Astroworld

Jyotish is called a Vedanga or a limb of the Vedas

There are six Angas or explanatory limbs, to the Vedas: the siksha and vyakarana of Panini, the chhandas of Pingalacharya, the nirukta of Yaksha, the Jyotisha of Garga, and the Kalpas (srauta, grihya, dharma and sulba) belonging to the authorship of various rishis.

Siksha is knowledge of phonetics. Siksha deals with pronunciation and accent. The text of the Vedas is arranged in various forms or Pathas. The pada-patha gives each word its separate form. The Krama-patha connects the word in pairs.

Vyakarana is Sanskrit grammar. Panini’s books are most famous. Without knowledge of Vyakarana, you cannot understand the Vedas.
Chhandas is meter dealing with prosody.
Nirukta is philology or etymology.
Jyotisha is astronomy and astrology. It deals with the movements of the heavenly bodies, planets, etc., and their influence in human affairs.
Kalpa is the method of ritual. The Srauta sutras which explain the ritual of sacrifices belong to Kalpa. The Sulba Sutras, which treat of the measurements which are necessary for laying out the sacrificial areas, also belong to Kalpa. The Grihya Sutras which concern domestic life, and the Dharma Sutras which deal with ethics, customs and laws, also belong to kalpa.

SOME TYPES OF VEDIC ASTROLOGY

There are many types of Vedic astrology systems being practiced today. The following is an overview of the variety of the systems that are covered under the broad cover of Vedic-Hindu astrology.

PARASARI Astrology -- This is the predominant form of astrology practiced in India and is the most prevalent form practiced in the United States, by far. The major text in this tradition is the Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra which is considered the Bible of Vedic Astrology. The Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra is an encyclopedic collection of astrological techniques, many of which are only sparsely used or investigated by many contemporary astrologers. The other major reference texts in this tradition are Phaladeepika by Mantreswara; the Brihat Jataka (curious collection which seems very much influenced by Greek astrology) by Varaha Mihira; the Jataka Parijata (a compendium of collected knowledge from various sources); the Uttara Kalamrita by Kalidas -- a little gem of astrological knowledge which contains a wealth of astrological gems; and the Saravali. These texts are the backbone of Jyotish. The problem with many of these texts is that the translations of many of these texts have been relatively disorganized -- many astrology students have found the experience of approaching these texts very daunting because the technique are often presented in a very random fashion. In my opinion, it is extremely important for the student to start to familiarize him or herself with these texts, primarily for the purpose of getting closer to the source Perhaps, as some have insisted, these techniques were not meant to be studied without the aid of a Guru. However, this belies the number of successful and accurate astrologers who are able to utilize Jyotish techniques successfully without a Jyotish Guru. This does not mean that I downgrade the importance of learning from those who have come before us, but I think that the Jyotir Vidya reveals itself to the sincere soul. Jyotish has rules, of that there is no doubt, but after the rules are learned, creativity can be introduced, and tested. I have seen quite a few eminent teachers disagree with each other. Every teacher has something of value to teach us. But keep in mind that the most important teacher is the Ishta Devata -- the teacher inside.

JAIMINI Astrology

Jaimini astrology is a fascinating system of Vedic Astrology which has NO parallels in the West. In many ways its strikes me as a more thoroughly integrated system than the Parasara Vimshottri dasa system taught to most beginning Jyotishis (and from which many astrologers believe it originally It also strikes me as being a more forgiving of birth time inaccuracies, and easier to learn, than Parasari astrology. The reason that it is not taught more often is that the system is not even that well understood by many Indians, and it does require some familiarity with the Parasara system of astrology in order for full understanding. Jaimini has several unique qualities which reveal at a glance those things which require a great deal of investigation using Parasara astrology, especially when considering spiritual potential in the chart. Jaimini uses sign dasas (periods of our lives which are under the influence of signs) rather than planetary dasas. So when one is going through a dasa the individual is not only influenced by the sign, but also the planets in the signs as well. There are certain idiosyncrasies within this system, and it is, as yet, rather incompletely understood in the West. Indeed, even in India. It is thought that there exist some million Sanskrit slokas, 20,000 translated into Indian languages and about (optimistically) a little more than 5,000 Sanskrit Slokas translated into English. Of the 20,000 Sanskrit slokas which are devoted to Jaimini, there are only about 500 translated into English, so vast stores of existing knowledge have not been translated nor interpreted. Large parts of Jyotish are not written, but are passed along orally, and significant interpretational clues are contained in other holy literature, including the Puranas, the Gita, and the Upanishads. But even in its incomplete state, it is extremely powerful when used properly. Please note that there are currently major differences of opinion regarding Jaimini indicators and how to calculate mahadasas; try to learn the shells of the systems and then reach your own conclusions regarding which of he systems seems more correct for you.

TAJIKA Astrology -

This is also referred to as Varshaphal, or “the fruits of the year”. This system, practiced extensively in Northern India (and showing a certain interesting similarity to the techniques of Arabian astrology), uses annual returns (the movement of the Sun to the same position it was when you were born) in order to fine tune predictions for the current year. There is also a rather interesting system of calculations called “sahams” which identify sensitive points on the horoscope in both the birth and annual charts. I have personally seen Tajika charts reveal extremely accurate predictions, particularly in health matters. Although not as complicated as Parasari astrology, it is extremely detailed, and the interpretation is less free flowing than in Parasari astrology. There is a precedent for using Parasari astrology principles in Tajika charts, and it would be interesting to see if the interpretational accuracy worked both ways -- in the interests of research.
BHRIGU ASTROLOGY -- The term Bhrigu astrology actually encompasses several discrete systems of astrology which co-exist in India. The most familiar type is the system of palm leafs which are kept in custodial capacity and passed down among families from generation to generation. This system was discussed in one of Swami Kriyananda’ s texts, and is supposed to give a reading for certain individuals destined to experience such readings. These palm leaf readings apparently developed when the astrologers of India began to get so proficient in Jyotish they were able to generate the charts of those not yet born. This is not so amazing when one realizes that the paths of the planets are set, so generating a chart becomes a mathematical process. Apparently these families pass down certain techniques for finding and interpreting charts (including the seemingly fantastic ability to generate names, which is actually a part of chart interpretation called namakaran. Although a bit beyond the scope of this text (I may include it in an intermediate level text), namakaran, or “making names” or identifying people and places by name from astrology charts is theoretically possible through the use of a standard natal chart, as all the Devanagari Sanskrit vowels and consonants are assigned to the nakshatras.

