5 Introduction to “the Nakshatras”2

The directions of Signs / Zodiac:

Mesha, Simha, Dhanu East

Vrisha, Kanya, Makara South

Mithuna, Tula, Kumbha West

Karka, Vrischika, Meena North

12 North Dark brown 1 East Red 2 South White 3 West Green 11 West Multi Color 4 North Pink 10 South Yellow 5 East Brown 9 East Golden Color 8 North Black 7 West Multi Color 6 South Ash

The Dosha Nirupana of signs

Mesha, Simha, Dhanu Pitha

Vrisha, Kanya, Makara Vayu (Wind) Mithuna, Tula, Kumbha Dhathu Samtvam (Material

balance) Karka, Vrischika, Meena Kabha (phlegm)

1. Central signs / Kendra………The 1, 4, 7 and 10th houses of any sign - They represent the strength of the chart and

life as a whole, and give the capacity to achieve the desired goals.

2. Thrikona signs………..The 1, 5, 9th houses of any sign - They correspond to the Dharma houses and are the houses

of good luck, success, wisdom and knowledge.

3. Panapara……….2, 5, 8, 11 - Related to stability, preservation, income and material security. This can be said as:

1, 5, 9 in the east 2, 6, 10 in the south 3, 7, 11 in the west 4, 8, 12 in the north

The strengths of signs

 If the human signs are in the ascendant then it gains strength.

 When the four-legged signs are located in the tenth house from the ascendant they become strong.

 When Keeda signs occupy the 7th house they are strong.

 The water sign at the 4th house is strong.

4. Apoclima………3, 6, 9, 12 - Planets placed on these houses are considered weak or not very powerful.Those houses

correspond in meaning to the dual signs.

5. Upachaya……….3, 6, 10, 11 - Planets placed in those houses tend to grow and improve over a period of time. 6. Apachaya………2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12 - Planets placed in those houses tend to obstruct or harm, become unfriendly

over a period of time.

7. Day signs……….Simha, Kanya, Tula, Vrischika, Kumbha, Meena have more strength during daytime.

8. Night signs………Mesha, Vrischika, Mithuna, Karkata, Dhanu, Makara gain greater strength during nighttime. 9. Watery signs………..Karkata, Meena and the second half of Makara sign.

10. Human signs…………Tula, Mithuna, Kumbha, Kanya.

11. Four-legged signs……….The first half of Makara, the second half of Dhanu,Vrischika, Simha 12. Keeda signs………Vrischika.

13. Fire signs ……….Mesha, Simha, Dhanu.

14. Sheershodaya signs…………..Simha, Kanya, Tula, Vrischika, Kumbha, Mithuna - Indicates good result in first half 15. Prushtodaya signs ………Mesha, Vrischika, Karkata, Dhanu, Makara - Indicates good results in the second half. 16. Ubhayodaya signs ……….Meena - Indicates good result in both first and second half.

17. Visible signs………Signs from 7 to 12

18. Invisible signs………From ascendant to 6th sign 19. Long signs………..Simha, Kanya, Tula, Vrischika.

20. Equal signs………Mithuna, Karkata, Dhanu, Makara, Meena

21. Oordhwamukha signs………The sign that Sun occupies and its 12, 2, 3rd signs.

22. Adhomukha signs………..The sign occupied by the Sun and the 4, 5, 6,7th signs from sun. 23. Thiryanmukha signs………..The 8, 9, 10, 11th signs of the sign occupied by Sun.

24. The directions in the zodiac

Mesha, Vrisha East Tula, vrischika West

Mithuna South eastern direction Dhanu North western

Karkata, Simha South Makara, Kumbha North

Kanya South western Meena North eastern

25. The lords of signs

Mesha, Vrischika

Mars Makara, Kumbha Saturn

Vrischika, Tula Venus Karkata Moon Mithuna, Kanya Mercury Simha Sun

Meena, Dhanu Jupiter Makara, Kumbha Saturn

26. Male signs………..Mesha, Mithuna, Simha, Tula, Dhanu, Kumbha.

27. Female signs………Vrischika, Karkata, Kanya, Vrischika, Makara, Meena.

28. Water signs…………..Karkata, Vrischika, Meena, the northern half of Makara. The water signs have special strength if they come as the 4th house after the ascendant

29. Jalaasraya signs………..If any one of Vrischika, Tula, Kanya, Kumbha comes as the 7th house after ascendant then the sign has special strength.

Planets, general information: …………

General information about planets:

Saturn

Saturn is situated the farthest and highest from Sun. The distance from Saturn to Sun is said to be 88,72,00,000 miles.

Venus Venus is located 6,72,40,000 miles away from Sun.

Venus moves between Earth and Mercury.

Jupiter

Jupiter is the next farthest planet from Sun after Saturn. Jupiter is located 49,39,00,000 miles away from Sun. Its diameter is 88700 miles.

Moon

Moon moves around Earth. Therefore, the distance between moon and sun cannot be estimated correctly. The distance from moon to earth is 238850 miles. The moon with a diameter of 2158 miles is smaller than mercury.

Mars

The son of Earth, Mars is situated 14,10,00,000 miles away from the Sun. This 4250 miles- diameter planet is similar to and smaller than Earth.

Earth

In terms of size, earth comes third only after Sun and Jupiter. Its diameter is 7930 miles and its distance from Sun is 9,30,00,000 miles.

Sun The 865000-mile-diameter Sun stands

9,30,00,000 miles away from the Earth.

Rahu and Ketu

These are not real planets but are shadow planets. These are points where the earth’s transit cuts the moon’s transit. They move between the paths of Saturn and Jupiter. When all the planets move forward they move backward. These are imaginary. They take 18 years to complete one revolution around Sun and they remain in one Rasi for 1 ½ years.

Mercury Mercury stands closest to Sun. It’s

distance is 3,60,00,000 miles from Sun.

