sudras manifest primarily Tamas, slight Rajas and no Sattva. “Mind control, sense control, self-discipline, purity, forgiveness, honesty, wisdom, Self-realization, and faith in a hereafter constitute the duties of Brahmins, springing from their own nature.” -Bhagavad Gita 18; 42 The Brahmins’ primary goal is Moksha or spiritual liberation. They serve society through their wisdom and contemplation. Spiritually, Brahmins are those who know the Brahman, the absolute aspect of God. Their greatest enemy is pride; because they know so much and are capable of doing so much good, there is greater possibility of them becoming proud. Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 29 “Valor, radiance, resolute endurance, skillfulness, not fleeing from battle, generosity, and leadership are the natural duties of the Kshatriyas” -Bhagavad Gita 18; 43 The Kshatriyas’ primary goal is Dharma, a life of self-discipline, responsibility and right action. They serve society through the use of their will as administrators and protectors. Spiritually, Kshatriyas are sense-fighters. Kshatriyas, particularly Mars, must learn to control impatience and anger. Their anger is the result of their powerful Rajasic nature that causes them to believe that they have something of great consequence to do. “Tilling the soil, cattle breeding, and business are the natural duties of the Vaishyas.” -Bhagavad Gita 18; 44 The Vaishyas’ primary goal is Artha, which translates roughly as gain and also includes the fulfillment but control of the desires. They serve society through the use of their mentality, skill, and trade. Spiritually, Vaishyas are preparing themselves for a more earnest spiritual effort through learning and cultivating wisdom. Vaishyas must learn not to get overly caught up in the world of pleasure, which they must some day leave, without also developing spiritually. “Actions that are of service to others are the natural duty of the Sudras” -Bhagavad Gita 18; 44.5 The Sudras’ primary goal is Kama, desire for and activity of the life of the senses. They serve society through bodily labor. Spiritually, Sudras are body bound. The Sudras must be cautious not to waste their life away in oversleeping or from living in a drug like stupor that prevents them from bettering themselves in some manner. The high degree of Tamas makes it virtually impossible for unassisted self- improvement of a Sudra; therefore service under a more Sattvic master is considered a blessing, because it allows for growth through the association of good company. 30 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens In ancient times those who had only ill to offer society were considered as outcastes; Rahu governs these. Their participation in society was likely to lead to the disruption and weakening of the society. Rahu creates the compulsions that provoke one to forego any morals or care for others’ well being. Rahu also governs the propensity for “black magic,” and dark psychic phenomenon that prevents one from fitting comfortable into society. Ketu, who rules the mixed caste, indicates those who are eccentric in their nature and do not quite fit into any societal group. A person of mixed caste was looked upon as unfortunate and therefore avoided. People did not feel comfortable around those of mixed caste because it was never known how they would behave due to their lack of caste structure. A person of mixed caste also felt uncomfortable, did not know where to fit in, and was often hampered in becoming successful in the world. Sex of the Planets Sex of the Planets Sex of the Planets Sex of the Planets The Sun, Mars and Jupiter are male. The Moon and The Sun, Mars and Jupiter are male. The Moon and The Sun, Mars and Jupiter are male. The Moon and The Sun, Mars and Jupiter are male. The Moon and Venus are female. Mercury and Saturn are neuters. Venus are female. Mercury and Saturn are neuters. Venus are female. Mercury and Saturn are neuters. Venus are female. Mercury and Saturn are neuters. Masculine planets are affected by what they do; they feel good when they do good. Feminine planets are affected by their feelings about what happens to them; they do good when the feel good. Neuter planets have the capacity to provide balance. Mercury provides balance through discrimination. Saturn provides balance through discipline and detachment. Color of the Planets Color of the Planets Color of the Planets Color of the Planets The Sun is copper red. The Moon is white. Mars is blood The Sun is copper red. The Moon is white. Mars is blood The Sun is copper red. The Moon is white. Mars is blood The Sun is copper red. The Moon is white. Mars is blood red. Mercury is the color of green grass. Jupiter is red. Mercury is the color of green grass. Jupiter is red. Mercury is the color of green grass. Jupiter is red. Mercury is the color of green grass. Jupiter is golden. Venus is variegated. Saturn is black. golden. Venus is variegated. Saturn is black. golden. Venus is variegated. Saturn is black. golden. Venus is variegated. Saturn is black. The Sun, as a reddish planet, indicates action and initiative. The copper color, which is a mix of red and gold, inclines him towards achieving something noble through his efforts. Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 31 The white Moon is pure, reflective, sensitive in nature, and loves things to be clean and spotless. Blood red Mars is focused on action and initiative, he loves exertion. Mars is inclined to expend energy just for the sheer fun of it. Mars loves to see red, feel red and indulges in speed, danger and accidents. Green Mercury is fresh, young, inexperienced, curious and quick to learn. Golden Jupiter is happy, joyful and optimistic; he possesses a “golden” personality. Variegated Venus is the natural actor and performer who may animate, comfort, enliven, cheer or do almost anything in order to express and receive love, adoration, fulfillment and pleasure. Black Saturn darkens the consciousness through ignorance. If Saturn's influences in this manner are very powerful one may even have a black cast to their complexion. Black also symbolizes death, which Saturn is the producer of. Doshas Doshas Doshas Doshas The Sun is Pitta. The Moon is Kapha and Vata. Mars is The Sun is Pitta. The Moon is Kapha and Vata. Mars is The Sun is Pitta. The Moon is Kapha and Vata. Mars is The Sun is Pitta. The Moon is Kapha and Vata. Mars is Pitta. Mercury is a mix of all the three Doshas. Jupiter Pitta. Mercury is a mix of all the three Doshas. Jupiter Pitta. Mercury is a mix of all the three Doshas. Jupiter Pitta. Mercury is a mix of all the three Doshas. Jupiter is Kapha. Venus is Kapha and Vata. Saturn is Vata. is Kapha. Venus is Kapha and Vata. Saturn is Vata. is Kapha. Venus is Kapha and Vata. Saturn is Vata. is Kapha. Venus is Kapha and Vata. Saturn is Vata. Rahu and Ketu are Vata. Rahu and Ketu are Vata. Rahu and Ketu are Vata. Rahu and Ketu are Vata. The doshas are the constitutional humors useful in medical astrology and Ayurveda. The dosha of a planet also has much to say in regards to a planet's character. Pitta is fiery in constitution, Kapha is watery and Vata is windy. Though the classical texts present Ketu as Vata, in actual practice he often manifests as Pitta. The Moon has more Kapha and less Vata the brighter she is. The Moon is 100% Kapha when she is 180 degrees from the Sun and 100% Vata when at the same degree as the Sun. In between, she is both. Strength, aggressiveness and willfulness characterize Pitta. Pitta is impulsive, forceful and passionate. Pitta does not like to be told what 32 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens to do and is rebellious in nature. Pitta is direct and goal oriented, quickly tackles opposition, is independent yet likes to work in alliance with others toward a common goal. Kapha is characterized by an emotional nature. Kapha is loving, devotional, sentimental, romantic and loyal. Kapha leans toward contentment and is traditional in behavior and belief. Intelligence and mental activity characterize Vata. Vata is socially oriented, indecisive, easily disturbed, fearful and lacks endurance. Taste Taste Taste Taste The Sun is pungent, the Moon salty, Mars bitter, The Sun is pungent, the Moon salty, Mars bitter, The Sun is pungent, the Moon salty, Mars bitter, The Sun is pungent, the Moon salty, Mars bitter, Mercury mixed in taste, Jupiter sweet, Venus sour, and Mercury mixed in taste, Jupiter sweet, Venus sour, and Mercury mixed in taste, Jupiter sweet, Venus sour, and Mercury mixed in taste, Jupiter sweet, Venus sour, and Saturn is astringent. Saturn is astringent. Saturn is astringent. Saturn is astringent. Sight Sight Sight Sight The Sun and Mars look upward. Venus and Mercury The Sun and Mars look upward. Venus and Mercury The Sun and Mars look upward. Venus and Mercury The Sun and Mars look upward. Venus and Mercury look sideways. The Moon and Jupiter look evenly. look sideways. The Moon and Jupiter look evenly. look sideways. The Moon and Jupiter look evenly. look sideways. The Moon and Jupiter look evenly. Saturn and Rahu look downward. Saturn and Rahu look downward. Saturn and Rahu look downward. Saturn and Rahu look downward. Upward looking planets are ambitious and always thinking of what great things they hope to do in the future. Sideways looking planets are waiting to receive something new. Venus is waiting to receive the next pleasure or valued item. Mercury is waiting to receive information. Even looking planets are content in the moment. The Moon is content because she feels good about herself. Jupiter is content because he is full of joy. Downward looking planets find it difficult to manifest their desires and ideals. Saturn looks down because he is depressed and therefore finds it a struggle to move forward. Rahu directs the mind into the subconscious; the eyes naturally point down when the consciousness is focused in the subconscious. This happens when dreaming, fantasizing, taking drugs, or hallucinating; all of which are ruled by Rahu. Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 33 Ketu, the tail of the demon, has no eyes. He can only attempt to look inward. This makes him introverted by nature. Using the Sight of the Planets: The sight of a planet indicates the mental outlook during its dasa or antardasa. The sight of other influencing planets must also be considered, as they will modify the outlook. Residence Residence Residence Residence The Sun resides in temples, the Moon in watery places, The Sun resides in temples, the Moon in watery places, The Sun resides in temples, the Moon in watery places, The Sun resides in temples, the Moon in watery places, Mars in fiery places, Mercury in play and sport Mars in fiery places, Mercury in play and sport Mars in fiery places, Mercury in play and sport Mars in fiery places, Mercury in play and sport grounds, Jupiter in the treasury, Venus in the bedroom, grounds, Jupiter in the treasury, Venus in the bedroom, grounds, Jupiter in the treasury, Venus in the bedroom, grounds, Jupiter in the treasury, Venus in the bedroom, Saturn Saturn Saturn Saturn in a filthy place, Rahu in places of darkness, in a filthy place, Rahu in places of darkness, in a filthy place, Rahu in places of darkness, in a filthy place, Rahu in places of darkness, and Ketu has its place in the corners of a house. and Ketu has its place in the corners of a house. and Ketu has its place in the corners of a house. and Ketu has its place in the corners of a house. The Sun resides in all places of worship where the Self is most revealed. The Moon is in all watery places, including bathrooms, pools, laundries, and oceans, where refreshment and renewal take place. Mars is in all fiery places including kitchens, kilns, welding shops, and chemistry labs. Mercury is in all places that stimulate amusement, interest, and curiosity. Venus is in all places of pleasure including hotels, restaurants, and wineries. Saturn is in all places that are unkempt and disregarded. Rahu is in all dark places where there is no clarity of vision. Ketu is in the corners of the house where he is trying to hide and remain inconspicuous. Age of Age of Age of Age of the Planets the Planets the Planets the Planets The Sun is of 50 years, the Moon is of 70, Mars is a The Sun is of 50 years, the Moon is of 70, Mars is a The Sun is of 50 years, the Moon is of 70, Mars is a The Sun is of 50 years, the Moon is of 70, Mars is a young child, Mercury is a youth, Jupiter is 30, Venus is young child, Mercury is a youth, Jupiter is 30, Venus is young child, Mercury is a youth, Jupiter is 30, Venus is young child, Mercury is a youth, Jupiter is 30, Venus is 16, and Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are each 100 years of 16, and Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are each 100 years of 16, and Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are each 100 years of 16, and Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are each 100 years of age. age. age. age. Maturation Age Maturation Age Maturation Age Maturation Age The Sun matures at 22 years of age, the Moon at 24, The Sun matures at 22 years of age, the Moon at 24, The Sun matures at 22 years of age, the Moon at 24, The Sun matures at 22 years of age, the Moon at 24, 34 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Mars at Mars at Mars at Mars at 28, Mercury at 32, Jupiter at 16, Venus at 25, 28, Mercury at 32, Jupiter at 16, Venus at 25, 28, Mercury at 32, Jupiter at 16, Venus at 25, 28, Mercury at 32, Jupiter at 16, Venus at 25, Saturn at 36, and Rahu and Ketu mature at 48 years of Saturn at 36, and Rahu and Ketu mature at 48 years of Saturn at 36, and Rahu and Ketu mature at 48 years of Saturn at 36, and Rahu and Ketu mature at 48 years of age. age. age. age. The maturation age represents the age a planet matures in the personality. Just because a planet matures at a particular age does not mean it does not undergo any subsequent changes. It is only to say that, at that point, the individual gains the capacity to exercise the full range of the planet. At sixteen the capacity for moral judgment and philosophy matures. Previous to this, thoughts on these matters have not yet been developed to individual standards. Women who give birth at 16 have children (which Jupiter rules) with the fewest birth defects. At twenty-two a person matures as an independent individual. At twenty-four a person matures emotionally, and they become more aware of their attitude and outlook on life. At twenty-five the ability to recognize what exactly will fulfill personal desires matures, especially with regard to romantic partners. This does not mean that these things will necessarily be accomplished at this age, only that at this time there will be a clear idea of it for the first time. At twenty-eight one’s physical and internal strength matures. The greatest indication for maturation in this is to know when to use one’s strength, knowing when to fight. At thirty-two the capacity for rational thinking matures. At thirty-six the capacity for discipline and focus matures. At this point a clear understanding develops regarding personal path and duty, and what must done to bring these to fruition. At forty-eight the capacity to balance the powerful forces of Rahu and Ketu matures. These planets are always in exact opposition, creating a seesaw effect in one’s life, back and forth between the two houses where Rahu and Ketu are placed. During their maturation age one develops to capacity to balance the areas influenced by the nodes. Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 35 Using the Maturation Age of the Planets: The maturation age of a planet is of great importance. During the year of a planet’s maturation the native will reap many of the indications of that planet. The indications of the house the planet rules, the house the planet is in, and the planet’s natural indications will all manifest to some extent. These may be auspicious or inauspicious. In the event that the planet is afflicted then there will be great challenges towards the native’s learning to use the full qualities of the planet, as well as disturbances to its indications. If the planet is well placed in the horoscope its year may give rise and success, and a full use of the qualities of the planet. It is during the year of life in which the planet matures that any potential challenges or success will immerge. In order that the proper year is being understood an example is being given: The Sun matures at 22, the 22 nd year is from age 21 to 22. The year following the maturation year is also important for moving forward with what was learned and gained as a result of the planet maturing. An important year for self-development is the maturation year of the lagna lord. Description of the Planets Description of the Planets Description of the Planets Description of the Planets The Sun's eyes are honey colored, he has a square The Sun's eyes are honey colored, he has a square The Sun's eyes are honey colored, he has a square The Sun's eyes are honey colored, he has a square body, a prominent appearance and little hair on his body, a prominent appearance and little hair on his body, a prominent appearance and little hair on his body, a prominent appearance and little hair on his head. He is pure, intelligent, and courageous. head. He is pure, intelligent, and courageous. head. He is pure, intelligent, and courageous. head. He is pure, intelligent, and courageous. The Sun's square body makes him steadfast. The Moon is huge, has a round but thin body, The Moon is huge, has a round but thin body, The Moon is huge, has a round but thin body, The Moon is huge, has a round but thin body, auspicious looks, and sweet speech. She is intuitive, auspicious looks, and sweet speech. She is intuitive, auspicious looks, and sweet speech. She is intuitive, auspicious looks, and sweet speech. She is intuitive, discriminating, kind and fickle discriminating, kind and fickle discriminating, kind and fickle discriminating, kind and fickle- -- -minded. minded. minded. minded. The Moon discriminates through feeling rather than through the use of the intellect. She does this by choosing that which feels good. 36 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Mars is youthful, with a thin waist and body, and blood Mars is youthful, with a thin waist and body, and blood Mars is youthful, with a thin waist and body, and blood Mars is youthful, with a thin waist and body, and blood red eyes. He is cruel, ill mannered, fickle red eyes. He is cruel, ill mannered, fickle red eyes. He is cruel, ill mannered, fickle red eyes. He is cruel, ill mannered, fickle- -- -minded, minded, minded, minded, courageous, liberal, and given to anger. courageous, liberal, and given to anger. courageous, liberal, and given to anger. courageous, liberal, and given to anger. Mars is cruel in that he hurts and breaks things as he goes about his activities. He is not cruel in a sadistic sense unless other evil planets influence him. Mercury is endowed with an attractive appearance, Mercury is endowed with an attractive appearance, Mercury is endowed with an attractive appearance, Mercury is endowed with an attractive appearance, balanced build, and is agreeable to all in dress and balanced build, and is agreeable to all in dress and balanced build, and is agreeable to all in dress and balanced build, and is agreeable to all in dress and speech. He is skillful, witty and fo speech. He is skillful, witty and fo speech. He is skillful, witty and fo speech. He is skillful, witty and fond of jokes. nd of jokes. nd of jokes. nd of jokes. Jupiter has a large body, tawny hair, and large golden Jupiter has a large body, tawny hair, and large golden Jupiter has a large body, tawny hair, and large golden Jupiter has a large body, tawny hair, and large golden eyes. He is fond of virtues, of forgiving disposition, eyes. He is fond of virtues, of forgiving disposition, eyes. He is fond of virtues, of forgiving disposition, eyes. He is fond of virtues, of forgiving disposition, modest, intelligent and learned in all sastras. modest, intelligent and learned in all sastras. modest, intelligent and learned in all sastras. modest, intelligent and learned in all sastras. Venus is charming, with a beautiful body, lovely eyes, Venus is charming, with a beautiful body, lovely eyes, Venus is charming, with a beautiful body, lovely eyes, Venus is charming, with a beautiful body, lovely eyes, and curly hair. She is joyfu and curly hair. She is joyfu and curly hair. She is joyfu and curly hair. She is joyful, amorous, poetic, fortunate l, amorous, poetic, fortunate l, amorous, poetic, fortunate l, amorous, poetic, fortunate and sensuous. and sensuous. and sensuous. and sensuous. Saturn has an emaciated and long body, coarse hair, Saturn has an emaciated and long body, coarse hair, Saturn has an emaciated and long body, coarse hair, Saturn has an emaciated and long body, coarse hair, prominent veins, big teeth, and yellow, depressed eyes. prominent veins, big teeth, and yellow, depressed eyes. prominent veins, big teeth, and yellow, depressed eyes. prominent veins, big teeth, and yellow, depressed eyes. He is indolent, lame, and hardhearted. He is indolent, lame, and hardhearted. He is indolent, lame, and hardhearted. He is indolent, lame, and hardhearted. Saturn, due to his hardhearted nature, may be very cold in his behavior. He often is in denial himself and may be so blocked that he does not have a clear idea of exactly how cold he may be. Rahu creates smoke, being horrible with a blue Rahu creates smoke, being horrible with a blue Rahu creates smoke, being horrible with a blue Rahu creates smoke, being horrible with a blue- -- -mix mix mix mix body, and skin diseases. He is irreligious, cunning and body, and skin diseases. He is irreligious, cunning and body, and skin diseases. He is irreligious, cunning and body, and skin diseases. He is irreligious, cunning and speaks falsehoo speaks falsehoo speaks falsehoo speaks falsehood. d. d. d. The smoke of Rahu makes it difficult to see clearly and manifests as confusion, imaginings etc. Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 37 Ketu is smoky, of fierce look, with reddish eyes and a Ketu is smoky, of fierce look, with reddish eyes and a Ketu is smoky, of fierce look, with reddish eyes and a Ketu is smoky, of fierce look, with reddish eyes and a lean body marked by bruises. He is brutal by nature, lean body marked by bruises. He is brutal by nature, lean body marked by bruises. He is brutal by nature, lean body marked by bruises. He is brutal by nature, and always inhaling smoke. and always inhaling smoke. and always inhaling smoke. and always inhaling smoke. The smoke of Ketu makes it difficult to see, hides things, and creates unexpected happenings. Ketu also gives fierce and intense moods. Benefics and Malefics Benefics and Malefics Benefics and Malefics Benefics and Malefics Saturn, Mars, the Sun, waning Moon, Rahu and Ketu Saturn, Mars, the Sun, waning Moon, Rahu and Ketu Saturn, Mars, the Sun, waning Moon, Rahu and Ketu Saturn, Mars, the Sun, waning Moon, Rahu and Ketu are malefics. Jupiter, Venus, Mercury and waxing Moon are malefics. Jupiter, Venus, Mercury and waxing Moon are malefics. Jupiter, Venus, Mercury and waxing Moon are malefics. Jupiter, Venus, Mercury and waxing Moon are are are are benefics. Mercury, however, is a malefic if he joins benefics. Mercury, however, is a malefic if he joins benefics. Mercury, however, is a malefic if he joins benefics. Mercury, however, is a malefic if he joins a malefic. a malefic. a malefic. a malefic. Planets behave as natural benefics or malefics due to their innate nature. Some planets by their very nature damage those areas they affect and are, therefore, termed as malefic. Other planets enhance those areas they affect and are termed benefic. Saturn is a malefic because he causes delays and separation from the areas he affects. He causes these difficulties because he indicates where we suffer the results of our poor karmas, and he will not allow us to reap the benefits of the areas he affects until the law of karma has been fulfilled. Saturn is the cross that each of us bears. Mars is a malefic because he tends to break things, cause accidents, and create quarrels with others. The Sun is a malefic because he separates us from the areas he affects. Those things the Sun is influencing are sacrificed to obtain spiritual growth and a deeper individuality. Rahu is a malefic because he causes delays and separation from the areas he affects. He causes delays because he indicates where we have little knowledge, and therefore have much to learn before things will work out. Rahu causes separation because he indicates where we act with a lack of forethought and may therefore get caught up in something not in our best long-term interest that we must leave sometime in the future. He also causes separation by creating 38 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens longings that are not fulfilled even when the desired object is acquired, thereby creating the tendency to leave one thing for another. Ketu is a malefic because he hides those areas he affects in addition to destroying, and, thereby, freeing us from attachments. Ketu hides the areas he affects by causing feelings of doubt and creating discontentment that prevents an individual from putting forth the necessary effort. He destroys those areas he affects through self-destructive actions stemming from intense discontent and deep, unfulfilled feelings. Jupiter is a benefic because he provides fortune, blessings, and abundance. He expands and provides more of the good aspects of whatever he affects. He shows where we have been virtuous, forgiving and kind, and therefore have good karma to reap. Most importantly, Jupiter is the good merit that protects us from other adverse influences. Venus is a benefic because she provides all comforts, pleasures and luxuries. She gives refinement, and social grace. Most importantly, she gives the diplomacy so necessary for dealing with others. Mercury is a benefic because he provides the capacity to understand the areas he affects in a clear and impartial manner. This allows us to behave with balance and discrimination. Mercury is a mutable planet and takes on the nature of the planets he associates with. When with a malefic he becomes malefic in nature; his normal, impartial nature instead favors the views and desires of the malefic. Mercury does not become malefic on account of being with Rahu or Ketu; he maintains his benefic status because Rahu and Ketu are shadowy in nature and they themselves tend to take on the nature of other planets. From new moon to full moon the Moon is waxing and her light is increasing. From full moon to new moon the Moon is waning; and her light is decreasing. The amount of light determines the Moon’s beneficence. As her light increases, she gains greater beneficence. As her light decreases, she looses her beneficence. From the waxing half- Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 39 moon phase, which occurs when the Moon is 90 degrees from the Sun, to the waning half-moon phase when the Moon is 270 degrees away from the Sun, the Moon is a benefic. From 270 degrees to 90 degrees, the Moon is a malefic. The Moon has no light of her own and as she merely reflects the light of the Sun; the capacity of the Moon to nourish and provide growth is only a reflection of the creative energy of the Sun. From new moon to the waxing half-moon, the Moon has a creative urge and desire but finds it difficult to focus enough energy to bring desire into reality, therefore, the areas she affects are frustrated. From waxing half-moon to waning half-moon, the Moon is full of nourishing, growth producing energy and therefore enhances the areas she affects. From waning half-moon to new moon, the Moon is loosing her light and lack is felt in the areas she affects. Those things the malefic Moon influences do not fulfill one’s needs. According to Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra, the Moon must have an AyanaBala of 40 virupas to be considered strong, therefore, the Moon is an effective benefic when it is 120 – 240 degrees from the Sun, at which point its AyanaBala is 40 virupas or greater. Half of 40 virupas is 20 virupas; the Moon has 20 virupas or less of AyanaBala when it is 300 – 60 degrees from the Sun, at which point it becomes an effective malefic. The planets additionally gain temporal status as a benefic or malefic depending upon which houses they rule in a horoscope. This often creates many confusing contradictions for the beginning astrologer. A good thumb rule is that the natural tendency of a planet affects any area or combination it influences in the horoscope according to its natural benefic or malefic nature. The temporal nature indicates the motivation and goal of a planet. Body Tissues Body Tissues Body Tissues Body Tissues The Sun governs bones, the Moon the blood, Mars the The Sun governs bones, the Moon the blood, Mars the The Sun governs bones, the Moon the blood, Mars the The Sun governs bones, the Moon the blood, Mars the marrow, Mercury the skin, Jupiter the fat and brain, marrow, Mercury the skin, Jupiter the fat and brain, marrow, Mercury the skin, Jupiter the fat and brain, marrow, Mercury the skin, Jupiter the fat and brain, Venus semen, and Saturn the nerves. Venus semen, and Saturn the nerves. Venus semen, and Saturn the nerves. Venus semen, and Saturn the nerves. 40 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The bones provide the body with a solid foundation. Similarly, the Sun provides the personality with steadfastness. The blood renews the body by nourishing and cleansing toxins from the cells; it is the Moon who governs all renewal. The Moon is especially important for emotional renewal, keeping us mentally healthy and balanced. The marrow is where red blood cells are created, and is, therefore, a storehouse of energy. As one ages, the red marrow, which produces the energy carrying red blood cells, is replaced with yellow, fatty marrow. Similarly, Mars is the energy that weakens as one ages. The skin is the initial boundary of the body that provides the organism with its first line of defense against anything threatening from the environment. Similarly, Mercury provides certain boundaries through the agency of communication. Jupiter governs fat, which acts as the body’s saving account, and Jupiter does rule banks. Fat is also the essential tissue of the brain, which Jupiter also rules. The brain houses the higher spiritual centers in man where wisdom, knowledge and intuition are seated. The brain has an unlimited capacity for expansion and growth. Man's consciousness when raised into the spiritual centers located in the brain produces the greatest joy. Jupiter ruling the brain again establishes Jupiter as the highest and purest of planets. Semen, according to the Upanishads, is referred to as the organ of generation. Venus, the governor of semen, generates life through desire. An example of this is the sexual act, which, usually done out of desire, has within it is the potential to create life. Venus, by providing worldly pleasure, also generates the desire for life. The nerves are the channels through which the consciousness of man descends from the seven centers (the chakras) in the spine and brain into the senses. Once man's consciousness descends into the senses he becomes aware only of those things which the senses perceive, and therefore becomes blind to Spirit. This is the root cause of the misery that Saturn indicates, a misery that is no more than a consciousness of separation between human consciousness and spiritual consciousness. Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 41 The Five Elements The Five Elements The Five Elements The Five Elements Mars governs fire, Mercury earth, Jupiter ether, Venus Mars governs fire, Mercury earth, Jupiter ether, Venus Mars governs fire, Mercury earth, Jupiter ether, Venus Mars governs fire, Mercury earth, Jupiter ether, Venus water, and Saturn governs air. water, and Saturn governs air. water, and Saturn governs air. water, and Saturn governs air. Mars as applied energy rules fire. Mercury as the concrete rational mind rules earth. Jupiter due to his intuitive and faithful nature rules ether, the intangible element. Venus as passionate emotions rules water. Saturn as detachment rules air. Fire in general is symbolized by the Sun, however, fire is applied as energy through Mars. Water in general is symbolized by the Moon, however, water is felt in the heart by Venus. We respond to ether, the element that is intangible to the senses, as faith, hope, and joy through Jupiter. We respond to earth in the practical day-to-day needs required in order to sustain us through Mercury as trade, commerce, forethought, and planning. We respond to air as detachment given by Saturn. Trees Trees Trees Trees The Sun rules strong trees, Saturn useless trees, the The Sun rules strong trees, Saturn useless trees, the The Sun rules strong trees, Saturn useless trees, the The Sun rules strong trees, Saturn useless trees, the Moon milky trees, Mars thorny trees, Venus floral Moon milky trees, Mars thorny trees, Venus floral Moon milky trees, Mars thorny trees, Venus floral Moon milky trees, Mars thorny trees, Venus floral plants, Jupiter fruitful trees, Mercury fruitless but plants, Jupiter fruitful trees, Mercury fruitless but plants, Jupiter fruitful trees, Mercury fruitless but plants, Jupiter fruitful trees, Mercury fruitless but useful tre useful tre useful tre useful trees, and Rahu and Ketu rule bushes. es, and Rahu and Ketu rule bushes. es, and Rahu and Ketu rule bushes. es, and Rahu and Ketu rule bushes. The Sun, symbolizing strength and firmness of character, rules strong trees such as oaks. Saturn ruling useless trees, indicates Saturn's tendency of trying to maintain old, no longer useful structures. Saturn does this in an outward manner through conservatism and inwardly by maintaining psychological defenses. He does this in an attempt to maintain a sense of security. The life force of a tree is in its milk or sap. The Moon, ruling milky trees, is indicative of the her role as a nurturer and governor of the life force. The life force is maintained when the mind, the Moon, is healthy. Any mental/emotional disturbance negatively affects the life force, leading to disease. 42 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Mars rules thorny trees, as well as bitter trees, due to his sharp nature. Venus is most beautiful and therefore rules floral plants pleasant to the sight and smell. Jupiter rules fruitful trees as he indicates the best fruits of any work. Mercury's inventive and commercial nature allows him to rule fruitless trees that have other useful properties, especially those of commercial value. Bushes have never been given the stature of a tree. If someone were to accidentally kill a bush he might say “it’s just a bush” and not care so much. If he were to kill a tree, however, he would feel much worse. These days planting a tree is considered a noble act, as it was in ancient times in India, but planting a bush is not considered with the same regard. Rahu and Ketu are similarly not given the same stature as the other planets. In fact they only became planets as a result of a boon from Brahma. Bushes can grow in areas where trees are unable. They can be cut down to almost nothing and grow back in a short time. Like weeds, they have a tendency to overrun their growing areas and may become a nuisance. Only when they are carefully pruned and maintained are they considered beautiful. Rahu and Ketu, like bushes, have a tendency to “overrun” the planets that they affect by clouding the pure qualities of the planets with compulsions, discontentment, inconsistencies and imbalances. Only through the careful “pruning” of introspection and disciplined spiritual life can the evil effects of Rahu and Ketu be overcome. Though trees have more practical and food value, a larger number of herbal medicines, as well as poisons, come from bushes. Rahu and Ketu do not have much meat to satisfy our appetite; however, they do teach us to take spiritual “medicine” in order to cure the panaceas of worldly life. They do this by creating discontentment, by fueling desire that is unappeased by worldly living, and by separating us form areas of attachment. They thereby have the capacity to serve as Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 43 spiritual motivators. They can do this only if there are spiritual factors in the nativity; otherwise they act more like poisons. Person Person Person Person The Sun indicates the father, the Moon the mother, The Sun indicates the father, the Moon the mother, The Sun indicates the father, the Moon the mother, The Sun indicates the father, the Moon the mother, Mars one’s siblings, Mercury friends and relatives. Mars one’s siblings, Mercury friends and relatives. Mars one’s siblings, Mercury friends and relatives. Mars one’s siblings, Mercury friends and relatives. Jupiter the Guru (teacher), children, and husband, Jupiter the Guru (teacher), children, and husband, Jupiter the Guru (teacher), children, and husband, Jupiter the Guru (teacher), children, and husband, Venus the wife, Venus the wife, Venus the wife, Venus the wife, Saturn a common man, Rahu the Saturn a common man, Rahu the Saturn a common man, Rahu the Saturn a common man, Rahu the maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather, and maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather, and maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather, and maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather, and Ketu indicates the maternal grandfather and paternal Ketu indicates the maternal grandfather and paternal Ketu indicates the maternal grandfather and paternal Ketu indicates the maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother. grandmother. grandmother. grandmother. The father is, as the masculine, solar force within the family, responsible for establishing the status and position of the family. This provides the individual with an identity to go forth with into the world. The mother is, as the feminine, lunar force within the family, responsible for creating a comfortable and accepting environment. This allows for healthy emotional expression and a healthy mental attitude. Siblings, as our first companions, are responsible for teaching us how to work towards a common objective with disciplined, joint effort. This includes learning how to differentiate and make use of our strengths, just as Mars, the army chief, makes use of each individual’s strength to accomplish a given task. On a more esoteric note, the siblings, though coming from the same source, are all different as a result of each sibling holding different concepts and having different expectations put upon them. It is Mars who rules the mental concepts and ideas that we strongly hold onto creating the idea of differentiation. Friends are those with whom we play and with whom we share things of similar interest. Mercury rules those interesting things we want to talk about and share. The guru is responsible for teaching wisdom and proper moral, spiritual behavior, which are represented by Jupiter. Jupiter also 44 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens represents the husband. To quote Carl Jung, “It is almost a regular occurrence for a woman to be wholly contained spiritually in her husband...” One of the spiritual duties of man is to his ancestors. He fulfills this duty by having children, who, as a spiritual duty, are indicated by Jupiter. Venus is indicative of all romantic love and the producer of romantic partners for both men and women. Venus, however, is a specific indicator of the wife in a man's horoscope, a man's due reward for his good actions. Saturn represents the struggles common to all of mankind. This inclines him towards the common man, making him a democrat. There is some difference of opinion about which grandparent Rahu and Ketu rule. Following is a brief explanation of why I choose to use Ketu as the indicator of the maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother and Rahu as the indicator for the paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother. We are the result of our past. Biologically we are the products of our parents. There is, therefore, a significant link between the past that formed us and our parents. Ketu represents the past; because he is the node of the Moon (the mind), he represents the mental peculiarities from the past biologically manifesting through the agency of our parents. The maternal grandfather, represented by Ketu, has a greater effect upon the mentality of the mother because women generally take on more of the mental peculiarities of their father. The paternal grandmother, also represented by Ketu, has a greater effect upon the mentality of the father because men generally take on more of the mental peculiarities of their mother. Therefore, Ketu must rule the maternal grandfather and the paternal grandmother, and Rahu must rule the remaining grandparents. Using the Person Ruled by the Planets: The psychological indications that the native will be dealing with at a given time are relative to the person indicated by the planet. This is of primarily importance in the dasa of the Sun, during which issues concerning the father will be dealt with, and the dasa of the Moon, Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 45 during which issues concerning the mother will be dealt with. Vedas Vedas Vedas Vedas Jupiter rules the Rig Jupiter rules the Rig Jupiter rules the Rig Jupiter rules the Rig- -- -Veda, Venus the Yajur Veda, Venus the Yajur Veda, Venus the Yajur Veda, Venus the Yajur- -- -Veda, Mars Veda, Mars Veda, Mars Veda, Mars the Sama the Sama the Sama the Sama- -- -Veda, and Mercury rules the Atharva Veda, and Mercury rules the Atharva Veda, and Mercury rules the Atharva Veda, and Mercury rules the Atharva- -- -Veda. Veda. Veda. Veda. The Rig-Veda is the oldest of spiritual texts consisting of hymns to different manifestations of God. The Yajur-Veda is a handbook of rituals for the priests who conduct the ceremonial rites. The Sama- Veda contains chants with their proper melodic intonation. The Atharva-Veda contains incantations and formulas to appease negative forces and gain mundane favors in addition to containing the prescriptions that were the beginning of Ayurvedic healing. Time Periods Time Periods Time Periods Time Periods An Ayana is ruled by the Sun, a Muhurtha by the Moon, An Ayana is ruled by the Sun, a Muhurtha by the Moon, An Ayana is ruled by the Sun, a Muhurtha by the Moon, An Ayana is ruled by the Sun, a Muhurtha by the Moon, a day by Mars, a Ritu by Mercu a day by Mars, a Ritu by Mercu a day by Mars, a Ritu by Mercu a day by Mars, a Ritu by Mercury, a month by Jupiter, ry, a month by Jupiter, ry, a month by Jupiter, ry, a month by Jupiter, a Paksha by Venus, and a year by Saturn. Rahu and a Paksha by Venus, and a year by Saturn. Rahu and a Paksha by Venus, and a year by Saturn. Rahu and a Paksha by Venus, and a year by Saturn. Rahu and Ketu denote 8 months and 3 months respectively. Ketu denote 8 months and 3 months respectively. Ketu denote 8 months and 3 months respectively. Ketu denote 8 months and 3 months respectively. An Ayana is the period it takes the Sun to cover its northern course from the first day of winter to the first day of summer, or its southern course from the first day of summer to the first day of winter. This is a period of six months. A Muhurtha is two ghatis or 48 minutes. A Ritu is a season, since there are six seasons in a Hindu year, a Ritu corresponds to two months. A Paksha is the period from new moon to full moon, or from full moon to new moon. This compromises 15 tithis (lunar days), or about 2 weeks. Period of Life Period of Life Period of Life Period of Life The Moon rules the age up to 4, Mercury from 5 The Moon rules the age up to 4, Mercury from 5 The Moon rules the age up to 4, Mercury from 5 The Moon rules the age up to 4, Mercury from 5- -- -14, 14, 14, 14, Venus from 15 Venus from 15 Venus from 15 Venus from 15- -- -22, the Sun from 23 22, the Sun from 23 22, the Sun from 23 22, the Sun from 23- -- -41, Mars from 42 41, Mars from 42 41, Mars from 42 41, Mars from 42- -- - 56, 56, 56, 56, Jupiter from 57 Jupiter from 57 Jupiter from 57 Jupiter from 57- -- - 68, and Saturn, Rahu and Ketu 68, and Saturn, Rahu and Ketu 68, and Saturn, Rahu and Ketu 68, and Saturn, Rahu and Ketu rule from 69 rule from 69 rule from 69 rule from 69- -- -108 years of age. 108 years of age. 108 years of age. 108 years of age. 46 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The period of the Moon is that of infancy when the Mother is the guiding light of the child’s life. This is the period most important for healthy emotional growth. The period of Mercury is that of learning the important fundamental skills necessary in life. This is also the period of apprenticeship. The period of Venus is that of love and passion following puberty, as well as the first yearnings for marriage. The period of the Sun is that of career focus and gaining status and respect in society. The period of Mars is a period of disciplined activity, ideally for the purpose of spiritual growth, and the need for freedom to pursue activities that are deemed important. The period of Jupiter is a period of wisdom and spirituality, or one of wealth, happiness and affluence. The period of Saturn, Rahu and Ketu is one of fulfilling the karmas allotted this life, of degeneration, and of eventual death, but possibly detachment and liberation. Using the Period of Life of the Planets: Judging the planet that governs a period of life allows for a general overview of the life during that time, especially in respect to that planet’s developmental needs. S SS Seasons easons easons easons Venus rules Vasanta, Mars Greeshma, the Moon Venus rules Vasanta, Mars Greeshma, the Moon Venus rules Vasanta, Mars Greeshma, the Moon Venus rules Vasanta, Mars Greeshma, the Moon Varsha, Mercury Sarad, Jupiter Hemanta, and Saturn Varsha, Mercury Sarad, Jupiter Hemanta, and Saturn Varsha, Mercury Sarad, Jupiter Hemanta, and Saturn Varsha, Mercury Sarad, Jupiter Hemanta, and Saturn Sisira. Sisira. Sisira. Sisira. In India there are six seasons roughly corresponding as listed: Vasanta, ruled by Venus: March 22- May 21 the spring blooming season. Greeshma, ruled by Mars: May 22- July 21, the hot months. Varsha, ruled by the Moon: July 22- September 21, the rainy, monsoon season. Sarad, ruled by Mercury: September 22-November Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 47 21, the fall. Hemanta, ruled by Jupiter: November 22-January 21, early winter. Sisira, ruled by Saturn: January 22-March 22, late winter. The Sun being the cause of the seasons is not given lordship over a season. He is, however, considered to co-rule Greeshma with Mars. Dhatu, Moola and Jeeva Dhatu, Moola and Jeeva Dhatu, Moola and Jeeva Dhatu, Moola and Jeeva Rahu, Mars, Saturn and the Moon ru Rahu, Mars, Saturn and the Moon ru Rahu, Mars, Saturn and the Moon ru Rahu, Mars, Saturn and the Moon rule Dhatus. The Sun le Dhatus. The Sun le Dhatus. The Sun le Dhatus. The Sun and Venus rule Moolas. Mercury, Jupiter and Ketu rule and Venus rule Moolas. Mercury, Jupiter and Ketu rule and Venus rule Moolas. Mercury, Jupiter and Ketu rule and Venus rule Moolas. Mercury, Jupiter and Ketu rule Jeevas. Jeevas. Jeevas. Jeevas. Dhatus are the minerals, the inanimate kingdom. Moolas are the roots, the plant kingdom. Jeevas are the living beings, the animal kingdom as well as human beings. Sense Sense Sense Senses ss s The Sun, Moon and Mars rule the sight, Venus the The Sun, Moon and Mars rule the sight, Venus the The Sun, Moon and Mars rule the sight, Venus the The Sun, Moon and Mars rule the sight, Venus the taste, Mercury the smell, Jupiter the hearing, and taste, Mercury the smell, Jupiter the hearing, and taste, Mercury the smell, Jupiter the hearing, and taste, Mercury the smell, Jupiter the hearing, and Saturn and Rahu govern the touch. Saturn and Rahu govern the touch. Saturn and Rahu govern the touch. Saturn and Rahu govern the touch. The Sun has particular influence on the right eye and the Moon has particular influence on the left eye. Also, Rahu influences the psychic sense and Ketu influences the intuitive sense. Substances Substances Substances Substances The Sun rules copper, the Moon gems, Mars gold, The Sun rules copper, the Moon gems, Mars gold, The Sun rules copper, the Moon gems, Mars gold, The Sun rules copper, the Moon gems, Mars gold, Mercury alloys, Jupiter silver, Venus pearls, Saturn Mercury alloys, Jupiter silver, Venus pearls, Saturn Mercury alloys, Jupiter silver, Venus pearls, Saturn Mercury alloys, Jupiter silver, Venus pearls, Saturn iron, Rahu lead, and Ketu rules turquoise. iron, Rahu lead, and Ketu rules turquoise. iron, Rahu lead, and Ketu rules turquoise. iron, Rahu lead, and Ketu rules turquoise. Mercury rules alloys, which are a blend of metals, because he rules all that is mixed. Rahu rules lead, which is very heavy, dull, and poisonous, as is Rahu’s nature. Jupiter, who rules silver, also rules, according to some texts, gold when he is in his own rasi. 48 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Clot Clot Clot Clothes hes hes hes The Sun governs rough, thick cloth, the Moon new The Sun governs rough, thick cloth, the Moon new The Sun governs rough, thick cloth, the Moon new The Sun governs rough, thick cloth, the Moon new clothes, Mars burnt clothes, Mercury washed clothes, clothes, Mars burnt clothes, Mercury washed clothes, clothes, Mars burnt clothes, Mercury washed clothes, clothes, Mars burnt clothes, Mercury washed clothes, Jupiter neither new nor old clothes, Venus strong Jupiter neither new nor old clothes, Venus strong Jupiter neither new nor old clothes, Venus strong Jupiter neither new nor old clothes, Venus strong clothes, Saturn rags, Rahu multi clothes, Saturn rags, Rahu multi clothes, Saturn rags, Rahu multi clothes, Saturn rags, Rahu multi- -- -colored clothes, and colored clothes, and colored clothes, and colored clothes, and Ketu also rules rags. Ketu also rules rags. Ketu also rules rags. Ketu also rules rags. Directions Directions Directions Directions The Sun lor The Sun lor The Sun lor The Sun lords over the East, Venus the Southeast, Mars ds over the East, Venus the Southeast, Mars ds over the East, Venus the Southeast, Mars ds over the East, Venus the Southeast, Mars the South, Rahu the Southwest, Saturn the West, The the South, Rahu the Southwest, Saturn the West, The the South, Rahu the Southwest, Saturn the West, The the South, Rahu the Southwest, Saturn the West, The Moon the Northwest, Mercury the North, and Jupiter Moon the Northwest, Mercury the North, and Jupiter Moon the Northwest, Mercury the North, and Jupiter Moon the Northwest, Mercury the North, and Jupiter over the Northeast. over the Northeast. over the Northeast. over the Northeast. Gemstone Gemstone Gemstone Gemstone The Sun has as its gem a ruby, the Moon a spotless The Sun has as its gem a ruby, the Moon a spotless The Sun has as its gem a ruby, the Moon a spotless The Sun has as its gem a ruby, the Moon a spotless pearl, Mars red coral, Mercu pearl, Mars red coral, Mercu pearl, Mars red coral, Mercu pearl, Mars red coral, Mercury emerald, Jupiter yellow ry emerald, Jupiter yellow ry emerald, Jupiter yellow ry emerald, Jupiter yellow sapphire, Venus diamond, Saturn blue sapphire, Rahu sapphire, Venus diamond, Saturn blue sapphire, Rahu sapphire, Venus diamond, Saturn blue sapphire, Rahu sapphire, Venus diamond, Saturn blue sapphire, Rahu gomedha (hessonite garnet), and Ketu has cat’s gomedha (hessonite garnet), and Ketu has cat’s gomedha (hessonite garnet), and Ketu has cat’s gomedha (hessonite garnet), and Ketu has cat’s- -- -eye as eye as eye as eye as its gem. its gem. its gem. its gem. Sa Mo Me Ju Ve Su Ra Ma N W E S Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 49 Letters Letters Letters Letters Sun Sun Sun Sun- -- - Vowels: Vowels: Vowels: Vowels: = == = a, a, a, a, =i =i =i =i aa, aa, aa, aa, s ss s i, i, i, i, s ss s ii, ii, ii, ii, - -- - u, u, u, u, - - - - uu, uu, uu, uu, = == = ri, ri, ri, ri, = = = = rri, rri, rri, rri, = = = = lri, lri, lri, lri, ( (( ( e, e, e, e, ( ( ( ( ai, ai, ai, ai, = == =i i i i o, o, o, o, =i =i =i =i au. au. au. au. Moon Moon Moon Moon- -- - ¤ ¤¤ ¤ Y, Y, Y, Y, + ++ + R, R, R, R, = == = L, L, L, L, ¤ ¤¤ ¤ V, V, V, V, : : : : Sh, Sh, Sh, Sh, · · · · Sh, Sh, Sh, Sh, = == = S, S, S, S, r rr r H. H. H. H. Mars Mars Mars Mars- -- - Guttural: Guttural: Guttural: Guttural: = == = K, K, K, K, = = = = Kh, Kh, Kh, Kh, n nn n G, G, G, G, r r r r Gh, Gh, Gh, Gh, s s s s Ng. Ng. Ng. Ng. Mercury Mercury Mercury Mercury- -- - Retroflex: Retroflex: Retroflex: Retroflex: ª ªª ª T, T, T, T, a aa a Th, Th, Th, Th, s ss s D, D, D, D, « «« « Dh, Dh, Dh, Dh, º º º º N. N. N. N. Jupiter Jupiter Jupiter Jupiter- -- - Dental: Dental: Dental: Dental: + ++ + T, T, T, T, » » » » Th, Th, Th, Th, : :: : D, D, D, D, · · · · Dh, Dh, Dh, Dh, + ++ + N. N. N. N. Venus Venus Venus Venus- -- - Palatal: Palatal: Palatal: Palatal: ¤ ¤¤ ¤ C, C, C, C, ø øø ø Ch, Ch, Ch, Ch, ¤ ¤¤ ¤ J, J, J, J, ¬ ¬¬ ¬ Jh, Jh, Jh, Jh, ¤ Nj. Nj. Nj. Nj. The letters of the planets have many uses. One simple application is in the rectification of the birth time. More often then not the first letter of the native’s name corresponds to one of the letters ruled by the lord of the rasi or navamsa that the lagna or Moon is in. Rasis Rasis Rasis Rasis The Moon rules Cancer, the Sun Leo, Mercury Gemini The Moon rules Cancer, the Sun Leo, Mercury Gemini The Moon rules Cancer, the Sun Leo, Mercury Gemini The Moon rules Cancer, the Sun Leo, Mercury Gemini and Virgo, Venus Taurus and Libra, Mars Aries and and Virgo, Venus Taurus and Libra, Mars Aries and and Virgo, Venus Taurus and Libra, Mars Aries and and Virgo, Venus Taurus and Libra, Mars Aries and Scorpio, Jupiter Sagittarius and Pisces, and Saturn Scorpio, Jupiter Sagittarius and Pisces, and Saturn Scorpio, Jupiter Sagittarius and Pisces, and Saturn Scorpio, Jupiter Sagittarius and Pisces, and Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius. rules Capricorn and Aquarius. rules Capricorn and Aquarius. rules Capricorn and Aquarius. Exaltation and Debilitation Exaltation and Debilitation Exaltation and Debilitation Exaltation and Debilitation Planet Exaltation Deep Exaltation Debilitation Deep Debilitation Sun: Aries 10 ° Aries Libra 10 ° Libra Moon: Taurus 0-3 ° 3 ° Taurus Scorpio, 0-3 ° 3 ° Scorpio Mars: Capricorn 28 ° Capricorn Cancer 28 ° Cancer Mercury: Virgo, 0-15 ° 15 ° Virgo Pisces, 0-15 ° 15 ° Pisces Jupiter: Cancer 5 ° Cancer Capricorn 5 ° Capricorn Venus: Pisces 27 ° Pisces Virgo 27 ° Virgo Saturn: Libra 20 ° Libra Aries 20 ° Aries Each planet has an exaltation sign. Within the exaltation sign 50 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens there is a degree of deep exaltation wherein the planet is at its absolute finest. An exalted planet is extremely strong in its nature and also refined to a much more perfected, pure, and productive state. A planet is considered debilitated in the sign opposite, or 7 th from, its exaltation. It is in deep debilitation when in the degree opposite its deep exaltation degree. A planet in debilitation is very weak in its nature and exhibits none of its natural beneficial or useful characteristics. The organs ruled by a debilitated planet will be genetically weak and prone to disease. In certain cases, a debilitated planet may be a producer of rise, success and wealth. Debilitated planets, though offering some difficulties, may, therefore, be beneficial. JUDGING PLANETARY TYPES People may be typified according to the planets. Very generally speaking, the personality will predominately take on the characteristics of the strongest planets in the horoscope. A planet will strongly influence the personality: 1. When it is in its own, moolatrikona, or exaltation sign. 2. When it is in the Lagna (first house). 3. When it joins the Lagna lord. If there is more than one planet in its own, moolatrikona, or exaltation sign, and one of them is in an angle, then the one in an angle will indicate more dominant characteristics. Personalities are also striking due to any weakness that may be present. In the event that there is a particularly weak planet in the horoscope, that planet will also dominate the person’s character, but based on a weakness, or unbalanced expression of the planet, rather than strength. A planet is particularly weak if it is debilitated. Under certain conditions, these weak planets may be planets that the native is famous and recognized for. Some of these conditions are listed in the “Dignities” chapter. Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets Description and Indications of the Planets 51 THE OUTER PLANETS The outer planets: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are not traditionally used in Vedic astrology. The outer planets are to distant from the Earth to be seen, and hence do not distribute “light” upon the Earth in the same fashion as that of the other planets. They, therefore, indicate different considerations than do the visible planets. The outer planets indicate the evolutionary forces working within an individual. How an individual handles these forces, however, is dependent upon the seven visible planets. Also, the outer planets, being invisible, relate to the unconscious and therefore can work only through the agency of Rahu and Ketu. It, therefore, becomes of utmost importance to understand the meaning and use of the seven visible planets, Rahu and Ketu. In addition, with the use of Rahu, Ketu and the Nakshatras (another division of the zodiac into 27 parts), Vedic astrology allows the astrologer to analyze the indications in the horoscope which Western astrologers use the outer planets for. Judging these indications through the use of the planets as traditionally used in Vedic astrology has the added advantage of providing practical remedies and advice for overcoming negative or difficult indications that would not be available if only the outer planets were studied. This is not to say that a study of the outer planets is not useful. In fact some important and interesting aspects of a horoscope may be more easily seen with the use of the outer planets. Providing practical guidelines, however, will not be as easily done, or as efficient. Western astrologers pay great emphasis to the transits of the outer planets, though again, a deep look at the Dasa systems of timing will also reveal the indications of an outer planet transit. Depending upon where your studies take you, you may or may not wish to add the outer planets to your studies. The outer planets can give insights about the native, their lessons and times of growth. They must, however, never be used for making concrete predictions. 52 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens $ % & ' ( ) * + , S u n S u r y a M o o n C h a n d r a M a r s K u j a M e r c u r y B u d h a J u p i t e r G u r u V e n u s S u k r a S a t u r n S a n i N. N o d e R a h u S. N o d e K e t u The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis 53 3 33 3 The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis The zodiac, the broad belt the planets move through, is divided into twelve divisions of thirty degrees each. The common Sanskrit word for one of these divisions is a Rasi. The twelve rasis in their order from the beginning of the Zodiac are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. ZODIAC AND CHAKRA CORRESPONDENCE The Zodiac is actually a macrocosmic correspondence of the spinal centers, or chakras. The Law of Correspondence holds that if two things look alike, they must be in reciprocation with each other. This is the basis for healing arts such as reflexology. In respect to astrology, since the Zodiac is similar to the chakras, what is happening in the Zodiac corresponds to what is happening in the spinal centers; what is indicated by the Zodiac is what is awakening in the chakras. This works both ways, an individual who is improving that which is awakening in their chakras through spiritual practices, penance, etc. will have a corresponding influence on the Zodiac. Indeed, whatever we do affects everything else as well. The following table illustrates the correspondence of the rasis to the chakras: Cancer G GG G Medullar Plexus H HH H Leo Gemini F FF F Cervical Plexus I I I I Virgo Taurus E EE E Dorsal Plexus J JJ J Libra Aries D DD D Lumbar Plexus K KK K Scorpio Pisces O OO O Sacral Plexus L LL L Sagittarius Aquarius N NN N Coccyges Plexus M MM M Capricorn It will be noticed that there is no correspondence to the Crown 54 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Chakra, or 1,000 Petaled Lotus, the center of divine illumination. It is only this highest center that is free from the influence of fate indicated by astrology. What about the planets? The rasis, as mentioned correspond to the chakras, the planets correspond to what is happening in the chakras. Each planet is the lord of one or two rasis. The planets correspond to the energy of the chakras, their placement indicates the distribution and flow of energies within the chakras. A note should also be said regarding remedials, such as gemstones, mantras, etc. Remedials have as their goal the redistribution or balance of the energy awakening in the chakras, thereby changing the influence of fate as indicated in the horoscope. LORDS OF THE RASIS Each planet rules, or lords over, two rasis of the zodiac, which are considered as his own house or own rasi. The Sun and the Moon, however, each own only one rasi. Each planet rules a positive, masculine energized rasi and a negative, feminine energized rasi. The Sun and Moon are polar opposites with the Sun ruling only one masculine rasi and the Moon ruling only one feminine rasi. The Sun has Leo as its male rasi. The Moon has Cancer as its female rasi. Mercury has Gemini as its male rasi, and Virgo as its female rasi. Venus has Libra as its male rasi, and Taurus as its female rasi. Mars has Aries as its male rasi, and Scorpio as its female rasi. Jupiter has Sagittarius as its male rasi, and Pisces as its female rasi. Saturn has Aquarius as its male rasi, and Capricorn as its female rasi. The following table illustrates this: Cancer G GG G - Moon / Sun + H HH H Leo Gemini F FF F + Mercury - I I I I Virgo Taurus E EE E - Venus + J JJ J Libra Aries D DD D + Mars - K KK K Scorpio Pisces O OO O - Jupiter + L LL L Sagittarius Aquarius N NN N + Saturn - M MM M Capricorn The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis 55 The positive energized rasis will exhibit the planet's energy in a masculine, initiative manner; the negative energized rasis will exhibit the planet's energy in a feminine, receptive manner. DESCRIPTIVE SYMBOLS OF THE RASIS The names of the rasis are generally well known, however the symbol of the rasis in some cases is not so well known. Following are the description of the rasis as given in Brihat Jataka: Aries is represented by a ram. Aries is represented by a ram. Aries is represented by a ram. Aries is represented by a ram. Taurus is represented by a bull. Taurus is represented by a bull. Taurus is represented by a bull. Taurus is represented by a bull. Gemini is indicated by a man with a club and a women Gemini is indicated by a man with a club and a women Gemini is indicated by a man with a club and a women Gemini is indicated by a man with a club and a women with a lute in close embrace. with a lute in close embrace. with a lute in close embrace. with a lute in close embrace. Cancer is represented by a crab. Cancer is represented by a crab. Cancer is represented by a crab. Cancer is represented by a crab. Leo is represented by a lion. Leo is represented by a lion. Leo is represented by a lion. Leo is represented by a lion. Virgo is represented by a virgin in a boat with grains Virgo is represented by a virgin in a boat with grains Virgo is represented by a virgin in a boat with grains Virgo is represented by a virgin in a boat with grains in one hand and a light in the other. in one hand and a light in the other. in one hand and a light in the other. in one hand and a light in the other. Libra represents a man in a bazaar with a balance Libra represents a man in a bazaar with a balance Libra represents a man in a bazaar with a balance Libra represents a man in a bazaar with a balance scale in hand. scale in hand. scale in hand. scale in hand. Scorpio is represented by a sc Scorpio is represented by a sc Scorpio is represented by a sc Scorpio is represented by a scorpion. orpion. orpion. orpion. Sagittarius is a centaur with the hind part of a horse Sagittarius is a centaur with the hind part of a horse Sagittarius is a centaur with the hind part of a horse Sagittarius is a centaur with the hind part of a horse and the front of an archer. and the front of an archer. and the front of an archer. and the front of an archer. Capricorn bears the face of a dear with the hinder part Capricorn bears the face of a dear with the hinder part Capricorn bears the face of a dear with the hinder part Capricorn bears the face of a dear with the hinder part of a crocodile, (though also known as a goat). of a crocodile, (though also known as a goat). of a crocodile, (though also known as a goat). of a crocodile, (though also known as a goat). Aquarius is represented by a person bearing an empty Aquarius is represented by a person bearing an empty Aquarius is represented by a person bearing an empty Aquarius is represented by a person bearing an empty water water water water pot. pot. pot. pot. Pisces is represented by two fish lying close together Pisces is represented by two fish lying close together Pisces is represented by two fish lying close together Pisces is represented by two fish lying close together with their heads pointing in opposite directions. with their heads pointing in opposite directions. with their heads pointing in opposite directions. with their heads pointing in opposite directions. 56 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RASIS Classical works give many details regarding the rasis. The following table provides a list of the various details as given in the classics. All the classics include some contradictions and differences. The Rishis gave us a science deep and rich in symbolism. The beauty of symbolism is that the meanings are endless. In making this table I have done my best to provide the student with the most useful and clear information as I understand it. In order to facilitate the students understanding of the symbolism, I have included explanations for the various characteristics as given by the Rishis. To no degree, however, should the student limit his understanding of what has been given by the Rishis to my explanations. He should, in fact, always strive to deepen his understanding of the symbolism. There is a lot of information in the table. A good way to learn it is to look for connections that will make it easier to memorize the indications of the rasis. For example, the fire rasis all rule the east, they are all Kshatriyas, all rule medium level, and all are Pitta in constitution. Following is an explanation of the different rasi qualities that are given in the table: ELEMENT The elements indicates the type of energy: 1. Fire is intuitive and self. 2. Earth is rational and material. 3. Air is intellectual and social. 4. Water is feeling and contemplative/emotional. Using the Element: The element, whether fire, water, earth or air, in which the greatest amount of the following are placed in will become dominant in the natives character: 1. The Lagna 2. The Lagna Lord 3. The Moon 4. The Sun The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis 57 The element, which has the most planets, will also have a noticeable effect on the general nature of the native. MODALITY The modality is the type of energy inherent in a rasi, whether creative, preservative or destructive. Creative energy is inherent in the movable rasis. Moveable rasis prompt action and change; they indicate the initial awareness of energy. They are also known as cardinal rasis. The common Sanskrit term is Chara rasi. Preservative energy is inherent in the fixed rasis. Fixed rasis are secure and indicate the stabilization of energy. Fixed rasis are the reflection of the creative moveable rasis. The common Sanskrit term is Sthira rasi. Destructive energy is inherent in the dual rasis but dissolution of energy is a more apt term. Dual rasis are skillful and prompt learning, knowledge and dispensation. Dual rasis symbolize that which transpires between the moveable and fixed rasis. They are also known as mutable or common rasis. The common Sanskrit term is Dvisvabhava rasi. Using the Modality: The rasi type with the most planets, excluding Rahu and Ketu, will have a dominant effect on the native's life. ELEMENT + MODALITY The element and modality are very important characteristics of the rasis. From their combination we have the following for the twelve rasis: Aries: self in action, creative self, self-awareness. Taurus: material security, secure in the material world. Gemini: intellectual knowledge and learning, social learning, relating knowledge, dispensing information. Cancer: emotional or spiritual aroused activity and creativity. Leo: secure self, stable self. Virgo: practical and physical knowledge, rational learning, dispensing material (physical) needs. 58 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Libra: social awareness, social activities, intellectual creativity. Scorpio: emotional or spiritual security, emotional stability. Sagittarius: self-knowledge, intuitive knowledge and learning, dispensing self-knowledge. Capricorn: materially active, awareness of material needs, rational activity. Aquarius: security amongst society (requires secure individuality), social stability. Pisces: spiritual knowledge and learning, spiritual and emotional dispensation (compassion). GUNA AND CASTE The Guna relates to the activating quality inherent in each rasi. Tamas is the obstructing qualities. Rajas is the activating quality. Sattva is the elevating quality. For more, see “Gunas”, Chapter 2, “Description and Indications of the Planets.” For more on the caste, see “Caste”, Chapter 2, “Description and Indications of the Planets.” The combination of Guna and Caste is very important in understanding a rasi's nature: Aries: Rajasic Kshatriya: the passionate and active warrior, leader and organizer; means well, but his passionate, rajasic nature inclines him towards things that will eventually result in suffering, the outcome of Rajas. Taurus: The Rajasic Sudra: easy going, with a taste for the good things in life, comforts, luxuries and pleasures. Gemini: The Rajasic Vaishya: the knowledgeable trader who’s rajasic qualities incline him to know his stuff and product; the pursuit of knowledge about a current interest. Cancer: The Sattvic Brahmin: the purity and peace of interior reflection. Leo: The Sattvic Kshatriya: the noble organizer, leader and warrior. Virgo: The Tamasic Sudra: the one that works because circumstances inclines him to; the karma yogi, who knows there is nothing else he can do. Libra: The Rajasic Vaishya: the balanced trader who’s rajasic qualities have taught him to recognize a bargain when he sees one; one very capable of fulfilling his desires with poise, balance and equilibrium. The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis 59 Scorpio: The Tamasic Brahmin: the ignorance which must be transformed through spiritual penance; the dark priest and master of the occult; the pains of spiritual purification. Sagittarius: The Sattvic Kshatriya: the noble minister and diplomat of state and organizational affairs; the master warrior full of knowledge and learning. Capricorn: The Tamasic Sudra: caught up in materiality and work out of fear and ignorance; or the one who knows that all he can do is what he must do, putting passions aside. Aquarius: The Tamasic Vaishya: the trader, who after enjoying the luxuries in life succumbs to the bottle, seeing nothing fulfilling; the trader who out of despair gives away all his goods, as nothing to him, and who therefore may find himself. Pisces: The Sattvic Brahmin; the mystic lost in his contemplation. RISING WITH HEAD OR TAIL As the rasis move across the heavens they rise over the eastern horizon head first (sirshodaya) or tail first (prishtodaya). Rasis rising with the head accomplish things early, while those rasis rising with their tail accomplish things later. Classics state that a planet in a rasi rising with its head gives its effects early in life, late in life if it is in a rasi rising with its tail, and in the middle in life when in a rasi rising with both head and tail. Rasis rising with their head are also considered more auspicious and allow accomplishment with lesser difficulties. In Prasna, or horary astrology, rasis rising with their heads indicate success of the query. DAY / NIGHT STRONG Rasis that are strong during the day are superior, according to the text, Jataka Parijata. BODY SIZE Rasis with a prominent body do things in noticeable, and usually, big ways. Rasis with large bodies like to do things in big ways and big things. Medium bodied rasis do things at a more average pace and manner. Even bodied rasis are more balanced in their activities. The long rasi, Taurus, likes things that remain at length. The bulky rasi, Cancer, tends to hang on to things once their usefulness is over and 60 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens therefore gains excess size. The slender rasi, Scorpio, tends to resist external factors and in a sense starves itself from what may be available. Scorpio is also the only hairy rasi. The small hairs on insects make them more sensitive to vibrations and changes; this holds true for Scorpio who is considered an insect rasi. LEGS Quadrupeds are the most powerful rasis. Biped, or human rasis, are more adaptable in their nature. Insect rasis have many legs and though not as powerful are clingy and tenacious. Watery rasis fluctuate with their emotions. The only footless rasi, Pisces, is more at drift and at the mercy of the tides of life. LENGTH The length of time it takes for rasis to rise varies due to the tilt of the earth’s axis, therefore some rasis are considered long, some medium, and others short. This is useful, along with the planets, for judging the length of things, particularly the length of different body parts. In the Southern hemisphere these lengths are reversed. BODY PARTS The zodiac is known as Kalapurusha, Time personified. The rasis are the different limbs of Kalapurusha. These play an important part in medical astrology. ODD / EVEN Odd rasis are masculine and initiative in their nature. This makes them somewhat cruel; they are concerned with becoming and getting things done. Even rasis are feminine, gentle, and passive in their nature. They are concerned with integrating, receiving and relating to the fruits of their actions, rather than creating them. Using the Polarity of the Rasis: The polarity (odd or even) of the rasis, whether masculine or feminine, helps in determining whether the native is expressing himself or herself along more masculine or feminine lines. The rasi The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis 61 placement of the Lagna, Sun and Moon become most important in determining this. Also consider whether more planets, not including Rahu or Ketu, are in odd signs or even rasis. DOSHA The earth rasis, though mixed in constitution, tend more towards the dosha of their lord. Taurus, ruled by Venus, is more Kapha. Virgo, ruled by Mercury, is more evenly mixed but leans towards Vata. Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, is more Vata. See “Doshas,” Chapter 2, “Description and Indications of the Planets,” for a brief description of the Doshas DETERMINING IMPORTANT RASIS Following are the important Rasis in determining the character: 1. The Sun's Rasi: The native will take on the characteristics of the rasi in which the Sun is placed. The Sun illuminates the qualities of the rasi in which it is placed. This is a very important rasi. 2. The Janma Rasi (Moon's Rasi): The mental attitude and general nature of the native will be influenced by the rasi in which the Moon is placed. The Moon reflects the qualities of the rasi in which it is placed. 3. The Lagna: The native will take on the characteristics of the rasi on the Lagna (the ascendant). 