Prasna (horary astrology)
When a person asks a prasna (query), a chart is cast and the fortune of the matter in the query is foreseen from the chart. Some astrologers take the time when the query was born in the person’s mind. Some astrologers take the time when the query was posed to the astrologer. Some astrologers take the time when the query was analyzed by the astrologer.
Some astrologers ask a number and find Prasna Arudha (or Prasna Lagna) from it. Some ask a number in 1-108 range and fix the rasi and navamsa of the prasna lagna from it. Some ask a number in 1-249 range and fix the rasi, nakshatra and nakshatra-sub of the prasna lagna from it. One may ask a number in 1-1800 range and fix the nadyamsa of prasna lagna. If Chandra kala nadi is used, this amounts to fixing all the shodasa vargas.
soon i will write about in detail in tamil.
Showing posts with label sghaneshakumar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sghaneshakumar. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Mundane Astrology
Mundane astrology
Re-interpreted Significations
In mundane charts, we can still use arudha padas, divisional charts etc, but we have to re-interpret the significations of various charts, houses and arudha padas judiciously. For example, D-9 may show relations with other nations and the role played in international polity. D-30 may show internal disturbances and violence. D-11 may show wars and terrorist activities. D-8 may show unexpected and sudden external troubles like natural calamities. D-10 may show political activity. D-24 may show universities, science, technology, arts, research and activities of intelligentsia. Arudha lagna may show how a nation is perceived in the world. A3 may shows its weapons. A6 may shows its enemies. A7 may show its allies. Significations of various houses are given below:
First house: General state of affairs in the nation, public health, cabinet.
Second house: State revenue, wealth, imports, commerce, allies, aristocracy.
Third house: Telecommunications, transportation, journalism, media.
Fourth house: Educational institutions, students, real estate, general feeling of well-being, trade, agriculture.
Fifth house: Children, new births, crime, parks, mentality of leaders.
Sixth house: State loans, debt, diseases, armed forces, territorial attacks.
Seventh house: Health of women, immorality, infant mortality, war, relations with other nations.
Eighth house: Death rate, state treasury, unexpected troubles, instability.
Ninth house: Temples, righteousness, judiciary, fortune.
Tenth house: The ruler, politics, parliament, foreign trade, exports, revolution and political instability.
Eleventh house: Gains from other nations, gains in trade, friendship.
Twelfth house: Secret enemies, plots, secret crime, hospitals, wars, losses.
Using Birthcharts
When a new leader takes command of a nation, it signals a new beginning for the nation and hence the chart cast for the moment of swearing-in is important. However, the beginning of a new order is more important than the beginning of a new command. When a nation re-organizes itself based on new philosophies and thought, it signals the beginning of a new order. Chart cast for the beginning of a new order is more important than a swearing-in chart.
For example, the nation of India existed for more than 5,000 years. However, it took a new identity when it won independence on 15th August 1947. The independence chart of India shows the beginning of a new order in India. Though several princely states joined India after her independence, there was no major change in the identity of India. When India formed its constitution and declared itself a Sovereign Replublic on 26th January 1950, its identity was only consolidated and not changed. So the independence chart (15th August 1947, midnight, Delhi) is the birthchart of India and it is the most important one for predicting India’s fortune.
We can use Vimsottari dasa as well as Narayana dasa with a nation’s birthchart. An example of the interpretation of Narayana dasa for a nation was given in Error! Reference source not found.. Another technique prominently used with the birthcharts of nations is Tajaka. We can cast Tajaka annual charts to predict the fortune of a nation in a year and use it with Sudarsana Chakra dasa.
Lunar charts
When Sun and Moon have an exact conjunction in every sign, it starts a new lunar month. When Sun and Moon conjoin in Pisces, it starts a new lunar year. We can cast a chart at the exact moment of Sun-Moon conjunction at the capital of a country and use it to predict the fortune of the nation in the upcoming month or year. We can use rasi chart as well as divisional charts. For timing events, we can compress Vimsottari dasa from 120 years to a lunar month or a lunar year.
Full Moon Charts
Full Moon charts are cast when Sun and Moon have an exact opposition every month, i.e. at the end of Pournimasya. The Full Moon with Sun in Aries (soul in the first house of self, in the natural zodiac) and with Moon in Libra (mind in the seventh house of desire, in the natural zodiac) will start a new year.
Compared to the standard lunar charts, full Moon charts are more reliable. The fact that the names of Hindu lunar months are based on the constellation occupied by Moon on the Full Moon day show that months were once based on Full Moon. The months that start with New Moon are possibly a corruption introduced later.
Solar charts
When Sun enters a rasi, it starts a new solar month. We can cast a chart for that moment and analyze the fortune of a nation during the solar month. In particular, charts cast when Sun enters the movable signs (Ar, Cn, Li and Cp) are important and they are used by some astrologers to predict a nation’s fortune during a 3-month period.
We can cast the solar new year chart when Sun enters Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. This solar new year is celebrated in some parts of India. A chart cast at a nation’s capital when Sun enters Aries can be used for predicting the nation’s fortune for one year.
However, some astrologers prefer to use the chart when Sun enters Cp for predicting the fortune for a year. They consider the solar ingress into Capricornto be the most important solar chart in Kali Yuga.
Solar charts are good at showing political activity, wars, vitality of a nation, international relations, commerce etc. Narayana dasa and other rasi dasas can be compressed to one year (as in Tajaka charts) and used with solar charts. They give better results than Vimsottari dasa in the case of solar charts.
Swearing-in Charts
We can cast a chart when a new leader (the chief of the executive wing of government) is sworn-in in a nation. That chart also has an impact on the nature of results experienced by the nation during the leader’s tenure. We can find Narayana dasa of rasi chart and divisional charts of the swearing-in ceremony. We have to compress Narayana dasa from 120 years to the expected maximum length of the tenure.
Re-interpreted Significations
In mundane charts, we can still use arudha padas, divisional charts etc, but we have to re-interpret the significations of various charts, houses and arudha padas judiciously. For example, D-9 may show relations with other nations and the role played in international polity. D-30 may show internal disturbances and violence. D-11 may show wars and terrorist activities. D-8 may show unexpected and sudden external troubles like natural calamities. D-10 may show political activity. D-24 may show universities, science, technology, arts, research and activities of intelligentsia. Arudha lagna may show how a nation is perceived in the world. A3 may shows its weapons. A6 may shows its enemies. A7 may show its allies. Significations of various houses are given below:
First house: General state of affairs in the nation, public health, cabinet.
Second house: State revenue, wealth, imports, commerce, allies, aristocracy.
Third house: Telecommunications, transportation, journalism, media.
Fourth house: Educational institutions, students, real estate, general feeling of well-being, trade, agriculture.
Fifth house: Children, new births, crime, parks, mentality of leaders.
Sixth house: State loans, debt, diseases, armed forces, territorial attacks.
Seventh house: Health of women, immorality, infant mortality, war, relations with other nations.
Eighth house: Death rate, state treasury, unexpected troubles, instability.
Ninth house: Temples, righteousness, judiciary, fortune.
Tenth house: The ruler, politics, parliament, foreign trade, exports, revolution and political instability.
Eleventh house: Gains from other nations, gains in trade, friendship.
Twelfth house: Secret enemies, plots, secret crime, hospitals, wars, losses.
Using Birthcharts
When a new leader takes command of a nation, it signals a new beginning for the nation and hence the chart cast for the moment of swearing-in is important. However, the beginning of a new order is more important than the beginning of a new command. When a nation re-organizes itself based on new philosophies and thought, it signals the beginning of a new order. Chart cast for the beginning of a new order is more important than a swearing-in chart.
For example, the nation of India existed for more than 5,000 years. However, it took a new identity when it won independence on 15th August 1947. The independence chart of India shows the beginning of a new order in India. Though several princely states joined India after her independence, there was no major change in the identity of India. When India formed its constitution and declared itself a Sovereign Replublic on 26th January 1950, its identity was only consolidated and not changed. So the independence chart (15th August 1947, midnight, Delhi) is the birthchart of India and it is the most important one for predicting India’s fortune.
We can use Vimsottari dasa as well as Narayana dasa with a nation’s birthchart. An example of the interpretation of Narayana dasa for a nation was given in Error! Reference source not found.. Another technique prominently used with the birthcharts of nations is Tajaka. We can cast Tajaka annual charts to predict the fortune of a nation in a year and use it with Sudarsana Chakra dasa.
Lunar charts
When Sun and Moon have an exact conjunction in every sign, it starts a new lunar month. When Sun and Moon conjoin in Pisces, it starts a new lunar year. We can cast a chart at the exact moment of Sun-Moon conjunction at the capital of a country and use it to predict the fortune of the nation in the upcoming month or year. We can use rasi chart as well as divisional charts. For timing events, we can compress Vimsottari dasa from 120 years to a lunar month or a lunar year.
Full Moon Charts
Full Moon charts are cast when Sun and Moon have an exact opposition every month, i.e. at the end of Pournimasya. The Full Moon with Sun in Aries (soul in the first house of self, in the natural zodiac) and with Moon in Libra (mind in the seventh house of desire, in the natural zodiac) will start a new year.
Compared to the standard lunar charts, full Moon charts are more reliable. The fact that the names of Hindu lunar months are based on the constellation occupied by Moon on the Full Moon day show that months were once based on Full Moon. The months that start with New Moon are possibly a corruption introduced later.
Solar charts
When Sun enters a rasi, it starts a new solar month. We can cast a chart for that moment and analyze the fortune of a nation during the solar month. In particular, charts cast when Sun enters the movable signs (Ar, Cn, Li and Cp) are important and they are used by some astrologers to predict a nation’s fortune during a 3-month period.
We can cast the solar new year chart when Sun enters Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. This solar new year is celebrated in some parts of India. A chart cast at a nation’s capital when Sun enters Aries can be used for predicting the nation’s fortune for one year.
However, some astrologers prefer to use the chart when Sun enters Cp for predicting the fortune for a year. They consider the solar ingress into Capricornto be the most important solar chart in Kali Yuga.
Solar charts are good at showing political activity, wars, vitality of a nation, international relations, commerce etc. Narayana dasa and other rasi dasas can be compressed to one year (as in Tajaka charts) and used with solar charts. They give better results than Vimsottari dasa in the case of solar charts.
Swearing-in Charts
We can cast a chart when a new leader (the chief of the executive wing of government) is sworn-in in a nation. That chart also has an impact on the nature of results experienced by the nation during the leader’s tenure. We can find Narayana dasa of rasi chart and divisional charts of the swearing-in ceremony. We have to compress Narayana dasa from 120 years to the expected maximum length of the tenure.
yogas and astavargas
Yogas (special combinations)
Introduction
We have seen in previous chapters the use of divisional charts, houses, karakas, arudha padas, aspects and argalas. Using all these tools, we can interpret charts and draw various conclusions about a native’s fortune.
In addition to these general guidelines, there are several specific combinations that give specific results. These are very important and called “Yogas”. Readers are advised to refer to classics such as “Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram” and acquaint themselves with as many yogas as possible. Dr. B.V. Raman’s “Three Hundred Important Combinations” is an excellent compendium on yogas.
Some software programs list the yogas present in a chart. However, they are sometimes erroneous and one should be familiar with important yogas and be able to judge yogas by oneself, without relying on software. Many yogas are applicable in divisional charts. When we use yogas in divisional charts, we should interpret the results ascribed to a yoga based on the matters signified by the divisional chart.
A few key yogas will be listed in this chapter, but the reader is urged to do more reading. In this book, yogas are divided into the following classes for convenience:
· Ravi Yogas (solar combinations)· Chandra Yogas (lunar combinations)· Mahaapurusha Yogas (combinations producing 5 kinds of great men)· Naabhasa Yogas (classified celestial combinations)· Other Popular Yogas· Raaja Yogas (combinations giving power)· Raaja Sambandha Yogas (combinations for association with kings)· Dhana Yogas (combinations giving wealth)· Daridra Yogas (combinations giving poverty)
Ashtakavarga (eight-sourced strengths)
Analyzing a chart and making correct predictions requires mixing many different principles and making fine compromises and judgments. Sage Parasara said that it is difficult for even great Maharshis. In Kali Yuga, human beings become sinful and the sins kill their intelligence. Parasara said that the intellectual pygmies of Kali Yuga cannot cope with too many complicated principles and presented ashtakavarga as a simple technique that lets them make reasonable predictions without much fuss. Ashtaka means “consisting of eight” and varga means “a group”. Ashtakavarga is the system of analyzing a chart with respect to a group of 8 reference points.
When we analyze the positions of planets with respect to lagna, we have the concept of good and bad placements. For example, Jupiter in the 9th from lagna will be well placed and Jupiter in the 3rd will be badly placed. Mars in the 3rd from lagna will be well placed and Mars in the 9th will be badly placed.
However, lagna is not the only reference point in a chart. We have Sun and Moon. In fact, all the planets serve as reference points in a chart and they represent the sources of various energies that are present in a native. Based on the houses in which different planets are placed in transit, they can be benefic with respect to some energy sources and malefic with respect to some. If a transiting planet is benefic with respect to more energy sources, then it brings good results.
So ashtakavarga is essentially a system that tells us the benefic positions of lagna and seven planets with respect to each other. This can be used to analyze the strength of a natal chart, but it is much more important in analyzing transits.
Introduction
We have seen in previous chapters the use of divisional charts, houses, karakas, arudha padas, aspects and argalas. Using all these tools, we can interpret charts and draw various conclusions about a native’s fortune.
In addition to these general guidelines, there are several specific combinations that give specific results. These are very important and called “Yogas”. Readers are advised to refer to classics such as “Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram” and acquaint themselves with as many yogas as possible. Dr. B.V. Raman’s “Three Hundred Important Combinations” is an excellent compendium on yogas.
Some software programs list the yogas present in a chart. However, they are sometimes erroneous and one should be familiar with important yogas and be able to judge yogas by oneself, without relying on software. Many yogas are applicable in divisional charts. When we use yogas in divisional charts, we should interpret the results ascribed to a yoga based on the matters signified by the divisional chart.
A few key yogas will be listed in this chapter, but the reader is urged to do more reading. In this book, yogas are divided into the following classes for convenience:
· Ravi Yogas (solar combinations)· Chandra Yogas (lunar combinations)· Mahaapurusha Yogas (combinations producing 5 kinds of great men)· Naabhasa Yogas (classified celestial combinations)· Other Popular Yogas· Raaja Yogas (combinations giving power)· Raaja Sambandha Yogas (combinations for association with kings)· Dhana Yogas (combinations giving wealth)· Daridra Yogas (combinations giving poverty)
Ashtakavarga (eight-sourced strengths)
Analyzing a chart and making correct predictions requires mixing many different principles and making fine compromises and judgments. Sage Parasara said that it is difficult for even great Maharshis. In Kali Yuga, human beings become sinful and the sins kill their intelligence. Parasara said that the intellectual pygmies of Kali Yuga cannot cope with too many complicated principles and presented ashtakavarga as a simple technique that lets them make reasonable predictions without much fuss. Ashtaka means “consisting of eight” and varga means “a group”. Ashtakavarga is the system of analyzing a chart with respect to a group of 8 reference points.
When we analyze the positions of planets with respect to lagna, we have the concept of good and bad placements. For example, Jupiter in the 9th from lagna will be well placed and Jupiter in the 3rd will be badly placed. Mars in the 3rd from lagna will be well placed and Mars in the 9th will be badly placed.
However, lagna is not the only reference point in a chart. We have Sun and Moon. In fact, all the planets serve as reference points in a chart and they represent the sources of various energies that are present in a native. Based on the houses in which different planets are placed in transit, they can be benefic with respect to some energy sources and malefic with respect to some. If a transiting planet is benefic with respect to more energy sources, then it brings good results.
So ashtakavarga is essentially a system that tells us the benefic positions of lagna and seven planets with respect to each other. This can be used to analyze the strength of a natal chart, but it is much more important in analyzing transits.
Arudhas and dhrusti
Arudhas (risen ones)
Introduction
Lagna shows true self. However, people’s perceptions of a person can be different from reality. Usually, how one is perceived by others is more important in material life than who one really is. A political leader perceived by people as a powerful and influential person may in reality be a coward and a confused man always in doubt. But the reality does not matter in deciding his material life. Perceptions matter more. People perceive him as a strong leader and that matters the most in deciding his political career.
A political leader generally perceived as an honest man may in reality be badly corrupt. A person generally perceived as an intelligent person may in reality be of average intelligence. An intelligent person may score poorly in examinations and people may not know his intelligence.
If someone studied at IIT (a top engineering institute of India), people may think that he is very knowledgable. If someone studied at an obscure university, people may not get the same impression. But it is possible that people’s perceptions are wrong and the person who studied at IIT is less knowledgable. If an astrologer is frequented by a top politician, people may get an impression that the astrologer is good. If an astrologer maintains a low profile, people may think that he is average. But the latter astrologer may be more learned in reality.
What people perceive about a person can often be different from reality. However, perceptions and reality are both important to an astrologer. For predicting some matters, we need knowledge of the perceptions (e.g. success of a politician in elections, success in a competitive examination, promotion at office etc). For predicting some internal matters, on the other hand, true self should be clearly understood.