Planetary movement time & nature of planets: ……..Planetary movement time (to travel in a

Sun In one sign One month Jupiter In one sign 361 days (1 year) Moon In one sign 2 ¼ days Saturn In one sign 2 ½ years

Mars In one sign 49 days Rahu In one sign 1 ½ years Mercury In one sign One month Ketu In one sign 1 ½ years

Venus In one sign One month

Although the average time taken by a planet in a Rashi is as above, changes are not ruled out.

The nature of planets:

Full moon Benefic Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu Malefic (A waning Moon and Mercury associated with a malefic are malefics)

Directions of planets; combustion: …………

http://blog.indianastrologysoftware.com/2013/02/directions-of-planets-combustion.html

The Lords of Rasi: ………

been assigned ownership of these signs. Thus, we can see that there are 2 signs each for 5 planets along with Sun and Moon having one sign each. Rahu, Ketu and Gulika do not have own signs.

12 Jupiter 1 Mars 2 Venus 3 Mercury 11 Saturn 4 Moon 10 Saturn 5 Sun 9 Jupiter 8 Mars 7 Venus 6 Mercury

Own sign (Swakshetra), Moolathrikona: ………..

Planets Own

House Moola Thrikona Planets Own House Moola Thrikona Sun Simha Simha 0 Degree to 20

Degree

Jupiter Dhanu Dhanu 0 Degree to 10 Degree Moon Karkata Vrishabha 4 Degree to 30

Degree

Venus Tula Tula 0 Degree to 5 Degree Mars Mesha Mesha 0 Degree to 12

Degree

Saturn Kumbha Kumbha 0 Degree to 20 Degree Mercury Kanya Kanya 16 Degree to 30

Degree ……… Venus Sun Exalted Houses Jupiter Mars Saturn Mercury ……… Planets Exalted Rasi

Most Exalted Debilitated Most Debilitated

Sun Mesha 10 Degree Mesha Tula 10 Degree Tula

Moon Vrishabha 3 Degree Vrishabha Vrischika 10 Degree Vrischika Mars Makara 20 Degree Makara Karkata 20 Degree Karkata Mercury Kanya 15 Degree Kanya Meena 15 Degree Meena

Jupiter Karkata 5 Degree Karkata Makara 5 Degree Makara Venus Meena 27 Degree Meena Kanya 27 Degree Kanya Saturn Tula 20 Degree Tula Mesha 20 Degree Mesha

Mercury Saturn

Debilitated Houses

Mars Jupiter

Rahu and Ketu: ………….

The relations between planets and Grahadrishti: ……….The relations between planets

Planets Friend Enemy Equal Planets Friend Enemy Equal

Sun Ma, Ju, Moo Sat, Ven Mercury Venus Mer, Sa Sun, Moon Ma, Ju Moon Sun, Mer Nil Ma, Ju, Sat, Ven Saturn Mer, Ven Su, Mo, Ma Jupiter Mars Ju, Sun, Moo Mer Sat, Ven Rahu Mer, Ven, Sat Su, Mo, Ju Mars Mercury Sun, Ven Moo Ju, Sat, Ma Ketu Mer, Ven, Sat Su, Mo, Ju Mars

Jupiter Sun, Moo, Ma Ven, Mer Saturn

For all planets, the lords of their exalted signs and those of 12, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 of their Moolathrikona signs are friends. If they get the lordship of two houses then they become friends and with the lordship of one house they become equal. For planets with lordship of only one sign (Sun and Moon), the lordship of any one of the above mentioned houses will create friends. The planets who are not lords of any of the aforesaid houses become enemies of wishes.

Grahadrishti: …………..

http://blog.indianastrologysoftware.com/2014/07/gulika-maandi.html

Gulika (Maandi): ………..

diverse concepts……….Vedic astrology makes out a set of two non-luminous shadowy planets, namely Rahu & Ketu. Similarly, there is Gulika (Maandi), and it is believed that it has no physical shape or form, but has a mention in the Puranas………Maandi:……….These are considered to have the eclipsing power are known for ‘swallowing up ' the luminaries. In Kerala it is very popular, and is believed to be very significant in Kundali, Prasna Kundali and picking muhurtha. It also helps in analyzing the horoscope further………Power:………. Maandi is the most harmful planet among imitative planets particularly when it is related to Saturn. The lord of the sign is in use by Maandi, which turns malefic. Astrological works discovers the impressions of Maandi in all houses as well as in connection with other planets……….The reference to certain invisible satellites in the Jyothisha Phala Bhagam are Kala, Paridhi, Dhuna, Ardhaprahara, Yamakandaka, Indrachapa, Maandi, Vruthipatha and Upakethu. Besides, Ushnashikha, Vishti and Ekargalam are also considered during result-oriented periods.

Weekdays Day Night Weekdays Day Night Sunday 26 Ghatis 10 Ghatis Thursday 10 Ghatis 22 Ghatis Monday 22 Ghatis 6 Ghatis Friday 6 Ghatis 18 Ghatis Tuesday 18 Ghatis 2 Ghatis Saturday 2 Ghatis 14 Ghatis Wednesday 14 Ghatis 26 Ghatis

Even though invisible Gulika is said to rise two times a day, i.e. day and night. Gulikan's rise is after a definite time from sunrise and sunset…………Note: The table has been created as 30 Ghati during daytime and 30 Ghati in the night. Appropriate changes must be made in the Gulikan's rise time according to the real Dinamana (duration of day) and Rathrimana (duration of night)………Apart from its Drishti in the 7th house, Gulikan also has Drishti in the 2nd and 12th houses.

Result of Gulika positioned in different houses: ………….

following are the results:………cruelty, dishonesty, atheism, quarreling behaviour, vicious drishti, over-eating, childlessness, short life.