4. The Lagna Lord’s Rasi: The native will also take on the characteristics of this rasi. 5. The “Full House”: In the event that there is a rasi with many planets, that rasi will influence the character very strongly, especially if it contains the Sun, Moon, Lagna or Lagna lord. 62 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Rasi* Caste** Element Direction Modality Guna Rising With.. Day/ Night Strong Color 1 Aries Mesha Kshatriya Fire East Movable Rajas Tail Night Blood- red 2 Taurus Vrishabha Sudra Earth South Fixed Rajas Tail Night White 3 Gemini Mithuna Vaishya Air West Dual Rajas Head Night Green 4 Cancer Kataka Brahmin Water North Movable Sattva Tail Night Pale-red 5 Leo Simha Kshatriya Fire East Fixed Sattva Head Day Smoky- white 6 Virgo Kanya Sudra Earth South Dual Tamas Head Day Variegated 7 Libra Thula Vaishya Air West Movable Rajas Head Day Black 8 Scorpio Vrischika Brahmin Water North Fixed Tamas Head Day Reddish- brown 9 Sagittarius Dhanus Kshatriya Fire East Dual Sattva Tail Night Golden 10 Capricorn Makara Sudra Earth South Movable Tamas Tail Night Yellow 11 Aquarius Kumbha Vaishya Air West Fixed Tamas Head Day Deep- brown 12 Pisces Meena Brahmin Water North Dual Sattva Both head & tail Day Fish-tint * Odd/Even: Odd rasis are masculine and cruel in nature. Even rasis are feminine and gentle in nature. ** Dosha, Constitutional Humor: Fire rasis are Pitta. Air rasis are Vata. Water rasis are Kapha. Earth rasis are mixed in constitution. ** Level: Fire rasis rule medium levels, Earth rasis ground level, Air rasis high levels, and Water rasis rule low levels. The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis The Rasis 63 Body Legs Residence Limb of Kalapurusha Length Miscellaneous Promi- nent Quadruped Forest, Hills Head Short Courage, Related to kings Long Quadruped Farms, Villages Face Throat Short Business community Even Biped Villages, Gambling den Shoulders Upper chest Arms Med. Bulky Watery/ Insect Watery chasm Breast Heart Med. Large Quadruped Mountains Stomach Long Royal Medium Biped Pasture Land Waist Intestines Long Virgin, Related to hurricanes Medium Biped Bazaar, Merchants house Lower waist Kidney, Int. Sexual Organs Long Slender/ Hairy Insect Holes Ext. Sexual Organ Long Sharp, Passionate Even 1 st half Biped/ 2 nd Quad. Kings residence, Barracks Thighs Med. Royal, Splendorous, Adorns an arch Large 1 st half Quadruped /2 nd Watery Watery forests Knees Med. Medium Biped Water Pot, Deep water Calves Ankles Short Medium Footless Water, Sea Feet Short Denotes resolution 64 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens South India style “Kundali” with glyphs and Sanskrit names of the Rasis. Aries Mesha Taurus Vrishabha Gemini Mithuna Cancer Kataka Leo Simha Virgo Kanya Libra Thula Scorpio Vrischika Sagittarius Dhanus Capricorn Makara Aquarius Kumbha Pisces Meena D E F G H I J K L M N O The Lagna The Lagna The Lagna The Lagna 65 4 44 4 The Lagna The Lagna The Lagna The Lagna The point rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth is known as the Lagna. This is the eastern intersection of the horizon with the zodiac, as such it attaches the zodiac, and the planets moving through the zodiac, to the Earth. In fact the word “lagna” means attached to, fixed on. The lagna is a very important point in the horoscope; it is the foundation point for determining, amongst all the potentials indicated by the planets in the zodiac, what will concretely manifest in the life of the native. The lagna leaves an innate mark on the native; it stamps them with their personality and individuality, giving corresponding evolutionary lessons. The mannerisms and lessons indicated by the lagna have to do with one’s persona and individuality, not with one’s soul nature, for that, other considerations are taken. Developing a healthy sense of individuality is part of the psychological battle that preludes the true spiritual battle, it may therefore be important to analyze. The rasi opposite the lagna is the 7 th house, or the descendant. The evolutionary considerations of the lagna also take into consideration the rasi opposite the lagna. In fact, the Law of Opposites states that the extremes of any opposites are the same; for example: the coldest cold is as burning as the hottest hot, and the brightest light is as blinding as the darkest dark. This lets us know that the rasis opposite each other actually have the same meaning when taken to their furthest extremes. This means that a rasi expressed at is greatest point of unhealthiness would be similar in effect to the opposite rasi expressed at its greatest point of unhealthiness. For a rasi to be expressed at its most evolved manner, it will also express the most evolved traits of its opposing rasi, as long as it unable to do so, it has not completed its evolutionary goal. Generally one will draw partners into their lives, and be attracted to 66 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens those, that may assist them in the development indicated by the rasi of the 7 th house. ARIES LAGNA The native with Aries lagna is beginning a new cycle of self- actualization. This causes them to be possessed of great impulse, strength and will of an initiatory type. The Aries native is harnessing energy for some personal, yet purposeful activity. There is great energy directed towards finding ones niche in life, but this may put them into unstable or unmanageable situations, as the consequences of their actions are rarely considered in advance. The nature is courageous and passionate. Great emphasis is placed on the use of the will and directness is a noticeable quality. They consider things very much from a personal point of view. The evolutionary goal is to develop the opposing quality of Libra. Balance must be developed in their activities. They must learn to consider the price they must pay for their actions and endeavors and become more pragmatic. This is likely to give partners that are more pragmatic in their actions, or partners that force a need upon the native to be more pragmatic. TAURUS LAGNA The native with Taurus lagna is in a process of considering the value of that which their life consists of. They look at themselves, what they have acquired, and their lives to see if it is worth it, and if not what needs to be fulfilled in order to make it worthwhile. There is an emphasis on developing that which they consider of value, which generally are those things that provide physical security, well- being and joy. Though naturally pragmatic, the hardships and struggles of the world reveals to them what is important to them, what they get out of what they do, and what they want to identify with. The evolutionary goal is to develop the opposing quality of Scorpio. What is valuable as well is that which there is an emotional or inner need for. It is recognizing that it is the inner security which The Lagna The Lagna The Lagna The Lagna 67 things give that is valuable, not merely the material security. Generally they must suffer some loss and crisis in order to realize this, which turns them to look where their needs are not being fulfilled. This generally gives partners that create some crisis in their lives, or a partner that suffers some crisis, in order to awaken them to their need for inner security. GEMINI LAGNA Gemini as the lagna indicates a curious and experimental approach to life. Gemini natives tend to be multi-talented, and are in a state of determining which of their talents to focus and cultivate. They make their way through life through trial and error, experimentation as it were, based upon that which they understand through their active intellects. They are friendly, communicate, and fair in nature. Most importantly, their intelligence and knowledge direct their life. The evolutionary goal is to develop the opposing quality of Sagittarius. To believe and have faith in those things they do not understand or are unable to measure with their intellect. They must also learn to focus their minds and intellects on those things that will serve some purpose and that are not merely entertaining. This tends to give partners who are more philosophical or idealistic in nature, or partners who teach the native faith through their lives, or by demanding it as a result of not being as rational and explanatory as the native may desire. CANCER LAGNA To Cancer lagna, life and their well being is very dependent upon their mental attitude. They make inner adjustments to the varying factors of life and their ability to do so decides the quality of their life. They feel everything and are sensitive, but the degree of happiness they have depends upon their ability to feel what they feel with the understanding that feelings are just a reflection and therefore a particular feeling should not be considered more preferable than another. If they are unable to do this, then their feelings may be a 68 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens source of suffering in their lives. Their actions are largely motivated by their needs; the degree that they need to have their needs fulfilled by external sources determines their happiness. The degree to which they understand that their needs are responsible for their happiness or unhappiness, and not the external fulfilling of those needs, determines their level of happiness and contentment. The evolutionary goal is to develop the opposing quality of Capricorn; they must learn that even though they have within them the ability to fulfill all their needs, that this leads to a corresponding external fulfillment of the needs as well, and that those activities are an important part of their development. Along with this they must also learn that if their needs are being threatened by external factors, that they still have some work to do with maintaining their own capacity to fulfill their needs. This generally gives partnerships with those that are more capable of fulfilling their needs through external factors, or partners that force the native to develop their ability to fulfill their needs externally. LEO LAGNA Leo as the lagna indicates a secure and confident personality, able to create at will that which they wish to do or become. They create their own destiny by following their inspiration, thereby cultivating the magnetism that attracts to them what they need. The evolutionary goal is to develop the opposing quality of Aquarius, detachment from their personalities. They must also learn that that which they create must be of benefit to others and not just for self-gratification. In fact, nothing they create will be lasting unless it has some purpose of benefit or inspiration to others. Aquarius as the 7 th house also causes them to experience their insecurities in the face of others, and this forces them to make the hard effort to improve, as well as to develop detachment. The evolutionary need of Aquarius on the 7 th house tends to give partners that either reveal the native’s insecurities, or a partner that brings out humanitarian tendencies in the native. The Lagna The Lagna The Lagna The Lagna 69 VIRGO LAGNA The actions of the native with Virgo lagna are very much responsible for what they become, and the well-being they experience in life. The consciousness of this inclines them to desire to do the good, right, and useful thing. At times they may feel overwhelmed and overburdened by all that must be done and this may leave them feeling a lack of hope for improved circumstances. The evolutionary goal is to develop the opposing quality of Pisces. The native must learn that all that they do has not only a mundane or practical value, but also a spiritual value and that when all is done, that is all there is. They must learn to surrender the fruits of what they do in order to grow spiritually. Virgo lagna is at best a karma yogi. Partnerships tend to be with devotional, nonchalant, or carefree types, or with those that somehow teach the native these qualities. LIBRA LAGNA The native with Libra lagna is aware of the give and take in life, that all things have a price. This gives them a pragmatic ability to pay only what they can afford for what they want in life or for what they want to do. By payment what is meant is that which they will have to do, give up, etc., in order to fulfill their desire, ambition or need. This makes Libra the most balanced lagna as life gets out of balance when we try to pay more for something than we can afford. The evolutionary goal is to develop the opposing sign of Aries. Aries thinks and acts first and worries about the consequences later. This trait the Libra needs to develop because balance is not always maintained in the moment, so if something appears unbalanced or unfair at the moment, it is only to create balance for the past, or to give room for balance to be created in the future. Libra needs to develop the quality of initiative, force and impulse when necessary. Partnerships tend to be with independent, self-willed types, or with partners that somehow help the native express their individuality and personal impulses. 70 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens SCORPIO LAGNA The native with Scorpio lagna is strengthening any personality weaknesses that may have occurred through lack of development in the past as well as working out many limiting results of their karmas. This makes for a highly vulnerable personality that is so aware of its every weakness. The need to develop these undeveloped areas makes for a generally unstable, crisis orientated, and at times, greatly pained personality. The natives tend to be introverted or self-absorbed, looking for some strength and security in their tumultuous selves. The natives are very sensitive as long as there is any attachment left in their personalities. At best they are able to make incredible growth in their lives as they have so much strength and energy available to overcome their liabilities. The evolutionary goal is to develop the opposing sign of Taurus. Scorpio needs to develop stability, and consistency in their lives with regards to those things that they find worthwhile. The concrete things they learn to develop and maintain are a reflection of their own inner security and recognized worth. Partnerships tend to be with those that are more practical, grounded or secure, with those that somehow teach the native these things, or to those whom the native by attaching themselves to finds some worthiness in their activities and themselves. There is also the need to be validated by their partners, if they themselves recognize their value, then their partners will do so as well. If they themselves do not recognize their innate value, then their partners are likely to devalue them, but this also gives the opportunity for the native to validate himself or herself. SAGITTARIUS LAGNA The native with Sagittarius lagna guides their life through some belief, philosophy, religion or law. They are very apt to do what they believe and their entire identities are wrapped around their ideals. They aspire to have purpose and meaning in life. The evolutionary goal is to develop the opposing sign of Gemini. The Sagittarius native must learn to test their ideals, beliefs, etc, and be flexible where necessary. In other words they need to investigate The Lagna The Lagna The Lagna The Lagna 71 what they believe in to test and see if it really measures up and works. The native also needs to learn to have fun and play; that not everything has to have some grand purpose. Partnerships tend to be with more curious, experimental, and playful types, or with those who bring out these qualities in the native. CAPRICORN LAGNA The native with Capricorn lagna has a life of activities and rewards that is based upon their previous karmas. Capricorn is the natural 10 th house of the zodiac, the house of greatest activity as well as the most powerful house. But Capricorn is an even sign, meaning its nature is receptive, not initiative. This is because Capricorn is receptive to the effects of the actions taken previously, and the accumulation of previous actions is the most powerful activating force there is. The native with Capricorn lagna has a sense of responsibility towards their actions that may cause them a lot of worry, attachment and suffering because they have a tendency to feel immediately responsible for something that is far more powerful than any momentary use of their will. They will always fall short of their expectations and suffer from insecurities as long as they see themselves as the doer and responsible right now for what is. On the other hand if they are performing well, they may attach and identify with the results of their works and this may give rise to pride, but then the lagna lord Saturn will force them humbly to their knees. It is detachment from the fruits of their works that is their key to happiness. The fruits are not only the material rewards, but also the reward of what others think about them for their actions, and what the native thinks about themselves due to their actions. The evolutionary goal is to develop the opposing qualities of Cancer. While being detached, the Capricorn native must feel, and be sensitive. They must learn to change as their needs and feelings require, and not just change to meet the needs of one’s duty. Most importantly they must learn how expectations that their inner needs be met by externals creates unhappiness, and that they must fulfill these needs within themselves. Partnerships will be with those much 72 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens more overtly sensitive and emotional, or with those that bring the native’s feelings to their attention. Relationships very much serve to make them aware of their sensitivity and needs. AQUARIUS LAGNA The native with Aquarius lagna is becoming individualized. As the soul travels from stone, to plant, to animal and then to human existence it is still not ready to return to Spirit. Not until the consciousness becomes individualized is it ready to return home. Being individualized is to be aware of one’s differences, similarities, pluses and minuses and accept them completely. This is to be psychologically healthy. This is what occurs in Aquarius, which, lorded by Saturn, gives this through struggles that allow one to see who they really are and forces them to accept it. The native will therefore have personal insecurities that are a result of an acute awareness of their separateness and a great awareness of their differences. Through detachment the native learns how to let go of any insecurities that cause them to act like they are more or different than they are, or that prevent them from doing the things they are inspired to. Accepting themselves as they are is an important factor to their well-being and happiness. The evolutionary goal is to develop the qualities of the opposing sign, Leo. The Aquarius native must learn to see the uniqueness of their personality. That in standing as an individual they are playing the role offered to them in this incarnation. Doing this with detachment allows them to fully enjoy their lives and be free from the psychological suffering that Saturn, as the lagna lord, may give. Partnerships tend to be with those that support the native’s individuality, or with more dynamic, magnetic, or self-centered people that help the native to recognize their own individuality when confronted by their partner’s. PISCES LAGNA Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac and according to Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra, Pisces “denotes resolution.” The native with The Lagna The Lagna The Lagna The Lagna 73 Pisces lagna is in a completion phase this lifetime; this is not a completion phase in respect to their soul’s journey, but in respect to who they are, and what their lives consist of. There is therefore a lack of forward focus or direction of what to do in life, as what comes into the life is coming largely for the purpose of completing the karmas with the thing in question. This gives less opportunity to “take the ball and run with it.” This is what is symbolized by the Piscine symbol of “two fishes swimming in opposite directions,” they never know what to hold onto or what to let go of. Pisces is mutable, flexible, accepting and capable of surrender. The evolutionary goal is to develop the opposing qualities of Virgo. The Pisces native must learn the importance of work and improvement for the benefit of the next cycle of growth. Though the current cycle is coming to a close, the works done in this lifetime will influence the next or afterlife. Therefore the native must learn to do their best with that which comes into life as their duty. Not that it will change what is going to happen now, or extend the karmas with those things they are completing, but because it will allow them to develop skills, karmas, and qualities that will be of use in another time. Partnerships tend to be with those that are more concerned with their works and activities, or with those that motivate the native to be more dutiful and concerned. Note: To understand the full influence of any lagna a study of the house lords, as given in the chapter, “House Lords”, is essential. These effects, though given for the lagna, may also be put to use when analyzing any house: 1. The native will express the qualities of the rasi in the area of life that the house in question represents. 2. The native will also be developing the opposing sign in respect to the original house in question. 74 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens North Style Chart In the North Indian style chart the diamond at the top center is always the first house. The Houses go counter clockwise; the Rasis are indicated by the numbers, 1 for Aries, 2 for Taurus, etc. Sanskrit numerals are also shown. In the South Indian style chart, the first house is marked with a line and the houses continue in a clockwise direction. The rasis are always fixed and therefore generally left unmarked. Both charts shown have Leo as the first house. A chart similar to the North Indian chart was used in the West until recent years. Both styles of charts have their advantages. South Style Chart 4 × 5 - 6 « 7 o 8 c 9 º t» 10 tt 11 t- 12 - 2 ; 3 t 1 Planetary Relationships Planetary Relationships Planetary Relationships Planetary Relationships 75 5 55 5 Planetary Relationships Planetary Relationships Planetary Relationships Planetary Relationships Planets due to their varying characteristics and traits form particular relationships with each other. Each planet has the other planets as either a friend, enemy or neutral. These relationships are considered in two ways. Firstly, the planets have natural relationships with each other due to their natures. Secondly they have temporal relationships due to their positions in the horoscope. These two types of relationships are combined and what is called a compound relationship is formed. The relationships between the planets are important for understanding the interaction of the planets with each other. NATURAL RELATIONSHIPS The lords of the 2 nd , 12 th , 5 th , 9 th , 4 th , and 8 th from a particular planet's Moolatrikona rasi, and the lord of that planet's exaltation rasi are its friends. Others are its enemies. If a planet, due to ruling two rasis, becomesboth a friend and an enemy of a particular planet, then it is regarded as neutral to that particular planet. The Moon, however, has no enemies. The following table lists the natural relationships of the planets: Friends Neutrals Enemies Sun: Moon, Mars, Jupiter Mercury Venus, Saturn Moon: Sun, Mercury Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn none Mars: Sun, Moon, Jupiter Venus, Saturn Mercury Mercury: Sun, Venus Mars, Jupiter, Saturn Moon Jupiter: Sun, Moon, Mars Saturn Mercury, Venus Venus: Mercury, Saturn Mars, Jupiter Sun, Moon Saturn: Mercury, Venus Jupiter Sun, Moon, Mars 76 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens It will be seen that friendship or enmity is not always mutual between planets. Just as in human relationships, one planet may be helpful towards, and consider another planet as its friend, without having its sentiments returned. The nature of a planet that is a friend of another, improves, assists, or strengthens the natural characteristics of the planet to which it is a friend. The nature of a planet that is an enemy of another, weakens, frustrates, or harms the natural characteristics of the planet to which it is an enemy. If, however, one planet is a friend to another but has characteristics that are contrary to the characteristics of the other he will not strengthen that characteristic. For example, Saturn is a friend of Venus, if he influences Venus her characteristic of lust will become strengthened; Venus’s quality of social enjoyment, on the other hand, will be harmed by Saturn’s quality of isolation. A good exercise is to take each planet and think of how the nature of its friends improves its nature, and how the nature of its enemies weakens its nature. RAHU’S AND KETU’S RELATIONSHIPS There are different opinions regarding which planets are friendly or inimical to Rahu and Ketu. Some astrologers feel that since Rahu and Ketu are shadowy in nature they do not have relationships as do the other planets; that their relationships are dependent upon the relationship of the lord of the rasi in which they are placed to the other planets. I myself prefer this view, except for as stated in Satya Jatakam: “Rahu and Ketu are the enemies of the Sun and the Moon.” This makes the most sense to me, as in Vedic myth, the demon who became Rahu and Ketu was discovered by the Sun and the Moon when he was disguised as a deva with the intent of gaining the Amrita (nectar of immortality) during the Churning of the Ocean. Planetary Relationships Planetary Relationships Planetary Relationships Planetary Relationships 77 This resulted in his decapitation, and the birth of Rahu from his head and Ketu from his body. Rahu and Ketu therefore have a special enmity with the Sun and Moon and have been “swallowing” them during eclipses ever since. To determine if a planet is friendly to Rahu or Ketu, simply take the planet that rules the rasi in which Rahu or Ketu is placed and see if that planet is a friend or enemy of the planet in question. If you want to see if Rahu or Ketu is a friend of a planet, check the friendship or otherwise of their lord with the planet in question. Do not forget that the Sun and Moon have mutual enmity with Rahu and Ketu. TEMPORARY RELATIONSHIPS The planet posited in the 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th , 10 th , 11 th and 12 th from another becomes a mutual friend. Otherwise there is enmity. The easy way to remember this is “three in front, three behind;” the planets in the three houses in front of a planet as well as the planets in the three houses behind it are its friends. This is illustrated in the following chart: Temporal relationship, by itself, is not considered as important as the natural relationship. Planet Friend Friend Friend Friend Friend Friend 78 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens COMPOUND RELATIONSHIPS The natural and temporal relationships between any two planets should be combined to determine their final, compound relationship as listed below: Friend + Friend = Great Friend Friend + Neutral = Friend Enemy + Friend = Neutral Enemy + Neutral = Enemy Enemy + Enemy = Great Enemy It is this compound relationship between a planet and the ruler of the rasi in which the planet is placed that is used to determine the dignity of a planet as per the next chapter. The temporal relationship is fully applicable to Rahu and Ketu. When you figure their compound relationship make sure you use the temporal relationship between them and the planet in question, and not the temporal relationship between their lord and the planet in question. Following are some important points regarding the principle of planetary friendships: 1. The nature of planets that are friendly to another improve or strengthen the natural qualities of the planet if they aspect or conjoin it. The planet then has a greater capacity to fulfill its indications within the horoscope unless the friend in question has contrary indications to fulfill. 2. The nature of planets that are enemies to another planet weaken the natural qualities of the planet if they aspect or conjoin it. The planet then has a lesser capacity to fulfill its indications within the horoscope unless the enemy in question has similar indications to fulfill. Planetary Relationships Planetary Relationships Planetary Relationships Planetary Relationships 79 Note: For determining the auspicious or inauspicious effects of a planet, the aspects and conjunction of planets, whether they are benefics or malefic is generally of greater importance than that of friendship or enmity. The aspects and conjunctions of friends and enemies is helpful in determining what planets are helpful or harmful to the planet’s expression of its natural qualities. For example, Mars aspecting the Sun as a friend inclines the Sun towards greater courage and independence, but as a malefic, Mars aspecting the Sun will indicated damage to the indications of the Sun due to fire, accident, injury, etc. RELATIONSHIPS IN DASA INTERPRETATION The antardasa of a planet that is friendly to the dasa lord gives better results and is smoother than the antardasa of a planet that is an enemy of the dasa lord, all else being considered the same: 1. The friendly antardasa lord assists the dasa lord in its goals as indicated in the horoscope. The inimical antardasa lord frustrates the goals of the dasa lord. 2. The nature of the dasa lord is influenced by the nature of the antardasa lord, in a supportive or diminishing capacity, depending upon the antardasa lord being a friend or enemy of the dasa lord. 3. The dasa and antardasa of planets that are friendly towards each other promotes mental peace. The dasa and antardasa of planets that are inimical to each other create division within the self and mental turmoil. 80 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Woodcut print illustrating the allocatio of the body parts to the Rasis. Dignities Dignities Dignities Dignities 81 6 66 6 Dignities Dignities Dignities Dignities Now that the planets and the rasis have been described, we can begin an examination of the interaction of these two factors. The planets, as they move through their orbits, pass through the different rasis. Each rasi may be considered as a different environment through which the planet is moving. Just as one person may be at his best in a hot environment and at his worst in a cold environment, the planets are stronger and perform better in some rasis than others. This relationship of the planet to the rasi in which it is placed is known as the planet's dignity. The different dignities are given below as taken from the classical works with some additional notation in order to facilitate the students understanding: OWN RASI The planets own rasi is the rasi that the planet rules as given in Chapter 2, “Description and Indications of the Planets.” A planet in its own rasi (also known as own house) is very strong in its pure, raw nature. All the qualities of the planet will be exhibited to a high degree. A planet in its own sign is capable of yielding 50% auspicious results. MOOLATRIKONA For all the planets, except the Moon and Mercury, the moolatrikona position is in the masculine rasi that the planet owns. Following are the moolatrikona positions of the planets: Sun: 0-20 degrees Leo. Moon: 3-30 degrees Taurus. Mars: 0-12 degrees Aries. Mercury: 15-20 degrees Virgo. 82 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Jupiter: 0-10 degrees Sagittarius. Venus: 0-15 degrees Libra. Saturn: 0-20 degrees Aquarius. Moolatrikona means, “root trine”. A planet in its moolatrikona is more rooted, fortunate and powerful in its nature than a planet in its own rasi. A planet in moolatrikona is more focused towards a definite goal than if it were in its own rasi. A planet in Moolatrikona is capable of producing 75% auspicious results. EXALTATION Each planet has an exaltation rasi. Within the exaltation rasi there is a degree of deep exaltation wherein the planet is expressed at its absolute finest. An exalted planet is extremely strong in its nature and also refined to a much more perfected, pure and productive state. A planet in exaltation is capable of producing 100% auspicious results. The exaltation positions have been given earlier but are reproduced here for ease of access: Sun- exalted in Aries; deep exaltation is 10 degrees Aries. Moon- exalted from 0-3 degrees Taurus; deep exaltation is 3 degrees Taurus. Mars- exalted in Capricorn; deep exaltation is 28 degrees Capricorn. Mercury- exalted from 0-15 degrees Virgo; deep exaltation is 15 degrees Virgo. Jupiter- exalted in Cancer; deep exaltation is 5 degrees Cancer. Venus- exalted in Pisces; deep exaltation is 27 degrees Pisces. Saturn- exalted in Libra; deep exaltation is 20 degrees Libra. DEBILITATION A planet is considered debilitated in the rasi opposite, or 7 th , from its exaltation. It is in deep debilitation when in the degree opposite its deep exaltation degree. A planet in debilitation is very weak in its nature and exhibits none of its natural beneficial or useful characteristics. A planet in debilitation is not capable of producing Dignities Dignities Dignities Dignities 83 any auspicious results. OTHER DIGNITIES Other dignities are based upon the friendship or enmity of a planet with the lord of the rasi in which the planet is placed: Great Friend’s Rasi: A planet in a great friend’s rasi operates in a useful manner, but one that is not 100% true to its own nature. The realm in which it is operating is a bit foreign. Even when at your best friend’s house there are still some things you do differently than when you are at your own place, so it is with a planet. A planet in a great friend’s rasi is capable of producing 22/60 (36.66%) auspicious results. Friend’s Rasi: A planet in a friend’s rasi is similar to a planet in great friend’s rasi but not quite as strong or useful. A planet in a friend’s rasi is capable of producing 25% auspicious results. Neutral’s Rasi: A planet placed in a neutral’s rasi is out of sync with its natural qualities but not to the extent of being damaged. A planet in a neutral’s rasi is capable of producing 1/8 (12½ %) auspicious results. Enemy’s Rasi: A planet in its enemy’s rasi is out of tune and operating with a handicap. It is not able to operate in its natural manner. A planet in an enemy’s rasi is capable of producing 1/15 (6.66%) auspicious results. Great Enemy’s Rasi: A planet in its great enemy’s rasi is similar, but worse, than in its enemy’s rasi. A planet in a great enemy’s rasi is capable of producing only 3.33% (1/30) auspicious results. DIGNITIES CLASSIFIED In order from best to worse, the dignities are as follows: 1- Exaltation, 2- Moolatrikona, 3- Own Rasi, 4- Great Friend’s Rasi, 5- 84 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Friend’s Rasi, 6- Neutral’s Rasi, 7- Enemy’s Rasi, 8- Great Enemy’s Rasi, 9- Debilitation. A planet is auspicious in the first five places, it is neither auspicious nor inauspicious in the sixth place (Neutral’s house). It is inauspicious in the last three places. The percentages given for the planet’s capacity to give auspicious effects are helpful in analyzing the degree of benefic or malefic influence of a benefic or malefic conjunction, or rasi aspect. The conjunction or rasi aspect of a benefic is as beneficial as the percentage of auspicious results. The conjunction or rasi aspect of a malefic is as malefic as the percentage of auspicious results subtracted from 100%. A malefic in exaltation is always a helpful factor when it lends its conjunction or rasi aspect; a benefic in debilitation is always harmful when it does so. The conjunctions and rasi aspects of malefics are not harmful when they are in their own rasi, and they are even helpful when in their moolatrikona. The percentage of auspicious results is not an accurate gauge of how much good a planet may give. To accurately determine the full extent of auspicious or inauspicious effects a planet will produce is a much more complex matter, of which dignity is only one factor. RAHU’S AND KETU’S DIGNITIES There is a lot of controversy regarding Rahu’s and Ketu’s own, exaltation, debilitation, and moolatrikona rasis. The best guidelines are as given in Laghu Parashari, sloka 13: “Rahu and Ketu, despite their dignity, give good or bad results according to their position or association.” And as stated in Satya Jatakam: “Rahu and Ketu give the results of the planets conjoined with them or aspecting them. Their results depend upon the lord of the rasi and navamsa in which they are placed.” Dignities Dignities Dignities Dignities 85 The most general consensus on the dignities of Rahu and Ketu is as follows: Rahu: Exalted in Taurus, Moolatrikona in Gemini, Own Rasi in Aquarius, and Debilitated in Scorpio. Ketu: Exalted in Scorpio, Moolatrikona in Sagittarius, Own Rasi in Scorpio (some say Leo), and Debilitated in Taurus. Some, however, consider Rahu’s Own Rasi to be Virgo, and Ketu’s Own Rasi to be Pisces. In general Rahu is more auspicious in the rasis of Mercury: Gemini and Virgo. Ketu is more auspicious in the rasis of Jupiter: Sagittarius and Pisces. Rahu's nature becomes strong in the native's character when in Aquarius, and Ketu's nature becomes strong in the native's character when in Leo or Scorpio. In Taurus, Rahu's nature becomes strong, but lends itself towards greater fulfillment. In Scorpio, Ketu's nature becomes strong, though less hindering. Relying on the dignity of Rahu and Ketu is a risky prospect. They do not seem to give consistent results due to their dignities, as do the other planets. The best rule is to follow the rules given above from Laghu Parashari and Satya Jatakam. These rules are particularly important when interpreting the dasas of Rahu and Ketu. During their dasas, Rahu and Ketu give the results of the lord of the rasi and navamsa they are placed in. There has always been a lot of controversy about Rahu and Ketu, and there is a tendency for astrologers to attempt to define them like the other planets, though they have no actual physical form like the other planets. Classical texts, however, do not give a lot of definitions for Rahu and Ketu. It appears to me that following the model of the classical texts is wisest, attempting to define the indefinable is perhaps foolish. In my opinion the best we can do is attempt to understand Rahu and Ketu's purpose; if we can understand their purpose it is more likely that we can predict their effects. 86 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens CANCELLATION OF DEBILITATION There are certain factors under which a debilitated planet becomes very significant and capable of giving excellent results. One of these is cancellation of debility, or Neechabhanga Raja Yoga (abatement of debilitation, making one a king). A planet with cancellation of debilitation may operate better than an exalted planet and hold greater importance to the individual's life, if the cancellation factors are strong. The planet will however, still have certain innate weaknesses and the organs ruled by the planet will remain genetically weak. The planet with cancellation of debilitation will also not operate in a manner completely true to its own nature. A debilitated planet with cancellation of debilitation, though capable of giving good effects, still indicates some important lessons to learn. Following are the Neechabhanga Raja Yogas, listed in approximate order from the most significant to the least significant: 1. When the planet which rules the rasi in which the debilitated planet is placed, is on an angle from the Lagna or the Moon. 2. When the planet which is exalted in the rasi in which the debilitated planet is placed, is on an angle from the Lagna or the Moon. 3. When the lord of the rasi in which the debilitated planet is exalted, is on an angle from the Lagna or the Moon. 4. When the debilitated planet is in its exalted navamsa. 5. When the debilitated planet is in its own navamsa. 6. When the debilitated planet is conjoined with an exalted planet. 7. When the debilitated planet is conjoined with its lord. 8. When the debilitated planet and its lord have exchanged rasis. 9. When the lord of the planet's debilitation rasi and the lord of its exaltation rasi are conjoined, or on angles from each other. 10. When two debilitated planets aspect each other. 11. When the debilitated planet is on an angle from the Lagna or the Moon. 12. When the lord of the debilitated planet aspects the debilitated planet. Dignities Dignities Dignities Dignities 87 13. When the debilitated planet aspects its lord. 14. When the debilitated planet is retrograde. The more cancellation factors present, the stronger and more auspicious the planet becomes. The greater the strength of the factor causing the cancellation the more significant the Neechabhanga Raja Yoga becomes. The periods of debilitated planets, even with cancellation of debilitation, cause difficulty, particularly in respect to health, and the natural significations of the planet. During the periods of these debilitated planets the lessons indicated by the debilitation comes to one's attention, and the cancellation allows one to overcome them. The auspicious results of debilitated planets forming Neechabhanga Raja Yogas manifest particularly during the periods of the planets causing the cancellation. In the event that the debilitated planet is in exaltation or own rasi in the navamsa, the first half of its period will be difficult, but the second half will be productive and successful EFFECTS OF EXALTED AND DEBILITATED PLANETS Following is a brief explanation of the results of the planets in exaltation and debilitation: Sun Another name for Aries is Visva. Visva is God as the soul acting through the physical body; it is the true sustainer of the body. When the Sun is exalted, the native is strong in character as a result of the intuitive awareness of this creative life energy. The exalted Sun gives strength and will to the character, self assurance, steadfastness, independence and a strong vitality. When the Sun is debilitated the many changing and unsteady things in life having a correlative effect on the native resulting in the native themselves lacking steadfastness in will and activities. Self- assurance is lost, and the native easily succumbs to desires and social trends instead of focusing on his inspirations. That which the 88 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens debilitated Sun influences in the horoscope is disrupted due to the native’s lack of consistency, steadfastness and inspiration. If the debilitated Sun has its debilitation cancelled, the native develops a strong sense of self that includes an awareness of the unity underlying all life and the balance inherent in all activity. The fiery nature of the Sun, however, will not be expressed. Moon If the Moon is exalted, the native is emotionally grounded and secure. The native understands that their thoughts, and the ideas they have about how things should be, are largely responsible for how they feel. The result is that they are more inclined to be responsible for their feelings and attitudes, and that these are likely to be based upon a balanced assessment of their lives. If the Moon is debilitated, the mind and emotions are taken to the deepest, most turbulent levels of the psyche. This creates fears, paranoia, insecurities, hypersensitivity, secretiveness, and possible psychic difficulties. How the native feels is not dependent upon a balanced assessment of their lives, and they may suffer from intangible fears and anxieties. That which the debilitated Moon influences in the horoscope is disrupted due to the native’s fears and due to the native not having their needs and expectations met. If the debilitated Moon has its debilitation cancelled, the native is insightful and sensitive, yet grounded and secure. Fears and worries are introverted and the native matures emotionally. Mars If Mars is exalted, the native’s will and strength are strong and controlled. The native has courage, stamina, and perseverance, as well as efficient use of their energy. That which exalted Mars affects in the horoscope progresses in the face of all odds due to the native’s strength of will in making what he thinks should be, or what he wants to be, come to pass. If Mars is debilitated, the native is uncomfortable with pain and exertion. They may be weak willed, timid, easily overcome and Dignities Dignities Dignities Dignities 89 unreasonably fearful. That which a debilitated Mars affects in the horoscope falls apart due to the native’s inability to make something be the way they think it should be, or the way they want it to be. This may appear as sensitivity or humility, but this is not true humility, because it is due to indifference, laziness or a lack of assertiveness. If debilitated Mars has its debilitation cancelled, the native’s will and strength to make what they think should be, or what they want to be, becomes well developed. However, they do this with an element of detachment, realizing that things will be just as well even if they do not succeed. The aggressiveness and fiery qualities of Mars will be absent, and the native will have greater caution and prudence than he would be if Mars were in a higher dignity. Mercury If Mercury is exalted, the rational mind is precise, practical, efficient and inventive. The native is very capable in the management of their affairs and capable of prioritizing their duties in an efficient manner that reduces stress and worry. There is a high discriminative capacity. Communication is clear and intelligent, providing the capacity to establish proper boundaries and maintain fairness in all associations. If Mercury is debilitated, the native has a low capacity to establish, maintain and live in accordance with any dictates that are important for maintaining fairness in worldly affairs. There is less sense of order and structure to the mental processes; note taking, paperwork, and memorizing details are thrown to the winds, or rather dropped in the ocean. The native’s capacity to manage their many affairs is low, and disorganization and lack of prioritizing results in stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. If debilitated Mercury has its debilitation cancelled, the mental faculties are more intuitively inclined and there is a heightened capacity for grasping concepts. Communicating clearly, maintaining boundaries, note taking, attention to details, etc. will generally still be difficult. 90 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Jupiter If Jupiter is exalted, the native is happy, optimistic, kind, and forgiving. The native also feels innately that their life has purpose and meaning. If Jupiter is debilitated, there is a desire to find something of lasting meaning in the material world; this not being found results in feelings of purposelessness, lack of faith and hope. That which a debilitated Jupiter affects in the horoscope suffers due to a lack of the faith necessary to get through hardships, and also due to giving up because no grand purpose is seen in continuing. If debilitated Jupiter has its debilitation cancelled, the native finds that meaning and purpose in life can come from the simple things. Venus If Venus is exalted, the native has the capacity for maintaining mutual respect, from which love grows, in all their relationships. There is great energy for devotion and creating things of great and refined beauty. The desire nature is pure and though the native will be passionate, their passions will be controlled and idealistic. Most significantly, the native will have the ability to determine the worth and value of their actions and desires when it comes to making important decisions. They are, therefore, able to choose an option with the knowledge that they chose the one of greatest worth, confidently and with no regrets. If Venus is debilitated, mutual respect and appreciation becomes conditional and there is difficulty in maintaining mutual respect in human relations. The native will readily see the flaws in anything of beauty, which also makes it difficult for them to create anything of beauty. Sexual imbalances will be noted, from possible frigidity to adulterous affairs. Most importantly the native will lack proper judgment in making decisions that affect their happiness and pleasure, resulting in limiting conditions and unhappiness. If debilitated Venus has its debilitation cancelled, mutual respect is established with the help of formalities. The native becomes capable of learning principles and laws that help them make the choices that Dignities Dignities Dignities Dignities 91 result in their greatest happiness. Saturn If Saturn is exalted, the native is focused and determined. Very strong attachment to their goals helps them succeed. Exalted Saturn may appear arrogant, but this is not an arrogance that stems from insecurity, it is rather the result of concentrating and focusing on a desired end. That which exalted Saturn affects in the horoscope progresses due to the native’s perseverance, and attachment to. If Saturn is debilitated, the native’s focus and determination is weak, they are not secure in their activities. There is rarely the perseverance necessary to achieve the desired end; small mistakes and obstacles loom large. Debilitated Saturn may appear humble, but it is not truly humble, but rather an inability to manifest determination. That which debilitated Saturn affects in the horoscope suffers due to negligence, and indifference. If debilitated Saturn has its debilitation cancelled, the native develops focus and determination as well as detachment and sincere humility. Rahu If Rahu is exalted the native is more grounded and less compulsive in fulfilling the desires indicated by the house in which Rahu is placed. If Rahu is debilitated the native is easily overwhelmed and disappointed as they are searching for something barely felt and intangible. Even they are not clear on what it is which they seek. This lends towards compulsions and disappointments. If Rahu has its debilitation cancelled the native has the capacity to go within and develop an interior life that provides them with security. This usually only comes after great struggles and disappointments, but the native has no choice but to learn this. Ketu If Ketu is exalted the native has great emotional strength and 92 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens fortitude. There is the capacity for insights and clearly knowing ones needs. If Ketu is debilitated the native is unable to find security in the material world, though he will make half-hearted attempts to find this and remain frustrated. If Ketu has its debilitation cancelled, the native is better able to become free of material attachments and needs. This comes after great struggle, for overcoming the debilitation of the nodes is a very arduous task. During the periods of debilitated planets which have cancellation of debilitation, the native will have events and challenges in life that teach him to overcome the weaknesses indicated by the debilitated planet. Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas 93 7 77 7 Deeptaadi Deeptaadi Deeptaadi Deeptaadi- -- -Avasthas Avasthas Avasthas Avasthas Classical authors have explained the effects of a planet’s position in several ways. One of the ways that they have done so is known as the Avastha, or state of a planet. There are different types, or groups, of Avasthas, some requiring specific calculations and others based merely on the dignity of the planet. In this chapter we will consider Deeptaadi-Avasthas, which are indicative of the physical-mental states of the planets. Deeptaadi means Deepta, etc.; these Avasthas are so named because the first avastha in this group is called Deepta. Deeptaadi-Avasthas describe how one experiences the effects of a planet; physically, meaning the bodily vigor as well as the indications of the planet in question; as well as mentally, meaning one’s attitude and feelings about the indications of the planet. Following are the 12 Deeptaadi-Avasthas: DEEPTA- RADIANT A planet is radiant when in exaltation. SVASTHA- CONFIDENT A planet is confident when in its own rasi. MUDITA- REJOICING A planet is rejoicing when in a great friend’s rasi. SHANTA- QUIESCENT A planet is quiescent, or serene, when in a friend’s rasi. DINA- SCARCE A planet is scarce, when in a neutral’s rasi. 94 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens DUKHITA- MISERABLE A planet is miserable when in an enemy’s rasi. KHALA- CRUEL A planet suffers cruelty when in a great enemy’s rasi. BHITA- ALARMED A planet is alarmed when in debilitation. When a planet is in debilitation it has hit rock bottom. At that point it is in an alarmed condition because it causes so much trouble that the corresponding issues must be dealt with. Debilitated planets are called Neecha in Sanskrit, which means low, depressed, mean. Debilitated planets may cause meanness in one’s life, either as the doer or the recipient. VIKALA- MUTILATED A planet is mutilated when associated with a malefic. The indications of a planet in Vikala Avastha will suffer, or be damaged, due to the malefic with them. NIPEEDITA- OPPRESSED A planet is oppressed when overcome in planetary war. Planetary war occurs when two planets are in conjunction within one degree. The planet that is further north is the victor. Only the “star” planets; Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn enter into planetary war. To determine which planet is further north, check the latitude or declination in your astrology software, or ephemeris. A planet that looses in planetary war, looses some of his strength which is taken by his vanquisher. The amount of strength lost is the difference between the strengths of the two planets. This amount is very accurately determined when calculating the Shad Bala (six-fold strength) of the planets and is known as Yuddha Bala (strength from fighting). There are several practical applications of planetary war: Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas 95 1. The indications and traits of the conquered planet suffer on account of there being a greater emphasis on the indications and traits of the vanquishing planet. 2. There is less emphasis on the houses ruled by the loosing planet; emphasis instead being placed upon the houses ruled by the vanquishing planet. 3. A malefic planet overcome in planetary war by a benefic looses a great deal of its capacity to do ill; the benefic conqueror uses the strength of the malefic for auspiciousness instead. 4. A benefic planet overcome in planetary war by a malefic looses most of its capacity for auspiciousness; the malefic uses the strength of the benefic to do ill. 5. If another malefic overcomes a malefic in planetary war, there will be a great capacity for ill through the conquering planet. Though the vanquished malefic is unable to be as malefic as per his own nature, the conquering malefic becomes very malefic as per its own nature. 6. When a benefic is overcome in planetary war by another benefic, the vanquished benefic is not as benefic as per his own nature; the conquering benefic becomes more benefic as per its own nature. 7. In regards to health, planetary war increases the malefic nature of an illness, especially if a malefic is involved. This is so because a planet overcome in planetary war is an indicator of poor health relative to that planet. SHAKTA- POWERFUL A planet is powerful when retrograde. The planets outside Earth’s orbit, namely Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, are retrograde when they are opposite, or near opposite, the Sun. When one of these planets is opposite the Sun, Earth is between it and the Sun. At this point the planet is the closest to Earth, its rays, therefore, are the brightest and it becomes powerful in its own nature. 96 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The planets inside Earth’s orbit, namely Mercury and Venus, are retrograde when in inferior conjunction, the conjunction wherein the planet is between the Earth and the Sun. At this point the planet is again closest to the Earth. There are differences of opinion regarding the effects of a retrograde planet. Sri Mantresvara agrees that a planet becomes very powerful, and also auspicious, when retrograde as he states in PhalaDeepika, 9; 20: “When a planet is in a retrograde motion he will produce the same effects as if he is posited in exaltation, even if he is in his enemy’s sign or debilitation.” Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra, in the calculation for the Ishta and Kashta (good and ill) of the planets, infers that a planet’s benefic Ma Sun Sa Earth Closest to Earth when Retrograde. Furthest from Earth when Direct. Ma Ju Ju Sa 5 5 5 Sun Earth 5 Me Ve Ve Me 5 Closest to Earth when Retrograde during Inferior Conjunction. Furthest from Earth when Direct during Superior Conjunction. Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas 97 tendencies are greater when retrograde. The greater the Cheshta Bala (motional strength) the greater the good of the planet. The Cheshta Bala is greatest during a planet’s retrograde motion. It appears, therefore, that a planet is more benefic during its retrograde motion. Bhavartha Ratnakara, 13; 16 supports this view: “Malefics cause good by having retrograde motion.” Saravali, 5; 39, however does not hold the view that malefics are capable of good when they are retrograde: “Retrograde planets are very powerful. The benefics confer kingship while the malefics cause misery and aimless wandering.” Furthermore, some astrological classics state that the dasa of a planet that is retrograde is good, while others state that it will be difficult. The fact that there are many contradictions comes at no surprise when you consider that a retrograde planet, though appearing to move retrograde from our view on Earth, is actually moving forward from the view of the Sun. The planet is, therefore, moving in two directions and that makes it tricky to really know what effects it will give. Is it going to give the forward motion effects or the retrograde effects? The most important factor in determining the effects of a retrograde planet is whether the planet is indicating auspicious results or inauspicious results due to its placement, yogas, etc., and not its natural benefic or malefic quality. If a retrograde planet is indicating auspicious results by placement, yogas, etc., then it will give more auspicious results than if it were not retrograde, all other factors equal. If a retrograde planet is indicating inauspicious results then it will give less inauspicious results then if it were not retrograde, all other factors equal. 98 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens A very important factor to be aware of regarding the Shakta Avasthas is that Shakti is particularly the power of the consciousness. Retrograde planets, therefore, are more under the conscious influence of the native. The native will generally make conscious decisions regarding the affairs of the retrograde planets as well as make conscious decisions during the periods of the retrograde planets. A few other important points regarding retrograde planets follow: 1. A retrograde planet should be considered powerful, as the ShaktaAvastha describes, giving its results with great force and its auspicious results in great measure. 2. All retrograde planets are worse for health than when direct. The retrograde motion is not vitalizing to the physical organism and indicates inherently weaker organs. 3. Retrograde planets, when they affect the 7 th house or lord, or when a retrograde planet is the 7 th lord, seem to cause less fulfillment and greater difficulties in relationships. This is because, in relationships, if you are not moving forward, the relationship suffers, and with a retrograde planet it becomes more difficult to move forward. 4. Retrograde planets have more surprises to offer of an unexpected nature. 5. As retrograde planets are closer to Earth they emphasize some aspect of the natives individuality which is more unique to the native’s character. A retrograde planet operates in a manner that is in reverse of, or different from, the collective trend or mentality, thereby individualizing the native. 6. A retrograde planet is traveling back over a portion of space that it has just crossed. This emphasizes a more powerful past life influence with lessons and talents that are of greater importance to develop and use in this lifetime. 7. Retrograde planets often have the capacity to bring something that was in use in the past into the present. They are therefore Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas 99 more inclined to prompt interests that are from an older time or culture than a direct planet. 8. Retrograde planets, from our position on Earth, are going backwards, but they are actually moving forward around the Sun; therefore, they are moving the native forward spiritually. KOPA- ANGRY A planet is angry when combust by the Sun. Kopa also means the state of being in contradiction with, or incompatible with. A planet is combust when it is in such close proximity to the Sun that it becomes invisible. The Sanskrit name for this is Asta which means “setting.” Following are the degrees, from the Sun, wherein a planet becomes combust: Moon: 12 ° Mars: 17 ° Mercury: 14 °, 12 ° when retrograde. Jupiter: 11 °. Venus: 10 °, 8 ° when retrograde. Saturn: 15 °. The closer the planet is to the Sun the greater the effect of the combustion. The planets outside the Earth’s orbit have a similar cycle as that of the new Moon waxing to full Moon and waning to dark Moon. The cycles of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn begin at their conjunction with the Sun. They then orbit until they are opposite the Sun, at which time the Earth is between the Sun and the planet, who is now retrograde. At this point the planet is closest to Earth, the avastha is Shakta- powerful. The planet then begins to approach the Sun until it is combust, setting in respect to the Sun. At this point the planets are furthest from the Earth and made invisible by the Sun; they have spent their shakti (power), and now find themselves weak. Weak, they are not competent to fulfill their respective duties and get 100 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens frustrated, angry, and resort to base means. Another name for the avastha of a combust planet is Mushita- robbed. The two planets inside Earth’s orbit, Mercury and Venus, are combust when in, or near, inferior and superior conjunction; that is, when they are closest and furthest from the Earth respectively. The difference of a combust planet during superior conjunction from that of a combust planet during inferior conjunction is an area of research. When Mercury or Venus are combust at superior conjunction they are actually behind the Sun, actually setting. Not only are they obscured by the rays of the Sun, they are also behind the body of the Sun. When they are combust at inferior conjunction (when they are between the Sun and the Earth) they are not actually setting; though they are obscured by the light of the Sun they are not actually hidden by the body of the Sun. In my opinion therefore, Mercury or Venus being combust when retrograde is not so severe since they are not actually setting behind the Sun. In my experience I have found that when Mercury or Venus are combust and not retrograde, the qualities of the planet are hidden and weak. When they are retrograde and in combustion range I have found their qualities to be very pronounced. I therefore give emphasis to the Shakta Avastha when a planet is retrograde and combust. Psychologically, combust planets give rise to feelings of vulnerability and insecurity, which are the result of ego attachment. Just as the Sun is the center of the solar system with planets revolving around him, the natal Sun is the self whom the other planets serve and assist in the world through the use of their different abilities. When one of them is combust, the self has become so attached to the functions represented by the planet, that they can only be used in a dysfunctional manner. The issues revolving around combustion develop in this lifetime as a result of experiencing continual failure when attempting to use the functions of the combust planet. These feelings of failure are usually the result of associating with the father, as the Sun represents the father, or the person indicated by the house the Sun rules, or by those represented by the house wherein the combustion takes place. Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas 101 Another name for the avastha of a combust planet translates into failing. Whether one feels robbed, or failing, as the result of combustion, the resulting avastha is always Kopa, angry and frustrated. Combust planets are hidden by the Sun, the vulnerabilities indicated by them are just as well hidden. The malefics tend to hide their vulnerability by excessive displays of their traits. Benefics tend to hide their vulnerabilities by acting unconcerned, or nonchalant, as if it is not important enough to bother with. In order to understand the specific characteristics of each planet in combustion it is hoped the following will be helpful: Moon, Combust The Moon is the manas, the sense mind, through which the Sun, the soul, experiences itself as the reflection of the world. When the Moon is combust, it is dark, there is no reflection; the native feels frustrated from not being able to enjoy themselves as the reflection of the world. The Moon is the social planet, whenever we do something with another we are actually only relating to ourselves, the other is merely a reflection of our self, therefore the native also suffers on account of being unable to enjoy their reflection as others. The combust Moon always indicates a lack of need fulfillment, and resulting frustration, in the areas it influences. Mars, Combust When Mars is combust the self is over identified with the function of strength, will and power. The native feels that they must be the strongest, most powerful, or right in order to feel secure. This generally creates a need to prove that they are strong and powerful. Their over identification with and attachment to power and their need to validate themselves through the use of it generally causes a lot of power struggles with others. With those that are more powerful than them or when confronted by a great obstacle they generally lack courage. Combust Mars is angry due to being frustrated in making happen what they think should be. 102 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Mercury, Combust When Mercury is combust the individual experiences feelings of vulnerability when making requests. The self is identified with the function of speech and feels hurt and rejected when his requests are slighted or denied. The ego is fearful of having its request denied and therefore feeling rejected on a personal level. Even legitimate requests such as asking for a well-deserved raise, requesting from loved ones and returning an item to a store become difficult. After some time the individual feels taken advantage of and unfulfilled at which time anger and resentment set in. The individual must recognize that they must take direct responsibility for getting their needs and desires met by communicating them clearly and strongly. They are generally only able to communicate their desires and needs more overtly through hints, or in a joking manner. Combust Mercury presents the most trouble in personal relationships where a clear communication of needs and desires is important for maintaining harmony and in business affairs where money must be asked for. In essence, when Mercury is combust the native is angry because they are unable to maintain a fair exchange with others. Generally the issues revolving around a combust Mercury develop in this lifetime when the native, as a child, felt rejected when making requests for things from the father, and the father answering something like this, “What do you want that for, it’s stupid, a waste of money, etc.” Jupiter, Combust When Jupiter is combust the native feels that they are unable to meet a set of ideals which their ego considers necessary for spiritual blessings. The self is attached to the need for perfect and noble behavior in order to be worthy of God’s grace. They are unable to accept themselves with their own imperfections and feel that God will not either. There is little room for self-forgiveness and a resulting lack of faith in God’s interest in their personal welfare. They may easily believe that others can receive Gods blessings, but that they are unable to believe that they themselves can. This creates a feeling of Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas 103 purposelessness in their activities, including their spiritual activities, because they feel that no matter what the effort they are still imperfect and therefore worthless in God’s eyes. In essence when Jupiter is combust the native is angry at religion or God for making it impossible for them. Generally the issues revolving around a combust Jupiter are developed as a result of experiencing some belief system that was presented in a dogmatic fashion. This belief system or the manners in which it was presented, would not have allowed for the normal feelings and desires which all humans have. Being of perfect behavior, word and thought would have been stressed with no practical methods being taught to control the mind and transcend desires. The individual would then be left in despair, without hope for any possible salvation. Another consideration of Jupiter’s combustion is that the native will feel insecure about their knowledge or wisdom. This will cause them frustration and anger when confronted by something they do not understand. Rather than admit that they do not understand they are more likely to act as if it is unimportant at the moment and try to sneak out of dealing with their lack of understanding. Venus, Combust When Venus is combust the native is unable to exhibit the healthy pride necessary for diplomacy. Diplomacy is the tool of healthy pride that respects others as well as the self. Combust Venus indicates poor diplomatic abilities, the result of vulnerable pride. They therefore suffer abuse on account of other’s behavior towards them which results in anger and frustration. Another consideration when Venus is combust is that the native experiences feelings of vulnerability when expressing love and affection. The self is identified with the function of expressing love and affection to the degree that if their affection is not received and validated fully they feel rejected. This may make an individual seem rigid or indifferent in expressing love and affection. In essence, when Venus is combust the native is angry because they are not getting the 104 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens love and attention they desire. This tendency is generally developed when the native, as a child, either gave a hug or said, “I love you” to the father, or another, without having the affection or words returned, either because the parent was busy or did not have the capacity to do so. Saturn, Combust When Saturn is combust the native feels overwhelmed and overburdened with life, as if they were never given a fair chance. One generally lacks discipline and perseverance to do all that they are required to do and would rather complain or find another, easier way out of their responsibilities. They generally exhibit bitterness and resentment. They are generally unable to give of themselves unless they know that they will derive some benefit. In essence, when Saturn is combust the native is angry at the world at large for the burdens that are a part of it. Another tendency of a combust Saturn is a native who works extremely hard to validate themselves, but never feels validated by their activities and as a result becomes full of frustrated hate and jealousy. These tendencies are generally developed in this lifetime by some responsibility being forced upon the native at an early age when they were to young to handle it, and without proper validation for their accomplishments. Combust House Lords and Houses with Combust Planets Similarly a planet in combustion will harm and create anger and failure with the indications and functions governed by the houses it rules, as well as to the house it is place in. For instance, if the 9th lord is combust the native will experience anger towards father, religion, etc. If this 9 th lord is in the 7 th house one will also experience this anger with their spouse and partners. Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas Deeptaadi Avasthas 105 Overcoming the Difficulties of Combustion In order to rid oneself of the anger and frustration indicated by a combust planet one must learn to detach from the functions of the planet concerned. I generally counsel those with combust planets to tell themselves, “I am going to use my Mercury, Venus, etc.” This helps to separate the “I” from the planet and its corresponding function, allowing one to feel that they are using a tool to accomplish a given task, with no risk or attachment to themselves. USE OF DEEPTAADI AVASTHAS 1. The avastha of a planet indicates how one feels and experiences those things it is a Karaka, or producer, of. 2. The avastha of a planet indicates how one feels and experiences those things indicated by the house the planet rules in the horoscope. 3. The avastha of a planet indicates how one feels and experiences those things indicated by the house the planet is in. 4. The native’s life at a particular moment may be described by the Deeptaadi-Avastha of the dasa and bukti lord. Particular importance should be given to the avastha of the bukti lord, as he is indicative of the specific trend in the native’s life. 5. The Deeptaadi-Avastha will not indicate what will happen, or the extent of good or bad that is to happen in a particular dasa, bukti, etc. It is possible to feel miserable, and experience great suffering and trial, while doing something wonderful; it is also possible to feel peaceful and contented even though nothing or terrible things are happening in life. It is the feeling that the Deeptaadi- Avastha lets us see, not what happens. What happens we determine otherwise, but with the Deeptaadi-Avastha we can always predict how one will feel about something in their life, and the stresses or strengths that accompany any activity. 6. A planet may conform to more then one Deeptaadi Avastha in which case all the relevant avasthas should be made use of. 106 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The Churning of the Ocean The Churning of the Ocean The Churning of the Ocean The Churning of the Ocean After which Rahu and Ketu were born. The Houses The Houses The Houses The Houses 107 8 88 8 The Houses The Houses The Houses The Houses The birth horoscope is divided into 12 portions; each portion is known as a house, or in Sanskrit as a Bhava. Each house relates to different tendencies and affairs of life. There are different systems for determining the extent of each house within the horoscope and different astrologers prefer different methods. In the last portion of this chapter we will discuss the different house systems, but first a look at the houses themselves. TYPES OF HOUSES Kendras (angular houses): 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th The angles are the powerhouses that lend strength and the capacity for fruit bearing actions to the horoscope. Planets placed in angles generally do well in respect to their indications and the houses they rule. There is great emphasis and momentum behind these planets. Panaparas (succedent houses): 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th Panapara houses lend firmness, stability and security to the horoscope. Apoklimas (cadent houses): 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12 Apoklima houses provide communication, consideration and assessment and to the horoscope. Trikonas (trine houses): 1st, 5th, and 9th Trikonas provide fortune, luck, grace, and blessings. Planets placed in trines generally do well in respect to their indications and the houses they rule. 108 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Dusthana houses: 6th, 8th, and 12th Dusthanas are the transitory houses that indicate the need for change. They generally force difficulties upon the native. They are the houses through which the more difficult aspects of karma manifest. Planets placed in Dusthanas generally suffer in respect to their indications and the houses they rule. If there are benefic influences to planets in these houses then there may be some difficulty associated with their obtainment though they need not suffer otherwise. Upachaya (increase): 3rd, 6th, 10th, and 11th Planets in Upachayas give their effects in an increasing measure throughout the native’s life. The native strives to make better use of these planets throughout life. The effects of a planet in the 3 rd house increase as the native develops their skills and talents. The effects of a planet in the 6 th house increase as the native is forced to improve upon them due to the struggles and obstacles indicated by the 6 th house. The effects of a planet in the 10 th house increase as the native’s status and career blossom. The planets in the 11th house increase as one acquires more throughout life. Artha, Kama, Dharma and Moksha Artha, Kama, Dharma, and Moksha refer to the four primary aims of life which all of us are concerned with to a greater or lesser extent at different times of our life. Each aim has three houses that are indicative of it. One house represents the initial action towards the goal, another house represents the struggles we must go through to get there, and another house represents the final goal in completion. Artha, simply put, means achievement, and represents the actions toward and achievement of man’s fundamental needs that are necessary as a support for the other three aims in life. It is Artha that consumes a great deal of man’s time and energy and provides continual motivation for the actions that are at least necessary for survival. Necessary wealth, maintaining health, overcoming material liabilities and having meaningful work all fall under the realm of Artha. The 2nd, 6th and 10th houses are indicative of Artha. The Houses The Houses The Houses The Houses 109 Kama represents the desires that man wishes to fulfill. It is Kama that provides the ego with endless entanglements. Personal interests and desires, fame, human love and sex fall under the domain of Kama. The 3rd, 7th and 11th houses are indicative of Kama. Dharma means righteousness and steadfastly following some lawful conduct that results in mans highest good and long term happiness. It is Dharma that gives meaning and purpose to life. Finding our niche in life, cultivating our natural intelligence and gifts, and following a meaningful belief system fall under the realms of Dharma. The 1st, 5th and 9th houses are indicative of Dharma. In the Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna states that following one’s dharma leads to prosperity, these houses are therefore important for wealth. Moksha means liberation and freedom from pain and suffering through spiritual transcendence and bliss in God’s presence. Mental/emotional poise and equilibrium, emotional detachment and purification of sins, and belief and surrender unto That which is greater than oneself all fall under the realm of Moksha. Moksha is the most important of all the aims as it is the only one that is everlasting and ever joyful. Moksha is maintained as the one and only goal worth acquiring and the other aims of life are ideally directed in such a manner as to assist in this supreme goal. The 4th, 8th and 12th houses are indicative of Moksha. THE 12 HOUSES Below are listed the twelve houses along with their indications. There is some explanation given for each house in such a manner as to facilitate the students understanding of the concepts underlying each house. There are of course many other indications of the houses; the ones given here are those of greatest importance and everyday use. The Lagna, 1 st House The Lagna represents the individual’s expression into the world. This expression has a purpose and therefore falls under the realm of Dharma 110 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The individual’s expression into the world requires a physical form; therefore the Lagna represents the body and its appearance. This expression is also one of uniqueness and therefore endows one with personality. The power of the will, behind this expression, to live in accordance with Dharma creates vitality; therefore the Lagna also indicates strength and vitality. This vitality is indicative of self- esteem. 2 nd House The 2 nd house represents the Artha that the individual has earned and comes to them as personal resources, with which they may have the opportunity to do something of value with. One’s first resource is their family; therefore the 2 nd house represents family and the name that comes with it. The first resources which one consciously uses are sight and speech; therefore the 2 nd house rules ones speech and eyes. The first resource that one needs is food; therefore the 2 nd house rules food and the taste accompanying it. Other resources are wealth and possessions that come at different times; therefore the 2 nd house rules wealth and movable possessions. Another important resource is that of friends, the 2 nd house therefore also rules friends. Family, name, friends, the ability to talk, the taste of good foods, possessions and seeing possessions all provide for a sense of worth and value. Family, friends and possessions, all being of value to the native, are also those things the native keeps close and takes care of. The 2 nd house therefore also rules that which the native takes care of and that which is close to them. 3 rd House The 3 rd house represents the personal desires and goals, one wants to fulfill and is therefore a house of Kama. The Houses The Houses The Houses The Houses 111 The strength and initiative with which we pursue our desires and goals indicates our courage, therefore the 3 rd house represents courage. Closely related to this is intellectual confidence, another important indication of the 3 rd house. The 3 rd house as representing the energy with which to fulfill personal desires grants longevity in order to fulfill them. The 3 rd house is therefore a house of longevity. The 3 rd house as representing those, which may assist us in fulfilling our desires, indicates brothers, sisters, and associates. The 3 rd house as indicating the exchange between others and us as mentioned represents communication, correspondence, and commerce. Though the 2 nd house represents speech, speech alone is not communication therefore the 3 rd house rules hearing, which is necessary for communication. At times in the pursuit of our desires and goals it becomes necessary to travel, therefore the 3 rd house rules short journeys. 4 th House The 4 th house represents the inner foundation and strength within us, as well as indicating the inner mind, the realm where we have total freedom. The 4 th house is therefore a house of Moksha or liberation. The 4 th house is the inner reservoir within which our consciousness dwells. The 4 th house indicates the mental freedom to choose our attitude, which gives us the choice of happiness; therefore, the 4 th house is indicative of happiness. It is an accepting, nurturing environment that initially allows for the proper development of our inner emotional nature. As the mother is primarily responsible for this acceptance and nurturing the 4 th house rules the mother. Our home, land and house are also places where we become free from the world, therefore the 4 th house rules our home, house and land. 112 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The 4 th house provides us with the ability to free our consciousness from our body; one way in which it does this is by providing us with the means of moving our body without our own effort through vehicles. 5 th House The 5 th house indicates our creative intelligence, as it is our duty to express this intelligence as part of our divinity the 5 th house is a house of Dharma. The creative intelligence is the expression of our soul into the world. Recognizing the creative intelligence behind our incarnation allows us to see the real from the unreal. The 5 th house therefore indicates discrimination. Learning to express our unique creative intelligence requires education that serves to stimulate our intuitive knowledge, and creative self, therefore the 5 th house rules education of the sort that we are inspired towards. Man is responsible for playing his part in maintaining God's creation and it becomes dutiful of him to create offspring. The 5 th house therefore rules children. Expressing our creative intelligence fully requires the development of the intuition. Intuition is developed through the practice of spiritual techniques and the study of sacred writings. The 5 th house therefore rules Mantra and Sastra. The expression of this intelligence manifests psychologically as confidence in expressing love and that natural to the self. 6 th House The 6 th house represents the work needed to achieve physical and material well-being. Our attention is drawn to areas that need improvement through obstacles. These obstacles come to us as enemies, disease, accidents and debt. The 6 th house therefore rules accidents, enemies, disease and debt. The Houses The Houses The Houses The Houses 113 The 6 th house as an Upachaya (house of increase) also rules any means to overcome the above obstacles. The 6 th house therefore rules exercise, lawsuits, and fighting. In dealing with the obstacles and delays of life one learns how to behave in the world in a manner that creates a greater feeling of harmony amidst suffering, lack and difficulties; in so doing one learns Karma Yoga. 7 th House The 7 th house is a house of Kama that indicates our desire to fulfill ourselves through another. The 7 th house therefore rules the spouse and our relationship with them. We also seek to fulfill ourselves through another through sex. The 7 th house therefore also rules sex. We also seek to fulfill ourselves through the public awareness. The 7 th house therefore also rules our relationship to the public. 