The second system referred to as a “Bhrigu technique” is the Nadi readings. Nadis are points on the Zodiac -- there are at least 1200 such points -- all possessing some character or trait. Obviously the use of such a technique requires an extremely accurate birth time, but Nadi techniques are said to produce incredibly accurate results. However, as in the palm leaves, there are several different Nadi traditions -- some through systems legendarily attributed to the Sun, others to the Moon (contained in the text Chandra Kala Nadi); some to Mars; and some to other planets.

A third set of techniques is standard astrological techniques pulled from Bhrigu astrology. There are certain techniques which are culled from the Bhrigu system which are unique and not in basic Parasara texts; this system is still being revealed at this time and it will probably be many generations before significant parts of this system are released, although there have been several interesting initial steps taken in this direction by Narendra Desai, Nalini Kanta Das (Tom Hopke), and R. Rao from India.

Pnchpakshi (five bird) This is a type of biorhythm system developed in India by Tamil saints, in which the various lunar mansions are assigned the qualities of birds in Vedic astrology. These birds (peacock, cock, vulture, owl, crow) are assigned to times of the day (which change during the days of the week) and individuals will either have good or bad days depending on the state of their “bird”. I have seen several analyses using the Panchpakshi system, and feel that this system should be used more extensively, particularly for the purpose of evaluating the ability of an individual to withstand illnesses and setbacks in life.

Planets in Vedic Astrology

Planets in Vedic / Hindu astrology are actual living intelligences. This is consistent with the legends of the Puranas, which describe the planets as DEVAS, or active entities who achieve immortality as guardians of the universe with the assistance of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, the two great representations of divinity in the Hindu religious tradition. The point is that these entities all have a function in the proper running of the universe. Their effects on us may be happy or sad, but the planets must (obviously) fulfill their functions for the universe to persist. Individual souls, when they again enter the realm of worldly existence, do so in order to experience difficulties or happiness which they have set up as a result of previous actions in previous lives. The basic purpose of life, put in simplistic terms, is to have experiences which will lead to the realization of desires. This may mean, for some, the manifestation of material prosperity, or the manifestation of strong duties and responsibility; or most effectual for happiness, the development of spiritual interests and activities, which ultimately leads the individual to freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth. The development of any of these interests does not imply superiority or inferiority of any soul. There are usually very strong reasons for why these individual experience different paths in life. The planets (Grahas) are THE SEIZERS of our minds and direct our attention to these activities. We have worked hard for the actions we encounter in this lifetime.

SURYA -- THE SUN:
The entity Surya (called the Sun in the West) has inspired its own cult in India. This cult apparently reached its peak in the thirteenth century and is reflected in the work done on the huge temple at Konark in India. (Interestingly enough, there was an iconoclastic movement at roughly the same period of time in Eastern Orthodox Church. This movement had a strong interest in astrology and destiny, smashing all of the saints and icons used by the church over the past thousand years. Neither movement lasted very long, but the coincidence -- perhaps there was an exchange of information -- is fascinating.

The Sun is the source of all energy in the solar system. Scientists have also apparently located a galactic Sun of enormous size located in the middle of the Milky Way. The energy which produces the raw material of life is enclosed in this sphere. The legends connected with Surya stress the tremendous energy of the creator of life’s energy.

The best-known Vedic myth regarding the Sun describes the Sun’s marriage to Samjna, the beautiful daughter of Tvashtr, the builder of the universe. Samjna is devoted to her husband, but finds the brilliance of the Sun too difficult to bear. As a result, she decides to get away and asks her handmaiden Chhaya (shadow), to take her place while she goes away. Samjna has already had children by Surya, and Chhaya, in her turn, had children by the Sun as well. This effectively ended the ruse. Samjna’s children noticed that Chhaya was treating her children more favorably than Samjna’s children. The Sun forced Chhaya to tell her that she was not his wife, and then went searching for his wife. He followed her and found her disguised as a mare, and order to get her back, the Sun changed himself into a horse as well, mated with her. The children which resulted from this union were the Ashwini Kumars, two gods of healing, which demonstrates the Sun’s ability to regenerate and heal after separation. Tvashtr also sheared off the excess energy of the Sun in order that Samjna could bear to be around the Sun.

The Sun actually functions as a relatively difficult planet in a person’s chart, causing great responsibilities to be borne by the individual during his periods. These periods will cause a certain intensity of to the individual which may result in increased status, ability to influence others, governmental favor, and ability to influence others if the Sun is strong in the chart. If the Sun is weak, the individual will feel like his energy is depleted, or self-confidence is low. The individual will also have problems with the government, bosses, his or her father, or any authority figure in his or her life.

There has recently been a great deal of emphasis on the theory of matriarchal civilization being the prevalent system prior to 2,000 BC. While this theory may be very appealing to contemporary society, there seems to be evidence that the dominant sex in society has changed position several times over the eons, and that the 30,000-year epoch of matrilineal dominance espoused by certain authors is a theory which has minimal evidence to support it. The preponderance of male solar deities in ancient religions seems to indicate that the sexes were relatively evenly considered in ancient religions.

One interesting attribute of the Sun in India is its alleged connection with certain really ancient traditions. The book Surya Siddhanta, an ancient astronomical/astrological text has been dated as far back as 1,000,000 BC by certain authorities! While this date can not be verified by current archaeological sources (and would certainly be disputed by current academic authorities), this
Theory implies that there are vast amounts of astrological knowledge which have been lost through the ages.