Gulika Positioned Result

In 2nd House Interest in quarrels, useless words, stay in far-off places

In 3rd House Boldness, deceit, anger, ill-health, misfortune for siblings, traveling instinct In 4th House Inadequate love from kith and kin, absence of motherly affection In 5th House Short life, fickle mindedness, infertility, bad thoughts

In 6th House Courage, efficiency in all matters, enemy destruction, interest in learning magic, good children In 7th House Lack of education, ingratitude, adultery, quarrelling and anti-social nature

In 8th House Short physique, ugliness, defective eye, natural handicap

In 9th House Absence of blessings from teachers and scholars, philosopher, fear of snakes, stay abroad In 10th House Selfishness, interest in sad-ending activities

In 11th House Brilliance, luxury, attractive figure, good children In 12th House Inconsistency, lavishness, carelessness in worldly affairs

Gulika positioned in different houses: ………

at certain times of the day yield good or bad results. This happens due to predominant universal influences…….It is said that anything that happens in Gulika period will be a repeat. It is not considered auspicious for Marriage, and in the case of the unfortunate incident of death, you are advised to postpone the cremation till such period is over. Also, there will be a considerable amount of delay and lack of success in whatever you do during this period. However, Gulika period is a favorable period for trading, moving to a new house, undergoing treatment, using jewelry, study of Vedas etc……….When Gulika joins Sun, it is unfavorable for father, and if it joins moon, it affects mother, with Mars it implies parting from siblings……….When it is with Mercury, mental disturbances, with Jupiter it creates hypocrisy, with Venus there will be immoral character and with Saturn leprosy and short life are the results……..The association with Rahu will lead to poisoning and with Ketu there may arise physical

handicap……..Gulika creates all types of ailments and miseries and destroys the Bhava in which it is located. When associated with other planets Gulikan wipes out their benefits and maximizes the bad effects……According to some scholars, the lord of the sign in which Gulika exists becomes a malefic if the birth occurs either in any of the triangular signs in which Gulika exists or in Gulika Navamsaka sign…….The Gulika period which is the origin of every sorrow and sin is, in fact, considered good for trading, moving to a new house, undergoing treatment, using jewelry, study of Vedas etc.

Stars: ……….

Lunar months and Lunar signs: ………

Paksha: ………

(Vaisakham)………The time from Prathama tithi to Amavasya after the Amavasya in the month of Meena is called Chaitram and the period from Prathama tithi to Amavasya after the Amavasya in the month of Mesha is called Vaishakham.

1 Chaitram 5 Sravanam 9 Margashirsham 2 Vaisakham 6 Bhadrapadam 10 Pousham 3 Jyeshtam 7 Aashwinam 11 Maagham 4 Ashadham 8 Kartika 12 Phalgunam

are the 12 lunar months that make a lunar year according to Hindu Calendar…………. From 22nd March 1957, the official almanac of the Government of India contains these names of months. It is recorded as Sakavarsham in the government calendar………There are 12 signs in the zodiac. Every star has a time length of 60 Nazhika (Ghati) or 13 degrees 20 minutes of arc. The star is divided into 4 Padas (quarter) of 15 Nazhika or 3 degree 20 minutes. In one zodiac sign, there are 9 star Padas or 2 ¼ stars. The sign in which moon exists is called Moon Sign or Birth Rasi. (27 divided by 12 = 2 ¼ stars in one sign). This means that the moon passes all the 12 signs during its revolution around the earth. Moon will stay for 2 ¼ days in a sign. (2 days 6 hours 38 minutes and 34 seconds).

Lunar signs:

Stars and their divisions Lunar Sign Stars and their divisions Lunar Sign Aswini, Bharani, Krittika ¼ Mesha Chitra ½, Swati, Vishakha ¾ Tula Krittika ¾, Rohini, Mrigasira ½ Vrishabha Vishakha ¼, Anuradha, Jyeshta Vrischika Mrigasira ½, Aridra, Punarvasu ¾ Mithuna Moola, Poorvashada, U ashada ¼ Dhanu Punarvasu ¼, Pushyami, Aslesha Karkata U ashada ¾,, Sravana, Dhanishta ½ Makara Maka, P Phalguni, U Phalguni ¼ Simha Dhanishta ½, Satabhisha, P bhadra ¾ Kumbha U Phalguni ¾, Hasta, Chitra ½ Kanya Poorvabhadra ¼, U bhadra, Revati Meena Note: ………Every star is divided into 4 parts, which are also known as padas or padams. In the above

table, as per the order given, ¼ refers to the first or last padam of a particular star, ½ refers to the first or next two padas of a particular star and ¾ refers to the first or next three padas of a particular star. Stars indicated without any fraction refer to all 4 padas, indicating that all 4 padas of a particular star correspond to a lunar sign.

Tides: ………

Benefic & Malefic Planets, Paksha Bala: ……….

Venus are natural benefics. But the waning moon in Krishna Paksha cannot be considered beneficial. However, if there is the Yoga (association) or Drishti (aspect) on the Moon it will become a benefic. Mercury turns benefic or malefic depending on its association with other planets……….Malefic Planets:……Waning moon, Saturn, Sun, Mars, Rahu, Ketu, Gulikan and afflicted Mercury are all malefics.

What is Paksha Bala? ...

The parts of Kalapurusha's body represent the 360 degree belt of the heavens, the zodiac.