So we, astrologers, should be able to separate reality from perceptions and understand both correctly. We should understand the true nature of a person and also how he is perceived by the world. Arudha padas are a very important concept of Vedic astrology and they help us with that tough, but important, task.
Computation of Bhava Arudhas
Arudha padas of all the 12 houses (bhavas) in all the divisional charts are defined as follows:
(1) Take sign containing the house of interest in the divisional chart of interest.(1) Find the sign occupied by the lord of that house.
NOTE: Aquarius is owned by Saturn and Rahu. Scorpio is owned by Mars and Ketu. Take the stronger lord in the case of houses falling in these two signs. The chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.” will explain the rules used in comparing the strengths of planets.
(1) Count signs from the house of interest to the sign containing its lord. Counting is in the zodiacal direction always. For example, if the house we are interested in is in Gemini and its lord Mercury is in Aquarius, we count signs from Gemini to Aquarius and get 9.(1) Count the same number of signs from the sign containing the lord and find the ending sign. In the above example, we count 9 signs from Aquarius and we end up in Libra.(1) Exception: If the sign found thus in step (4) is in the 1st or 7th from the original sign in step (1), then we take the 10th sign from the sign found in step (4). Otherwise we don’t make any change.
(1) The resulting sign contains the arudha pada of the house of interest.
Arudha pada of a house is simply called arudha or pada also. In this book, we will denote the arudha pada on nth house with An. For example, arudha pada of 4th house is A4 and arudha pada of 9th house is A9.
Use of Arudha Lagna
While lagna stands for true self, arudha lagna (AL) stands for the maya associated with self. It shows the how the native is perceived in the material world. It shows the status of the native. A timid and confused individual may be perceived in the world as a strong leader. In that case, that is the maya associated with his personality and AL shows it.
Because arudha lagna deals with maya, illusions, perceptions and impressions, it is very important in judging various materialistic things. For example, Parasara and Jaimini taught that the 11th and 12th houses from AL show financial gains and expenditures. Natural malefics in the 3rd and 6th houses from AL show someone who is perceived as a bold person who hits enemies hard. Since such impressions are usually formed about materially successful people, malefics in the 3rd and 6th from AL make one bold and materially successful. Natural benefics in the 3rd and 6th houses from AL make one very gentle and restrained in public behavior. Such a person does not fight with others boldly. This combination is usually found in the charts of saints and saintly and mild-natured people.
The 10th house from lagna in D-10 shows one’s true conduct in society. It shows the one’s career and the true nature of one’s karma (work). The 10th house from AL in D-10 shows perceptions about one’s conduct in society. It deals more with one’s status in career.
Use of Bhava Arudhas
Arudha padas show the maya (illusion) of material world. Arudha pada of nth house shows the maya associated with the matters signified by of nth house.
For example, 1st house stands for self. While the first house from lagna stands for true self, its arudha pada (AL) stands for the maya associated with self. It shows the how the native is perceived in the material world. It shows the status of the native.
The 4th house in D-16 shows happiness from vehicle. It shows true happiness from a vehicle.
One may be very happy with a Bajaj Chetak (an inexpensive two-wheel vehicle popular in India) or even a bicycle and one owning three Mercedes Benz cars may be unhappy with them and always dreaming of owning a better vehicle. One’s true happiness from vehicle has nothing to do with the type of vehicle owned. However, people perceive one with 3 Mercedes Benz cars as a happier person in the matter of vehicle, compared to a Chetak owner. This is the maya associated with “happiness from vehicle” in this material world. So this is shown by A4.
Benefics influencing the 4th house in D-16 show someone who is happy with his vehicle(s). Benefics influencing A4 in D-16 show someone who is perceived to be happy with his vehicle(s). So planets influencing A4 in D-16 shed light on the physical vehicle owned by a person. Someone with Venus in own sign in A4 and Saturn in 4th (in D-16) may own luxurious vehicles (i.e. perceived to be happy with respect to vehicle) but not be happy. Someone with Saturn in A4 and Venus and Jupiter in 4th (in D-16) may own a small vehicle (i.e. perceived to be unhappy with respect to vehicles), but be happy with it.
As shown above, 4th house in D-16 deals with happiness from vehicles. In D-24, 4th house deals with learning and education. A4 in D-24 deals with the maya (illusion) associated with learning. What is it?
If someone studied at IIT (a top engineering institute of India), people may think that he is very knowledgable. If someone studied at an obscure university, people may not get the same impression. But it is possible that people’s perceptions are wrong and the person who studied at IIT is less knowledgable.
So A4 in D-24 shows the school or university and the environment in which one’s learning takes place. Usually that decides what impression people form about one’s learning.
Similarly, A10 in D-10 shows the maya associated with one’s karma (action – career). We form an impression about one’s career based on the place and environment where one’s work takes place. So A10 in D-10 shows one’s workplace. One with Mars in A10 in D-10 may work at dynamic places or engineering companies. One with Jupiter in A10 in D-10 may work at a university or college or a court of law or a temple.
One important arudha pada used in Jyotish is upapada lagna (UL) – the arudha pada of the 12th house. This shows one’s marriage and spouse. Planets in UL show the kind of marriage one has and the kind of spouse one gets. For example, Mercury in UL can show intelligent (when good) or indecisive (when bad) spouse. Ketu in UL can show spiritual (when good) or short-tempered (when bad) spouse. Sun in UL can show a charming spouse from a respectable family. It can also show an authoritative spouse. Mars in UL may show a bold spouse (when good) and a quarrelsome spouse (when bad).
The 8th house from UL shows the longevity of marriage and the 2nd and 7th houses from UL show the end of marriage. Malefics like Mars, Saturn and nodes in these houses from UL can result in troubles for the marriage and even a divorce.
Nature of spouse and the length of the marriage are two different issues. If Mars and Saturn are in UL and Jupiter is in the 8th from UL, it may show a long marriage to an argumentative and mean spouse. If Jupiter is in UL and Mars and Saturn in the 8th from it, one may have a noble spouse but the marital life will be very rough and there can even be a divorce. In such a case, propitiating Saturn and Mars can help (for more, see the chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.”).
The 7th house shows relations and A7 (darapada) shows the illusion associated with them, i.e. the kind of people one usually interacts with. Based on the kind of people one deals with, we perceive the nature of one’s relations. If one has a friend who is a prostitute, people may get a negative impression about one’s dealings. If one has a friend who is a famous film star, there is some glamour associated with one’s relations. Thus darapada shows the kind of people one associates with and that plays an important role in forming people’s impressions about one’s relations. In D-10, darapada may show professional associates. In D-24, it may show friends at college or colleagues in the pursuit of knowledge. In D-20, it may show colleagues or friends in religious activities.
The 3rd house shows one’s boldness. The 3rd house from lagna and the 3rd house from Mars show one’s true boldness and the 3rd house from AL shows how bold one is perceived. In addition, A3 shows the maya surrounding one’s boldness. It shows what drives the perceptions of people about one’s boldness. The weapons one possesses may drive those perceptions and A3 may show one’s weapons.
The 3rd house also shows one’s communication skills. The 3rd house in D-24 (chart of learning and knowledge) and D-10 (achievements in society) may show one’s writing skills. A3 shows the maya associated with one’s writing skills. One may have excellent writing skills, but not write any book. In such a case, people may not really appreciate one’s writing skills. One may be an average writer, but end up writing 20 books. In such a case, people may perceive him as a great writer. Thus the exact books written by one decide the perceptions of the world about one’s writing skills. So A3 in D-24 and D-10 may show the books or articles written by him. In this author’s D-10, for example, A3 is in Pisces. This can mean that he will be known for some books on saattwik and traditional subjects and astrology certainly fits the bill.
Let us take the 5th house as another example. It shows intelligence, following, devotion etc. The 5th house in D-20, the chart of religious activities, shows one’s devotion (bhakti) in religious activities. A5 in D-20 shows the things based on which the world forms an impression about one’s devotion. The mantras one recites, the poojas and the religious rituals one performs control the impression of the world about one’s devotion in religious matters. So A5 shows them.
The 5th house in D-10, the chart of career, shows the following one has. The world forms an impression about one’s following based on the power wielded by one. A political leader in a position of power is assumed to have a lot of following. So A5 can show the trappings of power enjoyed by one. It can also show awards.
In D-24, the chart of learning, the 5th house may show intelligence. A5 in D-24 shows the things based on which the world forms an impression about one’s intelligence in learning. These impressions are usually formed based on one’s performances in examinations, one’s scores in tests and one’s academic distinctions. So that is what A5 in D-24 shows.
Similarly, the 9th house shows one’s fortune. In D-24, it may show fortune related to learning. It can show the guidance received by one (i.e. guru – teacher). But the world forms an impression about one’s fortune in learning, based on the degrees received by one. One with an advanced degree is assumed to be more fortunate with respect to learning than one with a simple degree. So A9 can show one’s higher degrees.
In this manner, intelligent and blessed students can clearly understand the meanings of various arudha padas in various divisional charts. One cannot become a good Vedic astrologer by memorizing a lot of tables. One needs to understand the basics clearly and apply them intelligently.
All the principles of Vedic astrology should be understood and applied in the context of “desa” (country – place), “kaala” (time – age) and “paatra” (nature and class of the persons involved). When we interpret arudha padas, we are talking about the things based on which the world forms an impression about an aspect of the native. The things that drive the world’s perceptions can be different based on which world we are living in. They vary significantly from one place to another, from one age to another and from one class to another. Intelligent use of arudhas requires an astrologer to understand the world that the native lives in.
Meaning of Arudha
Arudha means the “risen one”. While one’s abilities and intelligence live inside one and one’s scores in examinations, awards and trophies etc “rise” in the material world out of the abilities and intelligence. The “risen ones” are what manifest materially and what the world can see. So the 5th house shows real abilities and intelligence, while the arudha of 5th shows awards, trophies and scores in contests etc. Arudha of each house shows what exists physically which the world can see and which rises from the matters of the house.
Computation of Graha Arudhas
Just as arudha padas of all houses (bhavas) are defined, arudha padas of all the nine planets (grahas) are also defined and they are called graha arudhas. They are computed as follows:
(1) Take the sign containing the planet of interest in the divisional chart of interest.(1) Find the sign owned by that planet.
NOTE: Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn own 2 signs each. In their case, take the stronger sign owned by the planet. The chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.” will explain the rules used in comparing the strengths of signs. Take the two signs, apply those rules and find the stronger sign.
(1) Count signs from the sign containing the planet of interest to the stronger sign owned by it. Counting is in the zodiacal direction always. For example, if the planet we are interested in is Sun and he is Gemini, we count signs from Gemini to Leo and get 3.(1) Count the same number of signs from the stronger sign owned and find the ending sign. In the above example, we count 3 signs from Leo and we end up in Libra.(1) Exception: If the sign found thus in step (4) is in the 1st or 7th from the original sign containing the planet, then we take the 10th sign from the sign found in step (4). Otherwise we don’t make any change.
(1) The resulting sign contains the arudha pada of the planet of interest.
Use of Graha Arudhas
Just as arudha padas of various houses show the illusions of the world related to the matters signified by various houses, arudha padas of various planets show the illusions of the native related to the matters signified by various planets. Houses show various aspects of the person’s life and their arudhas show how they are perceived in the world. Planets show various persons, forces and situations that impact various aspects of a person’s life and their arudhas show the related perceptions by the person.
Just as the perceptions of the world about a native can be totally different from the reality, perceptions of a native about himself, about the world and about the situations that (s)he goes through can be totally different from the reality. Graha arudhas throw light on these perceptions.
Summary
Arudha pada of a house shows the maya surrounding the matters signified by that house. It shows the factors based on which the impressions of people are formed. Arudha lagna or AL shows people’s impressions about a native. It shows one’s status in the material world. Darapada or A7 shows one’s relationships. Upapada (UL) shows one’s marriage and spouse. A4 in D-16 shows one’s vehicle. A4 in D-24 shows one’s school or college or university (place of education). A10 in D-10 shows one’s workplace.
Arudha padas of planets show the perceptions of the native about the world, about himself or herself and about the situations developing in his or her life.
Analysis of the positions of planets with respect to lagna shows reality. Analysis of the positions of planets with respect to AL shows perceptions of the world and material situation. Analysis of individual bhava arudhas throws light on various things based on which world forms impressions about a native. Analysis of the positions of the arudha padas of planets with respect to lagna shows the perceptions of the native.
Drishti (aspects)
Graha Drishri
All planets aspect the 7th house from them. For example, Sun in Ta aspects Sc. Mars in Ge aspects Sg. Moon in Le aspects Aq. Jupiter in Pi aspects Vi. Saturn in Cp aspects Cn. Find the 7th house from the planet and the planet aspects that house.
In addition, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have special aspects:
· Jupiter aspects the 5th and 9th houses from him, in addition to the 7th house.· Mars aspects the 4th and 8th houses from him, in addition to the 7th house.· Saturn aspects the 3rd and 10th houses from him, in addition to the 7th house.
We can decide the signs and houses aspected by a planet as above. If any planet occupies the aspected houses, then the planet is also aspected. For example, Jupiter in Ta will aspect Saturn in Cp, because Cp is the 9th house from Ta and Jupiter aspects the 9th from him.
Rasi Drishti
Rasis aspect other rasis based on the following rules:
· A movable rasi aspects all fixed rasis except the one adjacent to it.· A fixed rasi aspects all movable rasis except the one adjacent to it.· A dual rasi aspects all other dual rasis.
For example, Ar is a movable sign. It aspects all the fixed signs except the one adjacent to it, i.e. Ta. So Ar aspects Le, Sc and Aq.
Ta is a fixed sign. It aspects all the movable signs except the one adjacent to it, i.e. Ar. So Ta aspects Cn, Li and Cp.
Ge is a dual sign. It aspects all other dual signs. So Ge aspects Vi, Sg and Pi.
Graha Drishti vs Rasi Drishti
A simple analogy will make things clearer. Look at planets as people. Let us take a priest as an example. Will he have some influence on his neighbors? Probably. Because he lives there, gets up early in the morning and recites mantras, it may influence his neighbors also. Because of the houses they live in, his neighbors come under his influence. How pious and god-fearing his influence makes his neighbors depends on other factors. If one of the neighbors is a dreaded criminal, he is not going to be influenced.
Let us take a dreaded criminal as another example. He may also have an influence on his neighbors. Youngsters living in the neighboring houses may enter the criminal world because of him. Ladies in the neighboring houses may stay inside their houses at night and not come out after certain time.
Thus we are influenced by people in neighboring houses. Influence exerted by planets by rasi drishti is similar to this influence.
Compared to this limited influence on the neighbors, a priest may have greater influence in the matters of the nearby temple where he works. He may have a lot of influence on devotees who come to visit the temple and who approach him for performing poojas, homas etc. Influence exerted with graha drishti is similar to this influence.
Influence exerted by rasi drishti is due to the sign a planet is in. This is analogous to the influence people exert on their neighbors. All planets in a sign will have rasi drishti on the same signs, just as people living in the same house see the same neighbors everyday and exert some influence over the same neighbors. But the influence they exert may differ. A priest may tell his neighbors to pray to God. His movie-loving brother living in the same house may talk the same neighbors into watching all the movies of a particular actress. Thus, planets in the same sign exert influence on the same houses and planets through rasi drishti, but the nature of the influence varies from planet to planet.
Influence exerted by graha drishti is due to the inherent nature of a planet. Different planets in the same sign may aspect different houses and planets with graha drishti. A priest may have great influence over the devotees at the temple he works at and his movie-loving brother living in the same house may have great influence over his movie-loving classmates and co-members of the fan club of an actress, of which he is president. Similarly, planets in the same sign may influence planets in different houses. However, everyone in a house may have a strong influence over friends of the family who visit the house frequently. Similarly, all planets aspect the 7th house from them and have an influence over it.
Introduction
Lagna shows true self. However, people’s perceptions of a person can be different from reality. Usually, how one is perceived by others is more important in material life than who one really is. A political leader perceived by people as a powerful and influential person may in reality be a coward and a confused man always in doubt. But the reality does not matter in deciding his material life. Perceptions matter more. People perceive him as a strong leader and that matters the most in deciding his political career.
A political leader generally perceived as an honest man may in reality be badly corrupt. A person generally perceived as an intelligent person may in reality be of average intelligence. An intelligent person may score poorly in examinations and people may not know his intelligence.
If someone studied at IIT (a top engineering institute of India), people may think that he is very knowledgable. If someone studied at an obscure university, people may not get the same impression. But it is possible that people’s perceptions are wrong and the person who studied at IIT is less knowledgable. If an astrologer is frequented by a top politician, people may get an impression that the astrologer is good. If an astrologer maintains a low profile, people may think that he is average. But the latter astrologer may be more learned in reality.
What people perceive about a person can often be different from reality. However, perceptions and reality are both important to an astrologer. For predicting some matters, we need knowledge of the perceptions (e.g. success of a politician in elections, success in a competitive examination, promotion at office etc). For predicting some internal matters, on the other hand, true self should be clearly understood.