THE MOON (CHANDRA)
The Moon is perhaps the most important planet in conventional Hindu Astrology, although it is certainly the smallest body considered. In Hindu astrology, the Moon is considered to be male, and possesses twenty-seven (27) wives (the Nakshatras). It’s state of waxing and waning is caused by the curse of either Ganesh or Dacha (the father of the Moon’s 27 wives). The Moon is considered “lustful”, a condition often overlooked or minimized in Vedic Astrology texts. Lustful does not necessarily mean sensual. In popular culture the idea of lust is usually tied to sexual relationships, but there are many types of “lust”. There is lust for power, lust for money, lust for knowledge, and even lust for spiritual liberation. The Moon represents the entire set of thoughts and beliefs that our mind seeks. The mind is also more than thought -- it is also the medium for the spirits interaction with the phenomenal world (what we in the West call the “real” world). It also represents the mother for the individual, and many of us form our opinions and reactions to the world through our parents (particularly mother, because we were carried by her for quite a few months and because of traditional child rearing customs.)

The Moon changes signs every two and one half days. It changes nakshatras roughly once a day, and its waxing and waning states add another dimension of mutability to the moon. All of these states modify the interpretation of the Moon in Vedic / Hindu Astrology. The Moon is a public soft planet. In Jyotisha, there are very distinct friendships and animosities between different planets. Significantly, because of the rules which govern the determination of friendship and animosity, the Moon has NO enemies. It is the father of Mercury (more about this later) and is considered to be the planet connected with Soma, the nectar of immortality which is given to those who attain unity with “the reality” or “God”.

In the Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra, widely considered the most authoritative text on Jyotish, there are descriptions of the avatars (representations of divinity who descend from heaven in order to re-establish order and redirect human impulses from good to evil) and the various planets through which they descended to the material world. The manifestation of Vishnu who descended through the Moon was Krishna, whom some consider the greatest manifestation of divinity, and whom some consider to actually be the great personality of Godhead -- everything emanates from him. (Krishna’s birthday is celebrated when the Moon is in Taurus -- its exalted position -- in late August or early September.) We can accept Krishna as being all defining reality even in a metaphorical sense because of the Moon’s rulership of the mind...the filter through which all reality is understood by the individual.

MARS (MANGALA/ KUJA/ANGARIKA)
Mars is, according to the Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra, is the most malefic planet -- a role normally attributed to Saturn in other Vedic texts. It is with good reason that Mars assumes this status. Mars is a rapidly acting, rather violent planet. It is also in charge of logic, because logic is the intellectual weapon employed to win arguments. Mars is usually represented by several deities in Hindu mythology, including Shiva’s younger son Skanda (who also goes by the name of Kartikeya or Subramanya). This God is created in order to defeat demons who were in the process of destroying the world and who had made a deal that they could only be defeated by an infant child (There are many similar passages in Indian mythology).

This deity has the power to defeat enemies, but was not designed for human contact. Another representation of Mars (the incarnation of Vishnu through through the planet Mars) is Narasimha, the lion-headed deity of the Hindus. Narasimha was born, like Skanda to destroy a demon who had won the favor of Brahma or Shiva, and was so powerful he threatened the cosmic order. The demon had made a deal with God that he would not be destroyed by human or animal; could not be destroyed either indoor or outside; could not be killed by any weapon; and could not be destroyed in the day or the night. This seemed to cover all of the possibilities, and the demon set about taking over the world, confident in the knowledge that he could not be harmed. Eventually, he became so cruel that Vishnu, preserver of the universe, vowed to end the demon’s cruelty. A young child appeared to the demon, and started chanting a mantra on the threshold of a temple. Initially the demon thought nothing of this, but the demon started being irritated by the child’s singing. The child’s singing of the mantra continued all day and eventually, at duck, a wondrous being emerged from one of the temple pillars. Equipped with a lion’s head and claws, but with the body of a man, Narasimha emerged at the temple threshold, where the demon was lured. He was neither animal nor man; he emerged at dusk, which is neither day nor night; and he emerged at a temple threshold, neither indoors nor outdoors. Narasimha killed the demon with his claws (not using a weapon.) Vishnu as Narasimha fulfilled the criteria necessary for the being capable of destroying a powerful demon capable of perverting the universe. It is said that Yogis of certain sects grow beards and moustaches in order to look like Narasimha, and in order to give them the courage to defeat their own demons and (perhaps) save the world from demonic influences.

Hanuman the monkey general who served the role of Ram’s loyal supporter and servant in the epic tale the Ramayana, is also considered a manifestation of the planet Mars. He is totally devoted to Rama and Sita, Rama being a representation of the Sun and Sita being born of the earth. He is also superhuman; when Lakshmana, Rama’s brother, becomes ill, Hanuman is charged to find a certain herb which will cure him. Hanuman, uncertain as to the herb, lifted up the entire mountain and brought it to Lakshmana! Hanuman / Anjaneya also single-handedly laid waste to Sri Lanka, the home of the Rakshashas (the leader of whom, Ravana, was so powerful that he had all of the planets under his control, and could use them as steps to his home!) (See The Greatness of Saturn by Robert Svoboda). The strength and determination of Hanuman was enormous, and this represents the greatness of Mars at its best. If it has a goal and a service to pursue, it is a truly wonderful planet, capable of delivering us from our worst enemies.

This very courage and inability to compromise, however, are also drawbacks when it comes to interpersonal relations. Individuals who possess strong Mars in certain houses, especially in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th and 12th houses in the chart, are, with certain exceptions, said to cause Kuja Dosha or “Mars Affliction”, a condition which either causes harm to the marriage partner or causes the individual to be attracted to individuals with whom he or she can not function for a very long period of time. There are cancellations of Kuja Dosha, said to occur when Mars is in the Ascendant in the signs of either Aquarius or Leo (according to B.V. Raman) or in Scorpio, Capricorn or Aries. These placements are supposed to nullify Kuja Dosha. In my opinion, they lessen but do not nullify Kuja Dosha. Similarly, Kuja Dosha is said to be inactive if the individual marries after the age of 28. In my experience, this is not true. However, Kuja Dosha is nullified if the marriage partner also possesses the affliction, in my experience. There are remedial measures for Kuja Dosha, and I believe these can work in certain cases as well. A section at the end of the book is devoted to remedial measures for planetary afflictions which fall outside the norm of most Vedic Astrology texts published in the United States.