Position/Zodiac Part of body Position/Zodiac Part of body

First house or Aries head Seventh house or Libra lower abdomen and groin Second house or Taurus face Eighth house or Scorpio external genitalia Third house or Gemini shoulders Ninth house or Sagittarius thighs

Fourth house or Cancer heart Tenth house or Capricorn knees Fifth house or Leo stomach Eleventh house or Aquarius ankles Sixth house or Virgo midriff Twelfth house or Pisces feet

Rasi Gandantham and Njattuvela: …………..

period of Rasi Gandantham shows a malefic effect on his/her family members. The half Ghati at the end of Karkata sign, the first half Ghati of Simha, the last half Ghati of Vrischika, the first half Ghati of Dhanu, the last half Ghati of Meena, the first half Ghati of Mesha are periods with Gandantha Dosham. The Gandantha dosham is applicable for these periods only……….Njattuvela (position of the Sun)………..All stars traverse through their circular paths daily. Planets also travel through the stars. This distant phenomenon cannot be witnessed with naked eyes. The transit of Sun through the stars is called Njattuvela. Sun passes through 27 stars in 12 months. Therefore, a Njattuvela takes around 14 days. Similarly, the Moon's presence in a star is called Naal. A sign

contains 2¼ stars. When Sun transits through a star, it is called that star's Njattuvela. There are 2 Njattuvelas in one month. The Njattuvelas are taken for the stars, which are included in the sign with the name of the current month……….Eg: We usually refer to Thiruvathira (Ardra) Njattuvela for monsoon. Thiruvathira is included in Mithuna sign. Therefore, Thiruvathira (Ardra) njattuvela comes in the month of Mithuna. The Panchangas list clearly the beginning and the end of Njattuvelas of every month. Like Sun and Moon, other planets too transit through stars. These are given as Grahapakarchas in the Panchanga.

Vimshottari (Nakshatra) Dasa System: ………..

strength and position of planets and the strength of Yogas. Although there are several dasas like Kalachakradasa, Nissargadasa, Niryanadasa and Gulikadasa in astrology, the pride of place is given to Nakshatra dasa or star dasa……….Within the Nakshatra Dasa system, there are variations assigning different cycle periods and the most popular system is based on a cycle of 120 years, and this is called the Vimsottari Dasa System. In this system, human life is assigned a possible total of 120 years. These 120 years are divided into rulership of the 9 planets. Each planet has its own period of rulership and is called the dasa period of the planet……….The starting dasa of a person at the time of birth is determined based on the lord of the birth star. For example, a person born in either Aswini, Maka or Moola stars will have Kethu dasa at the beginning and those born in Bharani, Purva Phalguni or Poorvashada will have Venus dasa in the beginning, th eplanet being the lord of the birth star………A person born at the beginning of Aswini star will have 7 years of Kethu Dasa. However, if at the time of birth some time has elapsed after the beginning of the period of the star, the balance of the dasa will be proportionately less. For example, if only 10 degrees of Ashwini star out of the total of 13 degrees 20 minutes is left, then we have to calculate the balance of the dasa at birth. The first dasa balance of a new born baby is called Sishtadasa or

Garbhasishtadasa………..

Dashas and Dasha Periods: ………..

Stars Stars Stars Dasa Years

Aswini Makha Moola Ketu 7

Bharani Purva Phalguni Poorvashada Venus 20 Krittika Uttara Phalguni Uttarashada Sun 6

Rohini Hasta Sravana Moon 10

Mrigasira Chitra Dhanishta Mars 7

Ardra Swati Satabhisha Rahu 18

Punarvasu Visakha Poorvabhadra Jupiter 16 Pushyami Anuradha Uttarabhadra Saturn 19

Aslesha Jyeshta Revati Mercury 17

Total 120 Years

The dasa period of a planet includes the 9 respective Apahara periods of all the nine planets. In all dasas, the nine planets do have Apaharas. At the beginning of every dasa, the first Apahara belongs to the lord of dasa himself. Then, the Apahara of each planet comes as per the order. ………The Apahara is also called Anthardasa or bhukti. The Apahara period is calculated according to the length of the dasa period.

Calculation of Antardasha (Apahara or Bhukti)

The Apahara (secondary dasha) period of a Mahadasha (primary dasha) can be easily calculated as:

The period of the lord of dasha

--- x The dasha period of the planet whose apahara is to be known. 120

Examples:

1) To find the apahara (secondary dasha) of Mars during the dasha of Moon

10 70

--- x 7 = --- years = 7 months 120 120

2) To find the apahara (secondary dasha) of Rahu during the dasha of Moon

10 180

--- x 18 = --- years = 1 year and 6 months 120 120

3) To find the apahara (secondary dasha) of Saturn during the dasha of Jupiter

16 304

--- x 19 = --- years = 2 years, 6 months and 12 days 120 120

Each apahara (secondary dasha) is again divided for the nine planets and it is called Pratyantar Dasha or Antharbhukti (tertiary dasha)……….Each tertiary dasha period is again divided for the nine planets and it is called Sukshma bhukti (quaternary dasha). The Sukshma Bhukti, in turn, is divided and this is called Prana Bhukti (quinary dasha). Thus, through such fine subdivisions of periods one can comprehend the smallest changes happening throughout one’s life.

Planetary Disposition: ……….

In astronomy, Zodiac is defined as a band of the celestial sphere extending about 8° to either side of the ecliptic that represents the path of the principal planets, the Moon and Sun………In astrology, this band divided into 12 equal parts called signs, each 30° wide, bearing the name of a constellation for which it was originally named but with which it no longer coincides owing to the precession of the equinoxes………As per Vedic astrology, the Sun, Moon and other five planets (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus & Saturn) along with Rahu, Ketu, Gulikan and ascendant travel through this path. The horoscope at the time of a person's birth shows the position of the planets in the signs of the zodiac. Similarly, the planetary disposition can be charted for any moment an event

occurs………Although in reality, it is the Earth that revolves around the Sun. But as per Vedic astrology, the relative movement of Sun and other planets as seen from Earth is considered and recorded. These are called the

geocentric longitudes. Similarly, while Moon revolves around Earth, it is assumed that Moon travels along with other planets in the zodiac. Even though there are regional differences in the representation of the zodiac, a rectangular chart is commonly used in India. Western astrologers prefer a circular representation.