So we, astrologers, should be able to separate reality from perceptions and understand both correctly. We should understand the true nature of a person and also how he is perceived by the world. Arudha padas are a very important concept of Vedic astrology and they help us with that tough, but important, task.
Computation of Bhava Arudhas
Arudha padas of all the 12 houses (bhavas) in all the divisional charts are defined as follows:
(1) Take sign containing the house of interest in the divisional chart of interest.(1) Find the sign occupied by the lord of that house.
NOTE: Aquarius is owned by Saturn and Rahu. Scorpio is owned by Mars and Ketu. Take the stronger lord in the case of houses falling in these two signs. The chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.” will explain the rules used in comparing the strengths of planets.
(1) Count signs from the house of interest to the sign containing its lord. Counting is in the zodiacal direction always. For example, if the house we are interested in is in Gemini and its lord Mercury is in Aquarius, we count signs from Gemini to Aquarius and get 9.(1) Count the same number of signs from the sign containing the lord and find the ending sign. In the above example, we count 9 signs from Aquarius and we end up in Libra.(1) Exception: If the sign found thus in step (4) is in the 1st or 7th from the original sign in step (1), then we take the 10th sign from the sign found in step (4). Otherwise we don’t make any change.
(1) The resulting sign contains the arudha pada of the house of interest.
Arudha pada of a house is simply called arudha or pada also. In this book, we will denote the arudha pada on nth house with An. For example, arudha pada of 4th house is A4 and arudha pada of 9th house is A9.
Use of Arudha Lagna
While lagna stands for true self, arudha lagna (AL) stands for the maya associated with self. It shows the how the native is perceived in the material world. It shows the status of the native. A timid and confused individual may be perceived in the world as a strong leader. In that case, that is the maya associated with his personality and AL shows it.
Because arudha lagna deals with maya, illusions, perceptions and impressions, it is very important in judging various materialistic things. For example, Parasara and Jaimini taught that the 11th and 12th houses from AL show financial gains and expenditures. Natural malefics in the 3rd and 6th houses from AL show someone who is perceived as a bold person who hits enemies hard. Since such impressions are usually formed about materially successful people, malefics in the 3rd and 6th from AL make one bold and materially successful. Natural benefics in the 3rd and 6th houses from AL make one very gentle and restrained in public behavior. Such a person does not fight with others boldly. This combination is usually found in the charts of saints and saintly and mild-natured people.
The 10th house from lagna in D-10 shows one’s true conduct in society. It shows the one’s career and the true nature of one’s karma (work). The 10th house from AL in D-10 shows perceptions about one’s conduct in society. It deals more with one’s status in career.
Use of Bhava Arudhas
Arudha padas show the maya (illusion) of material world. Arudha pada of nth house shows the maya associated with the matters signified by of nth house.
For example, 1st house stands for self. While the first house from lagna stands for true self, its arudha pada (AL) stands for the maya associated with self. It shows the how the native is perceived in the material world. It shows the status of the native.
The 4th house in D-16 shows happiness from vehicle. It shows true happiness from a vehicle.
One may be very happy with a Bajaj Chetak (an inexpensive two-wheel vehicle popular in India) or even a bicycle and one owning three Mercedes Benz cars may be unhappy with them and always dreaming of owning a better vehicle. One’s true happiness from vehicle has nothing to do with the type of vehicle owned. However, people perceive one with 3 Mercedes Benz cars as a happier person in the matter of vehicle, compared to a Chetak owner. This is the maya associated with “happiness from vehicle” in this material world. So this is shown by A4.
Benefics influencing the 4th house in D-16 show someone who is happy with his vehicle(s). Benefics influencing A4 in D-16 show someone who is perceived to be happy with his vehicle(s). So planets influencing A4 in D-16 shed light on the physical vehicle owned by a person. Someone with Venus in own sign in A4 and Saturn in 4th (in D-16) may own luxurious vehicles (i.e. perceived to be happy with respect to vehicle) but not be happy. Someone with Saturn in A4 and Venus and Jupiter in 4th (in D-16) may own a small vehicle (i.e. perceived to be unhappy with respect to vehicles), but be happy with it.
As shown above, 4th house in D-16 deals with happiness from vehicles. In D-24, 4th house deals with learning and education. A4 in D-24 deals with the maya (illusion) associated with learning. What is it?
If someone studied at IIT (a top engineering institute of India), people may think that he is very knowledgable. If someone studied at an obscure university, people may not get the same impression. But it is possible that people’s perceptions are wrong and the person who studied at IIT is less knowledgable.
So A4 in D-24 shows the school or university and the environment in which one’s learning takes place. Usually that decides what impression people form about one’s learning.
Similarly, A10 in D-10 shows the maya associated with one’s karma (action – career). We form an impression about one’s career based on the place and environment where one’s work takes place. So A10 in D-10 shows one’s workplace. One with Mars in A10 in D-10 may work at dynamic places or engineering companies. One with Jupiter in A10 in D-10 may work at a university or college or a court of law or a temple.
One important arudha pada used in Jyotish is upapada lagna (UL) – the arudha pada of the 12th house. This shows one’s marriage and spouse. Planets in UL show the kind of marriage one has and the kind of spouse one gets. For example, Mercury in UL can show intelligent (when good) or indecisive (when bad) spouse. Ketu in UL can show spiritual (when good) or short-tempered (when bad) spouse. Sun in UL can show a charming spouse from a respectable family. It can also show an authoritative spouse. Mars in UL may show a bold spouse (when good) and a quarrelsome spouse (when bad).
The 8th house from UL shows the longevity of marriage and the 2nd and 7th houses from UL show the end of marriage. Malefics like Mars, Saturn and nodes in these houses from UL can result in troubles for the marriage and even a divorce.
Nature of spouse and the length of the marriage are two different issues. If Mars and Saturn are in UL and Jupiter is in the 8th from UL, it may show a long marriage to an argumentative and mean spouse. If Jupiter is in UL and Mars and Saturn in the 8th from it, one may have a noble spouse but the marital life will be very rough and there can even be a divorce. In such a case, propitiating Saturn and Mars can help (for more, see the chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.”).
The 7th house shows relations and A7 (darapada) shows the illusion associated with them, i.e. the kind of people one usually interacts with. Based on the kind of people one deals with, we perceive the nature of one’s relations. If one has a friend who is a prostitute, people may get a negative impression about one’s dealings. If one has a friend who is a famous film star, there is some glamour associated with one’s relations. Thus darapada shows the kind of people one associates with and that plays an important role in forming people’s impressions about one’s relations. In D-10, darapada may show professional associates. In D-24, it may show friends at college or colleagues in the pursuit of knowledge. In D-20, it may show colleagues or friends in religious activities.
The 3rd house shows one’s boldness. The 3rd house from lagna and the 3rd house from Mars show one’s true boldness and the 3rd house from AL shows how bold one is perceived. In addition, A3 shows the maya surrounding one’s boldness. It shows what drives the perceptions of people about one’s boldness. The weapons one possesses may drive those perceptions and A3 may show one’s weapons.
The 3rd house also shows one’s communication skills. The 3rd house in D-24 (chart of learning and knowledge) and D-10 (achievements in society) may show one’s writing skills. A3 shows the maya associated with one’s writing skills. One may have excellent writing skills, but not write any book. In such a case, people may not really appreciate one’s writing skills. One may be an average writer, but end up writing 20 books. In such a case, people may perceive him as a great writer. Thus the exact books written by one decide the perceptions of the world about one’s writing skills. So A3 in D-24 and D-10 may show the books or articles written by him. In this author’s D-10, for example, A3 is in Pisces. This can mean that he will be known for some books on saattwik and traditional subjects and astrology certainly fits the bill.
Let us take the 5th house as another example. It shows intelligence, following, devotion etc. The 5th house in D-20, the chart of religious activities, shows one’s devotion (bhakti) in religious activities. A5 in D-20 shows the things based on which the world forms an impression about one’s devotion. The mantras one recites, the poojas and the religious rituals one performs control the impression of the world about one’s devotion in religious matters. So A5 shows them.
The 5th house in D-10, the chart of career, shows the following one has. The world forms an impression about one’s following based on the power wielded by one. A political leader in a position of power is assumed to have a lot of following. So A5 can show the trappings of power enjoyed by one. It can also show awards.
In D-24, the chart of learning, the 5th house may show intelligence. A5 in D-24 shows the things based on which the world forms an impression about one’s intelligence in learning. These impressions are usually formed based on one’s performances in examinations, one’s scores in tests and one’s academic distinctions. So that is what A5 in D-24 shows.
Similarly, the 9th house shows one’s fortune. In D-24, it may show fortune related to learning. It can show the guidance received by one (i.e. guru – teacher). But the world forms an impression about one’s fortune in learning, based on the degrees received by one. One with an advanced degree is assumed to be more fortunate with respect to learning than one with a simple degree. So A9 can show one’s higher degrees.
In this manner, intelligent and blessed students can clearly understand the meanings of various arudha padas in various divisional charts. One cannot become a good Vedic astrologer by memorizing a lot of tables. One needs to understand the basics clearly and apply them intelligently.
All the principles of Vedic astrology should be understood and applied in the context of “desa” (country – place), “kaala” (time – age) and “paatra” (nature and class of the persons involved). When we interpret arudha padas, we are talking about the things based on which the world forms an impression about an aspect of the native. The things that drive the world’s perceptions can be different based on which world we are living in. They vary significantly from one place to another, from one age to another and from one class to another. Intelligent use of arudhas requires an astrologer to understand the world that the native lives in.
Meaning of Arudha
Arudha means the “risen one”. While one’s abilities and intelligence live inside one and one’s scores in examinations, awards and trophies etc “rise” in the material world out of the abilities and intelligence. The “risen ones” are what manifest materially and what the world can see. So the 5th house shows real abilities and intelligence, while the arudha of 5th shows awards, trophies and scores in contests etc. Arudha of each house shows what exists physically which the world can see and which rises from the matters of the house.
Computation of Graha Arudhas
Just as arudha padas of all houses (bhavas) are defined, arudha padas of all the nine planets (grahas) are also defined and they are called graha arudhas. They are computed as follows:
(1) Take the sign containing the planet of interest in the divisional chart of interest.(1) Find the sign owned by that planet.
NOTE: Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn own 2 signs each. In their case, take the stronger sign owned by the planet. The chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.” will explain the rules used in comparing the strengths of signs. Take the two signs, apply those rules and find the stronger sign.
(1) Count signs from the sign containing the planet of interest to the stronger sign owned by it. Counting is in the zodiacal direction always. For example, if the planet we are interested in is Sun and he is Gemini, we count signs from Gemini to Leo and get 3.(1) Count the same number of signs from the stronger sign owned and find the ending sign. In the above example, we count 3 signs from Leo and we end up in Libra.(1) Exception: If the sign found thus in step (4) is in the 1st or 7th from the original sign containing the planet, then we take the 10th sign from the sign found in step (4). Otherwise we don’t make any change.
(1) The resulting sign contains the arudha pada of the planet of interest.
Use of Graha Arudhas
Just as arudha padas of various houses show the illusions of the world related to the matters signified by various houses, arudha padas of various planets show the illusions of the native related to the matters signified by various planets. Houses show various aspects of the person’s life and their arudhas show how they are perceived in the world. Planets show various persons, forces and situations that impact various aspects of a person’s life and their arudhas show the related perceptions by the person.
Just as the perceptions of the world about a native can be totally different from the reality, perceptions of a native about himself, about the world and about the situations that (s)he goes through can be totally different from the reality. Graha arudhas throw light on these perceptions.
Summary
Arudha pada of a house shows the maya surrounding the matters signified by that house. It shows the factors based on which the impressions of people are formed. Arudha lagna or AL shows people’s impressions about a native. It shows one’s status in the material world. Darapada or A7 shows one’s relationships. Upapada (UL) shows one’s marriage and spouse. A4 in D-16 shows one’s vehicle. A4 in D-24 shows one’s school or college or university (place of education). A10 in D-10 shows one’s workplace.
Arudha padas of planets show the perceptions of the native about the world, about himself or herself and about the situations developing in his or her life.
Analysis of the positions of planets with respect to lagna shows reality. Analysis of the positions of planets with respect to AL shows perceptions of the world and material situation. Analysis of individual bhava arudhas throws light on various things based on which world forms impressions about a native. Analysis of the positions of the arudha padas of planets with respect to lagna shows the perceptions of the native.
Drishti (aspects)
Graha Drishri
All planets aspect the 7th house from them. For example, Sun in Ta aspects Sc. Mars in Ge aspects Sg. Moon in Le aspects Aq. Jupiter in Pi aspects Vi. Saturn in Cp aspects Cn. Find the 7th house from the planet and the planet aspects that house.
In addition, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have special aspects:
· Jupiter aspects the 5th and 9th houses from him, in addition to the 7th house.· Mars aspects the 4th and 8th houses from him, in addition to the 7th house.· Saturn aspects the 3rd and 10th houses from him, in addition to the 7th house.
We can decide the signs and houses aspected by a planet as above. If any planet occupies the aspected houses, then the planet is also aspected. For example, Jupiter in Ta will aspect Saturn in Cp, because Cp is the 9th house from Ta and Jupiter aspects the 9th from him.
Rasi Drishti
Rasis aspect other rasis based on the following rules:
· A movable rasi aspects all fixed rasis except the one adjacent to it.· A fixed rasi aspects all movable rasis except the one adjacent to it.· A dual rasi aspects all other dual rasis.
For example, Ar is a movable sign. It aspects all the fixed signs except the one adjacent to it, i.e. Ta. So Ar aspects Le, Sc and Aq.
Ta is a fixed sign. It aspects all the movable signs except the one adjacent to it, i.e. Ar. So Ta aspects Cn, Li and Cp.
Ge is a dual sign. It aspects all other dual signs. So Ge aspects Vi, Sg and Pi.
Graha Drishti vs Rasi Drishti
A simple analogy will make things clearer. Look at planets as people. Let us take a priest as an example. Will he have some influence on his neighbors? Probably. Because he lives there, gets up early in the morning and recites mantras, it may influence his neighbors also. Because of the houses they live in, his neighbors come under his influence. How pious and god-fearing his influence makes his neighbors depends on other factors. If one of the neighbors is a dreaded criminal, he is not going to be influenced.
Let us take a dreaded criminal as another example. He may also have an influence on his neighbors. Youngsters living in the neighboring houses may enter the criminal world because of him. Ladies in the neighboring houses may stay inside their houses at night and not come out after certain time.
Thus we are influenced by people in neighboring houses. Influence exerted by planets by rasi drishti is similar to this influence.
Compared to this limited influence on the neighbors, a priest may have greater influence in the matters of the nearby temple where he works. He may have a lot of influence on devotees who come to visit the temple and who approach him for performing poojas, homas etc. Influence exerted with graha drishti is similar to this influence.
Influence exerted by rasi drishti is due to the sign a planet is in. This is analogous to the influence people exert on their neighbors. All planets in a sign will have rasi drishti on the same signs, just as people living in the same house see the same neighbors everyday and exert some influence over the same neighbors. But the influence they exert may differ. A priest may tell his neighbors to pray to God. His movie-loving brother living in the same house may talk the same neighbors into watching all the movies of a particular actress. Thus, planets in the same sign exert influence on the same houses and planets through rasi drishti, but the nature of the influence varies from planet to planet.
Influence exerted by graha drishti is due to the inherent nature of a planet. Different planets in the same sign may aspect different houses and planets with graha drishti. A priest may have great influence over the devotees at the temple he works at and his movie-loving brother living in the same house may have great influence over his movie-loving classmates and co-members of the fan club of an actress, of which he is president. Similarly, planets in the same sign may influence planets in different houses. However, everyone in a house may have a strong influence over friends of the family who visit the house frequently. Similarly, all planets aspect the 7th house from them and have an influence over it.
upa grahas and vargas
Upagrahas (sub-planets)
Sun-based Upagrahas
Five upagrahas called Dhuma, Vyatipaata, Parivesha, Indrachaapa and Upaketu are defined based on Sun's longitude. The exact formulas are given in Table 6. All these upagrahas are very malefic in nature. Any houses occupied by them in rasi chart or divisional charts are spoiled by them.
Table 6: Sun-based Upagrahas
Upagraha Longitude FormulaDhuma Sun's longitude + 13320'Vyatipaata 360º – Dhuma’s longitudeParivesha Vyatipata's longitude + 180Indrachaapa 360º – Parivesha’s longitudeUpaketu Indrachaapa’s longitude + 1640'= Sun's longitude – 30It may be noted that Dhuma and Indrachaapa are apart by 180 and Vyatipaata and Parivesha are apart by 180.
Other Upagrahas
Six upagrahas called Kaala, Mrityu, Arthaprahaara, Yamaghantaka, Gulika and Maandi are more difficult to compute. Kaala is a malefic upagraha similar to Sun. Mrityu is a malefic upagraha similar to Mars. Arthaprahaara is similar to Mercury. Yamaghantaka is similar to Jupiter. Gulika and Maandi are similar to Saturn.