8 th House The 8 th house indicates the process of developing emotional freedom and security. This emotional security is only possible once we become free of all attachments that limit the perception of our spiritual nature. Sins are the greatest obstacle to realizing our spiritual nature. The 8 th house therefore rules sins and their purification. The need to purify ourselves of our sins and to reap the results of our karma creates events in our life that are unplanned and unexpected. The 8 th house therefore rules unexpected happenings, and breaks in life. One way in which sins become purified, is through our bodies. The 8 th house therefore rules chronic disease, surgery, and severe accidents resulting in the body suffering permanent damage, such as broken bones. The health and physical difficulties indicated by the 8 th house are much deeper than those of the 6 th house. The bodily afflictions may also correspond to huge inner transformations, 114 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens which are so deep that the body itself undergoes some permanent or long-term change. The other great obstacles, to realizing our spiritual nature, are our desires and attachments. The 8th house therefore indicates the purification and transmutation of our desires and attachments. Some attachments are of an older origin and may come to us as legacies. The 8 th house therefore rules legacies. Some of these legacies come to us due to a need to purify ourselves of some old and difficult Karma. We desire to purify ourselves of sins even though it is painful and difficult to do so. The 8 th house therefore rules compulsive actions that draw us to reap the results of our karma, and do things we would otherwise not normally do. Sins once purified may create a boon. The 8 th house therefore rules windfalls. One of the main purposes of life is to reap the results of our karma and transform ourselves and transmute our desires. The 8 th house therefore grants longevity in order to allow us time to do these things. The transformational processes of the 8 th house may cause one to inquire deeply into the nature of things. The 8th house therefore rules the occult and esoteric studies. We also desire to find security through the agency of another. The 8th house therefore rules the conjugal bond between husband and wife, the value of a relationship and other peoples' resources. 9 th House The 9 th house represents our efforts towards self-knowledge. Acquiring self-knowledge creates a sense of purpose and motivates one to walk a path of truth and righteousness. The 9 th house is therefore a house of Dharma. Self-knowledge requires the study of truth, therefore the 9 th house rules philosophy and religion. The Houses The Houses The Houses The Houses 115 Acquiring knowledge requires the help of a Guru, preceptor, or teacher; therefore the 9 th house rules the Guru, preceptor, and teachers. Acquiring self-knowledge requires proper conduct of spiritual and moral laws; therefore the 9 th house rules law. Following moral and spiritual laws gives grace and fortune. The father is the first teacher; responsible for teaching a child laws with which to guide his life, therefore the 9 th house rules the father. The pursuit of self-knowledge requires one to seek and make spiritual journeys. The 9 th house therefore rules long distance travels and pilgrimages. 10 th House The 10 th house as the house of Karma (action) represents the greatest energy and focus towards material achievement (Artha). It especially rules the self in action. We put the most energy into achieving the profession that provides for our physical well being. The 10 th house, therefore, rules the energy put into the profession and the success of one's profession. Achievement gives status; therefore the 10 th house rules status and the respect that comes with it. In traditional cultures the profession was given by the father, the 10 th house therefore also rules the father. The 9th house indicates the father’s example, well being and life. The impact of the father upon the native to perform deeds, however, is more indicated by the 10 th . For predictive purposes, anything about the father should be determined from the 9 th house. Our actions (karma) are supervised under some authority. The 10 th house therefore rules all authority figures including the government, boss, and the again the father. 11 th House The 11 th house rules gains, because it represents that which we desire to gain it is a house of Kama. 116 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens We gain when we succeed; the 11 th house therefore rules success in general. Success provides one with degrees, and titles. The 11 th house therefore rules degrees, and titles. An important gain to everyone is income. As indicating that which we desire to gain the 11 th house indicates our greatest desires and temptations. The 11 th house indicates the last desires precluding liberation. In traditional cultures the eldest sibling stood to gain the most from the family, the younger siblings therefore looked upon the eldest sibling with respect and as a source of gain. The 11 th house therefore rules elder siblings. Even in modern cultures the younger siblings benefit greatly from the support, protection and validation that an elder sibling can give. The 11 th house therefore rules validation, love, support and protection received not only from the elder siblings, but also from any friends, peers or groups. 12 th House The 12 th house liberates us from earthly concerns; therefore it is the most significant Moksha house. One of the reasons we desire to be free of Earthly concerns is to escape from the pain and suffering that is part and parcel of the world. As the last house the 12 th house is also the house of completion. Our greatest escape is to become spiritually liberated; therefore the 12 th house rules spiritual liberation. Man pursues spiritual liberation through renunciation and monastic life; therefore the 12 th house rules renunciation and monasteries. Man is also taken away from practical concerns through incapacitation and hospitalization. The 12 th house therefore rules incapacitation, hospitalization and hospitals. Some find themselves becoming free from practical concerns through imprisonment. The 12th house therefore also rules imprisonment and prison. The Houses The Houses The Houses The Houses 117 Sex, drugs and fantasy are also ways of escaping earthly concerns. The 12th house therefore also rules sex, drugs and hidden desires. One may also go to a foreign place once they have completed reaping the results due them in their native place; the 12 th house therefore also represents foreign residence and other things of foreign origin. That, which we put out as we move through life, in order to fulfill our responsibilities, indicates our expenses, which the 12 th house rules. As expense that may give eventual financial freedom the 12 th house also rules long-term investments. Understanding comes from completion, the 12 th house therefore rules the research and experimentation that gives understanding, as well as the laboratories this takes place in. In fact, the feet, which are governed by the 12 th house, symbolize understanding. BODY PARTS The body parts assigned to the houses 1 – 12, are the same as the body parts assigned to the rasis Aries – Pisces. HOUSES FOR OTHER PEOPLE The horoscope can also be read for other people in the native’s life. The house that rules the person in question becomes the first house for that person with the other houses following. For instance, to read the horoscope for the mother, the 4 th house is the mother, the 2nd from there, the 5 th , is the mother’s wealth, the 3 rd from the 4 th , the 6 th , is the mother’s siblings, etc. SECONDARY MEANINGS OF THE HOUSES The house, which is the same far away from a house as that house is from the lagna, carries a similar meaning. This is known as Bhavat Bhavam. For instance, the 3 rd house is the 2 nd from the 2 nd and therefore also relates to wealth. The 7 th house is the 10 th from the 10 th and therefore also relates to professional status. The 3 rd house is the 8 th from the 8 th and therefore also relates to longevity. Many of 118 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens the subtle influences of a house can be understood in this manner. This is also helpful when using Dasas to time the affairs of a house. HOUSE SYSTEMS There are a few different house systems common to Vedic astrology. The most common system is known as the Rasi Chakra (sign chart). This is the simplest method of determining the houses. In the Rasi Chakra the first house is determined by the rasi rising on the eastern horizon at the time of birth. This rasi is known as the Lagna, or ascendant. Each successive rasi thereafter is another house. The Rasi Chakra is unique in that each rasi is considered as an entire house regardless of what degree a particular rasi rises. The Rasi Chakra has the least amount of change on a given day than any of the other house systems. Due to this it is the core chart that is the foundation of the horoscope. The other house systems can modify or add detail to what is indicated by the rasi chart, but never change it; they rest on the foundation that is the Rasi Chakra. The Rasi Chakra is used by all Vedic astrologers and is considered to be of primary importance. There are two other, more mathematical, methods of determining the extent of the houses. These more mathematical methods are known as Bhava Chakras (house charts). One type is known as the Vedic Equal system of house division. In the Vedic Equal system the degree of the rasi rising, or ascendant, becomes the cusp, or center, of the first house and every 30 degrees thereon becomes the cusp of the succeeding house. 15 degrees before and after the house cusp becomes the house proper and each house is exactly 30 degrees in extent. This is generally called the Equal House Chart. The other method for determining the Bhava Chakra is known as the Sri Pati method. In the Sri Pati method the degree of the rasi rising becomes the cusp of the first house, similar to the Vedic Equal method. A point called the mid-heaven becomes the cusp of the 10th house and the point opposite the mid-heaven becomes the cusp of the 4th house. The mid-heaven is determined by a meridian drawn through the highest point directly overhead, and intersecting the The Houses The Houses The Houses The Houses 119 ecliptic. The space between the first house cusp and the 4 th house cusp is trisected creating the cusps of the 2 nd and 3 rd houses. The points opposite these become the cusps of the 8 th and 9 th houses. The portion between the 10 th house cusp and first house cusp is similarly trisected creating the cusps of the 11 th and 12 th house cusps. The points opposite these become the cusps of the 5 th and 6 th houses. The house cusps mark the center of the houses. The unique feature of this system is that since the 10 th house cusp is generally not perpendicular to the first house cusp the houses are of different extents. The Sri Pati house system creates two potential areas that may create confusion in one’s interpretation: There may be different house lords for the Bhava Chakra than for the Rasi Chakra due to the unequal division of the houses. As a result, two house cusps often fall in one rasi, and some rasis may not hold any house cusps at all. At greater northern or southern latitudes this becomes extreme, often one rasi holds three or more house cusps. Due to this, many western astrologers in Europe who regularly calculate horoscopes for people born further north than 50-degrees north, rely on the equal house system. Three house systems to choose from may cause a lot of confusion. My view is the following: 1. The Rasi Chakra is of primary importance; it is a safe bet that never seems to fail. All astrologers use this one first, most astrologers use this one only. 2. The Bhava Chakras rest on the foundation of the Rasi Chakra, so they can add detail to what is indicated by the Rasi Chakra, but they can in no way alter what the Rasi Chakra indicates. I have found that a planet will manifest the indications as seen in the Rasi Chakra, through the house it falls in the Bhava Chakra. 3. The Equal House system is more preferable than the Sri Pati method. It works well at all latitudes, and, since it changes less quickly than the Sri Pati method, it creates a stronger foundation chart than the Sri Pati. 4. The Sri Pati Bhava Chakra may to be more important in Varshaphal (solar returns). 120 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens House Indications House Indications House Indications House Indications 1 st House Dharma/Trikona/Kendra, Appearance, Body, Determinative strength, Head, Health, Personality, Self-esteem, Vitality, Brain, Caste, Complexion, Hair, Qualities, Skin 2 nd House Artha/Panapara, Eyes, Face, Family, Food, Friends, Name, Personal resources, Possessions- moveable, Self-worth, Speech, Taste, Wealth, Apparel, Business, Dependents, Nails, Right eye, Second wife, Tongue, Truth and falsehood 3 rd House Kama/Apoklima/Upachaya/Leena Sthana (concealed house), Associates, Arms, Commerce, Communications, Correspondence, Courage, Hearing, Longevity, Personal desires, Short journeys, Siblings- younger, Strength, Ears, Will, Initiatory instructions (Upadesha), Intellectual security, Lungs, Physical strength, Right ear 4 th House Moksha/Kendra/Chaturasra (square house), Breast, Buildings, Happiness, Home, House, Land, Mind, Mother, Pranayam, Vehicles, Agriculture, Art, Bridge, Native country, Garden, Medicines, Kingdom, Pathala (underworld), Water 5 th House Dharma/Trikona/Panapara, Children, Creative intelligence, Discrimination, Education, Heart, Mantra, Shastras, Spiritual techniques, Stomach, Fall from position, Amulets, Knowledge of the future, Royalty, Love expressed 6 th House Artha/Apoklima/Dusthana/Upachaya/Shatkona/Leena Sthana (concealed house) Accidents, Bowels, Debt, Disease, Enemies, Exercise, Fighting, Injuries, Karma Yoga, Lawsuits, Servants, Doubts, Humiliation, Maternal uncle, Obstruction, Weapons, Weariness, Wicked actions, Vices, Witchcraft applied by enemies 7 th House Kama/Kendra, Internal sexual organs, Public Relationships, Partners, Sex, Spouse, Foreign place, Maternal grandmother, Travels 8 th House Moksha/Panapara/Dusthana/Chaturasra (square house)/Leena Sthana (concealed house), Addictions, Breaks, Chronic disease, Compulsive actions, Surgery, Conjugal bond, Death, Sexual organs, Legacies, Longevity, Witch craft, Occult, Purification of sins, Accidents leaving permanent damage, Sins, Transmutation, Unexpected events, Vulnerability, Windfalls, Killing, Vices, Emotional security 9 th House Dharma/Trikona/Apoklima, Father, Fortunes, Guru, Law, Long journeys, Purpose, Penance, Philosophy, Pilgrimages, Teachers, Thighs, Fables, Good company, Meritorious deeds, Morals, Religious merit, Righteousness, Sacred studies, Vows 10 th House Artha/Kendra/Upachaya, Command, Employer, Father, Government, Karmas- actions, Knees, Professional success, Respect, Status, Authority, Celestial phenomena, Fame, ,Position, Government, King, Royalty, Sovereignty 11 th House Kama/Panapara/Upachaya/Shatkona, Ankles/Calves, Elder Sibling, Gains, Titles, Greatest desires, Degrees, Income, Peers, Groups, Success, Advancement of one's actions, Left ear, Wish fulfillment, Love and Validation received 12 th House Moksha/Apoklima/Dusthana/Leena Sthana (concealed house), Charity, Completions, Dreams, Drugs, Escape, Expenditure, Fantasy, Feet, Foreign countries and residence, Hidden desires, Hospitalizations, Hospitals, Imprisonment, Incapacitation, Laboratories, Long term investments, Losses, Maternal grandfather, Monasteries, Prisons, Renunciation, Sex, Sleep, Spiritual liberation, Bed, Hidden enemy, Left eye, Loss of a limb, Sacrifices, Spy Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 121 9 99 9 House Lords House Lords House Lords House Lords The planet ruling the rasi of a particular house becomes what is known as the lord, or ruler, of the house. A planet acquires a temporal benefic, malefic, or neutral disposition depending upon this lordship. This disposition is based upon the motivation with which the planet is used; with self-will or with righteous purpose. NATURE OF PLANETS DUE TO HOUSE LORDSHIP In Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra are given the guidelines for determining the disposition of the planets based upon which houses they rule: “Benefics ruling angles will not give benefic results “Benefics ruling angles will not give benefic results “Benefics ruling angles will not give benefic results “Benefics ruling angles will not give benefic results while malefics ruling angles will not remain while malefics ruling angles will not remain while malefics ruling angles will not remain while malefics ruling angles will not remain inauspicious.” inauspicious.” inauspicious.” inauspicious.” The planets ruling the angles are focused towards some definite actions whose motivations may vary, their dispositions are therefore neutral. “It has been said that a natural malefic owning an “It has been said that a natural malefic owning an “It has been said that a natural malefic owning an “It has been said that a natural malefic owning an angle will become auspicious which is only true when it angle will become auspicious which is only true when it angle will become auspicious which is only true when it angle will become auspicious which is only true when it simultaneously rules a trine and not by merely owning simultaneously rules a trine and not by merely owning simultaneously rules a trine and not by merely owning simultaneously rules a trine and not by merely owning an angle.” an angle.” an angle.” an angle.” Some are of the opinion that a natural malefic becomes a temporal benefic when ruling an angle, though in fact it only ceases to give malefic results becoming therefore neutral, unless it also rules a trine. Some astrologers similarly consider benefics ruling angles to become temporally malefic, but again this is not accurate, they simply 122 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens loose their benefic nature to become neutral, which is a far cry from becoming malefic. “The lord of a trine will give auspicious results.” “The lord of a trine will give auspicious results.” “The lord of a trine will give auspicious results.” “The lord of a trine will give auspicious results.” The planets ruling the trines are attuned towards Dharma and their activities are righteously motivated. “The lord of the lagna is particularly auspicious, since “The lord of the lagna is particularly auspicious, since “The lord of the lagna is particularly auspicious, since “The lord of the lagna is particularly auspicious, since the lagna is an angle as well as a trine.” the lagna is an angle as well as a trine.” the lagna is an angle as well as a trine.” the lagna is an angle as well as a trine.” “A planet owning the 3 “A planet owning the 3 “A planet owning the 3 “A planet owning the 3 rd rd rd rd , 6 , 6 , 6 , 6 th th th th or 11 or 11 or 11 or 11 th th th th house will give house will give house will give house will give inauspiciou inauspiciou inauspiciou inauspicious effects.” s effects.” s effects.” s effects.” The planets ruling the 3 rd , 6 th and 11 th houses are egocentric in disposition, which generally leads to selfishness. “The effects of the lords of the 2 “The effects of the lords of the 2 “The effects of the lords of the 2 “The effects of the lords of the 2 nd nd nd nd , 12 , 12 , 12 , 12 th th th th and 8 and 8 and 8 and 8 th th th th will will will will depend upon their conjunction and upon the other depend upon their conjunction and upon the other depend upon their conjunction and upon the other depend upon their conjunction and upon the other house they rule house they rule house they rule house they rule.” .” .” .” The planets ruling these houses may be used with either egocentric or righteous motivation and are therefore neutral. The other house they rule will indicate their motivation. If they only rule one house then they will take on the temporal disposition of any planet they are with. “The 8 “The 8 “The 8 “The 8 th th th th lord is not auspicious as he owns the 12 lord is not auspicious as he owns the 12 lord is not auspicious as he owns the 12 lord is not auspicious as he owns the 12 th th th th from from from from the 9 the 9 the 9 the 9 th th th th . If the 8 . If the 8 . If the 8 . If the 8 th th th th lord simultaneously owns the 3 lord simultaneously owns the 3 lord simultaneously owns the 3 lord simultaneously owns the 3 rd rd rd rd , 7 , 7 , 7 , 7 th th th th or or or or 11 11 11 11 th th th th he will prove to be particularly harmful while his he will prove to be particularly harmful while his he will prove to be particularly harmful while his he will prove to be particularly harmful while his simultaneous ownership of a trine will bestow simultaneous ownership of a trine will bestow simultaneous ownership of a trine will bestow simultaneous ownership of a trine will bestow auspicious effects. The 8 auspicious effects. The 8 auspicious effects. The 8 auspicious effects. The 8 th th th th lordship of the Sun and Moon lordship of the Sun and Moon lordship of the Sun and Moon lordship of the Sun and Moon is not harmful.” is not harmful.” is not harmful.” is not harmful.” Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 123 Though the motivation with which the 8 th lord is used is neutral, the 8 th lord ruling the house of crisis, destruction and breaks in life gives difficulties. “In each group th “In each group th “In each group th “In each group the significance will be in the ascending e significance will be in the ascending e significance will be in the ascending e significance will be in the ascending order.” order.” order.” order.” This is to say that within the four groups: angle lords, trine lords, the 3 rd , 6 th and 11 th lords, and the 2 nd , 12 th and 8 th , the effects are stronger in each group in accordance to the order they are presented. Among angular lords: the 7 th is stronger than the 4 th , and the 10 th is stronger than the 7 th . Among the trine lords: the 5 th is more auspicious than the 1 st , and the 9 th is more auspicious than the 5 th . Among the 3 rd , 6 th and 11 th lords: the 6 th is more malefic than the 3 rd , and the 11 th is more malefic than the 6 th . Among the 2 nd , 12 th and 8 th lords: the 12 th is more firm in its neutrality than the 2 nd , and the 8 th is more firm in its neutrality than the 12 th . “The planet owning a predominant ho “The planet owning a predominant ho “The planet owning a predominant ho “The planet owning a predominant house will stall the use will stall the use will stall the use will stall the effects due to another owning a less significant house effects due to another owning a less significant house effects due to another owning a less significant house effects due to another owning a less significant house and will give his own results.” and will give his own results.” and will give his own results.” and will give his own results.” This is to say that the temporal disposition of a house lord may be overridden by that of another. For Example: The 5 th lord is the 2 nd strongest trine lord, the 3 rd lord is the weakest evil lord; therefore if these two mutually influence each other, or if the 5 th lord influences the 3 rd lord, the beneficence of the 5 th lord will override the maleficence of the 3 rd lord. If the 3 rd lord is influencing the 5 th lord, its malefic qualities will not be able to overcome the benefic qualities of the 5 th lord. In dasa interpretation this holds true as well. For example: If the maha dasa lord is the 6 th lord and the bukti is of the 9 th lord, the 9 th lord will stall the evil effects of the 6 th lord, since he rules the strongest trine and the 6 th lord is only ruling the 2 nd strongest evil house. 124 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Some secondary rules regarding house lords are now being given: “Due to ruling angles Mercury has more potent “Due to ruling angles Mercury has more potent “Due to ruling angles Mercury has more potent “Due to ruling angles Mercury has more potential for ial for ial for ial for maleficence than the Moon, Jupiter more than Mercury maleficence than the Moon, Jupiter more than Mercury maleficence than the Moon, Jupiter more than Mercury maleficence than the Moon, Jupiter more than Mercury and Venus more than Jupiter.” and Venus more than Jupiter.” and Venus more than Jupiter.” and Venus more than Jupiter.” This is to say that if Venus, when ruling an angle and thereby becoming neutral, also rules a house that causes him to become a temporal malefic or if Venus is also joined with a temporal malefic, he is capable of the most maleficence. Jupiter is less so when in similar circumstances, followed by Mercury, followed by the Moon who is least temporally malefic under similar circumstances. “Should a planet own two “Should a planet own two “Should a planet own two “Should a planet own two houses, the effects of the houses, the effects of the houses, the effects of the houses, the effects of the house which is the Moolatrikona will predominate while house which is the Moolatrikona will predominate while house which is the Moolatrikona will predominate while house which is the Moolatrikona will predominate while the effects of its own rasi will be half.” the effects of its own rasi will be half.” the effects of its own rasi will be half.” the effects of its own rasi will be half.” -Phaladeepika 15, 11 The planet gives 2/3 effects towards its Moolatrikona house and only 1/3 towards its other house. “If a “If a “If a “If a planet owns two signs, one of which falls in an planet owns two signs, one of which falls in an planet owns two signs, one of which falls in an planet owns two signs, one of which falls in an auspicious house and the other in a Dusthana, and if auspicious house and the other in a Dusthana, and if auspicious house and the other in a Dusthana, and if auspicious house and the other in a Dusthana, and if the planet occupies the auspicious house he produces the planet occupies the auspicious house he produces the planet occupies the auspicious house he produces the planet occupies the auspicious house he produces the good results of the auspicious house and does not the good results of the auspicious house and does not the good results of the auspicious house and does not the good results of the auspicious house and does not produce any adverse effects of the other Dustha produce any adverse effects of the other Dustha produce any adverse effects of the other Dustha produce any adverse effects of the other Dusthana.” na.” na.” na.” -Phaladeepika 15, 29 In this case the planet will place double emphasis upon the good house it rules; first by owning it and secondly by being placed in it. Similarly if a planet that rules two houses is placed in one of its houses, it will take one the temporal disposition due to the house it is in. For example: for Leo Lagna Mars is benefic on account of ruling the 9 th house and neutral on account of ruling the 4 th house, if Mars is in the 4 th house he becomes a temporal neutral. Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 125 Though the lagna lord is generally a temporal benefic, if it also rules another angle and if it is placed in that angle, then consider it temporally neutral. “If one and the same planet, who rules a trine and an “If one and the same planet, who rules a trine and an “If one and the same planet, who rules a trine and an “If one and the same planet, who rules a trine and an angle, is placed in an angle or trine it will angle, is placed in an angle or trine it will angle, is placed in an angle or trine it will angle, is placed in an angle or trine it will prove to be a prove to be a prove to be a prove to be a Yogakaraka Yogakaraka Yogakaraka Yogakaraka.” .” .” .” -Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra, House Lords, 13 A planet ruling both an angle and a trine becomes a Yogakaraka, the producer of royal status, success and rise in life. This is due to the fortune, intelligence, luck, and blessings of the trine combined with the manifesting power of an angle. This is possible with Saturn for Taurus and Libra lagnas, Mars for Cancer and Leo lagnas, and Venus for Capricorn and Aquarius lagnas. For this planet to give rise it must be well placed in the horoscope, preferably in an angle or trine, or in mutual influence with an angle or trine lord. DISPOSITIONS OF THE HOUSE LORDS We shall now take a look at the dispositions of the planets as to the houses they rule, keeping the above guidelines and the meaning of the houses as studied in the previous chapter in mind: Lagna (1 st ) Lord The Lagnadhipati (Lagna lord) becomes a temporal benefic because he rules the native’s expression of Dharma into the world, assisting him in finding his niche and place in life. 2 nd Lord The 2 nd lord represents our resources and how we use our resources. Man may do this selfishly or unselfishly; therefore, the 2 nd lord is temporally neutral. 3 rd Lord The 3 rd lord, representing the desires and interests of the ego and its generally selfish pursuit of them, is temporally malefic in nature. 126 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens 4 th Lord The 4 th lord indicates our need for happiness and the manner in which we attempt to find happiness. We may attempt to find happiness in selfish or unselfish, good or evil ways and as a result the 4 th lord is temporally neutral in its disposition. 5 th Lord The 5 th lord, being the expression of the self as the intuitive and creative intelligence, is a great temporal benefic. 6 th Lord The 6 th lord, indicating poor behavior, is a temporal malefic that forces one to improve through struggles, debt, disease, accidents and enemies. 7th Lord The 7 th lord rules our desire to share with others. Most relationships, particularly love relationships, are a blend of give and take, therefore the 7 th lord is temporally neutral in its disposition. 8 th Lord The 8 th lord represents the karmic balance and purification necessary to achieve liberation. In its duty to balance the karmic scales it may give great unexpected gains, as well as great difficulties. In its desire for spiritual purification it may also give occult knowledge. Most significantly, however, the 8 th lord uses the results of our past actions to bring about purification, and that may be painful. The 8th lord is temporally neutral, as its motivation is none other than to create balance, though it is somewhat harmful in its effects because its duty requires that. 9 th Lord The 9 th lord, which indicates the higher self, the search for truth, Dharma and the blessings that come from living a life of Dharma, is a powerful temporal benefic. Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 127 10 th Lord The 10 th lord, which rules our dominant actions towards achieving something of value, is the greatest indicator for our actions in the world (Karma). We may achieve in selfish or unselfish ways; therefore the 10 th lord is temporally neutral. 11 th Lord The 11 th lord is a temporal malefic as it rules one’s greatest desires, one’s last temptations, and the ego’s tendency towards selfishness in gaining and holding onto these. 12 th Lord The 12 th lord represents freedom from worldly suffering. This freedom may come from constructive, spiritual ways, or in destructive ways such as drugs, sex, and excessive spending, therefore the 12 th lord is neutral. The 12 th house also rules losses, which may come either through transcendence or from excess. PLANETS AS HOUSE LORDS In general the different planets will incline the native to behave in the following manner in regards to the houses which they rule: Sun The house that the Sun rules will be an area of life that the native readily identifies with and an area where they have the capacity for inspired creativity. It will also be an area where they express their individuality. Moon The house which the Moon rules will be an area of life that feels natural to the native’s way of being and wherein they are inclined to look to for comfort. 128 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Mars The houses which Mars rules indicates that which the native has strong opinions and ideas about, and what they are therefore inclined to fight for, with or over. These will also be areas where the native gains their strength. Mercury The houses which Mercury rules will be the areas that the native practically understands, is capable of communicating, and uses in a productive manner. They will also be the areas where the native tends to practice fairness and impartiality. Jupiter The houses that Jupiter rules will be the areas of life where the native experiences faith, hope, idealism, and optimism. They will also be the areas through which the native has the greatest capacity to assist society and where they express themselves in a wise, noble and forgiving manner. Venus The houses, which Venus rules will be the areas of life through which the native tends to fulfill their desires and find pleasure. The houses ruled by Venus will also reflect that which the native loves and is proud of. Saturn The houses which Saturn rules will be the areas of life where the native experiences his insecurities, seeks stability and security and where he is generally more rigid. The fulfillment of these houses generally comes after delays and struggles. Significantly, the house Saturn rules will represent agents that the difficult result of one's karma will come through, as well as indicating areas where the native has a debt to pay. Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 129 HOUSES LORDS FOR THE 12 LAGNAS Combining the lordship of a planet with the planet’s natural characteristics gives insights into the specific function and nature of each planet for each Lagna. Understanding the use and nature of each planet in this manner for each of the 12 Lagnas allows for a much deeper and holistic understanding of the lagna: ARIES LAGNA Sun as 5 th Lord The Sun is the Ram’s horns, which, growing from the third eye, indicates will and intuitive and creative intelligence. The Sun represents the Aries native’s independent spirit and heart. It gives great inspiration to their character, powerful intelligence, independent thinking, and the ability to acquire self-knowledge as well as making them independent learners. The Sun as the 5 th lord causes their health to be dependent upon following their inspirations. The Sun gives luck and knowledge and is a temporal benefic, though as a natural malefic the Sun may separate the Aries lagna native from those things it influences as a sacrifice for their self-development, learning or inspirations. Moon as 4 th Lord The Moon is the Ram’s roaming in his environment. The Moon represents the Aries native’s fickle mentality, fluctuating emotions, erratic search for happiness, and changeable environment. The Moon also gives them a reflective and contemplative mentality, though what they prefer to contemplate is themselves, not out of any selfish reasons, but only because they are discovering so much about themselves. The Moon as an angular lord is temporally neutral, if dark and naturally malefic it may give the discontent that causes neglect, if bright if gives a caring quality that furthers anything along. 130 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Mars as 1 st and 8 th Lord Mars is the Ram’s powerful head-but, capable of great destruction. Aries, representing the beginning of a new cycle, generally has to go through some huge transitions in life before finding themselves. It is Mars, through his lordship of the 1 st and 8 th house, which causes the personal transformations required to create a new identity. Mars, therefore, represents the Aries native’s generally impulsive and sometimes cataclysmic lifestyle. Mars gives great regenerative abilities, and lends strength and courage to the personality that comes from the willingness to confront the unknown as well as the willingness to suffer the death (signified by the 8 th house) of any situation. As the lagna lord it gives a headstrong nature, that due to its 8 th house lordship may land them in trouble. Ruling the Lagna, Mars is a temporal benefic as Mars is responsible for carving out their proper place in life. As a natural malefic, however, he may disrupt those things he influences when the native changes his ideas and thoughts about those things he is most strongly identified with, or he may bring disruption in order that the native changes their thoughts and ideas. Mercury as 3 rd and 6 th Lord Mercury is the Ram’s physical and intellectual dexterity. Mercury represents the Aries native’s very rational intellect that is particularly of benefit when put to use in solving problems. It gives them great engineering ability as well as a talent for healing the body. If Mercury is combined with the Sun, or on an angle from the Sun, then these abilities are greatly pronounced. Due to its 6 th house lordship, Mercury gives many problems to the realization of the desires signified by the 3 rd house. The 3 rd and 6 th houses, being two houses of effort, and ruled by the intellectual planet Mercury inclines the Aries native to do as much as they can with their intellect. Mercury, being the planet of skills and dexterity, gives great physical talents through its lordship of the 3 rd and 6 th houses. The 3 rd and 6 th houses are both Upachaya houses (houses of increase) indicating that Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 131 Mercury gives a budding intelligence that results in an increasing amount of skills and talents. Since Mercury rules two evil houses it becomes temporally malefic, indicating intellectual competitiveness, and a self-centered pursuit of their interests, though Mercury also causes them to play fair, even in war. As a natural benefic, however, Mercury gives them the practical intelligence and skills that help them get what they want. Jupiter as 9 th and 12 th Lord Jupiter is the Ram’s golden fleece; the protection of it as well as the quest for it. Jupiter represents the Aries native’s innate faith and capacity for surrender. Jupiter causes them to have faith in surrender as loss turns to fortune more often than not. It gives a strong idealism that they will willingly suffer loss on account of. Jupiter grants them happiness through foreign travels and this makes them great pioneers of the globe. Due to its 9 th house lordship Jupiter is a powerful temporal benefic and a planet of great fortune. Due to the 12 th lordship, however, Jupiter may give some losses or expense that help maintain the native’s pursuit of their dharma, although, as a natural benefic, even these losses are nothing but long term investments resulting in greater prosperity and happiness. Venus as 2 nd and 7 th Lord Venus is the Ram’s libido, in fact they smell of their musky semen. Venus represents the Aries native’s desire for partnership, as well as giving passionate tastes. Since Venus rules the 2 nd house of possessions it inclines towards some possessiveness, but just as well makes them inclined for marriage and family life, as well as making them good providers. With others, Venus gives them diplomacy enabling them to be convincing speakers. Venus inclines them to be proud of their partners and possessions and gives them the desire for only the finest. Venus also gives them a healthy capacity to enjoy and love these as well. Venus is a temporal neutral for Aries lagna, and 132 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens although Venus expects a lot from her partners, she will keep her end of any bargain. As a natural benefic, Venus gives luxury, comfort and pleasure through possessions and members of the opposite sex. Saturn as 10 th and 11 th Lord Saturn is the Ram’s lone nature that prefers them to wander off and scale individual heights. Saturn, as 10 th and 11 th lord, indicates a strong desire for status and success that serves to bolster any insecurity that the native may have. Saturn causes them to dislike any authority figures or groups that may be a threat to their individuality, and they tend to have difficult experiences with these as well. These all contributes to making them happier when they work for themselves and maintain their independence. Saturn also prefers them to maintain some separation from the group, unless they are the authority figure in the group. Saturn gives delays in success and status, which serve to humble the native along the way. Success and fame, however, may be lasting once earned. Due to ruling the 11 th house, Saturn becomes temporally malefic and may give great selfishness and coldness when it comes to the pursuit of status, career, income, honors, desires, etc. Since Saturn is also a natural malefic, it becomes the most malefic planet for Aries and causes separation and loss that is the result of ambition. TAURUS Sun as 4 th lord The Sun is the Bull’s strength. The Sun, as the 4 th lord, gives a steadfast mentality, which is the unalterable strength of the Taurus native. The Sun ruling the 4 th house makes them solid and grounded, but gives a lack of negotiation capacity when it comes to their emotional needs. The Sun indicates that their happiness and security is more self-dependent. As an angle lord the Sun is a temporal neutral, and other factors influencing the Sun will indicate whether their efforts for happiness and well-being are selfishly inclined or dharmic in nature. As a natural malefic, the Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 133 Sun may serve to separate the native from those things it influences due to other security needs and desires for happiness. Moon as 3 rd Lord The Moon is the Bull’s gentleness. The Moon, as the 3 rd lord, indicates a skilled mentality and a preference for ease in their activities rather than force or exertion. The Moon gives changeable hobbies, and desires, and great commercial skills. Due to ruling the 3 rd house, the Moon is a temporal malefic that is self-motivated, since the Moon is kind and flexible though, it will not create conflict on account of its desires. As a natural benefic, the bright Moon gives skills that allow for the growth and fulfillment of the areas it influences. As a natural malefic, the dark Moon tends to give a pessimistic attitude and unresolved desires which reduces the happiness possible with the areas it influences. Mars as 7 th and 12 th Lord Mars is the Bull’s cows. Mars, as the 7 th and 12 th lord, indicates a very powerful sexual nature and the possible expense or loss on account of partners and relationships. Mars is a temporal neutral, as a natural malefic however; Mars will give the dark side of passion in relationships; anger and conflict. Mercury as 2 nd and 5 th Lord Mercury is the Bull’s wealth. Mercury, as the 2 nd and 5 th lord, gives the Taurus native a practical and efficient mentality. Mercury gives a knack for speculations and makes them lucky in business, but this luck is due largely to their intelligence, resourcefulness and preparedness. Their intelligence is really their best resource. Mercury also indicates a creative speaker as well. Due to the 5 th house lordship, Mercury becomes a temporal benefic, and as a natural benefic as well, Mercury gives intelligence, 134 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens practicality, and the resourcefulness which allows the Taurus native to fulfill the areas which Mercury influences. Jupiter as 8 th and 11 th Lord Jupiter is the Bull’s utility. Jupiter as the 8 th and 11 th lord gives the Taurus native an ability to gain from difficulties, breaks, etc.; Jupiter makes them an opportunist. Due to the 11 th house lordship, Jupiter becomes a temporal malefic and creates a greediness or miserliness that hopes to make up for any fears or vulnerabilities. As a natural benefic, Jupiter is inclined to give fulfillment for some time, but its 8 th house lordships is bound to make things unsteady. Venus as 1 st and 6 th Lord Venus is the Bull’s plodding Venus as the 1 st and 6 th lord, being a comfort-loving planet, inclines the native to prefer a luxurious life rather than a hard one, as well as giving a tendency towards self-indulgence. However, Venus also gives physical strength, and, when the need arises, the native is capable of great effort, though preferring comfort. Venus may give a bit of self-pride and pride due to one’s works. Due to the 6 th house lordship Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra states that Venus is a temporal malefic, but for Scorpio with whom Mars shares the same lordship, Mars is given as neutral, so I have to question the lagna lord being malefic for Taurus. Not that I question Parashara, only that when something has been rewritten for 5,000 years a couple of errors are bound to creep in. The 6 th lordship does gives trouble, but trouble that the native is really responsible for himself. Venus ruling the 1 st and 6 th house shows that the native is really his own worst enemy or best friend for pointing out needed areas of improvement. As the lagna lord, Venus is responsible for finding the native's niche in life, but the 6 th house lordship throws some obstacles, delays or struggles into the path. The 6 th house being an upachaya linked to the lagna shows that there will be gradual improvement in one’s life. As a Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 135 natural benefic, Venus gives fulfillment and pleasures to those areas it influences after the native has done the work to earn it. Saturn as 9 th and 10 th Lord Saturn is the horns of the Bull. Saturn, as the 9 th and 10 th lord, is the Taurus native’s ability to do what must be done. As the 9 th lord and an angle lord, Saturn becomes a great temporal benefic and a yogakaraka that gives the native direction, purpose and fortune in their career and activities. As a natural malefic however, Saturn delays career success which grows better as one ages, as well as causing separation from those areas it influences due to one’s beliefs or career objectives. In either case, Saturn is a planet of dharma who very much believes in simply doing those right few things; yama, niyama, the 10 commandments, etc. GEMINI LAGNA Sun as 3 rd Lord The Sun is the skilled hands of the Twins. The Sun, as the 3 rd lord, is the skills, talents, and abilities of the human race which Gemini so well personifies. The Sun gives the Gemini native original skills and an individual mark to each native’s talents. Under the influence of Mars it gives athletic ability and mechanical skills, under the influence of Venus it gives artistry. Due to ruling the 3 rd house, the Sun is a temporal malefic that may exhibit behavior that is self-willed in the pursuit of its desires. As a natural malefic, the Sun may separate the native from those things it influences due to the native’s selfishness or their focus on things that are more interesting to them. Moon as 2 nd Lord The Moon is the familial closeness of the Twins. The Moon, ruling the 2 nd house, inclines the Gemini native towards familial closeness. The Moon also indicates the need for close friends. 136 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The Moon as the 2 nd lord also represents the changeable attachment the Gemini native has to their possessions. While a possession fulfills a need or is interesting, it is important, after that it is all but forgotten. The Moon rules wealth for the Gemini native, and as a vaishya, gives commercial ability with which to earn wealth. The Moon also gives ease in speaking and generally makes them skilled speakers. As the 2 nd lord, the Moon is a temporal neutral and other factors influencing the 2 nd lord will determine whether the native acquires and uses his resources in a self-centered or dharmic manner. As a natural benefic, the bright Moon gives a productive use of one’s resources, and considerate speech that nets those things the Moon is influencing. As a natural malefic, the dark Moon tends to cause less verbal intimacy, which may lead to some difficulties with the things the Moon is influencing. Mars as 6 th and 11 th Lord Mars is the Man with the Club. Mars, as the 6 th and 11 th lord, is the aggressive nature of the Gemini native that will not hesitate to fight their way to success. As the 6 th and 11 th lord, and the producer of accidents and enemies, Mars is a planet of extreme violence, accidents, frustration and enmity for the Gemini rising. It gives impulse and recklessness in seeking one’s goals. Mars gives a competitive nature and great physical and martial skills. Mars also gives the will and strength that leads to success in, and gains through, athletics and competitions. As a natural malefic and the lord of the 6 th house, Mars creates a lot of struggles and opposition to the successful conclusion of their greatest desires. Due to ruling two malefic houses, Mars becomes a most terrible temporal malefic, that unless there are alleviating factors, may create selfishness and ruthlessness in obtaining one’s ends. Mercury as 1 st and 4 th Lord Mercury is the human sensitivity of the Twins. Mercury, as the 1 st and 4 th lord, gives the Gemini native a natural capacity for inner self-examination; Mercury gives them an impartial Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 137 eye with which to view themselves, emotionally and behaviorally. Mercury lets them know that their mental state is very much responsible for their happiness and physical well-being. Afflicted, Mercury may give nervousness that greatly affects the health. As a planet of the intellect, Mercury gives the ability to influence the body and health by exercising the intellect over the mood and attitude. Mercury is responsible for creating a strong connection with the mother, which is usually friendly. Mercury, ruling these two houses, causes the environment to be important to the native’s well-being and focus. Due to ruling the lagna, Mercury is a temporal benefic which serves to place the native in his rightful niche and in so doing gives happiness and mental peace. Afflicted Mercury may cause emotionally based anxieties that damage the health. As a natural benefic, Mercury gives an adaptable, skillful, and intelligent personality that allows them to develop and enjoy those things that Mercury is influencing in the horoscope. Jupiter as 7 th and 10 th Lord Jupiter is human idealism of the Twins Jupiter, as the 7 th and 10 th lord, represents the desire for a noble career that has the capacity to give status. Jupiter becomes a very powerful planet for status and professional success by ruling these two houses, both of which are significant for the career. Jupiter gives skill in career partnerships and indicates that marriage may somehow improve the career or status. Jupiter gives the Gemini native a capacity to give something great through their careers. Jupiter is very much a planet of presenting themselves well to the world, this is usually done in noble ways, the motivation though, may be either egocentric or more dharmic. Due to ruling two angles, Jupiter is a temporal neutral, career and partnership goals may be obtained in a selfish or dharmic manner. As a natural benefic, Jupiter offers plenty of opportunity with which to make a success of partnerships and career. 138 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Venus as 5 th and 12 th Lord Venus is the Woman with the Lute. Venus, as the 5 th and 12 th lord, gives the Gemini native a natural creative capacity with which to have an affinity with others; this makes them artists of the finest type. Venus also gives a romantic mentality and strong devotional capacity. Venus gives some artistic pride, but not an empty pride, but one of recognizing beauty when they see it. Venus allows them to create beauty that others could never conceptualize and only dream off. Venus ruling the 5 th causes the Gemini native to love the process of being creative. Venus also gives an avenue of escape through romance, education or spiritual practices. Due to its 5 th house lordship, Venus is a temporal benefic, though as the 12 th lord it may give some expense on account of romance, children, education, and their creative pursuits. As a natural benefic, Venus gives happiness and pleasures from those things it influences due to the native’s intelligence, and the ability to surrender and let things go when necessary. Saturn as 8 th and 9 th Lord Saturn is the human dogmatism of the Twins Saturn, as the 8 th and 9 th lord, represents the typical human behavior of seeking spiritually as a result of crisis and difficulties. For Gemini, Saturn is planet of developing faith and religion due to confrontation with mortality. Saturn gives a great need to develop a meaningful belief system in order to deal with the crisis that are a natural part of burning the results of one’s karmas. Saturn is very much a planet of penance and suffering which the Gemini native must undergo before discovering the truth they seek. Saturn, ruling the 8 th house of vulnerability, also indicates some vulnerability in their faith, which only time will deepen. This vulnerability may be a source of dogmatism. Saturn, being a delaying factor, indicates that their spiritual life is stronger later in life, preference instead is placed on developing their skills in the early life. The 8 th house lordship also makes their fortune somewhat unsteady, particularly in the earlier years, and generally causes some instability or crisis with the father as Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 139 well. As the moolatrikona is the 9 th house, and the 9 th house is also the strongest trine, Saturn is a temporal benefic. There is more of an emphasis placed on faith, religion, etc, than on the immoralities, difficulties, etc., indicated by the 8 th house, it is just that usually those difficulties necessarily serve to motivate the spiritual life. As a natural malefic Saturn, serves to separate the native from those things it influences due to their need to grow in wisdom and detachment. CANCER LAGNA Sun as 2 nd Lord The Sun is the Crabs possessiveness, in fact they clean the beach of every item they can fit into their holes. The Sun, as the 2 nd lord, gives the Cancer native a strong identification with their possessions, family, and name. It is holding onto these things that are responsible for the bulkiness of Cancer. As the 2 nd lord, the Sun is a temporal neutral, as they may go about managing these things selfishly or righteously, depending upon the other factors influencing the Sun. As a natural malefic however, the Sun may separate them from things on account of developing a professional name, or on account of their family’s status. Moon as 1 st Lord The Moon is the soft insides of the Crab. The Moon, as the lagna lord, indicates the Cancer native’s emotionally centered, comforting, and changeable personality. How the native feels about herself is of extreme importance to those with Cancer lagna. Any insecurities will quickly lead to depressions and emotionally centered illnesses. As the Lagna lord, the Moon is a temporal benefic and generally allows them to find a place in life that is comforting and secure to them. If afflicted, then they will find it almost impossible to have any happiness in the world. As a natural benefic, the bright Moon tends to further their growth and success through gentle, patient care, and gives contentment, provided it is not afflicted. As a natural malefic, the dark Moon tends to cause some lack of caring for those external things and a more introverted nature, 140 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens contentment will come from more inner processes, and less care will be taken to nurture external things, which, as a result, will not be as successful. Mars as 5 th and 10 th Lord Mars is the powerful and tenacious claws of the Crab. Mars, as the 5 th and 10 th lord, represents the Cancer native’s powerful discriminative mentality with which to guide their actions, and their mental tenacity. These cause “luck” to fall on their activities. Mars is a yogakaraka that gives a high degree of intelligence operating towards the benefit of their career. Mars provides them with strength derived from intuitive knowledge as well. Ruling the 5 th and 10 th house, Cancer will fight for their career, children and students. Mars is a temporal benefic and the best planet for the Cancer native. As a natural malefic, Mars may cause some conflict with those things that contradict what they rightly perceive they must do. Mercury as 3 rd and 12 th Lord Mercury is the Crab’s sideways movement and lack of vocal cords. Mercury ruling the house of ears and information, and the 12 th house of hidden things, and being the planet of speech inclines the Cancer native towards secrecy in speech, also making it difficult for them to communicate clearly or fully. Ruling the 3 rd house, Mercury makes them good listeners and they are always curious, but the 12 th lordship keeps their response often hidden. Mercury becomes a temporal malefic, due to the 3 rd house lordship, and gives them a cleverness with which to fulfill their desires, this will rarely be direct as the 12 th house will always keep something unrevealed. As a natural benefic Mercury gives skills and a rational intelligence to further their goals. Mercury is particularly a planet of foreign travel, which Cancer represents, and indicates a talent for exploration and foreign trade. Jupiter as 6 th and 9 th Lord Jupiter is the Crab’s lack of aggressiveness. Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 141 Jupiter, as the 6 th house of enemies and the 9 th house of the teacher and wisdom, gives Cancer a peaceful and forgiving attitude. This causes them to learn from their enemies and difficulties rather than to fight. Ruling the house of spiritual life and the house of work, Jupiter gives a capacity for Karma yoga. Jupiter also gives knowledge for overcoming difficulties and makes their hard work pay off with the gain of their fortune. Ruling the 6 th house of enemies and the 9 th house of father, Jupiter inclines them to have less attachment to the father, but since Jupiter is a benefic there will not be any trouble with the father, unless of course there are other afflictions indicating so. Jupiter rules one benefic house and one malefic house, but as its benefic house is the most powerful trine, Jupiter is a temporal benefic. As a natural benefic ruling the 6 th house, Jupiter provides his grace sometimes freely but usually after effort is made. Venus as 4 th and 11 th Lord Venus is the Crab’s seashore, where he sits not alone, but with other crabs. Venus as the 4 th and 11 th lord represents the Cancer native’s desire for luxury, particularly with respect to the home. Venus makes them socially active and inclines them to look for happiness with their peers. They tend to be proud of and love their titles, home, mother, associations, and ancestry. Venus becomes a temporal malefic due to ruling the 11th house, and indicates those external things the native may desire in order to feel inwardly fulfilled. As a natural benefic however, Venus gives them a social grace that gains them what they need. Saturn as 7 th and 8 th Lord Saturn is the Crab’s shell. Ruling the 8 th house of vulnerability and the 7 th house of partners, Saturn brings out a lot of insecurities and codependence in the Cancer native. In order to protect oneself Saturn will put up a wall of protection that may manifest as coldness or indifference until trust has been developed. Saturn, by ruling the 7 th house, indicates that 142 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens relationships will get better as one ages and becomes more secure, and therefore more capable of trusting. Being a planet of lack and ruling the partner and the partner’s resources, Saturn generally indicates that a lot of struggles will be required to make a relationship improve the quality of life. It may, however, give financial gain due to marriage, but usually as the result of the termination of the relationship or with a high emotional price attached. Saturn basically forces the native to get more secure as a result of relationships. Much of the Cancer native’s karmas are worked out in partnerships or through chronic diseases that are the result of Saturn ruling the 8 th house of chronic disease and being himself a disease producer. Diseases will always have an emotional link, since the 7 th house being the 4 th from the 4 th also relates to the inner life as well as does the 8 th house. With Saturn ruling two neutral houses one would expect him to be a temporal neutral, Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra, however, states that a planet ruling the 8 th house as well as the 7 th house becomes extremely malefic. In some sense though, I think that Saturn for Cancer could almost be considered neutral, but since he creates needs arising out of fear, he behaves selfishly, but not willingly or consciously so, as do the 3 rd and 11 th lords. Ruling the 7 th house, a maraka or death inflicting house, and the 8 th house of death and longevity, and being himself the producer of death, Saturn is a powerful killer. Ruling the 8 th house of crisis and breaks and as the natural significator of loss, Saturn is sure to cause difficult events. LEO LAGNA Sun as 1 st Lord The Sun is the Lions noble and inspirational personality. The Sun, as the lagna lord, endows the Leo lagna with power and magnetism that comes from being centered in the self. All planets revolve around the Sun benefiting from its light. Similarly the Sun for Leo lagna gives the light of inspiration through a dynamic and inspirational personality. The Sun also gives a personality that requires a lot of space. Ruling the lagna, the Sun is a first rate Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 143 temporal benefic and gives the natives the quality of magnetizing to them that which they need to fulfill their destiny. As a natural malefic, the Sun may separate them from those things that would restrict their personalities and diminish their luster. Moon as 12 th Lord The Moon is the Lion’s den, the Lion basking in the Sun, as well as the thorn in his paw, his hidden sensitivity. The Moon, as the 12 th lord, indicates that retreat and seclusion are necessary for the Leo native’s mental and emotional well-being. The sensitive feelings, emotions, and care hidden behind the dignified personality are represented by the Moon. The Moon gives a strong desire for rest, as well as a spiritually contemplative and meditative mentality in the horoscope of a spiritual nativity. The Moon is temporally neutral due to ruling the 12 th house. Bright it gives, but expensively or through lengthy investments. The Moon is also socially active, though usually extravagant or expensively so. Dark, the Moon tends towards greater mental introversion and retreat. Mars as 4 th and 9 th Lord Mars is the Lion’s heart and his territorial nature. Mars, as the 4 th and 9 th lord, gives inner strength and courage through wisdom, belief, and ideals. Mars gives them the strength to fight for and protect, law, ideals and home. Mars also gives the journeys that widen the Leo native’s domain. Ruling both an angle and a trine, Mars is a yogakaraka and the most auspicious planet for the Leo native. As a natural malefic, Mars gives his fortune through will and effort, and creates the potential for conflict with others in respect to ideals and beliefs. Mercury as 2 nd and 11 th Lord Mercury is the Lion’s addresses as lord of the jungle. Mercury, as the 2 nd and 11 th lord, causes the Leo native to support his personality through his eloquence and to speak about his own success and honor. Mercury is also the titles easily grasped that 144 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens provide the Leo native with name. Mercury rules the two houses relating most significantly to wealth and therefore gives great ability for trade and commerce. Ruling the 11 th and 2 nd houses, Mercury may give egocentricity in gaining possessions and desires and is therefore temporally malefic. As a natural benefic, Mercury gives practical skills and talents with which to gain wealth and fulfill the native’s desires. Jupiter as 5 th and 8 th Lord Jupiter is the Lion’s Pride (meaning his cubs; his creations) and generosity. Ruling the house of creativity and the house of death and longevity, Jupiter gives the creative intelligence to create things that last after death, as well as to create those things that break taboos; witness Mozart who has done both. Ruling the houses of knowledge and the occult, and being a planet of knowledge, Jupiter gives a natural capacity for occult knowledge as well as transforming spiritual practices. Jupiter, as the 5 th and 8 th lord, inclines the native to share his luck with others as well as giving others the benefits of his knowledge. Jupiter also has the capacity to give sudden wealth through speculations, although the 8 th house makes the wealth and luck somewhat unsteady. Due to the 5 th house lordship, Jupiter is a temporal benefic. Sharing his lordship with the 8 th lord causes Jupiter to create transitions and crisis that come, hand in hand, with knowledge and insight. As a natural benefic, Jupiter inclines the Leo native towards gain, though reckless at times, and the 8 th lordship will at times cause Jupiter to destroy things, but then he will offer a greater inspiration instead. Venus as 3 rd and 10 th Lord Venus is the Lion’s pride (meaning his ego). Venus, ruling the 3 rd and 10 th house, gives cause for pride due to the native’s talents and status. Being a benefic and ruling the 3 rd house of effort and the 10 th house of karma or action, Venus gives a lazy pride that does not want to exert itself. Venus also gives a Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 145 dramatic flair to the Leo native’s actions and in so doing gives a great ability to showoff, which they quite enjoy, and which may also help them in dramatic and artistic pursuits. Due to the 3 rd house lordship, Venus becomes temporally malefic and tends to give self- centeredness in regards towards one’s actions and interests, as a natural benefic however, Venus indicates talents and diplomacy in their actions with which to further things along. Saturn as 6 th and 7 th Lord Saturn is the Lion’s mate, she who does the hunting. Ruling the 6 th house of service and the 7 th house of spouse and partners, Saturn is the Leo native’s strong tendency to be served and have other’s do the hard, or grunge work. The 6 th house is also the house of divorce, or loss of, and through partnerships. This, paired with the 7 th house of spouse and partners, makes them not very well equipped to work in partnerships, but Saturn, the lord of Karma, gives little choice in the matter as long as there is any need to learn. The 6 th house is also the house of debt and karma yoga, so Saturn may give karmic debts that need to be paid to a partner, or society, in which case developing a karma yoga mentality in these areas is beneficial. At best, Saturn may give service through impersonal relationships. Saturn generally gives delays in fulfilling partnership needs. Partnerships are where the Leo native will generally feel most insecure and that is where they will have to confront their insecurities. In this instance the lordship of an Upachaya (the 6 th house) gives effort and growth with which to make partnerships improve with age as one learns, and as one pays off any karmic debts to their partners. Due to the 6 th house lordship, Saturn becomes a temporal malefic and may create selfishness with others, as well as being indicative of the bad karma one has merited that comes through the agency of a partner or enemy. Witness again Mozart, who’s downfall and poverty was the result of a fellow composer who even assisted him while engineering his demise. Mozart had the Lagna lord Sun, Mercury, lord of wealth and Saturn all in the 6 th 146 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens house; the Dasa/Bukti of Sun/Saturn ruined him financially and killed him physically. VIRGO LAGNA Sun as 12 th Lord The Sun is the Virgin’s physical weakness. The Sun, as the 12 th lord, represents the Virgo native’s weak vitality and hidden personality. As the 12 th lord, the Sun may cause expense on account of the body. The Sun is a temporal neutral, and other factors influencing the Sun will indicate whether the native has hidden idealistic sides, or self-centered motivations. As a separating factor, the Sun, as the 12 th lord, may cause them to be separated from things due to expenses or physical liability. Moon as 11 th Lord The Moon is the Water the Virgin is crossing in the Boat. The Moon, as the 11 th lord, indicates the Virgo native’s socially minded mentality and desire to be with like-minded individuals. The Moon gives some need to be appreciated by others for their successes. The 11 th lordship of the Moon causes the Moon to be a temporal malefic that may exhibit some selfish neediness. As a natural benefic, the bright Moon gives the talent and networking capacity to gain what is desired. As a natural malefic, the dark Moon gives discontented desires and social discontent. Mars as 3 rd and 8 th Lord Mars is the Oars of the Boat. Mars, as the 3 rd and 8 th lord, represents the transmutation of the Virgo native’s desire nature. Mars ruling the 3 rd house gives a strong desire nature that will not hesitate to use strength or aggression to fulfill ones desires. The 8 th house lordship, however, creates difficulties to this thereby breaking the native’s desires and egocentricity, purifying them. Mars also gives a penetrating mind and a talent for deep research. Due to the 3 rd house lordship, Mars is a temporal malefic with a very self-centered nature, additionally, as the Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 147 8 th lord and a natural malefic, Mars is neither helpful to the native’s well-being or that of others, except to the degree that it destroys egocentric qualities. Mercury as 1 st and 10 th Lord Mercury is the Virgin’s self-effort. Mercury, as the 1 st and 10 th lord, represents the Virgo native’s identification with their karmas and career. Mercury, being presided by Vishnu and ruling the 10 th house, inclines the Virgo native to do work that is of assistance or service to others. Mercury gives them the ability to improve themselves through their karmas. Due to ruling the lagna, Mercury is a temporal benefic who’s duty it is to find productive work with which to throw themselves into. As a natural benefic, Mercury gives the native skills, intelligence and a balanced personality that allows them to find fulfillment in those areas that Mercury is influencing. Jupiter as 4 th and 7 th Lord Jupiter is the Virgin’s Chastity. Chastity is a woman’s ability to never go outside herself to fulfill her needs, which comes from being feminine and receptive, which happens to the extent that she keeps her mind centered in her heart. A woman’s chastity protects her by letting her discriminate between what feels good and what doesn’t. Without this ability she soon find herself in romantic situations where she is not fully respected. Jupiter, as the 4 th lord of feeling and the 7 th lord of sexual relations, indicates the Virgo native’s ability for chastity. Jupiter also indicates the Virgo native’s capacity to find happiness through others, but largely through being of gain to others. Due to ruling two angles, Jupiter is temporally neutral and other factors influencing Jupiter will determine if one’s efforts towards happiness and partnerships are more self-centered or dharmic in nature. Venus as 2 nd and 9 th Lord Venus is the Boat. 148 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Venus, as the 2 nd and 9 th lord, gives the Virgo native a love for spiritual or lawful values that they are righteously proud of. Venus is a planet of luxury, fortune and great wealth for the native. Due to the 9 th house lordship, Venus becomes a temporal benefic and is particularly a planet of speaking the truth in a most diplomatic and well-mannered fashion. As a natural benefic, Venus indicates the proper use of resources that result in the fortune that allows the native to enjoy those areas it influences. Saturn as 5 th and 6 th Lord Saturn is the Crop in the woman’s hand. Saturn, as the 5 th and 6 th lord, may give joy from work, but not usually until the native has aged somewhat and grown to realize that since there is not a lot they can gain here, they might as well be of service as they improve themselves. And this is just what Saturn is for the Virgo native, a planet of practical improvement through effort, and that includes spiritual efforts as well, since Saturn rules the 5 th house of spiritual practices. Due to ruling the 6 th house of disease and the 5 th house, which is the 12 th house from the 6 th , giving loss of disease, Saturn gives Virgo their famous healing abilities. Ruling the 5 th house of spiritual practices and the 6 th house of work and service causes Saturn to become a qualified karma yogi planet. Saturn is very much a planet of work that must be done as a spiritual service. Saturn rules one malefic house and one benefic house, but since the 5 th and 6 th lords on mutual angles is said to be a good yoga, Saturn alone qualifies as a temporal benefic for the Virgo native. As a natural malefic however, Saturn may cause separation from those things it influences due to duty or restraint, and it also a planet of restricted luck, if any. Luck, in fact, is the result of the native’s efforts. LIBRA LAGNA Sun as 11 th Lord The Sun is the Gold in the Scale. The Sun, as the 11 th lord, is what the Libra native desires to gain in this life. As the 11 th lord, the Sun is a temporal malefic and Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 149 indicates those desires the native thinks he is in most need of fulfilling and which he may pursue to the exclusion of all else. Ultimately what they hope to gain is the self, but first they must trample through a world of desires. As a natural malefic, the Sun may separate the native from the areas it affects due to other more desirable goals. Moon as 10 th Lord The Moon is the Bazaar. The Moon, as the 10 th lord, inclines the Libra native towards a career that is somehow of social benefit. The Moon also gives a changeable profession that has the flexibility to change as the times and needs change. The career life is generally comforting to the native, although, if the Moon is afflicted it may indicate imbalances in their work, burn out, workaholic, etc. As an angular lord, the Moon is temporally neutral and other factors influencing the Moon will determine the manner in which the native fulfills their career objectives. As a natural benefic, the bright Moon is a performer of good karmas that allows for the flowering of those areas it influences. As a natural malefic, the dark Moon causes the native’s actions and to lack the care necessary to maintain or produce those things the Moon is influencing, as well as indicating that the career may drain other areas of life that the Moon is influencing. Mars as 2 nd and 7 th Lord Mars is the Merchant’s possessions, which other’s consider valuable. Mars, as the 2 nd and 7 th lord, inclines the Libra native to be possessive of their partners, but not necessarily in a negative way, and the linkage of the 2 nd and 7 th houses is good for marriage. Mars gives passionate tastes and shows that wealth may come from partnerships or after marriage. In any case, Mars inclines the native towards productive partnerships, whether romantic or business in origin. Mars is temporally neutral and other factors influencing Mars will 150 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens indicate whether the native’s pursuits in relationships and wealth are achieved in a more self-centered manner or in a nobler manner. Mercury as 9 th and 12 th Lord Mercury is the priceless, exotic and rare items the Merchant has for sale. Mercury, as the 9 th and 12 th lord, indicates spiritual knowledge and practical faith that understands the benefits of surrender when necessary. Mercury also gives the talent for foreign commerce. Due to its 9 th house lordship, Mercury is a temporal benefic and gives the wisdom and discrimination to know what to hold onto and what to let go of. As a natural benefic, Mercury gives skills, and intelligence with which to make their fortunes. Jupiter as 3 rd and 6 th Lord Jupiter is the Merchant’s increase in profits. Jupiter, as the 3 rd and 6 th lord, ruling two upachayas and as a planet of wealth, may give an increase of wealth throughout life. Due to ruling the 3 rd and 6 th house, Jupiter is a temporal malefic and reveals a selfish desire towards those things it influences, but as a natural benefic, and a noble one at that, one will not pursue these unscrupulously. Bhavartha Ratnakara states that for Libra lagna, Jupiter creates a raja yoga. Why is not said, but this small classic is full of unusual gems that work in actual practice so we should not judge Jupiter to harshly for the Libra native and even though it rules two evil houses it may give upliftment in life. As a natural benefic, Jupiter ruling these two houses of strength and effort gives a peaceful and not forceful nature and its 6 th house lordship gives forgiveness, not enmity. Jupiter, being a natural benefic, also gives fulfillment in the areas it influences, but largely through work and effort. Venus as 1 st and 8 th Lord Venus is the Man in the Bazaar. Venus, as the 1 st and 8 th lord, indicates that the native will undergo radical changes in life as they find themselves on a deeper Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 151 level. These will largely be due to desires awakened in the heart through Venus. Venus also gives an attachment and identification with other's resources. As the lagna lord, Venus is a temporal benefic, which, through diplomacy and worldly wisdom, finds the native a place in life. The 8 th house lordship, however, makes this somewhat unstable, but then Libra is a moveable rasi, and changes are indicated in life. Being a natural benefic as well, Venus gives comfort and happiness with the areas it is influencing, but again the 8 th house lordship gives this an element of the unexpected. Saturn as 4 th and 5 th Lord Saturn is the Scale. Saturn, as the 4 th and 5 th lord, becomes a yogakaraka by ruling an angle as well as a trine and the best temporal benefic for the Libra native. Saturn gives a very practical, intelligent mindset, patience, and a cold, analytical and discriminative mind when needed. Saturn gives the mental balance and poise to make correct decisions, but this is a skill that is learned throughout life; it can be said that Libra knows how to learn from their errors. Linking the 4 th house of the inner mind and feelings with the 5 th house of intelligence, Saturn becomes capable of creating a very balanced mentality, but only after one has conquered fear and insecurity. Saturn as well gives the dignity appreciated by the common man, which makes them qualified for public office. As a natural malefic, Saturn may serve to separate one from the areas it influences due to a greater need for long term happiness or one’s long term highest good. SCORPIO LAGNA Sun as 10 th Lord The Sun is the stone the Scorpion hides under, and which affords protection. The Sun represents the Scorpio native’s strong identification with the karmas they perform in this life, for they understand that it is that which will make them. This manifests as an important relationship to their career, or employer and the status these bring. The Sun inclines 152 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens them to work for someone of status or whom they respect, but also may give a strong inspiration to acquire status of their own making. Ruling an angle, the Sun becomes a temporal neutral and other factors influencing the Sun will determine in which manner the native will achieve his professional objectives. As a natural malefic the Sun will separate the native from those things it influences due to their professional concerns. Moon as 9 th Lord The Moon is the Scorpion’s luminescence. The Moon, as the 9 th lord, represents the Scorpio native’s spiritual mindedness. They have a natural aptitude for perceiving truth. The Moon indicates that their beliefs are dependent upon their attitude. They seek comfort in knowledge, wisdom, spirituality, and philosophy. Due to ruling the 9 th house, the Moon becomes the greatest benefic for the Scorpio native. As a natural benefic, the bright Moon gives pleasant fortune while recognizing grace and indicates the native’s capacity to further things along due to their understanding. As a natural malefic, the dark Moon tends toward more philosophical pondering. Mars as 1 st and 6 th Lord Mars is the poison in the Scorpion’s tail. Mars, as the 1 st and 6 th lord, represents the great energy with which the Scorpio native overcomes and improves their personal weaknesses and vulnerabilities. This also creates great strength to fight external obstacles, which once destroyed and overcome, give strength to the native. Mars also tends to make the native very aggressive when confronted, and also makes for a very hard worker, and inclining them towards service professions. Mars gives a natural talent for military and medical professions, especially those medical professions involving chemicals, needles, cutting, drilling, etc. Mars makes them fight for their own well-being and to destroy opposition. Ruling the lagna, Mars is responsible for placing the native in his rightful place. The 6 th house lordship makes this task one of struggle Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 153 as the native works out any weaknesses. The 6 th house being an upachaya, however, indicates that the native’s position in life will improve throughout life. Mars is also a planet of austerity that may lead to great personal development. Due to ruling one benefic house, the lagna, and one malefic house, the 6 th house, Mars becomes a temporal malefic according to Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra. Since Mars is the lagna lord, it is nevertheless important for finding the native his niche, and therefore of benefit to the native, even if it does so with difficulty. As a natural malefic, Mars indicates struggles and difficulties in life that are the result of the native’s strong attachment to their personal thoughts and ideas. Mercury as 8 th and 11 th Lord Mercury is the crevices the Scorpion dwells in. Mercury, as the 8 th and 11 th lord, represents the desires the Scorpio native needs to transmute. Mercury is a planet of dealing with others in order to fulfill one’s desires. Mercury gives gains from other’s resources and it is Mercury that gives the “politician” reputation to the native. Ruling the evil 11 th house along with the difficult 8 th house makes Mercury the greatest temporal malefic for the Scorpio native and may incline them to pursue their goals in not so socially acceptable ways, or at worst involve them in underhanded activities. But these pursuits will usually benefit those who are involved, as Mercury does indicate fairness and friends. As a natural benefic, Mercury gives the ability for negotiation that can help them get what they want. Jupiter as 2 nd and 5 th Lord Jupiter is the Scorpion’s protection from its own poison. Jupiter as the 2 nd and 5 th lord is a planet of great intuitive intelligence. Jupiter gives a natural speaking ability, great memory and skills in predictive sciences and counseling. Jupiter is also a planet of lucky money and speculative luck, as well as giving a knack for manifesting that which they need. Their creative ability allows for material productivity as well. Due to the 5 th house lordship Jupiter is 154 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens a temporal benefic and as a natural benefic as well, Jupiter is very much a planet of grace that protects them from material difficulties. Venus as 7 th and 12 th Lord Venus is the Scorpion’s avid mating, and the possible self sacrifice to their spouse. Venus, as the 7 th and 12 th lord, is the karma the Scorpio native is to complete with their partners. Venus may give some loss and expense on account of partners as well as strong attractions towards certain members of the opposite sex that pulls them into the relationships they need in order to complete and resolve their karmas. Ruling two neutral houses, Venus is a temporal neutral, but one that may give loss as the 12 th lord. Venus may also cause loss of vitality through sexual overindulgence. As a natural benefic, Venus gives charm, a talent for fashionable trends, and the ability to make long term investments that further the areas Venus is influencing. Saturn as 3 rd and 4 th Lord Saturn is the Scorpions pincers. Saturn, as the 3 rd and 4 th lord, is a planet of emotional desire and need that is very much controlled and protected. Saturn is basically the insecure emotional ego of the Scorpio. Saturn gives tenacity and controlling attitudes towards those things they expect fulfillment and happiness from. Due to ruling the 3 rd house, Saturn is a temporal malefic and gives emotional self-centeredness, and as a natural malefic, Saturn causes separation, lack and loss that are due to this self-centeredness and neediness. SAGITTARIUS LAGNA Sun as 9 th Lord The Sun is the Centaur’s Bow, his noble weapon that is his namesake (Dhanus). The Sun as the 9 th lord is the Sagittarius native’s identification with their beliefs and ideals. The Sun indicates a virtuous, lawful, spiritual or religious nature. The Sun gives a natural inspiration Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 155 towards truth, knowledge and teaching, as well as independence in searching for the same, making them natural self-teachers. Ruling the 9 th house, the Sun becomes a great temporal benefic and is specifically a planet of inspired dharma. As a natural malefic, the Sun may separate the native from those things it influences as a sacrifice to the pursuit of their dharma. Moon as 8 th Lord The Moon is the Centaur’s incompleteness of being half-human and half-horse, as well as his warrior mentality that accepts the necessity of death. The Moon is the Sagittarius native’s unsettled mentality and inner discomfort that provokes him to look into the depth of things. The Moon gives an innate ability for psychological analysis. The Moon also gives the ability for the native to be at home in a world of change, difficulties, and death as they have some sense of the underlying need and harmony. They recognize that letting go and moving past things are an essential part of gaining fortune, knowledge and truth. Ruling the 8 th house the Moon is a temporal neutral. The gentle Moon is unable to bring about as much crisis as other planets ruling the 8 th house and thus Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra states that the Moon as 8 th lord is not harmful. This is completely so in the event that the Moon is bright and thereby a benefic, in which case she gives growth after changes. As a dark, malefic Moon, however, the Moon may cause difficult and painful breaks and unexpected loses, but ones that are generally easy to let go of, since the Moon is quick to renew and heal. Mars as 5 th and 12 th Lord Mars is the Centaur’s arrows. Mars, as the 5 th and 12 th lord, provides a natural capacity for self- learning. The mentality is active and imaginative, but logical. This gives great tactical and mechanical abilities. Ruling the house of spiritual practices and the house of liberation, Mars is a planet of asceticism and secluded spiritual efforts. Mars gives mental power 156 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens and the knowledge of how to resolve an issue. Due to ruling the 5 th house, Mars is a temporal benefic for the Sagittarius native and gives intelligence. As a natural malefic, Mars may cause some conflicts with regards to what they know due to a lack of tact or patience. Mercury as 7 th and 10 th Lord Mercury is the Centaur’s charisma. Mercury, as 7 th and 10 th lord, gives a natural capacity for productive partnerships, particularly business partnerships. With this lordship Mercury inclines one to desire a marriage that supports their career, or one that gives status. Mercury also gives public success, status, and the ability for public speaking. Professions may well involve others. Mercury also balances work and play. Ruling two angles Mercury is a temporal neutral, but as a natural benefic Mercury gives professional skills and partners that support one’s endeavors. Jupiter as 1 st and 4 th Lord Jupiter is the Centaur’s body. Jupiter, being a benefic ruling the 4 th house of happiness and the 1 st house of personality, gives a jovial, optimistic personality. Jupiter gives a need for some purpose to their existence in order for the native to be happy. Jupiter gives a strong affinity with their homeland, making them patriots of the finest sort. There is also a strong identification with the mother, with whom there is generally some shared ideals and beliefs. Due to ruling the lagna, Jupiter is a temporal benefic giving meaning and happiness to the Sagittarius native’s life. As a natural benefic, Jupiter gives increase, fortune and wisdom largely due to the native’s own abilities and manners. Esoterically, Jupiter is the vehicle of the body, used for the spiritual journey. Venus as 6 th and 11 th Lord Venus is the Centaur’s medals. Venus, as the ruler of the 6 th and 11 th houses, gives the Sagittarius native a tendency to become increasingly proud of their success. Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 157 Venus ruling these houses may also cause overindulgence in the good things their hard work has earned them. Due to these lordships, Venus becomes a first rate temporal malefic, one that due to pride will involve them in oppositions and competitions. As a natural benefic ruling these houses, Venus gives them a tact and diplomacy to turn difficulties into success, defeat into victory. Saturn as 2 nd and 3 rd Lord Saturn is the Centaur’s strong arms with which he aims his arrows. Saturn, ruling the 2 nd house of possessions and the 3 rd house of the intellect, skills and talents, indicates the Sagittarius’ attachment to their intellectual capacity and a resultant rigidity with which the insecure ego protects its few precious bits. Saturn also gives precision to the native’s intellect along with the ability to give a very orderly presentation of ideas, making them great teachers. Unfortunately, unless modifying factors are there, there will be a lot of rigidity and attachment to these ideas, making them not the best of students, however, they excel at learning from life's experiences. Ruling the house of wealth and the house of effort, Saturn gives the ability to acquire wealth through one’s own efforts. Often times this will be lacking or there will be delays in obtaining it and there are some lessons in manifesting wealth that the native is in need of learning. Their family and younger siblings will generally be the areas where they have to make some sacrifice or experience some suffering. Due to ruling the 3 rd house, Saturn becomes a temporal malefic and tends to give some selfishness with what one’s efforts have earned them, or with what they may hope to possess. As a natural malefic, Saturn tends to cause separation and loss that is due to selfishness or lack of needed resources. CAPRICORN LAGNA Sun as 8 th Lord The Sun is the Hinder Part of the Crocodile. 158 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The Sun, as the 8 th lord, indicates the working out of the Capricorn native’s previous karmas, the purification of their spirit, and developing detachment from that which they experience. The 8 th house is said to represent the karmas of the previous life, the Sun ruling this house shows that the Capricorn native's identity is particularly created by their previous karmas. The Sun, due to ruling the 8 th house of vulnerability, also indicates a vulnerable personality. Due to ruling the 8 th house, the Sun is a temporal neutral; those karmas of the past that have created the identity may have been the result of more malefic or more benefic tendencies. As a natural malefic, the Sun may separate the native from those things it influences that the native is required to break free from. Moon as 7 th Lord The Moon is the face of the Deer. The Moon, as the 7 th lord, indicates that for the Capricorn native, relationships are need-centered. Due to ruling the 7 th house the Moon is a temporal neutral and other factors influencing the Moon will determine whether the native will be selfish in the pursuit of these needs or balanced in their pursuit. As a natural benefic, the bright Moon will give nurturing and growing qualities from, or with, a partner that will support the areas of life influenced by the Moon. As a natural malefic, the dark Moon indicates a lack of growth to those areas it influences due to relationships and partnerships. Mars as 4 th and 11 th Lord Mars is the aggressiveness of the Crocodile. Mars, as the 4 th and 11 th lord, represents the Capricorn native’s aggressive nature in gaining security. Mars especially inclines them to gain landed properties, which very much makes them feel secure in the world. Mars inclines them to fight for land, ancestry, honor, and titles. Due to ruling the 11 th house, Mars becomes a powerful temporal malefic that will selfishly fight its way to security and perceived happiness. As a natural malefic, Mars will create struggles and oppositions to their desires due to their aggressiveness, a well as Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 159 emotional unhappiness due to their strong ideas of what they need in order to be happy, which may prevent them from enjoying what is given to them. Mercury as 6 th and 9 th Lord Mercury is the Goat’s fortune from carrying loads. Mercury, as the 6 th and 9 th lord, and being the planet presided over by Vishnu, gives the Capricorn native for practicing karma yoga. The 6 th house, being an upachaya, linked to the 9 th house, indicates that the native’s fortune increase, through Mercury, as they fulfill their duties. Due to ruling the 9 th house, Mercury is a temporal benefic whose intent it is to do its work in a lawful manner, and as a natural benefic, Mercury gives the gift of practical skills and wisdom with which to make their fortunes. Jupiter as 3 rd and 12 th Lord Jupiter is the meekness of the Deer. Jupiter, as the 3 rd and 12 th lord, represents the Capricorn native’s meekness in pursuing the desires that are not security issues. Jupiter also represents those desires that are a source of loss and expense in one’s life, or the loss of those desires in order to generate spirituality in the native. Jupiter inclines the Capricorn native to undergo loss before seeking spiritually. Due to the 3 rd house lordship, Jupiter is a temporal malefic who has some egocentric desires, but its 12 th house lordship causes these to come at a high price which brings Jupiter’s spiritualizing nature to the surface. As a natural benefic, Jupiter may give fulfillment for some time, but usually this is expensive or not lasting, since the 12 th lord separates the native from those things it influences. Venus as 5 th and 10 th Lord Venus is the dignity of the goat. Venus, as the 5 th and 10 th lord, gives a refined mentality that assists the Capricorn native in their career pursuits. Venus gives a dignity and intelligence with which to do good deeds with resulting 160 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens status and success. Venus gives the activities in life that the native’s good deeds have merited, as well as the performance of good deeds through which the native is acquiring merit. The quality of Venus will indicate with what level of intelligence and understanding the native is operating under. Venus gives pride of position and dignity and ideally a career that the native loves and is proud of. Due to the 5 th house lordship, Venus becomes a temporal benefic, joined with the 10 th house lordship Venus becomes a yogakaraka for the native, and as a natural benefic, Venus gives ease in accomplishment through diplomacy, and good decisions. Saturn as 1 st and 2 nd Lord Saturn is the Goat’s self-sufficiency. Saturn, as the 1 st and 2 nd lord, gives the Capricorn native a personal attachment and identification with their resources and resourcefulness. This makes them very concerned with their material affairs and responsibilities, including their family. Saturn also creates a link between their diet and health. Saturn indicates some insecurity about their self-worth, and as a delaying factor, usually indicates some delay before the native finds their place in life and develops their resources. Due to ruling the lagna, Saturn becomes a temporal benefic which places the native in their proper place. As a natural malefic, Saturn may separate the native from those areas it affects due to the native’s responsibilities that only they can look after. AQUARIUS LAGNA Sun as 7 th Lord The Sun are those the Person carries the Pot to. The Sun, as the 7 th lord, indicates the Aquarius native’s identification with others. A large part of the native’s identity is created through their intimate associations and partners. Others serve to give the native confidence. The Sun may give important activities with groups consisting of like-minded individuals. Due to ruling an angle, the Sun is a temporal neutral for the Aquarius native, as a Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 161 natural malefic however, the Sun may separate the native from those areas it affects due to public or personal involvement. Moon as 6 th Lord The Moon is the lack of water in the Empty Pot, either that which is not there, or that which was given out. The Moon, as the 6 th lord, gives the Aquarius native a weak self- image and a mind that easily succumbs to depression. Since the 6 th house is an upachaya, the Moon indicates that the native will develop a healthier self-image as they age, but in youth they are particularly prone to suffer from social inadequacies as a result of their poor self- image. The Moon ruling the 6 th house also indicates a gentleness and humanitarian mentality that prefers peace. Socially, the Moon connects them to the lower classes and makes them ideal people of the masses. As the 6 th lord, the Moon is a temporal malefic and may give opposition and struggles in life that results in the native feeling depressed and empty. If this is severe, it may be a cause of addictions. As a natural benefic, however, the bright Moon gives a care in work that provides slow growth and improvement to the areas it influences. As a natural malefic, the dark Moon gives struggles with those things it influences with the result that the native does not feel like their needs have been met. Mars as 3 rd and 10 th Lord Mars are the arms, strengthened from carrying the Pot. Mars, as the 3 rd and 10 th lord, indicates the Aquarius native's independent will and activities, as well as a strong attachment to those things they think should be activated. Due to the 3 rd house lordship, Mars becomes a temporal malefic as the will he indicates is usually one of selfish interest, one that resists authority, and wants to do what it thinks should be done. Mars is the rebellious nature of the Aquarius, which they are often known for. As a natural malefic, Mars may cause conflict with authorities and associates, while also creating conflict in the pursuit of their career and desires. 162 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Mercury as 5 th and 8 th Lord Mercury is the erupting of the Person’s true individuality. Mercury, as the 5 th and 8 th lord, gives an original, ingenious mentality and creativity that is not afraid to think of the unusual or break social taboos. Mercury gives the capacity for the native to become himself, without any judgments or harm directed towards others. Mercury gives an innate talent for occult sciences and counseling. Mercury also gives luck that may give unexpected windfalls, although the native’s luck is usually unsteady due to the 8 th house lordship. Due to ruling the 5 th house, Mercury becomes a temporal benefic, though the 8 th house lordship will often incline them to express their finest in an unconventional manner. As a natural benefic, Mercury gives the intelligence with which to make the best of any situation. Jupiter as 2 nd and 11 th Lord Jupiter is the value of the Pot. Jupiter, as the 2 nd and 11 th lord, represents the great gains possible by an Aquarius native. Jupiter is a triple indicator of wealth; it rules two houses of wealth and is the natural producer of wealth as well. Jupiter, however, generally inclines the native to amass those things that would indicate that they are of a valuable sort in order to make up for any insufficiencies they may experience. Due to ruling the 11 th house, Jupiter is a temporal malefic that is intent on making name and fame for itself, though generally by doing good deeds. As a natural benefic, Jupiter makes the native generous with their wealth, and this helps them manifest more wealth. Venus as 4 th and 9 th Lord Venus is the Pot. Venus, as the 4 th and 9 th lord, is the devoted heart of the Aquarius native. Once an ideal is found that fulfills the inner needs of the native, they become solidly devoted and in fact proud of that which they have found. This is not an empty pride, but one based on recognition of something wonderful and truthful. Venus also Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 163 indicates patriotic pride as well. Due to ruling the 9 th house, Venus is a temporal benefic for the Aquarius native. Sharing its lordship with the 4 th house, an angle, Venus becomes a yogakaraka for the Aquarius native and the single best planet for them. As a natural benefic, Venus is capable of giving easily acquired fortune and happiness. Saturn as 1 st and 12 th Lord Saturn is the Person who is carrying the pot. Saturn, as the 1 st and 12 th lord, gives the Aquarius native a tendency towards loss of self, which can be great if there are spiritual tendencies present allowing the native to cultivate spiritual detachment and renunciation, otherwise this may manifest as great personal wastage. Ruling the house of loss and being the planet of loss, Saturn creates loss in the native’s life as a result of personal indolence, or possibly renunciation. As the lagna lord, Saturn is a temporal benefic, although as a delaying factor, Saturn will cause delays in the native finding fulfillment until the native develops a healthy self-esteem. As a natural malefic, Saturn will cause some element of loss and separation, which the native themselves is responsible for, either through a desire for renunciation or due to ineptitude and lack of confidence. PISCES LAGNA Sun as 6 th Lord The Sun is the evolution of the Fish’s body. The Sun, as the 6 th lord, represents the physical karmas the Pisces native has still to perform before transcending to another level of evolution. The Sun also represents the physical attachments that the native must learn to utilize for their spiritual benefit rather than for their material well-being or pleasure. Due to ruling the 6 th house, the Sun is a temporal malefic and indicates any character weaknesses that can disturb those areas it influences. At best the Sun can be utilized to put their bodies to work for them spiritually as karma yogis. 164 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Moon as 5 th Lord The Moon is the ocean the fish peer through. The Moon, as the 5 th house lord, gives the Pisces native an intuitive, imaginative, receptive and sensitive mentality, and the ability to discriminate through feeling. As the 5 th lord, the Moon is a great temporal benefic and gives luck, intelligence and a devotional mind. As a natural benefic, the bright Moon gives luck, intelligence and creativity that quickly allows things to grow and flower under their touch. As a natural malefic, the dark Moon indicates a lack of growth and creativity with those areas it influences due to the native not putting their mind into these things because they don not expect their needs to be met by them. Mars as 2 nd and 9 th Lord Mars is the divine fisherman’s sharp lure. Mars, as the 2 nd and 9 th lord, is the Pisces native’s spiritual values and a planet of wealth and fortune. Mars gives strength that stems from one’s beliefs and the native is inclined to fight for family, ideals, religion, honor of their name, and possessions. Due to ruling the 9 th house, Mars becomes a temporal benefic planet and gives the fortune and grace that protects their material well-being during times of struggle. As a natural malefic, Mars may cause conflict and opposition due to their beliefs, which may be outspoken. Mercury as 4 th and 7 th Lord Mercury is the Fishes ability to communicate under water. Mercury, as the 4 th and 7 th lord, is the happiness the Pisces native is capable of enjoying with partners, due to the practical understanding of other’s feelings and psychology. Mercury gives the native the capacity for verbal intimacy with their partners. Esoterically, Mercury gives breathing exercises that develop concentration. Due to ruling two angles, Mercury is a temporal neutral for the Pisces native and other factors influencing Mercury will determine whether their pursuit of happiness and partnerships is more self-centered or balanced. Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 165 Jupiter as 1 st and 10 th Lord Jupiter is the ripple of the Fishes activities. Jupiter, as the 1 st and 10 th lord, creates a link between the nature and position of the native and their karmas. Their karmas are very much responsible for the self that is being created and expressed. Jupiter also inclines them towards some noble career pursuit in which they may personally shine. Due to ruling the lagna, Jupiter is a temporal benefic. As a natural benefic, Jupiter gives expansion and fortune that is the result of the native’s good actions, generosity and virtue. Venus as 3 rd and 8 th Lord Venus is the Fishes endless swimming, necessary to oxygenate their gills. Venus, as the 3 rd and 8 th lord, represents the purification and transformation of the Pisces native’s desires. Due to ruling the 3 rd house, Venus becomes a temporal malefic intent on fulfilling its desires, though it does so irregularly, or with some suffering, due to the 8 th house lordship. Through this the native learns to detach from and purify their desire nature. As a natural benefic, Venus gives talent that serves them well, but again irregularly. Saturn as 11 th and 12 th Lord Saturn is the Two Fish Swimming in Opposite Directions. Ruling the 11 th house of gains and the 12 th house of loss, Saturn gives the Pisces native a dilemma regarding surrender, what to hold onto and what to let go of. Pisces is the sign of resolution and it is Saturn who determines what is being resolved. What is gained, is gained in order to resolve the karmas pertaining to it, and then it is lost. Since the Moolatrikona position of Saturn is the 12 th house, the house of loss, more is generally lost than gained. Saturn ruling these two very different houses creates crisis at times that require surrender. Though a cycle is coming to a close through Pisces, the ego, in its last effort, tries to hold onto what it knows and may have difficulty letting go. The 11 th house is the 12 th house from the 12 th , so 166 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens it has some similar qualities as the 12 th house and it specifically indicates the ability of enjoying what one has gained with detachment in order to bring about completion and liberation. This is the best Saturn has to offer the Pisces native. Due to ruling the 11 th house, Saturn becomes a temporal malefic that may selfishly hold onto what it has gained out of fear of loss, and as a natural malefic, and the planet of loss ruling the house of loss, Saturn may give great losses and separation. IMPORTANT INFLUENCES TO A HOUSE LORD The explanations for the house lords that have been given consider that the planets are running true to form in regards to the lagna. In actual practice, a planet that would generally behave badly could be of excellent quality, and vice versa. In fact the most naturally egocentric planet can operate with the greatest truth and virtue, and vice versa, depending upon the entire structure of the horoscope. What has been given is the natural quality of each planet, dependent upon the lagna, to what degree it is expressing this quality is a matter of careful judgment Following are factors that influence how a house lord actually operates: 1. Stalling of effects by dominant house lords, as given in the beginning of this chapter. 2. Dispositorship, as indicated in the chapter, “Dispositors.” 3. Influence of other planets in regards to their natural qualities, but these influences only effect the qualities of the house lord. For instance, the Moon indicates a desire for new possessions for the Gemini lagna native, however, if Saturn joins the Moon, the native will have old possessions. THE LAGNA AND ITS CORRESPONDING HOUSE The judgment of the Lagna and Lagna lord is of extreme importance as they place the native in the world and create a foundation for his life. The Lagna is an anchor of the horoscope. The house that corresponds to the Lagna is also of extreme importance. Hou Hou Hou House Lords se Lords se Lords se Lords 167 This is the house that is the same as the number of the rasi of the lagna. (For example, for Leo rising: Leo is the 5th rasi, therefore, emphasis is placed on the 5 th house and its lord, Jupiter). The influences on this house are indicative of the native’s abilities that are important for their success and well-being. The placement of the lord of this house will also be indicative of important areas of focus. 168 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The 27 nakshatras and their planetary lords. 00-13:20 D 1 3 : 2 0 - 2 6 : 4 0 D 2 6 : 4 0 1 0 : 0 0 D E - 1 0 : 0 0 - 2 3 : 2 0 E 2 3 : 2 0 - 6 : 4 0 E F 6 : 4 0 - 2 0 : 0 0 F 2 0 : 0 0 - 3 : 2 0 F G 3 : 2 0 - 1 6 : 4 0 G 1 6 : 4 0 - 3 0 : 0 0 G 0 0 - 1 3 : 2 0 H 1 3 : 2 0 - 2 6 : 4 0 H 2 6 : 4 0 - 1 0 : 0 0 H I 1 0 : 0 0 - 2 3 : 2 0 I 2 3 : 2 0 - 6 : 4 0 I J 6 : 4 0 - 2 0 : 0 0 J 2 0 : 0 0 - 3 : 2 0 J K 3 : 2 0 - 1 6 : 4 0 K 1 6 : 4 0 - 3 0 : 0 0 K 0 0 - 1 3 : 2 0 L 1 3 : 2 0 - 2 6 : 4 0 L 2 6 : 4 0 - 1 0 : 0 0 L M 1 0 : 0 0 - 2 3 : 2 0 M 2 3 : 2 0 - 6 : 4 0 M N 6 : 4 0 - 2 0 : 0 0 N 2 0 : 0 0 - 3 : 2 0 N O 3 :2 0 - 1 6 : 4 0 O 16:40-30:00 O , A s v i n n i ) B h a r i n i ) P u r v a P h a l g u n i ) P u r v a A s h a d a & C h i t r a $ U t t a r a A s h a d a $ K r i t t i k a $ U t t a r a P h a l g u n i , M u l a , M a g h a % H a s t a % S r a v a n a % R o h i n i * A n u r a d h a & D h a n i s h t a & M r i g a s h i r a + S w a t i + S h a t a b i s h a k + A r d r a ( V i s h a k a ( P u r v a B h a d r a ( P u na rvasu ' J y e s h t h a * U t t a r a B h a d r a * P u s h y a m i ' R e v a t i ' A s l e s h a 1 2 7 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras 169 10 10 10 10 The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The nakshatras are a division of the zodiac into 27 portions, each of 13 degrees and 20 minutes. Each nakshatra is compromised of four padas of 3 degrees and 20 minutes each, equivalent to one navamsa. Each nakshatra has its own presiding deity and is also lorded by one of the nine planets, Sun through Ketu. The nakshatras are the closest star based astrological factor we have; the names of the nakshatras are based upon the prominent star falling in each nakshatra. These prominent stars are the same as many of the fixed stars utilized by Western Astrologers; the difference is that in Vedic Astrology each nakshatra is a mathematical division of the zodiac, a 1/27 portion. This keeps the science mathematical, while benefiting from stellar mythology. There are many myths revolving around the 27 nakshatras and their presiding deities, a study of which will reveal many of the nakshatras' meanings. Oftentimes there is a contradiction in the qualities and indications of a nakshatra, and the qualities and indications of a rasi in which the nakshatra falls. This may initially create some confusion and apparent contradiction. It is hoped that the following explanations and points will be helpful in discouraging any confusion: 1. The nakshatras are considered to be the wives of the Moon. In Vedic mythology the wife of a deity represents the deity’s shakti, or power. As the wives of the Moon, the nakshatras represent the powers of the Moon. Of what sort are these powers? The Moon indicates consciousness and that which grows as a result of what is in the consciousness. In fact, the Moon's favorite nakshatra/wife is Rohini, which means to grow, and which is presided by Prajapati, the lord of creation. The nakshatras, therefore, indicate the powers of the 170 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens consciousness that creates growth. The growth of any planet or point is dependent upon the nakshatra in which it falls. 2. The rasis indicate what is; the nakshatras indicate the powers of the consciousness that grows what is. 3. The rasis are primarily used to divide the ecliptic into 12 parts, thereby providing a framework for the different areas of life, the houses. (As a side note, that is why the Rasi Chakra is given preference over any of the bhava chakras). The 30 degree arc constituting a rasi, is, in fact, primarily solar based and not dependent upon any group of stars named Aries, etc, which often do not even fall entirely into the 30 degree portions of the heavens allotted to the rasi. Each 30 degree arc corresponds to the Sun’s movement in one lunar month; there being 12 lunar months in a year. The rasis, being solar based, have to do with the framework of the horoscope, just as the Sun indicates the bones, the framework of the body, as well as the body itself, the framework of life. 4. When we consider life, ultimately we are all the soul. The Sun represents the Atman, the soul of all, the universal soul; it knows no differentiation. The Moon indicates the DNA, and it is the DNA that is responsible for the many variances and differences between people. The lunar-based nakshatras, therefore, are helpful for adding detail to the horoscope. 5. The nakshatras, are lunar based, corresponding roughly to one days movement of the Moon. Being lunar based, the qualities of a nakshatra are more reflective of the mentality and attitude influencing a planet or point in the horoscope, while the rasis are more indicative of what is being expressed and that which actually takes form. A nakshatra is also indicative of many of the details pertaining to the form indicated by the rasi. The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras 171 6. Nakshatras can be practically utilized in providing an array of details not given by the rasis. As a smaller division they can also fine- tune the indications derived from the rasis, but in no case do they supercede those given by the rasis. They are useful for expanding and detailing the indications so far derived through the rasis and planets. 7. The Sun is representative of the body, or form. The qualities of the rasis, therefore, influence the very form and shape of those things falling in them. 8. The Moon is representative of the blood, the flow of life through the body represented by the Sun. The qualities of a nakshatra, therefore, influence the flow of energy through the form. The indications of a nakshatra are influenced by a planet in it due to a change in the flow of energy through the rasi in which the nakshatra falls. This change in energy flow has an effect on the indications of the nakshatra, though the actual structure indicated by the nakshatra is not effected by the planets falling in that nakshatra. This is especially helpful in medical astrology. As an example let's take Saturn falling at 27 degrees Aries: Saturn (the constricting, disease producer) falling in 27 degrees Aries harms the head and brain, it creates actual structural disorders with a resulting constriction in the brain and head area. Then Saturn is as well falling in Krittika nakshatra, governing the hips; therefore the life force to the hips is constricted, though the actual hips may be well formed without any structural defect. 9. The rasis indicate more what one aspires to, while the nakshatra indicates what is more innate and familiar to the native. The nakshatras also provide the power that one uses to reach their aspirations. 10. When considering commercial or social activities, the nakshatra qualities become more dominant, as the Moon is a vaishya and a 172 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens planet of social grace. When considering status, the qualities of the rasis become more important, as the Sun is the king. IMPORTANCE OF THE MOON The Moon is the husband of the nakshatras. This means that the power and well-being of the nakshatras is dependant upon the condition of the Moon. The nakshatras, as the Moon's wives, indicates the powers of the Moon, the powers of the consciousness. The condition of the Moon is therefore of paramount importance in judging the well-being of the powers of the consciousness indicated by the nakshatras. If the Moon is afflicted the consciousness will be unable to give rise to any growth. In this case depression, mental imbalances, compulsivity, inertia, etc. disrupt the growth of anything. If the Moon is well influenced then things manifest easily from the consciousness by way of the nakshatras. TARA BALA The nakshatra in which a planet falls from the Janma Nakshatra (Moon's Nakshatra) is an important factor to consider. This is called the Tara Bala, or star strength. Counting from the Janma Nakshatra we have the following: 1 st - Janma- birth, Moon’s nakshatra. 2 nd - Sampat- success, perfection, wealth, concord, enjoyment, glory, beauty, becoming, existence. 3 rd - Vipat- prevent, hinder, fail, die. 4 th - Kshema- habitable, security, prosperity. 5 th - Pratyak- facing, coming, averted, moving in an opposite direction, westward, inner, past, gone. 6 th - Sadhaka- effective, productive, efficient, finishing, perfecting, fulfilling, useful. 7 th - Vadha- slayer, destroyer, death, destruction, prevention. Also- Naidana- perishable, deadly. 8 th - Maitra- friendly, benevolent, kind, affectionate. 9 th - Parama Maitra- extreme, highest, best Maitra. The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras 173 These nine are repeated again twice to cover all the 27 nakshatras. To calculate the Tara Bala, count how many nakshatras the planet is from the Moon's nakshatra, divide this by 9, the remainder indicates the Tara Bala. Or, more simply, determine the nine-nakshatra lords from the Moon's nakshatra, planets falling in the other nakshatras ruled by the same planets will have the same Tara Bala. 1. A planet in 3 rd, 5 th , and 7 th , (Vipat, Pratyak, and Vadha) nakshatras produces evil. 2. A planet placed in the 9 th (Parama Maitra) nakshatras will yield excellent results. 3. A planet placed in the 1 st , 2 nd , 4 th , 6 th , and 8 th (Janma, Sampat, Kshema, Sadhaka and Maitra) nakshatras produces good results. The Tara Bala allows us to see the influences arising from the consciousness (the Moon) upon a planet. Following are the influences upon a planet due to the Tara Bala: 1 st - Initialization and ideas in the consciousness. 2 nd - Receptivity without judgment and therefore the ability to enjoy what is available. 3 rd - Frustration due to things not manifesting in the manner one thinks they should. 4 th - Recognition of security and practical utility. 5 th - Recognition that fulfillment will be limited and a need to move towards something more. 6 th - Awareness of making decisions through properly accessing the value of the consideration, and therefore experiencing fulfillment. Harmony between the inner and outer wealth. 7 th - Inability to welcome any happiness or fulfillment due to a consciousness of separation and loss. 8 th - Welcome and acceptance due to a recognition that doing so will result in greater fulfillment. 9 th - Unity of consciousness and therefore greatest fulfillment. 174 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens PLANETS IN NAKSHATRAS The growth of any planet or point is dependent upon the qualities of the nakshatra in which it falls: 1. In the event of benefic influences to the planet, the qualities of the nakshatra will provide healthy growth and realization to the indications of the planet. 2. In the event of malefic influences to the planet the qualities of the nakshatra will be suppressed so as not to provide any healthy growth or realization of the planets indications. THE JANMA NAKSHATRA As the nakshatras are the lunar mansions, the Janma Nakshatra (Birth Star), the nakshatra occupied by the Moon at birth, is given great importance by all classical astrology writers. The Janma Nakshatra indicates the power inherent in the native's consciousness. If the Moon is afflicted this consciousness is disturbed and the native enjoys little growth in life’s affairs. Following are some of the important uses of the nakshatras: 1. The qualities of a nakshatra will influence any planets or points falling in the nakshatra. 2. The dasa of a planet will give the effects of any planets falling in its nakshatra. These effects will be auspicious or inauspicious depending upon the condition of that dasa lord. 3. In determining the effects of any planet, its nakshatra dispositor may be judged; the placement and condition of the nakshatra lord in question will influence the effects of the planets. 4. A planet will, to some degree, give its effects through the agency of the planet in whose nakshatra it is placed. NAKSHATRA TABLES Below are extensive tables of nakshatra qualities that have been compiled over several years from various authoritative sources. The table has a lot of information; most useful for purposes of natal astrology are the meanings of the nakshatras' names; the presiding The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras 175 deities; shaktis (powers), basis and results; and the people, professions and articles governed by the nakshatras. Some of the different categories of the nakshatras as given in the Nakshatra Tables will first be explained: Deity: The myths of these deities have a lot to reveal about the nakshatras. For instance, there is a myth that Narayana taught astrology to the Asvins, Asvinni therefore is one of the nakshatras that indicates astrology. Prayer and rites directed towards these deities can increase the growth of those things falling in their nakshatras. Shakti: The type of power in the consciousness to create growth. Basis Above: The foundation of the Shakti. Basis Below: The natural reciprocation, or reflection, of the Basis Above. Result of the Shakti and Basis’: The natural result of the Shaktis and Basis, these all applied with flexibility and imagination will yield very revealing results. The Shaktis, Basis’ and their Results, as presented in the table are from Taittiriya Brahmana; these were first brought to my attention through the writings of Dr. David Frawley and due thanks are given him for his valuable contributions in this area. Guna: Indicates the activating motivation of the nakshatra; whether sattvic, inspired as a result of holding views that there are possibilities for elevation; rajasic, inspired due to holding views that there are possibilities of fulfilling activities; or tamasic, inspired as a result of holding views that things can be depressed. Tamasic nakshatras are not necessarily depressing; for instance Pushyami, a tamasic nakshatra, has the shakti to create spiritual energy. It is motivated to do this as a result of holding views that things can be depressed, in order to avoid this possibility spiritual energy is created. 176 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Caste: Chandalas are outcastes. Ugras are cruel and powerful people or savages. Husbandmen are those who cultivate the soil, and, together with attendants, form the Sudra caste. Goal: Indicates the goal or purpose of the nakshatra. For more on the goals, see “Artha, Dharma, Kama and Moksha” in the chapter, “The Houses.” The benefic or malefic influences upon the planet falling in a nakshatra will determine to what extent the goal will be furthered. Nature: The nature inclines the nakshatras to be better suited for different tasks. For instance moveable nakshatras will give greater growth to those things that require movement, travel, or change. Fierce/severe nakshatras will give greater growth to those things requiring severity, such as fighting, etc. Activity: Passive nakshatras are more receptive, active nakshatras are more initiative, balanced nakshatras are both active and passive depending upon need. Race: Deva, divine, nakshatras are inclined to uphold what they believe is good. Manusha, human, nakshatras are pragmatic and versatile in nature, the do what they believe will give the best results. Rakshasa, demon, nakshatras are inclined to break taboos, restrictions, etc. Sex: There is some difference of opinion about the sex of two Nakshatras, these have a “?”, the most agreed upon sex is listed. Number of Stars: How many stars form the nakshatra and create the Shape/Symbol of the nakshatra as given elsewhere in the tables. Some sources give a different number of stars; in this case both sources have been included The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras 177 Tri-Murthi: Brahma nakshatras indicate the creative aspect, these are also karma (action) nakshatras. Vishnu nakshatras are the reflection of the Brahma nakshatras; they preserve or maintain what is created. These are also bhoga (enjoyment) nakshatras. Siva nakshatras indicate that which happens between the creative aspect and its reflection. Namely the process of understanding that results in the loss of the many in view of the One. These are also naasa (loss) nakshatras. Brahma nakshatras are also known as Creative nakshatras, Vishnu nakshatras as Preservative nakshatras, and Siva nakshatras are also known as Destructive nakshatras. Body Parts: Useful primarily for medical astrology. The organs governed by nakshatras with malefics or disease causing planets will suffer due to some disruption or excess to the proper flow of energy to that organ. This energy is necessary for the proper growth of the body part. Dosha: The constitution, whether Kapha, Vata, or Pitta of the nakshatra. For a brief explanation of the Doshas see “Doshas,” in the chapter, “Description and Indications of the Planets.” Miscellaneous Articles: can be helpful to determine more specific detail about one's possessions, expenses, goods sold, etc. People, Profession and Activities: can be helpful to determine more specific detail about one's career, about people in the native’s life, or about specific activities. Use these with flexibility, a nakshatra that rules miners, for instance, could also mean activities in mining, or simply mines. In respect to Miscellaneous Articles, and People, Profession and Activities, those in italics are derived from Brihat Samhita through a study of transit effects, the other indications are directly stated from Brihat Samhita and other works. 178 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens # Name Degrees Lord Meaning 1 Asvinni 00:00 - 13:20 Aries Ketu the horsemen 2 Bharani 13:20 - 26:40 Aries Venus the bearers 3 Krittika 26:40 Aries - 10:00 Taurus Sun razor/cutter 4 Rohini 10:00 - 23:20 Taurus Moon ruddy cow, red, growing 5 Mrigashira 23:20 Taurus - 6:40 Gemini Mars dear or antelope's head 6 Ardra 6:40 - 20:00 Gemini Rahu the moist 7 Punurvasu 20:00 Gemini - 3:20 Cancer Jupiter return of the goods and light 8 Pushyami 3:20 - 16:40 Cancer Saturn nourisher, flower, the best 9 Aslesha 16:40 - 30:00 Cancer Mercury entwiner, embracer, intimate connection 10 Magha 00 :00- 13:20 Leo Ketu beneficent, mighty 11 PurvaPhalguni 13:20 - 26:40 Leo Venus previous red one 12 UttaraPhalguni 26:40 Leo - 10:00 Virgo Sun later red one 13 Hasta 10:00 - 23:20 Virgo Moon hand 14 Chitra 23:20 Virgo - 6:40 Libra Mars brilliant, distinguished 15 Svati 6:40 - 20:00 Libra Rahu independent, sword 16 Vishaka 20:00 Libra - 3:20 Scorpio Jupiter branched, forked branches 17 Anuradha 3:20 - 16:40 Scorpio Saturn subsequent success, following Radha 18 Jyeshtha 16:40 - 30:00 Scorpio Mercury the eldest 19 Moola 00:00 - 13:20 Sagittarius Ketu root, commencement 20 Purva Ashada 13:20 - 26:40 Sagittarius Venus earlier victory 21 Uttara Ashada 26:40 Sagittarius - 10:00 Capricorn Sun later victory 22 Sravana 10:00 - 23:20 Capricorn Moon famous, hearing 23 Dhanishta 23:20 Capricorn - 6:40 Aquarius Mars very rich, very swift 24 Shatabishak 6:40 - 20:00 Aquarius Rahu 100 medicines or doctors 25 Purva Bhadra 20:00 Aquarius - 3:20 Pisces Jupiter earlier auspicious one 26 Uttara Bhadra 3:20 - 16:40 Pisces Saturn later auspicious one 27 Revati 16:40 - 30:00 Pisces Mercury rich, wealthy The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras 179 # Name Shape/Symbol Guna Caste Goal 1 Asvinni horses head Rajas Vaishya dharma 2 Bharani female sexual organ Tamas Chandala artha 3 Krittika dagger/razor Sattva Brahmin kama 4 Rohini chariot Rajas husbandman moksha 5 Mrigashira head of a deer Tamas attendants moksha 6 Ardra tear drop, gem Sattva Ugra kama 7 Punurvasu quiver/ house, bow Rajas Vaishya artha 8 Pushyami teat of cow, arrow, flower Tamas Kshatriya dharma 9 Aslesha wheel, serpent Sattva Chandala dharma 10 Magha throne, palanquin, royal court Rajas husbandman artha 11 PurvaPhalguni legs of a cot, stage Tamas Brahmin kama 12 UttaraPhalguni bed, legs of a cot Sattva Kshatriya moksha 13 Hasta closed hand Rajas Vaishya moksha 14 Chitra pearl Tamas attendants kama 15 Svati coral, sapphire Sattva Ugra artha 16 Vishaka leaf decked triumphal gate, potters wheel Rajas Chandala dharma 17 Anuradha “ “ “ “ or bali (heap of rice), umbrella Tamas husbandman dharma 18 Jyeshtha kundal (ear Ring), umbrella, talisman Sattva attendants artha 19 Moola tail of lion Rajas Ugra kama 20 Purva Ashada hand fan, winnowing basket, tusk, square Tamas Brahmin moksha 21 Uttara Ashada machan, elephant tusk, square Sattva Kshatriya moksha 22 Sravana 3 footprints, arrow Rajas Chandala artha 23 Dhanishta mridanga (drum) Tamas attendants dharma 24 Shatabishak circle, flower Sattva Ugra dharma 25 Purva Bhadra double faced man, stage, machan, legs of a cot Rajas Brahmin artha 26 Uttara Bhadra last bed, legs of a cot, two joined men Tamas Kshatriya kama 27 Revati mridanga (drum), fish Sattva husbandman moksha 180 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens # Name Deity Shakti (power to/of…) 1 Asvinni Asvins-the twin horseman quickly reaching things 2 Bharani Yama- Death take things away 3 Krittika Agni- Fire to burn 4 Rohini Prajapati-lord of creation growth 5 Mrigashira Soma-god of immortality giving fulfillment 6 Ardra Rudra-god of storm effort 7 Punurvasu Aditi-mother of the Gods ability to gain wealth or substance 8 Pushyami Brihaspati- teacher of the Devas create spiritual energy 9 Aslesha Sarpa- serpent inflict with poison 10 Magha the Pitris- the Ancestral Fathers leave the body 11 PurvaPhalguni Aryaman- god of contracts & union, Sun as friend, beloved procreation 12 UttaraPhalguni Bhaga-the Sun as bliss giving of prosperity through union or marriage 13 Hasta Savitar-Sun as inspiration gain what one is seeking and place it in one's hands 14 Chitra Vishvakarma- divine architect accumulate merit in life 15 Svati Vayu-Wind scatter like the wind 16 Vishaka Indragni-gods of lightning and Fire achieve many and various fruits 17 Anuradha Mitra-divine friend, lord of compassion worship 18 Jyeshtha Indra-god of thunder rise or conquer, gain courage in battle 19 Moola Nirritti- goddess of disaster, Alaksmi to ruin or destroy 20 Purva Ashada Apas-goddess of Waters invigoration 21 Uttara Ashada Vishvadevas-Universal Gods grant an unchallengeable victory 22 Sravana Vishnu- the Pervader connection 23 Dhanishta Vasus-gods of Light and Abundance give abundance and fame 24 Shatabishak Varuna-god of Cosmic Water healing 25 Purva Bhadra Aja Ekapada- one footed serpent, horned goat, unicorn gives the fire to raise one worshipping up in life 26 Uttara Bhadra Ahir Budhya- dragon of the depths of the atmosphere bringing of the rain 27 Revati Pushan- Sun as nourisher, protector, fosterer nourishment, symbolized by milk The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras 181 # Basis Above Basis Below Result of Shakti & Basis' 1 those to be healed healing therapies world becomes free from disease 2 removal of life from the body carrying the soul to the ancestral realm moving on to the next world 3 heat light burning or purification 4 plants waters creation 5 extension weaving make the world enjoyable 6 hunting or searching reaching the goal brings about achievement 7 wind or air wetness or rain revitalization of plants 8 sacrificial worship the worshipper creation of spiritual energy 9 approach of the serpant trembling and agitation destruction of the victim 10 mourning leaving the body death 11 wife, female partner husband, male partner creation of the fetus 12 wealth gained from one's own family wealth gained from one's partner and their family accumulation of wealth 13 seeking of gain process of gaining puts what one wishes to gain in one's hand 14 law truth gain honor in one's work 15 moving in various directions change of form transformation 16 plowing or cultivation harvest fruit of the harvest 17 ascension descent honor and abundance 18 attack defense one becomes a hero 19 breaking things apart crushing things the power to destroy 20 strength connection gain of luster 21 strength to win the goal that one can win becomes unchallenged winner 22 seeking the paths connection of all things 23 birth prosperity bringing people together 24 pervasion over all support of all world freed of calamity 25 what is good for all people what is good for the gods support the entire world 26 raining clouds growing of planets stability of the three worlds 27 cows calves nourishment of the entire world 182 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens # Name Nature Activity Facing Race Sex #Stars 1 Asvinni light, swift Passive Side Deva Male 3 2 Bharani fierce, severe balanced Down Manusha Female 3 3 Krittika soft, dreadful active Down Rakshasa Female 6 4 Rohini fixed balanced Up Manusha Male? 5 5 Mrigashira soft, tender passive Side Deva Neuter 3 6 Ardra sharp, dreadful balanced Up Manusha Female 1 7 Punurvasu movable passive Side Deva Male 4/5 8 Pushyami light, swift passive Up Deva Male 3 9 Aslesha sharp, dreadful active Down Rakshasa Female 5/6 10 Magha fierce, severe active Down Rakshasa Female 5 11 PurvaPhalguni fierce, severe balanced Up Manusha Female 2/8 12 UttaraPhalguni fixed balanced Down Manusha Female 2 13 Hasta light, swift passive Side Deva Male 5 14 Chitra soft, tender active Side Rakshasa Female 1 15 Svati movable passive Side Deva Female 1 16 Vishaka soft, dreadful active Down Rakshasa Female 4/5 17 Anuradha soft, tender passive Side Deva Male 4 18 Jyeshtha sharp, dreadful active Side Rakshasa Female ? 3 19 Moola sharp, dreadful active Down Rakshasa Neuter 11 20 Purva Ashada fierce, severe balanced Down Manusha Female 2 21 Uttara Ashada fixed balanced Up Manusha Female 2/8 22 Sravana movable passive Up Deva Male 3 23 Dhanishta movable active Up Rakshasa Female 4/5 24 Shatabishak movable active Up Rakshasa Neuter 100 25 Purva Bhadra fierce, severe passive Down Manusha Male 2 26 Uttara Bhadra movable balanced Up Manusha Male 2/8 27 Revati soft, tender balanced Side Deva Female 32 The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras 183 # Name TriMurthi Karma, etc Dhatu, etc Dik Place 1 Asvinni Brahma karma dhatu South town 2 Bharani Vishnu bhoga mula West street 3 Krittika Siva naasa jeeva North jungle 4 Rohini Brahma karma dhatu East stable 5 Mrigashira Vishnu bhoga mula South cot 6 Ardra Siva naasa jeeva West temple 7 Punurvasu Brahma karma dhatu North granary 8 Pushyami Vishnu bhoga mula East house 9 Aslesha Siva naasa jeeva South debris 10 Magha Brahma karma dhatu West paddy box 11 PurvaPhalguni Vishnu bhoga mula North ruined house 12 UttaraPhalguni Siva naasa jeeva East water 13 Hasta Brahma karma dhatu South pond 14 Chitra Vishnu bhoga mula West river bund 15 Svati Siva naasa jeeva North field 16 Vishaka Brahma karma dhatu East cottonfield 17 Anuradha Vishnu bhoga mula South grassy place 18 Jyeshtha Siva naasa jeeva West jungle 19 Moola Brahma karma dhatu North horse stable 20 Purva Ashada Vishnu bhoga mula East roof 21 Uttara Ashada Siva naasa jeeva South washing ghat 22 Sravana Brahma karma dhatu North battle- field 23 Dhanishta Vishnu bhoga mula East oil press 24 Shatabishak Siva naasa jeeva South street 25 Purva Bhadra Brahma karma dhatu West house in south 26 Uttara Bhadra Vishnu bhoga mula North rivers 27 Revati Siva naasa jeeva East garden Karma is activity, Bhoga is enjoyment, and Naasa is loss. Dhatus are minerals, Mulas roots, and Jeevas living beings. The places, except for UttaraBhadra, are from GnanaPradeepika, an unusual work on Prasna. According to this work, these places indicate where lost articles are to be found. 184 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Body Parts* # Name VarahaMihira Parashara? Other Dosha 1 Asvinni knees head upper feet Vata 2 Bharani head forehead lower feet Pitta 3 Krittika hips, loins, waist eyebrows head, upper/back of head Kapha 4 Rohini legs, shanks eyes forehead, ankles, calves, shins Kapha 5 Mrigashira eyes nose eyebrows Pitta 6 Ardra hair, scalp ears eyes, top/back of head, skull Vata 7 Punurvasu fingers cheeks nose Vata 8 Pushyami mouth, face lips face Pitta 9 Aslesha nails chin ears, joints Kapha 10 Magha nose neck lips, chin Kapha 11 PurvaPhalguni genitals shoulders right hand, lips, upper lip Pitta 12 UttaraPhalguni genitals heart left hand Vata 13 Hasta hands sides fingers Vata 14 Chitra forehead chest neck Pitta 15 Svati teeth stomach chest, intestines Kapha 16 Vishaka arms navel breasts Kapha 17 Anuradha breasts, heart waist stomach, womb, bowels Pitta 18 Jyeshtha neck upper hips right side, tongue, middle finger Vata 19 Moola feet lower hips left side Vata 20 Purva Ashada thighs genitals back Pitta 21 Uttara Ashada thighs scrotum waist Kapha 22 Sravana ears lower belly genitals Kapha 23 Dhanishta back thighs anus Pitta 24 Shatabishak chin, laughter knees right thigh, jaw Vata 25 Purva Bhadra side legs left thigh, soles, ribs, feet Vata 26 Uttara Bhadra side ankles shins, soles, ribs, feet Pitta 27 Revati abdomen feet ankles, armpit, groin Kapha *There are different views regarding the body parts, all those available have been presented. It is not sure whether those attributed to Parashara are actually due to him. Readers would do well to follow primarily Varaha Mihira’s allocation. The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras 185 # Name Miscellaneous Articles 1 Asvinni conveyances, horses 2 Bharani wells, husky grains, cereals 3 Krittika mantra, music, white flower 4 Rohini forests beasts, rose apple, gems, ornaments, mountain, cows, bulls, aquatic animals, beauty parlor, market 5 Mrigashira fruits, Catechu plant (betel nut), fragrant articles, birds, garments, aquatic products, flowers, gems, beasts, perfumes, brewery, mango, juices, tastes, crops 6 Ardra fort, husky grains, belleric Myrobalan (Baheda), heavy rains 7 Punurvasu weapons, best of grains (Kalama paddy) 8 Pushyami sugarcane, barley, wheat, rice, holy fig tree (Peepal), forest, water tanks, flowers 9 Aslesha artificial articles, liquids, husky grains, bulbs, root, fruit, insect, reptiles, poison, herb, worm, aquatic objects or animals 10 Magha corns, granaries, non-vegetarian food, 11 PurvaPhalguni salt, fire, Butea Frondosa (Palash), commodities, oil, cotton, honey, kids, money exchangers, fried food 12 UttaraPhalguni elephants, stone, fire, corns, holy tree (Plaksha), fine grains (kalama rice), jaggery, salt 13 Hasta neem tree, ornaments, commodities, husky grain, elephants 14 Chitra coconut, corns for royal use, birds, painted vessels, women 15 Svati elephant, green gram, Arjun tree (Arjun terminalia), birds, beast, horses, grains that produce gas, deer, vegetables, birth control, airplanes 16 Vishaka cotton, stone, trees with red blossoms and fruits, sesame, black, green and Bengal gram, gram, saffron, lac, crops, madder, safflower 17 Anuradha wool, hide articles, ornaments, horses, vehicles, games, Mimusops Elengi (Bakula), things growing in the Autumn 18 Jyeshtha wealth, buffaloes, fir, weapons, groups, seminaries, elite families, trade guilds 19 Moola reversed, seeds, weapons, agriculture, medicines, fruit, herbs 20 Purva Ashada fire, fruits, aquatic flowers and fruits, aquatic animals, 21 Uttara Ashada elephant, horses, stone, commerce, immovable things like trees, diseases 22 Sravana medicinal plant (Aak), conveyance, 23 Dhanishta Ornaments 24 Shatabishak Aquatic products and creatures, Neulea Orientalis, rope, net 25 Purva Bhadra Mango tree, animal husbandry, fire 26 Uttara Bhadra Elephant, stone, lemon, fine corns, roots, fruits, gold, women 27 Revati Aquatic products, conches, ornament, bassia latifolia, fruit, salt, pearls, gem, flower, lotuses, perfumes, autumnal crops 186 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens # Name People, Professions, and Activities 1 Asvinni Horse-dealers and riders, commandants, physicians, attendants, merchants, handsome persons, traders, horse- grooms, army general, hunter, astrologers, poets, ministers 2 Bharani Those that feed on blood + flesh, cruel men, those engaged in killing, imprisoning and beating others, low-borns, menial work, courageless, characterless, ignoble, burial related jobs, dancers, actors, musicians, singers, musicians, the wicked, hunters 3 Krittika Brahmans who maintain and worship the sacred fire, knowers of the sacred hymns and sacrificial rules, grammarians, miners, barbers, Brahmans, potters, priests, astrologers, commentators, gold miners, those who work on fire i.e. goldsmiths, blacksmiths etc., army commanders 4 Rohini Observers of vows, merchandisers, kings, wealthy persons, Yogis, cartmen, husbandmen, liquor drinkers, men in authority, politicians, entertainers, ascetics 5 Mrigashira Foresters, forest-dwellers, those who partake of Soma juice (in sacrifices), musicians, lovers, letter carriers, the lustful hunters, loafers, singers, sacrificers, officiating priests, the noble 6 Ardra Murderers, executioners, animal-catchers, liars, adulterers, cruel persons, thieves, rogues, creators of discord, goblin raisers, black magicians, charmers, sorcerers, butchers, fowlers, prostitutes, oilmongers, washermen, dyers 7 Punurvasu The truthful, the pure and generous, clean, rich, high-born, handsome, intelligent, grain merchants, famous, merchants, servants, artisans, bankers, cave-dwellers 8 Pushyami Sacrifice conductors, ministers, kings, fishermen, etc., virtuous men, those engaged in big and small sacrifices, those involved in physical exercise, persons engaged in ringing bells, those who make loud announcements, gamblers 9 Aslesha Nurses, robbers, all physicians, artisans, sorcerers 10 Magha People rich in gold and corn, mountaineers, those devoted to parents or the Manes, the valiant, traders, heroes, civil engineers, carnivorous beings, women-haters, traders, godowns, commanders of elephant-divisions, chief ministers 11 Purva Phalguni Actors, young women, amiable persons, musicians, artists, boys, dancers, fashion, painting, dealers in juices or articles having the six kinds of tastes, courtesans, virgins 12 Uttara Phalguni Kind-hearted persons, the pure in conduct, modest, heretics, charitable persons, the learned, very rich men, those who are devoted to their duties, and kings, lawyers, judges, financiers, government/social service, those with Vedic Knowledge, treasurers, hermits (or mendicants), water The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras The Nakshatras 187 13 Hasta Thieves, advocates, those who travel in chariots, elephant- drivers, artisans, men learned in the Vedas, traders, men of prowess, speculators, gamblers, barbers, potters, oil-manufacturers etc., physicians, tailors (needle-workers), elephant-catchers, harlots, garland-makers (florists), painters 14 Chitra Persons skilled in making ornaments, dyeing (or painting), writing, singing, perfumery, mathematicians, weavers, jewel examiners, ophthalmic surgeons, architects, interior decorators, laborers engaged in the sinking of wells 15 Svati Traders, ascetics, unsteady friends, feeble characters, connoisseurs of wares, rhapsodists (bards), spies, couriers, charioteers or story-tellers, sailors, actors, musicians, messengers 16 Vishaka Men devoted to Indra and Gani, those learned and skilled in handling fire, engineers, merchants 17 Anuradha Men of prowess, corporate heads, friends of the virtuous, lovers of assemblies, tourists (or lovers of carriages), all honest persons in the world, athletes, vehicular repair and sales, ministers, those that work with wheels such as potters, oil-makers etc., those that beat gongs or bell-makers, friends, Kshatriyas 18 Jyeshtha Battle heroes, those who are noted for pedigree, wealth and fame, thieves, kings intent on conquests, leaders of Kshatriyas, king’s preceptors, those that receive royal patronage or honor, 19 Moola Physicians, leaders of groups, those who deal in flowers, roots and fruits, very wealthy persons, those who live only on fruits and roots, warriors, those who deal in medicinal roots (druggists) 20 Purva Ashada Tender-hearted people, navigators, wealthy persons, fishermen, the truthful, pure, meat sellers, constructors of bridges/dams/canals, those who live by water 21 Uttara Ashada Elephant drivers, wrestlers, devotees of Gods, warriors, persons enjoying pleasures, men of valor, astrologers, 22 Sravana Jugglers, the ever-active, the efficient, the energetic, Vishnu devotee, the truthful, righteous, king's officer, Brahmin, physician, 23 Dhanishta Men w/o pride, eunuchs, fast friends, men hated by women, women, charitable persons, very wealthy, peaceful, conqueror of senses, treasurers, bankers, etc., heretics 24 Shatabishak Snarers, anglers, bird killers, dealers in fish etc., boar-hunters, hunters, washer-men, distillers, fowlers, physicians, poets, drunkards, traders, politicians 25 Purva Bhadra Thieves, cowherds, murderers, niggards, unvirtuous, one clever in single combat, those doing despicable and roguish actions, irreligious 26 Uttara Bhadra Brahmans, those engaged in sacrifices, charity and penance, ascetics, very wealthy persons, recluses, heretics, monarchs, those who dwell on riverbanks, carriage-makers, carpenters etc. 27 Revati Traders, sailors, helmsmen, king's proteges, travelers, marching troops 188 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Nama Nakshatra Nama Nakshatra Nama Nakshatra Nama Nakshatra Each nakshatra pada (quarter) corresponds to a particular sound. A child is traditionally given a name that begins with the sound of the nakshatra pada where their Moon is placed. Any planet or point falling in the nakshatra pada corresponding to the native’s name is particularly important. 00:00-3:20 3:20-6:40 6:40-10:00 16:40-20:00 10:00-13:20 20:00-23:20 13:20-16:40 23:20-26:40 26:40-30:00 ¤¸ ¤ ¤i = =ï =¸ = = = Chu Chay Cho Laa Lee Luu Lay Loh A 1 2 3 00:00-3:20 3:20-6:40 6:40-10:00 16:40-20:00 10:00-13:20 20:00-23:20 13:20-16:40 s - = = ¤ Ee U Ay Oh Vaa ¤ï ¤ Vee Voh ¤¸ ¤ Vuu Vay 3 4 5 00:00-3:20 3:20-6:40 6:40-10:00 16:40-20:00 10:00-13:20 20:00-23:20 13:20-16:40 = r s ø = r Ka Gha Nga Chha Kay Haa =ï =¸ =i Kee Kuu Koh 5 6 7 00:00-3:20 3:20-6:40 6:40-10:00 16:40-20:00 10:00-13:20 20:00-23:20 13:20-16:40 rï Hee Huu Hay Hoh Daa Dee Duu Day Doh r ri si sï s si r¸ s¸ 7 8 9 00:00-3:20 3:20-6:40 6:40-10:00 16:40-20:00 10:00-13:20 20:00-23:20 13:20-16:40 - Maa -¸ ¤ ¤i ªi ª¸ ª Muu May Moh Taa Tuu Tay ¤ï ªï Mee Tee 10 11 12 00:00-3:20 3:20-6:40 6:40-10:00 16:40-20:00 10:00-13:20 20:00-23:20 13:20-16:40 ªi Toh ¢ï ¢¸ · º ¢ ¢i Pee Puu Sha Nuh Pay Poh ¢i a Paa Tha 12 13 14 00:00-3:20 3:20-6:40 6:40-10:00 16:40-20:00 10:00-13:20 20:00-23:20 13:20-16:40 +i Raa = + +i +i +¸ + Ruu Ray Roh Taa Tuu Tay +ï +ï Ree Tee 14 15 16 00:00-3:20 3:20-6:40 6:40-10:00 16:40-20:00 10:00-13:20 20:00-23:20 13:20-16:40 +i Toh +ï +¸ + +i ¤ï ¤¸ Nee Nuu Nay Noh Yee Yuu +i ¤i Naa Yaa 16 17 18 00:00-3:20 3:20-6:40 6:40-10:00 16:40-20:00 10:00-13:20 20:00-23:20 13:20-16:40 ¤ Yay - -ï -¸ · «i Bhaa Bhee Bhuu Dhaa Dhaa Bhay ¤i =i - Yoh Phaa 19 20 21 00:00-3:20 3:20-6:40 6:40-10:00 16:40-20:00 10:00-13:20 20:00-23:20 13:20-16:40 - Bhoh ¤ï ¤¸ =¸ ¤ = ¤i ni nï Jee Khee/ Juu Khuu/ Jay Khay/ Joh Gaa Gee ¤i =ï = n¸ Jaa Khoh/ Guu 21 22 23 00:00-3:20 3:20-6:40 6:40-10:00 16:40-20:00 10:00-13:20 20:00-23:20 13:20-16:40 n¸ n = Gay Say Guu ni =i =ï =¸ =i :i Goh Saa See Suu Soh Daa 23 24 25 00:00-3:20 3:20-6:40 6:40-10:00 16:40-20:00 10:00-13:20 20:00-23:20 13:20-16:40 :ï Dee uu Tha Jha Nja Day Doh Chaa Chee » ¬ ¤ : øï :¸ :i øi D 25 26 27 There is some difference of opinion as to the sounds for this nakshatra, both are given. With respect to Sanskrit phonetics, the D, Dh, and N sounds can be difficult to differentiate between: The D sound in the 8th and 9th nakshatras is retroflex (tongue reaches slightly back), as in rum. The T sound in the 11th and 12th nakshatras is retroflex, as in rue. The Th sound in the 13th nakshatra is retroflex, as in an ill. d t th T, Th, The D sound in the 25th, 26th and 27th nakshatras is dental (tongue reaches towards the teeth), as in ice. The Dh sound in the 2nd pada of the 20th nakshatra is dental, as in a ere. The Dh sound in the last pada of the 20th nakshatra is retroflex, as in re aired. The T sound in the 15th and 16th nakshatras is dental, as in wa . The Th sound in the 26th nakshatra is dental, as in nu ook The N sound in the 6th nakshatra is nasal, as in si . The N sound in the 13th nakshatra is retroflex, as in one. The N sound in the 17th and 18th nakshatras is dental, as in ut. The N sound in the 26th nakshatra is palatal (tongue presses the palate), as in si . There is no W sound in sanskrit, rather, V is a blend of V and W. d dh dh ter th ng n n nge 23:20-26:40 26:40-30:00 23:20-26:40 26:40-30:00 23:20-26:40 26:40-30:00 23:20-26:40 26:40-30:00 23:20-26:40 26:40-30:00 23:20-26:40 26:40-30:00 23:20-26:40 26:40-30:00 23:20-26:40 26:40-30:00 23:20-26:40 26:40-30:00 23:20-26:40 26:40-30:00 23:20-26:40 26:40-30:00 Conjunctions of Planets Conjunctions of Planets Conjunctions of Planets Conjunctions of Planets 189 11 11 11 11 Conjunctions of Planets Conjunctions of Planets Conjunctions of Planets Conjunctions of Planets In Vedic Astrology, a conjunction is defined as two or more planets being in the same rasi. This is slightly different than in Western Astrology where a conjunction is defined as two or more planets being within an orb of influence of each other. Following are some general influences of a planet upon any planet it may be conjunct with: Sun Illuminates, stabilizes, dignifies, burns, separates, individualizes, and gives independence to any planet it joins. Moon Reflects, comforts, soothes, nurtures, grows, socializes, and gives change and fickleness to any planet it joins. Mars Activates, breaks, fights, energizes, and gives strength, independence and rebelliousness to any planet it joins. Mercury Balances, supports, communicates, and gives flexibility, practicality, discrimination, and friendliness to any planet it joins. Jupiter Graces, expands, and gives forgiveness and understanding to any planet it joins. The influence of a strong Jupiter is a healing balm that indicates eventual gain and fulfillment. 190 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Venus Refines, comforts, loves and values, and gives enjoyment, ease, and luxury to any planet it joins. Saturn Separates, isolates, detaches, suppresses, and gives coldness and narrowness to any planet it joins. INFLUENCE OF PLANETARY RELATIONSHIPS Remember always that a planet that is a friend of another supports the other’s natural characteristics, unless it is at variance with its own characteristics; and that a planet that is an enemy of another harms the natural characteristics of the other, except if they share a similar indication. Planets in conjunction may be natural friends, but they are always temporal enemies, so they will never be friends, at best they will be neutral. They are therefore only capable of supporting each other to a partial degree, to the degree that they have mutual goals. MULTIPLE PLANET CONJUNCTIONS Following are some important guidelines from the classical texts for determining the effects of conjunctions on the house the conjunction takes place in: “The combination of two or more planets always affects the house concerned. The effects of such combinations may also yield a poisonous mixture as honey and ghee mixed together.” -Hora Sara Any planets in conjunction put a lot of emphasis on the house they are placed in. This will always be a significant house for the native. More often than not planets in conjunction will be enemies. As a result, conjunct planets have a greater capacity to create difficulties in the house they are in than if they were there separately. Conjunctions of Planets Conjunctions of Planets Conjunctions of Planets Conjunctions of Planets 191 “If benefics only join in a house, the effects produced will be very superior. Inauspicious results will follow if malefics join together. If benefics and malefics join, then the effects will be mixed.” -Hora Sara “If benefics are in conjunction at birth, the native will enjoy wealth, sovereignty and fame. Such a combination produces an emperor capable of ruling the earth. Should three malefics join at birth, the native will be unlucky, indigent, grief-stricken, ugly and immodest.” -Saravali Beneficial conjunctions are preferred and increase the good effects of the house they are in. Malefic conjunctions focus a great deal of malefic energy on the house they are in, destroying the house. When benefics are conjunct, though they may be enemies, they will not harm each other, they will just not lend support. Malefics conjunct, and being enemies, however, will harm each other. “If four or more planets join in a house, only mixed effects will follow. The results will manifest in the dasa and bukti, depending on the good and bad disposition of the planets.” -Hora Sara “If five or six planets join, normally such natives will be penniless, subjected to grief and dull-witted.” -Saravali Two many planets in a house tend to bring misery, even if they are benefics and in good dignity they tend to bring discontent and suffering. When there are 4 or more planets in a house, the happiness realized from the house becomes significantly reduced. If any planets are in bad dignity, the effects of the house are most likely destroyed. Multiple planet conjunctions are therefore not preferred except in the following cases: “The native who has three or more planets together in lagna, 10 th or 9 th , will engage himself in multifarious activities, have numerous good qualities, be extremely intelligent, and enjoy like a lord of wealth.” -Hora Sara 192 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Star Chart Star Chart Star Chart Star Chart Constellations and Nakshatras- each nakshatra is marked by a particular star. Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects 193 12 12 12 12 Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects A planet influences the other rasis and planets. This is known as the aspect of the planet. The Sanskrit name for aspect is Drishti, meaning, “sight.” The planets are considered to be looking at other planets and houses. A planet or house is modified in nature by any planets which aspect them in accordance with the aspecting planets nature. The nature of an aspect, whether auspicious or inauspicious, is dependent upon the planet’s benefic or malefic nature, not upon the degree of the aspect itself, as is common in western astrology. The degree of the aspect, however, influences the strength of the aspect. Following are the aspects of the planets: All planets aspect the 7 th (180 degrees) from themselves with full strength. All planets aspect the 4 th (90 degrees) and 8 th (210 degrees) from themselves with 3/4 strength. All planets aspect the 5 th (120 degrees) and 9 th (240 degrees) from themselves with 1/2 strength. All planets aspect the 3 rd (60 degrees) and 10 th (270 degrees) from themselves with 1/4 strength. In addition Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn have special full strength aspects as below: Mars aspects the 4 th (90 degrees) and 8 th (210 degrees) from himself with full strength. Jupiter aspects the 5 th (120 degrees) and 9 th (240 degrees) from himself with full strength. Saturn aspects the 3 rd (60 degrees) and 10 th (270 degrees) from itself with full strength. 194 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Planets cause no aspects whatsoever from 300 - 360 degrees, from 00 - 30 degrees and at 150 degrees. The full strength of a planetary aspect is 60 Virupas. The planets, therefore, aspect other planets and points in the horoscope anywhere from 0 - 60 Virupas. Planetary aspects are not mutual; one planet may aspect another without being aspected in return. The common practice is to consider only the full aspects and that based only on rasis, not on degrees. For example, if the Sun were in Aries it would be considered to aspect any planet in the 7 th rasi from Libra, no matter the degree. In actual practice it is possible for a planet to be at the last degree of Aries aspecting a planet at the first degree of Libra. The difference from the aspecting planet to the aspected planet would then be 152 degrees, at 150 degrees an aspect has zero strength, so to consider this 152 degree aspect as full is not accurate, in fact the strength of the aspect would be only 4 virupas, very negligible. There is a bit of extra work involved in calculating the exact aspectual value, but once done it simplifies reading the horoscope and increases accuracy. Fortunately we now have computer software to easily do these calculations for us. If software is not available to you that does this, you can do the calculations by hand. Following are the calculations to determine the aspectual values of a planet's aspect: Subtract the longitude of the aspecting planet from that of the aspected planet: 1. If the difference is greater than 300 degrees, or less than 30 degrees, there is no aspect, the Virupas are 0. 2. If the difference is between 180 degrees and 300 degrees then: (300 - degrees)/2 = Virupas. 1. If the aspecting planet is Mars, and the difference is between 180 and 210 degrees then: Virupas = 60. Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects 195 2. If the aspecting planet is Mars, and the difference is between 210 - 240 degrees then: 60 - (degrees - 210) = Virupas. 3. If the aspecting planet is Jupiter, and the difference is between 210 - 240 degrees then: (degrees - 210)/2 + 45 = Virupas. 4. If the aspecting planet is Jupiter, and the difference is between 240 - 270 degrees then: (270 - degrees) 1.5 + 15 = Virupas. 5. If the aspecting planet is Saturn, and the difference is between 240 - 270 degrees then: (degrees - 240) + 30 = Virupas. 6. If the aspecting planet is Saturn, and the difference is between 270 - 300 degrees then: (300 - degrees) 2 = Virupas. 3. If the difference is between 150 degrees and 180 degrees then: (degrees - 150) 2 = Virupas. 4. If the difference is between 120 degrees and 150 degrees then: 150 - degrees = Virupas. 1. If the aspecting planet is Jupiter then: (150 - degrees) 2 = Virupas. 5. If the difference is between 90 degrees and 120 degrees then: (120 - degrees)/2 + 30 = Virupas. 1. If the aspecting planet is Mars then: 60 - (degrees - 90) = Virupas. 2. If the aspecting planet is Jupiter then: (degrees - 90) 2 + 45 = Virupas. 6. If the difference is between 60 degrees and 90 degrees then: (degrees - 60) + 15 = Virupas. 1. If the aspecting planet is Mars then: (degrees - 60) 1.5 + 15 = Virupas. 2. If the aspecting planet is Saturn then: 60 - (degrees - 60)/2 = Virupas. 196 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens 7. If the difference is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees then: (degrees - 30)/2 = Virupas. 1. If the aspecting planet is Saturn then: (degrees - 30) 2 = Virupas. Tables are also being provided at the end of the chapter to make the task of calculating aspectual values quick and easy. In order to use the tables you will have to first determine how many degrees the aspected planet or point is from the aspecting planet. To do this, subtract the degrees of the aspecting planet from that of the aspected; find these degrees in the tables and refer to the virupa strength of the aspect. Note that there are different tables for the different planets. ASPECTS OF RAHU AND KETU There are different views regarding the aspects of Rahu and Ketu. Some do not consider them to have any aspect at all. Those who do consider Rahu and Ketu to have aspects, generally consider them to aspect the 5 th (120 degrees), 7 th (180 degrees) and 9 th (240 degrees) with full strength, similar to Jupiter's aspect. However, none of the astrological treatises ascribed to any of the rishis gives aspects to Rahu and Ketu. I believe that due to a factor called Argala, which exerts a type of influence on a planet, Rahu and Ketu have mistakenly been thought to aspect the 5 th and 9 th places from them. Argala is not a commonly used, nor a commonly understood factor in astrology. It is however an important factor that is being reserved for discussion in another work devoted to like principles and techniques. My belief is that Rahu and Ketu do exert an influence onto the 5 th and 9 th places from them, but through Argala, not through aspect. An aspect influences a planet directly due to the aspecting planets nature, it colors what it aspects accordingly, Rahu and Ketu influencing the 5 th and 9 th do not do this. I have found that trying to use planetary aspects for Rahu and Ketu will be misleading and a source of confusion when making predictions. Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects 197 PLANETARY ASPECTS IN THE DIVISIONAL CHARTS The aspects of the planets is based upon the planets each having a range of vision from 30 - 300 degrees, with a blind spot at 150 degrees. In the divisional charts, such as the navamsa, planets do not cast any planetary aspects since the planets do not have degrees in these charts. INFLUENCE OF PLANETS ASPECTING PLANETS The effect of a planet aspecting another planet is similar to that given previously for the conjunctions in the chapter, “Conjunctions of Planets.” The important difference is that a planet can be aspected by a friend, enemy, or neutral, while a planet can only be conjunct with an enemy or friend. 1. If a planet is aspected by a friend, its nature is supported by the qualities of the aspecting planet, unless the quality of the aspecting planet is contrary to the quality of the aspected planet. 2. If a planet is aspected by an enemy, its nature is harmed by the qualities of the aspecting planet, unless the quality of the aspecting planet is similar to the quality of the aspected planet. 3. If a planet is aspected by a neutral the qualities it has that are similar with those of the aspecting planet get supported while those qualities it has that are contrary to those of the aspecting planet are weakened. These guidelines hold true for rasi aspects as well, as presented in the next chapter, “Rasi Aspects.” In order to provide a visual understanding of the planetary aspects, graphs illustrating the aspects are located with the aspect tables below: 198 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Aspects of Sun, Moon, Mercury and Venus Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR 30 00 60 15 90 45 120 30 150 00 180 60 210 45 240 30 270 15 31 0.5 61 16 91 44.5 121 29 151 2 181 59.5 211 44.5 241 29.5 271 14.5 32 1 62 17 92 44 122 28 152 4 182 59 212 44 242 29 272 14 33 1.5 63 18 93 43.5 123 27 153 6 183 58.5 213 43.5 243 28.5 273 13.5 34 2 64 19 94 43 124 26 154 8 184 58 214 43 244 28 274 13 35 2.5 65 20 95 42.5 125 25 155 10 185 57.5 215 42.5 245 27.5 275 12.5 36 3 66 21 96 42 126 24 156 12 186 57 216 42 246 27 276 12 37 3.5 67 22 97 41.5 127 23 157 14 187 56.5 217 41.5 247 26.5 277 11.5 38 4 68 23 98 41 128 22 158 16 188 56 218 41 248 26 278 11 39 4.5 69 24 99 40.5 129 21 159 18 189 55.5 219 40.5 249 25.5 279 10.5 40 5 70 25 100 40 130 20 160 20 190 55 220 40 250 25 280 10 41 5.5 71 26 101 39.5 131 19 161 22 191 54.5 221 39.5 251 24.5 281 9.5 42 6 72 27 102 39 132 18 162 24 192 54 222 39 252 24 282 9 43 6.5 73 28 103 38.5 133 17 163 26 193 53.5 223 38.5 253 23.5 283 8.5 44 7 74 29 104 38 134 16 164 28 194 53 224 38 254 23 284 8 45 7.5 75 30 105 37.5 135 15 165 30 195 52.5 225 37.5 255 22.5 285 7.5 46 8 76 31 106 37 136 14 166 32 196 52 226 37 256 22 286 7 47 8.5 77 32 107 36.5 137 13 167 34 197 51.5 227 36.5 257 21.5 287 6.5 48 9 78 33 108 36 138 12 168 36 198 51 228 36 258 21 288 6 49 9.5 79 34 109 35.5 139 11 169 38 199 50.5 229 35.5 259 20.5 289 5.5 50 10 80 35 110 35 140 10 170 40 200 50 230 35 260 20 290 5 51 10.5 81 36 111 34.5 141 9 171 42 201 49.5 231 34.5 261 19.5 291 4.5 52 11 82 37 112 34 142 8 172 44 202 49 232 34 262 19 292 4 53 11.5 83 38 113 33.5 143 7 173 46 203 48.5 233 33.5 263 18.5 293 3.5 54 12 84 39 114 33 144 6 174 48 204 48 234 33 264 18 294 3 55 12.5 85 40 115 32.5 145 5 175 50 205 47.5 235 32.5 265 17.5 295 2.5 56 13 86 41 116 32 146 4 176 52 206 47 236 32 266 17 296 2 57 13.5 87 42 117 31.5 147 3 177 54 207 46.5 237 31.5 267 16.5 297 1.5 58 14 88 43 118 31 148 2 178 56 208 46 238 31 268 16 298 1 59 14.5 89 44 119 30.5 149 1 179 58 209 45.5 239 30.5 269 15.5 299 0.5 Degrees from the Sun, Moon, Mercury or Venus to the Aspected Full 3/4 1/2 1/4 60 Virupas 45 Virupas 30 Virupas 15 Virupas 00 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360 Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects 199 Aspects of Mars Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VRDeg VR Deg VR 30 00 60 15 90 60 120 30 150 00 180 60 210 60 240 30 270 15 31 0.5 61 16.5 91 59 121 29 151 2 181 60 211 59 241 29.5 271 14.5 32 1 62 18 92 58 122 28 152 4 189260 212 58 242 29 272 14 33 1.5 63 19.5 93 57 123 27 153 6 183 60 213 56 243 28.5 273 13.5 34 2 64 21 94 56 124 26 154 8 184 60 214 56 244 28 274 13 35 2.5 65 22.5 95 55 125 25 155 10 185 60 215 55 245 27.5 275 12.5 36 3 66 24 96 54 126 24 156 12 186 60 216 54 246 27 276 12 37 3.5 67 25.5 97 53 127 23 157 14 187 60 217 53 247 26.5 277 11.5 38 4 68 27 98 52 128 22 158 16 188 60 218 52 248 26 278 11 39 4.5 69 28.5 99 51 129 21 159 18 189 60 219 51 249 25.5 279 10.5 40 5 70 30 100 50 130 20 160 20 190 60 220 50 250 25 280 10 41 5.5 71 31.5 101 49 131 19 161 22 191 60 221 49 251 24.5 281 9.5 42 6 72 33 102 48 132 18 162 24 192 60 222 48 252 24 282 9 43 6.5 73 34.5 103 47 133 17 163 26 193 60 223 47 253 23.5 283 8.5 44 7 74 36 104 46 134 16 164 28 194 60 224 46 254 23 284 8 45 7.5 75 37.5 105 45 135 15 165 30 195 60 225 45 255 22.5 285 7.5 46 8 76 39 106 44 136 14 166 32 196 60 226 44 256 22 286 7 47 8.5 77 40.5 107 43 137 13 167 34 197 60 227 43 257 21.5 287 6.5 48 9 78 42 108 42 138 12 168 36 198 60 228 42 258 21 288 6 49 9.5 79 43.5 109 41 139 11 169 38 199 60 229 41 259 20.5 289 5.5 50 10 80 45 110 40 140 10 170 40 200 60 230 40 260 20 290 5 51 10.5 81 46.5 111 39 141 9 171 42 201 60 231 39 261 19.5 291 4.5 52 11 82 48 112 38 142 8 172 44 202 60 232 38 262 19 292 4 53 11.5 83 49.5 113 37 143 7 173 46 203 60 233 37 263 18.5 293 3.5 54 12 84 51 114 36 144 6 174 48 204 60 234 36 264 18 294 3 55 12.5 85 52.5 115 35 145 5 175 50 205 60 235 35 265 17.5 295 2.5 56 13 86 54 116 34 146 4 176 52 206 60 236 34 266 17 296 2 57 13.5 87 55.5 117 33 147 3 177 54 207 60 237 33 267 16.5 297 1.5 58 14 88 57 118 32 148 2 178 56 208 60 238 32 268 16 298 1 59 14.5 89 58.5 119 31 149 1 179 58 209 60 239 31 269 15.5 299 0.5 Degrees from Mars to the Aspected Full 3/4 1/2 1/4 60 Virupas 45 Virupas 30 Virupas 15 Virupas 00 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360 200 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Aspects of Jupiter Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR 30 00 60 15 90 45 120 60 150 00 180 60 210 45 240 60 270 15 31 0.5 61 16 91 45.5 121 58 151 2 181 59.5 211 45.5 241 58.5 271 14.5 32 1 62 17 92 46 122 56 152 4 189259 212 46 242 57 272 14 33 1.5 63 18 93 46.5 123 54 153 6 183 58.5 213 46.5 243 55.5 273 13.5 34 2 64 19 94 47 124 52 154 8 184 58 214 47 244 54 274 13 35 2.5 65 20 95 47.5 125 50 155 10 185 57.5 215 47.5 245 52.5 275 12.5 36 3 66 21 96 48 126 48 156 12 186 57 216 48 246 51 276 12 37 3.5 67 22 97 48.5 127 46 157 14 187 56.5 217 48.5 247 49.5 277 11.5 38 4 68 23 98 49 128 44 158 16 188 56 218 49 248 48 278 11 39 4.5 69 24 99 49.5 129 42 159 18 189 55.5 219 49.5 249 46.5 279 10.5 40 5 70 25 100 50 130 40 160 20 190 55 220 50 250 45 280 10 41 5.5 71 26 101 50.5 131 38 161 22 191 54.5 221 50.5 251 43.5 281 9.5 42 6 72 27 102 51 132 36 162 24 192 54 222 51 252 42 282 9 43 6.5 73 28 103 51.5 133 34 163 26 193 53.5 223 51.5 253 40.5 283 8.5 44 7 74 29 104 52 134 32 164 28 194 53 224 52 254 39 284 8 45 7.5 75 30 105 52.5 135 30 165 30 195 52.5 225 52.5 255 37.5 285 7.5 46 8 76 31 106 53 136 28 166 32 196 52 226 53 256 36 286 7 47 8.5 77 32 107 53.5 137 26 167 34 197 51.5 227 53.5 257 34.5 287 6.5 48 9 78 33 108 54 138 24 168 36 198 51 228 54 258 33 288 6 49 9.5 79 34 109 54.5 139 22 169 38 199 50.5 229 54.5 259 31.5 289 5.5 50 10 80 35 110 55 140 20 170 40 200 50 230 55 260 30 290 5 51 10.5 81 36 111 55.5 141 18 171 42 201 49.5 231 55.5 261 28.5 291 4.5 52 11 82 37 112 56 142 16 172 44 202 49 232 56 262 27 292 4 53 11.5 83 38 113 56.5 143 14 173 46 203 48.5 233 56.5 263 25.5 293 3.5 54 12 84 39 114 57 144 12 174 48 204 48 234 57 264 24 294 3 55 12.5 85 40 115 57.5 145 10 175 50 205 47.5 235 57.5 265 22.5 295 2.5 56 13 86 41 116 58 146 8 176 52 206 47 236 58 266 21 296 2 57 13.5 87 42 117 58.5 147 6 177 54 207 46.5 237 58.5 267 19.5 297 1.5 58 14 88 43 118 59 148 4 18 56 208 46 238 59 268 18 298 1 59 14.5 89 44 119 59.5 149 2 179 58 209 45.5 239 59.5 269 16.5 299 0.5 Degrees from Jupiter to the Aspected Full 3/4 1/2 1/4 60 Virupas 45 Virupas 30 Virupas 15 Virupas 00 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360 Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects Planetary Aspects 201 Aspects of Saturn Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VR Deg VRDeg VR Deg VR 30 00 60 60 90 45 120 30 150 00 180 60 210 45 240 30 270 60 31 2 61 59.5 91 44.5 121 29 151 2 181 59.5 211 44.5 241 31 271 58 32 4 62 59 92 44 122 28 152 4 189259 212 44 242 32 272 56 33 6 63 58.5 93 43.5 123 27 153 6 183 58.5 213 43.5 243 33 273 54 34 8 64 58 94 43 124 26 154 8 184 58 214 43 244 34 274 52 35 10 65 57.5 95 42.5 125 25 155 10 185 57.5 215 42.5 245 35 275 50 36 12 66 57 96 42 126 24 156 12 186 57 216 42 246 36 276 48 37 14 67 56.5 97 41.5 127 23 157 14 187 56.5 217 41.5 247 37 277 46 38 16 68 56 98 41 128 22 158 16 188 56 218 41 248 38 278 44 39 18 69 55.5 99 40.5 129 21 159 18 189 55.5 219 40.5 249 39 279 42 40 20 70 55 100 40 130 20 160 20 190 55 220 40 250 40 280 40 41 22 71 54.5 101 39.5 131 19 161 22 191 54.5 221 39.5 251 41 281 38 42 24 72 54 102 39 132 18 162 24 192 54 222 39 252 42 282 36 43 26 73 53.5 103 38.5 133 17 163 26 193 53.5 223 38.5 253 43 283 34 44 28 74 53 104 38 134 16 164 28 194 53 224 38 254 44 284 32 45 30 75 52.5 105 37.5 135 15 165 30 195 52.5 225 37.5 255 45 285 30 46 32 76 52 106 37 136 14 166 32 196 52 226 37 256 46 286 28 47 34 77 51.5 107 36.5 137 13 167 34 197 51.5 227 36.5 257 47 287 26 48 36 78 51 108 36 138 12 168 36 198 51 228 36 258 48 288 24 49 38 79 50.5 109 35.5 139 11 169 38 199 50.5 229 35.5 259 49 289 22 50 40 80 50 110 35 140 10 170 40 200 50 230 35 260 50 290 20 51 42 81 49.5 111 34.5 141 9 171 42 201 49.5 231 34.5 261 51 291 18 52 44 82 49 112 34 142 8 172 44 202 49 232 34 262 52 292 16 53 46 83 48.5 113 33.5 143 7 173 46 203 48.5 233 33.5 263 53 293 14 54 48 84 48 114 33 144 6 174 48 204 48 234 33 264 54 294 12 55 50 85 47.5 115 32.5 145 5 175 50 205 47.5 235 32.5 265 55 295 10 56 52 86 47 116 32 146 4 176 52 206 47 236 32 266 56 296 8 57 54 87 46.5 117 31.5 147 3 177 54 207 46.5 237 31.5 267 57 297 6 58 56 88 46 118 31 148 2 178 56 208 46 238 31 268 58 298 4 59 58 89 45.5 119 30.5 149 1 179 58 209 45.5 239 30.5 269 59 299 2 Degrees from Saturn to the Aspected Full 3/4 1/2 1/4 60 Virupas 45 Virupas 30 Virupas 15 Virupas 00 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360 202 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Rasi Yantra Rasi Yantra Rasi Yantra Rasi Yantra Sketch of a yantra from the Jaipur observatory built in the 1700’s. The stairlike centerpiece is actually a gnomon. Readings are taken on the curved sidepieces. There are twelve of these, one for each rasi, all slightly different and pointing in different directions. Rasi Aspect Rasi Aspect Rasi Aspect Rasi Aspects ss s 203 13 13 13 13 Rasi Aspects Rasi Aspects Rasi Aspects Rasi Aspects A unique feature of Vedic Astrology is that not only the planets have aspects, but also the rasis. Rasi aspects are not as commonly used as the planetary aspects, though they are given pride of place in Upadesa Sutras and Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra, two very ancient and most authoritative works. Each rasi aspects three other rasis. Following are the rasi aspects: A moveable rasi aspects the fixed rasis, except the fixed rasi right next to it. Aries aspects Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. Cancer aspects Scorpio, Aquarius, and Taurus. Libra aspects Aquarius, Taurus, and Leo. Capricorn aspects Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio. A fixed rasi aspects the movable rasis except the movable rasi right next to it. Taurus aspects Capricorn, Libra, and Cancer. Leo aspects Aries, Capricorn, and Libra. Scorpio aspects Cancer, Aries, and Capricorn. Aquarius aspects Libra, Cancer and Aries. A dual rasi aspects the other dual rasis. Gemini aspects Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. Virgo aspects Gemini, Pisces and Sagittarius. Sagittarius aspects Pisces, Gemini, and Virgo. Pisces aspects Sagittarius, Virgo and Gemini. Planets in a rasi aspect likewise. 204 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens In the table of rasi qualities in the chapter, “The Rasis,” the directions were given for the rasis; in addition to that there is another scheme of rasi direction that is used for some less common purposes. In this scheme: Aries and Taurus govern the East, Gemini the North East, Cancer and Leo the North, Virgo the North West, Libra and Scorpio the West, Sagittarius the South West, Capricorn and Aquarius the South, and Pisces governs the South East. The rasi aspects are actually based upon each rasi aspecting the three angular directions from it. Below is a South Indian style chart, which easily allows one to see the aspects in this context. The aspects are drawn in the dotted lines. A deep study of this diagram has much to offer: E E W W S S N N Rasi Aspect Rasi Aspect Rasi Aspect Rasi Aspects ss s 205 Rasi aspects present some interesting concepts: Moveable rasis are creative; they create and are therefore changeable. The fixed rasis are the reflections of the moveable rasis, they themselves are therefore not changeable, they can only change after the moveable rasis have changed. Each fixed rasi is aspected by three moveable rasis; therefore a fixed rasi can only change after changes have occurred in the three moveable rasis. In order to change those things in a fixed rasi, the houses and planets in the aspecting moveable rasis must first be changed. Changing those things in a moveable rasi brings about some change in the houses and planets falling in the aspected fixed rasis. SIMPLE YOGAS INVOLVING THE LAGNA Rasi aspects give very simple and very reliable results. Following are some important combinations from Upadesa Sutras based upon rasi aspects: 3 rd and 6 th House/Lord The 3 rd or 6 th lord in or aspecting the lagna indicates a native striving for knowledge, learned and intelligent. The lagna lord in or aspecting the 3 rd or 6 th house also indicates a native striving for knowledge, learned and intelligent. 5 th House/Lord The 5 th lord in or aspecting the lagna indicates a native even more intelligent, learned and striving for knowledge. The lagna lord in or aspecting the 5 th house also indicates a native even more intelligent, learned and striving for knowledge. 4 th House/Lord The 4 th lord in or aspecting the lagna indicates a happy native. The lagna lord in or aspecting the 4 th house indicates a happy native. 206 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens 8 th House/Lord The 8 th lord in or aspecting the lagna indicates a poor and roving native. The lagna lord in or aspecting the 8 th house also indicates a poor and roving native. Those natives with this combination have a lot of ups, downs, and changes in life that reduce stability, making it more difficult to be financially secure. 12 th House Lord The 12 th lord in or aspecting the lagna indicates a native in the habit of spending. The lagna lord in or aspecting the 12 th house also indicates a native in the habit of spending. 1 st House Lord The lagna lord aspecting the lagna indicates a strong, healthy and great nativity. The technique is simple, the house lord influencing the lagna, or the lagna lord influencing a house makes that house an important consideration for the native. Sambandha Sambandha Sambandha Sambandha 207 14 14 14 14 Sambandha Sambandha Sambandha Sambandha When two planets mutually influence each other they are said to be in Sambandha. Following are the manners in which Sambandha may occur: ASSOCIATION Planets in the same rasi are said to be in association, or union with one another. This is a very powerful Sambandha; also know as a conjunction. RASI ASPECT Planets in rasi aspect constitute a very powerful Sambandha. Note: The Association and Rasi Aspect are most important for determining Yogas, the many combinations that give specific effects. PLANETARY ASPECT Planets that mutually aspect each other through planetary aspects are considered to be in Sambandha. The aspectual strength in Virupas of the weaker aspect between the two planets indicates the strength of the Sambandha. DISPOSITORSHIP 1. The lord of a house (the dispositor) aspecting planets that are in his own rasi causes Sambandha to the strength of the planetary aspect. 2. A planet in a house aspecting the lord of that rasi (his dispositor) causes Sambandha to the strength of the planetary aspect. 208 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens NAKSHATRAS Planets can also have Sambandha through their nakshatra lords: 1. When two planets exchange nakshatras. For example: Mars in Mercury's nakshatra and Mercury in Mars' nakshatra. 2. When a planet is in a nakshatra and its nakshatra lord is in the rasi of the planet. For example: Mars in Mercury's nakshatra and Mercury in Aries or Scorpio. 3. A planet in a nakshatra aspected by its nakshatra lord causes Sambandha to the strength of the planetary aspect. 4. A planet in a nakshatra aspecting its nakshatra lord causes Sambandha to the strength of the aspect. These do not appear to be as powerful or significant as other connections. EXCHANGE- PARIVARTANA YOGA When two planets exchange rasis it is known as Parivartana. Exchange between planets is a very powerful Sambandha. The exchange between two planets forms some important yogas known as Parivartana Yogas, which according to Phaladeepika, follow: Dainya -misery- Yoga: The 6 th , 8 th or 12 th lord exchanged with another house lord other than another dusthana lord. “The native with Dainya Yoga at birth will be a fool, will revile others and indulge in sinful deeds. He is always in trouble from his enemies. He will speak harshly and will not have a stable mind. He will encounter obstacles in all his ventures.” “Dainya” means wretchedness, affliction, depressed, miserable. When the 6 th , 8 th , or 12 th lord exchanges with another house lord it destroys the effects of the house it interchanges with. The results of the yoga as ascribed by Phaladeepika affect primarily the houses involved not the entire character. Sambandha Sambandha Sambandha Sambandha 209 1. The 6 th lord creating this yoga indicates debts, obstacles and enmity in respect to the effects of the other house. 2. The 8 th lord creating this yoga indicates breaks, death and destruction to the indications of the other house. 3. The 12 th lord creating this yoga indicates expenditure on account of, and loss of, the indications of the other house. In the event that the 6 th , 8 th , or 12 th lord interchanges with the 6 th , 8 th or 12 th lord this is an auspicious yoga, known as Vipareet Raja Yoga. Vipareet Raja Yoga destroys difficulties, gives the capacity to overcome negativity, and causes one to learn and benefit from difficulties. Other planets involved in this yoga, however, suffer. For more on Vipareet Raja Yogas see the chapter entitled, “Raja Yogas.” Khala -cruel- Yoga: The 3 rd lord interchanged with another house lord other than a dusthana lord. “The native with Khala Yoga will occasionally be haughty and sometimes have sweet speech. There will be occasions when he will be very prosperous and then will be driven to poverty, unhappiness and misery.” “Khala” means mischievous or cruel. When the 3 rd lord interchanges with lords other than the 6 th , 8 th , or 12 th it creates ups and downs in respect to the other house. The personal and limited will of the 3 rd lord creates obstacles and disappointments for itself, as well as having a tendency towards selfishness. Sometimes the self-will is able to push ahead, but it lacks the grace to maintain a positive result. When mistakes are made, or one quits putting energy forth, then things will generally slide. When this yoga is formed, the house the 3 rd lord interchanges with will generally be an area where the native exhibits self-centeredness. 210 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Maha -great- Yoga: An interchange between any two of the 1 st , 2 nd , 4 th , 5 th , 7 th , 9 th , 10 th and 11 th lords. “The native with Maha Yoga will have the beneficence of the Goddess Sri Lakshmi and will be adorned with expensive and beautiful clothes and ornaments. One is revered and honored by the king. Holding a high position one will be rewarded with authority by the king. One will be blessed by sons and fully enjoy wealth and conveyances.” “Maha” means great, mighty, strong, and abundant. When any of the 1 st , 2 nd , 4 th , 5 th , 7 th , 9 th , 10 th , and 11 th lords interchange they create great affluence, as well as support of each other’s indications. HEMMING IN BETWEEN BENEFICS OR MALEFICS If a planet, or house, has benefics in the 2 nd and 12 th rasi from it, it is hemmed between benefics. If a planet, or house, has malefics in the 2 nd and 12 th rasi from it, it is hemmed between malefics. While not actually causing Sambandha, because there is no mutual influence, hemming in has a significant effect, which is as powerful as an aspect. Those planets or houses hemmed between benefics are furthered, and those hemmed between malefics are damaged. The dasa and antardasa of the benefics hemming a planet or house further the indications of that which they hem in. The dasa and antardasa of the malefics hemming a planet or house damage the indications of that which they hem in. Raja Yogas Raja Yogas Raja Yogas Raja Yogas 211 15 15 15 15 Raja Yogas Raja Yogas Raja Yogas Raja Yogas Raja is a king; Raja Yogas are combinations that uplift the native in life giving success, status, and respect. There are hundreds of Raja Yogas in Vedic Astrology. An in depth examination of the Raja Yogas present in a horoscope allows one to judge the heights one can reach in life. Raja Yogas in their entirety are a separate study; the Raja Yogas being given here are a few that are most commonly known and utilized. FORMATION OF RAJA YOGAS The angles are known as Vishnusthanas, houses of Vishnu. The trines are known as Lakshmisthanas, houses of Lakshmi. Sambandha between the lord of a trine and the lord of an angle forms Raja Yoga. The angles give concrete manifestation, the trines give fortune; their sambandha indicates fortune manifesting in the life of the native. The Association, Rasi Aspect and Parivartana (exchange) of the lords of these houses forms the most significant Raja Yogas as compared to other types of Sambandha. Additional rules according to Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra: 1. If the angle or trine lord also owns an evil house (3 rd , 6 th , 11 th , or 8 th ) then it does not cause Raja Yoga in the manner mentioned. 2. For Aries lagna, Sambandha between Saturn and Jupiter will not produce Raja Yoga in this manner. 3. For Gemini lagna, Sambandha between Jupiter and Saturn will not produce Raja Yoga in this manner. 4. For Leo lagna, Sambandha between Jupiter and Venus will not produce Raja Yoga in this manner. 212 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens 5. For Capricorn and Aquarius lagnas, Venus is the only planet that gives a full-fledged Raja Yoga, according to these principles. Note: In respect to rules 2, 3, and 4: The Parivartana between these planets are auspicious if the exchange is between their auspicious houses. With other types of Sambandha these combinations can give some mediocre results, but not a full-fledged Raja Yoga. RAJA YOGAKARAKAS If one planet rules an angle as well as a trine it will be a specific producer of Raja Yoga, a Yogakaraka. These planets are especially indicative of rise and success if they are placed in an angle or trine. This is only possible for six of the lagnas: 1. Mars for Cancer and Leo lagnas. 2. Venus for Capricorn and Aquarius lagnas. 3. Saturn for Taurus and Libra lagnas. RAHU AND KETU AS YOGAKARAKAS In these situations Rahu and Ketu become Raja Yogakarakas, planets that produce rise and success: 1. Rahu or Ketu in an angle, and aspected by or with a trine lord. 2. Rahu or Ketu in a trine, and aspected by or with an angle lord. Again, these are most significant when the aspects are rasi aspects, rather than planetary aspects. RAJA YOGAS IN THE NAVAMSA In the navamsa there are two manners in which these types of Raja Yogas may be formed: 1. An angle and trine lord from the rasi chart being conjunct in the navamsa, aspecting each other through rasi aspect in the navamsa, or in parivartana in the navamsa. Raja Yogas Raja Yogas Raja Yogas Raja Yogas 213 2. Rahu or Ketu in an angle in the rasi chart, being conjunct or aspected in the navamsa by a trine lord from the rasi chart. 3. Rahu or Ketu in a trine in the rasi chart, being conjunct or aspected in the navamsa by an angular lord from the rasi chart. 4. Reading the navamsa independently all these Raja Yogas can be considered from the navamsa lagna. In the event that a planet forms Raja Yoga in the rasi as well in the navamsa, then that planet is indicative of greater rise and success. VIPAREET RAJA YOGAS Another common type of raja yoga is the Vipareet Raja Yoga. These yogas involve the dusthanas and give success and upliftment in life by removing the obstacles to one's success. The results attributed by PhalaDeepika are as follows: Harsha -thrilling pleasure- Yoga: 6 th , 8 th or 12 th lord in the 6 th house. “One is endowed with happiness, enjoyment, children, good fortune, and a strong constitution. One will overcome their enemies, and will be fearful of committing sinful acts. A friend of illustrious and prominent people, one will have wealth, splendor, friends, and fame.” Sarala -straight- Yoga: 6 th , 8 th or 12 th lord in the 8 th house. “One will be long-lived, resolute, fearless, prosperous and endowed with learning, children and riches. Pure, one will achieve success in his undertakings, overcome his foes, and be widely celebrated.” Sarala means straight in the sense of honest, sincere, candid, artless, simple, etc. Vimala -pure- Yoga: 6 th , 8 th or 12 th lord in the 12 th house. “One will be good to everybody; happy, frugal, and independent, one is renowned for their good qualities, having a respectable profession and conduct.” 214 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Following are a few guidelines essential for the proper judgment of Vipareet Raja Yogas: 1. Other planets joining the lords of the 6 th , 8 th or 12 th that may be causing Vipareet Raja Yogas suffer, these yogas are then considered blemished and not capable of producing such good results. The influence of dusthana lords on dusthanas indicates that many difficult results of karma are destroyed, however, any planet involved with these dusthana lords indicates an area of life where there is still some difficult karma to reap, or some unhealthy tendencies to relinquish, therefore that planet's indications suffer greatly. 2. If the 6 th , 8 th or 12 th lord is a malefic and in its own 6 th , 8 th or 12 th house with Rahu or Ketu then there may be serious trouble with wealth and health. This is particularly so if another planet that is not a dusthana lord joins. 3. The lords of the 6 th , 8 th and 12 th houses in Sambandha give similar, though not as significant, effects. Yoga Karakas Yoga Karakas Yoga Karakas Yoga Karakas 215 16 16 16 16 Yoga Karakas Yoga Karakas Yoga Karakas Yoga Karakas Planets in angles from each other are considered to be of great importance in all systems of astrology. Western astrologers place particular emphasis to planets in square, 90 degrees, or 4/10 position from each other. They consider these planets to indicate developmental tension that is a result of some early stress that the native has to work out and develop into something useful. In fact the age of this stress can be determined simply by the amount of degrees the two concerned planets are from an exact 90 degrees aspect. Western astrologers consider planets in square to indicate great potential for the native, which one may be able to utilize with the proper effort. It is only through the techniques offered in Vedic astrology, however, that it can be determined whether this potential will be utilized. The Yoga Karaka Planets will indicate this. These Karaka Planets are not to be confused with the Yogakarakas as previously mentioned. Karaka means, “that which produces or creates.” Yoga Karaka Planets are two or more planets that join forces to produce “yoga,” in this context meaning “rise in life”. These planets also support and assist each other; in so doing they exponentially increase the degree of effects over that which would be given if the planets had no support. Two or more planets in angles identical with own, exaltation, or friendly rasis become Yoga Karakas. Some say planets in their own navamsa qualify as well. Planets placed in mutual angles to each other (1 st , 4 th , 7 th , or 10 th ), but in houses other than angles, with the dignities mentioned, also become Yoga Karakas. 216 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens These principles indicate that for planets to manifest potential while they are in 4/10 or in 7 th from each other it is desirable that they be in good dignity. Some additional rules for judging the inter-relationship of Yoga Karaka Planets are being given: 1. A planet in the 10 th house of the horoscope is especially significant when it becomes a Yoga Karaka. 2. The Yoga Karaka in the tenth house from another Yoga Karaka is the more significant for giving rise in life as well as producing effects beneficial to the Yoga Karaka it is in the 10 th from. 3. The Sun in the 10 th house from the lagna as a Yoga Karaka is especially significant. 4. The planets occupying the 4 th and 10 th from a planet in the lagna are the Karakas to the planet in the lagna, but the planet in the lagna is not a Karaka to them. These Karakas in the 4 th and 10 th operate under the sanction and to the benefit of the planet in the lagna. The planets in the 4 th and 10 th are more significant to give rise in life and success in their dasas. An extension of this principle applies to a planet not only in the lagna, but also to any planet with Yoga Karaka Planets in the 4 th and 10 th from it. This lends credit to the potential western astrologers attribute to the T-square and Grand Cross. Yoga Karaka Planets strengthen the horoscope in the following ways: 1. They give success and upliftment in their dasas. 2. They assist the native in rising above the family average. 3. Other yogas in the horoscope significantly improve and are more productive in the event that the planets forming them benefit through Yoga Karaka Planets. 4. The indications of the concerned planets mutually flourish, support and benefit each other. 5. The dasas and antardasas of these planets are beneficial and give fulfillment of the planets indications and lordships. Navamsa Navamsa Navamsa Navamsa 217 17 17 17 17 Navamsa Navamsa Navamsa Navamsa Vedic astrology makes use of several divisional charts in order to analyze the horoscope completely. These divisional charts are known as Vargas Amongst the many Vargas the most important is the navamsa, or ninth division: The navamsa is derived by dividing each rasi into nine portions of 3 degrees and 20 minutes. The first navamsa of a rasi belongs to the cardinal rasi of that element. The other navamsas follow in the regular order of the rasis. For instance, the first navamsa of Leo, a fiery rasi, is governed by Aries the cardinal fire rasi. The second navamsa of Leo is governed by Taurus, and so on. In total there are 108 navamsas in the zodiac. Each navamsa is also one pada, or one quarter, of a nakshatra. Three navamsas equal 10 degrees. The following table illustrates the navamsas: Fire Rasis Earth Rasis Air Rasis Water Rasis Degrees D DD D H HH H L LL L M MM M E EE E I II I J JJ J N NN N F FF F G GG G K KK K O OO O 00-3:20 D M J G 3:20-6:40 E N K H 6:40-10 F O L I 10-13:20 G D M J 13:20-16:40 H E N K 16:40-20 I F O L 20-23:20 J G D M 23:20-26:40 K H E N 26:40-30 L I F O 218 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens A chart is erected with all of the planets and the lagna in their respective navamsas. This navamsa chart is a very important factor for reading horoscopes. There are many techniques for using the navamsa, though it is most effectively used in conjunction with the rasi chart. Forthcoming chapters will explain some uses of the navamsa chart. NAVAMSA IN DASA ANALYSIS The dasa lord gives the effects of the planets falling in their navamsas. These effects will be auspicious or inauspicious dependent upon the influences upon the dasa lord. VARGOTTAMA Vargottama is the term used to describe a planet that is in the same rasi in the navamsa chart as it is in the rasi chart. The term means “the best or highest division.” The first navamsa (00-3:20 degrees) of a movable rasi, the middle navamsa (13:20-16:40 degrees) of a fixed rasi, and the last navamsa (26:40-30 degrees) of a dual rasi are the vargottama navamsas. A planet in vargottama is capable of more significant auspicious effects. It is also more consistent in its effects. Malefics in vargottama are not destructive, and though giving difficulties along the way, they generally provide success and obtainment to those things they join or rasi aspect. Furthermore, the dasa of a planet in Vargottama is very good, but if the planet is also debilitated or combust the dasa is mixed. The following yoga from Jataka Parijata indicates the auspicious effect of a planet in vargottama: “The individual, born when the lagna or Moon is Vargottama will be happy and prosperous throughout life.” And from Hora Ratnam: “One born in a vargottama lagna will be prime among his clan.” Dispositors Dispositors Dispositors Dispositors 219 18 18 18 18 Dispositors Dispositors Dispositors Dispositors The lord of the rasi in which a particular planet is placed is known as the dispositor of that planet. The dispositor has an important influence on the planets it rules; the residents of a house can only enjoy as much prosperity as does the lord of the house. We have already shown the importance of dispositors in causing Neechabhanga Raja Yogas, cancellation of debilitation. By the same token, if a planet is exalted, or otherwise well situated, and its dispositor is poorly placed, then the planet will not be able to do what one would expect of it. The role of dispositors is also important in judging the benefic or malefic nature of a planet. If a malefic planet such as Mars is the dispositor of two benefics, such as Mercury and Venus, his malefic nature will be toned down and modified to some degree by these planets which he lords over. Similarly, a malefic planet like Mars as the dispositor of other malefics, say Saturn and Rahu, increases his malefic nature. A man is known by the company he keeps and if he has demons living in his house he must be of like nature. Finally, the dispositor of a planet affects the motivation and temporal disposition of a planet. It can do so in the following ways: 1. If the final dispositor of a temporal benefic is a temporal malefic, the temporal benefic operates under the sanction, and therefore motivation, of the temporal malefic. 2. If the final dispositor of a temporal malefic is a temporal benefic, the temporal malefic operates under the sanction, and therefore motivation, of the temporal benefic. An example of a final dispositor: If the Sun is in Gemini, ruled by Mercury, Mercury is in Taurus, ruled by Venus, and Venus is in Libra, 220 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens her own sign; then Venus becomes the final dispositor of the Sun and Mercury, who both therefore operate under Venus’ sanction. The planets which are the final dispositors within a horoscope are of great importance for determining what motivational impulse the native is operating under, be it for his own sake as the doer, for dharma’s sake, from self-will or wisdom, etc. Four possibilities exist: 1. Sometimes there is only one final dispositor in the horoscope; this is a true final dispositor. In this case the motivational impulse of the individual is easily determined by analyzing this planet. 2. More often there are two or three final dispositors. In this case the planet that rules more planets will indicate the most significant motivational impulse. To be more exact: the planet that rules the greater total in Shad Bala of planets, including itself, will indicate the most powerful motivational impulse. 3. Sometimes two or more planets will dispose over each other in a continuous circuit. For instance Mars is in Mercury’s house and Mercury is in Venus’ house, Venus is in Mars’ house, which is, as already stated, in Mercury’s house. In this case the total Shad Balas of all the temporal benefics should be compared to the total Shad Balas of all the temporal malefics. The higher indicates the motivational impulse. 4. Often a neutral planet will be the final dispositor. Temporally neutral planets are angular lords, the 2 nd , 8 th , and 12 th lords, when they are in these houses respectively they become a neutral final dispositor. In this case the total Shad Balas of all the temporal benefics disposed by the temporal neutral should be compared to the total Shad Balas of all the temporal malefics disposed by the temporal neutral. The higher indicates the motivational impulse. 5. Most importantly the final dispositor, or final dispositors, whatever the case may be, indicate the important theme or themes in life, dependent upon the houses they are in. Dispositors Dispositors Dispositors Dispositors 221 DISPOSITORS AND DASA RESULTS A planet can become a dispositor in three ways: 1. By ruling a planet in the rasi chart. This becomes the rasi dispositor. 2. By ruling a planet’s navamsa. This becomes the navamsa dispositor. 3. By ruling a planet’s nakshatra. This becomes the nakshatra dispositor. In all these cases a planet, during its dasa, will give the effects of the planets it is the dispositor of. If the dasa lord is well situated, then those planets it is disposing will flourish. If the dasa lord is poorly situated, then those planets it is disposing will suffer. This is an important principle necessary to judge the full effects of a dasa lord. DISPOSITORS IN JUDGING THE HOROSCOPE The rasi, navamsa and nakshatra dispositors of any planet may be considered in order to more fully judge the well being or otherwise of any planet. 222 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens A Western horoscope that has been verified (in May 1864) to be by the hand of the great German astronomer, Johannes Kepler. In the West, as in the East, the old astronomers were astrologers. The horoscope is one of Hans Hannibal Hutter von Huttershofen, an Austrian nobleman, born at 5 p.m. on September 10, 1586. The horoscope was found at the University of California, Santa Cruz, McHenry Library, which holds some early records of observatories. The chart is similar to the North Indian style chart. The only difference is that the ascendant is on the left, while in the Indian chart the ascendant is at the top. Until recent years Western Astrologers used this type of chart. Shad Bala Shad Bala Shad Bala Shad Bala 223 19 19 19 19 Shad Bala Shad Bala Shad Bala Shad Bala Shad Bala is a sophisticated method for determining the inherent strength of a planet. Inherent strength is purely a measurement of raw strength; it is completely different from auspicious strength. Shad Bala simply measures the amount of weight a planet can carry, whether it is carrying lead or gold other factors determine. Shad means six, and Bala means strength. Shad Bala refers to six particular sources that a planet derives its strength from. Following is a brief description of the six sources of strength that constitute Shad Bala: STHANA BALA- POSITIONAL STRENGTH 1. Uccha Bala- Exaltation strength: A planet in deep exaltation gains 60 virupas of strength, in deep debilitation it gains none, in between a fraction of 60 virupas is given. 2. Saptavarga Bala- Strength from the seven divisional charts: In the rasi, hora, drekkana, saptamsa, navamsa, dvadasamsa, and trimsamsa planets gain 45 virupas in moolatrikona, 30 in own rasi, 20 in a great friends rasi, 15 in a friends rasi, 10 in a neutral’s rasi, 4 in an enemies rasi, and 2 in a great enemies rasi. 3. Ojayugmarasyamsa Bala- Odd and even rasi and navamsa strength: Venus and the Moon gain 15 virupas in an even rasi and 15 virupas in an even navamsa, the other planets gain this odd rasis and navamsas. 4. Kendra Bala- Angular strength: A planet in an angle gains 60 virupas, in a panapara 30, and in apoklimas 15. 5. Drekkana Bala: Male planets gain 15 virupas in the first drekkana of a rasi, female planets gain 15 in the second drekkana of a rasi and neuter planets gain 15 in the third drekkana of a rasi. Drekkana is 1/3 of a rasi. 224 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens A planet is particularly strong in Sthana Bala when the Sthana Bala virupas are no less than: Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn 165VR 133VR 96VR 165VR 165VR 133VR 96VR “A planet strong in Sthana Bala indicates abundant fortune, honor, wealth, skillfulness, energy, and the ability to destroy the power of one’s enemies.” -Sambhu Hora Prakasa, 12, 1 DIG BALA- DIRECTIONAL STRENGTH The Sun and Mars are strong in the 10 th house, the Moon and Venus in the 4 th , Jupiter and Mercury in the 1 st and Saturn in the 7 th . A planet gains 60 virupas when on the house cusp of the house it has digbala in, on the opposite house cusp it gains zero. In between it gains a fraction of 60 virupas. A planet is particularly strong in Dig Bala when the Dig Bala Virupas are no less than: Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn 35VR 50VR 30VR 35VR 35VR 50VR 30VR “A planet with Dig Bala will lead the native, in its dasa, to the direction indicated by it, giving them honors, gains and happiness.” -Sambhu Hora Prakasa, 12, 2 KALA BALA- TIME STRENGTH 1. Nathonnatha Bala- Night/day strength: Moon, Mars and Saturn gain 60 virupas of strength at midnight and 0 at midday. The Sun, Jupiter and Venus gain 60 virupas at midday and 0 at midnight. Mercury gains full strength at all times. 2. Paksha Bala: At full Moon the benefics gain 60 virupas, the malefics 0. When the Moon is completely dark the malefics gain 60 virupas and the benefics 0. In between they gain a ratio of the above. Shad Bala Shad Bala Shad Bala Shad Bala 225 3. Tribhaga Bala- Third portion strength: Mercury gains 60 virupas in the first 3 rd of the daytime, the Sun gains 60 in the second 3 rd of the daytime, Saturn gains 60 in the last 3 rd of the daytime, the Moon gains 60 in the first 3 rd of the night, Venus gains 60 in the second 3 rd of the night, and Mars gains 60 virupas in the last 3 rd of the night. Jupiter gains 60 virupas at all times. 4. Abda Bala- Year strength: The year lord gains 15 virupas. 5. Masa Bala- Month strength: The lord of the month gains 30 virupas. 6. Vara Bala- Day strength: The lord of the day gains 45 virupas. 7. Hora Bala- Hour strength: the lord of the hora gains 60 virupas. 8. Ayana Bala- strength due to the planets being north or south of the equator: A complex calculation, the Moon and Saturn gain 60 virupas in the south and 0 in the north, the others, except Mercury, gain 60 in the north and 0 in the south, Mercury gains 60 in the north, 60 in the south and 30 in the exact middle. A planet is particularly strong in Ayana Bala when the Ayana Bala Virupas are no less than: Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn 30VR 40VR 20VR 30VR 30VR 40VR 20VR A planet is particularly strong in Kala Bala when the Kala Bala Virupas are no less than: Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn 112VR 100VR 67VR 112VR 112VR 100VR 67VR “A planet with Kala Bala destroys one’s enemies and increases possessions, lands, elephants and horses. The native enjoys gems, robes, fame pleasures, and gains wealth.” -Sambhu Hora Prakasa, 12, 3 CHESHTA BALA- MOTIONAL STRENGTH A complex calculation involving the mean longitude, the true longitude and the apogee of the planets. The basic idea is that a 226 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens planet gains 60 virupas when it is closest in its course to the Earth during which time it is retrograde, and 0 virupas when it is behind the Sun. The Sun’s Cheshta Bala is the same as his ayana bala, and the Moon’s is the same as his Paksha Bala. A planet is particularly strong in Cheshta Bala when the Cheshta Bala Virupas are no less than: Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn 50VR 30VR 40VR 50VR 50VR 30VR 40VR “The planet with Cheshta Bala sometimes grants kingship, sometimes devotion, sometimes wealth, and sometimes glory.” -Jataka Bharnam, 35, 7 NAISARGIKA BALA- NATURAL STRENGTH Strength due to the planet’s natural brilliance. Sun, Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars and Saturn are in their order the strongest to the weakest. Divide 60 by 7 and multiply this by 7 for the Sun, 6 for the Moon, 5 for Venus, 4 for Jupiter, 3 for Mercury, 2 for Mars, and 1 for Saturn. DRIK BALA- ASPECTUAL STRENGTH Benefics aspecting lend strength, malefics reduce strength. One quarter of malefic aspect is deducted and ¼ of benefic aspect is added, except for Mercury and Jupiter of which the full aspect is added. YUDDHA BALA- WAR STRENGTH In the event that there is a planetary war between two planets, the victorious planet gains strength and the other looses strength. Subtract the total of the lower strength from the higher, the winner gains this difference, the other looses it. As can be seen, Shad Bala is a very comprehensive method for determining the strength of a planet. Shad Bala has many uses, only a few are discussed in this work. The planet that is strongest in Shad Shad Bala Shad Bala Shad Bala Shad Bala 227 Bala represents the Samskara, or mental tendency, which is the most deeply grooved in the native’s consciousness. This gives us great insights into the character of an individual and allows for some very effective counseling. In the lesson on dispositors we demonstrate how to determine the ruling motivational impulse within the native. Usually the strongest planet in Shad Bala is not the same planet that is indicative of the ruling motivational impulse as determined by dispositors. In this case the planet which is indicative of the ruling motivational impulse, as determined by the dispositor, still lords over the tendencies and motivations of the other planet which is higher in Shad Bala. See it as a king who has a minister stronger and more able than him. He is still the king, but uses the minister’s strength to serve him. Shad Bala does not calculate the strength of Rahu and Ketu; they again remain undefined. For Rahu and Ketu, the Shad Bala of their lords may be utilized effectively. SHAD BALA IN DASA ANALYSIS If the dasa lord and bukti lord have contrary indications in the horoscope, the planet that is strongest in Shad Bala will indicate the outcome. For example if the dasa lord is favorable for marriage, but the bukti lord is unfavorable for marriage, and if the bukti lord is stronger than the dasa lord the marriage will be severely threatened and separation would be indicated. If, however, the bukti lord is weaker than the dasa lord, then the marriage will be a bit rocky, but due to the strength of the dasa lord the marriage would remain intact. 228 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The Ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun, is at an angle to the Celestial Equator. The Celestial Equator is the equator of the Earth extended towards the heavens. How far a planet is north or south of the Celestial Equator determines its Ayana Bala. Celestial Equator Tropic of Capricorn Tropic of Cancer Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa 229 20 20 20 20 Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa One of the great and unique features of Vedic astrology is its use of Dasa systems for timing events. The Dasas indicate the operational periods of the planets during which the planets give their results as indicated in the horoscope. There are many different Dasa systems available and they all have their use and purpose. The most widely used Dasa system is known as the Vimshottari Dasa. Vimshottari refers to the 120-year length of this particular system. The classical works on astrology praise the Vimshottari Dasa: “Dasas are on many kinds, amongst them Vimshottari is the most appropriate for the general populace.” -Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra “Being convinced that they are unfailing, I take out the essence from the astrological scripts containing his (Parashara’s) famous sayings and set forth the famous MahaDasa (Vimshottari)”. -Phaladeepika The basis of calculating Vimshottari Dasa is the position of the Moon at birth. This is because all things are born out of consciousness, which the Moon indicates. We also experience life in our consciousness, through the agency of the Manas, or sense mind, also represented by the Moon. Vimshottari Dasa is particularly important because the Dasa order is based upon the planetary rulers of the nakshatras. It is the lord of the nakshatra in which the Moon falls at birth that becomes the lord of the first Maha Dasa. The succeeding Dasa lords fall in the order of the nakshatra lords. Since Vimshottari Dasa follows the natural order of the nakshatras it is of prime importance and universally applicable. 230 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens CALCULATING VIMSHOTTARI DASA Following are the duration of each planet’s period in Vimshottari Dasa: 1. Sun- 6 years 4. Rahu- 18 years 7. Mercury- 17 years 2. Moon- 10 years 5. Jupiter- 16 years 8. Ketu- 7 years 3. Mars- 7 years 6. Saturn- 19 years 9. Venus- 20 years To calculate the Maha Dasa: 1. Determine the planetary lord of the nakshatra in which the Moon is placed at birth. This determines the planetary period governing at birth. You can look this up in the nakshatra tables given previously. 2. Next calculate the duration of this first period. To do so, determine the minutes the Moon has yet to travel to reach the end of the Nakshatra it is placed in. Divide this by 800, the amount of minutes in a Nakshatra. Multiply this fraction by the length of the particular planet’s period as given in the table above. 3. Subsequent periods follow in the order as given in the table. These periods are known as a Maha Dasa, or simply Dasa. Each Dasa is further divided into nine sub-periods for each of the nine planets; this is known as a Bukti in South India, and an Antardasa in North India. To calculate the duration of each Antardasa: 1. Multiply the duration of the Maha dasa lord's period as given in the table by the duration of the sub-lord's period as given in the table. 2. Divide this by 120, the total amount of years in the Vimshottari Dasa. This yields the duration of the sub-period in years and fraction of a year. 3. Multiply the fraction of the year by 365 ¼ to arrive at the days. Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa 231 Or: 1. Multiply the duration of the Maha dasa lord's period as given in the table by the length of the sub-lord's period as given in the table. 2. The last digit multiplied by 3 indicates the days, the previous digits indicates the months. FURTHER DIVISIONS 1. Each Sub-period is further divided into nine third-level periods, or sub-sub-period, known as the Pratyantar Dasa in North India or the Antardasa in South India. 2. Each sub-sub-period is further divided into nine forth-level periods known as Sookshma Dasas. 3. Each Sookshma Dasa is further divided into nine fifth-level periods known as Prana Dasas. DASA, ANTARDASA, AND PRATYANTARDASA LORDS 1. The Maha Dasa lord indicates a general trend and a long-term focus. 2. The Antardasa lord indicates a specific trend and focus. This trend may or may not be in harmony with the Maha Dasa. 3. The Pratyantar lord fructifies events and indicates the ups and downs within the specific trend of the Antardasa. For practical purposes most astrologers work down to the third level Pratyantar Dasa. Divisions further than this result in very short periods of time that may be misleading if the birth time is not extremely accurate. During the longer Dasas, the forth-level Sookshma Dasa will still be quite accurate. There are several thumb rules for interpreting the Vimshottari Dasa. Following are those rules that are most significant for understanding the affects upon the native’s growth, evolution, psychology and life events. Psychology, for our purposes, means where the mind is. 232 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens SAMSKARAS- THE MENTAL TENDENCIES “During the auspicious Dasa of a planet men’s inner mind assumes a benefic character and leads them to attain much happiness and wealth. By means of the effects described for the several Dasa periods one can easily conjecture the tide of events a man may have at any particular period as a result of the effects of the Dasa ruling at the time. When planets are void of strength the effects make themselves felt only in dreams and thoughts” -Jataka Parijata 18, 13 The horoscope is a map of the native’s Samskaras. The Samskaras are the mental tendencies carried over from previous existences that motivate our actions, thereby creating events in our life. Samskaras are created through repetitive actions and thoughts in this and previous lives. It is the planets that are indicative of our Samskaras. Vimshottari Dasa allows the astrologer to see which Samskaras are arising within the native during a given period of their life. This allows the astrologer to predict what an individual’s nature and desire will consist of in the future. Oftentimes the native may insist that he has no such desires or would never behave in the manner that the planets (the Samskaras) are indicating in the future, but that does not keep the Samskaras from arising when the Dasa comes. NATURE OF THE DASA- ROHINI, ETC. 1. The dasa of a planet moving towards deep exaltation is called Rohini, growing. Whatever is started under the influence of this dasa grows and becomes more in the natives life. If the planet is in debilitation navamsa or enemy's navamsa, however, the dasa gives very little benefic effects. If a planet is retrograde, its motion is in the reverse. 2. The dasa of a planet moving towards deep debilitation is called Avarohini, descending. Whatever is started under the influence of this dasa is likely to deteriorate over time. If this planet is in a friendly, exalted, or own navamsa, or in Madhya (see below) the dasa will be somewhat fruitful and middling in effects. If a planet is retrograde, its motion is in the reverse. Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa 233 3. The dasa of a planet in deep debilitation is called Rikta, empty. This dasa has nothing to offer. 4. The dasa of a planet placed between debilitation and enemy navamsa is called Adhama, worst. This is not common, but when present it proves to be a difficult period. 5. The dasa of a planet in own or friendly rasi is called Madhya, medium, it gives mixed effects. 6. The dasa of a planet in extreme debilitation, or in debilitation or inimical navamsa is called Anishta, unfavorable, causing loss of health, wealth, etc. TRANSITION FROM ONE DASA TO THE NEXT “All the planets, during their own Antardasa in their own Dasa, do not give good or bad results according to their own nature. The lord of the Dasa gives his own results in the AntarDasa of those planets who are related to him, or are of like nature and give similar results.” -Laghu Parashari 4, 29-30 This is to say that a planet indicating benefic results, either due to his nature as a natural benefic or due to his yoga producing qualities, will not give the majority of his benefic results in the beginning of his own Dasa, during his own Antardasa. He will rather give them in the Antardasa of planets that are related to him or of similar benefic nature or results. The same applies in the case of the beginning of the Dasa of a planet indicating malefic results, either due to his natural malefic nature or any malefic combinations he may form. He will not give the majority of his malefic results in his own Antardasa, but rather in the Antardasa of the planets related to him or of similar malefic nature or results. This holds true with respect to predicting any event, if the Maha Dasa lord is promising an event, it will not give that event in its own bukti, but in the bukti of another planet also promising that event. “In its own bukti the dasa lord does not give its own results; it gives the results of the previous bukti modified by its own nature; the results of the previous bukti continue.” 234 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens This is due to the effect of making the transition from one Dasa to another. During this transition it takes some time for the new Dasa lord to gain strength and shake off the effects of the preceding Dasa before he can truly give his own effects. During the last Antardasa of a Dasa, particularly the last year, the native will begin to experience a huge transition. This will generally create an element of confusion, environmental resistance, destruction, need for freedom and/or discontent. The transition will not be fully complete until the end of the first Antardasa of the next Dasa. “In the event that the dasa lord gives its results during its own antardasa it will not give its results during the antardasas of other planets; but this will happen only if the dasa lord is very strong and the other planets comparatively weak.” If the dasa lord is the strongest amongst all the planets that are indicating something specific to happen, then that will happen in the antardasa of the dasa lord himself. Shad Bala strength should be considered for this. If what was acquired by this very strong dasa lord in its own antardasa is lost later in its dasa, it is not likely that the native will gain that again at a later point in that dasa. RESULTS DUE TO THE NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS During their periods, planets produce results due to their natural qualities and indications. This may result in the gain or loss of their indications depending upon their disposition within the horoscope. Very generally, and not to limit, the planets yield the following: Sun Gain, or loss, of self-esteem, individuality, status and respect. Issues revolving around the father. Desire for accomplishment. Health and vitality, or the lack of. Masculine energy being cultivated. Opportunity to find oneself and make one’s place in the world. Opportunity for the self to express itself at its finest. Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa 235 Moon Happiness and comfort with self and all, or misery, discontent, depression and mental illness. Issues revolving around the mother. Feminine energy being cultivated. Opportunity for enjoyment. Socially inclined. Mars Gain, or loss, through struggle and adversity. Concerns with siblings and teammates. Use or abuse of will and strength. Opportunity to actively participate through the agency of the will to better one’s material or spiritual life through disciplined activity. Accidents and quarrels are more likely. Rahu Interest in all things foreign and strange. Intense desires and compulsions. Loss of direction and morals. Discontent and longing. Illness and mental disorders. Wandering in strange places and searching for the intangible. Learning evolutionary lessons in the areas in which the native is karmatically weak. Opportunity to create balance in life. Jupiter Purity of heart and goodwill Virtue and spiritual search. Learning, and listening in on religious and philosophical discourses. Practice of spiritual activities. Attempts to define a meaningful belief system. Concerns with children. Opportunity to cultivate wisdom and knowledge. Saturn Confrontation of fears and insecurities. Overcoming limiting psychological framework and complexes. Isolation and inertia. Desire for hard earned comfort and security. Carrying karmic and restrictive burdens. 236 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Mercury Contentment, desire to do good work. Friendship, and ease in obtainment. Freshness and desire to live a balanced life. Skillfulness and intelligence leads to security and attainment. Ketu Destructive tendencies, strange illness, and intense discontents. Spiritual longings, deep insights, and success in spiritual endeavors become possible. Enjoying or suffering the results of powerful past life karmas. Completions and resultant freedom. Venus Passion and desire for comfort, luxuries and love arise. Desire for sharing and human companionship. Success or inability to enjoy worldly delights. Gaining what one values in life. Opportunity to enjoy the world. Greater interest in music and the arts. CONSTITUTIONAL AND ELEMENTAL EFFECTS The Maha Dasa lord will affect the native’s constitutional temperament. The Doshas (humor) of the Dasa lord will rise in the native’s metabolism during its period. That is why people will have a somewhat differing metabolism throughout their lives. The Doshas ruled by the planets are given in the chapter, “Description and Indications of the Planets.” The Maha Dasa lord will also affect the balance of the five elements, by giving rise to the element that it rules. Following are the results attributed to the rise of the elements as given in Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra: “When there is a rise of fiery element (Mars, Sun) the person shines like gold, his eyes shower purity, he achieves success in all his pursuits, conquers and acquires good wealth.” Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa 237 “When there is a rise of the earthy element (Mercury) the body of the person will emit likable fragrance; he possesses neat nails, hair and teeth. He is religious and is bestowed with wealth and happiness.” “The rise of the ethereal element (Jupiter) will confer a beautiful voice, confer eloquence and by listening to his sweet voice one gets solace.” “When there is a rise of watery element (Venus, Moon) the person will be graceful and have sound health. Getting food of his own taste he remains quite happy.” “When the airy element (Saturn) rises the person becomes dirty, foolish, struck with poverty, contracts airy diseases and faces sorrows and agonies.” RESULTS DUE TO SPECIFIC INDICATIONS During their Dasas, the planets also yield specific results depending upon their lordship, placement, aspects and yogas. This is the gist of Vedic Astrology, being very vast in its entirety, containing all that has been covered so far in this work, plus much more. The many indications of the planets awaken and give their effects in their respective Dasas. A few important specific effects are given in the remainder of this chapter. RESULTS DUE TO HOUSE LORDSHIP Following are the specific effects of the house lords according to Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra, along with some additional notes: “During the Dasa of the lagna lord the native enjoys health and high fame.” During the Dasa of the Lagna lord the native attempts to find his place and purpose in life. This is generally a good period during which the native will find himself faring nicely in life, unless the Lagna lord is afflicted. “In the Dasa of the lord of the 2 nd house, conflicts and fear of death arise.” During the Dasa of the 2nd lord the native will make efforts to acquire and benefit from those indications determined by: 238 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens 1. The house wherein it is placed. 2. The planets it is joined or aspecting. 3. The planets in the 2 nd house. “In the Dasa of the lord of the 3 rd house, unfavorable results will be anticipated.” During the Dasa of the 3 rd lord the native will pursue, with generally self-willed interest, the desires indicated by: 1. The house wherein it is placed. 2. Planets in the 3 rd house. 3. Planets it is associated with or aspecting. “In the Dasa of the lord of the 4 th house, there is luxury of house and land.” During the Dasa of the 4 th lord the native will attempt to find happiness and security, internally and/or externally. “In the Dasa of the lord of the 5 th house, progress in education and pleasure of children occur.” During the Dasa of the 5 th lord the creative intelligence manifests. This results in education that inspires one's creativity, children, and spiritual practices. “In the 6 th lords Dasa, there is physical suffering and danger from enemies.” During the Dasa of the 6 th lord obstacles come that force the native to improve himself in respect to his material life, health, relationships and his general direction in life. These obstacles come as financial difficulties, illness, accidents, enemies and divorce. These struggles also come in order to teach Karma Yoga principles; the human right is for activity, not the results of the activity. This principle can well be learned at this time because the results are generally not forthcoming. “During the Dasa of the lord of the 7 th house there will be danger to wife and fear of death.” During the Dasa if the 7 th lord there will be the desire for relationships and public recognition. Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa 239 “In the Dasa of the 8 th lord, there is loss of wealth and danger of life.” During the Dasa of the 8 th lord the native will undergo radical changes is his life direction. These changes will be the result of major transformations in the areas affected by the 8 th lord. The 8 th lord desires to establish the self in a more secure emotional/spiritual space. This requires the destruction of some old structures that give life to the new. Old worn out patterns will reveal themselves as no longer effective, often through the agent of a crisis. Oftentimes this will require the native to undergo purification processes of some sort for improper actions from the past that will come as great emotional and/or physical crisis. “During the Dasa of the 9 th lord, fabulous gain of wealth and fame results.” One will have meaning and purpose to life, possibly as a result of some religious or philosophical approach. “In the Dasa of the 10 th lord recognition from state or authorities occurs.” During the Dasa of the 10 th lord the native will attempt to make his mark on the world and acquire status. “In the Dasa of the lord of the 11 th house, gains, obstacles and fear of sickness occur.” During the Dasa of the 11 th lord the native will pursue his greatest desires indicated by: 1. Planets in the 11 th house. 2. Planets the 11 th lord is associated with or aspecting. 3. The house wherein the 11 th lord is placed. “In the Dasa of the 12 th house the native faces extensive distress.” During the Dasa of the 12 th lord the native will suffer losses in the areas that the 12 th lord affects. These losses may be either monetary, or of the indications represented by the planets and houses which the 12 th lord is affecting. The 12 th lord also awakens the desire for escape during its period. Whether this is done through constructive, spiritual channels, or 240 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens through destructive ones is dependant upon the combinations and placement of the 12 th lord, as well as the general spiritual nature of the horoscope. POSITION OF ANTARDASA LORD FROM DASA LORD The position of the Antardasa lord from the Dasa lord is important for determining the smoothness or otherwise of the Antardasa. 2/12 Positions of Dasa Lord and Antardasa Lord The Dasa and Antardasa lords in the 2 nd and 12 th from each other indicates a period of some limitations, restrictions, disappointments and inertia. Planets in 2/12 positions do not allow for their energies to combine and flow in a powerfully creative way. This will generally manifest as limitations, delays, disappointments, etc. These periods, though frustrating, may result in inspiring the native to make the most of something important to them by causing them to realize how important certain aspects of life are to them. It is only through restriction and limitation of some type that we recognize the value of freedom. When the Antardasa lord is in the 2 nd from the Dasa lord, the native will be able to move forward in life in respect to the indications of the Dasa lord, but he will usually do so at a slower, more restricted pace than he desires. The Antardasa lord will constrict things somewhat. The Antardasa lord placed in the 2 nd may also indicate something that the native gains the possession of that is either stabilizing or limiting. When the Antardasa lord is in the 12 th from the Dasa lord it is generally a more adverse period that gives greater loss and disappointment in respect to the indications of the Dasa and Antardasa lord. These periods, though, may help in letting go of any restricting inner (psychological) and outer frameworks. The tendencies and indications of planets in 2/12 from each other are tendencies that the native is unable to focus together in a creative, goal-orientated manner. The planet that is stronger in Shad Bala will Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa 241 be the planet, and therefore the tendency, that the native will primarily rely on and favor; and the planet that will give the majority of results. 6/8 Positions of Dasa Lord and Antardasa Lord “During the Dasa and Antardasa of planets which occupy the 6 th and 8 th place from each other the native suffers loss of place or loss of life.” -Jataka Parijata 16, 54 When the Dasa and Antardasa lords are in the 6 th and 8 th place from each other it indicates a period of crisis, radical change, conflict, and/or obstacles. The tendencies represented by planets in 6/8 from each other are tendencies that create conflict within the native. The period of planets in 6/8 from each other bring events that the native is unable to simultaneously enjoy and maintain due to some internal conflict. The planet with the highest Shad Bala strength will indicated the tendency that the native will carry through during this period of crisis. These periods always require that the native resolve this internal conflict in order to have peace. These periods also always result in some major changes in the areas of life indicated by the planets and houses affected. DASA EFFECTS DUE TO FRIENDSHIP AND ENMITY “The native will face danger from enemies, suffer loss of position and earn hostility of persons who had been his friends during the Dasa of a planet and the Antardasa of the planet who is inimical to the lord of the Dasa, or is inimical to the lord of the Lagna.” -Phaladeepika 20, 28 In the event that the Dasa and Antardasa lords are friends: 1. The Antardasa lord will support and assist the Dasa lord in its endeavors. 2. The tendencies, desires and events represented by the Antardasa lord will harmonize with those represented by the Dasa lord. 3. Both of the above contribute to a generally more harmonious period. 242 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens In the event that the Dasa and Antardasa lords are enemies: 1. The Antardasa lord will usurp the endeavors of the Dasa lord. 2. The tendencies, desires and events represented by the Antardasa lord will conflict with those represented by the Dasa lord. 3. Both of the above contribute to a generally less harmonious period with greater difficulties as well as internal conflict. 4. In this event, the planet that is highest in Shad Bala will be the planet, the indications and tendencies of which, the native will favor at the expense of those indicated by the weaker planet. In the event that the Antardasa lord is an enemy of the Lagna lord: 1. Difficulties, specific to the Antardasa lord, will prevail that hinder the native from realizing and/or manifesting the purpose or focus of their life. This may include physical troubles. EFFECTS OF SPECIFIC CONJUNCTIONS AND ASPECTS When certain planets influence each other, one of the planets becomes more capable of granting success and prosperity while the other becomes capable of only mediocre results, or in some cases inauspicious results. One of the planets transfers whatever ability it has to produce auspicious effects upon the other, which then becomes capable of greater success. These combinations are very important for judging periods of success accurately. Planets 1. If the Sun and Mercury join, Mercury’s dasa yields highly favorable results, but the Sun’s dasa will be ordinary. 2. If the Sun and others join (except Mercury), the Sun’s dasa confers fame and wealth, and the others’ dasa are ordinary. 3. If the Moon and Mars join or aspect each other, the Moon’s dasa yields fortunate results, but Mars’ dasa will be ordinary. 4. If Jupiter and the Moon join, the Moon’s dasa proves very prosperous, but Jupiter’s dasa will be ordinary. 5. If Jupiter and Mars join or aspect each other, Mars’ dasa will be very fortunate, but Jupiter’s dasa will be ordinary. Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa 243 6. If Jupiter and Saturn join or aspect each other, Saturn’s dasa will prove very fortunate, but Jupiter’s dasa will be ordinary. 7. If Venus is joined or aspected by Mercury or Jupiter, the native will gain wealth in the dasa of Venus, though they become bereft of wealth in the dasa of Jupiter, and mixed results occur in the dasa of Mercury. House Lords 1. If the 10 th and 11 th lords join or aspect each other, Raja Yoga will be caused in the dasa of the 11 th lord; auspicious and inauspicious results will be equal during the dasa of the 10 th lord. 2. If the 10 th and 3 rd lords join or aspect each other, the native will be deprived of fortune in the dasa of the 10 th lord, but will enjoy fortunate results in the dasa of the 3 rd lord. 3. If the 8 th lord and 9 th lord join or aspect each other, fame and power will be conferred in the dasa of the 8 th lord. Also, fame and power will be conferred not in the dasa of the 9 th lord, but in the antardasa of the 8 th lord (in any other dasa). SPECIFIC DASA AND ANTARDASA LORDS There are particular periods in life that are potentially very difficult and disastrous. People suffering great difficulty and confusion will be running certain particular periods. These potentially difficult periods are discussed below: Saturn/Rahu and Rahu/Saturn Periods “Disputes with wife, sons and brothers, loss of position, destruction of servants, injury to the body and suffering from diseases due to the excess of wind and bile will be the likely effects for the native in the Antardasa of Saturn in the Dasa of Rahu.” -Phaladeepika 21, 32 “Deviating from the path of righteousness, loss of life or danger from diabetes, enlargement of spleen and a continuous fever or wound will be the main inauspicious effects in the Antardasa of Rahu in the Dasa of Saturn.” -Phaladeepika 21, 55 244 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Saturn and Rahu are the two most tamasic and misery producing planets. Their mutual periods will almost always be marked by struggles, discontent, inertia, and negative feelings. When these two planets are placed in such a manner as to give good results and rise in life, they will do so, but the native will still generally be confronted by difficulties, miseries, and negativity. These periods may be particularly adverse for health if there are any indications for disease; cancer is especially noted in these periods. Venus/Rahu and Rahu/Venus Periods The mutual periods of Venus and Rahu are always very important and must therefore be judged very carefully. The forces generated by these periods are so powerful that many life-changing events will almost always manifest that may make or break a person. The two planets, Rahu and Venus, relate directly to desire and passion. Venus to conscious desires and wants and Rahu to powerful compulsive desires and drives. During the Dasa of Rahu in the Antardasa of Venus the powerful compulsive drives of Rahu have a much greater outlet through the conscious desire nature of Venus, than during any other Antardasa. If the planets are well situated this energy can manifest positively, but if these planets are ill disposed the results can be disastrous. During the Dasa of Venus in the Antardasa of Rahu that which was consciously thought desired gets confused and distorted. This may prompt the native to make serious changes in respect to what it is that he really wants, or take one off track entirely. During these periods the results of the proper use or the misuse of the native’s desire energies will manifest to a very powerful degree. These periods always afford some opportunity for the native to understand what he really wants and values in life. One of the unique things about these periods is that very important things can happen very unexpectedly, in fact, the most unexpected happens during these periods. Relationships, marriage, etc., generally undergo huge change and transitions during these Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa 245 periods. It is not often that people find happiness in their relationships during these periods. Jupiter/Venus and Venus/Jupiter Periods The Mutual periods of Venus and Jupiter are important both from a prediction as well as a developmental viewpoint. These two planets are the planetary Brahmins. Venus is the preceptor of the Asuras, and Jupiter is the preceptor of the Devas. As they are both preceptors their mutual periods give always an increase in knowledge and spiritual development. As the two great benefics their mutual periods may prove beneficial materially. See what the classical texts have to say: “Jupiter and Venus in their mutual dasa and bukti bestow kingship or the position of a minister, and much wealth and happiness through wife and children. The native will devote his energies in the performance of sacrifices, birth of children, marriage celebrations and other similar auspicious functions provided these two planets are strong and occupy good houses and are also associated with and aspected by auspicious planets.” Remember the myth of Vamana Avatar? Vamana is the avatar that is associated with Jupiter. In this story it was Venus who suggested to Bali that he not keep his promise to Vamana (associated with Jupiter). The two were at odds; the result was the entire loss of Bali’s kingdom, but great spiritual growth. So it is with Venus and Jupiter in their mutual periods if they are at odds. See what the classical texts have to say about this: “If Jupiter and Venus are in 6/8 or 2/12 to each other, if they are aspected or associated with the lords of the 6 th , 8 th or 12 th houses, if they are the owners of these houses, if they are aspected by or in association with malefics, or if they are weak in house position, etc.; then they will, during their mutual periods cause separation from wife and sons, displeasure of a high Brahmin chief, trouble through intrigues with females, royal displeasure and fear of epileptic attack.” 