Ascendant or lagna ?

http://blog.indianastrologysoftware.com/2014/08/ascendant-or-lagna.html

In astrology, the point of the ecliptic or the sign of the zodiac that rises in the east at the time of a person's birth or another event is called the ascendant. It is marked as "Asc" (Ascendant) or "Lag" (Lagna) in the zodiac chart. The ascendant is a very significant parameter in the horoscope……….The sign of the month as per solar calendar, in which a person is born is called Udaya Rasi (Sun Sign). For example, if a person was born in Medam (Mesham) month as per Malayalam regional calendar, the position of Sun is marked in Mesha Rasi in the

horoscope chart………..The ascendant is marked in the sign determined by the time of birth. The ascendant moves through one sign in approximately two hours or 5 Ghatis (This varies according to the location of the place on the globe). On the first day of the month of Medam (Mesha), the Mesha sign will be present right from sunrise. As each day passes in the month of Mesha, the time of Mesha in the sun sign declines. Thus on the last day of Mesha month, there will be only a few minutes of Mesha left. The ascendant has huge significance in a horoscope. It acts as the starting point of calculating the houses. If the time and place of birth are wrong, then the horoscope will also be wrong.

 Accurate calculation of ascendant is very critical. Though numerous methods are used to calculate the ascendant, the three most-popular methods are as follows.

 The method commonly used by astrologers is to calculate the ascendant using the sunrise and sunset time, Udayalparam and Asthamayalparam and the oblique ascension (Rasimanam) of each region.  A more detailed method is to estimate the longitude and latitude of the place of birth and find ascendant

using the table of ascendants.

A more thorough method is to find ascendant using the mathematical, trigonometric formula using longitude and latitude………The longitudes of planets indicate the astronomical location of planets in the zodiac. The planet longitudes of each day are given in the Panchanga. The planet longitude at 5.30 a.m. for each place is given. From this, the longitudes of planets at the time of birth is meticulously calculated and written down. Besides, the Panchanga also contains the Gulikodaya of every day and night. As per this, the sign in which Gulikan stands is also marked. On the basis of Panchanga a number of other parameters like the tithi, karana, nithyayoga, sunrise and sunset can also be estimated.

Significance of planets: ……….

tranquility, night, agriculture, north-western side, sumptuous food, physical attraction, white colour, silver, expensive gems, ocean, fan, umbrella, milk, water, flowers, fruits, all woman-related subjects, softness, all fleshy objects, ornaments, rose water, praise, sandal, sweets, alcohol, perfumes, sugarcane, sugar, mirror, Veena, and motherliness………Mars:………Welfare of siblings, unemotional state of mind, energy, earth, army, police, courage, danger, cruelty, war, murder, marriage, thief, humility, disgrace, weapon, haste, and

atheism…………Mercury:…….Education, good communication skills, mathematics, science, higher studies, uncle, nephew, devotion to Lord Vishnu, relatives, jokes, poem, teacher-student relationship, communications, heir, fasting, messenger, magic, bribe, mediation, skin………….Jupiter:………This is the most serene planet of all. Welfare of children, wealth, gold, wealth accumulation, intelligence, devotion, company of the spouse, northeast direction, higher studies, luck, psychology, mastery of worldly affairs, mantras, compassion, priest, master, communication skills, customs, etc. Jupiter has the power to influence other planets. Association with Jupiter minimizes the effect of malefic aspects of other planets. An effect of Jupiter makes a person deeply religious. The prosperity of the household is influenced by Jupiter…………..Jupiter is one of the significations for employment. It also empowers a person to perform the rites for father………Venus:………The Venus signifies worldly art forms. Interest in arts (Saraswathi), architecture, and ability to create designs and enjoy arts is influenced by Venus. It is also the significator of spouse, marriage, beauty, wealth, dress, ornaments, treasure, vehicle,

prosperity, music, drama, literature, promiscuousness, enthusiasm, decorations, lovers, sexual science, bedroom, cinema, food, prostitute, alcohol. The factors influenced by Venus are often impermanent or transitory in

nature…………..Saturn:…………Longevity, death, ailment, servitude, foreign language, education, disgrace, poverty, dirtiness, danger, iron-related occupation, prison, chains, laziness, destruction, black colour, Lord Ayyappa, cemetery, the old woman, agriculture, shamelessness, injustice, international relations…………If Saturn is favourably disposed of, there are chances of the native becoming a reputed philosopher / saint………Rahu Rahu and Kethu move in retrograde motion, i.e., in the direction opposite to the normal motion of other planets. They are malefic………. Ketu:………A person under the influence of Ketu will be much more dangerous than those under Rahu's influence. He will have no qualms about anything. Ketu signifies salvation, sorrow,

Northwestern direction, wind-borne diseases, witch-hunt, ghost, poor living conditions, and empty residence.

Rahu signifies:

 Serpent – All species of snake  Grandfather – Father's father

 Leprosy, skin disease, blood impurity, etc.  Pretention – deception, physical handicap

 Poison, suicide. snake temples, skin diseases, (Rahu controls body purification. If Rahu is situated in second then purification of body cannot be achieved)

Houses: ……….

