Bhavas (houses)
Introduction
The zodiac consists of 12 rasis. Each rasi is said to form a house. When we talk about houses, we always have a point of reference. The rasi containing the point of reference is the 1st house. The next rasi is the 2nd house. The rasi after that is the 3rd house. Suppose Moon is in Aquarius and suppose we want houses with respect to Moon. Then Aquarius is the 1st house, Pisces is the 2nd house, Aries is the 3rd house, Taurus is the 4th house and so on. As we go around the zodiac, we reach Capricorn when we find the 12th house.
In the same chart, Sun may be in Taurus. When we find houses with respect to Sun, Taurus contains the 1st house, Gemini contains the 2nd house, Cancer contains the 3rd house and so on. If Ghati Lagna is in Virgo in the same chart, then the 1st, 2nd and 3rd houses with respect to Ghati Lagna are in Virgo, Libra and Scorpio respectively.
Thus we can find houses with respect to different references. The same sign may contain the 2nd house with respect to one reference and the 6th house with respect to another reference. If we mention houses without clearly specifying the reference used, it means that the reference used is lagna (ascendant). Lagna is the default reference when finding houses.
Different houses stand for different matters. The matters signified by a house also depend on the reference used. Each reference throws light on matters of a specific nature and that colors the meaning of a house. For example, the 11th house from lagna may stand for something and the 11th house from arudha lagna may stand for something else. It depends on the kind of matters shown by the two references – lagna and arudha lagna.
In addition, the matters signified by a house depend on the divisional chart in which we are finding houses. Each divisional chart throws light on matters of a specific nature. Again, that colors the meaning of a house. The 4th house from lagna in D-16 may mean something and the 4th house from lagna in D-24 may mean something else. We have already listed the areas of life seen from various divisional charts in the chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.”.
Significations of Houses
The matters signified by various houses are listed below. For further discussion on the results of various houses, readers may refer either to the ancient classics or to the modern classic – “How to Judge a Horoscope” (Vols I & II) by Dr. B.V. Raman.
First House: Physical body, complexion, appearance, head, intelligence, strength, energy, fame, success, nature of birth, caste.
Second House: Wealth, assets, family, speech, eyes, mouth, face, voice, food.Third House: Younger co-borns, confidants, courage, mental strength, communication skills, creativity, throat, ears, arms, father’s death (7th from 9th), expenditure on vehicles and house (12th from 4th), travels.Fourth House: Mother, vehicles, house, lands, immovable property, motherland, childhood, wealth from real estate, education, relatives, happiness, comforts, pleasures, peace, state of mind, heart.
Fifth House: Children, poorvapunya (good deeds of previous lives), intelligence, knowledge & scholarship, devotion, mantras (prayers), stomach, digestive system, authority/power, fame, love, affection, emotions, judgment, speculation.Sixth House: Enemies, service, servants, relatives, mental tension, injuries, health, diseases, agriculture, accidents, mental affliction, mother’s younger brother, hips.Seventh House: Marriage, marital life, life partner, sex, passion (and related happiness), long journeys, partners, business, death, the portion of the body below the navel.
Eighth House: Longevity, debts, disease, ill-fame, inheritance, loss of friends, occult studies, evils, gifts, unearned wealth, windfall, disgrace, secrets, genitals.Ninth House: Father, teacher, boss, fortune, religiousness, spirituality, God, higher studies & high knowledge, fortune in a foreign land, foreign trips, diksha (joining a religious order), past life and the cause of birth, grandchildren, principles, dharma, intuition, compassion, sympathy, leadership, charity, thighs.
Tenth House: Growth, profession, career, karma (action), conduct in society, fame, honors, awards, self-respect, dignity, knees.Eleventh House: Elder co-borns, income, gains, realization of hopes, friends, ankles.
Twelfth House: Losses, expenditure, punishment, imprisonment, hospitalization, pleasures in bed, misfortune, bad habits, sleep, meditation, donation, secret enemies, heaven, left eye, feet, residence away from the place of birth, moksha (emancipation/liberation).
We can find houses from houses and concatenate the meanings in some places. For example, the 3rd house shows younger brother. The 2nd house from the 3rd house is the 4th house (count 1, 2 from 3rd and get 3rd, 4th). So the 4th house shows the wealth, speech etc of younger brother. The 7th house from the 3rd house is the 9th house and it can show younger sibling’s spouse. The 11th house from lagna shows friends and the 4th house from lagna is nothing but the 6th house from the 11th house. So the 4th house stands for enemies, diseases and debts of friends. In this manner, we can deduce many additional meanings of various houses.