246 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens If Jupiter and Venus are afflicted at all, then their mutual periods may cause great loss, even the loss of loved ones, but this loss can help to transform one's life. Regardless of whether the mutual periods of Jupiter and Venus give pleasurable or difficult events, they always have a lot to teach, even more so if they provide this through ill events. Saturn/Venus and Venus/Saturn Periods The mutual periods of Venus and Saturn are very difficult periods to predict, with many unusual guidelines for doing so. The general theme of these periods is one of lack of fulfillment, unhappiness and lack of love. There are great restrictions put upon one’s desires and those things one desires remain out of reach. It is generally a trying time for marriage and romance and one is not likely to find fulfillment in those areas in these periods. In interpreting these periods the following classical guidelines should be carefully considered: “Saturn’s bukti in Venus’s dasa, enhances the results of Venus, and vice versa; the bukti lord enacts like the dasa lord.” This is a most important point in analyzing these periods. Venus/Saturn gives the full results of the Venus; so see what Venus is indicating, that will happen particularly during Venus/Saturn. Saturn/Venus gives the full results of Saturn; so see what Saturn is indicating, that will happen particularly during Saturn/Venus. “If Venus and Saturn occupy their exaltation, own rasi, or vargottama and are strong and equally powerful to cause yoga, then they will, in their mutual dasas and buktis, make one a beggar seeking alms and a powerless being, even though he be born a king or a Kubera. If, however, one of the two be strong and the other weak, the stronger one will cause Yoga (giving rise and success).” “If both are weak and are placed so that one occupies the 12th, the 8th or the 6th from the other, or happens to own such places, or be associated with the lords of Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa Vimshottari Dasa 247 these houses, they tend to be auspicious and grant wealth and happiness to the man concerned. When one of them is the lord of an auspicious house and the other of an unfavorable one, even then, both of them will produce good results. Should they both be temporal malefics they will prove extremely favorable to the native.” Though these last two principles have some influence, what is most important in analyzing these periods is the first rule already given above: Saturn/Venus gives the full effects of Saturn and Venus/Saturn gives the full effects of Venus. “One becomes unfortunate during Saturn dasa Venus bukti, or Venus dasa Saturn bukti. For persons born in Sagittarius and Pisces lagna, Venus and Saturn give rise to yoga (giving rise in life) in the dasa of Saturn and Venus respectively (meaning Venus Bukti in Saturn Dasa, and Saturn Bukti in Venus Dasa).” Though these periods may be more promising for Sagittarius and Pisces lagnas, what actually happens is dependent upon the first rule already given. Venus/Venus and Saturn/Saturn Periods “Venus/Venus gives the effects of Venus/Saturn, and Saturn/Saturn gives the effects of Saturn/Venus.” This is the one consistent time that the beginning of a Dasa will always move things along quickly, without the normal transition time. See what Venus/Saturn is indicating, this will happen in Venus/Venus. See what Saturn/Venus is indicating, this will happen in Saturn/Saturn. Rahu/Ketu and Ketu/Rahu Periods “Brigandage, loss of wealth and honor, loss of children, death among cattle, and misfortunes of all kinds await a person in Ketu’s Antardasa in the Dasa of Rahu.” -Jataka Parijata 18, 101 248 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens “Fear of kings and robbers, sorrow, ruin of every business, and altercation with bad people will be experienced in Rahu’s Antardasa in the Dasa of Ketu.” -Jataka Parijata 18, 151 During the Dasa of Rahu the native is learning the evolutionary lessons in the areas that they are karmatically weak in and in need of developing, as indicted by Rahu’s placement. In the Antardasa of Ketu, setbacks to Rahu’s indications generally manifest due to one or both of the following: The native would rather, and feels more comfortable, with falling back upon the indications of Ketu. Obstacles come, which are the residue of past karma and lessons, which the individual must settle before progressing in the areas indicated by Rahu. During the Dasa of Ketu the native is enjoying or suffering powerful residual karmas in areas of past development and security, as indicated by Ketu’s placement. During the Antardasa of Rahu, desires awaken that prompt the native to move towards the karmatically weak evolutionary goal indicated by Rahu. The attachments to and necessary completion of Ketu’s indications, however, prevents the full fruition of these goals at this time. This has the effect of creating great discontent and longings; the past areas of fulfillment, indicated by Ketu, are no longer found to be fulfilling, and the desired for, indicated by Rahu, is not fully available. Both of these periods have the effect of instilling an element of confusion in the native about where to focus their energies, and where their life is heading. The lord of the house, which is stronger in Shad Bala, will generally indicate the area, which, through the confusion, the native will place more emphasis upon. Note: All the judgment guidelines given above will hold true in the Maha, Antar, Pratyantar, Sookshma and Prana Dasas. Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas 249 21 21 21 21 Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas Any planet can give good or ill in any house that it may be placed in. The influences upon a planet indicate whether the planet has more ill effects or more good effects to give. The house itself indicates through what agency and what manner the effects of the planets are realized. Three yogas from Satya Jatakam help us to judge the greater benefic or malefic influences upon a planet: SUBHA -auspicious- YOGA Indicates good effects of the planet in relation to the house it is in. Formed when the planet is: 1. Aspected by benefics. 2. With benefics. (If the benefic is debilitated, however, it will be harmful to the outcome of the planet under consideration). 3. Hemmed between benefics. 4. With auspicious Tara: the 1 st , 2 nd , 4 th , 6 th , 8 th , or 9 th nakshatras from the Janma Nakshatra. The Moon is not considered for this. 5. In the rasi or navamsa of a benefic. (If a planet is in the rasi or navamsa of a benefic, which is its debilitation rasi, then this does not qualify as a helpful rasi or navamsa. Though a benefic rasi, it will still decrease good results). ASUBHA -inauspicious- YOGA Indicates ill effects of the planet in relation to the house it is in. Formed when the planet is: 1. Aspected by malefics. 2. With malefics. (If the malefic is in own rasi or vargottama, it will not be harmful to the eventual outcome. If the malefic is in moolatrikona or exaltation, it will actually be helpful to the eventual outcome). 3. Hemmed between malefics. 250 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens 4. With inauspicious Tara: the 3 rd , 5 th , or 7 th nakshatras from the Janma Nakshatra. The Moon is not considered for this. 5. In the rasi or navamsa of a malefic. (If a planet is in the rasi or navamsa of a malefic that happens to be its own, or exaltation, rasi, or navamsa, or if the planet is in vargottama, then this does not qualify as a harmful rasi. As a malefic rasi, it will give hardship, but it will not prevent good results. In fact, it will actually increase the possibility of good results as the final outcome, particularly in the case of exaltation or moolatrikona). MISRA -mixed- YOGA Formed by a combination of Subha and Asubha Yogas. Indicates a mix of good and ill effects. Most planets will fall under this yoga, thus it becomes important to judge whether a planet has more auspicious or inauspicious influences upon it to determine whether the native will experience more or less happiness in regards to that planet’s indications. 1. In all cases of these yogas the natural benefic or malefic natures of the planets are considered, not the temporal nature. The Moon a benefic when its paksha bala is 40 or greater (when 120-240 degrees from the Sun), and a malefic when its pakshabala is 20 or less (when 300-60 degrees from the Sun). Otherwise the Moon should be considered as neutral since it will not be benefic or malefic enough to have much effect. 2. The consideration of the Tara is as significant as a conjunction of a benefic or malefic. 3. The consideration of the rasi or navamsa is approximately half as significant as a benefic or malefic conjunction. 4. The consideration of a planet being hemmed between benefics or malefics is as significant as a benefic or malefic conjunction. 5. If the planet is joined with the 6 th , 8 th or 12 th lord in the 6 th , 8 th or 12 th house, it will be harmed, unless the planet is also the lord of a dusthana. 6. These yogas are considered with planetary aspects. Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas 251 Generally a planet will be causing a Misra Yoga that is either a bit more auspicious or a bit more inauspicious. In this case, a clear analysis of the Dasa influence is important in order to determine when the good effects of the planet are to be realized and when the ill effects are to be realized. The dasa periods of the Subha influences will bring more good effects, and the dasa periods of the Asubha influences will bring more ill effects. The planets that are strongly under the influence of a Subha, or Asubha Yoga indicate the more extreme aspects of the native’s life. These will have to be considered to determine the greater joys and tragedies of the native. The dusthanas (6 th , 8 th and 12 th houses) are no doubt troublesome houses, but planets in these houses can give good effects if they have primarily beneficial influences upon them. Planets in these houses that have primary malefic influences upon them indicate a lot of grief and tragedy. The following table will help you mathematically determine the quality of the Subha or Asubha Yoga: Subha/Asubha Yoga Subha/Asubha Yoga Subha/Asubha Yoga Subha/Asubha Yoga $ % & ' ( ) * + , Benefic/Malefic Rasi, ± 30: Dignity in Rasi: * Benefic/Malefic Navamsa, ± 30 Dignity in Navamsa: * Vargottama: + 60 Tara, ± 60: N/A Benefic Conjunctions: ** Malefic Conjunctions: ** Benefic Aspect, + Virupas: Malefic Aspect, – Virupas: Hemmed by Benefics, +60: Hemmed by Malefics, –60: Total Total Total Total 252 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens * The dignity should be considered when judging whether a planet is in the rasi or navamsa of a benefic or malefic. Add 30 if the planet is in the rasi of a benefic; subtract 30 if a planet is in the rasi of a malefic. Additionally modify this by the dignity: If the planet is in exaltation add 60, if in moolatrikona add 45, if in own rasi add 30, and if in debilitation subtract 60. **The dignity, as well as whether it is vargottama, of the conjuncting planet should be considered when judging the benefic or malefic effect of a planet’s conjunctions: 1. 30 points are added if the conjuncting planet is a malefic in exaltation. 2. 15 points are added if the conjuncting planet is a malefic in moolatrikona. 3. No points are added or subtracted if the conjuncting planet is a malefic in its own rasi, or in vargottama. 4. 60 points are subtracted it the conjuncting planet is a malefic and not in the mentioned dignities. 5. 60 points are added if the conjuncting planet is a benefic and not in debilitation. 6. No points are added or subtracted if the conjuncting planet is a benefic in debilitation. This mathematical method I have created for my students; though not adopted from classical texts it has proven as a simple reliable indicator of a planet’s well being. SUBHA/ASUBHA YOGAS FOR QUALIFYING YOGAS Subha and Asubha Yogas are particularly helpful in judging the well being of a planet in a house, a planet that is causing some yoga, etc. After determining the effects of any yoga, etc. that a planet is causing, consider the Subha/Asubha Yoga in order to determine the quality of the yoga, etc. House Lords in Houses House Lords in Houses House Lords in Houses House Lords in Houses 253 22 22 22 22 Ho Ho Ho House Lords in Houses use Lords in Houses use Lords in Houses use Lords in Houses A house lord is responsible for the indications of the house it rules. The lord of a house will give more benefic or more malefic effects, in respect to the house it is placed in, dependent upon whether it forms a Subha or Asubha Yoga. INDICATIONS OF HOUSE LORDS Following are the more important indications of a house lord, and the results in the event that it forms a Subha or Asubha Yoga: Lagna Lord Energy put forth in order to find one’s niche in life in the area represented by the house placement. In the event of Subha Yoga there will be personal success and happiness in the areas ruled by the house. In the event of Asubha Yoga there will be frustration, suffering and the ill effects of the house in which the lagna lord is placed. The lagna lord also governs the health. The health will be strong in the event of Subha Yoga, if Asubha Yoga is caused the body will be drained or damaged due to the indications of the house the lagna lord is placed in. 2 nd Lord Capacity to generate and maintain resources, and use them productively through the house placement. Wealth and efficient management of resources as indicated by the house placement if Subha Yoga is present. Misallocation of wealth, loss, and debts on account of or through, the house placement, if Asubha Yoga is caused. 254 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens 3 rd Lord Initiative, interest, skills, talents and willfulness directed towards the house indications wherein the 3 rd lord is placed. Courage, fairness, negotiating capacity, open mindedness, and objectivity if the planet is causing Subha Yoga. Frigidity, self-centeredness, subjectivity, and narrow mindedness if Asubha Yoga is present. 4 th lord Securing of comforts and happiness through the indications of the house in which the 4 th lord is placed. Happiness and contentment with the indications of the house the 4 th lord is in if a Subha Yoga. Distress, depression, mental anxiety, longings and melancholy with the indications of the house the 4 th lord is in if Asubha Yoga is present. 5 th lord Creativity, learning, and discrimination focused towards the indications of the house wherein the 5 th lord is placed. Joy, luck, spontaneous and harmonious success with the indications of the house the 5 th lord is in, in the event of Subha Yoga. Fantasy, imagination, unrequited longing, and lack of mental harmony in the areas indicated by the house the 5 th lord is in, in the event of Asubha Yoga. 6 th lord Struggle, hard work, debts, illness, enmity, and obstacles in respect to the house wherein the 6 th lord is placed. Overcoming obstacles, debt on good account, recuperative ability, working towards peace or destroying enemies, and work paying off in the event of Subha Yoga. Debts on bad account, loss to enemies, overwhelmed by obstacles, and disease, in the event of Asubha Yoga. 7 th Lord Desire for sharing and partnership with the indications of the house wherein the 7 th lord is placed. Giving, goodwill and balance House Lords in Houses House Lords in Houses House Lords in Houses House Lords in Houses 255 with another in the event of Subha Yoga. Lack of harmony, and imbalances of give and take in relationships in the event of Asubha Yoga. 8 th Lord Breaks, unexpected and sudden events, transformations and developing emotional integrity in the areas indicated by the house wherein the 8 th lord is placed. Breaks, etc. lead to higher levels of fulfillment, increased success, and emotional strength in the event of Subha Yoga. Compulsive feelings dictate events, breaks, downfall, and emotional crisis with the indications of the house that the 8 th lord is in if Asubha Yoga is present. 9 th Lord Seeking of fortune, and finding meaning and purpose in life through the indications of the house wherein the 9 th lord is placed. Wisdom and virtue in handling the indications of the house the 9 th lord is in with resultant fortune and grace, in the event of Subha Yoga. Lack of understanding, impiety, and lack of fortune and grace in the event of Asubha Yoga. 10 th Lord Activities to achieve professional success, status, and material well being influenced by the indications of the house the 10 th lord is in. Good deeds, status, promotion, and command, in the event of Subha Yoga. Improper actions, loss of status, and setbacks in career if Asubha Yoga is present. 11 th Lord Efforts to gain and acquire of, or through, the indications of the house wherein the 11 th lord is placed. Fair means to achieve success and gain of the indications of the house the 11 th lord is in if Subha Yoga is present. Questionable, or ruthless, self-centered means to achieve success and setbacks, frustrations, and ruination of the desired object if Asubha Yoga is present. 256 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens 12 th Lord Expense on account of, or loss of, the indications of the house wherein the 12 th lord is placed. Expense is on good account, a long- term investment, and one suffers loss with an attitude of surrender, in the event of Subha Yoga. Expense on bad account, vice, etc, with anxiety and turmoil if Asubha Yoga is present. Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope 257 23 23 23 23 Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the interweaving of the various basic astrological principles is what gives life to the horoscope, allowing the astrologer to make predictions. There are certain basic predictive principles that apply to all areas of life; using them will provide reasonable accuracy in determining events in the life of the native. Additionally, for each area of life there are specific principles and yogas that apply only to that area of life, learning these as well will provide the highest accuracy in prediction. In this chapter we will discuss the basic predictive principles that will quickly provide a foundation for judging the horoscope. When judging any area of life four things must be considered: 1. The House. 2. The House Lord. 3. The Karaka: the planet who produces the item under consideration. 4. The Appropriate House from the Karaka. For instance, if children are being considered, the Karaka is Jupiter; therefore the 5 th house from Jupiter must also be considered, since the 5 th house is the house of children. The Karaka is the planet that is the causer/producer of the item under consideration, the house gives birth to the item, and the house lord is the item under consideration in its activities: 1. If the Karaka and the appropriate house from the Karaka are heavily afflicted, it is not likely that the item under consideration will be a part of life, in this case the karaka will not be able to produce what it is the karaka for. On the other hand, if the 258 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Karaka and the appropriate house are well disposed, the item under consideration will be produced in the native’s life. 2. If the house is afflicted, there will be difficulties in bringing the item into concrete manifestation and inherent weaknesses in the item under consideration. These inherent weaknesses will come to the surface in the appropriate dasas. If the house is well disposed it will be easy to bring the item under consideration into concrete realization and the item will be inherently strong. 3. If the lord is afflicted, the item will be involved in activities, and have pressures put upon it that are not conducive to its well- being or longevity. If the lord is well disposed the item under consideration will be involved in activities that are productive to its well-being, growth and longevity. KARAKAS In judging any area of life it is the karaka that is the most important. If the karaka and the appropriate house from it have only malefic influences upon them it is not likely that the native will enjoy the area of life under consideration. Following are the most important karakas for the several houses: 1 st House The Sun- the body, its health and appearance. Self and personality. 2 nd House Jupiter- wealth. Mercury- Speech. Moon- the face. 3 rd House Mars- younger siblings, courage. Mercury- travels. Venus- father of spouse. 4 th House The Moon- mother. Venus- vehicles. Saturn- landed property. Mars- buildings. Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope 259 5 th House Jupiter- children, knowledge, education, spiritual practices. Mercury- speculations. Rahu- paternal grandfather. 6 th House Saturn- disease. Mars- accidents, enemies. Mercury- Maternal aunts and uncles. 7 th House Venus- wife, marriage, and romantic relationships in general. Jupiter- husband. Mercury- Business Partners. Rahu- Maternal grandmother. 8 th House Saturn- longevity, chronic disease. 9 th House The Sun- father. Jupiter- guru, philosophy, spiritual life, law, and fortune. 10 th House The Sun- professional status. Mercury- business. Venus- mother of spouse. 11 th House Jupiter- income, financial gains, elder siblings. Saturn- elder siblings according to some. 12 th House Saturn- loss, expense, and separation. Rahu- foreign articles, and foreign journeys. Ketu- liberation. Ketu- maternal grandfather. Ketu- paternal grandmother. 260 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens PREDICTING QUALITY First the astrologer must determine the extent to which one will enjoy any area of life. To do this check: 1. The Karaka 1. Consider any conjunctions or rasi aspects of natural benefics or malefics to the karaka in the rasi chart. 2. Consider any conjunctions or rasi aspects of natural benefics or malefics to the karaka in the navamsa chart. 3. Consider the house wherein the karaka is placed, and whether there is a Subha, Asubha, or Misra Yoga. If there are only malefic influences to the karaka, without at least one benefic rasi aspect, or conjunction, the karaka will not be capable of producing those things it is a karaka for, the result being the native will not enjoy that are of life. 2. The Appropriate House from the Karaka 1. Consider any conjunctions or rasi aspects of any planets, whether naturally benefic or malefic, to the house ruling the area of life under consideration from the Karaka. 2. Consider whether the house is hemmed between benefics or malefics. 3. Consider any conjunctions or rasi aspects of natural benefics or malefics to the lord of this house in the rasi chart. Then consider the house wherein the lord of this house is placed, and whether there is a Subha, Asubha, or Misra Yoga. 4. Consider any conjunctions or rasi aspects of any planets, whether naturally benefic or malefic, to the house from the Karaka, in the navamsa chart. Then consider any conjunctions or rasi aspects of any planets, whether naturally benefic or malefic, to the lord of this house. 5. Consider the value of planetary aspects of any planets, whether naturally benefic or malefic, to the house ruling the area of life under consideration from the Karaka. The cusp of Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope 261 the house in this case is the same as the degree of the Karaka planet. If there are only malefic influences to this house, without at least one benefic rasi aspect, or conjunction, the karaka will not be capable of producing that which it is a karaka for relative to this house, the result being the native will not enjoy that area of life at all. 3. The House 1. Consider the conjunctions or rasi aspects of any planets, whether naturally benefic or malefic, to the house ruling the area of life under consideration. 2. Consider whether the house is hemmed between benefics or malefics. 3. Consider the value of planetary aspects of any planets, whether naturally benefic or malefic, to the house ruling the area of life under consideration. 4. Consider the rasi on the cusp of the house in question, whether benefic or malefic. This will have a very minor influence on the extent the native will enjoy the area of life under question. If the house is afflicted there will be difficulty in bringing the item under consideration into concrete realization. Any afflictions results in inherent weakness, any benefic influences result in inherent strengths. 4. The House Lord 1. Consider any conjunctions or rasi aspects of natural benefics or malefics to the house lord in the rasi chart. 2. Consider the house wherein the house lord is placed and whether there is a Subha, Asubha, or Misra Yoga. The better situated the house lord, the better the life and/or activities of the item under consideration. 262 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The greater the auspicious factors the more the native will enjoy the area under consideration. If there are only malefic influences to the factors governing the area in question then it is not likely that the native will enjoy the area under consideration at all. Rasi aspects and conjunctions have greater significance than do the planetary aspects for determining what a native will have in life, and whether or not they will have something particular. Without at least one helpful rasi aspect or conjunction, bringing the area of life under consideration into concrete manifestation will be hampered regardless of any planetary aspects. The planetary aspects and Subha/Asubha Yoga influences are more useful for determining the benefits, difficulties, happiness, etc. of the item under consideration. In all cases of rasi aspects and conjunctions: A planet in debilitation is harmful. In vargottama, or own rasi, a malefic is not harmful. In exaltation or moolatrikona, even a malefic planet is helpful for giving something, though a malefic always has associated difficulties. Rahu is helpful in Aquarius, and Ketu is helpful in Scorpio, though they are never easy. In the chapter, “Dignities,” are given the percentage of auspicious results due to a planet in exaltation, debilitation, friend’s rasi, etc. These can be used advantageously to gauge the benefic effect of the conjunction or rasi aspect of a benefic, and the malefic effect of the conjunction or rasi aspect of a malefic. DELAYING FACTORS Saturn, Rahu and the 6 th lord are delaying factors; their conjunction or aspect indicates delays in fulfilling that which they influence. Even if Saturn and Rahu are in good dignity, thereby indicating success to those things they are influencing, then success will come later in life. Also, if there are a mix of benefic influences and delaying factors, then results will be delayed as well. SEPARATING FACTORS The Sun, Saturn, Rahu and the lord of the 12 th house are separating factors. The serve to separate the native from those things Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope 263 they influence. If only separating factors influence the house, the house lord and the karaka, then the separation is permanent. If three, of the four, separating factors influence one planet or house, then also the separation is generally permanent. The dignities of Saturn and Rahu determine whether they behave more as separating factors or delaying factors. The worse the dignity the greater separating factors they become. If Saturn is in its own or exaltation rasi, or if Rahu is in Aquarius or Taurus, then they behave more as delaying factors, in other rasis they act more as separating factors. However, Saturn in a great friend’s or friend’s rasi, and Rahu in the rasis of Mercury, are not entirely separating factors, they give separation, but have some eventual good to give. Similarly, if the 12 th lord is in own or exaltation, it will help provide those things it influences, but through 12 th house means, such as expensively, through foreign sources, secretively, etc., in other dignities, especially in inimical or debilitation rasi, it is more inclined to cause separation, though in a friends or great friends rasi it will not be a source of lifelong separation. The worse the dignity of the Sun, the greater his separating influences. INFLUENCE OF THE KARAKA It is always productive for the karaka of a house to join or aspect the house lord, even if the karaka is a natural malefic. It is only non- productive if the karaka is debilitated. If the karaka for a house is in the house itself, it is not auspicious for living things, though it is productive for non-living things. Therefore, Mars, the karaka for siblings, in the 3 rd house is harmful for younger siblings, but productive of courage, which it is also a karaka for. Jupiter, the karaka for children, is harmful for children when in the 5 th house, but productive of intelligence, which it is also a karaka for. Venus the karaka for the spouse is harmful to the spouse when it is in the 7 th , but productive of sexual relationships. The Moon is harmful for the mother when placed in the 4 th house and the Sun is harmful for the father when placed in the 9 th house. 264 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The Sun is also harmful to the native when placed in the lagna, since it is the karaka for the native’s body and physical well-being. FATAL DEGREES In each rasi there are particular degrees where the planets become weak. These are known as Mrityubhaga, or Fatal Degrees. A planet in a Fatal Degree is particularly harmful to the health of the native as well as to the health of the people it rules or influences in the horoscope. Besides having an adverse influence on physical well- being, planets in Fatal Degrees are weak to bring about their auspicious results and it is a serious blemish for a planet to fall in a Fatal Degree. The adverse influence of a planet in a Fatal Degree should be considered as least as significant as a malefic conjunction. The Moon also has an Auspicious Degree. In this degree the Moon is more fortunate and protective of the native’s well-being. Fatal Degrees of the Planets D DD D Ar E EE E Ta F FF F Ge G GG G Ca H HH H Le I II I Vi J JJ J Li K KK K Sc L LL L Sa M MM M Ca N NN N Aq O OO O Pi $ $$ $-Su 20 9 12 6 8 24 16 17 22 2 3 23 % %% %-Mo 26 12 13 25 24 11 26 14 13 25 5 12 & && &-Ma 19 28 25 23 29 28 14 21 2 15 11 6 ' '' '-Me 15 14 13 12 8 18 20 10 21 22 7 5 ( (( (-Me 19 29 12 27 6 4 13 10 17 11 15 28 ) )) )-Ve 28 15 11 17 10 13 4 6 27 12 29 19 * ** *-Sa 10 4 7 9 12 16 3 18 28 14 13 15 + ++ +- Ra 14 13 12 11 24 23 22 21 10 20 18 8 , ,, ,-Ke 8 18 20 10 21 22 23 24 11 12 13 14 Lagna 8 9 22 22 25 14 4 23 18 20 21 10 Gulika 23 24 11 12 13 14 8 18 20 10 21 22 Auspicious Degrees of the Moon D DD DE EE E F FF F G GG G H HH H I II IJ JJ JK KK K L LL L M MM M N NN N O OO O % %% %-Mo 21 14 18 8 19 9 24 11 23 14 19 9 Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope 265 INFLUENCE OF HOUSES AND HOUSE LORDS In order to gain a clearer analysis of the area of life, and the circumstances surrounding it, consider the influencing houses and house lords: 1. Consider the house wherein the house lord and karaka for the item under consideration are placed. 2. Consider the house lords that join, or aspect (with either planetary or rasi aspect), the house under consideration, its lord and the karaka. House Placement 1. If the house lord or karaka is in a trine the area of life is generally more fortuitous and manifests easily and fortunately. 2. If the house lord or karaka is in an angle the area of life is generally more significant in the life of the native, and generally manifests earlier rather than later. 3. If the house lord or karaka is in the 3 rd or 11 th , the area of life is a greater desire, and one that usually requires greater effort to realize, manage or maintain. It is a greater desire when it is in the 11 th than the 3 rd . The desire is based upon hope and fulfillment if the planet is in the 11 th , and upon one’s ideas for what is good, or right to have, if it is in the 3 rd . More effort is required when the house lord or karaka is in the 3 rd than the 11 th . Planets in the 11 th house may also be a potential source of gain for the native. 4. If the house lord or the karaka is a dusthana, (6 th , 8 th or 12 th house) there will be greater struggles in realizing the area of life under consideration and/or more difficulty or struggles in maintaining it. These are in accordance with the nature of the dusthana under question. Effort, struggles, obstacles, enemies, and debt may influence the situation if the planet is in the 6 th house. Crisis, breaking of taboos or laws, or the unexpected may influence the situation if the planet is in the 8 th . Expense and losses may influence the situation if the planet is in the 12 th . The worst-case situation is a planet in a dusthana under heavy malefic influence; in this case its indications will suffer terribly. 266 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens House Lord Influence 1. If a trine lord, which is a natural benefic, influences the house, the house lord or the karaka, the area of life under consideration is furthered most easily. 2. If an angle lord, which is a natural benefic, influences the house, the house lord or the karaka, the area of life under consideration is pursued quite strongly, and furthered relatively easily. 3. If a trine lord, which is a natural malefic, influences the house, the house lord or the karaka, the native’s involvement with those things governed by the trine will serve to create difficulties to, or separation from, the area of life under consideration. It will usually, however, be in the native’s highest interest to follow the dictates of the trine lord. 4. If an angular lord, which is a natural malefic, influences the house, the house lord or the karaka, the native’s involvement with those things governed by the angular lord will serve to create difficulties, or separation, to the area of life under consideration. These difficulties will be to the degree that the native is involved with the indications of the angular lord. 5. If a dusthana lord, which is a natural benefic, influences the house, the house lord or the karaka, the area of life under consideration will manifest through the difficulties or struggles indicated by the dusthana lord. 6. If a dusthana lord, which is a natural malefic, influences the house, the house lord or the karaka, the area of life under consideration will suffer greatly by way of the difficulties indicated by the dusthana lord. 7. If the 3 rd or 11 th lord, which is a natural benefic, influences the house, the house lord or the karaka, the native will have to exert will and effort to manifest the area of life under consideration. They will also have to find peace within themselves in order to continue having happiness with the area of life under consideration; otherwise the desire nature will desire the excitement of something new, or their opinions will interfere with the possible happiness they could receive. Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope 267 8. If the 3 rd or 11 th lord, which is a natural malefic, influences the house, the house lord or the karaka, the native’s own selfishness, opinions, or willfulness may harm the area of life under consideration. 9. Any house lord that is a natural malefic may indicate that the person or item governed by the house lord may be a source of difficulty to the realization of the area of life that it influences. Thus a malefic 2 nd lord may give difficulties coming from the family; a malefic 3 rd or 11 th lord may give difficulties due to younger or elder siblings respectively; similarly for other house lords. PREDICTING DETAILS After determining that one will enjoy an area of life, carefully considering the qualities of the planets, rasis, nakshatras and houses will add color, specificity, and detail to a prediction. It is possible to predict the length, color, size, nature, direction, etc of any item under consideration. To predict the details of any item consider: The House Lord and Karaka 1. Consider the qualities of the rasis wherein the house lord and karaka are placed. 2. Consider the qualities of the navamsa rasis wherein the house lord and karaka are placed. 3. Consider the qualities of any planets joining or aspecting (with either planetary or rasi aspect) the house lord and karaka. 4. Consider the qualities of the nakshatra wherein the house lord and karaka are placed. The House, and the Appropriate House from the Karaka 1. Consider the qualities of the rasi of the house, and the house from the karaka, ruling the item in question. 2. Consider the qualities of the navamsa of the cusps of these houses. (The degree of the house cusp from the karaka is the same degree as the karaka’s degree in its rasi). 268 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens 3. Consider the qualities of any planets joining or aspecting (with either planetary or rasi aspect) these houses. 4. Consider the qualities of the nakshatra on the house cusps. The details of the item under consideration will be those indicated by the above that are brought to fruition in accordance with the Dasa and Antardasa influence. The Dasa influence is everything when predicting details. INDEPENDENT USE OF THE NAVAMSA After skill has been developed with the foregoing techniques, the independent use of the navamsa allows for finer detail. Consider the above guidelines in the navamsa, reading the navamsa chart just like the rasi chart. The one exception is that planetary aspects should not be considered in the navamsa, only rasi aspects. DUAL USE OF THE NAVAMSA AND RASI A more advanced use of the navamsa is to consider the appropriate house lord from the rasi chart in the navamsa, and to consider the appropriate house lord from the navamsa in the rasi chart. The rasi of the karaka in the rasi chart can be judged in the navamsa, and the rasi of the karaka in the navamsa can be judged in the rasi chart. In essence the rasi and navamsa are placed on top of each other and read as one. Furthermore, the rasi on the house in the rasi chart can also be judged in the navamsa, and the rasi on the house in the navamsa chart can also be judged in the rasi. The house and house lord from both the karaka and the lagna can be considered in this manner. Reading the rasi and navamsa charts together in this manner will very often explain something that wasn’t apparent at first. However, it can also be overwhelming, so it is best, at first, to use this technique when something is not quite explained through the rules given above. Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope Judging the Horoscope 269 IMPORTANCE OF THE DASA INFLUENCE The forgoing judgment guidelines reveal the static promise in the horoscope; the entirety of what the native will or will not have in life, as well as the potential of all the variances of an item one will have. Because of this, there are an incredible amount of factors to consider, which may initially be very overwhelming The dasa influence, however, will reveal which influences are activated and thus exactly what is being given at a particular period of the native’s life. Therefore, pay particular attention to the dasa lord, the antardasa lord, etc., and what they are influencing and indicating in the horoscope. Skill in making predictions is dependent upon accurately judging the ups and downs, the give and take that is indicated in the horoscope in accordance with the ripening of the dasa lords. IMPORTANCE OF DISPOSITORS The benefic and malefic influences on the rasi, navamsa and nakshatra dispositors of a house lord and karaka can be similarly judged on all the points mentioned above in the event that the dasa lord is the dispositor of a house lord or karaka under consideration. This will provide greater accuracy in accordance with the dasa influence. Often times the dasa of the rasi, navamsa, or nakshatra dispositor of a house lord or karaka will bring an item to fruition. In this case it will be necessarily to judge the influences on this dispositor to determine the quality and details of what is being given. For instance, if the 4 th lord is in Leo, indicating mountains, this would be an indication for a home in the mountains. If the Sun is in Pisces, and the Dasa of the Sun (the dispositor of the 4 th lord) were to move the native, the move would be to the ocean, indicated by Pisces. Further, any afflictions to the Sun would be directed upon their new home. CHANDRA LAGNA In Vedic Astrology the horoscope is also read from the Moon’s rasi, this is known as Chandra Lagna. Everything that has been stated with reference to the lagna also applies to Chandra Lagna. Therefore, 270 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens when judging any area of life, both the appropriate house from the lagna and the appropriate house from the Moon should be considered. Reading the horoscope from Chandra Lagna is also very important when timing events with Vimshottari Dasa. For instance, the 5 th lord from the Moon can give children in its dasa as easily as the 5 th lord from the lagna. Reading the horoscope from Chandra Lagna, as well as from the lagna, allows the astrologer to predict many more events in a particular planets period then if just the lagna were considered. OTHER HOUSES AS LAGNAS Another important consideration for reading the horoscope accurately is to read the horoscope from the house in question. For instance, when considering the mother, read the horoscope from the 4 th house. If the 4 th lord were in the 9 th house, the 6 th house of disease from the 4 th house, and under malefic influence, then the mother’s health would be ailing. All the affairs of the native can be read this way, however, it is particularly useful when reading about other people in the native’s life. This is also an important consideration when considering a planet that rules two houses in the horoscope. Since the house lord is the same for both the houses, it would be under the same influences, however it would be in a different house from each of the houses it rules, thereby giving somewhat different effects to each of the houses. This is one important reason why two houses ruled by one planet will have different effects. As an example, suppose, for Virgo lagna, that Jupiter, the 4 th and 7 th lord, were in the 11 th house, under both benefic and malefic influences. From the 4th house, Jupiter is in the destructive 8 th , from the 7 th house, Jupiter is in the lucky 5 th , therefore the 4 th house indications would suffer more so then the 7 th house indications; the malefic influences to Jupiter would be experienced more by the 4 th house, and the benefic influences would be experienced more by the 7 th house. If, however, Jupiter had only benefic influences to it, then both houses would, of course, flourish. Lajjitaadi Avasthas Lajjitaadi Avasthas Lajjitaadi Avasthas Lajjitaadi Avasthas 271 24 24 24 24 Lajjitaadi Avasthas Lajjitaadi Avasthas Lajjitaadi Avasthas Lajjitaadi Avasthas There are certain conditions under which a planet, whether a benefic or malefic, becomes either capable of supporting a house or destroying a house. The condition of a benefic may become such that it harms the house it is placed in, or the condition of a malefic may become such that it furthers the house it falls in. These conditions are known as Lajjitaadi Avasthas, meaning, “ashamed state, etc.” The Lajjitaadi Avasthas are named thus because the first avastha in the group is called Lajjita. This group of avasthas affects not only the planets, but also particularly the house that the avastha is found in. LAJJITA -ashamed- AVASTHA A planet in the 5 th house joining Rahu or Ketu, or joining the Sun, Saturn, or Mars. “Lajjita Avastha indicates aversion to God, loss of intelligence, loss of children or diseased children, interest in evil speeches, wandering, and listlessness in doing good things.” “A planet causing Lajjita Avastha in the 5 th house indicates that children will be lost, though there will remain one child.” Lajjita Avastha is more powerful when Rahu or Ketu causes it, than when it is caused by the other malefics. It is particularly severe when it is caused by the Sun, Mars, or Saturn joining Rahu or Ketu. There is some confusion with this particular avastha. It is said to occur due to a planet in the 5 th house, yet all classics state that a planet in the 10 th house in Lajjita Avastha indicates penury and misery. How can a planet causing an avastha in the 5 th house be in the 10 th house? 272 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens One possiblity is that this avastha could be caused by a planet joining Rahu, Ketu, the Sun, Saturn or Mars in the 5 th house from any house, not just the 5 th house from the lagna. This is not clearly supported by classics, however, and is therefore debatable. The classics, in fact, actually state that a planet in the house of children, not a planet in the fifth house, causes this avastha. This creates doubts in believing that this avastha could be caused by planets in the 5 th from any house. The other possibility is that Lajjita Avastha is caused in any house by the conjunction of a planet with Rahu, Ketu, the Sun, Saturn, or Mars. This is similar to the Vikala Avastha of the Deeptaadi Avastha group. The Vikala Avastha, however, specifically affects the planet; Lajjitaadi avasthas specifically affect the house. I have seen planets joining Rahu, Ketu, the Sun, Saturn, or Mars indicate shame and embarrassment to the house they are placed in, and it is my opinion that using the avastha in this manner yields good results. I have seen cases of this avastha falling in the 5 th house indicating shame and embarrassment on account of children just like the classical texts state. However, it does not seem in line with the general nature of avasthas to consider a combination that can only fall in one house as an avastha, especially when other results attributed to this avastha occur when the avastha affects the 10 th house. It appears most rational to consider this avastha to be formed in any house by the conjunction of a planet with Rahu, Ketu, the Sun, Saturn or Mars. However, the student is best to proceed with caution when applying Lajjita Avastha until assured of its efficacy. The other avasthas of this group, however, are clear and can be used confidently. TRUSHITA -thirsty- AVASTHA A planet in a watery rasi, aspected by an enemy, and unaspected by a benefic. Lajjitaadi Avasthas Lajjitaadi Avasthas Lajjitaadi Avasthas Lajjitaadi Avasthas 273 “Trushita Avastha indicates diseases caused by the association with women, an inclination towards evil deeds, loss of wealth possibly due to due to one’s own men, weakness, misery caused by cruel people, and loss of honor.” Trushita Avastha significantly harms the house it is formed in, but does not destroy it. The native does not get their needs met in the areas of life indicated by the house. Some consider this avastha when the planet in the watery rasi is aspected by a malefic, rather than an enemy. KSHOBHITA -agitated- AVASTHA A planet joining the Sun, aspected by all the malefics and an enemy. “Kshobhita Avastha indicates penury, evil disposition, misery, financial distress, foot disease, and loss of income due to royal wrath.” Kshobhita Avastha destroys the house. If only some, rather than all, malefics aspect the concerned planet, then this avastha is partially obtained and the house suffers, but is not completely destroyed. KSHUDHITA -hungry- AVASTHA A planet in an enemy’s rasi, joined and aspected by an inimical planet, and joined or aspected by Saturn. “Kshudhita Avastha indicates downfall, grief, mental torment, unrequited desire and passion, unhappiness with relatives, trouble from enemies, financial distress, and loss of energy, strength and health.” Kshudhita Avastha destroys the house. If this avastha is obtained partially, then the house still suffers but is not completely destroyed. With regards to this avastha, Jupiter is never considered an enemy, since Jupiter is a component of Mudita Avastha. 274 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens MUDITA -delighted-AVASTHA A planet in a friendly rasi, with a friend, aspected by a friend, and joined or aspected by Jupiter. “Mudita Avastha indicates gain of houses, land, clothes, ornaments, happiness with women, wife and relatives, living in royal places, destruction of enemies, and acquisition of wisdom and knowledge.” Mudita Avastha indicates a strong house, capable of yielding full results. It is the very opposite of Kshudhita Avastha. If this avastha only partially obtains, then the house benefits somewhat. With regards to this avastha, Saturn is never considered a friend, since Saturn is a component of Kshudhita Avastha. GARVITA -taking pride in- AVASTHA A planet in exaltation or moolatrikona. “Garvita Avastha causes happiness through new houses and gardens, royalty or kingship, skill in arts, regalhood, reason for pride, financial gains at all times, and improvement in trade.” Garvita Avastha indicates a strong house, capable of yielding its results. This avastha lends truth to the fact that a planet in exaltation or moolatrikona strengthens the house it is in. Malefics causing Garvita Avastha are particularly proud. EFFECTS OF LAJJITAADI AVASTHAS 1. Kshobhita (agitated) and Kshudhita (hungry) Avasthas destroy the house. 2. Garvita (taking pride in) and Mudita (delighted) Avasthas benefit a house. 3. Kshobhita (agitated) or Trushita (thirsty) Avastha in the 7 th house indicates that one will loose their spouse. Lajjitaadi Avasthas Lajjitaadi Avasthas Lajjitaadi Avasthas Lajjitaadi Avasthas 275 4. Lajjita (ashamed), Kshudhita (hungry), Trushita (thirsty) or Kshobhita (agitated) Avastha in the 10 th house indicates that the native will be subjected to misery. Quite often a planet will take part in more than one these avasthas, in which case a blend of both are realized. In the event that there is both an auspicious and inauspicious avastha, the results of the planet and house will be mixed. In many instances a house will partially contain one of these avasthas, in which case the avastha will have only a partial influence. For instance, Kshudhita Avastha is caused by a planet in an enemy’s rasi, aspected by an enemy, joined by an enemy, and joined or aspected by Saturn. If a planet is only in an enemy’s rasi, and aspected by an enemy, the avastha would be partially present and therefore some difficulty would be present, though the house would not be destroyed. With regards to those avasthas that are dependent upon friendly or inimical aspects and conjunctions, natural planetary relationships should be considered rather than compound relationships. I have found these avasthas effective when determined using rasi aspects rather than planetary aspects. Lajjitaadi Avasthas contain many important principles for judging the well being or otherwise of a house. Judging a house is simple and accurate with their application. I have also found that a planet will give the effects of its Lajjitaadi Avastha to the house it rasi aspects. 276 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Pisces Pisces Pisces Pisces “Two fishes swimming in opposite directions.” Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas 277 25 25 25 25 Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas are a group of mathematical avasthas that influence the house the avastha is found in as well as the planet causing the avastha. To calculate the Shayanaadi Avastha of a planet: 1. Multiply the nakshatra that the planet is placed in by the serial number of the planet: 1 for the Sun, 2 for the Moon, etc. up to 9 for Ketu. 2. Multiply the above product by the amsa (see below) that the planet is placed in. 3. Add to the above, the number of the lagna (1-12 for Aries- Pisces), the janma nakshatra (nakshatra of the Moon), and the Ghati* of birth measured from sunrise. 4. Divide the result by 12, the remainder indicates the avastha: 1. Shayana Avastha, State of Lying down. 2. Upavesha Avastha, State of Sitting. 3. Netrapani Avastha, State of Eye/Hand. 4. Prakaashana Avastha, State of Illuminating. 5. Gamana Avastha, State of Departing. 6. Aagamana Avastha, State of Arriving. 7. Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha, State of Being in a Council. 8. Aagama Avastha, State of Reaproaching. 9. Bhojana Avastha, State of Eating. 10. Nrityalipsa Avastha, State of Longing to Dance. 11. Kautuka Avastha, State of Eagerness. 12. Nidraa Avastha, State of Slumber. *A ghati is 24 minutes of time. To determine the ghatis of birth: find the time in minutes from sunrise to birth, divide by 24, the resultant number, rounded up to the next whole digit, is the ghati of birth. For example: if 434 minutes have elapsed from sunrise to birth, divide 434 by 24, the result is 18.0833. Rounding this up to the next whole digit gives 19, birth occurred in the 19 th ghati. 278 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens CHESHTA, ETC. A further calculation is made to determine the extent to which the effects of the avastha are realized: 1. Square the number of the avastha of the planet concerned. 2. Add the constant which corresponds to the native’s first name: 1 2 3 4 5 =/a “Ana” s/i “Italy” -/u “Umma” (/ae “Enid” =i/o “Olga” =/k “Kate” =/kh n/g “Gary” r/gh ¤/ch “Charles” ø/chh ¤/j “Jack” ¬/jh ª/t* “Tom” a/th s/d* “Doug” «/dh* +/t** “Tiffany” »/th** “thoraxic” :/d** “Denise” ·/dh** +/n ¢/p “Perry” =/ph “Felicia” «/b “Bob” -/bh ¤/m ¤/y +/r =/l ¤/v :/sh*** “Sherrie” ·/sh* =/s “Sam” r/h *Retroflex, the tongue reaches back upon pronunciation. **Dental, the tongue reaches towards the front teeth upon pronunciation. ***Palatal, the tongue presses the sides of the palate. 3. Divide by 12 and keep the remainder. 4. Add the kshepaka (additive quantity) for the respective planet: Su Mo Ma Me Ju Ve Sa Ra Ke 5 2 2 3 5 3 3 4 4 5. Divide the total by 3. If the remainder is: 1- The avastha is Drishti- apparent, visible. 2- The avastha is Cheshta- moving, action. 3- The avastha is Vicheshta- not moving, motionless. In Drishti the effect of the avastha upon the planet and the house that the planet is in is medium, in Cheshta great, and in Vicheshta the effect of the avastha is very little. Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas 279 There is some controversy regarding the calculation of this group of avasthas. In the calculation, Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra and other texts use the word “amsena,” a singular form of “amsa” meaning degrees, division, portion, etc. In astrological terminology, amsa particularly means a division of a rasi, especially referring to the navamsa. Therefore, amsena could mean the degrees of the planet in the rasi, the navamsa of the planet in the navamsa chart, or the number of navamsa, from 1-9, that the planet is in, in the rasi it is placed in. These are the three possibilities that most who desire to use the Shayanaadi Avasthas attempt to employ. After much testing I was not satisfied with either of these and after careful thought and further testing it is my opinion that “amsena” refers to the nakshatra pada (quarter) that the planet falls in, each of the four nakshatra padas are just one amsa (3 degrees, 20 minutes) in extent. My reason for believing this is that it does not appear rational to multiply the nakshatra by a factor that, for each nakshatra is incomplete, and is already indirectly considered. For example, if the degrees of the planet are used, then each nakshatra can only have the possibility of 14 degrees and not the entire range of 30. Similarly if we use the navamsa of the planet, only four possibilities amongst twelve are available for each nakshatra, and if the navamsa in the rasi is considered then only four possibilities amongst nine are available for each nakshatra. This prevents any sort of mathematical harmony to exist in the calculation of the avastha. If, however, the pada of the nakshatra is used, then in each nakshatra there is the full range of four possibilities. Testing the avasthas with the pada being considered has yielded better results then the other theories. Amongst the many classical texts that provide the calculations for the Shayanaadi Avasthas, the 17 th century, Hora Ratnam, gives an example of calculating the Shayanaadi Avasthas. In the example the degrees in the rasi are used. Hora Ratnam, is largely a compilation and not directly authored by a seer, so there is the possibility that the author himself did not fully understand the calculations. I myself did not find the avasthas to be as accurate when calculated with the degrees and recommend the nakshatra pada. 280 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens EFFECTS OF SHAYANAADI AVASTHAS The general influences of these avasthas upon a house are quite simple: “A benefic planet in Shayana Avastha will give auspicious effects at all times to the house it is placed in.” “If a malefic is in Bhojana Avastha, the house the planet is in will be completely destroyed.” Benefics are particularly beneficial to the house they are placed in if they are in Shayana Avastha. Malefics are particularly troublesome to the house they are in when they are in Bhojana Avastha. Classical texts provide extensive results of these avasthas, which are being reproduced below. Applying these results blindly will not, however, yield the most extensive or accurate use of these avasthas. Considering the meaning of the name of the avastha and what influence that has upon the planet and the house in which the planet is situated will yield very revealing results. The Shayanaadi Avasthas, though giving their results, do not override the effects of yogas, etc., they just modify them according to the avastha. The avastha indicates the condition of the planet, not the effect, therefore the condition of the yoga, etc. is indicated by the avastha, the effect is determined by the yoga, etc. Many of the classical results given for these avasthas will be misleading if they are applied as effects rather then conditions. Oftentimes many planets will conform to the same avastha, the nature of that avastha will then particularly influence the native and color their lives. The influences of the avasthas upon the health of the native as stated in the classical texts will be found to be surprisingly accurate at times. Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas 281 1. SHAYANA -lying down- AVASTHA A planet in Shayana Avastha is inactive and lacking initiative and follow-through. It is unable to provide all of its normally helpful, active faculties. The planet, however, is conscious and awake with goals and desires, though being unable to fully actualize these results in unhappiness. This is generally not an auspicious avastha for the planet to be in. Only Rahu and Ketu when they are in certain rasis give auspicious effects in this avastha. The houses with benefics in this avastha are furthered. Sun: Sun: Sun: Sun: “If The Sun is in Shayana Avastha, the native will have problematic digestion, many diseases, stout legs, bilious disorders, ulcer in the anus, disease in the privates, and heart pains.” Moon: Moon: Moon: Moon: “If the Moon is in Shayana Avastha, the native will be honorable, sluggish with excess vata, lustful, and facing financial destruction possibly due to addictions.” Mars: Mars: Mars: Mars: “If Mars is in Shayana Avastha, the native will be troubled by wounds, itches, and ulcers and ringworm.” “If Mars is in Shayana avastha in the 7 th house there will be loss of wife, and if he is in the 5 th House, loss of son. If Mars is in Shayana Avastha in the 6 th house and aspected by his enemies, the native being in the grip of cupid, the god of love, fractures his hand due to quarrels and fighting. In the 6 th house it is indicated that the first wife will be deprived of happiness. If Mars is in Shayana avastha with Saturn and Rahu, or aspected by an enemy, indicates disease or trouble in the head. If Mars is in the lagna, he gives eye disease, and spreads diseases throughout the body or wounds the body.” Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: “If Mercury is in Shayana Avastha in the lagna, the native will be lame and will have reddish eyes like the Gunja. In other houses, the native will be wicked, greedy, fraudulent, and addicted to licentious pleasures.” Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: “If Jupiter is in Shayana Avastha, the native will be strong but will speak in whispers, he will be tawny in complexion with prominent cheeks (long chin), and he will worry about enemies.” Venus: Venus: Venus: Venus: “If Venus is in Shayana Avastha, the native though strong, will incur dental disorders, be short-tempered, lacking wealth, licentious and will seek union with courtesans.” Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: “If Saturn is in Shayana Avastha, the native will be oppressed by hunger and thirst, and do labor, he will incur diseases as a child, though later he will become wealthy” Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: “If Rahu is in Shayana Avastha, the native will have abundant misery, troubles and diseases. If Rahu is in Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, or Aries, the native will have wealth and grains.” “If Rahu is in Shayana avastha in the 2 nd , 12 th or 11 th house, the native wanders over the earth in a state of 282 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens penury. If Rahu is in his own, or exaltation rasi, in the rasis of Venus or Mars (some say Mercury instead of Mars), in his own varga or in the varga of a benefic, he gives auspicious effects. If Rahu is in other houses, the native is the object of worship of wicked people.” Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: “If Ketu is in Shayana Avastha in Aries, Taurus, Gemini, or Virgo, the native will have plenty of wealth. In other rasis, the native will have diseases.” Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous “If a malefic in the 5 th house is in Shayana Avastha, without a second thought, there will be auspicious effects.” “A benefic in Shayana Avastha in the 5 th is inauspicious and will destroy children; a malefic in the same avasthas is auspicious and will give children. If, however, the malefic is in own rasi, exaltation, or moolatrikona, the auspiciousness will be destroyed. A benefic in the 5 th in this avasthas and aspected by another benefic will surely cause the early death of the first child.” “If there is a malefic in the 8 th house in Shayana Avastha, untimely death due to royal wrath will come to pass. If there is a benefic aspect or conjunction, then death will happen in the Ganges River.” “If there is a malefic in the 10 th in Shayana Avastha, the native will suffer many miseries on account of his own deeds, and wander all over the world in poverty.” “Saturn, Rahu or Mars in the 8 th in Shayana Avastha indicates death due to having one’s head severed from his body.” “If a planet in Shayana avastha is together with a malefic in the 8 th house, then the native is put to death by his enemy's wrath. If the planet is in conjunction with or aspected by benefics, or if the 8 th house is occupied by the 8 th lord, then at the time of death the native reaches the shore of the Holy Ganga and dies a holy death there. A malefic in the 8 th in Shayana Avastha indicates death through royal punishment or enemies. If the malefic is aspected by a benefic, death will be at the Ganges River. If the aspect is instead by a malefic, death will be due to having one’s head severed from his body.” 2. UPAVESHA -sitting- AVASTHA Planets in Upavesha Avastha are in a waiting, receptive state. The male, initiating planets are not effective in receiving, therefore even the male benefics are unfavorable in this avastha. The benefic female planets are the only planets capable of being receptive to auspicious effects, but the Moon, not being capable of discrimination in this state, also indicates poor results in this avastha. The other female benefic, Venus, therefore, is the only planet that indicates fortunate results in this avastha. Mercury being a benefic neuter is favorable in this avastha when influenced by benefics or in good dignity. Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas 283 Sun: Sun: Sun: Sun: “If The Sun is in Upavesha Avastha, the native will suffer poverty, carry loads, indulge in litigation, be hard-hearted, wicked, and lose in his undertakings.” Moon: Moon: Moon: Moon: “If the Moon is in Upavesha Avastha, the native will be dull-witted, hard hearted, doing unworthy acts, and troubled by diseases. He will steal other’s wealth, destroy some others, and himself have only negligible wealth. (The native will be crooked, and have injured teeth).” Mars: Mars: Mars: Mars: If Mars is in Upavesha Avastha, the native will be strong, sinful, untruthful, lacking wisdom, eminent, wealthy, and bereft of virtues. Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: “If Mercury is in Upavesha Avastha in the lagna, the native will possess virtues. If Mercury is aspected or joined with a malefic, penury will result, but if joined or aspected by a benefic (but if in friendly or exaltation rasi), financial happiness will follow.” Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: “If Jupiter is in Upavesha Avastha, the native will be garrulous and proud, he will be troubled by the king and enemies, and he will have ulcers or wounds on the feet, thighs, face, and hands.” Venus: Venus: Venus: Venus: “If Venus is in Upavesha Avastha, the native will be endowed with many nine gem and golden ornaments. He will always be happy, will destroy enemies, and be honored by the king. He will have the highest honors.” Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: “If Saturn is in Upavesha Avastha the native will be troubled by enemies, will suffer danger, have ulcers all over his body. He will be proud, self-centered, and punished by the king.” Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: “If Rahu is in Upavesha Avastha the native will have ulcers, ringworm, and lack financial well- being, though honorable and having royal association.” Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: “If Ketu is in Upavesha Avastha the native will suffer from ulcers and windy diseases, he will be troubled by enemies, snakes and thieves.” 3. NETRAPAANI -eye/hand- AVASTHA This avastha requires will, effort, concentration and direction to benefit from; therefore only the malefic embodied planets, the Sun, Saturn and Mars, are favorable in this avastha. In some cases Venus is auspicious in this avastha as well, since Venus has a martial aspect as well (see Parasurama). Sun: Sun: Sun: Sun: “If The Sun is in Netrapani Avastha, the native will always be happy and helpful to others, gaining royal favors, and endowed with prowess, wealth, and wisdom.” “If the Sun is in the 5 th , 9 th , 10 th (or 7 th ) house in Netrapani avastha, the effects are auspicious and all desires would be fulfilled.” 284 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Moon: Moon: Moon: Moon: “If the Moon is in Netrapani Avastha, the native will be troubled by chronic disease, he will be garrulous, deceitful, wicked, (heroic, with eye diseases, and leg enlargement) and indulging in bad deeds.” Mars: Mars: Mars: Mars: “If Mars is placed in the lagna in Netrapani Avastha there will be penury. In other houses Netrapani Avastha will confer lordship of a city.” “If Mars is in Netrapani avastha in the lagna, then the native gets his limbs broken due to fighting while being in the grip of the god of love (suffers from fire and looses a part of the body. The same is likely to happen to the wife if Mars is in the 7 th ). The native will also be subjected to fear from snakes, fire and water, dental disease, eye trouble, and may loose his wife.” Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: “If Mercury is in Netrapani Avastha, the native will be proud and devoid of learning, wisdom, well-wishers, and satisfaction. If Mercury is in the 5 th house in Netrapani Avastha, the subject will be bereft of happiness from wife and sons, will have more daughters (loss of son and the birth of daughter) and will gain abundant wealth through royal patronage (will be excellent and a scholar in the kings court).” Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: “If Jupiter is in Netrapani Avastha the native will be afflicted by diseases, devoid of wealth, fond of music and dance, libidinous, tawny in complexion and attached to people of other castes.” Venus: Venus: Venus: Venus: “If Venus is in Netrapani Avastha in the lagna, 7 th or 10 th house, the native will loose wealth, and their sight will be afflicted. In other houses, the native will own large houses. (If Venus is in Netrapani avastha in the lagna, 7 th or 10 th house, she is extremely auspicious, and makes the body strong, but decays the Teeth and increases sexual desire).” Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: “If Saturn is in Netrapani Avastha, the native will have a charming woman, wealth, royal favor, and friends. He will be knowledgeable in many arts, and be an eloquent speaker.” Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: “If Rahu is in Netrapani Avastha, the native will have eye diseases, fear from the wicked, snakes, and thieves, and he will suffer financial decline.” Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: “If Ketu is in Netrapani Avastha, the native will have eye diseases, loss of wealth, an inconstant mind, and trouble from the wicked, snakes, enemies, and people from royal families.” 4. PRAKAASHANA -illuminating- AVASTHA Prakaashana is generally an auspicious avastha that indicates a planet “illuminating” the native with its best qualities. This illumination comes from within; therefore this avastha is one that indicates happiness. Planets in this avastha are particularly capable of bringing those things in the mind to a concrete realization. Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas 285 Sun: Sun: Sun: Sun: “If The Sun is in Prakaashana Avastha, the native will be liberal in disposition, a significant speaker in the council, with plenty of wealth, performing many meritorious acts, strong, and endowed with charming beauty.” “If the Sun is in the 12 th , 7 th 10 th or the 5 th house in Prakaashana avastha, the native looses his son or wife.” Moon: Moon: Moon: Moon: “If the Moon be in Prakaashana Avastha, the native will be famous, and have his virtues exposed through royal patronage. Horses, elephants, females, and jewelry will surround him. He will also visit shrines.” “If The Moon is in the 10 th in Prakaashana Avastha, a Raja Yoga occurs.” Mars: Mars: Mars: Mars: “Should Mars be in Prakaashana Avastha, the native will shine with virtues, be honored by the king, (and live in foreign lands). Mars in Prakaashana Avastha in the 5 th (or 7 th ) house causes loss of children and of wife. If Mars in Prakaashana Avastha is in the 5 th with Rahu, the native will have a great fall from position (fall from a tree).” “(If Mars is in Prakaashana avastha in the 5 th or 7 th house, the native respectively looses his son or his wife. If Mars is in conjunction with malefics, or is hemmed between malefics, the native is the foremost among sinners).” Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: “If Mercury is in Prakaashana Avastha, the native will be charitable, merciful, and meritorious. He will cross the ocean in respect to many branches of learning, be endowed with the faculty of discrimination, and will destroy the pride of wicked people.” Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: “If Jupiter is in Prakaashana Avastha, the native will be virtuous, happy, and splendorous. Visiting holy places, he will be devoted to Lord Krishna. If Jupiter is also exalted, the native will attain greatness among men and will be equal to Kubera (the lord of wealth).” Venus: Venus: Venus: Venus: “If Venus is in Prakaashana Avastha and in its own, exaltation, or friendly rasi, the native will sport like a lofty elephant, will be equal to a king, and will be skilful in poetry and music.” Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: “If Saturn is in Prakaashana Avastha, the native will be virtuous, wealthy, intelligent, witty, sportive, splendorous, merciful, and devoted to Lord Shiva (some say Vishnu).” Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: “If Rahu is in Prakaashana Avastha, the native will gain a high position, be famous, increase his financial position, will perform good deeds, and be virtuous and charming. He will be a chief in the king's court and prosperous in foreign places.” Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: “If Ketu is in Prakaashana Avastha, the native will be wealthy, righteous, famous, enthusiastic and genuine. He will live happily in foreign places and will serve the king.” 5. GAMANA -departing- AVASTHA Planets in Gamana Avastha are beginning to move towards their tangible goals. They are either feeling inspired towards activity, or suffering on account of leaving what is dear to them. Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are generally inclined to be inspired 286 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens towards their activities when in Gamana Avastha; they are therefore auspicious when in this avastha. The Sun, Moon and Mars have some difficulty in adjusting to new things and are generally inclined to experience suffering on account of what must be left behind when in Gamana Avastha; they are therefore inauspicious when in this avastha. Venus has difficulty with moving forward through the changes that are required when in Gamana Avastha; Venus is therefore also inauspicious when in this avastha. Sun: Sun: Sun: Sun: If The Sun is in Gamana Avastha the native will be forced to live in foreign places; he will be miserable, short-tempered, indolent, without intelligence or wealth, and distressed and fearful.” Moon: Moon: Moon: Moon: “If the waning Moon is in Gamana Avastha, the native will be sinful, cruel, and always troubled by afflictions to their sight. The waxing Moon in Gamana Avastha indicates that the native will be distressed due to fear.” Mars: Mars: Mars: Mars: “If Mars is in Gamana Avastha the native will always be roaming, will have fear of multiple ulcers, will have misunderstanding with women, will be afflicted by boils, itches, etc., and suffer financial decline (on account of enemies).” Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: “If Mercury is in Gamana Avastha the native will visit the courts of kings on many occasions, (have a beautifully adorned house, land from the king), and Goddess Lakshmi will dwell in his abode.” Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: “If Jupiter is in Gamana Avastha the native will be adventurous, happy due to friends, scholarly with Vedic knowledge, and having various types of wealth.” Venus: Venus: Venus: Venus: “If Venus is in Gamana Avastha, the native’s mother will not live long, he will sorrow over the separation from his people and worry about enemies.” Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: “If Saturn is in Gamana Avastha the native will be rich, with sons, and a scholar at the royal court. He will take the land of his enemies.” Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: “If Rahu is in Gamana Avastha the native will have many children, be scholarly, wealthy, charitable, and honored by the king.” Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: “If Ketu is in Gamana Avastha, the native will have many sons, abundant wealth, and be scholarly, virtuous, charitable, and the best among men.” Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous “A benefic in the 10 th house in Gamana Avastha indicates grief related to work” Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas 287 6. AAGAMANA -arriving- AVASTHA Planets in Aagamana Avastha are just arriving at their tangible goals. Mercury, Jupiter and Venus, being capable of producing tangible benefits, are very auspicious in this avastha. Mars is very capable of finding happiness through fulfilling an objective; he is therefore also very auspicious in this avastha. Saturn, Rahu and Ketu, not being capable of finding happiness with anything, are inauspicious in this avastha. The Sun and Moon, the lights of the soul and consciousness, are limited in this avastha, whatever tangible benefits they may produce are much less then the happiness they are capable of; they are therefore also not auspicious when in Gamana Avastha. Sun: Sun: Sun: Sun: “If The Sun is in Aagamana Avastha, the native will be interested others' wives, and be without the company of his own men, he will be interested in travel and skilful in doing evil deeds; he will be dirty, cruel, miserly, ill-disposed and a tale bearer.” Moon: Moon: Moon: Moon: “If The Moon is in Aagamana Avastha, the native will be honorable and proud, though suffering diseases in the feet, and secretly indulging in sinful acts. He will be poor and lacking intelligence and happiness.” Mars: Mars: Mars: Mars: “If Mars is in Aagamana Avastha, the native will be virtuous, endowed with precious gems, and adoring a sharp sword. He will walk with the (majestic) gait of an elephant, will destroy his enemies, and will remove the troubles and miseries of his people.” Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: “If Mercury is in Aagamana Avastha, the same effects due to his being in Gamana Avastha will fructify- the native will visit the courts of kings on many occasions and Goddess Lakshmi will dwell in his abode.” Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: “If Jupiter is in Aagamana Avastha, attendants, excellent women, and Sri Lakshmi will never leave the native's abode.” Venus: Venus: Venus: Venus: “If Venus is in Aagamana Avastha, the native will command great wealth, will visit shrines, will always be enthusiastic, but will have hand and foot diseases.” Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: “If Saturn is in Aagamana Avastha, the native will be like to a donkey, and lack happiness from wife and children. He will roam pitiably without anybody's endorsement. (He will live in a lonely place and suffer diseased feet).” 288 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: “If Rahu is in Aagamana Avastha, the native will be irritable, lacking intelligence and wealth, crooked, miserly, and lustful.” Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: “If Ketu is in Aagamana Avastha, the native will suffer many diseases, will loose wealth, be wicked minded, lustful, lacking intelligence, will hurt with his teeth, be a tale bearer and blame others.” 7. SABHAAYAAM VASTI -being in a council- AVASTHA Planets in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha are befitting a position in a council through qualities of dignity, excellence, and selfless service. Planets in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha are capable of making the best possible decisions. All planets are capable of something beneficial when in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha; given what they are and what they must do they are able to make the most of it. The benefits of the planets are very pronounced when in this avastha. All planets, except Ketu, are considered auspicious in this avastha. Sun: Sun: Sun: Sun: “If The Sun is in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha, the native will be inclined to help others, he will be always endowed with wealth and gems, land, new houses and clothes. He will be strong and virtuous, affectionate to his friends, and kindly disposed. He will be interested in pursuing many branches of knowledge, be eloquent and have impressive eyes.” Moon: Moon: Moon: Moon: “If the Moon is in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha, the native will be virtuous, eminent, honored by kings and kings of kings. Beautiful, he will subdue the passion of women and be skilled in sexual acts.” Mars: Mars: Mars: Mars: “If Mars, exalted, is placed in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha, the native will be skilful in conducting wars, will hold the flag of righteousness aloft, and will be wealthy. If Mars is in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha in the 5 th or 9 th house, the native will be bereft of learning. In the 12 th house there will be childlessness and no wife and no friends. If Mars is in other houses, the native will be a scholar in a king's court, wealthy, honorable, and charitable.” Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: “If Mercury is in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha and in exaltation, the native will be affluent and meritorious at all times, and equal to Kubera (the lord of wealth). A virtuous king or a minister, he will be sattvic, devoted to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, and will attain full enlightenment.” “If Mercury is in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha in the 7 th or 5 th house, more daughters than sons will be born.” Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: “If Jupiter is in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha, the native will speak as well as Jupiter and be very learned (in sastras and many branches of knowledge). He will be endowed with the best corals and rubies, and wealth as well as being rich with elephants, horses, and chariots.” Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas 289 Venus: Venus: Venus: Venus: “If Venus is in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha the native will gain eminence in the king's court, be virtuous, a skilled orator, charitable, will destroy enemies, be equal to Kubera (the lord of wealth) in wealth, will ride on horses, and be the best among men.” Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: “If Saturn is in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha the native will have abundant gems and gold. He will be brilliant and have great judicial and political knowledge.” Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: “If Rahu is in Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha the native will be scholarly, miserly, with many virtues, wealth, and sources of happiness.” Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: “If Ketu is in Sabhaayaam Avastha the native will be garrulous, proud, miserly, licentious, and skilled in evil branches of learning and deception.” 8. AAGAMA -reappearing- AVASTHA Planets in Aagama Avastha are in a state of balancing the results of living in the material world. These planets generally suffer crisis and breaks and indicate needed lessons. Planets in this avastha with more malefic influences upon them are particularly adverse. Most of the planets are inauspicious in this avastha, except for Jupiter and the benefic Moon, the two, sattvic benefics. Mercury indicates some good effects in this avastha as well, since it is a planet that gives the ability to appreciate things without any judgment. Sun: Sun: Sun: Sun: “If The Sun is in Aagama Avastha, the native will be distressed on account of enemies, he will be fickle and evil minded, emaciated, devoid of virtuous acts and intoxicated with pride.” Moon: Moon: Moon: Moon: “If the Moon is in Aagama Avastha, the native will be garrulous, and virtuous. If the Moon is waning the native will have two wives; be sick, wicked, stubborn, and violent.” Mars: Mars: Mars: Mars: “If Mars is in Aagama Avastha, the native will be timid, befriend an evil lot, and be devoid of virtues and good deeds. Distressed by diseases, he will suffer diseases in the root of the ear, and ever have gout pains.” Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: “If Mercury is in Aagama Avastha the native will serve base men and gain wealth thereby. He will have two sons, and one daughter of good qualities who brings fame.” Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: “If Jupiter is in Aagama Avastha, the native will be endowed with various conveyances, honors, and retinue, good children, wife, and friends. Full of learning, he will be equal to a king, noble, fond of literature, and virtuous.” Venus: Venus: Venus: Venus: “If Venus is in Aagama Avastha, the native will have no gain of wealth, but troubles from enemies, separation from children and relatives, diseases, and lack of marital pleasure.” 