longitude is 10 degrees 15 minutes in Mesha. When we take 15 degrees ahead, we get Mesha 25 degree 15 minutes. When we take 15 degrees backwards then what we get is Meena 25 degree 15 minutes. Thus, the ascendant house is from Meena 25 degree 15 minutes to Mesha 25 degrees 15 minutes. From the 30th degree at the end of the first house the second house begins, then at the 30th degree from there the third house begins and in this order the 12 houses are formed……….Bhava Sandhis or house cusps:……….Bhava sandhi is the meeting point of two houses. The planet in Bhava sandhi is passive. The planetary conjunctions in the zodiac may not be exactly repeated in the houses. Changes can be brought in according to the longitude of planets……….Eg: Suppose the ascendant is Mesha. Jupiter and Moon have been shown there. In the 12th sign of Meena, Venus and Mercury have been shown. Here, the ascendant longitude is 0 sign 10 degree 15 minute. The longitude of Jupiter is 0 sign 28 degrees 10 minute i.e. Jupiter is situated in Mesha 28 degree 10 minutes……….Moon longitude is 0 sign 3 degree 12 minute i.e. Moon is situated in Mesha 3 degree 12 minute. The ascendant house is on the other hand; Meena 25 degree 15 minutes to Mesha 25 degree 15 minutes. Since Jupiter is placed on Mesha 28 degree 10 minutes, this is after the first house i.e. in the second house. Moon is in the first house at Mesha 3 degree 12 minute. Since the house begins at Meena 25 degree 15 minutes, Moon is in the ascendant house

itself………In the zodiac, the Jupiter and Moon be shown in the Mesha sign. Still, as per house, Jupiter is in the second house and Moon in the first. Mercury and Venus are marked in the Meena sign. As the beginning of the first house is at the end of the 12th house, Kumbha 25 degree 15 minute to Meena 25 degree 15 minute constitutes the 12th house. If the longitude of Venus is at 11th sign 25 degrees 20 minute and that of Mercury is 11th sign 10 degree 15 minute, then Venus is in the ascendant house and Mercury in the 12th house. The Venus, which is shown in the 12th house in the zodiac, is in the ascendant house according to the house, and Mercury is in the 12th house itself. (See the Planetary dispositions in the zodiac and the house)

The Determination of Strength of Houses: ………

a reference helps in predicting the event in the life of an individual. Different significances rule these houses and accordingly give result based upon the strength, functional nature, and placement of the lord of that house in a horoscope. Though the arrangement of houses is fixed in a horoscope, their ascendant lords differ according to the date of birth, place and time. The house of an ascendant is always the first house and the other houses follow in an anti-clockwise direction.

 Every house is strengthened by the Yogadrishti of its lord, benefics and the lord of the ninth house.

 If the 12 houses including the ascendant are placed with the Drishti of their respective lords, then they will gain strength.

 If benefic planets are placed in the 2nd and 12th of each house, then the house will be hemmed between benefics. This gives strength to it.

 When the house does not have an association and aspect of malefic planets and the lords of 6, 8 and 12th houses then it will possess strength.

 Whenever the strength of any house is being evaluated, if the 2, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10th houses from that house have benefic planets then the house gets strength.

 The yogadrishti of malefic planets creates weakness in houses.

 If the houses are hemmed between malefic then, it also creates weakness.

 The house whose lord is either in the 6, 8 or 12th house, is debilitated, combusted or with the yogadrishti of malefic planets, will be rendered weak.

………..

Seeing Through the Eye of the Vedas

by Kerry Shamblin

originally published in the July/August 2013 issue of Bella Spark Magazine.

Astrology is an ancient science that, through time, has traveled organically with human cultures,

morphing with the people who carry the tradition. In the most basic sense, astrology is the observation

and interpretation of the rhythmic pattern offered to us by the cosmos and star system in which we dwell.

If we believe in the theory of macrocosm = microcosm, or “as above, so below,” it is easy to accept the

belief that the patterns reflected by our planets and stars relay to us a macrocosmic version of the same

story that occurs in the microcosm. By reading the macrocosmic version, we gain great perspective on

the microcosmic version that is unfolding before our eyes.

Jyotish

If we think of the various styles of astrology as branches, the trunk of the tree of astrology is Vedic

Astrology, also known in the ancient language of Sanskrit as jyotish, the science of light and the Eye of

the Vedas. It is an ancient science that dates back in continual practice for thousands of years, passed

down through families and through teacher-student relationships. The “rules” of jyotish are very specific,

coming from various texts we call the Vedas, scriptures that were channeled through ancient seers known

as rishis and written down for the benefit of humankind.

Because this science has been practiced for thousands of years, the observers of celestial events and

entities were able to perceive a very slow cycle that we refer to as “the precession of the equinoxes.” This

cycle lasts about 24,000 years and creates the basis for the ages that define the progression of life on

Earth. This precession is caused by the rotation of our entire solar system within its place in our arm of

the galaxy. We can perceive this movement by watching the point in the zodiac where the vernal equinox

occurs, astronomically speaking.

The zodiac is the circular band of stars in which the planets travel, from our perspective on Earth. This

360-degree track of stars is traditionally divided into twelve constellations, or signs: Aries, Taurus,

Gemini, etc. To recognize the movements of the planets through the signs of these fixed stars of the

zodiac is the first step in gathering astrological data. Astronomical observation tells us that the vernal

equinox, which is the point when day and night are of equal length while the Sun is on its orthern course,

is currently occurring at seven degrees of the constellation Pisces.

Sidereal Zodiac or Tropical Zodiac

Vedic astrology is and has always been based on the astronomical positions of the planets in the

constellations. Jyotish employs what is known as the sidereal zodiac: twelve constellations of stars

which are astronomically observable. Western astrology generally uses the tropical zodiac, which has

fixed the vernal equinox at one degree of Aries, thereby creating an ever-growing gap of about 24

degrees between the two zodiacs. There are some western astrologers who do use the sidereal zodiac.

The use of these two zodiacs is the fundamental difference between the Vedic and western systems of

astrology, and beyond that there are both similarities and differences. For example, the signs of the

zodiacs are the same but have slightly different planetary rulerships. The planets are the same, but

western astrology integrates Neptune, Uranus, Pluto and other “planetoids” where Vedic astrology sticks

to the observable planets and its own set of “upagrahas,” which we could translate as “additional

planets.” Each system uses the concept of “houses” that are established based on the degree that is rising

over the eastern horizon at the moment in question, but the two systems have varying ways of dividing

and defining those houses. Both systems have unique ways of viewing how the planets interact and

influence one another in a chart, but the basic idea is the same: Astrology is a tool that helps us become

of aware of the forces that are shaping our lives so that we can make choices that support our health,

happiness and evolution.