Common References for Houses
It may be noted from the list above that each house shows many matters. It may be confusing at first to pick the right meaning that is relevant in a particular analysis. It becomes easier with experience. We have to note the area of life seen in the divisional chart under examination. We have to choose the meanings of houses that are relevant in that area of life. For example, the 4th house shows education, vehicle, house and mother (among other things). A list of the areas of life seen in various divisional charts is given in the chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.”. We see from it that learning is seen from D-24, pleasures and comforts from D-16, house and immovable property from D-4 and parents from D-12. So the 4th houses in D-24, D-16, D-4 and D-12 show education, vehicle, house and mother (respectively).
We should also take cognisance of the kind of matters shown by various references and interpret the meaning of a house accordingly. The 4th house from lagna, the 4th house from arudha lagna and the 4th house from paaka lagna can mean different things, depending on the matters shown by lagna, arudha lagna and paaka lagna. Now we will learn about the most common references used in finding houses and the matters shown by them.
Depending on the matter we are analyzing, we should look at the correct divisional chart, the correct reference and the correct house. Then only good results can be obtained. All this complexity may be perplexing to new students. However, there is something we should realize. Human existence is a very complicated thing and it is silly and unscientific to expect a simplistic model for the complicated human life. Though Vedic astrology has too many parameters used in chart analysis, they are all important as they give us the degrees of freedom necessary for modeling something as complicated as human life. However, if we do not understand what each parameter means and end up using them in a mixed-up way, we will get nowhere. So readers should strive to understand these basics very clearly.
Lagna
Lagna is the most commonly used reference when finding houses. If no reference is mentioned when houses are listed, it means that lagna – the default reference – was used. Lagna shows true self. If we are trying to understand someone’s status in society, lagna may not be the correct reference. Status does not relate to “true self”. It is a part of the illusion of this world. However, if we are trying to understand someone’s intentions in doing something or someone’s knowledge or someone’s persistence, it relates to “true self”. So they are seen from the houses counted from lagna. Lagna shows true self. It shows the overall spirit of “I” (self).
Chandra Lagna (Moon lagna)
Chandra lagna means Moon taken as a reference. We can find houses from Moon. Because Moon is the significator of mind, these houses show things from the perspective of mind. For example, someone may be working in a routine job, but he may have an active and enterprising mind and he may be using it in his career. In that case, the 10th house (career) from lagna may have the influence of Saturn (routine job) and the 10th house from Moon may have the influence of Mars (active and enterprising).
Houses counted from Moon are useful in looking at things from the point of view of mind. When we judge how happy one is, how ambitious one is and how one views one’s career, the role of mind is paramount. So Chandra lagna should not be ignored.
Ravi Lagna (Sun lagna)
Ravi lagna means Sun taken as a reference. We can find houses from Sun. Because Sun is the significator of soul, these houses show things from the perspective of soul. For things related to physical vitality also, Sun is an important reference.
Arudha Lagna
Computation of arudha lagna (AL) will be explained in the chapter on “Error! Reference source not found.”. For now, the readers should remember that arudha lagna shows how a native is perceived in the world. It also shows the status of a native.
A planet in the 10th house from lagna may give some important developments in one’s profession. A planet in the 10th house from Chandra lagna may give some important mental activity in one’s profession. A planet in the 10th house from arudha lagna may give some important developments in one’s professional status.
Paaka Lagna
Paaka lagna is important when analyzing the natal chart, dasas and transits. Paaka lagna is nothing but lagna lord taken as a reference. If someone with Pisces lagna has Jupiter in Cancer, then Cancer becomes paaka lagna. If someone with Leo lagna has Sun in Virgo, Virgo becomes paaka lagna.
Rasis represent situations and forces influencing the course of a native’s life and planets represent individual beings. Lagna lord represents the physical self of a native. So that is what paaka lagna shows. Houses counted from paaka lagna throw light on matters related to the physical self of a native.
Lagna shows the concept of self and it deals with one’s true personality. The physical existence of the person is different from this conceptual self. This applies to all divisional charts. Let us take an example. The 5th house shows scholarship, memory and success in competition. All these are related to learning and they are seen in D-24, the chart of learning. But they are better seen from different references. Let us find the best reference for each.
Success in competition is related to the illusions and perceptions of the world and so the most appropriate reference is arudha lagna. The 5th house from arudha lagna shows success in competition. Scholarship is not a measurable attribute of the physical existence. It is a property of one’s true personality and one’s conceptual self. So the 5th from lagna shows scholarship. If we take the self that exists physically and take its part as applicable to the area of life shown by D-24 (i.e. learning), memory is a direct attribute of that self. Memory is a property of one’s self that physically exists. So the 5th house from paaka lagna shows memory the best.
Saturn’s transitover the rasi containing one’s lagna may throw obstructions and hamper one’s activities. Saturn’s transit over the rasi containing one’s Chandra lagna may create frustration and mental depression. Saturn’s transit over the rasi containing one’s paaka lagna may leave one feeling sick all the time and attack the physical vitality.