A day starts at the time of sunrise and ends at the time of sunset. A night starts at the time of sunset and ends at the time of next day’s sunrise. Depending on whether one is born during the day or the night, we divide the length of the day/night into 8 equal parts.
Daytime births: The first part is ruled by the lord of weekday and then we cover planets in the order of weekdays. The part after the one ruled by Saturn is lord-less. After that, Sun’s part comes. For example, the first 1/8th of the daytime on a Thursday is ruled by Jupiter. Next part is ruled by Venus. The 3rd part is ruled by Saturn. The 4th part is lord-less. The 5th part is ruled by Sun. The 6th part is ruled by Moon. The 7th planet is ruled by Mars. The 8th part is ruled by Mercury.
Table 7: Ruling planets
Rulers of the 8 parts of the DAYWeekday 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8thSun Sun Moon Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat —Mon Moon Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat — SunTue Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat — Sun MoonWed Merc Jup Ven Sat — Sun Moon MarsThu Jup Ven Sat — Sun Moon Mars MercFri Ven Sat — Sun Moon Mars Merc JupSat Sat — Sun Moon Mars Merc Jup VenRulers of the 8 parts of the NIGHTWeekday 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8thSun Jup Ven Sat — Sun Moon Mars MercMon Ven Sat — Sun Moon Mars Merc JupTue Sat — Sun Moon Mars Merc Jup VenWed Sun Moon Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat —Thu Moon Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat — SunFri Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat — Sun MoonSat Merc Jup Ven Sat — Sun Moon MarsNight time births: The first part is ruled by the 5th planet from the lord of weekday and then we cover planets in the order of weekdays. For example, the first 1/8th of a Thursday night is ruled by the 5th planet from Jupiter, i.e. Moon (Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Sun, Moon – that’s the 5th one). Next part is ruled by Mars. The 3rd part is ruled by Mercury. The 4th part is ruled by Jupiter. The 5th part is ruled by Venus. The 6th part is ruled by Saturn. The 7th planet is lord-less. The 8th part is ruled by Sun.
Table 7 gives the list of the ruling planets of all the eight parts of the daytime and night time on all weekdays.
Once we divide the day/night of birth into 8 equal parts and identify the ruling planets of the 8 parts, we can find the longitudes of Kaala etc upagrahas using the following procedure:
(1) Kaala rises at the middle of Sun’s part. In other words, we find the time at the middle of Sun’s part and find lagna rising then. That gives Kaala’s longitude.(1) Mrityu rises at the middle of Mars’s part.(1) Artha Praharaka rises at the middle of Mercury’s part.(1) Yama Ghantaka rises at the middle of Jupiter’s part.(1) Gulika rises at the middle of Saturn’s part.(1) Maandi rises at the beginning of Saturn’s part.
Suppose one is born on Thursday night and we want Yamaghantaka’s longitude in his chart. Suppose night starts at 6 pm and ends at 6 am on the next day. We see from the table that Jupiter rules the 4th part of a Thursday night. Each part is 12/8 = 1.5 hours. The 4th part starts 4.5 hours after sunset, i.e. at 10:30 pm, and ends 1.5 hours later. So Jupiter’s part extends from 10:30 pm to midnight. The middle point of this part is at 11:15 pm. We find lagna rising at 11:15 pm and that will be Yama Ghantaka’s longitude.
Vargas (divisional charts)
Divisions of A Rasi
Each rasi has many divisions. Divisions of rasis are again mapped to rasis. For example, a rasi may be divided into 4 parts and each part may be mapped to a different rasi. Ar may be divided into 4 parts and the 4 parts may be mapped to Ar, Cn, Li and Cp. Then the 4 parts of Ta may be mapped to Ta, Le, Sc and Aq. And so on. Like this, we may divide all rasis into 4 parts and map the 4 parts to different rasis. We may also divide rasis to 9 parts and map each part into a rasi. We can have many different divisions.
Sage Parasara defined 16 different divisions of rasis. Jaimini and Tajaka writers mentioned 4 more divisions. It is possible that Parasara also dealt with these 4 special divisions in sections that are perhaps missing today. In addition, there are more higher and finer divisions that are normally not used.
Based on the rasis occupied by planets in various divisions, “divisional charts” are drawn. As we have seen before, we need to know the rasis occupied by planets, upagrahas, lagna and special lagnas to draw any chart. In every division, we divide the rasi into different parts, find the part containing each planet and see the rasi to which that part is mapped. Then we place the planet in that rasi in the chart corresponding to that division. We can draw a chart for each division. A planet can occupy different rasis in different divisions.
Chart of each division is called a divisional chart. Each divisional chart can be treated as a different chart and interpreted differently. Different aspects of life are seen in different divisional charts. Rasi chart is simply a special case of divisional charts. If we divide each rasi into just one part (i.e. in effect, no division), we get rasi chart.
In the rest of this book, everything we describe will be applicable to all divisional charts, unless we explicitly state a chart. We can apply all the principles to all the divisional charts, but we should see only specific matters in a divisional chart. The list of matters to be seen in each divisional chart will be given after the details of computation are presented.
In this book, D-n will denote the divisional chart based on the nth division of rasis, i.e. based on dividing rasis into n parts.
Divisional Chart Significations
Each divisional chart signifies a particular area of life and throws light on it. Table 8 gives the list of these areas.
Table 8: Divisional Chart Significations
Divisional Chart Symbol Area of life to be seen from itRasi D-1 Existence at the physical levelHora D-2 Wealth and moneyDrekkana D-3 Everything related to brothers and sistersChaturthamsa D-4 Residence, houses owned, properties and fortunePanchamsa D-5 Fame, authority and powerShashthamsa D-6 Health troublesSaptamsa D-7 Everything related to children (and grand-children)Ashtamsa D-8 Sudden and unexpected troubles, litigation etcNavamsa D-9 Marriage and everything related to spouse(s), dharma (duty and righteousness), interaction with other people, basic skills, inner selfDasamsa D-10 Career, activities and achievements in societyRudramsa D-11 Death and destructionDwadasamsa D-12 Everything related to parents (also uncles, aunts and grand-parents, i.e. blood-relatives of parents)Shodasamsa D-16 Vehicles, pleasures, comforts and discomfortsVimsamsa D-20 Religious activities and spiritual mattersChaturvimsamsa D-24 Learning, knowledge and educationNakshatramsa D-27 Strengths and weaknesses, inherent natureTrimsamsa D-30 Evils and punishment, sub-conscious self, some diseasesKhavedamsa D-40 Auspicious and inauspicious eventsAkshavedamsa D-45 All mattersShashtyamsa D-60 Karma of past life, all mattersInsights on Divisional Charts
Divisional charts based on divisions between 1 and 12 operate in the physical plane. They show physical matters. Body, wealth, residence, wife, children, parents – these are all matters relating to the physical self.
Divisional charts based on divisions between 13 and 24 (i.e. D-16, D-20 and D-24) operate in the mental plane. They show matters that exist at the mental plane. Sense of pleasure and unhappiness, religiousness, learning and knowledge – these are all matters relating to the mind and intellect.
Divisional charts based on divisions between 25 and 36 (i.e. D-27 and D-30) operate in the plane of sub-consciousness. One’s strengths, weaknesses, inherent nature, evils, certain psychological imbalances – these are all matters relating to the sub-conscious self.
Divisional charts based on divisions above 36 (i.e. D-40, D-45 and D-60) operate in a kaarmic plane of existence that is above physical self, mind and sub-conscious self. Based on the karma from previous lives, we all have an existence at a level that goes beyond the levels of body, mind and sub-consciousness. Existence at that level has a considerable role in deciding the pattern of one’s life, along with existence at the physical, mental and sub-conscious levels. Higher divisional charts like D-40, D-45 and D-60 throw light on this subtle aspect of chart analysis.
Using Divisional Charts
It is very important to memorize Table 8. We should choose the divisional chart to analyze, based on the matter we are interested in. If we want to know something about one’s career, for example, we should analyze one’s dasamsa chart (D-10). If we want to know something about one’s luxuries and pleasures, we should analyze one’s shodasamsa (D-16). Based on the matter of interest, we decide which area of life is relevant and analyze the corresponding divisional chart.
We should remember which planets, rasis and houses show a particular matter and find links between them in the divisional chart of interest.
Suppose we want to see when one would go abroad. It is related to residence and fortune and we should analyze one’s chaturthamsa (D-4). The 9th and 12th houses show foreign residence. Rahu signifies foreign residence. We should now look for links. If 12th lord is with Rahu in the 9th house in D-4, it can suggest that one would live abroad, probably during the periods of Rahu or 12th lord or 9th house.
Suppose we want to see when one would get a promotion at the office. Because D-10 shows one’s career and achievements, we should analyze D-10. Because GL (ghati lagna) shows power and authority, planets or rasis giving a promotion are usually connected with GL. They are in GL or aspect GL. Because AL shows status, planets associating with AL or the5th or the 10th from it are favorable. If the lord of AL is in the 10th from it and aspects GL, probably his period will give a promotion.
In this manner, we should analyze the divisional chart that signifies the sphere of life that we are interested in and analyze the houses that show the matter of interest. This is the key to correct chart analysis. We will see many examples of this in coming chapters.
Varga Grouping and Amsabala
We have several varga groups, i.e. groups of divisional charts.
If a planet is in its moolatrikona or an own rasi or its rasi of exaltation in a chart, it makes the planet very strong in that chart. In each group of divisional charts, we can count the divisional charts in which a planet occupies its moolatrikona or an own rasi or its rasi of exaltation. Based on the count of such good divisional charts for the planet, we say that the planet is in a particular amsa (the higher this number is, the stronger the planet is).
Shadvarga
“Shadvarga” literally means “six divisions”. Shadvarga is a group of the following divisional charts: (1) Rasi chart, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4) D-9, (5) D-12, and, (6) D-30.
The amsa said to be occupied by a planet and the corresponding count of divisional charts – from the above list – in which it occupies its moolatrikona, rasi of exaltation or an own rasi is listed below:
Kimsukaamsa – 2, Vyanjanaamsa – 3, Chaamaraamsa – 4, Chatraamsa – 5, Kundalaamsa – 6.
Sapta varga
“Sapta varga” literally means “seven divisions”. Sapta varga is a group of the following divisional charts: (1) Rasi chart, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4) D-7, (5) D-9, (6) D-12, and, (7) D-30.
The amsa said to be occupied by a planet and the corresponding count of divisional charts – from the above list – in which it occupies its moolatrikona, rasi of exaltation or an own rasi is listed below:
Kimsukaamsa – 2, Vyanjanaamsa – 3, Chaamaraamsa – 4, Chatraamsa – 5, Kundalaamsa – 6, Mukutaamsa – 7.
Dasa varga
“Dasa varga” literally means “ten divisions”. Dasa varga is a group of the following divisional charts: (1) Rasi chart, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4) D-7, (5) D-9, (6) D-10, (7) D-12, (8) D-16, (9) D-30, and, (10) D-60.
The amsa said to be occupied by a planet and the corresponding count of divisional charts – from the above list – in which it occupies its moolatrikona, rasi of exaltation or an own rasi is listed below:
Paarijaataamsa – 2, Uttamaamsa – 3, Gopuraamsa– 4, Simhaasanaamsa – 5, Paaraavataamsa – 6, Devalokaamsa – 7, Brahmalokamsa – 8, Airaavataamsa – 9, Sreedhaamaamsa – 10.
NOTE: This group is very important and some yogas – special combinations – make use of these amsas. For example, lagna lord or ghati lagna lord in Simhaasanaamsa would make one very famous. A quadrant lord with good amsabala in dasavarga makes one very successful. Readers should memorize the above amsas.
Shodasa varga
“Shodasa varga” literally means “sixteen divisions”. Shodasa varga is a group of the following divisional charts: (1) Rasi chart, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4) D-4, (5) D-7, (6) D-9, (7) D-10, (8) D-12, (9) D-16, (10) D-20, (11) D-24, (12) D-27, (13) D-30, (14) D-40, (15) D-45, and, (16) D-60.
The amsa said to be occupied by a planet and the corresponding count of divisional charts – from the above list – in which it occupies its moolatrikona, rasi of exaltation or an own rasi is listed below:
Bhedakaamsa – 2, Kusumaamsa – 3, Nagapurushaamsa – 4, Kandukaamsa – 5, Keralaamsa – 6, Kalpavrikshaamsa – 7, Chandanavanaamsa – 8, Poornachandraamsa – 9, Uchchaisravaamsa – 10, Dhanvantaryamsa – 11, Sooryakaantaamsa – 12, Vidrumaamsa – 13, Indraasanaamsa – 14, Golokaamsa – 15, Sree Vallabhaamsa – 16.
Sun-based Upagrahas
Five upagrahas called Dhuma, Vyatipaata, Parivesha, Indrachaapa and Upaketu are defined based on Sun's longitude. The exact formulas are given in Table 6. All these upagrahas are very malefic in nature. Any houses occupied by them in rasi chart or divisional charts are spoiled by them.
Table 6: Sun-based Upagrahas
Upagraha Longitude FormulaDhuma Sun's longitude + 13320'Vyatipaata 360º – Dhuma’s longitudeParivesha Vyatipata's longitude + 180Indrachaapa 360º – Parivesha’s longitudeUpaketu Indrachaapa’s longitude + 1640'= Sun's longitude – 30It may be noted that Dhuma and Indrachaapa are apart by 180 and Vyatipaata and Parivesha are apart by 180.
Other Upagrahas
Six upagrahas called Kaala, Mrityu, Arthaprahaara, Yamaghantaka, Gulika and Maandi are more difficult to compute. Kaala is a malefic upagraha similar to Sun. Mrityu is a malefic upagraha similar to Mars. Arthaprahaara is similar to Mercury. Yamaghantaka is similar to Jupiter. Gulika and Maandi are similar to Saturn.
A day starts at the time of sunrise and ends at the time of sunset. A night starts at the time of sunset and ends at the time of next day’s sunrise. Depending on whether one is born during the day or the night, we divide the length of the day/night into 8 equal parts.
Daytime births: The first part is ruled by the lord of weekday and then we cover planets in the order of weekdays. The part after the one ruled by Saturn is lord-less. After that, Sun’s part comes. For example, the first 1/8th of the daytime on a Thursday is ruled by Jupiter. Next part is ruled by Venus. The 3rd part is ruled by Saturn. The 4th part is lord-less. The 5th part is ruled by Sun. The 6th part is ruled by Moon. The 7th planet is ruled by Mars. The 8th part is ruled by Mercury.
Table 7: Ruling planets
Rulers of the 8 parts of the DAYWeekday 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8thSun Sun Moon Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat —Mon Moon Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat — SunTue Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat — Sun MoonWed Merc Jup Ven Sat — Sun Moon MarsThu Jup Ven Sat — Sun Moon Mars MercFri Ven Sat — Sun Moon Mars Merc JupSat Sat — Sun Moon Mars Merc Jup VenRulers of the 8 parts of the NIGHTWeekday 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8thSun Jup Ven Sat — Sun Moon Mars MercMon Ven Sat — Sun Moon Mars Merc JupTue Sat — Sun Moon Mars Merc Jup VenWed Sun Moon Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat —Thu Moon Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat — SunFri Mars Merc Jup Ven Sat — Sun MoonSat Merc Jup Ven Sat — Sun Moon MarsNight time births: The first part is ruled by the 5th planet from the lord of weekday and then we cover planets in the order of weekdays. For example, the first 1/8th of a Thursday night is ruled by the 5th planet from Jupiter, i.e. Moon (Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Sun, Moon – that’s the 5th one). Next part is ruled by Mars. The 3rd part is ruled by Mercury. The 4th part is ruled by Jupiter. The 5th part is ruled by Venus. The 6th part is ruled by Saturn. The 7th planet is lord-less. The 8th part is ruled by Sun.
Table 7 gives the list of the ruling planets of all the eight parts of the daytime and night time on all weekdays.
Once we divide the day/night of birth into 8 equal parts and identify the ruling planets of the 8 parts, we can find the longitudes of Kaala etc upagrahas using the following procedure:
(1) Kaala rises at the middle of Sun’s part. In other words, we find the time at the middle of Sun’s part and find lagna rising then. That gives Kaala’s longitude.(1) Mrityu rises at the middle of Mars’s part.(1) Artha Praharaka rises at the middle of Mercury’s part.(1) Yama Ghantaka rises at the middle of Jupiter’s part.(1) Gulika rises at the middle of Saturn’s part.(1) Maandi rises at the beginning of Saturn’s part.
Suppose one is born on Thursday night and we want Yamaghantaka’s longitude in his chart. Suppose night starts at 6 pm and ends at 6 am on the next day. We see from the table that Jupiter rules the 4th part of a Thursday night. Each part is 12/8 = 1.5 hours. The 4th part starts 4.5 hours after sunset, i.e. at 10:30 pm, and ends 1.5 hours later. So Jupiter’s part extends from 10:30 pm to midnight. The middle point of this part is at 11:15 pm. We find lagna rising at 11:15 pm and that will be Yama Ghantaka’s longitude.