The Eye of the Vedas implies the ability to see with eternal wisdom. To read and interpret the planetary

influences through the lens of jyotish and to creatively and wisely remedy situations that are difficult and

promote situations that are beneficial is to open ourselves to the opportunity to move toward our destiny

with free will, wisdom and awareness. The goal of jyotish is to bring awareness to our karmic situation

such that we can gracefully learn the lessons we have been born to learn and to ultimately free ourselves

of the bonds of karma through our choices and practices.

Vedic Astrology Signs

by Kerry Shamblin

The signs represent the twelve-fold division of the zodiac. Each sign is 30° of the entire 360° of the

zodiac, and is represented by an observable constellation. Each of the signs is ruled by one of the planets,

as mentioned above, and because of this a sign carries many of the qualities of that planet. The names

should be familiar.

ARIES This is the positive sign of Mars, the first sign in the zodiac, and the cardinal fire sign. Its

symbol is the ram, and certainly the head-butting nature of the ram is evident in this sign. The martial

qualities of Mars shine through here, but often times, Aries types will be more prone to argument, using

their heads as a weapon, so to speak, than resorting to physical violence. The Aries is aggressive,

headstrong, passionate, adventurous, skillful, and independent. They posses a keen perception and have

logical and scientific abilities which give them abilities in the fields of research and development of

ideas. The Aries may tend toward a self-centered attitude and insensitivity, but depend on relationship to

achieve balance. They relish teamwork and the exponential results achieved by working together.

TAURUS As the second sign, the sign of fixed earth, Venus' negative sign shows the capacity for

relationship. Its symbol is the bull, the ever potent and powerful beast, content to sniff flowers in the

pasture, but dangerous when provoked. Aries shows the head, but Taurus is the face and neck, including

the throat. Many Tauruses are excellent vocalists, capable of expressing their art and feeling through their

voice. Taurus individuals are often artistic, and value stability, beauty, the commitment of relationship,

and the comforts of life. They are earthy and like to work with their hands. A strongly Taurian person

may be prone to materialism, but on the other hand, will value love highly and will be very devoted.

Fixed in their ways, it may be difficult to get a Taurean to move from their place of comfort. Slow to

anger, they may also be slow to forgive.

GEMINI This sign is mutable air, sign number three, and the positive sign of Mercury. Its symbol is the

twins or a couple, which to me represents a somewhat dual, changeable nature. The related body parts are

the arms and shoulders. The Gemini possesses an unparallel agility of mind, a restless nature, and a vast

source of nervous energy that may drive them until they drop. They love knowledge, interchange, and

communication, becoming poets, writers, computer programmers, secretaries, or scientists. Their

mobility extends into the realm of relationships, and they may tend toward the need for the stimulation of

new partners. A Gemini may have strong sexual orientation, but should take care not to dissipate their

vital energy, which they tend to spread thinly over their many projects and pursuits. Their quick minds

may lead to a deceptive nature, or they may be unreliable or hard to pin down. If they turn their desire for

knowledge inward, they tend to become quite spiritual.

CANCER Cancer, sign number four, extols the stability of that number by representing the home and

the mother. It is the sign of the Moon, cardinal water, symbolized by the crab and in ancient times the cat,

an animal fit to show the comforts of home. Cancer rules the chest or breasts. The Cancer is nurturing,

caring, and open, ready to cook for you, welcome you into their home, or lend a sympathetic shoulder.

They can be strongly imaginative, intuitive, and deeply connected to the subconscious, perhaps making

them overly emotional. Cancers may be shy, dependent, or defensive, but once they reach a level of

connectivity, they become confident and powerful, which allows them to project their love and care to

others, much like the Moon.

LEO The sign of fixed fire, ruled by the Sun, is Leo, and is symbolized by the lion, king of the beasts.

As sign number five, it evokes the need for harmony and order surrounding a central purpose. In the

body, Leo is the heart and the solar plexus. A Leo individual may carry the air of nobility or royalty in

some way, much like the lion, and is often found at the center of attention, much like the Sun. The sense

of will, self, and character is strong and pronounced. Leos shine like the Sun and love attention, which

their generous radiance attracts. They have the tendency to subordinate others and make satellites of

them; this desire to be surrounded by admirers could be described as vanity. They value honor, respect,

and prestige. If Leo can control his pride and need for attention, the strength and nobility of his warm

heart can lead him to greatness of soul and character.

VIRGO This is Mercury's other sign, mutable earth, and is symbolized by the Virgin, or as I prefer to

call her, the Harvest Maid. Virgo's bodily domains are the hands and the intestines, and as sign number

six(2x3),it shows the need for balance, especially between body and mind. This need manifests as two

sides of a coin; on one hand Virgos can tend to have a weak constitution, can be prone to illness caused

by nervous disorders, may be chronically sick, and may suffer from weak digestion and elimination.

Conversely, as disease often leads us towards healing, Virgos make excellent doctors or healers, or may

enjoy practices that require balance and discipline, such as Hatha Yoga. They are intelligent, possessive

of keen memories, and can use their vast store of factual information to diagnose and analyze many types

of problems, especially when it comes to the connection of body and mind. A Virgo is discriminating,

and prefers order and cleanliness. The earth element lends to Virgo an inherent sense of line and form,

and they may become artists, and being practically oriented, may show skills as a craftsman or draftsman.

This earthy mutability gives the Virgo talent as an actor or impressionist, easily able to discipline his or

her expression.