Karakamsa Lagna
Atma karaka stands for the soul of the person. Atma karaka is an important reference point in a chart. Because the soul is an important factor in deciding the nature of inner self than the physical existence, atma karaka is an important reference point in navamsa chart. Navamsa chart throws light on the inner self and the rasi occupied by atma karaka in it is called “Karakamsa”. We can analyze navamsa chart with respect to Karakamsa. The 12th house from Karakamsa shows the liberation of the soul and the situation of Ketu there is conducive to moksha. Propitiation of the deities corresponding to the strongest planet in the 12th house in navamsa from Karakamsa lagna can take one’s soul towards moksha.
Ghati Lagna
Ghati lagna (GL) shows self, from the point of view of power, authority and fame. When we analyze promotions in career or political power of politicians, this reference is very important.
Hora Lagna
Hora lagna (HL) shows self, from the point of view of wealth. This reference is important when analyzing one’s wealth.
Quick Summary
Trines: Prosperity and flourishingQuadrants: Sustenance and vital activityUpachayas: Gains and growthDusthanas: Setbacks and obstaclesArgala sthanas: Decisive influences
A Controversy
Houses are found with respect to lagna, special lagnas and some planets. Houses are found in rasi chart and in all the divisional charts. Some scholars ignore all these and take houses only with respect to lagna and only in rasi chart. They prepare something called “bhaava chakra” or “chalit chakra”, in which houses can start in one rasi and end in another. They take lagna’s longitude to be the mid-point of the first house and construct all the houses accordingly. In the “equal house method”, they take a 30º arc with center at lagna as the 1st house. The next 30º arc is taken as the 2nd house and so on. This method is popular among Indian astrologers. Another method taught by Sripathi is more complicated and it is also popular. However, this author recommends neither. Each rasi is a house. The rasi containing the reference point chosen is the 1st house and the next rasi is the 2nd house.
Though there are some indirect references in BPHSsuggesting that Parasara supported house divisions placing houses in 2 rasis, there are quite a few direct references making it amply clear that each house falls in one rasi. Parasara taught us to find houses by counting rasis from the reference chosen. Moreover, only this approach is logical as we go to divisional charts. Parasara’s treatment does not differentiate between rasi and divisional charts, as far as the basic techniques go.
So readers are advised to ignore all the discussions found in other textbooks on house division methods, “bhaava chakra” and “chalit chakra”. It may do good to follow the instructions in this chapter.
Karakas (significators)
The word karaka means “one who causes”. Karaka of a matter is the significator of the matter. He is the one who causes events related to that matter.
There are 3 kinds of karakas:
(1) Naisargika karakas (natural significators, 9 in number).(1) Chara karakas (variable significators, 8 in number), and,(1) Sthira karakas (fixed significators, 7 in number),
One should not use the three types of karakas in a mixed-up way. Karakas of each type have a specific purpose. One should understand the distinction between chara, sthira and naisargika karakas clearly and use them accordingly.
Naisargika karakas shows everything that exists in the creation. They include Rahu, Ketu and the seven planets. They are presided by Brahma. Naisargika karakas show not only human beings, but they show various impersonal things and matters. They show everything that exists in Brahma’s creation and affects a person. Naisargika karakas are very useful in phalita Jyotish, i.e. analysis of general results.
Chara karakas include Rahu and the seven planets. They do not include Ketu, as Ketu stands for moksha (emancipation) and does not stand for any person who affects one’s sustenance. Chara karakas are presided by Vishnu and they show people who play a role in one’s life. As Vishnu presides over activities related to sustenance, achievements and spiritual progress, chara karakas show these aspects of one’s life. Chara karakas show people who play an important role in one’s sustenance and achievements. Examples are – mother, father, wife, advisors etc. Chara karakas are very useful in Raja Yogas and in spiritual progress. They also show how our karma (cumulative sum of actions) is carried from one life to another.
Sthira karakas include only 7 planets because only they have physical bodies. They are presided by Shiva. As Shiva presides over death, they show the destruction of body. Sthira karakas are useful in timing the death of various near relatives.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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.
About astrology
About astrology
Planets are constantly in motion with respect to earth in the skies. The positions of Sun, Moon and some planets close to earth can give important clues about the fortunes of individual human beings and groups of human beings. That is the basic premise of astrology. How exactly we can make guesses about the fortunes of individual human beings and groups of human beings based on the positions of those planets in the skies is the question that we will attempt to answer in these lessons. Astrology is the subject that deals with this question. There are many theories and philosophies in vogue and they are significantly different from each other.
Planets are constantly in motion with respect to earth in the skies. The positions of Sun, Moon and some planets close to earth can give important clues about the fortunes of individual human beings and groups of human beings. That is the basic premise of astrology. How exactly we can make guesses about the fortunes of individual human beings and groups of human beings based on the positions of those planets in the skies is the question that we will attempt to answer in these lessons. Astrology is the subject that deals with this question. There are many theories and philosophies in vogue and they are significantly different from each other.
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