Vargas (divisional charts)
Divisions of A Rasi
Each rasi has many divisions. Divisions of rasis are again mapped to rasis. For example, a rasi may be divided into 4 parts and each part may be mapped to a different rasi. Ar may be divided into 4 parts and the 4 parts may be mapped to Ar, Cn, Li and Cp. Then the 4 parts of Ta may be mapped to Ta, Le, Sc and Aq. And so on. Like this, we may divide all rasis into 4 parts and map the 4 parts to different rasis. We may also divide rasis to 9 parts and map each part into a rasi. We can have many different divisions.
Sage Parasara defined 16 different divisions of rasis. Jaimini and Tajaka writers mentioned 4 more divisions. It is possible that Parasara also dealt with these 4 special divisions in sections that are perhaps missing today. In addition, there are more higher and finer divisions that are normally not used.
Based on the rasis occupied by planets in various divisions, “divisional charts” are drawn. As we have seen before, we need to know the rasis occupied by planets, upagrahas, lagna and special lagnas to draw any chart. In every division, we divide the rasi into different parts, find the part containing each planet and see the rasi to which that part is mapped. Then we place the planet in that rasi in the chart corresponding to that division. We can draw a chart for each division. A planet can occupy different rasis in different divisions.
Chart of each division is called a divisional chart. Each divisional chart can be treated as a different chart and interpreted differently. Different aspects of life are seen in different divisional charts. Rasi chart is simply a special case of divisional charts. If we divide each rasi into just one part (i.e. in effect, no division), we get rasi chart.
In the rest of this book, everything we describe will be applicable to all divisional charts, unless we explicitly state a chart. We can apply all the principles to all the divisional charts, but we should see only specific matters in a divisional chart. The list of matters to be seen in each divisional chart will be given after the details of computation are presented.
In this book, D-n will denote the divisional chart based on the nth division of rasis, i.e. based on dividing rasis into n parts.
Divisional Chart Significations
Each divisional chart signifies a particular area of life and throws light on it. Table 8 gives the list of these areas.
Table 8: Divisional Chart Significations
Divisional Chart Symbol Area of life to be seen from itRasi D-1 Existence at the physical levelHora D-2 Wealth and moneyDrekkana D-3 Everything related to brothers and sistersChaturthamsa D-4 Residence, houses owned, properties and fortunePanchamsa D-5 Fame, authority and powerShashthamsa D-6 Health troublesSaptamsa D-7 Everything related to children (and grand-children)Ashtamsa D-8 Sudden and unexpected troubles, litigation etcNavamsa D-9 Marriage and everything related to spouse(s), dharma (duty and righteousness), interaction with other people, basic skills, inner selfDasamsa D-10 Career, activities and achievements in societyRudramsa D-11 Death and destructionDwadasamsa D-12 Everything related to parents (also uncles, aunts and grand-parents, i.e. blood-relatives of parents)Shodasamsa D-16 Vehicles, pleasures, comforts and discomfortsVimsamsa D-20 Religious activities and spiritual mattersChaturvimsamsa D-24 Learning, knowledge and educationNakshatramsa D-27 Strengths and weaknesses, inherent natureTrimsamsa D-30 Evils and punishment, sub-conscious self, some diseasesKhavedamsa D-40 Auspicious and inauspicious eventsAkshavedamsa D-45 All mattersShashtyamsa D-60 Karma of past life, all mattersInsights on Divisional Charts
Divisional charts based on divisions between 1 and 12 operate in the physical plane. They show physical matters. Body, wealth, residence, wife, children, parents – these are all matters relating to the physical self.
Divisional charts based on divisions between 13 and 24 (i.e. D-16, D-20 and D-24) operate in the mental plane. They show matters that exist at the mental plane. Sense of pleasure and unhappiness, religiousness, learning and knowledge – these are all matters relating to the mind and intellect.
Divisional charts based on divisions between 25 and 36 (i.e. D-27 and D-30) operate in the plane of sub-consciousness. One’s strengths, weaknesses, inherent nature, evils, certain psychological imbalances – these are all matters relating to the sub-conscious self.
Divisional charts based on divisions above 36 (i.e. D-40, D-45 and D-60) operate in a kaarmic plane of existence that is above physical self, mind and sub-conscious self. Based on the karma from previous lives, we all have an existence at a level that goes beyond the levels of body, mind and sub-consciousness. Existence at that level has a considerable role in deciding the pattern of one’s life, along with existence at the physical, mental and sub-conscious levels. Higher divisional charts like D-40, D-45 and D-60 throw light on this subtle aspect of chart analysis.
Using Divisional Charts
It is very important to memorize Table 8. We should choose the divisional chart to analyze, based on the matter we are interested in. If we want to know something about one’s career, for example, we should analyze one’s dasamsa chart (D-10). If we want to know something about one’s luxuries and pleasures, we should analyze one’s shodasamsa (D-16). Based on the matter of interest, we decide which area of life is relevant and analyze the corresponding divisional chart.
We should remember which planets, rasis and houses show a particular matter and find links between them in the divisional chart of interest.
Suppose we want to see when one would go abroad. It is related to residence and fortune and we should analyze one’s chaturthamsa (D-4). The 9th and 12th houses show foreign residence. Rahu signifies foreign residence. We should now look for links. If 12th lord is with Rahu in the 9th house in D-4, it can suggest that one would live abroad, probably during the periods of Rahu or 12th lord or 9th house.
Suppose we want to see when one would get a promotion at the office. Because D-10 shows one’s career and achievements, we should analyze D-10. Because GL (ghati lagna) shows power and authority, planets or rasis giving a promotion are usually connected with GL. They are in GL or aspect GL. Because AL shows status, planets associating with AL or the5th or the 10th from it are favorable. If the lord of AL is in the 10th from it and aspects GL, probably his period will give a promotion.
In this manner, we should analyze the divisional chart that signifies the sphere of life that we are interested in and analyze the houses that show the matter of interest. This is the key to correct chart analysis. We will see many examples of this in coming chapters.
Varga Grouping and Amsabala
We have several varga groups, i.e. groups of divisional charts.
If a planet is in its moolatrikona or an own rasi or its rasi of exaltation in a chart, it makes the planet very strong in that chart. In each group of divisional charts, we can count the divisional charts in which a planet occupies its moolatrikona or an own rasi or its rasi of exaltation. Based on the count of such good divisional charts for the planet, we say that the planet is in a particular amsa (the higher this number is, the stronger the planet is).
Shadvarga
“Shadvarga” literally means “six divisions”. Shadvarga is a group of the following divisional charts: (1) Rasi chart, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4) D-9, (5) D-12, and, (6) D-30.
The amsa said to be occupied by a planet and the corresponding count of divisional charts – from the above list – in which it occupies its moolatrikona, rasi of exaltation or an own rasi is listed below:
Kimsukaamsa – 2, Vyanjanaamsa – 3, Chaamaraamsa – 4, Chatraamsa – 5, Kundalaamsa – 6.
Sapta varga
“Sapta varga” literally means “seven divisions”. Sapta varga is a group of the following divisional charts: (1) Rasi chart, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4) D-7, (5) D-9, (6) D-12, and, (7) D-30.
The amsa said to be occupied by a planet and the corresponding count of divisional charts – from the above list – in which it occupies its moolatrikona, rasi of exaltation or an own rasi is listed below:
Kimsukaamsa – 2, Vyanjanaamsa – 3, Chaamaraamsa – 4, Chatraamsa – 5, Kundalaamsa – 6, Mukutaamsa – 7.
Dasa varga
“Dasa varga” literally means “ten divisions”. Dasa varga is a group of the following divisional charts: (1) Rasi chart, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4) D-7, (5) D-9, (6) D-10, (7) D-12, (8) D-16, (9) D-30, and, (10) D-60.
The amsa said to be occupied by a planet and the corresponding count of divisional charts – from the above list – in which it occupies its moolatrikona, rasi of exaltation or an own rasi is listed below:
Paarijaataamsa – 2, Uttamaamsa – 3, Gopuraamsa– 4, Simhaasanaamsa – 5, Paaraavataamsa – 6, Devalokaamsa – 7, Brahmalokamsa – 8, Airaavataamsa – 9, Sreedhaamaamsa – 10.
NOTE: This group is very important and some yogas – special combinations – make use of these amsas. For example, lagna lord or ghati lagna lord in Simhaasanaamsa would make one very famous. A quadrant lord with good amsabala in dasavarga makes one very successful. Readers should memorize the above amsas.
Shodasa varga
“Shodasa varga” literally means “sixteen divisions”. Shodasa varga is a group of the following divisional charts: (1) Rasi chart, (2) D-2, (3) D-3, (4) D-4, (5) D-7, (6) D-9, (7) D-10, (8) D-12, (9) D-16, (10) D-20, (11) D-24, (12) D-27, (13) D-30, (14) D-40, (15) D-45, and, (16) D-60.
The amsa said to be occupied by a planet and the corresponding count of divisional charts – from the above list – in which it occupies its moolatrikona, rasi of exaltation or an own rasi is listed below:
Bhedakaamsa – 2, Kusumaamsa – 3, Nagapurushaamsa – 4, Kandukaamsa – 5, Keralaamsa – 6, Kalpavrikshaamsa – 7, Chandanavanaamsa – 8, Poornachandraamsa – 9, Uchchaisravaamsa – 10, Dhanvantaryamsa – 11, Sooryakaantaamsa – 12, Vidrumaamsa – 13, Indraasanaamsa – 14, Golokaamsa – 15, Sree Vallabhaamsa – 16.
Lagnas
Visesha Lagnas (special ascendants)
Bhaava Lagna
Bhaava lagna is at the position of Sun at the time of sunrise. It moves at the rate of one rasi per 2 hours. In the rest of this book, bhava lagna will be denoted by BL.
If sunrise takes place at 6:00 am and Sun is at 6s 447' then, horalagna is at 6s 447' at 6:00 am, at 6s 1947' at 7:00 am, at 7s 447' at 8:00 am, 8s 447' at 10:00 am and so on. Bhavalagna moves at the rate of 1 per 4 minutes (i.e., 15 per hour).
Hora Lagna
Hora lagna is at the position of Sun at the time of sunrise. It moves at the rate of one rasi per hora (hour). In the rest of this book, horalagna will be denoted by HL.
If sunrise takes place at 6:00 am and Sun is at 6s 447' then, horalagna is at 6s 447' at 6:00 am, at 6s 1947' at 6:30 am, at 7s 447' at 7:00 am, 8s 447' at 8:00 am and so on. Horalagna moves at the rate of 1/2 per minute (i.e., 30 per hour).
Ghati Lagna
Ghati lagna is at the position of Sun at the time of sunrise. It moves at the rate of one rasi per ghati (ghati=1/60th of a day, i.e., 24 minutes). In the rest of this book, ghatilagna will be denoted by GL. Ghati lagna is also called “ghatika lagna”.
If sunrise takes place at 6:00 am and Sun is at 6s 447' then, ghatilagna is at 6s 447' at 6:00 am, at 6s 1947' at 6:12 am, at 7s 447' at 6:24 am, 8s 447' at 6:48 am and so on. Ghatilagna moves at the rate of 115' per minute (i.e., 30 per 24 minutes).
Sree Lagna
In Sanskrit, the word “Sree” means wealth. It also means Lakshmi, wife of Lord Narayana and goddess of wealth. Sree Lagna will be denoted by SL in the rest of this book. Sree Lagna is important for prosperity. Its use will be shown in the chapter on Sudasa. Computation of Sree Lagna will be explained for now.
(1) Find the constellation occupied by Moon.
(1) Find the fraction of the constellation traversed by Moon.
(1) Find the same fraction of the zodiac (360).
(1) Add this amount to the longitude of lagna. Subtract multiples of 360 if necessary. The resulting amount is the longitude of Sree Lagna (SL).
Example 4:
Let us take a native with Moon at 13 Li 06 and lagna at 25 Vi 05. Moon’s longitude is 180 + 136' = 1936'. Lagna’s longitude 150+255' is 1755'.
(1) Moon is in Swathi constellation, which runs from 640' to 200' in Libra.
(1) Moon’s advancement in his constellation is 136' – 640' = 626'. As fraction of the whole constellation, this is (626')/(1320') = 386'/800' = 0.4825.
(1) The same fraction of the zodiac is 0.4825 x 360 = 173.7 = 17342'.
(1) Adding this amount to the longitude of lagna, we get 1755' + 17342' = 34847. This is the longitude of SL. So SL is in Pisces at 1847'.
Use of Special Lagnas
Use of special lagnas should be learnt from a competent guru or good textbooks. For now, it will suffice to say that hora lagna shows money and ghati lagna shows power.
In any chart, normal lagna shows self. Hora lagna shows self, from the point of view of money, wealth and prosperity. Ghati lagna shows self, from the point of view of fame, power and authority. For example, when we time good and bad periods for a businessman, hora lagna may be very important. When we time good and bad periods for a politician, ghati lagna may be very importan
Bhaava Lagna
Bhaava lagna is at the position of Sun at the time of sunrise. It moves at the rate of one rasi per 2 hours. In the rest of this book, bhava lagna will be denoted by BL.
If sunrise takes place at 6:00 am and Sun is at 6s 447' then, horalagna is at 6s 447' at 6:00 am, at 6s 1947' at 7:00 am, at 7s 447' at 8:00 am, 8s 447' at 10:00 am and so on. Bhavalagna moves at the rate of 1 per 4 minutes (i.e., 15 per hour).
Hora Lagna
Hora lagna is at the position of Sun at the time of sunrise. It moves at the rate of one rasi per hora (hour). In the rest of this book, horalagna will be denoted by HL.
If sunrise takes place at 6:00 am and Sun is at 6s 447' then, horalagna is at 6s 447' at 6:00 am, at 6s 1947' at 6:30 am, at 7s 447' at 7:00 am, 8s 447' at 8:00 am and so on. Horalagna moves at the rate of 1/2 per minute (i.e., 30 per hour).
Ghati Lagna
Ghati lagna is at the position of Sun at the time of sunrise. It moves at the rate of one rasi per ghati (ghati=1/60th of a day, i.e., 24 minutes). In the rest of this book, ghatilagna will be denoted by GL. Ghati lagna is also called “ghatika lagna”.
If sunrise takes place at 6:00 am and Sun is at 6s 447' then, ghatilagna is at 6s 447' at 6:00 am, at 6s 1947' at 6:12 am, at 7s 447' at 6:24 am, 8s 447' at 6:48 am and so on. Ghatilagna moves at the rate of 115' per minute (i.e., 30 per 24 minutes).
Sree Lagna
In Sanskrit, the word “Sree” means wealth. It also means Lakshmi, wife of Lord Narayana and goddess of wealth. Sree Lagna will be denoted by SL in the rest of this book. Sree Lagna is important for prosperity. Its use will be shown in the chapter on Sudasa. Computation of Sree Lagna will be explained for now.
(1) Find the constellation occupied by Moon.
(1) Find the fraction of the constellation traversed by Moon.
(1) Find the same fraction of the zodiac (360).
(1) Add this amount to the longitude of lagna. Subtract multiples of 360 if necessary. The resulting amount is the longitude of Sree Lagna (SL).
Example 4:
Let us take a native with Moon at 13 Li 06 and lagna at 25 Vi 05. Moon’s longitude is 180 + 136' = 1936'. Lagna’s longitude 150+255' is 1755'.
(1) Moon is in Swathi constellation, which runs from 640' to 200' in Libra.
(1) Moon’s advancement in his constellation is 136' – 640' = 626'. As fraction of the whole constellation, this is (626')/(1320') = 386'/800' = 0.4825.
(1) The same fraction of the zodiac is 0.4825 x 360 = 173.7 = 17342'.
(1) Adding this amount to the longitude of lagna, we get 1755' + 17342' = 34847. This is the longitude of SL. So SL is in Pisces at 1847'.
Use of Special Lagnas
Use of special lagnas should be learnt from a competent guru or good textbooks. For now, it will suffice to say that hora lagna shows money and ghati lagna shows power.
In any chart, normal lagna shows self. Hora lagna shows self, from the point of view of money, wealth and prosperity. Ghati lagna shows self, from the point of view of fame, power and authority. For example, when we time good and bad periods for a businessman, hora lagna may be very important. When we time good and bad periods for a politician, ghati lagna may be very importan
Grahas-Introduction
Grahas (planets)
Introduction
There are 7 grahas (planets) in Vedic astrology: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. There are two more chaayaa grahas (shadow planets): Rahu and Ketu. Rahu and Ketu are mathematical points. They are also called the north and south nodes or the head and tail of dragon. They are based on the points at which the orbit of Moon around earth cuts the orbit of earth around Sun.
Rasis represent situations that develop in one’s life and influences that enter one’s life. Planets in a chart represent human beings that play a role in one’s life.
Just as the whole zodiac represents Lord Vishnu and rasis represent His limbs, planets represent Vishnu’s avataras (incarnations).