In the Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra, Mars is considered the worst malefic, the planet most capable of producing inauspicious results. There are several possible reasons for this status. The predominant reasons is probably Mars’ status as the military planet, the planet which makes widows of women. Mars is the Commander in chief of the planetary army. As such, this planet requires that we make sacrifices for the higher good -- in some ways it acts as a metaphor for the realm of logic, because logic and rational thought often make us pursue paths which do not “feel” good. Yet logic and rationalism can be used for constructive purposes, but it must be used carefully. The significations of Mars can, like those of a knife of a knife, can be used to kill or to cure. Mars is an aggressive planet, and it requires action and provides energy wherever it is located in a planet. Mars forces things to happen, yet many things of our technological age would not be possible without Mars, and its energy also applies to things which are heated (this applies to cooked food as well as metals and manufactured goods.). Mars is also essential for success in surgery; for success in engineering; and for success (the most unusual and surprising signification of Mars for most individuals) in spiritual practices. The reason for these three levels and needs is that many of these things require dedication, self sacrifice, and, I would insist, application of intellect (yes, even for spiritual practices, for the truth of the matter is that when we face God, it must be, at least in certain yogic traditions, through the use of a determined mind, and it is Mars as a planet, which allows us to control our mind in order to retain self control.

Interestingly enough, military domination and imperialism are actually judged by other planets in combination or conjunction with Mars. Venus, Saturn and Jupiter are far more territorial planets than Mars is. Mars, may, in fact, eliminate lives, but it does its job because it must be done. This is what makes it such a powerful planet for spiritual activity (because it has little attachment to anything except doing the best job it can) but is also what makes it such a dangerous planet, BECAUSE IT DOES ITS JOB WITHOUT CONSCIENCE AND WITHOUT REGARD FOR THE CONSEQUENCES. Logic, following orders, and spiritual sadhana (practice) must be followed with intelligence and judgment, otherwise destruction and despair will follow. The perspective. Mars, according to K. N. Rao, a well-respected astrologer from India, represents the wife in a man’s chart within the Bhrigu system of astrology, and also represents the inclination to worship Vishnu (a great many people whom I have done charts for who worship Vishnu or who worship deities with Vishnu - like characteristics (including Christ and Buddha) and have seen a very strong Mars either in the first house or in or aspecting the ninth house. Mars also introduces disruptions and arguments in married life and in other interpersonal relationships, often forcing us to work alone, or, to take command and get the job done.

MERCURY – BUDHA

Mercury is the significator of intelligence in a chart; it is also considered a child of the Moon and the planet most easily influenced by association with other planets. Mercury, or Budha is also the planet which has the most contact or communication between the world of the living and that of the dead.

The myth of Mercury’s birth is one of the most fascinating in Jyotish. It seems that Jupiter (whom we will discuss next) was extremely ritualistic in his attentions to his wife. His wife, Tara, tired by lack of attention and Jupiter’s attention to ritual over passion, or (accounts differ) seduced by the beauty of the Moon (Soma), ran off or was abducted by the Moon. Jupiter (Guru) wanted his wife back and the resulting conflict caused a war which involved all of the planets and the Gods. Mars and the Sun sided with Jupiter, while Venus, Saturn and the Lunar Nodes sided with the Moon. The final outcome of this war was that Tara was reunited with her husband. However, when she returned to Jupiter, she was with child.

Jupiter demanded to know who the father of the child was. At first Tara claimed that the child was Jupiter’s baby, but after awhile she admitted that the child was really the Moon’s child. Jupiter at first did not want the baby, but after the child was born and Jupiter saw how smart and special the child was, he wished to raise the baby himself. Although eventually the Moon found out about Mercury’s birth, Mercury harbored animosity toward the Moon, perhaps because of the Moon’s abduction of his mother or perhaps because of Mercury’s association with Jupiter as his surrogate father. (Mercury, among all of the planets, is considered the most susceptible to the influence of others.) `0However, Mercury is a clever, rather non-traditional planet, so the best it can hope for in its relationship with Jupiter is neutrality and devotion to duty, not love or adoration. One key point is that Mercury is considered the young prince among the planets; it is always youthful in outlook and is the fastest moving of all planets (except for the Moon, its natural father); it rules the intellectual and “clever” parts of the mind, whereas the Moon rules the “common sense” parts of the mind, and Jupiter rules the orthodox, credentialed and socially recognized parts of the intellect. So, if the planet Mercury is intellect, the Moon is publicly recognized intelligence of common sense, and Jupiter is philosophical wisdom (which can, in some ways be limiting or stifling to more creative individuals -- hence Tara’s involvement with the Moon.) Mercury has the benefit of both parentages and has the benefit of the knowledge of conventional wisdom and the wisdom of the masses, but is uncomfortable with either of these venues as its sole method of expression.

Among all of the planets, Mercury is the essential planet for learning. It is considered to be the planet which triggers astrological involvement, but it is also the major planet for self-inquiry and for the development of self-knowledge. It is also the planet that can be the most interfered with in this process, because of the fact that Mercury is very easily influenced by adjacent planets.

Among the planets, Mercury, perhaps has the widest range of rulerships, and is perhaps the most socially active of the planets. It is most often mentioned as the planet of Lord Vishnu, and Vishnu is famous for descending to the earth in the form of avatars or incarnations of the lord. so Mercury matches Vishnu’s rather protean form. It is a very flexible planet, and it has been said that Mercury and Mars (separately) in the second and twelfth houses of the astrological chart can give individuals proficiency in Hatha Yoga. Since Mercury is also a clever planet, in the same sign with Mars can, as has been observed by many Jyotishis, create the ability to manipulate words -- to lie, in other words -- and this combination can be found in the charts of many politicians.. The combination of Mercury with certain malefic planets (Mars, Mercury, Rahu, Ketu) can produce the ability to easily deceive individuals, while its association with benefics, particularly when with Venus, can give a very beneficial and sweet temperament.