290 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: “If Saturn is in Aagama Avastha, the native will have diseases, and will not be capable in gaining royal patronage.” Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: “If Rahu is in Aagama Avastha, the native will be mentally distressed, crafty, and emaciated. He will worry about enemies and litigation. He will be without his own men, will not live with his family, and will face financial destruction.” Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: If Ketu is in Aagama Avastha, the native will be a notorious sinner, wicked, troubled by disease and enemies, and engage in litigation with his relatives.” 9. BHOJANA -eating- AVASTHA Most planets in Bhojana Avastha suffer the lack that is the result of no lasting inner happiness; they are therefore generally considered inauspicious. Only the two, sattvic benefics, the benefic Moon and Jupiter, are favorable in this avastha, since they are the planets that are most inclined towards contentment. In practice, planets in Bhojana Avastha seem to indicate areas of emotional starvation and natives, with many planets in this avastha, other than Jupiter and the benefic Moon, are not found to be happy. Malefics in this avastha particularly harm, or devour, the house they are in. Sun: Sun: Sun: Sun: “If The Sun is in Bhojana Avastha, the native will have joint pain, headaches, ear disease, declining strength, and will lose money on account of other’s women. He will be untruthful, take to bad ways and eat left over food, meat, or be unable to digest his food.” “If the Sun being in the Bhojana avastha is in the 9 th house, he causes obstacles to charitable deeds and meritorious works, and makes one weak in moral strength.” Moon: Moon: Moon: Moon: “If the Moon is in Bhojana Avastha, the native will be endowed with honor, conveyances, attendants, social status, wife and daughters, if the Moon is waxing. If the Moon is waning, these auspicious effects will not be realized” Mars: Mars: Mars: Mars: “If Mars, with strength, is in Bhojana Avastha, the native will eat sweet-food. If Mars is devoid of strength, the native will indulge in base acts and be dishonorable.” Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: “If Mercury is in Bhojana Avastha, the native will face financial losses through litigation, will decline physically due to fear from the king. He will be fickle-minded and will lack wealth and conjugal happiness.” Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: “If Jupiter is in Bhojana Avastha the native will always have excellent food, horses, elephants and chariots, and Sri Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, will never leave his house.” “ ““ “If Jupiter is in Bhojana avastha in the lagna, the native becomes an archer. If Jupiter is in the 5 th or 9 th (with a Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas 291 malefic) the native is bereft of wealth. If Jupiter is joined with malefics, the native remains without sons. Jupiter in the lagna in Sagittarius in Bhojana Avastha with a malefic, indicates childlessness.” Venus: Venus: Venus: Venus: If Venus is in Bhojana Avastha, the native will be distressed due to hunger, diseases, and enemies. But if Venus is in Virgo, the native will be rich and honored by scholars.” Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: “If Saturn is in Bhojana Avastha, the native will enjoy tasty food, but be weak-sighted and fickle-minded due to mental delusions and lack of knowledge.” Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: “If Rahu is in Bhojana Avastha, the native will be distressed, without food, dull-witted, timid in his actions, and without conjugal of progenic happiness.” Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: “If Ketu is in Bhojana Avastha, the native will always be roaming around the world, distressed with hunger, penury and disease.” Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous “If there is a malefic in the 10 th in Bhojana Avastha, the native will suffer many miseries on account of his own deeds, and wander all over the world in poverty.” 10. NRITYALIPSA -longing to dance- AVASTHA Planets in Nrityalipsa Avastha produce beneficial manifestations of their effects, the “dance of creation”. This is the most active of all the avasthas. This is an auspicious avastha, giving power and energy to the planets with which to produce their indications. Planets in this avastha are productive, not to fulfill a desire for happiness, but because it is necessary for them to do so. Rahu and Ketu are generally not considered auspicious in this Avastha; some classical texts, however, give good effects to Rahu when it is in this avastha and I am inclined to agree that Rahu is favorable in this avastha. Sun: Sun: Sun: Sun: “If The Sun is in NrityaLipsa Avastha, the native will be a scholar honored by the learned and adored by the kings of the earth. He will have knowledge of tales, poetry, etc. He will be attractive, wealthy and virtuous, and have colic pains” Moon: Moon: Moon: Moon: “If the Moon is in NrityaLipsa Avastha and strong (waxing), the native will be strong, having the knowledge of songs, and the ability to be a critic of the beauty of things. If the Moon is waning the native will be sinful.” Mars: Mars: Mars: Mars: “If Mars is in NrityaLipsa Avastha, the native will earn wealth through the king and be great, he will have gold, diamonds, and corals in his house.” 292 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: “If Mercury is in NrityaLipsa Avastha, the native will be powerful, endowed with honor, conveyances, corals, sons, friends, prowess, and recognition in assemblies on account of his scholarship. If Mercury is in the rasi of a malefic the native will be addicted to prostitutes and will long for licentious pleasures.” Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: “If Jupiter is in NrityaLipsa Avastha, the native will be the best among the learned, gain royal honors, be wealthy, quick witted, have knowledge of dharma and tantra, and be a great grammarian.” Venus: Venus: Venus: Venus: “If Venus is in NrityaLipsa Avastha, the native will be intelligent and skillful in literature, will play musical instruments be meritorious, and affluent with increasing wealth.” Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: “If Saturn is in NrityaLipsa Avastha, the native will be righteous, saintly, opulent, brave, heroic in war, and honored by the king.” Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: “If Rahu is in NrityaLipsa Avastha, the native will contract serious diseases that are difficult to cure and have eye afflictions, and worry about enemies. His finances and righteousness will decline.” “(In other houses than the lagna, Rahu in NrityaLipsa Avastha indicates a very wealthy native, with all kinds of happiness, virtues, two wives and many sons).” Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: “If Ketu is in NrityaLipsa Avastha, the native will suffer diseases, will have a floral mark on his eye (not have fixed eyesight), be impertinent, wicked and make evil plans.” 11. KAUTUKA -eagerness- AVASTHA Planets in Kautuka Avastha are eager to gain the fruition of their beneficial indications. This avastha indicates the greatest gains possible, the grand finale. Planets in this avastha are considered auspicious, although Rahu and Ketu are generally considered inauspicious in this avastha by most authoritative texts. Planets have been seen to give their beneficial results very quickly and surely when in this avastha. Sun: Sun: Sun: Sun: “If The Sun is in Kautuka Avastha, the native will always be happy, charming, moving among kings, and courageous when faced by his enemies. Endowed with Vedic and poetic knowledge he will perform Yagyas.” “If the Sun is in Kautuka avastha in the 6 th house he is the killer of the native's enemies. If the Sun is in Kautuka avastha in the 7 th or 5 th house he causes the wife's and son's death and disease in the sexual organs.” Moon: Moon: Moon: Moon: “If the Moon is in Kautuka Avastha, the native will attain kingship, lordship over wealth, and skill in sexual acts and intercourse with young women or harlots. If The Moon is in the 10 th in Kautuka a Raja Yoga occurs.” Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas 293 Mars: Mars: Mars: Mars: “If Mars is in Kautuka Avastha, the native will be curious in disposition, having friends and sons, and enjoy games and sports. If Mars is also exalted, the native will be virtuous, (a scholar in the kings court) and honored by the king and the virtuous.” Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: “If Mercury is in Kautuka Avastha in the lagna, the native will be skilful in music. If in the 7 th or 8 th house, the native will be addicted to courtesans. In the 9 th house, the native will be meritorious and attain heaven after death.” Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: “If Jupiter is in Kautuka Avastha, the native will be curious in disposition, and rich. He will glow like the Sun in his circle and be a scholar in the king’s court. He will be very kind, strong, happy, honored by kings, and have sons, wealth, and a just disposition.” Venus: Venus: Venus: Venus: “If Venus is in Kautuka Avastha, the native will be equal to Lord Indra. He will attain greatness in councils, be learned and will have Sri Lakshmi always dwelling in his house.” Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: “If Saturn is in Kautuka Avastha the native will have land and wealth. He will be happy, enjoy pleasure with charming women, and be learned in poetry, and the arts.” Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: “If Rahu is in Kautuka Avastha, the native will be without place or position. He will be interested in others' women, and will steal others' wealth.” “(Rahu in Kautuka Avastha indicates one with all virtues and wealth, but suffering from bilious disorders).” Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: “If Ketu is in Kautuka Avastha, the native will seek union with dancing women, take to evil ways and wander all over. He will be displaced from his position, and become penniless.” 12. NIDRAA -slumber- AVASTHA Planets in Nidraa Avastha are slumbering and unable to give their full effects. Benefics are not considered fortunate in this avastha since they are unable to give their full beneficial effects. Saturn, Rahu and Ketu, are considered auspicious in this avastha, since, in their slumbering, they are unable to give their usual difficulties. The Sun and Mars, the active fiery planets, are inauspicious in this avastha since their activities are subdued. Planets in this avastha have a note of completion and resolution, the malefics having completed their inauspicious effects and the benefics having completed their auspicious effects. Planets in this avastha tend to be vague and unfocused. 294 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Sun: Sun: Sun: Sun: “If The Sun is in Nidra Avastha, the native will have a tendency towards drowsiness and always have red eyes due to sleepiness; he will live in foreign places, incur harm to his wife, and suffer financial destruction.” Moon: Moon: Moon: Moon: “If the waxing Moon, joined with Jupiter, is in Nidra Avastha, the native will be eminent. If the Moon without Jupiter’s conjunction is in Nidra Avastha, (and waning, the native will have a mix of good and ill qualities and) the native will lose his wealth on account of women, and female jackals will be crying around his abode, and he will suffer poverty and pain.” “In Nidra avastha, in the 5 th or 7 th house, the Moon grants many auspicious effects, but if the Moon is with Rahu, there will be destruction of many things, and the native will have many blemishes.” Mars: Mars: Mars: Mars: If Mars is in Nidra Avastha, the native will be short-tempered, wicked, fallen from virtue, troubled by diseases, and devoid of intelligence and wealth.” Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: Mercury: “If Mercury is in Nidra Avastha, the native will not sleep well, will be afflicted by neck or neck joint diseases (bodily or mental pain). He will be without siblings or have trouble with them, and be afflicted with abundant miseries. He will enter into litigation with his own men, and he will lose wealth and honor.” Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: Jupiter: “If Jupiter is in Nidra Avastha, the native will be foolish in all his actions, will suffer irredeemable penury, and will be devoid of any good acts.” Venus: Venus: Venus: Venus: “If Venus is in Nidra Avastha, the native will be serving others, will blame and speak ill of others, be heroic, garrulous, and wandering all over the earth.” Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: Saturn: “If Saturn is in Nidra Avastha the native will be rich, valorous, with charm and virtue. He will destroy the strongest enemies, and seek pleasure in harlots.” Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: Rahu: “If Rahu is in Nidra Avastha the native will be a repository of virtues, bold, proud, and affluent, with a good wife and children.” “If Rahu is in Nidra Avastha in the 9 th or 7 th (some say 5 th instead of 7 th ) house, the native certainly gets a home in a place of pilgrimage.” “If Rahu is in own, exaltation, or friendly rasi, or in the rasi of Venus or Mercury, is in the 5 th in Nidra Avastha joined or aspected by a malefic, the native will loose all his children. If Rahu is aspected by a benefic, only one child will die.” “If Rahu is in conjunction with Saturn and Mars in the 8 th house, and if one of these is in Nidra avastha, the native is attacked and killed by a weapon. Saturn, Rahu or Mars in the 8 th in Nidra Avastha indicates death due to having one’s head severed from his body.” Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: Ketu: “If Ketu is in Nidra Avastha the native will have wealth and grains. He will be virtuous and spend his time in lively sport, entertainment, and in beneficial conversation.” Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas Shayanaadi Avasthas 295 Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous “A benefic in the 10 th house in Nidra Avastha indicates misery related to work” “If a malefic is in the 7 th in Nidra Avastha, auspicious effects will follow, if there is no aspect from another malefic.” “If a malefic in the 5 th house is in Nidra, without a second thought, there will be auspicious effects.” “A benefic in Nidra Avastha in the 5 th is inauspicious and will destroy children; a malefic in the same avasthas is auspicious and will give children. If, however, the malefic is in own rasi, exaltation, or moolatrikona, the auspiciousness will be destroyed. A benefic in the 5 th in this avastha, aspected by another benefic, will surely cause the early death of the first child.” “If a planet in exaltation, or own rasi is in the 5 th house in Nidra avastha, joined or aspected by a malefic, it causes loss of children. If aspected by benefics, then one son remains alive, though the rest are subjected to death.” “If a benefic is in Nidra avastha in the 8 th house, in conjunction with, or aspected, by a malefic or an enemy, then the native is killed by a weapon in war.” “If there is a malefic in the 8 th house in Nidra, untimely death due to royal wrath will come to pass. If there is a benefic aspect or conjunction, then death will happen in the Ganges River.” “If a planet in Nidra avastha is together with a malefic in the 8 th house, then the native is put to death by his enemy's wrath. If the planet is in conjunction with, or aspected by benefics, or if the 8 th house is occupied by the 8 th lord, then at the time of death the native reaches the shore of the Holy Ganga and dies a holy death there. A malefic in the 8 th in Nidra Avastha indicates death through royal punishment or enemies. If the malefic is aspected by a benefic, death will be at the Ganges River. If the aspect is instead by a malefic, death will be due to having one’s head severed from his body.” “If a malefic, badly afflicted by other malefics, is in the 7 th house in Nidra avastha, the death of the native’s wife occurs. If there is the aspect of benefics to the 7 th house, the death of the native's wife is not caused. If a malefic in the 7 th house in Nidra avastha is conjoined with or aspected by an enemy, and in an enemy’s rasi, there will be the immediate death of the native's wife. If, with these combinations, the malefic is in conjunction with or aspected by benefics, then the native will get a second wife in the event of the death of the first wife. If the 7 th is aspected by both benefics and malefics, the wife will be in pain.” AUSPICIOUS AND INAUSPICIOUS EFFECTS The following table indicates the general auspicious (+), inauspicious (-), mixed (M), or conditional (C) effects of the planets in the twelve different avasthas: 296 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Sun - - + + - - + - - + + - Moon - - - + - M + M C C + C Mars - M C + - + + - C + + - Mercury - C - + + + + M - C + - Jupiter M - - + + + + + + + + - Venus - + C + - + + - C + + - Saturn M - + + + - + - - + + + Rahu C - - + + - + - - C + + Ketu C - - + + - - - - - - + SUMMARY OF AVASTHAS Avasthas are one of the most important facets of Vedic astrology; they are essential principles by which the horoscope can simply and accurately be judged. In this work the three types of avasthas that have a bearing on the well-being of the planets and houses have been covered. The first group of avasthas covered, the Deeptaadi Avasthas, particularly influence the planets, though they also influence the houses. The second group of avasthas covered, the Lajjittaadi Avasthas, particularly influence the houses, though they also influence the planets. The avasthas covered in this chapter, the Shayanaadi Avasthas, significantly influence the planets as well as the houses. The unique factor about Shayanaadi Avasthas is that, due to the native’s name being a factor in the calculation, they are an important indication of why people born at the same time with the same rasi chart have different lives. Though people born at the same time will have the same Shayanaadi Avasthas, the degree the avastha influences the native differs dependent upon the result their name has on the avastha being Drishti, Cheshta, or Vicheshta. Shayanaadi Avasthas are a very unexplored territory in Vedic astrology, their research is sure to yield a lot of knowledge. What has been presented is what my researches have thus far revealed. This short chapter, however, surely does them no justice. In addition to the three types of avasthas covered in this text, there are two additional avasthas that are important for quantifying the effects of the planets, which hope to be treated in a separate text. Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets 297 26 26 26 26 Developmental Qualities Developmental Qualities Developmental Qualities Developmental Qualities Of the Planets Of the Planets Of the Planets Of the Planets The planets in their natural order are: 1-Sun, 2-Moon, 3-Mars, 4- Mercury, 5-Jupiter, 6-Venus, 7-Saturn, 8-Rahu and 9-Ketu. The planets numerical order reveals insights into their purposes and their effects on Man’s consciousness: Sun, 1 The Sun is the 1 st planet and symbolizes the creative aspect. Being the One, it is undifferentiated and it is therefore not conducive to material manifestations, since material manifestations require differentiation. As a result of this the Sun separates us from those things it influences in the horoscope. In fact, the Sun is presided by Agni, Agni certainly consumes, but Agni is also the conveyer to the Gods. What the Sun separates the native from is conveyed to the Gods, or said another way, it is what spiritualizes a person, through sacrifice. Another influence of the Sun being the first planet is that it can make a person “number one,” giving status, and making the Sun the king. Moon, 2 The Moon is the 2 nd planet, the reflection of the 1 st planet the Sun. The Moon is presided by Varuna, the God of the Waters, or consciousness. Varuna is considered a supreme deity; all things happen only in consciousness. Two is the beginning of the differentiation that takes place in the reflective consciousness. The differentiation is between the creative aspect, the Sun, and its reflection, the Moon. They are different because they are opposite. The Moon provides the Sun, the creative aspect, with the reflection it needs to view itself. Viewing itself it becomes aware of itself. After 298 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens becoming aware of itself it will see itself as a particular manifestation. The enjoyment of the manifestation will depend upon the quality of the Moon. If the Moon is afflicted, the perceived manifestation of the Sun, the Self, are skewed, resulting in unhappiness, depression and frustration. The quantity the Self enjoys of itself as a manifestation is determined by the fullness of the Moon. When the Moon is very dark, there is less of itself that the Self enjoys in the world. The Moon is a receptive, reflective planet, therefore, the influences to the Moon are most important; these largely condition one's outlook on life. The aspects or conjunction of the Moon to other planets and houses is of secondary importance; these indicate the growth of things as a result of what is in one's consciousness. When the Moon is less bright than it is dark, it is not felt that needs are being met in the areas influenced by the Moon. Mars, 3 Mars is the 3 rd planet, what follows the viewing of the Sun's reflection in the Moon. This gives an exchange between the first two things, the creative aspect, the Sun, and its reflection, the Moon. What happens between the reflection of the Self, the Sun, in the Consciousness, the Moon, is Mars, thoughts are generated. These thoughts yield concepts that determine what something is. Determining what something is causes like or dislike. In liking we pursue with energy, in disliking, we become frustrated with or destroy. These concepts are dependent upon the admixture of the three gunas. To be free of the gunas is to be liberated. It is Mars that indicates the concepts Man has of should and should not that he is even willing to fight for or destroy. These concepts take us outside ourselves and ruin our mental peace. Mental freedom and peace come from understanding the effect that our mental concepts have in creating peace or agitation. That is why Mars is presided by Kartikeya, the general of the Devas (peace that comes from keeping the mind anchored in the heart) in their battle with the Asuras (lack of peace that comes from the mind being drawn outside the heart). It is working with our mental concepts that allows us to Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets 299 destroy the peace-robbing Asuras. Mars' influence in the horoscope indicates those areas where our mental concepts cause us to think something has to be a certain way. In thinking this we push to change things, or become frustrated with the way things are when the are not in accordance with our concepts. What must actually be done is to understand how the mental concepts, about the things Mars is influencing, create a lack of peace and harmony. The mental concepts are not right or wrong, but holding ideas about something causes frustration with what IS, if what IS is not in alignment with our ideas, and this makes our happiness conditional. As a malefic, Mars indicates where one has the potential to grow and thereby increase their happiness. Mercury, 4 Mercury is the 4 th planet and presides over the element earth. The reflection of the creative aspect is brought to some concrete manifestation. Mercury is the son of the Moon, as such Mercury's influence in the horoscope indicates what is brought into concrete manifestation from the consciousness symbolized by the Moon. Two, the number of the Moon, squared is Four, the number of Mercury. The square of any number represents what that number will result in. If Mercury becomes a malefic by joining a malefic, those things that are manifested by him are also a cause of suffering. Jupiter, 5 Jupiter is the 5 th planet; Five is the midpoint of nine and represents the reflection in creation of the Creator, as good and evil. Jupiter, therefore, gives the knowledge of good and evil, and as a benefic, the grace to choose the good. In the horoscope, Jupiter always gives to luck, wisdom or fortune that helps the native end up with the good part in any situation, rather than the destructive or negative; due of this Jupiter is the great protector in the horoscope. Jupiter is also responsible for showing the native their path through the harrows of the world. 300 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Venus, 6 Venus is the 6 th planet. Six moves past the middle point of the Five; good and evil is known at the Five, what to do with this is indicated by Venus. Venus gives pragmatism and knowledge of how to operate successfully in a world where there is good and evil. That is why Venus gives diplomacy, the skill to deal with difficulty, or conflict, with respect thereby maintaining the greater harmony. Venus also gives the ability to choose what is most worthwhile. Every decision has pros and cons, good aspects and bad aspects. Any action taken will cost something, as long as we are willing to pay the price it is OK. When Venus is well situated the native tends to realistically view the price they pay for their actions and desires. Badly influenced, Venus often causes a person to bite off more than they can chew; or in fulfilling a desire there may be greater karmic consequences than the desire is worth. Debilitated Venus is particularly notorious for getting caught up in affairs that ultimately have no value or worth. Saturn, 7 Saturn is the 7 th planet. Seven represents the effects of the creative aspect manifesting the physical plane. The effect is essentially the idea of separation; the creative aspect is not easily seen in the material world. Saturn is presided by Brahma, the Creator, through his ruler- ship of the nerves. The life force moving down and through the spine into the nervous system gives shape to the world, it is responsible for the consciousness of separation. All day long through the agency of the nervous system we are telling ourselves, “this is Mary, this is my house, this is a wall, etc.,” in essence all day long we are telling ourselves, “this is not Spirit.” This separation causes one to feel the need for something to complete oneself, but along with feeling incomplete comes an insecurity that prevents a person from healthily enjoying those things in which they may attempt to compensate for the consciousness of separation. Saturn, therefore, indicates those areas wherein the native feels a great deal of separation, isolation, and lack which they hope to fill, but where there Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets 301 is also a corresponding insecurity or psychological complex that prevents them from experiencing happiness in those areas. What needs to be done is that the native needs to seek internal fulfillment to validate oneself, rather than to expect externals to overcome the feeling of separation. As the native is able to do this, they become more capable of enjoying the areas of life that Saturn is influencing, therefore, Saturn is a delaying factor in the horoscope. Saturn is also a separating factor, as it is through becoming separated from things of value and suffering that the mind holds the idea of separation. As one of the malefics, Saturn indicates where one has the potential to grow and thereby increase their happiness. Generally, the effect of this consciousness of separation is to motivate a person to manifest something physically tangible and secure to compensate for this. If Seven, the number of Saturn, is squared, the result is 49. Reducing this (4 + 9 = 13 = 1+3 + 4) results in Four, the number of Mercury, physical manifestation. This indicates that the eventual result of Saturn is new physical manifestation. Consider what happens when Four, the number of Mercury, is squared: Four squared yields sixteen, reducing this (16 = 1 + 6 = 7) results in Seven, the number of Saturn. The result of physical manifestation is again the consciousness of separation, and unhappiness. This is similarly indicated by Mercury’s lordship of the lungs, and the skin, where the nerves end. As long as the lungs are active the life force is put into the nerves; that is why yogis strive for a breathless state. Viewed this way it is no wonder why it is so difficult to overcome the suffering and unhappiness indicated by Saturn. How does one do this? Through Mercury, which Saturn always brings one back to. Mercury is presided by Lord Vishnu, the absolute aspect of God manifesting as the many things in the world. Learning to see everything as an aspect of God overcomes the consciousness of separation indicated by Saturn. Rahu, 8 & Ketu, 9 Rahu is the 8 th planet. Eight represents the need for creating karmic balance. Developing this balance gives completion and 302 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens liberation, which is symbolized by Ketu the 9 th planet. This is why Rahu and Ketu are the different halves of the same creature. In fact, after numerical addition Eight becomes Nine, the number of Ketu (all the numbers in 8 are added: 1+ 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 = 36 = 3 + 6 = 9). Ketu is the 9 th planet. Nine represents completion and can therefore give that which must be completed or take away that which has been completed. The completion of karmas gives liberation, therefore Ketu is the significator of liberation. Much more is written regarding Rahu and Ketu in the chapter allotted to them. EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENTAL QUALITIES The core influence of a planet from a developmental point of view is indicated by the developmental qualities given. The developmental effects of a planet will be experienced in its house position, as well as by the planets it aspects or joins. Following is a summary of the developmental effects of the planets upon a house or planet that they may be influencing: Sun: A malefic that indicates the separation necessary to find oneself. Moon: Provides growth due to what is strong in one’s consciousness. Mars: A malefic that causes frustration due to the attachment to one’s mental concepts of how something should, or should not be. Mercury: Manifests due to one’s skills and intelligence. Jupiter: Gives grace and wisdom that results in having the good rather than the bad. Venus: Gives the ability to accurately access the worth of anything and thus make balanced choices in a world of consequence. Saturn: Indicates the consciousness of separation from Spirit, and the resulting lack, unhappiness and psychological complexes. Rahu: Indicates separation due to lack of development in the past and the need to create balance in areas of weakness. Rahu also indicates a consciousness of separation similar to Saturn. Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets 303 Ketu: Indicates completion; things are given that need to be completed, and taken away when they are completed. Ketu also indicates strong attachments to one’s mental concepts similar to Mars. These are, however, mental concepts that the native is becoming free from. Affliction by Saturn or Rahu If the following planets are joined or aspected by Saturn or Rahu, the following will be the results on their developmental qualities: Sun: Consciousness of separation from one’s self, resulting in poor self-esteem. Moon: The mind is separated from the peace found in the heart, resulting in negative thinking, fear, and worries. Mars: Consciousness of separation between the personal will and God’s will, resulting in impatience and frustration. Mercury: Consciousness of separation between one’s skills and intelligence that one uses to bring things to fruition and the ongoing manifestations of Spirit, resulting in one’s skills and intelligence appearing much to meek to accomplish a given task which causes stress in managing affairs and making concrete decisions. Jupiter: Consciousness of separation from one’s path, resulting in feelings of purposelessness and lack of meaning in life. Venus: Inability to realistically evaluate the worth of a desire or activity, resulting in making poor choices that one has to pay a high price for in terms of time, energy, money or negative karmic paybacks. Saturn: Greater insecurities, and a more powerful consciousness of separation. Rahu: Greater need to create a karmic balance. Ketu: Very strong attachment to one’s mental concepts as only they are seen as capable of providing security and well-being. Tendency to want one’s ideas to be authoritative. Great difficulties are necessary to be worked out where Ketu is. 304 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The results are similar when the planet is debilitated. Affliction by Mars or Ketu If Mars or Ketu afflicts the following planets, the following will be the results on their developmental qualities: Sun: Frustration with oneself due to one not being in accordance with one’s thoughts and ideas of how one should or should not be. Ketu indicates self-doubts as a result of this. Moon: Outlook strongly conditioned by one’s thoughts and ideas of how things should and should not be. This results in lack of peace and mental frustration. Mars: Stronger attachment to one’s thoughts and ideas of how things should and should not be. They are, however, introverted and are no longer seen as viable, therefore there is greater capacity to become free from them. Mercury: One’s capacity for balanced management and communication is hampered by should and should not, this results in frustration and arguments. Jupiter: Strong idealism or beliefs in accordance with one’s thoughts and ideas of how things should and should not that may lack flexibility and acceptance. One’s capacity for faith is also reduced as faith is that which comes from intuitive knowledge, not from the knowledge that one has seen work in the past, which is sure to fail sometime in the future. Ketu’s influence, however, deepens one’s belief and faith, though the native is sure to suffer on account of not being able to hold up to their ideals at some time. Venus: Push into things that may not have a lasting value, or which value may not be well worth the effort. Lack of diplomacy due to not appreciating the value of others’ ideas. These are especially so with regards to Mars’ affliction. Ketu indicates a more mature influence, a controlled extroversion of one’s desires, and skill in diplomacy that comes from hiding one’s strong opinions instead of pushing them. Saturn: One’s security is conditioned by the necessity for one’s ideas and concepts to be considered as authoritative. Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets Developmental Qualities of the Planets 305 Rahu: Tendency to force one’s thoughts and ideas of how things should and should not upon unfamiliar areas where the native has difficulties, and really does not know what they are doing or how to go about it in a harmonious fashion. This results in great conflict and possibly violence. Ketu: Indicates very strong attachments to one’s thoughts and ideas of how things should and should not be. Even if these are realized the native is frustrated or discontented because they do not bring the expected happiness. Influence of Benefics If the planets are influenced by benefics the following will be the results on their developmental qualities: Sun: Confidence, and steadfastness. Moon: Positive outlook on life and a good attitude. Mars: Flexibility, acceptance, and diplomacy with respect to the native’s thoughts and ideas of what should and shouldn’t be, resulting in less frustration and no animosity with others. Balanced use of will and energy. Mercury: Practical utilization of skills and intelligence to build a good and secure life. Jupiter: Open-minded philosophy, balanced faith, and flexibility in judgments. Venus: Capacity to make balanced evaluations about the proper worth of something thereby never paying more for something than it is worth. Diplomacy and manner help one progress in life. Saturn: Lesser suffering in life due to there being a lesser consciousness of separation and greater innate security. Rahu: Greater skill in learning lessons in the areas where the native is weak and in need of development. Jupiter is the greatest helpful influence on Rahu, especially his aspect. Mercury is helpful as well, but not as helpful as Jupiter because only wisdom and grace can completely alleviate Rahu. 306 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Ketu: Greater contentment, less need to struggle for a deep inner security. Balanced capacity for introversion and contemplation that is free from frustration and turmoil. The results are similar when a planet is exalted. Saturn Saturn Saturn Saturn 307 27 27 27 27 Saturn Saturn Saturn Saturn Saturn indicates where the native experiences a consciousness of separation between their personal consciousness and the Spiritual consciousness. This results in all unhappy feelings of lack, emptiness, frustration, rejection, need, etc. If an individual approaches something in life with a consciousness of separation they will never acquire the peace and happiness they expect. For instance, if an individual has low self-esteem, the result of having a consciousness of separation from their spiritual identity, no matter the power they gain, they will still feel weak. Saturn’s placement in a rasi indicates the specific type of separation that the native experiences in their consciousness. The consciousness of separation is experienced as an attitude of lack or weakness. The lack or weakness generally motivates the individual to make compensatory efforts with the hope of overcoming the feelings of lack or weakness and the resulting unhappiness. These compensations are made unconsciously, directed outwards, and never result in the expected or hoped for happiness. Since the native approaches the compensatory activities with the consciousness of separation, there can be no fulfillment. Only after the consciousness of separation is overcome can the individual find the happiness and well being they strive for. The compensatory measures never provide happiness. Instead they have one of two, or both of the following results. One, the individual may turn to activities that help them overcome the consciousness of separation, such as meditation, reading of scriptures, or other methods of self-betterment, if such indications are present in the horoscope. Or two, they go into a break down stage, which lasts until they somehow get a realization that helps to overcome the consciousness of separation to some extent. This breakdown stage usually occurs in the periods of Saturn. 308 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The breakdown stage is one of severe unhappiness, frustration and, or resignation that is the result of being confronted with impossible odds in acquiring happiness. The odds are impossible because trying to compensate for a lack within by external activity is bound to fail. Dependent upon the rasi that Saturn falls in the native suffers a specific type of separation in their consciousness, which leads to specific compensatory attitudes and activities. The compensatory attitudes and activities result not in happiness but instead in a breakdown where no productive activity is apparent or performed. Opposite rasis have the same breakdown stage; the opposites taken to their furthest degree of weakness are the same. (On the other hand, opposites taken to their furthest degree of health are also the same). The following list provides the attitude, or complex, that is the result of the consciousness of separation indicated by Saturn’s placement, as well as the tendency towards compensation and the resulting unhealthy activities that take place in the breakdown stage. Aries Attitude/Complex: Personally insecure in activities and success. Compensation: Overly dutiful, desire to prove one’s capacity for success and activities. Libra Attitude/Complex: Feels unloved, or abandoned. Compensation: Does not need anyone, becomes reserved, cold, and/or proud. Aries/Libra Breakdown: Becomes critical and intolerant. The native does not feel better about himself and this gets projected onto others. Criticizing others is an unconscious attempt to make oneself better. Saturn Saturn Saturn Saturn 309 Taurus Attitude/Complex: Lack of personal security or self-worth. Inability to recognize one’s inherent value with associated feelings of guilt for what one receives. Compensation: Becomes attached to external forms of value with the unconscious hope of feeling valuable, or renounces external valuables in order to make a statement that value means nothing. Scorpio Attitude/Complex: Lack of emotional security results in fear of the unknown, or unfounded worries. Compensation: Hides pain and stress, difficulty with intimacy, closed emotionally, and may turn to addictions. Taurus/Scorpio Breakdown: Becomes resentful, and jealous of others’ security, and/or apathetic and resigned to their poor fate. Gemini Attitude/Complex: Lack of inner validation of one’s intelligence, knowledge, and communication resulting in intellectual insecurity, indecisiveness, and not feeling understood. Compensation: Over-analyzes, over-studies, and over-explains; all resulting in the mind being over active and unable to settle. Sagittarius Attitude/Complex: Experiences lack of purpose or meaning in life. Compensation: Over enthusiastic or fanatical in that which they believe will give meaning to life due to the belief that they have found what grand thing they are meant to do. Gemini/Sagittarius Breakdown: Gives up on planning, making decisions, or on living life, and instead dwells on the past, which was better, happier, etc. Cancer Attitude/Complex: Emptiness, the mind is separated from the joy found in the heart, resulting in moodiness and depression. 310 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Compensation: Needs and worries projected onto others. Capricorn Attitude/Complex: Fearful about life and the many known difficulties and sufferings that could possibly befall one. Compensation: Self-centered control with the hope of preventing the realization of their fears. Cancer/Capricorn Breakdown: Utter dejection and unhappiness. Leo Attitude/Complex: Lack of self-esteem. Compensation: Arrogant display, demands respect and full of self-importance. Aquarius Attitude/Complex: Insecure with individuality Compensation: “Groupie” or rebels from peers. Often personal rigidity and self-denial in extreme efforts to make oneself OK. Leo/Aquarius Breakdown: Hatred, inability to feel love, possibly resulting in isolation. Virgo Attitude/Complex: Feels stuck in “the rut.” Compensation: Makes required effort but is fatigued, drained, and unenthusiastic. Pisces Attitude/Complex: Uncertainty with life, indecision with what to hold onto and what to let go off, what to move forward with and what to leave, results in fluctuating indecision. Compensation: Escapism, denial of what needs to be done. Virgo/Pisces Breakdown: Lack of faith that circumstances can improve, resulting in lethargy. It will be noted that for Virgo and Pisces their compensation mechanism is not one of trying to acquire validation, as it is for the other rasis. Saturn Saturn Saturn Saturn 311 Depending upon the maturity of the native, the degree that they go into the compensation and breakdown stages will differ. Very mature individuals will only suffer the attitude/complex at times and may in fact never go into the compensation or breakdown stages. However, it is usually seen that when an individual is in the period of Saturn they find themselves in the breakdown stage, or at the very least in a compensatory mode. Only the very mature natives do not find themselves in a compensatory mode when the periods of Saturn run. The effects of Saturn’s navamsa position are similar and just as significant. SATURN IN THE HOUSES These results attributed to Saturn in the rasis hold completely true with respect to Saturn in the houses. The results of Aries apply to Saturn in the 1 st house; the results of Taurus apply to the 2 nd house, etc. The indications of Saturn in the houses, however, are not as significant as those of Saturn in the rasis. Saturn’s effects of experiencing a consciousness of separation as indicated by his house position are more superficial than are his effects in the rasis. It will often times be noted that a relatively mature native will suffer no effects of the type mentioned due to his house position, but still suffer effects due to his rasi position. The effects due to his house position are worked out before the effects of his rasi position. OVERCOMING THE DIFFICULTIES OF SATURN Developing those houses Saturn rules, as counted from Saturn’s rasi placement, overcomes the difficulties of Saturn and puts Saturn to best use. For instance, Saturn in Taurus must develop purpose and meaning- 9 th house, in their actions- 10 th house, in order to overcome the lack of self-worth indicated by Saturn in Taurus or the 2 nd house. This same principle reveals the best use of any planet in any rasi. Simply see what houses the planet rules from its position. This is a special principle that reveals the meaning of the planets in the rasis. 312 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens SATURN’S INFLUENCE ON PLANETS Saturn’s influence on a planet is similar to that of the rasi that the planet rules. Saturn’s aspect or conjunction to the Moon is similar to Cancer; to Jupiter is similar to Sagittarius, etc. There are, however, a few additional noteworthy effects for some of the planets: The Moon: Mental worries, and negative thinking that is the result of the mind being separated from the heart. Mars: Impatience that is the result of the consciousness of separation between one’s personal will and God’s will, which results in an attitude that things will not get done on time. Mercury: Inability to prioritize and manage one’s duties and tasks leads to high stress. The debilitation of Mercury has a similar effect. Venus: Difficulty in getting over changes and letting go of things that are no longer. RAHU GIVES THE RESULTS OF SATURN Rahu is the other planet that indicates a consciousness of separation similar to Saturn. All that has been stated for Saturn in the rasis, in the houses and influencing planets similarly applies to Rahu. Rahu’s own rasi is Aquarius; therefore, the number of houses that Aquarius is away from Rahu’s rasi indicates what must be developed in order to overcome the difficulties of Rahu. COMBUST MOON The combust Moon has a similar influence of indicating a consciousness of separation in respect to the rasi and house in which it is placed and the planets it influences. Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 313 28 28 28 28 Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu are the points of intersection of the Earth’s course around the Sun with the Moon’s course around the Earth. The Sun is soul, the Moon is mind, the Earth- the created world. Rahu and Ketu indicate the effect upon the mind and soul due to consciousness manifesting the created world. The soul remains ever pure, but its reflection, the mind, becomes discontented or shattered, longings arise, fears invade, and in general all deeper needs remain unfulfilled by the world. The native is never satisfied in the areas that Rahu and Ketu effect, there will always be something missing, this something else must be found through spiritual means. Rahu and Ketu cause eclipses, the darkness of the soul. Looking through this darkness and seeking Spirit, rather than playing in the darkness, gives the desired peace and joy. Rahu and Ketu are the factors that indicate the involution of consciousness. Involution of consciousness is the return of one’s individual consciousness to the One consciousness. For this to happen there must be the completion of all outward or evolutionary forces. Both Rahu and Ketu have as their goals this involution that requires completion. Though they have the same goal, their activities appear to be at odds. Ketu is a very introverted force, and gives completion and liberation. The karmas of those things that Ketu is influencing are being completed in this lifetime, and anything that Ketu is influencing has a note of completion and resolution. Rahu on the other hand, drags one into new things, so it appears to be doing the opposite of Ketu, but in fact it drags one into new things in order to create balance where there is imbalance, for as long as there is imbalance there can be no completion. Even though Rahu is initiating new things into the life, it does so only to create balance where there is imbalance, and not for any reason of those things. 314 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The balance Rahu forces one to create is in those areas that are underdeveloped as a result of focusing in recent past lives on those areas Ketu is influencing. Since the areas affected by Rahu are out of balance, and weakly developed, there is generally not a great deal of necessary karma to sustain those things that Rahu brings into the life, separation is the result. There is also a lack of knowledge, and the native is “green,” or inexperienced, these also contribute to separation. Rahu and Ketu are always opposite each other. Remember the law of opposites? The law of opposites holds that opposites are the same when taken to their furthest extreme. Rahu and Ketu are therefore the same; Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra states that “Ketu is akin to Rahu.” Therefore, if the area influenced by Rahu is underdeveloped then in fact the area influenced by Ketu is only developed from one point of view, and not in a balanced fashion. Without a balanced development there can be no fulfillment, nor truly spiritual consciousness. While Ketu is overly premeditative and self-controlled, sometimes to the point of implosion, Rahu is lacking discrimination, and chaotic, lacking any control. Rahu creates the chaos that forces Ketu to let go of control and develop flexibility, surrender, and detachment instead. The more controlled Ketu, the more chaotic will be Rahu. Ketu gives doubts, and causes one to abstain from action until the area of Rahu becomes developed. Ketu’s placement also indicates areas where the native has strong ideas of should and should not, and the ability to live in accordance with these ideas. Where Rahu is placed the native has unclear or unrealistic ideas and a lack of ability to live in accordance with any preconceived ideas. Rahu, therefore, serves to cause chaos and instability that serves to free the native from the strong ideas indicated by Ketu and make it impossible for them to live life in accordance with their ideas of should and should not, which if maintained would result in unbalanced development. Both Rahu and Ketu create the need for spiritual comfort, and push one forward, by creating one of three things: Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 315 1. Compulsions. 2. Discontent. 3. Radical and uncontrollable changes. These three things manifest as a forth thing: 4. Transformation in the spiritual man, or destruction in the non- spiritual. The compulsions pull the native into those things required to create balance. The discontent motivates a searching. The radical changes bring to the surface the true individuality of the native, and also free them from attachments that would be binding. More specifically Ketu creates compulsions that destroy or free the native from things. Rahu creates compulsions that pull one into things that they have little knowledge or skill in, and where they are therefore bound to suffer difficulty. Ketu creates discontent due to the old and the familiar. Rahu creates discontent due to the impossibility of anything being as good as the wish; dreams are always better than reality, until of course the world is seen as a dream. Rahu creates radical changes that force one to rely on or accept something unfamiliar. Ketu creates radical change to liberate one from attachments, or those things that are completed and therefore have no more purpose in the native’s development. The transformations serve to change the individual’s attitude about something that seems impossible by forcing them to look at it from a higher perspective where it becomes possible. It is this transformation that is most important. Rahu forces the native to have breakthroughs that result in understanding, where there was confusion. Ketu transforms things by forcing the native to let go of the ego’s attachments, allowing them to see things from a higher perspective. The three forces of Rahu and Ketu- compulsions, discontent, and radical change plague every man. If the individual handles these three with a spiritual consciousness of growth and expansion, then 316 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens transformation occurs. If the individual is unable to do this then these serve to destroy the happiness in his life. There is no simple way to tell from Rahu and Ketu how the native will handle the difficulties they represent. Spiritual and attitude factors in the horoscope are more important for determining this. Though, Mercury’s and particularly Jupiter’s aspect is very helpful. But the painful influences of Rahu and Ketu are the same whether in the horoscope of an actively spiritual man, or in the horoscope of one bound in ignorance. RAHU AND KETU IN THE HOUSES AND RASIS The house and rasi wherein Ketu is located indicate those areas of life, and the manner through which the native has attempted to find security in recent past lives. Due to this the native will have corresponding attachments to their ideas about these areas. These concepts are in need of review, and the native is in need of freeing themselves from these concepts. It is these areas where the native is most significantly completing the effects of their previous karmas. These areas, though well developed in the past, are currently causing discontent or a lack of forward momentum. The opposite rasi and house wherein Rahu is located indicates those areas of life where the native is undeveloped and weak. These areas bring to the native’s attention the fact that their ideas about creating security as indicated by Ketu’s placement are not completely effective. The areas indicated by Rahu’s placement are in need of development. Developing these areas creates balance where there is imbalance. Once this balance is obtained the native becomes completely free from the results of the karmas indicated by Ketu's position. The effects of Rahu or Ketu in a rasi or the correlative house are similar. Meaning that the effects of Rahu in Aries are similar to that of Rahu in the first house, and so on. The house position, however, indicates in what area Rahu or Ketu are having their evolutionary effects, while the rasi position indicates more in what manner they are doing so. The influence of the house is of more immediate concern Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 317 to the native; however, the influence of the rasi is a more core influence. For instance, if Ketu is in Gemini, the native has a core quality of doing things in an intellectual manner. If Ketu were in the 2 nd house, they would exhibit this quality of intellectuality particularly in matters concerning their wealth and resources, which would be immediate concerns this lifetime. The necessary development indicated by the houses that Rahu and Ketu are in are completed before the necessary development indicated by the rasis they are in are completed; the rasis indicates the deeper influences. RAHU AND KETU IN THE HOUSES Some general rules for Rahu and Ketu in the houses: 1. Ketu in the dharma houses (houses of self, the 1 st , 5 th , and 9 th ) and Rahu in the kama houses (the social houses, 7 th , 11 th , and 3 rd ) indicates that the native is coming from a karmic background of greater self-development. In this lifetime there is a need for social development. Social development is the self-development that happens through the reflection of others. 2. Ketu in the artha houses (houses of material well-being, the 2 nd , 6 th , and 10 th ) and Rahu in the moksha houses (houses of emotional and spiritual contentment, the 8 th , 4 th , and 12 th ) indicates that the native is coming from a karmic background of developing security through practical concerns. In this lifetime there is a need to develop more inner strength. There is generally a tendency towards emotionally centered addictions when Rahu is in a moksha house, especially the 4 th or 8 th . 3. Ketu in the kama houses (the social houses, 7 th , 11 th , and 3 rd ) and Rahu in the dharma houses (houses of self, the 1 st , 5 th , and 9 th ) indicates that the native is coming from a karmic background of social development and is in need of cultivating self development. When Rahu is in a dharma house, depression is the result of the native not being able to visualize that which they hope to achieve. 4. Ketu in the moksha houses (houses of emotional and spiritual contentment, the 8 th , 4 th , and 12 th ) and Rahu in the artha houses 318 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens (houses of material well-being, the 2 nd , 6 th , and 10 th ) indicates that the native is coming from a karmic background of developing security that is not based on concrete activities. The native is now in need of performing concrete works. The 4 th and 8 th houses may indicate family dependence and security, the 4 th family and the 8 th spousal security. Just because Ketu is in a moksha house does not mean that the native has been making effort towards spiritual liberation, it only means they have been free of material concerns, this may be done in many ways, not all of them healthy. 5. Anytime Rahu and Ketu are in the angles there is a need for the native to develop a proper balance between their masculine and feminine natures. Men will therefore have some weakness in their masculinity, and woman will have some weakness in their femininity. These weaknesses may manifest as abusive strengths due to the native attempting to compensate for their weaknesses. This has a particular effect in relationships; as a result married life is generally not happy when Rahu and Ketu are in the angles until the native learns the proper use of use of their masculine and feminine natures. Ketu in the 1 st House, Rahu in the 7 th House Ketu in the 1 st house indicates a native who in recent past lives has gone at things alone and thereby felt secure in knowing that they can handle themselves through any situation. Rahu's placement in the 7 th house indicates that in this life the native is in need of learning how to be as efficient and capable in a partnership. These natives generally feel quite confident and capable by themselves, but in partnerships of any sort they tend to experience a lot of doubt and insecurity. In fact, around others they tend to feel very insecure and threatened, they often feel that their every move is being watched and analyzed, though it is really they themselves that are watching their and others’ every move with the intense analysis of Ketu. This sometimes leaves them feeling naked, or as if they are in an alien civilization trying to find a niche for themselves, unsure if they will be welcomed or not. All these concerns are the result of an intense self- Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 319 focus that causes the native to be aware and hypersensitive of every aspect of themselves, as well as creating a great need for perfection in all their actions. This need for perfection gives doubts of how to behave and act, as well as a self-critical nature that is only aware of how far they are from perfection in their actions, rather than how good they do, even if others congratulate and validate them for their performances. Until the native has detached from the role of his personality these self-doubts will pain him. Once he learns that perfection is a perfect harmony of his karmas, his merits, others’ karmas, others’ merits and grace, and that that is all that can ever happen, no better or no worse, then he can be content with his actions and behavior. Ketu's placement indicates the native having spent more time in the past lives in self-development at the expense of social development. In this lifetime, Rahu makes partnerships more difficult and more draining. There is generally a need to learn what is right for the native in a partner, as well as how to go about maintaining a relationship. Generally a relationship is more demanding upon the native than they would desire. This is due to them having difficulty being themselves in the relationship and instead taking on extra burdens of the partner, or because it is necessary for them to learn to include the other as a larger part of themselves. Ketu also makes the native very self-controlled, and also one who hides his weakness or insecurities. Their partners, therefore, tend to go to the opposite and be very uncontrolled, more chaotic individuals, as indicated by Rahu. The native has to learn that as long as they are overly controlled, and hidden, their partners will be very unbalanced and overly expressive. As the native learns to feel more secure with themselves around others and allow their personalities to flow naturally, their partners will be more balanced and they will be able to have more productive relationships. Ketu in the 2 nd House, Rahu in the 8 th House Ketu in the 2 nd house indicates a native who is strongly of the thought that they will be safe and secure so long as they are capable 320 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens of creating security for themselves through their own resources or resourcefulness. There is a strong tendency to maintain self- sufficiency. This self-sufficiency may come from money, knowledge or skills. If it is knowledge, then the native will desire to gain all the knowledge they can about those things they are involved in. That way they feel that whatever happens they can handle it and they therefore feel secure. Rahu's placement in the 8 th house, however, causes crisis in their lives that force them to benefit from others’ resources. Others’ resources being not only wealth, but skills or knowledge as well. When crisis come there is great hesitation and fear towards benefiting from other's resources. These events, however, help them to break free from their attachment to their own self-sufficiency and to realize that if they are unable to freely benefit from others’ resources then they themselves limit their resourcefulness, as others’ resources are really just an extension of their own. Another manifestation of Ketu in the 2 nd is that the native is generally quite skilled, but the placement of Rahu in the 8 th makes it difficult for them to develop others’ skills and resourcefulness. If the native has a skill or resource that can benefit another, they will easily take care of the other's concerns. What is important for them to learn, however, is to teach others to develop their resources, so rather then do it for the person they need to learn how to show others to do it for themselves. This may be very frustrating to the native since they can do it more simply and efficiently than they can demonstrate it to the other. In regards to relationships, this nodal position has some important needed areas of development, and that is in the area of trust. Rahu in the 8 th tends to cause some fear of bonding in a relationship as the native’s trust in others is generally not well developed. It is usually, in fact, even discouraged through painful events in their lives. The native needs to learn that if they are unable to trust others it is because the really do not trust that they themselves can handle all things. Once they are able to trust others, then they will really be secure in the knowledge that they can take care of themselves. It is Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 321 this strengthening inner security that is needed when Rahu is in the 8 th . Rahu's placement in the 8 th also indicates that the native is in need of learning to determine the value of a relationship, and what it consists of. Not realizing this will create a relationship between two people that has no mutual focus upon what the relationship should provide. Recognizing the worth and value of a relationship is important for the longevity of the relationship, not having that, Rahu will end the relationship. Ketu in the 3 rd House, Rahu in the 9 th House Ketu in the 3 rd indicates that the native in recent past lives has created security through the use of their rational mind. Through experimentation, study and thought the native has managed to create a paradigm that allows for life to take place in a safe and secure manner. In this lifetime, Ketu causes one to experience doubts about what exactly they know. When confronted by information that is contrary to what they believe they know there is initial resistance, as new information is threatening to the paradigm that is responsible for their security. After some time to think, however, they experience doubts about their knowledge and understanding. These doubts create an identity crisis over what they know. The eventual result of this is a deepening of their knowledge, but also the understanding that they have learned so much that all they know for sure is that they do not know anything. Rahu in the 9 th indicates that the native must define a belief system or philosophy that takes care of those areas they are unable to understand or create rationality for. The doubting of their information, through Ketu, forces them to develop faith and intuition through Rahu. The doubting of information indicated by Ketu in the 3 rd also gives way for them to accept the information given by others, or teachers, indicated by Rahu in the 9 th . However, as long as the native doubts their own information there will be a corresponding doubt of others’ information as well. The key is do develop the faith and belief that at any given moment, though they 322 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens will never know everything, that they will know what they need to fulfill their role at that time. Essentially, Rahu in the 9 th indicates a need to broaden one's understanding beyond the mere intellect. Ketu in the 3 rd also suffers from indecisiveness. This is a result of Ketu waiting for that last bit of information to close the case, but the last bit never comes, there is always room for doubt, in fact it is the nature of the intellectual mind to doubt. In the end the native must learn to act on faith, the need for which is indicated by Rahu in the 9 th . Ketu in the 3 rd also indicates that through the native exercising will and strength they have made things happen. Ketu now gives some doubts about how to focus their will, or what to focus it on, though there is a sense of adventure and impulse. Rahu in the 9 th indicates the need for the native to focus their energy towards something of purpose; without some sense of purpose they will not make the most of their energies and skills. Ketu in the 4 th House, Rahu in the 10 th House Ketu in the 4 th indicates that the native in recent past lives has created security by stabilizing, or controlling their emotions and reactions to the events in life. As the result, the native appears strong internally. The native will generally have more success in creating security by going inward than to tackle things externally. There is a tendency to over-control the feelings and reactions, which may cause eruptions or moods to be triggered when the native can no longer take it. It is because the emotions are controlled, rather than enjoyed with detachment that these moods occur. The native needs to learn to allow the emotions to flow freely, to let the feelings to feel what they may, without any fear of the pain that may be involved with this. The more the emotions and one's reactions are controlled by the native’s thoughts about how they should feel, the more out of control and chaotic the external environment will be. Rahu’s placement in the 10 th indicates this chaotic outer environment and instability. Through Rahu in the 10 th the native learns to bring about a balance in their outer activities that reflects a Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 323 balanced inner life. A controlled inner life, the security indicated by Ketu in the 4 th , is not a balanced inner life, and the imbalances will be revealed by external factors being unstable through Rahu in the 10 th . Ketu in the 4 th also indicates strong feelings about the things that are important to the native. Rahu in the 10 th gives an ambition to make things happen with those things that the native feels so strongly about, and an outlet for doing so as well. Ketu in the 5 th House, Rahu in the 11 th House Ketu in the 5 th indicates a native who in recent past lives has creatively manifested their own destiny, meaning that they have followed their own inspirations. This gives a intelligent, developed and talented mind. In this lifetime Ketu in the 5 th house experiences discontent with creating for oneself, and a desire manifests, through Rahu, to create something that results in the native being validated by their peers. Rahu in the 11 th indicates that the native’s individuality feels insecure when confronted by their peers and that there is a lack of being validated by others. This results in the natives doubting their own self, intelligence, and creative expression as indicated by Ketu’s placement in the 5 th . Rahu indicates the need for the native to be secure with what he is in an environment where others have similarities and differences, which can only be done once they are completely secure with themselves. Ketu in the 5 th indicates that the native has been more concerned with following their inspirations for the sake of the joy that comes from creating what one is inspired towards. Rahu in the 11 th gives the gains that come from this. Krishna states that by following one's svadharma one becomes prosperous. It is the 5 th house that gives the inspiration through which we find our svadharma and it is Rahu in the 11 th that gives the gains of doing so. Ketu in the 6 th House, Rahu in the 12 th House Ketu in the 6 th indicates a native who believes that happiness and security can come from overcoming the difficulties the world offers 324 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens through effort and human intelligence, and that worthy success comes from making appropriate efforts. Rahu in the 12 th house breeds a growing discontent with all worldly activity and the desire to become free from duties and works. This is a result of not gaining the expected happiness through the efforts indicated by Ketu. Rahu indicates that the native is becoming free of their works and material concerns and desires freedom from worldly struggles. For this to happen work must be completed as indicated by Ketu’s placement in the 6 th house, and the native must become free from the attachment of how their efforts may improve their life. Ideally this produces a karma yogi; the native does his work with detachment, with no thoughts for the fruits, but performs his activities so that he may become free from them. If the native does not look upon their duties in a manner similar to this, then eventually discontent will set in and escapist activities will be pursued. These escapist activities are generally the pursuit of addictions, sex, or excessive expense. Ketu in the 7 th House, Rahu in the 1 st House Ketu in the 7 th house indicates a native who in recent past lives has gained security through relationships or public relations of some sort. There is generally a tendency to feel dependent upon others and a tendency to wrap their identity up with their spouse. Rahu in the 1 st house indicates in this life the need to grow as an individual without the influence of their spouse or the public. There are generally feelings of loneliness and isolation and as long as the native is not secure in himself or herself they generally feel some insecurities around others. This will be the case until they develop a stronger sense of self. Rahu in the 1 st indicates a great need to find one’s true individuality. This generally occurs through unexpected or unusual occurrences; the native rarely lives what would be termed a normal life, the influence of Rahu as an outcaste. The native’s actions are generally compulsive and may not necessarily appear balanced, but these actions are necessary for them to eventually find themselves. Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 325 They are strongly attracted to those people and things that they identify with as they search for the missing parts of themselves. They attempt to absorb whatever it is they are attracted to completely and fully, but then a time comes when they realize that this does not fulfill them and then they generally suffer some identity crisis. The result of this crisis is either to find something else that they can compulsively pursue, or if they are of the wiser sort, to realize that they themselves must fulfill themselves. In relationships natives with Rahu in the 1 st house generally find themselves feeling lonelier than they expected or desire, but this just another factor that forces them to attempt to realize themselves. Ultimately these natives must understand that everything they are chasing or longing after is just a part of themselves they see reflected in the other. Ketu in the 7 th house indicates that the native must also complete significant activities with partners and relationships. These partnerships and relationships will not be capable of providing the security and happiness the native seeks beyond a certain point. At which point, if they have not developed a balanced sense of self, the relationship will come to a close. In any case there is a theme of completion in relationships when Ketu is in the 7 th house, whether the completion will be beautiful or horrible, or after a long time or a short time, depends on influencing factors. Ketu in the 8 th House, Rahu in the 2 nd House Ketu in the 8 th house indicates a native, who in recent past lives, has benefited largely from other peoples resources, generally through marriage partners, but sometimes through business partners. Rahu in the 2 nd house now indicates the need for the native to develop his or her own resources. The result of this nodal placement is that the native is insecure with their financial potential and it generally takes them some time to make any savings. The result of having been dependent upon others’ resources is a strong need for the native to find value within themselves, as having been dependent they have not felt as valuable since their physical 326 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens productivity would not have been high. The necessary development of Rahu in the 2 nd house, therefore, is for the native to recognize their inherent value. Usually this is projected outwards, onto their possessions, family, etc., which in the end will desert them or become lost or defective. The native’s only option becomes to look inside for their inherent worth after all external factors have failed. It is only in rare cases that the native’s material projections are realized. In those cases these material realizations are a reflection of recognizing their inherent value. The 2 nd house, being the house of the family, is the house of inherent value, the value that comes from our family, name, etc. This being good gives a sense of self-worth and integrity, if otherwise the native must struggle to validate herself. Often, there is trouble with the family the native grows up in that results in the native feeling devalued. The native may also become fanatical about their family they themselves have created in an effort to validate themselves, in which case Rahu will eventually separate them from their family. Ketu in the 9 th House, Rahu in the 3 rd House Ketu in the 9 th indicates that the native in recent past lives created security through faith in their belief system. There has also generally been a focus on teaching what one believes. Rahu in the 3 rd indicates that they must now test their beliefs through trial and error, to find out what really works for them, as well as displaying their skills, knowledge and talents through active participation rather than through teaching. Rahu here usually indicates a skilled personality and one who is quite focused and directed with the use of their skills, strength and energy. Ketu in the 9 th also indicates that the native has been quite broad in his approach to life and his understanding. Rahu in the 3 rd indicates a need to focus on what is of greatest concern, to narrow their approach so that they can effectively complete what is of greatest importance to them. Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 327 Ketu in the 10 th House, Rahu in the 4 th House Ketu in the 10 th indicates that the native in recent past lives has developed security through their ability to manage outer conditions or through obtaining status of some sort. In this lifetime external forms of security will not be as fulfilling, and those things that provide external security will be short lived. Rahu in the 4 th creates upsets and instability in life that scars the very core of the native. There is great fear, instability, and emotional weakness. The native now needs to develop their inner security. Ketu in the 10 th house also indicates attachment to one's karmas, with those actions they perform. In recent lives these actions gave a degree of security, in this life they utterly fail and the native has no choice but to develop their inner security, the need for which is indicated by Rahu in the 4 th house. Ketu in the 11 th House, Rahu in the 5 th House Ketu in the 11 th house indicates that the native has experienced happiness through fulfilling their goals and realizing their desires. There has generally been an excess of external living as well as dependence upon peers of like-minded individuals to provide security. In this lifetime Ketu gives a growing discontent with these things and a tendency to get involved with groups that do not provide the expected happiness, which leaves the native less enthusiastic about their involvement. Rahu in the 5 th house indicates mental disquiet and the need for the native to focus on what they, themselves, are inspired towards. Generally, the native has some confusion about what they are inspired towards, and the result is generally a discontented mentality. If Rahu is causing a raja yoga, however, the native may be incredibly focused and creative. There is particularly a need for the native to validate themselves for their activities and to express what they are inspired to express for its own sake rather than for the sake of acceptance or validation by others. Rahu here often forces this by creating a loss of dignity. 328 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Ketu in the 12 th House, Rahu in the 6 th House Ketu in the 12 th house indicates a native who in recent past lives has not involved themselves with the many concerns of the world. This may have been done through spiritual and transcendental practices, or it may have been done through other, less healthy, activities, escapism, or even imprisonment. Planets influencing Ketu as well as the placement of Ketu's lord will indicate this. In any case, there has been a focus on attempting to become free from worldly karmas, either by somehow, ignorantly, not doing work, or through spiritual practices. Rahu in the 6 th indicates the need to perform the works necessary to be free from all works. The native must perform the activities necessary to improve and manage their material affairs. These activities are necessary to give the completion that Ketu desires. It is important that the native works in a spirit of karma yoga, that human right is for activity, not the results of their activities, else the native suffers from further binding attachments, which hinder the realization of Ketu's goals of completion, resolution and transcendence. RAHU AND KETU IN THE RASIS Ketu in Aries, Rahu in Libra Ketu in Aries indicates that the native in recent past lives has created his security through personal initiative, strength, and will. Much of this was done with only the goal in sight, the consequences, or price was generally not considered. In this lifetime the native will experience doubts that serve to curb their impulsiveness. Also in this lifetime events will transpire that force the native into situations that require courage and strength to fulfill a goal that has a high price, a price that may be higher than the native may want to pay. This, though, is usually the result of the previous karmas of impulsively or willfully pursuing a goal, without thought for the consequences. Rahu's position in Libra indicates that the native is in need of developing the talent of seeing that every action has a price, and that that price must be willingly paid. The key to living a happy life is to Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 329 determine the price of their desires and actions, so that they will know what they are getting themselves into, or if indeed they even want to pursue their desired actions. Ketu in Aries, indicates a native that has acted through their own initiative, strength and will. As a result of this they may view the many things that happen in their lives, or that effect others, as their own fault, or due to them. Rahu in Libra has to teach that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, the law of karma. Much of what happens is not due to them, or their fault, but only the natural workings of the law of karma that allows all men to reap the due rewards of their actions. Ketu in Taurus, Rahu in Scorpio Ketu in Taurus indicates that the native in recent past lives has attempted to create security by being secure in the material world, this usually means through wealth and practical resourcefulness. Identifying with these has provided security and stability in a world that is not entirely so. In this lifetime Ketu indicates a growing discontentment with materiality, as well as a tendency to disrupt any material structures of security, and in so doing the evolutionary goal of Ketu to free the native from material attachments is accomplished. Ketu in Taurus also indicates that the native is completing their karmas with respect to those material things that have provided security. Those things being indicated by the house position of Ketu as well as the planets influenced by Ketu. Rahu in Scorpio indicates incredibly strong needs, needs that are not fulfilled by any security that the physical world has to offer. This may cause the native to compulsively feed of something that appears to fulfill a need, but when it is seen that this need is not fulfilled, another is sought. As long as the native is attempting to fulfill their needs through any physical manifestation, they will find themselves feeling empty and unfulfilled. As they are able to gain more inner security, they become capable of greater happiness. 