Characteristics of Planets
Vishnu’s Avataras
This world contains two essences – jeevaamsa (living essence) and paramaatmaamsa (absolute and supreme essence). Planets are the manifestations of different aspects of these essences. Vishnu’s incarnations happened with these essences taken from various planets.
Meena/Matsya avatara (fish) came from Ketu. Koorma avatara (tortoise) came from Saturn. Varaaha/sookara avatara (boar) came from Rahu. Narasimha/Nrisimha avatara (half-man, half-lion) came from Mars. Vaamana avatara (learned dwarf) came from Jupiter. Parasu Rama/Bhaargava Rama came from Venus. Rama came from Sun. Krishna came from Moon. Buddha came from Mercury.
All these incarnations came into being with a significant percentage of paramaatmaamsa (supreme essence) than jeevaatmaamsa (living essence). Rama, Krishna, Narasimha and Varaha avataras had only paramaatmaamsa.
Other living beings are born with a significant percentage of jeevaamsa and a little of paramaatmaamsa from the planets.
Benefics and Malefics
(1) Jupiter and Venus are natural benefics (saumya grahas or subha grahas). Mercury becomes a natural benefic when he is alone or with more natural benefics. Waxing Moon of Sukla paksha is a natural benefic.
(1) Sun, Mars, Rahu and Ketu are natural malefics (kroora grahas or paapa grahas). Mercury becomes a natural malefic when he is joined by more natural malefics. Waning Moon of Krishna paksha is a natural malefic.
This information is important because the results given by planets are based on their inherent nature.
Main Governance
Sun governs soul. Moon governs mind. Mars governs strength. Mercury governs speech. Jupiter governs knowledge and happiness. Venus governs potency. Saturn governs grief.
Planets and Colors
Sun shows blood-red color. Moon shows tawny color. Mars shows blood-red color. Mercury shows grass green color. Jupiter shows tawny color. Venus is variegated. Saturn shows black color.
These colors can be useful, for example, when predicting the color of one’s car. For now, readers should just memorize these characteristics.
Planetary Cabinet
Sun and Moon are kings. Mars is the leader (army chief). Mercury is the prince. Jupiter and Venus are the ministers. Saturn is the servant. Rahu and Ketu form the army.
Planetary Deities
Ruling deities of various planets are as given below: Agni (fire god) for Sun, Varuna (rain god) for Moon, Subrahmanya (army chief of gods) for Mars, Maha Vishnu (supreme sustaining force) for Mercury, Indra (ruler of gods) for Jupiter, Sachi Devi (Indra’s wife) for Venus, Brahma (Creator) for Saturn.
Sex of Planets
Sun, Mars and Jupiter are male. Moon and Venus are female. Saturn and Mercury are female.
This information can be used for predicting the sex of children based on one’s chart. For example, if the house ruling the first child is influenced by Jupiter, Mars and Mercury, we may predict a son. If it is influenced by Moon and Mercury, we may predict a daughter.
Planets & Five Elements
(1) Agni tattva (fiery element) is ruled by Mars. Sun also has the same nature.(1) Bhoo tattva (earthy element) is ruled by Mercury.(1) Vaayu tattva (airy element) is ruled by Saturn.(1) Aakaasa tattva (ethery element) is ruled by Jupiter.(1) Jala tattva (watery element) is ruled by Venus. Moon also has the same nature.
These rulerships throw light on the basic nature of planets. Being a fiery planet, Mars governs leadership, enterprise etc. Being an earthy planet, Mercury governs memory, logical abilities etc. Being an airy planet, Saturn governs wandering and free spirit. Being a watery planet, Venus governs imaginative and creative work. Being an ethery planet, Jupiter governs wisdom, intelligence and perceiving knowledge.
Planets & Varnas
Jupiter and Venus are Brahmanas (learned). Sun and Mars are Kshatriyas (warriors). Moon and Mercury are Vaisyas (traders). Saturn is a Sudra (worker).
Learning and intelligence is the forte of the learned class. Bravery is the forte of the warrior class. Getting along with others well is the forte of the trader class. Hard work is the forte of the working class. In this manner, we should understand varnas to show one’s basic nature rather than the caste of one’s family.
It should be noted that Moon, who was earlier classified in the planetary cabinet as a king, is said here to be of Vaisya varna. Sun is a king who is also a warrior. He is a brave king, who asserts himself. But Moon is a king who gets along well with everyone.
Planets & Gunas
Sun, Moon and Jupiter are saattwik planets. Mercury and Venus are raajasik planets. Mars and Saturn are taamasik planets.
NOTE: There is a misconception today that sattwa guna means patience and not hurting others. An aggressive response to an offender is often thought to be raajasik. However, sattwa simply means “the state of being true”. Pleasing others with artificial goodness is not sattwa guna. Punishing a person for his mistakes is not necessarily rajo guna. If there is some passion and impurity in one’s energetic response, then it shows rajo guna. But, if a warrior fights a sinning person with no passion or ego, it can still be a saattvic act. Lord Sri Rama and Sun are examples for this. Sun is a king of the warrior class and yet he is saattwik. Lord Rama, who was born with his amsa, is a saattwik person despite killing Ravana and other demons.
Sattva guna simply means purity and truthfulness in one’s thoughts and action. Rajo guna shows some passion, energy and impurity in thoughts and actions. Tamo guna shows a dark, mean and depraved spirit in thoughts and actions.
Planetary Abodes
Sun lives in a temple. Moon lives in a watery place. Mercury lives in a sports ground. Jupiter lives in a treasure house. Venus lives in the bedroom. Saturn lives in a filthy area.
This description should give one an idea of the nature of planets.
Seven Dhaatus
Sapta dhaatus or 7 matters make up human body. The planetary rulerships are as follows: Sun rules bones. Moon rules blood. Mars rules marrow. Mercury rules skin. Jupiter rules fat. Venus rules semen (materials related to the reproductive system). Saturn rules muscles.
If Sun is afflicted, it can show some problems related to bones. Weakness of Moon may give blood related problems. And so on.
Planets & Time Periods
Sun rules an ayana. Moon rules a minute. Mars rules a week. Mercury rules a ritu. Jupiter rules a month. Venus rules a fortnight. Saturn rules a year.
These periods are very useful in prasna or horary astrology.
Planets & Tastes
Sun governs the pungent taste (e.g. onion, ginger, pepper). Moon governs the saline taste (e.g. sea salt, rock salt). Mars governs the bitter taste (e.g. karela/bitter melon, dandelion root, rhubarb root, neem leaves). Mercury governs a mixed taste. Jupiter governs sweetness (e.g. sugar, dates). Venus governs the sour taste (e.g. lemon, tamarind). Saturn governs the astringent taste (e.g. plantain, pomegranate).
The 2nd house shows one’s preference in food. The planets influencing it may decide one’s favorite taste. In addition, one should avoid the tastes of the planets who are likely bring disease. Suppose one is running a dasa or antardasa of a sign containing Moon as per Shoola dasa (a dasa that shows suffering). Then some suffering related to Moon is possible. Moon can give problems related to blood pressure as he governs blood. So eating too much salty food during such a period may result in high blood pressure. Similarly, one should cut down on sweets during a period in which Jupiter related troubles are indicated. Or, one may develop too much fat (Jupiter) or get other Jupiter related diseases.
Planetary Strengths
Mercury and Jupiter are strong in the eastern direction (lagna). Sun and Mars are strong in the southern direction (meridian – 10th house). Moon and Venus are strong in the northern direction (nadir – 4th house). Saturn is strong in the west (7th house). These are the digbalas (strengths associated with direction) of planets. These show the direction taken by one in one’s life, as we will see later.
Moon, Mars and Saturn are strong in the night time. Sun, Jupiter and Venus are strong in the daytime. Mercury is always strong.
Natural malefics are strong in Krishna paksha. Natural benefics are strong in Sukla paksha.
Natural malefics are strong in Dakshina ayana. Natural benefics are strong in Uttara ayana.
Planets & Ritus
Planetary rulerships over ritus (seasons) are as follows: Venus governs vasanta ritu (spring). Mars governs greeshma ritu (summer). Moon governs varsha ritu (rainy season). Mercury governs hemanta ritu (season of dew). Jupiter governs seeta ritu (winter). Saturn governs sisira ritu (fall).
Dhatu, Moola and Jeeva
(1) Rahu, Mars, Saturn and Moon rule over dhaatus (metals and materials).(1) Sun and Venus rule over moolas (roots and vegetables).
(1) Mercury, Jupiter and Ketu rule over jeevas (living beings).
Planetary Dignities
Each planet has a sign where it is exalted (uchcha), a sign where it is debilitated (neecha), a sign that is called its moolatrikona and one or two rasis that are owned by it. A planet is said to be strong in its own rasi or exaltation rasi or moolatrikona.
Table 3 shows own rasis, exaltation rasis, the degree of deep exaltation, debilitation rasi, the degree of deep debilitation and the moolatrikona of each planet.
Table 3: Dignities of Planets
Planet Own rasis Exaltation rasi(deep exaltationpoint) Debilitation rasi(deep debilitationpoint) MoolatrikonaSun Le Ar (10º) Li (10º) LeMoon Cn Ta (3º) Sc (3º) TaMars Ar & Sc Cp (28º) Cn (28º) ArMercury Ge & Vi Vi (15º) Pi (15º) ViJupiter Sg & Pi Cn (5º) Cp (5º) SgVenus Ta & Li Pi (27º) Vi (27º) LiSaturn Cp & Aq Li (20º) Ar (20º) AqRahu Aq Ge Sg ViKetu Sc Sg Ge PiSome special points regarding the results given by planets:
(1) Sun gives the results of being in moolatrikona in the first 20º of Le and the results of being in own rasi in the remaining 10º.(1) Moon gives the results of being in exaltation rasi in the first 3º of Ta and the results of being in moolatrikona in the remaining 27º.(1) Mars gives the results of being in moolatrikona in the first 12º of Le and the results of being in own rasi in the remaining 18º.(1) Mercury gives the results of being in exaltation rasi in the first 15º of Vi, the results of being in moolatrikona in the next 5º and the results of being in own rasi in the remaining 10º.
(1) Jupiter gives the results of being in moolatrikona in the first 10º of Sg and the results of being in own rasi in the remaining 20º.(1) Venus gives the results of being in moolatrikona in the first half of Li and the results of being in own rasi in the second half of Li.(1) Saturn gives the results of being in moolatrikona in the first 20º of Aq and the results of being in own rasi in the remaining 10º.
An analogy may help one understand the subtle difference between own rasi, exaltation rasi and moolatrikona.
Own rasi of a planet (e.g. Pisces of Jupiter) is like one’s home. One is most natural and comfortable at home. That is exactly what a planet in own rasi is. Moolatrikona of a planet (e.g. Sagittarius of Jupiter) is like one’s office. One executes one’s formal job and performs one’s duty at office. One is powerful and duty-minded at office. Exaltation sign of a planet (e.g. Cancer of Jupiter) is like a favorite party/picnic. One is excited to be at one’s favorite party/picnic. So an exalted planet is like an excited person at his favorite picnic spot. Debilitation sign of a planet (e.g. Capricorn of Jupiter) is like one’s worst party. A debilitated planet is like an unhappy person stuck at a place he hates.
Jupiter is a saattwik and dharmik Brahmin. Ethery Jupiter, planet of perception, intelligence and wisdom, is most comfortable in saattwik Pisces, which is the 12th house of the natural zodiac. That is his home. However, he also has to uphold dharma. Upholding dharma is his duty. Whether he likes it or not, he has to do it. So fiery Sagittarius, 9th house in the natural zodiac, is his moolatrikona. Jupiter is like a "raaja purohit" (chief priest of a king) in Sagittarius. He has to sometimes take strong decisions to uphold dharma (like sentencing someone to death). In Pisces, he is like a peaceful Brahmin doing pooja at his home. In watery Cancer, the 4th house of the natural zodiac, Jupiter is excited to do some imaginative (watery) learning (4th house matter). In taamasik and earthy Capricorn, the 10th house of the natural zodiac, Jupiter hates doing tamasik and well-defined karma (action, 10th house matter). It is against his nature. Executing well-defined taamasik karma may be fine with taamasik planets Mars and Saturn, but Jupiter is unhappy with it. So Jupiter is debilitated in Cp.
Take Mercury as another example. He is an intellectual planet and significator of communications. “Intelligent communication” is the most comfortable activity for him. So his home is intellectual Gemini, the 3rd house (communications) of the natural zodiac. However, intelligent debates and arguments are the formal job assigned to him. Virgo is the 6th house (arguments) of the natural zodiac and it is Mercury’s moolatrikona!
While saattwik and ethery Jupiter doesn't quite love the job of fiercely and fierily upholding dharma (by punishing demon king Bali in Vaamana avatara, for example), he does it with a sense of duty. But Mercury loves his official job! He loves engaging in intellectual debates. So Virgo (6th house of the natural zodiac) is not only his moolatrikona (office), but also his exaltation sign (favorite picnic spot). Still, "intelligent communications" (Gemini) is what he is most comfortable with (home).
Let us take one final example – Ketu. Ketu is most comfortable with occult activity, which are shown by the 8th house. So he owns the 8th house of the natural zodiac, i.e. Scorpio. His official duty, however, is giving upaasana (meditation) and moksha (liberation), which are shown by the 12th house. So his moolatrikona is in the 12th house of the natural zodiac, i.e. Pisces.
One should remember the above and understand the mood of a planet based on whether it is in own rasi or exaltation rasi or moolatrikona. Though all the three are good placements, there is a subtle difference in the mood of the planet and the results given by it.
Planetary Relationships
Natural Relationships
For each planet, its friends and enemies are found as follows: Take the moolatrikona of the planet. Lord of the rasi where it is exalted is its friend. Lords of 2nd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th and 12th rasis from it are also its natural friends. Lords of other rasis are its natural enemies. If a planet becomes a friend and an enemy on account of owning two rasis, then it is a neutral planet. The list of friends, neutral planets and enemies of all planets is listed in Table 4.
Table 4: Natural relationships
Planet Friends (mitra) Nuetral (sama) Enemies (satru)Sun Moon, Mars, Jupiter Mercury Venus, SaturnMoon Sun, Mercury Mars, Jupiter, Venus,Saturn —Mars Sun, Moon, Jupiter Venus, Saturn MercuryMercury Sun, Venus Mars, Jupiter, Saturn MoonJupiter Sun, Moon, Mars Saturn Mercury, VenusVenus Mercury, Saturn Mars, Jupiter Sun, MoonSaturn Mercury, Venus Jupiter Sun, Moon, MarsTemporary Relationships
In addition to the permanent relationship, we have temporary relationships based on the planetary position in a chart. These temporary (tatkaala) relationships are specific to a chart.
Planets occupying the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th and 12th rasis counted from the rasi occupied by a planet are its temporary friends. Planet occupying other rasis are its temporary enemies.
Example 2: Let us consider Lord Sree Rama’s chart given in Figure 1 and find the temporary friends and temporary enemies of Sun and Moon.
Sun: Sun is in Ar. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th and 12th rasis counted from Ar are Ta, Ge, Cn, Cp, Aq and Pi. Planets in those rasis are Mercury, Moon, Jupiter, Mars and Venus. They are temporary friends of Sun in this chart. Saturn is the only temporary enemy.
Moon: Moon is in Cn. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th and 12th rasis counted from Cn are Le, Vi, Li, Ar, Ta and Ge. Planets in those rasis are Saturn, Sun and Mercury. They are temporary friends of Moon in this chart. Temporary enemies are Mars, Jupiter, Venus.
Note that Moon and Jupiter have the same temporary friends and temporary enemies. That is because they occupy the same rasi and temporary relationships are based on the rasis occupied by planets.
Compound Relationships
We get the compound relationships between planets by combining permanent and temporary relationships as shown in Table 5.
Table 5: Compound Relationships
Temporary friend Temporary enemyNatural friend Adhimitra (good friend) Sama (neutral)Natural neutral Mitra (friend) Satru (enemy)Natural enemy Sama (neutral) Adhisatru (bad enemy)Example 3: Let us continue from Example 2 and find the friends and enemies of Sun and Moon in Lord Sree Rama’s chart given in Figure 1.
Sun: We found in Example 2 that Sun’s temporary friends are Mercury, Moon, Jupiter, Mars and Venus. Of these, Moon, Mars and Jupiter are natural friends and they become adhimitras (good friends). Mercury is a neutral planet in natural relationship and he becomes a mitra (friend) in compound relationship. Venus is a natural enemy. Being a temporary friend, Venus becomes a sama (neutral) planet in compound relationship.
Saturn is the only temporary enemy of Sun. Being a natural enemy too, he becomes an adhisatru (bad enemy) of Sun.
Moon: We found in Example 2 that Moon’s temporary friends are Sun, Mercury and Saturn. Of these, Sun and Mercury are natural friends and they become adhimitras (good friends). Saturn is a neutral in natural relationship and he becomes a mitra (friend) in compound relationship.
Moon’s temporary enemies are Mars, Jupiter and Venus. They are all natural neutrals and they become satru (enemies) in compound relationship.