Mercury, in a bizarre twist, is also considered to be a significator for landed property in Bhrigu Astrology. The reason for this, is that Mercury is considered to be a representation of Vishnu himself, who is the ruler of the universe. Mars, usually indicated as the significator of land, is a child of the earth. How can the son tell the mother what to do? But Vishnu, as lord of the earth, has the power to increase land and property, for all the world responds to the commands of Vishnu.

Jupiter/Guru

Jupiter is often lauded as being the best planet in Hindu astrology, praised for its overwhelming beneficence. Although Jupiter is a very generous planet most of the time, there are sometimes circumstances in which it can be a very detrimental influence in a chart. Usually, this occurs when Jupiter owns malefic houses or is transiting over difficult houses. Jupiter essentially rules luck, and the times when Jupiter withdraws its support can be truly devastating. When this massive planet provides support, its results are usually overwhelmingly good and it seems that one has stepped into a cornucopia.

Jupiter is also known as the Guru planet, the teacher, the remover of obstacles. He rules optimism, happiness, benevolence, and good judgment. The major gifts that Jupiter provides in my humble opinion, are wisdom, generosity, and optimism. The places where Jupiter can be obstructive or difficult are in its extreme adherence to tradition (one of the reasons given for Tara’s elopement with the moon, and from what I have seen, a resistance to any thing which has the appearance of unorthodoxy).

Over the past several years, I have read and heard an extraordinary amount of information about the benevolence of Jupiter, but this is an over-simplification that must be treated with extreme caution when interpreting a chart. I have seen cases in which Jupiter periods have, for certain individuals, caused the onset of cancer and even death! Jupiter, much like any planet, has its detrimental side.

On the positive side, Jupiter as a planet is usually extremely lucky, and its presence in the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth house acts very much like a guardian angel protecting the entire chart. It usually promotes great benefit to the house it occupies. Even when in its debilitation sign of Capricorn, it can give popularity and money, but usually the placement of Jupiter in Capricorn is detrimental for spousal happiness, luck, optimism, and good judgment.

Also, even in periods during which Jupiter has caused a great deal of distress, the trials of Jupiter (And there are some) usually produce a philosophical resignation that what is happening will ultimately benefit the individual (this is quite unlike the way we usually react to the trials of Saturn or the North Node -- see the following section). Jupiter is a popular planet, and a great some of its worst attributes are the fact that its truisms are so conventional, that they bore us. Jupiter is also an expansive planet. Placed in or aspecting the first house, it produces optimism, association with conventional wisdom and success, a strong philosophical and traditional nature, and being well liked. It can also produce over weight in this position. (all of the benefic planets will produce some weight, but Jupiter is the heaviest.).

Jupiter is called Guru, which I have seen translated as either “heavy” or “the dispeller of darkness”. It radiates more heat than it reflects, in keeping with the theory that it is a failed second star in our solar system.

When Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, those possessing this placement have extremely strong ethics, are clever in work, and will generally give good and sound advice. Jupiter in Aquarius is also considered a fine placement, producing a very strong philosophical nature and good friendships and similar associations. If Jupiter aspects or is in the same sign with any other planet, it greatly expands the size and power of that planet.

Jupiter is one of the indicators or the husband in a woman’s chart; it is also considered one of the most important indicators for children, and is one of , though not the only indicator, of spiritual matters, spiritual teachers, and association with traditional religious traditions. The Moon (Chandra) is very beneficial in combination with Jupiter, and Jupiter is thought to be too non-conformist or selfish when in the same sign with, or aspected by Rahu, the North Lunar Node.

The primary quality of Jupiter is “expansion”. This principle usually produces very good results, in that it expands the outlook of an individual. It also expands opportunities for growth and opportunities to make money. Jupiter in the sign Cancer because Cancer (called Karka in Sanskrit) is one of the best indicators for public acceptance and being the fourth house, is the natural significator of education, and the Moon (ruler of Cancer) is the natural indicator of public life. It likes Jupiter, because Jupiter gives good advice to the public and tempers the Moon’s (the public’s) excesses through the introduction of patriotism, public gatherings, and societal passages as a way of controlling and channeling the often emotionally unstable energy of the Moon into constructive channels. This character, the idea of good advice and judgment, is the real reason that Jupiter is such a powerful benefic. Its expansiveness, combined with its ability to give solutions to problems, gives Jupiter the power to eliminate problems and help individuals on their path to acceptable behavior and fulfillment.

VENUS -- THE GIVING BENEFIC

Venus (also called Sukra-- THE BRIGHT) is, in my humble opinion, the least well-understood planet in Vedic / Hindu Astrology. One of the reasons for the genesis of this opinion is Venus’s status of the guru of the Asuras -- the antigods or open opponents of dharma in Hindu mythology. This status is quite often not given the respect it deserves in many texts, and, of the popular Indian Jyotishis, only R. Santhanam seems to give Shukra his proper place. It is worth noting that, in Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra, Shukra (Venus) is given the status of being the best benefic--more capable of giving goof results than even the great benefic Jupiter. It is this status in this text, possibly the most respected Vedic Astrology text ever written, that we should consider when analyzing Venus’ function in a chart.

Venus’ primary function, much more so than the other less spiritual functions assigned to this planet, is as the primary provider of bliss and happiness, regardless of the means through which this status is obtained. It is the primary planet of priests of all religions. The incarnation of Vishnu through Venus is Parasurama, the Warrior Priest who reestablished the dominance of the Brahmin caste in India. Those of us in the West who view the Indian caste structure have little knowledge that caste was supposed to be originally determined by nature; only after it was institutionalized under Jupiter (family) and Saturn (tradition) did it actually start to be passed down within families, excluding others. The ascendancy of those who are intellectually gifted is the desire of Venus, for this should theoretically bring happiness to all, for a variety of reasons.