330 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Ketu in Taurus also indicates strong material attachments formed in recent past lives, while Rahu in Scorpio indicates the transmutation of these attachments as a result of experiencing a lack of security. Ketu in Gemini, Rahu in Sagittarius Ketu in Gemini indicates a native who in recent past lives has created security through the use of their intellect. Through experimentation, study, and thought the native has managed to create a paradigm that allows for life to take place in a safe and secure manner. In this lifetime, Ketu causes the native to experience doubts about what exactly they know. When confronted by information that is contrary to what they believe they know, there is initial resistance, as new information is threatening to their security paradigm. After some time to think, however, they experience doubts about their knowledge, or understanding, that creates an identity crisis over what they know. They eventual result of this is a deepening of their knowledge, but also the understanding that they have learned so much that all they know for sure is that they do not know anything. Rahu in Sagittarius indicates that the native must define a belief system or philosophy that takes care of those areas that they are unable to understand, or create rationality for. The doubting of their information, through Ketu, forces them to develop faith, and intuition through Rahu. The doubting of their information indicated by Ketu in Gemini also forces them to accept the information given by others, or teachers, indicated by Rahu in Sagittarius. However, as long as they doubt their own information, there will be a corresponding doubt of others’ information as well. The key is do develop the faith and understanding that allows them to believe that, though, they will never know everything, they will know what they need to fulfill their role at a given moment. Ketu in Gemini generally suffers from indecisiveness. This is a result of Ketu waiting for that last bit of information to close the case, but the last bit never comes, there is always room for doubt, in fact it is the nature of the intellectual mind to doubt. In the end they Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 331 must learn to act on faith, the need for which is indicated by Rahu in Sagittarius. Ketu in Cancer, Rahu in Capricorn Ketu in Cancer indicates a native who in recent past lives has created security by stabilizing, or controlling their emotions and reactions to the events in life. This makes for a more introverted personality, and one more attached to going inward to find comfort than to tackle things externally in order to create security. There is a tendency to over-control the feelings and reactions, which may cause eruptions or moods to be triggered when the native can no longer take it. It is because the emotions are controlled, rather than enjoyed with detachment, that these moods occur. The native needs to learn to allow the emotions to flow freely, to let the feelings feel what they may, without any fear of the pain that may be involved with this. The greater the emotions and reactions are controlled as a result of what the outer environment brings the more out of control and chaotic the external environment will be. Rahu in Capricorn indicates this out of control, chaotic outer environment and instability. Through Rahu in Capricorn the native learns to create balance and stability in their external lives that reflects a balanced internal security. A controlled inner security, the security indicated by Ketu in Cancer, is not a balanced security, and the imbalances will be revealed by external factors being unstable through Rahu in Capricorn. Rahu in Capricorn also indicates a tendency to fear the many terrible possibilities of the world that are a natural part of life. In order to overcome these fears a tendency to overly control the environment arises, which results in nothing but more stress. As the native truly becomes secure inwardly, these fears are alleviated. Ketu in Leo, Rahu in Aquarius Ketu in Leo indicates a native who in recent past lives has attempted to create security through expressing a noble and dignified personality. Often times they may have even had a station in life that required them to express a noble personality. The result of this is that 332 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens they did not completely express themselves along their most natural lines, rather they exhibited only what was best or most virtuous and noble. In this life, Ketu in Leo, gives great self-doubts that are the result of the native being unsure of what aspects of their personality to express, and what to hide. They are insecure, though they may appear very magnetic. The purpose for creating these doubts are to help the native overcome any attachment to their role, this allows for the individual to become completely individualized, this need being indicated by Rahu's placement in Aquarius. Rahu in Aquarius indicates that the native is rapidly becoming individualized. Being individualized is to obtain an honest security that has no need to try to be more than it is out of any weakness, or to be held back or hidden due to any weakness; to see oneself with all one's pluses and minuses, accepting them evenly. This placement of Rahu gives the opportunity for one to become psychologically healthy, at ease with themselves and their personality. The doubts given by Ketu in Leo become less as the native identifies with groups and peers of like mindedness. The group involvement, indicated by Rahu in Aquarius, allows the native to see where they are similar to others, and also where they are unique and different, this allows the native to become more secure with their individuality. Ketu in Virgo, Rahu in Pisces Ketu in Virgo indicates a native who in recent past lives has attempted to improve life by practically implementing their resources, skills and intelligence. They are also firm believers that the quality of work done indicates the return of their efforts. Work well done has been compensated, work left undone or done poorly has caused suffering, deterioration, etc. In this lifetime, therefore, the native is a skilled and diligent worker. Rahu in Pisces indicates that the native must learn to surrender the fruits of their works. Rahu brings to light those areas that their current efforts seem to have no bearing upon; the work the native does will not have much effect upon the outcome. When faced by Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 333 difficulties, this usually brings some feelings of hopelessness that things could ever improve, as the native feels like nothing they do makes a difference. At this point the native may become lethargic and dream of a better future, but what is necessary is to continue on with their activities, realizing that they must complete their karmas as indicated by Rahu’s position in Pisces. Rahu always indicates those things we can only experience and work out in the material world, when in Pisces, those things are in a stage of completion and resolution. Ketu in Libra, Rahu in Aries Ketu in Libra indicates a native who in recent past lives has very carefully considered the results of their actions and desires. The native has been very conscious of the fact that his actions and desires have consequences, and to not get involved in more than they can handle. They have generally managed to live a very pragmatic life. Rahu in Aries stirs up great passion and brings situations in life that force the native to take on more than they can practically handle and to rely on their will and initiative. Doing so allows the native to create the karmic balance that frees them from the results of their previous actions. Ketu in Scorpio, Rahu in Taurus Ketu in Scorpio indicates a native who in recent past lives has attempted to gain security by cultivating inner strength when confronted by the limitation of external factors that are unable to fulfill their needs. Rahu, being in the opposing sign of Taurus, indicates the need to welcome whatever security an external source can practically provide. However, there are some fears involved in depending upon external forms of security, because the native has established a paradigm of not doing so through Ketu in Scorpio, which instead has relied on internal forms of security. However, fears in relying on external forms of security reflect inner fears and weakness that yet remain. Rahu awakens these fears by providing material things that the native has not been confronted with a need 334 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens for, or which awaken a need within them. These allow the native to see how secure they really are, helping them to complete the transmutation of all their needs. These natives can only enjoy those things Rahu provides when they are able to approach them without any desire or need. Ketu in Sagittarius, Rahu in Gemini Ketu in Sagittarius indicates a native who in recent past lives has attempted to create security through cultivating their belief system, and through faith and intuitive understanding. Rahu in Gemini indicates that they must now test their beliefs through trial and error, to find out what really works for them. Oftentimes this causes indecision with new events that require a decision that the native does not have the experience to make confidentially. Rahu in Gemini also indicates that these natives must learn to clearly define and focus their thoughts and intuitions in such a manner that they can be clearly explained. Ketu in Capricorn, Rahu in Cancer Ketu in Capricorn indicates a native who in recent past lives has attempted to develop security through managing outer conditions. In this lifetime external forms of security will not be as fulfilling, or those things that provide external security come to a close. This creates fear and instability and motivates the native to develop the opposing point of Rahu in Cancer, to develop an inner security that is not dependent upon external factors. Rahu in Cancer generally indicates that the native is weaker inwardly than their outward expression would reveal, an oak with weak roots. Rahu also indicates feelings of emptiness and the need to develop inner happiness. With this nodal position, until the native's inner stability corresponds to their outer stability, the outer stability will not be lasting or fulfilling. Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 335 Ketu in Aquarius, Rahu in Leo Ketu in Aquarius indicates a native who in recent past lives has attempted to create security by identifying with groups and peers of like-minded individuals. This has created security in the world, but now leaves the native feeling less secure with himself or herself as an individual. The native’s security and self-esteem is conditioned by what their peers think, do, or say about the them. This results in a lack of satisfaction with oneself and the need to develop one’s individual inspirations. The opposing placement of Rahu in Leo urges the native towards self-inspiration and a self-esteem that is based upon their own nature, and not on the views of others. This self-inspiration may be so powerful that the native is unable to see any other goal but their own, or may even think that others should do the same as they. This is the height of insecurity. Eventually, Rahu brings to attention the native’s personal insecurities, which reveal that they are not entirely secure amongst the group. If they were so, they would have no personal insecurities. Ultimately, they need to feel secure when they can be themselves, with their differences and similarities, amidst the group, pursuing their own inspirations, while allowing others to do so as well. Ketu in Pisces, Rahu in Virgo Ketu in Pisces indicates a native who in recent past lives has developed security through surrender, faith, and acceptance. There has been an emphasis on resolving and completing karmas as well as transcending the need for anything of practical security, or at the very least to transcend a particular level of development. Rahu in Virgo indicates the works that must be done in order to complete the particular level of development. One must perform the practical works even if they are not fulfilling, which they are often not. This often results in the native feeling a lack of zest with their duties, though they still get through them somehow. Because Rahu in Virgo indicates work that must be done in order to reap completion, work done to improve or further things often appears impossible, which 336 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens may leave the native feeling without hope for any improved circumstances when faced with difficulties or struggles. The work they do, however, gives the necessary completion and resolution indicated by Ketu's position. Performing their duties in a spirit of karma yoga overcomes any feelings of hopelessness and prevents further binding attachments, which would hinder the realization of Ketu's goal of resolution and transcendence. LORDS OF RAHU AND KETU Rahu and Ketu particularly give their results through the agency of their lords: 1. The house placement of Ketu's lord indicates through what agency or activity the native has been developing and establishing the areas indicated by Ketu’s house placement. The rasi Ketu is in indicates in what manner this is done. The nakshatra lord of Ketu is similar, but not as significant, as the rasi lord is. 2. The house placement of Rahu's lord indicates through what agency or activity the native will attempt to develop and establish the areas by Rahu’s house placement. The rasi Rahu is in indicates in what manner this is done. The nakshatra lord of Rahu is similar, but not as significant, as the rasi lord is. Generally Ketu’s placement indicates those areas where the native is completing karmas and Rahu indicates those areas that are under development. As the karmas indicated by Ketu’s placement become completed, the native develops the house and rasi where Rahu is located. Similarly, as the native develops the areas indicated by Rahu’s placement, they bring to completion the areas indicated by Ketu’s placement. In certain cases, however, this is not so. In the following cases there is greater emphasis on completing the karmas indicated by Ketu’s placement than there is in developing the areas indicated by Rahu’s placement: Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 337 1. When the lord of Ketu is with Ketu. 2. When the nakshatra lord of Ketu is with Ketu, or is Ketu. This point is not as significant as the first. 3. When the lord of Rahu is with Ketu. In this case the opposing point of Rahu is quite well developed and a lot of karma has been generated through Rahu that is now being brought to completion through Ketu. 4. When the nakshatra lord of Rahu is with Ketu, or is Ketu the effects are similar to point 3, though not as significant. In the following cases there is greater emphasis on developing the areas indicated by Rahu then there is on completing the karmas indicated by Ketu’s placement: 1. When the lord of Rahu is with Rahu. 2. When the nakshatra lord of Rahu is with Rahu, or is Rahu. This point is not as significant as the first. 3. When the lord of Ketu is with Rahu. In this case the areas indicated by Rahu’s placement have been previously developed through karma (activity) in the areas indicated by Ketu’s placement. The completion of the karmas indicated by Ketu’s placement occurs through the areas indicated by Rahu’s placement. 5. When the nakshatra lord of Ketu is with Rahu, or is Rahu, the effects are similar to point 3, though not as significant. ASPECTS OF RAHU AND KETU TO THEIR LORDS The aspect of Rahu or Ketu to one of the lords of Rahu or Ketu is also important: 1. When the lord of Rahu, or its nakshatra lord, is aspected by Rahu, then what has been stated about Rahu's position intensifies. 2. When the lord of Ketu, or its nakshatra lord, is aspected by Ketu, then what has been stated about Ketu's position intensifies. 338 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens 3. When the lord of Rahu, or its nakshatra lord, is aspected by Ketu, then the native is completing some karmas in the area of life indicated by Rahu (these completions happen through Ketu), though also developing the areas indicated by Rahu’s position in some fresh manner. 4. When the lord of Ketu, or its nakshatra lord, is aspected by Rahu, then the native is freshly developing some areas indicated by Ketu’s placement, while also completing some karmas in the areas indicated by Ketu’s placement. This means that there will be some new influences in the area of life indicated by Ketu's position, as well as the completion of old ones. 5. In all the above cases the influence of the nakshatra lord is less than that of the rasi lord. Note: The necessary development indicated by Rahu is always for the purpose of creating the balance necessary to free the native from the karmas indicated by Ketu’s placement. CONJUNCTIONS AND ASPECTS OF RAHU AND KETU The effects of the nodes joining or aspecting a planet is more or less the same; though the conjunctions are much more powerful. Ketu/Sun The influence of Ketu on the Sun is to free the native from ego identification. Ketu creates strong self-doubts that cause the native to feel a lack in everything they do. There is a strong need to establish perfection in their actions. This perfection is never realized, as Ketu is presided by the Absolute aspect of God, and thus a level of accomplishment that would satisfy him is not to be found in the material. All other levels of accomplishment leave a nagging feeling of doubt; what the native is aware of is what he did not do, the perfection they did not accomplish. Until the native is able to free themselves from the attachment of seeing themselves as the doer these painful self-doubts persist. Once the native understands that a perfect accomplishment consists of the results of one's karmas, plus Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 339 or minus any merits or demerits, plus any grace, then he becomes free of these doubts that are really just the result of being attached to one's role and seeing themselves as the doer. Ketu influencing the Sun is also indicative of the native having a degree of importance or influence in their recent past lives, as well as having felt accomplished in manifesting their destiny. Again the doubts given by Ketu cause the native to be hidden and feel insecure in order that they free themselves from the limited security given by importance, power and influence. Ketu/Moon The influence of Ketu on the Moon indicates a deeper, probing, mentality that generally suffers discontentment in the world. When Ketu influences the Moon, the mentality is not so superficial as to be able to simply enjoy the pleasures of the world. The mind is always looking deeper, beneath the surface, and thus there is always a nagging discontent and questioning. This creates an introverted mindset, which in a spiritual nativity is conducive to spiritual practices. In other nativities, this may cause introversions and frustrations that may have violent or explosive eruptions. Generally it is found that natives with Ketu influencing the Moon have an interest in psychology. Another noticeable trait of Ketu's influence to the Moon is to make the native very emotionally controlled and rigid. When they are in a negative mood, there is not a lot anyone can do to cheer them up, they pretty much have to suffer through the mood, after which they will get up feeling just fine. In fact the depths of their moods rarely correlate to what brought the mood upon them. There will usually be associated sub-conscious and past life feelings stirred up by that which triggers the mood. After the mood, the native will appear as balanced and controlled as usual, but one of the reasons the moods are so severe is that the natives do not flow with, and reveal, their feelings, until a buildup has occurred, and then the deep mood. These natives also have an ability to cheer anyone out of a mood; this 340 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens is due to their ability to not let any feelings come through except those that they want to reveal. In recent past lives, those with Ketu influencing the Moon have established a level of security and safety in the world by controlling their reactions to the many painful things in life. Controlling is one thing, feeling is another, so there is usually some pent-up pain in the native that is released when a mood is triggered. The developmental goal is to purge the mind from subconscious pain, remorse, regret, etc. and to develop a spiritualized mentality that truly remains at peace amidst the varying conditions and reactions of life, rather than a mentality that controls the feelings and reactions. Ketu/Mars The influence of Ketu on Mars creates a nativity that in recent past lives has established a security foundation based upon one's strength and will. In this life the native generally has some insecurity and doubts revolving around the use of their will and this causes their will to become humbled. They are generally inclined towards peace, but they may actually have violent thoughts, which may even surprise themselves. There is generally some inability to harness their will according to their demand and this may cause great frustrations and explosions in temper. Often, there will be thoughts of great adventure and heroism, when it comes down to the real thing, however, the native either withdraws, with doubt, from the challenge, or experiences some lack of fulfillment even if becoming the victor in the challenge. Mars and Ketu are both violent planets that tend to break and injure things; therefore the areas of life that are under the influence of both Ketu and Mars tend to suffer some injury or damage. This completes the karmas of breaking, fighting, etc. from the past lives. Ketu/Mercury The influence of Ketu on Mercury indicates a nativity that in recent past lives has established a security foundation in the world that was based upon their intellectual understanding of things, the Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 341 nature of the world, etc. In this life they experience great doubts with their rational understanding, and they always feel like there is a bit of information missing that they need before they can close the case, make a decision, etc. This forces them to rely on their gut feeling, intuition, taking a chance, etc. in short to force them to go beyond the need of the intellect. The intellect, having provided such security in the past, is rigid when confronted with ideas or concepts that are at variance with the native’s paradigm or understanding, as these new ideas are felt as a threat to one's security. This causes initial resistance and even debate with those bringing new ideas or concepts, and the Ketu/Mercury native will always be able to win an intellectual debate, but later, when alone, the native experiences doubts once again that force them to acknowledge something outside their understanding. At worst, this combination may cause one to be indecisive, and experience anxiety if they are unable to listen to their intuition, or do not have faith in a greater guiding principle than their own intellects. On the useful side, this combination gives a great research mind and the capacity for deep thinking. Ketu/Jupiter The influence of Ketu on Jupiter indicates a native with some deeper spiritual attachments, ideals, or devotion. Living a life of ideals, spirituality, etc. in the past incarnations has resulted in the ego experiencing a heightened degree of security in the world. Ketu’s job as liberator is to now free the ego from any attachment to living a life of ideals. This almost always results in these native at some point in life finding themselves in some circumstance that prevents them from living out their idealistic nature. This generally creates guilt, self- blame, and self-criticism that may be fed by the blame and criticism of others as well. These events serve to free the native from any attachments to doing good, which otherwise could impair one’s spiritual growth. The conjunction to Jupiter appears significantly more powerful in this respect. 342 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens The influence of Ketu on Jupiter indicating the native having attempted to gain security in recent past lives due to their belief system may also create a huge need to see their beliefs manifested fully in this life. This need is never met, which causes the native to doubt their beliefs. This creates room fore the native to advance their understanding, though they are generally not inclined to advance their understanding until circumstances force them to. Ketu, though a malefic, is beneficial for the spiritual life, thus Jupiter influenced by Ketu also tends to deepen one’s insight, knowledge, and spiritual devotion and generally indicates a spiritual or philosophical person of some sort. Ketu/Venus The influence of Ketu on Venus indicates a nativity that has developed great tact and diplomacy when dealing with all mundane affairs of life as well as having enjoyed much of the pleasures the world can afford. In this life the native experiences a general discontent with worldly delights, even though there is an initial expectation of fulfillment from these things. In a spiritual nativity this influence may be conducive to developing spiritual devotion. Venus is a planet of pride, under the influence of Ketu, humility is being developed and pride is never excessive. Ketu/Saturn The influence of Ketu on Saturn indicates a nativity that has experienced security as a result of being an authority in some manner or field. In this life, Ketu’s goal is to free the native from the need of being an authority figure in order to feel secure. Ketu does this through confrontations with those that cause the native to doubt their capacity as an authority figure. These doubts result in the native having the only choice of learning to be happy and secure without being an authority figure. Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 343 Rahu/Sun The influence of Rahu to the Sun indicates an evolutionary urge to develop the personality, individuality, creative will and expression. The native is generally self-willed and appears magnetic, powerful and confident. What the native actually feels, however, is entirely different. They generally feel very insecure and not stable or grounded in themselves. The expression of confidence and power is what they hope to realize, which only happens when they become secure in their individuality. The native projects strength and power, though experiencing doubts and lack of confidence in an attempt to compensate for their weakness. This can never result in their really feeling confident and the result is a breakdown of all that they thought was important to their self-development, in other words an identity crisis. The urge to develop their creative will causes them to look upon everything that comes their way as an opportunity to manifest their goals or desires. In natives exhibiting self-centered tendencies this may create a personality that believes that everybody else is there for them. Generally the native has not had his masculine side validated for the qualities that are true to ones self, one’s svadharma. This causes inner frustration and turmoil with regards to what one's focus and purpose in life is. Not feeling confident and secure in one’s svadharma creates stagnation of the best sides of oneself. Oftentimes the native has had a role placed upon him that was not true to his nature but instead an ideal someone else had for him. This ideal often includes some concept that the native is better than others are or special. This helps to reinforce an expression of confidence and strength over the insecure core of their self and individuality. In time the native gains opportunities to develop their personalities along their natural lines and to learn that they are no different, better or worse than others, but only different in the roles they play. It usually takes them a long time to feel secure and comfortable with themselves and their place in life. 344 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Rahu/Moon The influence of Rahu on the Moon results in some weakness in the mind that is in need of strengthening. This is generally the result of the mind not being centered in the heart, instead being centered externally or remaining unfocused. When the mind is centered externally there is discontent and depression that comes from the lack of fulfillment the world has to offer. When the mind remains unfocused there is a higher degree of psychic disorders, and/or a lack of clarity and concentration. Rahu influencing the Moon may give heightened psychic sensitivity but usually this is also accompanied by a weakness that make the native more sensitive to psychic disorders. Other weakness of the mind caused by Rahu may be various types of mental derangement, but for any serious difficulties other malefic influences must also be indicated. In the horoscopes of natives with strong spiritual tendencies, Rahu influencing the Moon may give strong attunement. The discontent that Rahu casts upon the Moon is also a cause of addictions. Addictions also serve to make the mind unfocused, which results again in psychic disorders. Rahu may also give a tendency to live in the imagination, in the realm of fantasy, wishes and hopes, which ultimately lead to discontent and depression because in the end the native still lives in the real world. In female natives the conjunction of the Moon with Rahu creates a strong feminine magnetism, and a strong emotional transparency that is attractive to men. However, the woman herself feels ungrounded and insecure and is usually not emotionally healthy enough to enjoy a relationship. The need for the native, when Rahu is influencing the Moon is to learn to keep the mind anchored in the heart, the one place of true satisfaction for it. With natives having spiritual tendencies this is an eventual possibility. Rahu/Mars The influence of Rahu on Mars indicates a native who is in need of developing the healthy use of their will and power. The native Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 345 usually has an explosive potential and many power struggles with people. The native may have a lack of confidence in using their will. This may create abusive situations in life as well as anger and frustration whenever one’s will is thwarted or challenged. The insecurity revolving around the use of their will that causes their self- esteem to feel threatened may lead to aggressive and abusive behavior. The native needs to learn a proper application of the use of the will, part of which is to know when to use it and when not to. Rahu influencing Mars indicates ideas in the mind that something must be had at any cost, the option of not having or not winning is out of the question. This may cause over aggressiveness or excess impulsiveness. Rahu/Mercury The influence of Rahu on Mercury indicates an intellect that through experimentation, trial, and error, is learning to develop the discrimination that serves to help one make the most beneficial choices in life. The developmental need is to learn to gather facts and information to use as a foundation for understanding in life. The experimental nature of this may indicate a native with an original and inventive mentality. There is generally a tendency towards indecisiveness when making important decisions, which the native always feels unprepared for no matter the advice or information they have gathered. This is due to the difficulty in really understanding what they know. Without real understanding, more facts just lead to more indecision. Rahu/Jupiter The influence of Rahu on Jupiter indicates a native in the need of defining their belief system and purpose. There is usually some discontent, unhappiness, or lack revolving around their religious upbringing and this may make one irreligious or disinterested in spiritual values. If there are strong spiritual factors in the horoscope, the influence of Rahu on Jupiter may create an aspiring spiritual personality, but one that is usually more inclined towards preaching 346 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens and teaching to others, which they do to compensate for their own lack of understanding. They are essentially preaching and teaching to themselves. The influence of Rahu on Jupiter also indicates a strong need to find meaning and purpose in life. Until this happens, the native usually suffers some discontent and a lack of clear direction. There may be a tendency to become overly enthusiastic about a venture, but only for a short while, after which discontent and purposelessness set in. The native needs to find an inner purpose that gives meaning to life in order to overcome this discontent. The conjunction of Rahu to Jupiter seems to be much more severe and when under the influence of Mars or Saturn, creates Guruchandala yoga, making one irreligious, a hypocrite and suffering on account of children. In a woman’s nativity, this additionally indicates suffering due to having difficulty finding a worthwhile marriage partner. The aspect is not nearly as severe in its negativity. The strong aspect of Jupiter onto Rahu, in fact, eventually alleviates a lot of the trouble indicated by Rahu. The strong aspect of Jupiter indicates that the native will eventually be able to understand the areas Rahu is influencing and learn to do what is needed to maintain happiness. Rahu/Venus The influence of Rahu on Venus indicates a native with a very powerful desire nature that causes disruption with what they want, particularly with regards to relationships. There is generally a tendency to experience powerful hypnotic attractions to individuals of the opposite sex. These attractions are the result of one aspect of the person to whom the native is attracted to seem like the all, when in fact it is only one small aspect that the native is attracted to. This small aspect is something that the native is attempting to develop within himself at the time of the attraction. The result is a tendency to “fall in love” before seeing the person completely for what they are, which results in eventual disappointment or discontentment. Maintaining balance and harmony in relationships are found to be Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu 347 difficult for the native and they need to develop some discrimination with regards to whom they fall in love with, as those people they fall in love with rarely validate their love or fulfill their desire. Venus represents conscious desires. Rahu represents subconscious desires, primal desires, hopes, wishes, fantasies, strange longings, etc. Putting these together may result in a very compulsive desire nature, which has little chance of fulfillment. The resulting discontent may eventually serve to motivate the native towards some spiritual fulfillment, provided there are strong spiritualizing factors in the horoscope. Rahu/Saturn The influence of Rahu on Saturn indicates a native that has difficulty in developing and maintaining security and stability. Those things the native feels attached to, or hopes to acquire security through are often taken away. Outer instability generally results in nerve-wracking conditions, and there is generally some inner instability and tension that makes the experiences of life less enjoyable. The only thing the native can really do to combat this is develop a dispassionate and detached mentality, which is particularly hard for them. Rahu influencing Saturn also generally indicates a lack of consistent, long-term focus in life. The native will usually have a happier life once they are focused and secure in their path. Rahu and Saturn are both separating influences, the house that they are both influencing will usually be an area where the native experiences complete or lengthy separations. 348 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu Rahu, the ascending node of the Moon, and Ketu, the descending Node of the Moon are astronomical points formed by the intersection of the plane of the ecliptic with the path of the Moon. It is at these two points that eclipses occur. Earth Moon Sun Rahu Ketu Ecliptic Plane % Ò Ò Tajika Aspects Tajika Aspects Tajika Aspects Tajika Aspects 349 29 29 29 29 Tajika Aspects Tajika Aspects Tajika Aspects Tajika Aspects There is a branch of Vedic astrology called Tajika astrology, which is actually of Persian origin, Tajika in fact means Persian. The techniques of Tajika astrology that are practiced consist of a very comprehensive method of making predictions with solar return charts, and prasna or answering questions based upon the moment of query. The Tajika techniques of prasna are similar to the traditional horary techniques used by Western astrologers. The aspects used in Tajika astrology are also identical to the aspects used by traditional Western astrologers. In India, Tajika aspects are used for solar returns and prasna, and generally not in natal astrology. Tajika aspects can, however, be helpful in analyzing the horoscope, particularly for the Western astrologer who is used to Western aspects and is making the transition towards traditional Vedic astrology. Following are the Tajika aspects: Planets that are 60 degrees apart or 120 degrees apart aspect each other in a friendly manner. Planets that are 60 degrees apart exert a secretly friendly aspect towards each other. Planets that are 120 degrees apart exert an openly friendly aspect towards each other. Planets that are conjunct, 90 degrees apart or 180 degrees apart inimically aspect each other. Conjunct planets, and planets that are 180 degrees apart exert an openly inimical aspect towards each other. Planets that are 90 degrees apart exert a secretly inimical aspect towards each other. 350 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Each planet has a particular amount of degrees over which it exerts its aspect. This is known as the deeptamsa, or orb of influence: Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn 15 deg. 12 deg. 8 deg. 7 deg. 9 deg. 7 deg. 9 deg. These orbs of influence are exactly identical to the orbs of influence considered in Western astrology until recent years when it became popular for every Western astrologer to develop their own orbs of influence. The orbs of influence of the two planets whose aspect are being considered are averaged. If, from an exact aspect, the planets fall within the range of their averaged orbs they are considered to be in aspect. For instance: If a Sun/Saturn aspect were being considered, the Sun’s orb of influence is 15 degrees, Saturn’s is 9 degrees, 15 and 9 is 24, the average is 12. Therefore, if the Sun and Saturn are within 12 degrees of an exact aspect they would be considered to aspect each other. In this case, if a 90-degree aspect were being considered, the aspect would actually occur any time the Sun and Saturn were 78–102 degrees apart. There are also certain Tajika yogas under which planets will exert influence beyond the average of their orbs, but these yogas are special cases beyond the scope of this work. Planets in friendly aspect to each other indicate tendencies, skills, traits, relationships, activities, etc. that are harmoniously developed, relative to each other, in the native. These provide peace, confidence, and happiness. Openly friendly aspects indicate the tendencies, etc. that the native is consciously aware of and benefiting from. Secretly friendly aspects indicate the tendencies, etc. that the native is unaware of and is surprised to find as a source of happiness and benefit at some point in their life. Planets in inimical aspect to each other indicate tendencies, skills, traits, relationships, activities, etc. that create conflict within and around the individual, in respect to their mutual indications. Openly inimical aspects indicate the tendencies, etc. that the native is very Tajika Aspects Tajika Aspects Tajika Aspects Tajika Aspects 351 aware of and those he knows are a source of unhappiness. Secretly inimical aspects indicate the tendencies, etc. that create conflict within and around the native that he is generally not aware of until a high point of crisis is reached. TIMING THE EFFECTS OF TAJIKA ASPECTS 1. The amount of degrees that the aspect is from exact indicates the age in years that the tendencies, etc. indicated by the two aspecting planets are first developed within the native. In case of friendly aspects this may be the first move towards a skill or activity that the native finds beneficial and productive of happiness. In case of inimical aspects, crisis, suffering, abuse or shock occurs in the native’s life in respect to the aspecting planets that serves to set a mentality and behavioral pattern that results in unhappiness until the native matures out of the mentality or behavior. 2. The amount of degrees that the aspect is from exact, multiplied by 12, indicates the age in years that the native realizes the effects of the tendencies, etc, indicated by the two aspecting planets. In the event of a friendly aspect there is the auspicious fruition or initiation of the planets indications. In the event of an inimical aspect, the indications of the planets suffer crisis and great difficulty, though through these difficulties something beneficial may mature or materialize. These timing techniques are known as Bhrigu Progressions. The one- degree is equivalent to one-year technique is similar to the progressions used by Western astrologers. SUMMARY OF ASPECTS In astrology there are three types of aspects: Rasi aspects, planetary aspects, and Tajika aspects. Each of these is important in its own right. Rasi aspects are the most significant for indicating what concretely manifests. Rasi aspects between planets are always mutual. They are 352 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens the most important aspects to consider in the formation of the specific yogas such as the Raja Yogas presented in this work, as well as the named yogas such as Chamara Yoga, Kahala Yoga, etc. Planetary aspects particularly indicate the transmission of the qualities of the aspecting planet to the aspected. For instance, Saturn is black and isolated; anything Saturn aspects take on a blackish coloration and is isolated from the native. Planetary aspects indicate very precisely how much of an influence is cast when the exact aspectual strength is calculated. Planetary aspects are not mutual; one planet may strongly influence another planet without being strongly influenced in return. Planets strongly aspecting with planetary aspects are also capable of forming yogas. Tajika aspects particularly indicate the relationship, whether friendly and harmonious, or inimical and tense, between two planets. The relationship indicated by the Tajika aspect must have its result, so these aspects also avail themselves to prediction, but not to yoga formation, except for the special Tajika yogas used in prasna and solar returns. The Outer Planets The Outer Planets The Outer Planets The Outer Planets 353 30 30 30 30 The Outer Planets The Outer Planets The Outer Planets The Outer Planets The outer planets, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are not traditionally used among Vedic Astrologers, though the ancient seers knew of their presence. Since their discovery, Western Astrologers have begun to place great emphasis on these planets. With more and more interest growing in the West over Vedic Astrology, there is greater interest in using the outer planets in the context of Vedic Astrology. The outer planets are invisible to the naked eye, whereas the seven planets, Sun-Saturn are visible. The planets, Sun-Saturn, being visible, indicate what concretely happens, they are therefore of prime importance in predicting concrete events and actions, and in determining actual character traits. The outer planets, being invisible, have to do with the inner nature of man. More specifically they indicate the involutionary urges of man to regain spiritual consciousness. They do not, however, indicate spiritual actions; the planets Sun-Saturn indicate all actions depending upon their placement and interrelationship. Certain of their combinations indicate spiritual practices, and others not. How the native handles the involutionary urges indicated by the outer planets are dependent upon his character and actions, by the visible planets, Sun-Saturn. The most distant visible planet is Saturn. Saturn most essentially indicates separation. Saturn represents the misery that is a result of man’s consciousness being separated from Spiritual consciousness. The outer planets, being outside Saturn’s orbit, represent the urge to regain what was lost due to this separation. Rahu and Ketu, like the outer planets, are also not visible planets. Rahu and Ketu, however, do create a visible effect; they are the cause of eclipses. They, therefore, do create concrete events and influence the actions of Man. The outer planets, being never visible in any 354 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens manner, never indicate concrete events or the actions of a native. It is therefore unreliable to use them for predicting concrete events and character; character meaning, what an individual will actually do in a particular situation. The outer planets, however, are important and reveal the forces within Man that have their actions internally. Rahu and Ketu, since they are generally not visible, also reveal the forces within Man, but since they do show themselves during eclipses, they indicate that which is within Man and which surfaces as a concrete event or action. The outer planets are, in fact, very similar to the influences of Rahu and Ketu. Rahu and Ketu both create sudden changes and independence like Uranus, discontentment like Neptune, and compulsion and destruction like Pluto. It is difficult to determine which of these forces Rahu or Ketu is directing towards any planet or point it is influencing. In addition to Rahu and Ketu’s influence, a careful consideration of the Gunas influencing the planet or house under consideration is necessary. Rajas indicates sudden change and independence, Sattva indicates discontentment, and Tamas indicates destruction. The outer planets, however, indicate this very easily. The influence of Uranus indicates sudden changes, independence and growth of individuality. Neptune’s influence indicates discontentment and longings. Pluto’s influence indicates destruction and transformation. To sum up: 1. The outer planets indicate the involutionary forces within the native. 2. The houses and planets that the outer planets influence indicate sources of various types of unhappiness with worldly living. 3. The houses and planets that the outer planets affect are under the influence of their involutionary forces and they therefore indicate areas where significant inner development may be made. 4. Whether the forces indicated by the outer planets motivate one to grow or motivate one to seek destructive and escapist routes is The Outer Planets The Outer Planets The Outer Planets The Outer Planets 355 dependent upon the planets Sun-Saturn and Rahu and Ketu, the nine planets that are indicative of Man’s actions. 5. The outer planets allow the astrologer to specifically understand the involutionary forces in the horoscope. This used in conjunction with Rahu and Ketu is perhaps the greatest use of the outer planets. 6. The forces of the outer planets that actually manifest will also be indicated by Rahu and Ketu. That is why a Vedic astrologer can give a fantastic and accurate reading without using the outer planets. However, sometimes it can be tricky to find Rahu and Ketu’s influence to the planet or house. The influence can happen not only through aspect or conjunction, but also through dispositors, nakshatra lords, or in the navamsa. 7. The influence of the outer planets will effect a person’s attachments, longings, etc, but the outer planets will not indicate what the native will do about it, if anything. Only the seven planets, Sun-Saturn, reveal what the native does about it. Additionally, Rahu and Ketu indicate what happens to the native regardless of their will. 8. In my opinion, the greatest mistake being made by many modern Western astrologers is assuming that the outer planets will dictate the native’s character, actions and the events in their life. The outer planets indicate important urges within the native. Analyzing these urges can be important and beneficial, but urges may be fulfilled in many ways, only the nine traditional planets indicate exactly what happens as a result of any forces placed upon the native. INVOLUTIONARY URGES OF THE OUTER PLANETS Each of the three outer planets indicate one important involutionary urge: Uranus The urge towards individualization, the psychological freedom that comes from being and accepting oneself without any insecurities 356 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens that cause one to pretend to be more than they are, or constrain them from being what they are. (Saturn particularly indicates these insecurities and psychological complexes). This may result in rebellious acts, irresponsibility and instability, or freedom from the attachments that one has used to validate themselves, growth of individuality and recognition of one’s svadharma (own nature), depending upon the character of the native as indicated by the traditional planets. Neptune The urge towards union with something greater. As a result of not having this union, Neptune breeds longings and discontents with that which it influences. These discontents and longings may manifest as spiritual striving, escapist tendencies or lethargy and daydreaming, depending upon the character of the native as indicated by the traditional planets. Pluto The urge to destroy ego consciousness. The ego cannot to be destroyed, only the things it clings to as “Mine” can be destroyed, only we ourselves can give up the consciousness of “I”. Remember the story of Vamana Avatar? Bali realized that Vishnu had taken away all his “Mine” and that it behooved him to surrender the “I.” Also in the Mahabharata, Bhishma, representing the aged ego, has the boon of dying only when he himself wills it. These stories both indicate that the only real power we have is to surrender the “I” consciousness. That which Pluto influences indicates the “Mine” of egocentric structures and attachments that have been a means of security to the ego that are destroyed in order to offer the opportunity to surrender the egocentric idea of “I.” The needs and tendencies of that which is influenced by Pluto also fail in getting the individual what they had hoped for, again forcing them to let go of egocentric identities. These destructive forces of Pluto result in forceful, compulsive, and self- The Outer Planets The Outer Planets The Outer Planets The Outer Planets 357 destructive actions, or in the transformation of egocentric attachments and behavior. THE TRI-MURTHI AND THE OUTER PLANETS The three outer planets can be correlated to the Tri-Murthi. Uranus relates to Brahma, the Creator, who creates what Is, realizing this allows one to accept one’s individuality. Neptune relates to Vishnu, the union of all things in and as part of Him, realizing this overcomes all discontent and longings. Siva relates to Pluto, the destruction of those things the ego holds onto, for the purpose of raising one to higher states of consciousness. USING THE OUTER PLANETS An important consideration in using the outer planets is deciding what their aspects should be. Rasi aspects particularly indicate what manifests, since the outer planets are involutionary planets and not manifesting planets, it would not seem appropriate to concentrate on reading the outer planets with rasi aspects. We do not have guidelines for what the outer planets planetary aspects should be; besides, the outer planets do not have the influential qualities of the other planets, therefore an attempt to designate strength of planetary aspects would not seem appropriate. Tajika aspects indicate the developmental tension or harmony between two planets; it would therefore seem most appropriate to use Tajika aspects in judging the influence of the outer planets. Since the discovery of the outer planets, Western astrologers have proved these types of aspects to be effective as well. The astrologer may, therefore, proceed with confidence with Tajika aspects if he chooses to use the outer planets. For the orb of influence of the outer planets’ aspect, I would suggest the same as for Saturn, 9 degrees. To use the outer planets: 1. Consider the house placement of the outer planet. This will be the area wherein the native will particularly experience the involutionary forces indicated by the outer planet, along with any 358 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens corresponding lack of happiness. The effects given for Ketu in the houses in the chapter, “Rahu and Ketu” will provide a rough idea of the outer planets influence to the house it is in. Tempering this with the involutionary influences of the outer planets, as provided in this chapter, will reveal the essence of the outer planet’s influence. 2. The house opposite the outer planet is always receiving an openly inimical aspect from the outer planet. It is, therefore, always important to consider along with the outer planet itself. This will be a house that is difficult for the native to utilize effectively because of over concentration on the house that the outer planet is in. A healthy understanding and use of the opposite house occurs as the native grows through the involutionary forces indicated by the outer planet to the house it is in. The effects given for Rahu in the houses in the chapter, “Rahu and Ketu” will provide a rough idea of the influence of the outer planet upon the house opposite it. 3. Consider the rasi placement of the outer planet in a similar fashion as the house. The effects given for Ketu in the rasis will provide a rough idea of the outer planets influence to the rasi it is in, and the effects given for Rahu in the rasis will provide a rough idea of the influence of the outer planet upon the opposite rasi. 4. There will be greater lack of happiness, and more motivation for growth, corresponding to the outer planet under consideration, depending upon the amount of aspects, especially the inimical aspects the outer planet is involved in. 5. Any planets aspected by an outer planet will also be under the influence of the involutionary forces of the outer planet. Planets in inimical aspect to an outer planet indicate great tension and unhappiness within the individual, and a great need to grow through the involutionary influence of the outer planet before any happiness can be experienced with those things indicated by the aspected planet. Planets in friendly aspect to an outer planet are under involutionary forces that the native can comfortably handle. Though at times these planets may be a source of The Outer Planets The Outer Planets The Outer Planets The Outer Planets 359 unhappiness, the desires and tendencies indicated by these planets are usually transmuted harmoniously. To time the influence of the aspects: 1. The amount of degrees the aspect is from exact indicates the age in years that the need to grow through the involutionary forces indicated by the outer planet first came to the native’s attention. If it is an inimical aspect, the native is usually made aware of this need to grow as a result of some shocking event in life. If it is a friendly aspect, the need usually arose in the mind simply as a result of watching life. 2. The amount of degrees the aspect is from exact, multiplied by 12, indicates the age at which the involutionary forces grow strong, offering the native the opportunity to realize the involutionary goal, or make significant growth towards it. TRANSITS OF THE OUTER PLANETS The transits of the outer planets indicate when significant developmental forces arise in the native. These transits indicate for what reasons of growth events in life are as they are. These transits will not, however, indicate what will happen. When a planet, or point in the horoscope is conjoined or aspected, with Tajika aspects, by a transiting outer planet, it is under the involutionary forces of the outer planet and requires appropriate growth. These forces will be experienced very powerfully when the transit is exact, though they have some influence as long as the transiting planet is in the same navamsa as the transited planet. THE OUTER PLANETS AND RAHU AND KETU The influences indicated by the outer planets to the houses and rasis wherein they are placed are a result of activities relative to the house and rasi of Ketu’s placement, and of Ketu’s lord. The necessary development of the houses and rasis opposite the outer planets is developed and realized through activity in the areas 360 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens indicated by the house and rasi placement of Rahu and of Rahu’s lord. -./ Uranus Neptune Pluto Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion 361 Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion The purpose of this text has been sixfold. One, to clearly present the principles of astrology that are necessary for any serious study of Vedic astrology, such as planetary relationships, dignities, lordship of rasis, aspects, karakas, Vimshottari dasa, etc. Two, to alleviate the confusion, which most beginning students suffer, due to many seemingly contradictory principles, such as the natural and temporal benefic and malefic natures of the planets. Three, to provide a reference work of important indications of the planets, rasis, nakshatras, etc. Four, to provide insights into the counseling potential of Vedic astrology through interpretations of the planets’ influence on human growth, especially those of Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. Five, to assist the eager Western astrologer in making the transition from Western astrology to Vedic astrology by including chapters on Tajika aspects and the outer planets. Six, to present many predictive techniques that are universally applicable to all areas of life. Beyond this lies a vast world of astrology, which one will want to continue their studies in and eventually specialize in those areas that are found most interesting. For each area of life there are specific principles that are necessary in order to accurately judge the horoscope. For instance, benefics are generally considered to support the house they are in, but if Venus and Mercury are found in the 7 th house, they indicate promiscuity and no marriage, or possibly the death of the spouse in the event that marriage occurs. The aspect of Jupiter on this may give marriage late in life. Similarly, the 5 th lord is generally a helpful planet, but even a naturally benefic 5 th lord in the 7 th house destroys relationships, only Mars for Cancer lagna is exempted from this. We have also learned that planets in the rasi of a benefic or in an angle do well, but when judging children, Jupiter or the 5 th lord in Taurus, Leo, Virgo, or Scorpio is never productive for children since these are childless rasis. Also, status-conferring planets in Leo are very productive, even though Leo is the rasi of a malefic. Each area of life has many applicable principles of this type. 362 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens In addition there are many specific yogas that indicate something particular in life that are often only remotely related to the houses ruling the area of life. For instance, if the navamsa lord of the lord of the 2 nd lord is Saturn or Mars and it is in an angle or trine with malefics one will be a master of six sastras (meaning a very learned person). Only a very few of these special principles and yogas are to be found in modern texts or classrooms, however, the classical texts are rich in them. Therefore, one of the next steps to learn astrology well is to study the classical texts. I find that most students of astrology find studying the classical texts confusing; therefore, I suggest the following guidelines for their study. First, decide upon what area of life you want to study. Then compile all relevant material from all the classical texts you can find. There are now about thirty classical texts easily available in the English language. The most important ones containing many special principles and yogas are: Jataka Tattva, Sarvartha Chintamani, Jataka Parijata, Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra, Bhavartha Ratnakara, Brihat Jataka, Saravali, and Phaladeepika. Compile the relevant material of the area of life you desire to study by typing it out or writing it down. Though this is tedious, it will result in your memorizing many principles and yogas that you can immediately begin applying to horoscopes. After compiling all the relevant information, organize it so that it is readily available. Then go through a stack of horoscopes and apply all the principles you have compiled to see what is most effective. You will find that many of the combinations in the classical texts are nothing but reiterations of the basic principles. Sorting out the special principles and combinations from these will reduce your organized material. After going through all this you will have a good grasp of the special principles governing each area of life, as well as a compilation, better then any book, that you can refer to in times of need. There are many important areas of astrological study not given attention in this text. There are the Vargas, or divisional charts, other charts like the navamsa. Each Varga relates to a particular area of life, Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion 363 as well as having a rich symbolism of deities and myth. Vargas are best put to use after the rasi and navamsa are being used effectively. Mathematical techniques are available that allow the astrologer to quantify how much good or ill a planet will yield. However, the astrologer has to first be able to determine what the planet will yield, before judging how much. In addition to the Vimshottari Dasa, there are hosts of other dasas that the astrologer may use. The dasas are for timing what is indicated in the horoscope; therefore the astrologer must first learn how to determine what is indicated in the horoscope before concerning themselves with additional dasas that determine when. Techniques of relationship compatibility are also available. The compatibility techniques suggested for use by the Sages of India reveal the principles that are necessary for love and harmony between Man and Woman. Remedials may be suggested for any ills that are indicated in the horoscope, or to amplify anything desirable that is indicated in the horoscope. These remedies include charity, mantras, yantras, gemstones, colors and flowers. Muhurtha, or Electional Astrology, choosing an auspicious moment to begin an event is highly developed in India and one of the most practical uses of astrology. Prasna, or Horary Astrology, answering questions based on a horoscope cast for the moment of query, is also a useful branch of astrology that has the advantage of not requiring a birth time. This system is developed to such a degree in India that it is possible to read all of the native’s affairs, including their death, from the Prasna chart. The influence of transiting planets is also significant and highly developed in India, with techniques to time events to the day as well as Ashtakavarga, an elaborate system for determining transit effects. Most significantly, there are those techniques commonly falling under the label of Jaimini Astrology. These are perhaps the most revealing, accurate, and simple techniques, however, these techniques are laced with controversy. 364 Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Each of these areas is vast and each of these deserves a separate text; they are therefore not included in this work. The Zodiac The Zodiac The Zodiac The Zodiac Index Index Index Index 365 Index Index Index Index A Aagama Avastha, 277, 289 Aagamana Avastha, 277, 287 AbdaBala, 225 Adhama, 233 Adishesha, 18, 20 Age, of the Planets, 33 Agni, 18 Amsa, 279 Angles, 107, 121, 215 Anishta, 233 Antar Dasa, 230, 231, 248 Apoklimas, 107 Aquarius, 310 Aries, 308 Artha, 108, 176, 179 Ashtakavarga, 363 Aspects, 79,242 Aspects, Planetary, 193, 207, 262, 268,351 Aspects, Rasi, 197, 203, 207, 351, 262, 268, Aspects, Tajika, 349, 351, 357 Aspectual Tables, 198-201 Association, 207 Asta, 99 Astronomical Data of the Planets, 22 Asubha Yoga, 249, 253, 260 Auspicious Degrees, 264 Avarohini, 232 Avastha, Aagama, 277, 289 Avastha, Aagamana, 277287 Avastha, Bhojana, 277, 280, 290 Avastha, Gamana, 277, 285 Avastha, Garvita, 274 Avastha, Kautuka, 277, 292 Avastha, Kshobhita, 273 Avastha, Kshudhita, 273 Avastha, Lajjita, 271 Avastha, Mudita, 274 Avastha, Netrapani, 277, 283 Avastha, Nidraa, 277, 293 Avastha, Nrityalipsa, 277, 291 Avastha, Prakaashana, 277, 284 Avastha, Sabhaayaam Vasti, 277, 288 Avastha, Shayana, 277, 280, 281 Avastha, Trushita, 272 Avastha, Upavesha, 277, 282 Avasthas, 93, 296 Avasthas, Deeptaadi, 93, 105, 296 Avasthas, Lajjitaadi, 271, 296 Avasthas, Shayanaadi, 277, 296 Avatar, of the Planets, 2 Ayana Bala, 39, 225, 228 Ayana, 45 B Basis Above and Below, 175, 181 Benefics, 37-39, 305 Bhava, 107 Bhava Chakras, 118 Bhita Avastha, 94 Bhoga, 177, 183 Bhojana Avastha, 277, 280, 290 Body Parts, 60, 63, 80, 117, 177, 184 Body Tissues of the Planets, 39 Brahma18, 20, 177, 183, 357 Brahman, 18, 21 Brahmins, 28, 58 Buddha, 2, 7 Bukti, 230 C Cadent Houses, 107 Cancellation of Debilitation, 86, 87, 92 Cancer, 309 Capricorn, 310 Cardinal Rasis, 57 Caste, 28, 58, 62, 176 Celestial Equator, 228 Chakras, 53 Chandra Lagna, 269 Chara Rasis, 57 Cheshta Bala, 96, 225 Cheshta, 278, 296 Childless Rasis, 361 Classical Texts, 362 Clothes, of the Planets, 48 Color, 62 Colors, of Planets, 30 Combust, 99-105 Common Rasis, 57 Compound Relationships, 78 Conjunctions, 79, 84, 189, 207, 242, 262 D Dainya Yoga, 208 Vedic Astrology Primer Vedic Astrology Primer Vedic Astrology Primer Vedic Astrology Primer 366 Dasa, 79, 210, 218, 221, 227, 229, 231, 269, 363 Dasa, Adhama, 233 Dasa, Anishta, 233 Dasa, Avarohini, 232 Dasa, Madhya, 232, 233 Dasa, Rikta, 233 Dasa, Rohini, 232 Day/Night Strong, 62 Debilitation, 49, 82, 87 Debilitation, Cancellation, 86, 87, 92, 219 Deepta Avastha, 93 Deeptaadi Avasthas, 93, 105, 296 Deeptamsa, 350 Deity, 175, 180 Deity, of the Planets, 18 Delaying Factors, 262 Descendent, 65 Deva, 176, 182 Dharma, 109, 122, 176, 179 Dhatu, 47, 183 Dig Bala, 224 Dignities, 81, 83, 252 Dina Avastha, 93 Directional Strength, 224 Directions, 48, 62, 183 Directions, of the Planets, 48 Dispositors, 207, 219, 269 Divisional Charts, 197, 217, 362 Dosha, 31, 61, 62, 177, 184, 236 Drekkana Bala, 223 Drik Bala, 226 Drishti, 278, 296 Dual Rasis, 57, 203 Dukhita Avastha, 94 Dusthanas, 108, 251 Dvisvabhava Rasis, 57 E Eclipses, 1, 348 Ecliptic, 228, 348 Electional Astrology, 363 Elements, 56, 57, 62, 236 Elements, Five, 41 Enemy’s Rasi, 83 Equal House Chart, 118 Exaltation, 49, 82, 87, 249, 306 F Fatal Degrees, 264 Feminine, 30, 54, 60 Five Elements, 236 Five Elements, 41 Fixed Rasis, 57, 203 Fixed Stars, 168 Friends Rasi, 83 G Gamana Avastha, 277, 285 Garvita Avastha, 274 Gemini, 309 Gemstones, 48, 54 Ghati, 277 Glyphs of Planets, 52 Glyphs of Rasis, 64 Glyphs, Outer Planets, 360 Grand Cross, 216 Great Enemy’s Rasi, 83 Great Friends Rasi, 83 Gunas, 26, 58, 62, 175 H Harsha Yoga, 213 Hemming, 210 Hora Bala, 225 Horary Astrology, 363 House Charts, 118 House Lords, 121, 243, 253 House Systems, 118 Houses, 74, 107, 275 Husbandmen, 176 I Indra, 18, 19 Ishta and Kashta, 96 J Jaimini Astrology, 363 Janma Nakshatra, 174 Janma, 172 Jeevas, 1, 47, 183 Jupiter, 102, 128, 189, 235, 245, 258, 259, 299, 302, 341, 345 K Kala Bala, 224 Kalapurusha, 60 Kama, 109, 176, 179 Kapha, 31, 32, 61, 177, 184 Karaka, 215, 257, 258, 263 Karma, 177, 183 Kartikeya, 18 Kautuka Avastha, 277, 292 Kendra Bala, 223 Kendras, 107 Ketu, 1, 51, 76, 84, 106, 196, 212, 236, 247, 259, 301, 303, 304, 313, 348, 354, 359 Khala Avastha, 94 Khala Yoga, 209 Kopa Avastha, 99 Krishna, 2, 3 Index Index Index Index 367 Kshatriyas, 28, 29, 58 Kshema, 172 Kshobhita Avastha, 273 Kshudhita Avastha, 273 Kundali, 64 Kurma, 2, 13 L Lagna, 65, 129 Lagnadhipati, 125 Lajjita Avastha, 271 Lajjitaadi Avasthas, 271, 296 Lakshmi, 18, 20, 211 Leo, 310 Letters, of the Planets, 49 Levels, 62 Libra, 308 M Madhya, 232, 233 Maha Dasa, 229, 231, 248 Maha Yoga, 210 Maitra, 172 Malefics, 37-39 Mantras, 54 Manusha, 176, 182 Mars, 101, 128, 189, 235, 258, 259, 298, 302, 304, 312, 340, 344 Masa Bala, 225 Masculine, 30, 54, 60 Matsya, 2, 16 Maturation Age, of the Planets, 33 Medical Astrology, 171 Mercury, 102, 128, 189, 236, 258, 259, 299, 302, 312, 340, 345 Misra Yoga, 249, 260 Modality, 57, 62 Moksha, 109, 176, 179 Moola, 47, 183 Moolatrikona, 75, 81, 124, 249 Moon, 76, 101, 127, 169- 172, 189, 229, 235, 250, 258, 264, 269, 297, 302, 312, 339, 344 Movable Rasis, 57, 203 Mrityubhaga, 264 Mudita Avastha, 93, 274 Muhurtha, 45, 363 Mutable Rasis, 57 N Naasa, 177, 183 Naisargika Bala, 226 Nakshatra Tables, 174 Nakshatras, 51, 168, 169, 192, 208, 217, 221 Nakshatras, Activity, 176, 182 Nakshatras, and Letters, 188 Nakshatras, Basis Above and Below, 175, 181 Nakshatras, Body Parts, 177, 184 Nakshatras, Caste, 176, 179 Nakshatras, Deities, 175, 180 Nakshatras, Dhatu, etc., 183 Nakshatras, Directions, 183 Nakshatras, Doshas, 184 Nakshatras, Facing, 182 Nakshatras, Gunas, 175, 179 Nakshatras, Lords, 168, 178 Nakshatras, Meaning, 178 Nakshatras, Miscellaneous Articles, 185 Nakshatras, Nature, 176, 182 Nakshatras, Number of Stars, 176, 182 Nakshatras, People, Professions, 186 Nakshatras, Place, 183 Nakshatras, Race, 176, 182 Nakshatras, Shape/Symbol, 179 Nakshatras, Sex, 176, 182 Nakshatras, Shakti, 175, 180 Nakshatras, Tri-Murthi, 177, 183 Nama Nakshatras, 188 Narasimha, 2, 5 Nathonnatha Bala, 224 Natural Relationships, 75 Navamsa, 197, 212, 217, 221, 268 Neechabhanga Raja Yogas, 86, 219 Neptune, 353, 356 Netrapani Avastha, 277, 283 Neutral’s Rasi, 83 Nidraa Avastha, 277, 293 Nipeedita Avastha, 94 Nodes, 1 North Indian Chart, 74, 222 Nrityalipsa Avastha, 277, 291 O Ojayugmarasyamsa Bala, 223 Orbs of Influence, 350 Outer Planets, 51, 353 Outer Planets, Glyphs, 360 Own Rasi, 81, 249 P Vedic Astrology Primer Vedic Astrology Primer Vedic Astrology Primer Vedic Astrology Primer 368 Pada, 217 Paksha, 45 Paksha Bala, 224, 250 Panaparas, 107 Parama Maitra, 172 Parasurama, 2, 11, 283 Parivartana Yoga, 208 Period of Life, 45 Persons, of the Planets, 43 Pisces, 276, 310 Pitta, 31-32, 61, 177, 184 Places, of Nakshatras, 183 Planetary Aspects, 193, 207, 262, 268, 351 Planetary Relationships, 75, 190 Planetary Relationships, Compound, 78 Planetary Relationships, Temporary, 77 Planetary Types, 50 Planetary War, 94, 226 Planets, Age, 33 Planets, Astronomical Data, 22 Planets, Avatars of, 2 Planets, Benefics and Malefics, 37 Planets, Body Tissues, 39 Planets, Cabinet, 25 Planets, Caste, 28 Planets, Chief Aspect, 23 Planets, Clothes, 48 Planets, Colors, 30 Planets, Deities, 18 Planets, Descriptions, 35- 37 Planets, Developmental Qualities, 297 Planets, Directions, 48 Planets, Five Elements, 41 Planets, Gemstones, 48 Planets, Glyphs, 52 Planets, Gunas, 26, 28 Planets, Letters, 49 Planets, Maturation Age, 33 Planets, Outer, 353 Planets, Period of Life, 45 Planets, Persons, 43 Planets, Residence, 33 Planets, Sanskrit Names, 52 Planets, Seasons, 46 Planets, Senses, 47 Planets, Sex, 30 Planets, Sight, 32 Planets, Substances, 47 Planets, Taste, 32 Planets, Time Periods, 45 Planets, Trees, 41 Planets, Vedas, 45 Planets, Weekdays, 1 Pluto, 353, 356 Prakaashana Avastha, 277, 284 Prana Dasa, 231, 248 Prasna, 363 Pratyak, 172 Pratyantar Dasa, 231, 248 Prishtodaya, 59 Psychology, 231 R Rahu, 1, 51, 76, 84, 106, 196, 212, 235, 243, 244, 247, 259, 262, 301, 302, 303, 312, 313, 348, 354, 359 Raja Yogas, 211 Rajas, 26, 27, 28, 58 Rajasic, 175 Rakshasa, 176, 182 Rama, 2 Rasi Aspects, 84, 197, 203, 207, 262, 268, 351 Rasi Chakra, 118, 170 Rasi Tables, 61-62 Rasis, 53, 81 Rasis, Body Parts, 60, 63, 80 Rasis, Body Size, 59 Rasis, Body, 63 Rasis, Caste, 62 Rasis, Color, 62 Rasis, Day/Night Strong, 59, 62 Rasis, Descriptive Symbols, 55 Rasis, Directions, 62, 204 Rasis, Dosha, 61, 62 Rasis, Elements, 56, 57, 62 Rasis, Glyphs, 64 Rasis, Gunas, 58, 62 Rasis, Important Rasis, 61 Rasis, Legs, 60, 63 Rasis, Length, 60, 63 Rasis, Level, 62 Rasis, Limbs of Kalapurusha, 63 Rasis, Modality, 57, 62 Rasis, Odd/Even, 60, 62 Rasis, of the Planets, 49 Rasis, Residence, 63 Rasis, Rising with Head or Tail, 59, 62 Rasis, Sanskrit Names, 64 Remedials, 54, 363 Residences, 33, 63 Retrograde, 87, 95-99 Rikta, 233 Rising with Head or Tail, 62 Rohini, 232 S Sabhaayaam Vasti Avastha, 277, 288 Sachi Devi, 18, 19 Sadhaka, 172 Sagittarius, 309 Sambandha, 207 Index Index Index Index 369 Sampat, 172 Samskaras, 224, 232 Sanskrit Names of Planets, 52 Sanskrit Names of Rasis, 64 Saptavarga Bala, 223 Sattva, 26, 27, 28, 58 Sattvic, 175 Saturn, 104, 128190, 235, 243, 246, 247, 258, 259, 262, 300, 302, 303, 307, 342, 347 Scorpio, 309 Seasons, 46 Senses, 47 Separating Factors, 262 Sex, of the Planets, 30 Shad Bala, 223, 242 Shakta Avastha, 95 Shakti, 175, 180 Shanta Avastha, 93 Shayana Avastha, 277, 280, 281 Shayanaadi Avasthas, 277, 296 Sight, of the Planets, 32 Sirshodaya, 59 Siva, 177, 183, 357 Skanda, 19 Sookshma Dasa, 231, 248 South Indian Chart, 74 Square, 215 Sri Pati House Chart, 118 Star Chart, 192 Sthana Bala, 223 Sthira Rasis, 57 Subha Yoga, 249, 253, 260 Subramanya, 19 Succedent Houses, 107 Sudras, 28, 29, 58, 176 Sun, 76, 127, 170-172, 189, 234, 258, 259, 262, 297, 302, 338, 343 Svastha Avastha, 93 T Tajika Aspects, 349, 351, 357 Tamas, 26, 27, 28, 58 Tamasic, 175 Tara Bala, 172, 249, 251 Taste, of the Planets, 32 Taurus, 309 Temporary Relationships, 77 Time Periods, 45 Trees of the Planets, 41 Tribhaga Bala, 225 Trikonas, 107 Tri-Murthi, 177, 183, 357 Trines, 107¸122 Trushita Avastha, 272 T-Square, 216 U Uccha Bala, 223 Ugras, 176 Upachayas, 108 Upavesha Avastha, 277, 282 Uranus, 353, 355 V Vadha, 172 Vaishyas, 28, 29, 58 Vamana, 2, 9, 245 Varabala, 225 Varaha, 2, 19 Vargas, 217, 362 Vargottama, 218, 249, 252 Varshaphal, 119 Varuna, 18 Vata, 31, 32, 61, 177, 184 Vedas, of the Planets, 45 Venus, 128, 103, 190, 236, 244, 245, 246, 247, 258, 259, 283, 300, 302, 342, 346 Vicheshta, 278, 296 Vikala Avastha, 94 Vimala Yoga, 213 Vimshottari Dasa, 229 Vipareet Raja Yogas, 213 Vipat, 172 Virgo, 310 Virupas. 194 Vishnu, 18, 19, 177, 183, 211, 357 W Weekdays, 1 Y Yama, 18, 20 Yoga Karakas, 215 Yoga, Asubha, 249, 253, 260 Yoga, Dainya, 208 Yoga, Harsha, 213 Yoga, Khala, 209 Yoga, Maha, 210 Yoga, Misra, 249, 260 Yoga, Parivartana, 208 Yoga, Subha, 249, 253, 260 Yoga, Vimala, 213 Yogakarakas, 125, 212 Yogakarakas, Raja, 212 Yogas, 252, 362 Yogas, Involving the Lagna, 205 Yogas, Neechabhanga Raja Yogas, 86, 219 Yogas, Vipareet Raja, 213 Yuddha Bala, 226 Z Zodiac, 53, 364 About the Author About the Author About the Author About the Author Ernst Wilhelm earned a degree in Naturopathy at the age of twenty-one. After practicing in that field for one year, particularly Iridology and nutritional counseling, he quit due to believing that physical well-being was secondary to mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, and turned his attention instead onto astrology. Since then he has made an extensive study of the classical texts from India as well as having studied many texts by Western Astrologers. He now has a private practice and teaches regular Vedic Astrology classes in addition to offering comprehensive Vedic Astrology correspondence classes. He is a regular contributor to Vedic Astrology magazine, and an American Council of Vedic Astrology certified teacher. He is the author of Tarot- Bringing Us Closer to the Truth. His current writing projects include the translation of an important Sanskrit astrology text- Upadesa Sutras, and books on Yogas and Relationship Compatibility, and he is also developing, Käla- Vedic Astrology Software in partnership with his Indian wife. Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Vault of the Heavens Classes Classes Classes Classes All the Techniques and Principles from this All the Techniques and Principles from this All the Techniques and Principles from this All the Techniques and Principles from this Book Book Book Book Taught and Illustrated Taught and Illustrated Taught and Illustrated Taught and Illustrated on on on on Audio or Video Cassette Audio or Video Cassette Audio or Video Cassette Audio or Video Cassette Extensive classes on Vimshottari Dasa, Extensive classes on Vimshottari Dasa, Extensive classes on Vimshottari Dasa, Extensive classes on Vimshottari Dasa, Naksha Naksha Naksha Nakshatras, Aspects, Yogakarakas, Judging the tras, Aspects, Yogakarakas, Judging the tras, Aspects, Yogakarakas, Judging the tras, Aspects, Yogakarakas, Judging the Horoscope, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu, etc. Horoscope, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu, etc. Horoscope, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu, etc. Horoscope, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu, etc. Please visit our website for more information. 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Please visit our website for more information. www.vedic-astrology.net Käla Käla Käla Käla- -- - Vedic Astrology Vedic Astrology Vedic Astrology Vedic Astrology Software Software Software Software Designed and Engineered by Ernst Wilhelm, author of Designed and Engineered by Ernst Wilhelm, author of Designed and Engineered by Ernst Wilhelm, author of Designed and Engineered by Ernst Wilhelm, author of Vaul Vaul Vaul Vault of the Heavens t of the Heavens t of the Heavens t of the Heavens With KÄLA Vedic Astrology Software you can calculate With KÄLA Vedic Astrology Software you can calculate With KÄLA Vedic Astrology Software you can calculate With KÄLA Vedic Astrology Software you can calculate the positions of any planet for a 10,800 year range, from 5,400 the positions of any planet for a 10,800 year range, from 5,400 the positions of any planet for a 10,800 year range, from 5,400 the positions of any planet for a 10,800 year range, from 5,400 BC BC BC BC - -- - 5,400 AD, using the SWISS EPHEMERIS, the 5,400 AD, using the SWISS EPHEMERIS, the 5,400 AD, using the SWISS EPHEMERIS, the 5,400 AD, using the SWISS EPHEMERIS, the core of which is a compression of NASA's state core of which is a compression of NASA's state core of which is a compression of NASA's state core of which is a compression of NASA's state--- -of of of of- -- -the the the the- -- -art, art, art, art, JPL JPL JPL JPL- -- -Ephemeris, Ephemeris, Ephemeris, Ephemeris, the most accurate calculations available in the most accurate calculations available in the most accurate calculations available in the most accurate calculations available in any Vedic Astrology software. any Vedic Astrology software. any Vedic Astrology software. any Vedic Astrology software. 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