Whenever we refer to a planet being in a friendly house or an inimical house in the rest of this book, we mean the compound relationships. A planet occupying a rasi owned by a mitra or adhimitra is in a friendly house. A planet occupying a rasi owned by a satru or adhisatru is in an inimical house.
Introduction
There are 7 grahas (planets) in Vedic astrology: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. There are two more chaayaa grahas (shadow planets): Rahu and Ketu. Rahu and Ketu are mathematical points. They are also called the north and south nodes or the head and tail of dragon. They are based on the points at which the orbit of Moon around earth cuts the orbit of earth around Sun.
Rasis represent situations that develop in one’s life and influences that enter one’s life. Planets in a chart represent human beings that play a role in one’s life.
Just as the whole zodiac represents Lord Vishnu and rasis represent His limbs, planets represent Vishnu’s avataras (incarnations).
Characteristics of Planets
Vishnu’s Avataras
This world contains two essences – jeevaamsa (living essence) and paramaatmaamsa (absolute and supreme essence). Planets are the manifestations of different aspects of these essences. Vishnu’s incarnations happened with these essences taken from various planets.
Meena/Matsya avatara (fish) came from Ketu. Koorma avatara (tortoise) came from Saturn. Varaaha/sookara avatara (boar) came from Rahu. Narasimha/Nrisimha avatara (half-man, half-lion) came from Mars. Vaamana avatara (learned dwarf) came from Jupiter. Parasu Rama/Bhaargava Rama came from Venus. Rama came from Sun. Krishna came from Moon. Buddha came from Mercury.
All these incarnations came into being with a significant percentage of paramaatmaamsa (supreme essence) than jeevaatmaamsa (living essence). Rama, Krishna, Narasimha and Varaha avataras had only paramaatmaamsa.
Other living beings are born with a significant percentage of jeevaamsa and a little of paramaatmaamsa from the planets.
Benefics and Malefics
(1) Jupiter and Venus are natural benefics (saumya grahas or subha grahas). Mercury becomes a natural benefic when he is alone or with more natural benefics. Waxing Moon of Sukla paksha is a natural benefic.
(1) Sun, Mars, Rahu and Ketu are natural malefics (kroora grahas or paapa grahas). Mercury becomes a natural malefic when he is joined by more natural malefics. Waning Moon of Krishna paksha is a natural malefic.
This information is important because the results given by planets are based on their inherent nature.
Main Governance
Sun governs soul. Moon governs mind. Mars governs strength. Mercury governs speech. Jupiter governs knowledge and happiness. Venus governs potency. Saturn governs grief.
Planets and Colors
Sun shows blood-red color. Moon shows tawny color. Mars shows blood-red color. Mercury shows grass green color. Jupiter shows tawny color. Venus is variegated. Saturn shows black color.
These colors can be useful, for example, when predicting the color of one’s car. For now, readers should just memorize these characteristics.
Planetary Cabinet
Sun and Moon are kings. Mars is the leader (army chief). Mercury is the prince. Jupiter and Venus are the ministers. Saturn is the servant. Rahu and Ketu form the army.
Planetary Deities
Ruling deities of various planets are as given below: Agni (fire god) for Sun, Varuna (rain god) for Moon, Subrahmanya (army chief of gods) for Mars, Maha Vishnu (supreme sustaining force) for Mercury, Indra (ruler of gods) for Jupiter, Sachi Devi (Indra’s wife) for Venus, Brahma (Creator) for Saturn.
Sex of Planets
Sun, Mars and Jupiter are male. Moon and Venus are female. Saturn and Mercury are female.
This information can be used for predicting the sex of children based on one’s chart. For example, if the house ruling the first child is influenced by Jupiter, Mars and Mercury, we may predict a son. If it is influenced by Moon and Mercury, we may predict a daughter.
Planets & Five Elements
(1) Agni tattva (fiery element) is ruled by Mars. Sun also has the same nature.(1) Bhoo tattva (earthy element) is ruled by Mercury.(1) Vaayu tattva (airy element) is ruled by Saturn.(1) Aakaasa tattva (ethery element) is ruled by Jupiter.(1) Jala tattva (watery element) is ruled by Venus. Moon also has the same nature.
These rulerships throw light on the basic nature of planets. Being a fiery planet, Mars governs leadership, enterprise etc. Being an earthy planet, Mercury governs memory, logical abilities etc. Being an airy planet, Saturn governs wandering and free spirit. Being a watery planet, Venus governs imaginative and creative work. Being an ethery planet, Jupiter governs wisdom, intelligence and perceiving knowledge.
Planets & Varnas
Jupiter and Venus are Brahmanas (learned). Sun and Mars are Kshatriyas (warriors). Moon and Mercury are Vaisyas (traders). Saturn is a Sudra (worker).
Learning and intelligence is the forte of the learned class. Bravery is the forte of the warrior class. Getting along with others well is the forte of the trader class. Hard work is the forte of the working class. In this manner, we should understand varnas to show one’s basic nature rather than the caste of one’s family.
It should be noted that Moon, who was earlier classified in the planetary cabinet as a king, is said here to be of Vaisya varna. Sun is a king who is also a warrior. He is a brave king, who asserts himself. But Moon is a king who gets along well with everyone.
Planets & Gunas
Sun, Moon and Jupiter are saattwik planets. Mercury and Venus are raajasik planets. Mars and Saturn are taamasik planets.
NOTE: There is a misconception today that sattwa guna means patience and not hurting others. An aggressive response to an offender is often thought to be raajasik. However, sattwa simply means “the state of being true”. Pleasing others with artificial goodness is not sattwa guna. Punishing a person for his mistakes is not necessarily rajo guna. If there is some passion and impurity in one’s energetic response, then it shows rajo guna. But, if a warrior fights a sinning person with no passion or ego, it can still be a saattvic act. Lord Sri Rama and Sun are examples for this. Sun is a king of the warrior class and yet he is saattwik. Lord Rama, who was born with his amsa, is a saattwik person despite killing Ravana and other demons.
Sattva guna simply means purity and truthfulness in one’s thoughts and action. Rajo guna shows some passion, energy and impurity in thoughts and actions. Tamo guna shows a dark, mean and depraved spirit in thoughts and actions.
Planetary Abodes
Sun lives in a temple. Moon lives in a watery place. Mercury lives in a sports ground. Jupiter lives in a treasure house. Venus lives in the bedroom. Saturn lives in a filthy area.
This description should give one an idea of the nature of planets.
Seven Dhaatus
Sapta dhaatus or 7 matters make up human body. The planetary rulerships are as follows: Sun rules bones. Moon rules blood. Mars rules marrow. Mercury rules skin. Jupiter rules fat. Venus rules semen (materials related to the reproductive system). Saturn rules muscles.
If Sun is afflicted, it can show some problems related to bones. Weakness of Moon may give blood related problems. And so on.
Planets & Time Periods
Sun rules an ayana. Moon rules a minute. Mars rules a week. Mercury rules a ritu. Jupiter rules a month. Venus rules a fortnight. Saturn rules a year.
These periods are very useful in prasna or horary astrology.
Planets & Tastes
Sun governs the pungent taste (e.g. onion, ginger, pepper). Moon governs the saline taste (e.g. sea salt, rock salt). Mars governs the bitter taste (e.g. karela/bitter melon, dandelion root, rhubarb root, neem leaves). Mercury governs a mixed taste. Jupiter governs sweetness (e.g. sugar, dates). Venus governs the sour taste (e.g. lemon, tamarind). Saturn governs the astringent taste (e.g. plantain, pomegranate).
The 2nd house shows one’s preference in food. The planets influencing it may decide one’s favorite taste. In addition, one should avoid the tastes of the planets who are likely bring disease. Suppose one is running a dasa or antardasa of a sign containing Moon as per Shoola dasa (a dasa that shows suffering). Then some suffering related to Moon is possible. Moon can give problems related to blood pressure as he governs blood. So eating too much salty food during such a period may result in high blood pressure. Similarly, one should cut down on sweets during a period in which Jupiter related troubles are indicated. Or, one may develop too much fat (Jupiter) or get other Jupiter related diseases.
Planetary Strengths
Mercury and Jupiter are strong in the eastern direction (lagna). Sun and Mars are strong in the southern direction (meridian – 10th house). Moon and Venus are strong in the northern direction (nadir – 4th house). Saturn is strong in the west (7th house). These are the digbalas (strengths associated with direction) of planets. These show the direction taken by one in one’s life, as we will see later.
Moon, Mars and Saturn are strong in the night time. Sun, Jupiter and Venus are strong in the daytime. Mercury is always strong.
Natural malefics are strong in Krishna paksha. Natural benefics are strong in Sukla paksha.
Natural malefics are strong in Dakshina ayana. Natural benefics are strong in Uttara ayana.
Planets & Ritus
Planetary rulerships over ritus (seasons) are as follows: Venus governs vasanta ritu (spring). Mars governs greeshma ritu (summer). Moon governs varsha ritu (rainy season). Mercury governs hemanta ritu (season of dew). Jupiter governs seeta ritu (winter). Saturn governs sisira ritu (fall).
Dhatu, Moola and Jeeva
(1) Rahu, Mars, Saturn and Moon rule over dhaatus (metals and materials).(1) Sun and Venus rule over moolas (roots and vegetables).
(1) Mercury, Jupiter and Ketu rule over jeevas (living beings).
Planetary Dignities
Each planet has a sign where it is exalted (uchcha), a sign where it is debilitated (neecha), a sign that is called its moolatrikona and one or two rasis that are owned by it. A planet is said to be strong in its own rasi or exaltation rasi or moolatrikona.
Table 3 shows own rasis, exaltation rasis, the degree of deep exaltation, debilitation rasi, the degree of deep debilitation and the moolatrikona of each planet.
Table 3: Dignities of Planets
Planet Own rasis Exaltation rasi(deep exaltationpoint) Debilitation rasi(deep debilitationpoint) MoolatrikonaSun Le Ar (10º) Li (10º) LeMoon Cn Ta (3º) Sc (3º) TaMars Ar & Sc Cp (28º) Cn (28º) ArMercury Ge & Vi Vi (15º) Pi (15º) ViJupiter Sg & Pi Cn (5º) Cp (5º) SgVenus Ta & Li Pi (27º) Vi (27º) LiSaturn Cp & Aq Li (20º) Ar (20º) AqRahu Aq Ge Sg ViKetu Sc Sg Ge PiSome special points regarding the results given by planets:
(1) Sun gives the results of being in moolatrikona in the first 20º of Le and the results of being in own rasi in the remaining 10º.(1) Moon gives the results of being in exaltation rasi in the first 3º of Ta and the results of being in moolatrikona in the remaining 27º.(1) Mars gives the results of being in moolatrikona in the first 12º of Le and the results of being in own rasi in the remaining 18º.(1) Mercury gives the results of being in exaltation rasi in the first 15º of Vi, the results of being in moolatrikona in the next 5º and the results of being in own rasi in the remaining 10º.
(1) Jupiter gives the results of being in moolatrikona in the first 10º of Sg and the results of being in own rasi in the remaining 20º.(1) Venus gives the results of being in moolatrikona in the first half of Li and the results of being in own rasi in the second half of Li.(1) Saturn gives the results of being in moolatrikona in the first 20º of Aq and the results of being in own rasi in the remaining 10º.
An analogy may help one understand the subtle difference between own rasi, exaltation rasi and moolatrikona.
Own rasi of a planet (e.g. Pisces of Jupiter) is like one’s home. One is most natural and comfortable at home. That is exactly what a planet in own rasi is. Moolatrikona of a planet (e.g. Sagittarius of Jupiter) is like one’s office. One executes one’s formal job and performs one’s duty at office. One is powerful and duty-minded at office. Exaltation sign of a planet (e.g. Cancer of Jupiter) is like a favorite party/picnic. One is excited to be at one’s favorite party/picnic. So an exalted planet is like an excited person at his favorite picnic spot. Debilitation sign of a planet (e.g. Capricorn of Jupiter) is like one’s worst party. A debilitated planet is like an unhappy person stuck at a place he hates.
Jupiter is a saattwik and dharmik Brahmin. Ethery Jupiter, planet of perception, intelligence and wisdom, is most comfortable in saattwik Pisces, which is the 12th house of the natural zodiac. That is his home. However, he also has to uphold dharma. Upholding dharma is his duty. Whether he likes it or not, he has to do it. So fiery Sagittarius, 9th house in the natural zodiac, is his moolatrikona. Jupiter is like a "raaja purohit" (chief priest of a king) in Sagittarius. He has to sometimes take strong decisions to uphold dharma (like sentencing someone to death). In Pisces, he is like a peaceful Brahmin doing pooja at his home. In watery Cancer, the 4th house of the natural zodiac, Jupiter is excited to do some imaginative (watery) learning (4th house matter). In taamasik and earthy Capricorn, the 10th house of the natural zodiac, Jupiter hates doing tamasik and well-defined karma (action, 10th house matter). It is against his nature. Executing well-defined taamasik karma may be fine with taamasik planets Mars and Saturn, but Jupiter is unhappy with it. So Jupiter is debilitated in Cp.
Take Mercury as another example. He is an intellectual planet and significator of communications. “Intelligent communication” is the most comfortable activity for him. So his home is intellectual Gemini, the 3rd house (communications) of the natural zodiac. However, intelligent debates and arguments are the formal job assigned to him. Virgo is the 6th house (arguments) of the natural zodiac and it is Mercury’s moolatrikona!
While saattwik and ethery Jupiter doesn't quite love the job of fiercely and fierily upholding dharma (by punishing demon king Bali in Vaamana avatara, for example), he does it with a sense of duty. But Mercury loves his official job! He loves engaging in intellectual debates. So Virgo (6th house of the natural zodiac) is not only his moolatrikona (office), but also his exaltation sign (favorite picnic spot). Still, "intelligent communications" (Gemini) is what he is most comfortable with (home).
Let us take one final example – Ketu. Ketu is most comfortable with occult activity, which are shown by the 8th house. So he owns the 8th house of the natural zodiac, i.e. Scorpio. His official duty, however, is giving upaasana (meditation) and moksha (liberation), which are shown by the 12th house. So his moolatrikona is in the 12th house of the natural zodiac, i.e. Pisces.
One should remember the above and understand the mood of a planet based on whether it is in own rasi or exaltation rasi or moolatrikona. Though all the three are good placements, there is a subtle difference in the mood of the planet and the results given by it.
Planetary Relationships
Natural Relationships
For each planet, its friends and enemies are found as follows: Take the moolatrikona of the planet. Lord of the rasi where it is exalted is its friend. Lords of 2nd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th and 12th rasis from it are also its natural friends. Lords of other rasis are its natural enemies. If a planet becomes a friend and an enemy on account of owning two rasis, then it is a neutral planet. The list of friends, neutral planets and enemies of all planets is listed in Table 4.
Table 4: Natural relationships
Planet Friends (mitra) Nuetral (sama) Enemies (satru)Sun Moon, Mars, Jupiter Mercury Venus, SaturnMoon Sun, Mercury Mars, Jupiter, Venus,Saturn —Mars Sun, Moon, Jupiter Venus, Saturn MercuryMercury Sun, Venus Mars, Jupiter, Saturn MoonJupiter Sun, Moon, Mars Saturn Mercury, VenusVenus Mercury, Saturn Mars, Jupiter Sun, MoonSaturn Mercury, Venus Jupiter Sun, Moon, MarsTemporary Relationships
In addition to the permanent relationship, we have temporary relationships based on the planetary position in a chart. These temporary (tatkaala) relationships are specific to a chart.
Planets occupying the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th and 12th rasis counted from the rasi occupied by a planet are its temporary friends. Planet occupying other rasis are its temporary enemies.
Example 2: Let us consider Lord Sree Rama’s chart given in Figure 1 and find the temporary friends and temporary enemies of Sun and Moon.
Sun: Sun is in Ar. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th and 12th rasis counted from Ar are Ta, Ge, Cn, Cp, Aq and Pi. Planets in those rasis are Mercury, Moon, Jupiter, Mars and Venus. They are temporary friends of Sun in this chart. Saturn is the only temporary enemy.
Moon: Moon is in Cn. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th and 12th rasis counted from Cn are Le, Vi, Li, Ar, Ta and Ge. Planets in those rasis are Saturn, Sun and Mercury. They are temporary friends of Moon in this chart. Temporary enemies are Mars, Jupiter, Venus.
Note that Moon and Jupiter have the same temporary friends and temporary enemies. That is because they occupy the same rasi and temporary relationships are based on the rasis occupied by planets.
Compound Relationships
We get the compound relationships between planets by combining permanent and temporary relationships as shown in Table 5.
Table 5: Compound Relationships
Temporary friend Temporary enemyNatural friend Adhimitra (good friend) Sama (neutral)Natural neutral Mitra (friend) Satru (enemy)Natural enemy Sama (neutral) Adhisatru (bad enemy)Example 3: Let us continue from Example 2 and find the friends and enemies of Sun and Moon in Lord Sree Rama’s chart given in Figure 1.