Venus is listed in various texts as being knowledgeable in the 64 arts. These are skills and abilities for every day living, including rituals. The Yajur Veda in under the domain of Venus. Also Venus is the only graha capable of bringing those dead back to life. In very simple terms, everything which can reproduce or regenerate itself is under the rulership of Venus. Semen,Ovas-- these two are the tools of immortality, for they allow DNA to replicate endlessly, giving us a form of immortality. Venus also has general rulership over the plant kingdom, which is extremely territorial, but which also has the ability to regenerate itself after long periods of dormancy--very much like Shukra’s experience in Shiva’s stomach. Shukra is actually beloved by all major sects, but is particularly strongly connected to Shiva.

It is also worth noting that Shukra’s function as a teacher applies to us all, for we are, by nature, Rakshasic—we have reincarnated, and have desires to fulfill. This is far more rakshasic than devic.

SATURN -- THE GIVER OF GRIEF

Saturn is perhaps the most feared planet in Indian astrology. It is, by definition, the weakest planet in Jyotish. Why then, all the paranoia connected with this planet? Primarily because, despite its weakness, it rules over misery, wasting away, hardship, poverty, privation, old age, and illness—pretty much everything we find unpleasant in life. Yet a strong Saturn has extremely good potential for power and authority. It is found to be very prominent in the charts of dictators and lawyers—those who deal with limitations and restrictions. The most interesting myth about Saturn connects to the birth of Ganesh. Parvati decides to show his new child to the world. Saturn declines, because he knows that he will destroy whatever he looks at. Parvati insists and Saturn’s gaze destroys the young child’s head. One of the gods (Shiva by some accounts, Vishnu by others) rushes out and finds the elephant’s head. This gives the child great wisdom and memory, and copious spiritual gifts. So Saturn’s gaze eliminates the first gifts, but also grants spiritual growth and development. Saturn’s placement in a chart indicates the major source of unhappiness in a person’s life, but promotes spiritual growth. Especially important are Saturn transits to the 12th, 1st and 2nd houses from the Moon, the 4th house from the Moon, and the 8th house from the Moon. Saturn aspects planets three, seven and ten signs away from it.

Saturn is, like most of the Vedic planets, capable of a wide range of significations, so it essential that anyone attempting to read Saturn look at its sign placement (it is exalted in Libra, and well placed in the two signs it owns (Capricorn and Aquarius). It is well placed in the third, sixth and eleventh houses of the chart. It is fallen in Aries and tends to become weak in this sign. But is that necessarily such a bad thing? Often you will notice that the more powerful Saturn becomes, for society as a whole, businesses and markets usually expand incredibly fast when Saturn is placed in Aries (Note: 1968-1970 and 1998-1970), but changes usually occur too fast and erratically to be sustained for long periods of time. And exalted or otherwise strong Saturn often produces economic constriction along with a consolidation of power (1981-1983, for example. Saturn also functions as a benefic for Libra, and Taurus rising, so it usually does well in either of these rising signs. It achieves maturity at age 34-36.

RAHU -- THE CAUSE OF DISSATISFACTION AND NON-CONFORMITY
(Acts like the lord of the sign in which it is placed, or planets in which it is conjunction)
The great serpent Vasuki was one of the demons called to churn the elixir of immortality in the Vedic myths. This churning of the ocean caused powerful poison to emerge—this was swallowed and stuck in Shiva’s throat. The second thing to emerge was the Goddess Lakshmi, (like Aphrodite); a very few legends indicate she was promised to Shiva (the liberator) but loved Vishnu (the preserver) and ended up with him. The vast majority of legends indicate that Vishnu was her first and only husband and love. The third thing to come out was the Amrita (the elixir of immortality.) In some ways this parallels the stations of life: from birth comes struggle, absorbed by meditation (Shiva), then prosperity and its maintenance (Lakshmi and Vishnu), then true joy and happiness (The Amrita) or union with God.

The elixir was to be drunk by the gods, and the demons, although their physical might was needed to extract the elixir, were not to receive this. The consensus seems to be that they were too powerful to share this secret with, and the Gods would lose their only advantage in the great war between order and chaos. So the demons were given alcohol—but Vasuki saw that something was wrong, disguised himself as a god and drank the elixir. The Sun and the Moon saw that something was wrong and exposed the demon. As soon as this was noticed, Vishnu took out his discus and chopped the head of the demon off—but the demon had already received the gift of immortality and lived, as did the lower body, Ketu.

Needless to say, someone who is missing their body will automatically be rather unhappy and although immortal like the other gods (the Grahas or planets) will be seeking vengeance, particularly upon the entities that exposed it—namely the Sun and the Moon. Because of this need for vengeance, Rahu regularly stalks the Sun and the Moon and swallows them. Rahu wants and cannot absorb what is has, so along with its demonic energy, it rarely gets what it wants, or cannot hold onto it. Also, as a non-material Graha, it has no substance, so it acts like a ghost. Reflecting the fact that Rahu has this ghostly attribute, what comes during its dasa or sub-period it tough to hold onto—also it encourages people to get interested in occultism or even unhealthy pursuits. This attribute of Rahu can also cause a great deal of frustration, because Rahu is never satisfied, and it likes to be in control. So when Rahu activates in a chart, it can cause all sorts of bad actions. This is what causes Rahu’s intense discomfort. Rahu, like its shadow status indicates, has been shown as being exalted in Taurus, Gemini and sometimes Scorpio; it can also be considered debilitated in Sagittarius, Scorpio and Taurus. Its own sign is Aquarius.

Rahu also rules poison, demonic possession, witchcraft, affliction by ghost, foreigners, engineering, air travel and the unusual or exotic. It achieves maturity when one is 41 years old. Rahu is also the primary indicator of cancer and it acts like the planet that rules the sign in which it is placed.

KETU -- THE UNKNOWN, THE THIEF
The lower half of the demon that swallowed the elixir of immortality, Ketu developed a snakehead after it separated from its birth head and was raised by a sage. Since Ketu does not have a head, it is the natural indicator of liberation and its direction is heaven ward. Its maturity is between the ages of 48 and 52. Ketu has a serpent’s tail and a snake’s head.

On the negative side, Ketu has very little interest in the material world, and being the lower part of a demon, the planet has little interest in preservation and can be quite destructive. It is said to be quite a bit like Mars, and is part (like Rahu) of the planetary army—so it can stand for anonymity and obscurity. It is also a thief and steals away material possessions in order to increase interest in spirituality. People with strong Ketu can be prone to depression, but are very psychic and sensitive and have a knack for stripping down to the details of any situation very quickly. It can, however, cause obsession, compulsive and erratic behavior. It can cause accidents, but also sudden elevations in position (President Carter’s and Princess Diana’s charts are excellent examples) but Ketu is not a high status planet and can expose people to fall from grace. It can also cause illnesses that are tough to diagnose, like viruses.

Planets symbolise components of the Self. Everyone has these components. The various placements of the planets in the signs and in the houses make create human diversities. The meaning of the planets in Western and Indian astrology differs quite a lot.
This is especially true for the northern and southern Nodes (Dragon's Head and Dragon's Tail). We call the northern Node is Rahu and the southern Node Ketu.
Another difference between Indian and Western astrology is that there are but few Indian astrologers who work with the relatively recently discovered planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. We will not discuss these three planets in the following paragraph. However, we will give Rahu en Ketu special attention. Where the Indian interpretation of a planet differs from that in Western astrology, it will be emphasised in heavy printing.

PLANETARY DEFINITIONS

SUN: The Inner Light, cosmic intelligence, consciousness, life and love, the father, power and authority.
Darshan: Vedanta Yoga: Karma and Gnana
MOON: The mother, the past, the mind, daily communication, how we receive, feelings and emotions.

MERCURY: Objective intellect and differentiation, humour, writing, education, ideas, commerce, mental flexibility, travelling short distances.
Darshan: Vaisheshika Yoga: Gnana /Atharva Veda

VENUS: Beauty, refinement, charisma, good taste, love, marriage, sexuality, enjoyment of the good things in life, riches, the marriage partner in a man's horoscope.
Darshan: Purva Mimamsa / Rituals Yajur Veda

MARS: Energy, potency and sexual passion, competitive attitude, sport, muscles, accidents, brothers and sisters, technical insight, action.
Darshan: Nyaya Yoga: Karma/Bhakti/Hatha Sama Veda

JUPITER: The guru or spiritual teacher planet, insight into the workings of the cosmos, creativity, luck, our religious principals, pleasure, party-time, children, the marriage partner in a female horoscope

Darshan: Uttara Mimamsa Yoga: Raj Yoga Rik/Rig Veda.

SATURN: Longevity, limitations, discipline, adversity, delays, melancholia and depression, fears, reserves, material values, concentration, ascetic demeanour, hard work.

RAHU/KETU: In Western astrology the dragon's head or North Node (Rahu) has positive connotations and the dragon's tail or South Node (Ketu) has negative connotations.

Darshan: Depends on ruling planet. Ketu naturally inclines one to Vedanta, however and Gnana Yoga. Rahu will encourage the person to “sample” paths or will orient the individual to technology or less traditional forms of yoga such as meditation tapes, technology, etc.

In Indian astrology however, both nodes are regarded as 'shadow planets' with negative connotations. A Sun or Moon eclipse is only possible if either the Sun or the Moon is near the nodes. Indian astrology regards Rahu and Ketu as forces who have the power to obscure the Sun and the Moon, which is regarded with negativity (they can obscure the light symbolised by the Sun). Rahu is the head of a mythological dragon and Ketu the tail. This dragon has the capacity to be able to swallow the Sun and the Moon.
Some of the things attributed to RAHU are hypnotism, mass trends, insanity, and self-delusion. Rahu can offer (temporary) material success, which could be an explanation for the positive value given to this shadow planet in the Western astrology. These successes may include for instance, the power to influence others, but it does not lead to inner satisfaction. Rahu can bring psychic powers and mediumship, but also paranoia and negative influences from entities.
We can see Rahu at work in the lives of some film stars, for example. These are the film stars who become extremely wealthy, and have an extravagant lifestyle, but who end their lives in an environment of drugs and decay. Many politicians and leading figures in the business world are under the strong influence of Rahu. They still have to learn that power and material riches do not lead to inner contentment.

KETU is also difficult. Ketu is associated with doubt, isolation, and alienation. However, Ketu can also lead us to concentration on a spiritual level, and further to spiritual deliverance (moksha). Those who turn their backs on a normal daily lifestyle in order to follow the spiritual path are strongly influenced by Ketu. Although the problem here is, that Ketu can give occasion to illusions in spirituality. For instance, following a guru who is of the opinion that he does not have to practice that which he preaches.
The energy of Rahu is directed outwards (extrovert), but the energy of Ketu is directed inwards (introvert).

Sun exaltation 10º Aries fall 10º Libra
Moon exaltation 3º Taurus fall 3º Scorpio
Mercury exaltation 15º Virgo fall 15º Pisces
Venus exaltation 27º Pisces fall 27º Virgo
Mars exaltation 28º Capricorn fall 28º Cancer
Jupiter exaltation 5º Cancer fall 5º Capricorn
Saturn exaltation 20º Libra fall 20º Aries
Rahu exaltation in Taurus/Gemini fall in Scorpio
Ketu exaltation in Scorpio/Sagittarius fall in Taurus

Planets are strong when they are placed in the sign or signs, which they rule. All the planets, with the exception of the Sun and the Moon, rule over two signs. This means that certain planets feel naturally at home in certain signs. The signs represent forces, which are similar to those of the planets who rule them. A planet feels very much at home when it is placed in its own sign, because both energy fields are similar and therefore work well together.

DIAGRAM 3: RULERSHIP

Sun rules Leo
Moon rules Cancer
Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo
Venus rules Taurus and Libra
Mars rules Aries and Scorpio
Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Pisces
Saturn rules Aquarius and Capricorn
Rahu Aquarius/Gemini
Ketu Pisces/some texts say Leo or Cancer
MOOLATRIKONA SIGNS
A moolatrikona sign is a sign which makes a planet especially powerful when it is placed there. Mula means root and trikona means triangle. In general, the moolatrikona sign is the positive sign (fire- or air sign) ruled by a certain planet. Only the Moon and Mercury are exceptions to the rule. The general opinion here being that the energy from a planet works better in its own positive (fire or air) sign than in its own negative (water or earth) sign.