Sun: We found in Example 2 that Sun’s temporary friends are Mercury, Moon, Jupiter, Mars and Venus. Of these, Moon, Mars and Jupiter are natural friends and they become adhimitras (good friends). Mercury is a neutral planet in natural relationship and he becomes a mitra (friend) in compound relationship. Venus is a natural enemy. Being a temporary friend, Venus becomes a sama (neutral) planet in compound relationship.
Saturn is the only temporary enemy of Sun. Being a natural enemy too, he becomes an adhisatru (bad enemy) of Sun.
Moon: We found in Example 2 that Moon’s temporary friends are Sun, Mercury and Saturn. Of these, Sun and Mercury are natural friends and they become adhimitras (good friends). Saturn is a neutral in natural relationship and he becomes a mitra (friend) in compound relationship.
Moon’s temporary enemies are Mars, Jupiter and Venus. They are all natural neutrals and they become satru (enemies) in compound relationship.
Whenever we refer to a planet being in a friendly house or an inimical house in the rest of this book, we mean the compound relationships. A planet occupying a rasi owned by a mitra or adhimitra is in a friendly house. A planet occupying a rasi owned by a satru or adhisatru is in an inimical house.
Rasis -Introduction
Rasis (signs)
Introduction
In the quick overview, we learnt that the zodiac of 360º is divided into 12 equal parts of 30º. We learnt these are called rasis (signs). We learnt the definition of rasis. Different rasis have different properties and they stand for different things. We will learn them in this small chapter.
Characteristics of Rasis
Limbs of Vishnu
The whole zodiac is nothing but a manifestation of Lord Vishnu’s body. Aries is the head. Taurus is the face. Gemini is the arms. Cancer is the heart. Leo is the stomach. Virgo is the hip. Libra is the space below navel. Scorpio is the private parts. Sagittarius is the thighs. Capricorn is the knees. Aquarius is the ankles. Pisces is the feet.
These are the limbs that rasis in the natural zodiac stand for. Because we are all part of the Supreme energy governing this world, the above mapping applies to us too. For example, we should pay attention to Leo for analyzing stomach problems and to Pisces for analyzing problems related to feet and so on.
Odd and Even
(1) Ar, Ge, Le, Li, Sg and Aq are called odd rasis or vishama rasis or oja rasis. They are also known as male rasis.
(1) Ta, Cn, Vi, Sc, Cp and Pi are called even rasis or sama rasis or yugma rasis. They are also known as female rasis.
This division is used in some dasas and in the determination of the sex of children.
Odd-footed and Even-footed
(1) Ar, Ta, Ge, Li, Sc and Sg are called odd-footed rasis or vishamapada rasis or ojapada rasis.
(1) Cn, Le, Vi, Cp, Aq and Pi are called even-footed rasis or samapada rasis or or yugmapada rasis.
This division is used in some dasas.
Movable, Fixed and Dual
(1) Ar, Cn, Li and Cp are known as chara rasis or movable rasis. They are ruled by Brahma, the Creator. Their nature is to move and to be dynamic.(1) Ta, Le, Sc and Aq are known as sthira rasis or fixed rasis. They are ruled by Shiva, the Destroyer. Their nature is to be stable and constant.
(1) Ge, Vi, Sg and Pi are known as dwiswabhava rasis or dual rasis. They are ruled by Vishnu, the Sustainer.They are stable sometimes and dynamic sometimes.
Rasis & Five Elements
According to Hindu philosophy, this world is made up of 5 elements – fire, water, air, earth and ether. Water is a substance with a flexible state. Air is a substance with a varying state. Earth is a substance with a constant and solid state. Fire is a substance that transforms the state of things. Ether is something that is present everywhere.
For example, suppose one has a good memory and remembers something he learnt 10 years back. It involves a skill of earthy nature. Suppose a poet’s imagination creates a nice poem that appeals to one’s aesthetic sense. This involves watery skills. Suppose one is in a bad mood and his mind is wandering aimlessly. This shows airy state of the mind. These 5 elements are behind every material substance, every action, every thought, every emotion and every happening in this universe.
(1) Ar, Le and Sg are called agni rasis or fiery rasis.(1) Ta, Vi and Cp are called bhoo rasis or earthy rasis.(1) Ge, Li and Aq are called vaayu rasis or airy rasis.(1) Cn, Sc and Pi are called jala rasis or watery rasis.
(1) The 5th element of aakaasa or ether is present in every rasi.
Let us see how these may be used. For example, the 5th house in one’s chart shows one’s emotional nature. The 5th house in a fiery sign may show a normally angry, aggressive or determined person. The 5th house in an earthy sign may show a balanced, logical and stable person. The 5th house in an airy sign may show someone with unstable and wandering emotions. The 5th house in a watery sign may show one with an imaginative and creative mind.
Indications of Rasis
Aries: Dynamic, enterprising, valiant, ruddy, head, forests, large forehead, hasty, impulsive, restless, thick eyebrows, leadership, overbearing, dry, lean, tall.
Taurus: Beautiful, face, stable, sluggish, loyal, meadows, plains, luxury halls, dining halls, eating places, fine teeth, large eyes, luxurious, faithful, thick hair, stout.
Gemini: Chest, garden, communication, journalism, schools, colleges, study rooms, cables, telephone, newspapers, tall, well-built, prominent cheeks, thick hair, broad chest, curious, learned, jovial.
Cancer: Heart, breast, watery fields, rivers, canals, kitchen, food, attractive, small build, emotional, deeply attached, mother-like, sensitive.
Leo: Stomach, digestion, navel, mountains, forests, caves, deserts, palaces, parks, forts, boilers, steel factories, thin, dry, hot, royal, self-pride, insolent, domineering.
Virgo: Hip, appendix, lush gardens, fields, orchards, libraries, bookstores, farms, intelligent, sharp, orator, nervous, physically weak, discretion, tactfulness.
Libra: Groins, Businessmen, markets, trade centers, banks, hotels, amusement parks, entertainment, toilets, cosmetics, balanced, wise, good talker.
Scorpio: Private parts, holes, deep caves, mines, garrages, small build, dusky complexion, bright eyes, secretive, scheming, occult, best friend or a worst enemy, peevish, sensitive.
Sagittarius: Thighs, royal, attorneys, government offices, aircraft, falling, sparse hair, muscular, deep eyes, uproght, honest, genial, gambler.
Capricorn: Knees, marsh lands, watery places, alligators, beasts, bushes, slender buils, long neck, prominent teeth, witty, perfectionist, patient, organizer, cautious, secretive, pragmatic.
Aquarius: Ankles, charity, philosophy, tall, bony, small eyes, mountain spring, places with water, ill-formed teeth, coarse hair, hard-working, stoic, honest.
Pisces: Feet, oceans, seas, prisons, hospitals, hermitages, short, plump, large eyes, large eyebrows, lazy, emotional, timid, honest, irresolute, talkative, intuitive.
Introduction
In the quick overview, we learnt that the zodiac of 360º is divided into 12 equal parts of 30º. We learnt these are called rasis (signs). We learnt the definition of rasis. Different rasis have different properties and they stand for different things. We will learn them in this small chapter.
Characteristics of Rasis
Limbs of Vishnu
The whole zodiac is nothing but a manifestation of Lord Vishnu’s body. Aries is the head. Taurus is the face. Gemini is the arms. Cancer is the heart. Leo is the stomach. Virgo is the hip. Libra is the space below navel. Scorpio is the private parts. Sagittarius is the thighs. Capricorn is the knees. Aquarius is the ankles. Pisces is the feet.
These are the limbs that rasis in the natural zodiac stand for. Because we are all part of the Supreme energy governing this world, the above mapping applies to us too. For example, we should pay attention to Leo for analyzing stomach problems and to Pisces for analyzing problems related to feet and so on.
Odd and Even
(1) Ar, Ge, Le, Li, Sg and Aq are called odd rasis or vishama rasis or oja rasis. They are also known as male rasis.
(1) Ta, Cn, Vi, Sc, Cp and Pi are called even rasis or sama rasis or yugma rasis. They are also known as female rasis.
This division is used in some dasas and in the determination of the sex of children.
Odd-footed and Even-footed
(1) Ar, Ta, Ge, Li, Sc and Sg are called odd-footed rasis or vishamapada rasis or ojapada rasis.
(1) Cn, Le, Vi, Cp, Aq and Pi are called even-footed rasis or samapada rasis or or yugmapada rasis.
This division is used in some dasas.
Movable, Fixed and Dual
(1) Ar, Cn, Li and Cp are known as chara rasis or movable rasis. They are ruled by Brahma, the Creator. Their nature is to move and to be dynamic.(1) Ta, Le, Sc and Aq are known as sthira rasis or fixed rasis. They are ruled by Shiva, the Destroyer. Their nature is to be stable and constant.
(1) Ge, Vi, Sg and Pi are known as dwiswabhava rasis or dual rasis. They are ruled by Vishnu, the Sustainer.They are stable sometimes and dynamic sometimes.
Rasis & Five Elements
According to Hindu philosophy, this world is made up of 5 elements – fire, water, air, earth and ether. Water is a substance with a flexible state. Air is a substance with a varying state. Earth is a substance with a constant and solid state. Fire is a substance that transforms the state of things. Ether is something that is present everywhere.
For example, suppose one has a good memory and remembers something he learnt 10 years back. It involves a skill of earthy nature. Suppose a poet’s imagination creates a nice poem that appeals to one’s aesthetic sense. This involves watery skills. Suppose one is in a bad mood and his mind is wandering aimlessly. This shows airy state of the mind. These 5 elements are behind every material substance, every action, every thought, every emotion and every happening in this universe.
(1) Ar, Le and Sg are called agni rasis or fiery rasis.(1) Ta, Vi and Cp are called bhoo rasis or earthy rasis.(1) Ge, Li and Aq are called vaayu rasis or airy rasis.(1) Cn, Sc and Pi are called jala rasis or watery rasis.
(1) The 5th element of aakaasa or ether is present in every rasi.
Let us see how these may be used. For example, the 5th house in one’s chart shows one’s emotional nature. The 5th house in a fiery sign may show a normally angry, aggressive or determined person. The 5th house in an earthy sign may show a balanced, logical and stable person. The 5th house in an airy sign may show someone with unstable and wandering emotions. The 5th house in a watery sign may show one with an imaginative and creative mind.
Indications of Rasis
Aries: Dynamic, enterprising, valiant, ruddy, head, forests, large forehead, hasty, impulsive, restless, thick eyebrows, leadership, overbearing, dry, lean, tall.
Taurus: Beautiful, face, stable, sluggish, loyal, meadows, plains, luxury halls, dining halls, eating places, fine teeth, large eyes, luxurious, faithful, thick hair, stout.
Gemini: Chest, garden, communication, journalism, schools, colleges, study rooms, cables, telephone, newspapers, tall, well-built, prominent cheeks, thick hair, broad chest, curious, learned, jovial.
Cancer: Heart, breast, watery fields, rivers, canals, kitchen, food, attractive, small build, emotional, deeply attached, mother-like, sensitive.
Leo: Stomach, digestion, navel, mountains, forests, caves, deserts, palaces, parks, forts, boilers, steel factories, thin, dry, hot, royal, self-pride, insolent, domineering.
Virgo: Hip, appendix, lush gardens, fields, orchards, libraries, bookstores, farms, intelligent, sharp, orator, nervous, physically weak, discretion, tactfulness.
Libra: Groins, Businessmen, markets, trade centers, banks, hotels, amusement parks, entertainment, toilets, cosmetics, balanced, wise, good talker.
Scorpio: Private parts, holes, deep caves, mines, garrages, small build, dusky complexion, bright eyes, secretive, scheming, occult, best friend or a worst enemy, peevish, sensitive.
Sagittarius: Thighs, royal, attorneys, government offices, aircraft, falling, sparse hair, muscular, deep eyes, uproght, honest, genial, gambler.
Capricorn: Knees, marsh lands, watery places, alligators, beasts, bushes, slender buils, long neck, prominent teeth, witty, perfectionist, patient, organizer, cautious, secretive, pragmatic.
Aquarius: Ankles, charity, philosophy, tall, bony, small eyes, mountain spring, places with water, ill-formed teeth, coarse hair, hard-working, stoic, honest.
Pisces: Feet, oceans, seas, prisons, hospitals, hermitages, short, plump, large eyes, large eyebrows, lazy, emotional, timid, honest, irresolute, talkative, intuitive.
About vedic astrology
About Vedic astrology
Materialistically speaking, India may not be a rich country today, but India has extremely rich cultural heritage. The depth of some of India's ancient knowledge (like astrology) is just amazing and it makes one wonder if the history of this great civilization is correctly represented in the pages of modern history. Astrology of India is the most comprehensive and complete system of astrology available today and it is the only one that comes close to answering the “twins puzzle” (namely, why are there so many twins in this world, who have a lot of significant differences between them). India's astrology can explain how twins can be different. The principles used in India's astrology are so sensitive to changes in birthtime that people born within 1-2 minutes can be significantly different in some aspects and similar in some others. This approach distinguishes between what a person truly is, what a person wants to be, what he thinks he is and what the world thinks he is. It has enough parameters, tools, techniques and degrees of freedom to model the extremely complicated human life.
This astrological approach is known in the world by many names. Early pioneers of modern Indian astrology, like Dr. B.V. Raman, called it “Hindu astrology”, because this system was first taught by ancient Hindu sages. However, some people do not like this expression because “Hindu” is not a Sanskrit word. This word was later coined by the western invaders from the name of a river flowing on the northwestern border of India (river “Sindhu” or “Indus”). They used the word “Hindu” to describe the land and the people on the eastern side of this river.
The religion practiced by a majority of Indians is known as “Hindu” religion today, but the fact is that there is no name for this religion in India's Sanskrit language, the language in which most of the literature of this religion – and astrology – appeared! Most other religions are known by the name of their main propagator, but India's ancient religion had no single propagator or prophet. This religion consisted of knowledge that revealed itself to spiritual masters of many generations. So there was no name for this religion and the word “Hindu” coined by western invaders was accepted by the world. However, as already stressed, this word finds no place in Sanskrit literature. Some people do not like using a non-Sanskrit word to describe India's astrology, considering that most of India's classical literature in astrology appeared in Sanskrit.
Later day authors came up with the name – “Vedic astrology". The word “Vedic” means “pertaining to Vedas". Vedas are the sacred scriptures of, what is known today as, Hinduism and they are supposed to contain knowledge of all subjects. Moreover, astrology in particular is supposed to be a “Vedaanga” (which means a limb of Vedas). In particular, it is said to be the eye of the Vedas. So the name “Vedic astrology” is becoming popular these days. This author also suggests using “Vedic astrology” or “Jyotish” (meaning “science of light"). Jyotishi is a practitioner of Jyotish, i.e. a Vedic astrologer.
Materialistically speaking, India may not be a rich country today, but India has extremely rich cultural heritage. The depth of some of India's ancient knowledge (like astrology) is just amazing and it makes one wonder if the history of this great civilization is correctly represented in the pages of modern history. Astrology of India is the most comprehensive and complete system of astrology available today and it is the only one that comes close to answering the “twins puzzle” (namely, why are there so many twins in this world, who have a lot of significant differences between them). India's astrology can explain how twins can be different. The principles used in India's astrology are so sensitive to changes in birthtime that people born within 1-2 minutes can be significantly different in some aspects and similar in some others. This approach distinguishes between what a person truly is, what a person wants to be, what he thinks he is and what the world thinks he is. It has enough parameters, tools, techniques and degrees of freedom to model the extremely complicated human life.
This astrological approach is known in the world by many names. Early pioneers of modern Indian astrology, like Dr. B.V. Raman, called it “Hindu astrology”, because this system was first taught by ancient Hindu sages. However, some people do not like this expression because “Hindu” is not a Sanskrit word. This word was later coined by the western invaders from the name of a river flowing on the northwestern border of India (river “Sindhu” or “Indus”). They used the word “Hindu” to describe the land and the people on the eastern side of this river.
The religion practiced by a majority of Indians is known as “Hindu” religion today, but the fact is that there is no name for this religion in India's Sanskrit language, the language in which most of the literature of this religion – and astrology – appeared! Most other religions are known by the name of their main propagator, but India's ancient religion had no single propagator or prophet. This religion consisted of knowledge that revealed itself to spiritual masters of many generations. So there was no name for this religion and the word “Hindu” coined by western invaders was accepted by the world. However, as already stressed, this word finds no place in Sanskrit literature. Some people do not like using a non-Sanskrit word to describe India's astrology, considering that most of India's classical literature in astrology appeared in Sanskrit.
Later day authors came up with the name – “Vedic astrology". The word “Vedic” means “pertaining to Vedas". Vedas are the sacred scriptures of, what is known today as, Hinduism and they are supposed to contain knowledge of all subjects. Moreover, astrology in particular is supposed to be a “Vedaanga” (which means a limb of Vedas). In particular, it is said to be the eye of the Vedas. So the name “Vedic astrology” is becoming popular these days. This author also suggests using “Vedic astrology” or “Jyotish” (meaning “science of light"). Jyotishi is a practitioner of Jyotish, i.e. a Vedic astrologer.
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