DIAGRAM 4: MOOLATRIKONA SIGNS OF THE PLANETS

Sun Leo
Moon Taurus
Mercury Virgo
Venus Libra
Mars Aries
Jupiter Sagittarius
Saturn Aquarius

The Rashis
Aries/ Mesha
Taurus/VRISCHABHA
Gemini/MITHUNA
Cancer/Karka
Leo/Simha
Virgo/Kanya
Libra/Thula
Scorpio/Vrischika
Sagittarius/Dhanus
Capricorn/Makar
Aquarius/Kumbha
Pisces/ Meena

3.1 THE SIGNS
Signs are symbols of the HOW. A planet in a certain sign will give you certain information as to HOW that planet functions. For example: the Moon (symbolising the mind) in Taurus means that the person has a stable mind, because this is a characteristic accorded to Taurus.

ARIES: The first impulse, impulsive, headstrong, enterprising, man of action.

TAURUS: Stable and trustworthy, solid, steadfast, enjoys the good things of life.

GEMINI: Flexible, communicative, inquisitive, and sometimes restless.

CANCER: Sensitive, home loving, warm, sometimes a little shy.

LEO: Proud, likes to be the centre of attention, magnanimous, commanding.

VIRGO: Critical, precise, modest, helpful, and diligent.

LIBRA: Values harmony and justice, romanticist, companionable, appreciates beautiful things.

SCORPIO: Intense, passionate, mysterious, preoccupied with transformation sometimes concerned with power.

SAGGITARIUS: Optimistic preoccupied with expansion, philosophical, sometimes dogmatic.

CAPRICORN: Conservative, hard worker, serious, progresses slowly.

AQUARIUS: Independent, somewhat eccentric, overflowing with ideas, inventive, congenial.

PISCES: Intuitive, lively fantasy, idealistic, very sensitive, sometimes unpractical, tendency to self-pity.

Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are FIRE signs. They are the signs of individuality and expression. In India, these signs are associated with raja yoga. This is royal yoga, and its aim is to control the creative powers that are present in human life.

Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are EARTH signs. These are the practical signs, founded on matter. The type of yoga ascribed to the earth signs is karma yoga. Its aim is to teach mankind to place daily work and obligations in a spiritual context.

Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are AIR signs. These are the signs of human contact and communication. Jnana yoga is the type of yoga assigned here. This embraces understanding the complexities of the cosmic (by thinking and studying). Astrology is a form of jnana yoga.

Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are WATER signs. Here the central theme is sensitivity. This is the realm of bhakti yoga. This consists of devotion and unity with the Divine in a devotional way (the Hare Krishna movement is an example of this).
It may be new for a Western astrologer that the signs are associated with different forms of yoga. In this context, yoga is seen as a process by which someone may meet the Divine. Various methods exist for this purpose some of which have absolutely nothing to do with physical exercises.

The Bhavas
First house /Tanu Bhava –House of the body and the mind; head. Aspect of life ruled: Dharma. Karaka: Sun
Second house/Dhana Bhava—House of the family and money; face. Artha. Karak: Jupiter
Third house / Sahaj Bhava—House of siblings; skills, desires, ambition; short trips; arms and hands. Kama: Karaka:Mars
Fourth house/ Sukha Bhava—House of family; legacy, learning; parents; vehicles; homes; education; status; inherited position; heart and lungs (shared with third house) Moksha Karaka: Moon dusthana house
Fifth house/Putra Bhava—House of children; intelligence; advice; creativity; past life credit; stomach. Dharma house. Karaka: Jupiter
Sixth house/Ari Bhava—enemies, illness, disease, relatives, obstacles, obstructions; lawsuits; problems that can be corrected over time, spiritual sadhana, intestines; large pets. Artha house. Karaka: Mars
Seventh house /Yuvati Bhava: Relationships; partnerships; long journey, desires ; area between the intestines and sexual organs.. Kama House: Karaka Venus
Eighth house / Randhra Bhava: Long term illness or problems; enemies; long term disabilities; legacies or inheritances; mangal sutra (marriage indicator); chronic problems; occult studies; research; sexual organs, excretory parts. Moksha House; Karaka; Saturn
Ninth house / Dharma Bhava—Father; higher education; spiritual teachers or gurus; long journeys; thighs. Dharma house; Indicator: Jupiter
Tenth house / Karma Bhava—Career, action in the world, spiritual pilgrimages, work; knees. Artha house; Karaka: Mercury (others: Saturn; Moon; Sun)
Eleventh house/ Labha Bhava-Gains, friend, desires, long-term aspirations and honors; part time jobs. Kama House; Karaka: Jupiter
Twelfth house / Vyaya Bhava—Losses, leaving the body; secret pleasures; pleasures of the bed (including sleep); small pets: Moksha house—Karaka: Saturn

GARY GOMES (GANGADHARA GIRISH / SWAMI KAMPANANDA) is a Hindu Astrologer (Jyotishi) based out of New Bedford and Malden, MA. Gary holds degrees in Sociology and Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts. He is an ordained Swami of the Temple of Kriya Yoga. He has studied Hindu Astrology with several prominent Indian and American astrologers, is certified to instruct Jyotish (Hindu Astrology) by the American Council of Vedic Astrology, has organized an Institute for instruction in Jyotish (Vedic Astrology), and has done charts for thousands of individuals from different parts of the United States and the world. He is also a board member of the American Council of Vedic Astrology. He has also written for several international publications, including The Mountain Astrologer, The International Astrologer, Express Star Teller (Madras, India), Indigo (South Africa), the ACVA Journal, Gochara (Great Britain) and in publications in Australia and France. He has been a speaker at several international astrology conferences. He is also an Assistant Professor of Jyotisha (Hindu Astrology) at the Hindu University of America and is also a Reiki Master. He can be reached for personal, business, and marriage consultations by contacting: CRYSTAL EXPECTATIONS, 854 BROCK AVENUE, NEW BEDFORD, MA 02744, TELEPHONE: (508) 990-7898.