LIBRA Here is the positive sign of Venus, cardinal air, sign number seven, showing the need for

leadership and command of ideas. Libra's symbol is the scales, which evoke balance, and its domain in

the human body is the lower abdomen. Libras have a strong sense of history as a whole, seeing the need

for balance in the larger picture. They show profound human sensitivity coupled with an idealistic need

to create heaven on earth. They are charismatic, and often sexually attractive, giving them the power to

influence people. Libras may choose politics, art, or drama to project their idealism, and will enjoy the

fame that may accompany those pursuits. A person strongly influenced by this sign may be a

revolutionary or prophet, a person with a love of truth and a desire for balance and harmony. Not too

attached to the realm of home and family, a Libra, influenced by the energy of Venus, feels at home when

surrounded by beauty, in the form of people, places, and things.

SCORPIO This mysterious and misunderstood sign is sign number eight, Mars' negative sign, which

has the need for stability and balance on a deeper, subconscious level. Scorpio rules the sexual organs. It

is fixed water (which reminds me of ice), and its symbol is the scorpion, or, as a symbol for

transformation that this sign evokes, the eagle. Much like an Aries, a Scorpio may be an orator or a

skilled debater, and able to express powerful emotions; he or she may even be a poet, actor, or artist.

Scorpio prefers to express martial energy on a physical level and may be drawn to professions such as

policeman, soldier, or athlete. Mentally developed, they make good scientists, researchers, or surgeons

and are often attracted to occult studies, as they are interested in what lies beneath the surface. A Scorpio

is bound to have an interest any form of direction of energy, and also a perception of life as a battle

between light and dark, good and evil. Comfortable with the subconscious, they are able to take on and

battle negative forces. Undeveloped, the Scorpio may show perversity, vice, and violence. Certainly,

those under the influence of this sign are passionate, sexual, and intense.

SAGITTARIUS Jupiter's positive sign, mutable fire, and sign number nine (3x3) shows the need for

completion, full harmony, and grace. In the body, it is the area of hips and thighs, and is symbolized by

the centaur or horse. Sagittarians are positive, warm, and generous with a lawful, philosophical, and

religious disposition. They feel comfortable within the bounds of social convention, but may tend to

become too rigid in their views, dogmatic, or moralistic. Expansive in nature, they may be unable to

recognize their own limits. Enjoying athletics, but not being necessarily competitive, these people prefer

playing in the great outdoors, and love nature and wild places. They love to share with friends, are

excellent folks to have as participants in any venture, and often carry with them an air of enthusiasm and

celebration.

CAPRICORN Capricorn is the negative sign of Saturn, cardinal earth, sign number ten, showing

complete order, organization, and power. Its symbol is the crocodile, the goat, or the mythological

sea-goat, and its bodily domain is the knee. Serious, hardworking, and persevering, the Capricorn uses his

skills to manifest his power in the material world. This energy can come through on different levels, as

the simple son of the earth, the farmer toiling lifelong, or as the determined businessman saving up for

his goals, or as the spiritual aspirant able to project his realizations into his or her practical, daily life.

Obstacles riddle their path, and their progress is slow, but their hard work allows them to fully appreciate

the fruits of their difficult labor. It may behoove the Capricorn to take their efforts a bit less seriously and

move beyond the outer form of their efforts. Their earthy motivation makes them good candidates for

beginning projects and working through them. They may be too conventional or emotionally detached.

AQUARIUS This is the positive sign of Saturn, and sign number eleven shows the need for exploring

individuality and the group. It is fixed air, and is symbolized by the water bearer; Aquarius is the calves

and ankles of the human body. Most of those ruled by this sign could be described as eccentric or

bohemian. Evolved Aquarians are readily willing to sacrifice their own personal needs for the good of the

group, being strongly humanitarian. They possess immense faith and will readily surrender to the Divine.

On a lower level, they may be too willing to denigrate themselves before others, becoming subservient

and unwilling to protest against injustice brought upon them. They have compassion for the rejected,

oppressed, and outcast members of society. Champions of brotherly love, they are selfless, yet may feel

great guilt or tend to blame themselves too much.

PISCES The last sign of the zodiac is mutable water, Jupiter's negative sign, and number twelve,

showing the complete array of possibilities although not necessarily their integration. Its symbol is the

fish and its related body parts are the feet, the end of the line. The watery nature of Pisces comes out in

the emotional sensitivity of these people. Friendly and expansive, they communicate well with many

types of people, but are vulnerable and may not understand boundaries. Jupiter's influence comes through

as a love of ceremony, ritual, and music. This mutable sign may tend to flavor people with a changeable

personality that, chameleon-like, fits the current situation, making them hard to pin down or define.

Highly imaginative and intuitive, if the Pisces is able to develop discrimination, he or she is able to

channel and express the creative joy of the soul.

Grahas (The Planets)

by Kerry Shamblin

The planets are the major characters in the play of astrology. It is their movement along the backdrop of

the stars and their relationships with one another that are gauged and read in an astrological chart. A

well-endowed or strong planet is one that is posited in or ruler of friendly signs or houses, or it may be

conjunct with or aspected by certain planets that enhance it. An afflicted planet may be conjunct or

aspected by other harmful planets, placed in an unfriendly sign, or have the rulership of or placement in

difficult houses.

SUN The Sun represents our soul on a higher level and our ego on a lower. It describes who we are

within ourselves. Western astrology places the greatest emphasis on the Sun sign, a reflection perhaps on

the importance of personal ego in our culture. Vedic astrology considers the Sun sign generally as next in

importance after the Rising and Moon sign. It represents our true will, central purpose in life, and

perception. A well-placed Sun will give intelligence, strong will, character, vitality, authority, courage,

confidence, and leadership. If the Sun is too strong it can create pride, tyranny, and arrogance, outshining

everyone else. A weak Sun may show a lack of confidence, and the tendency to sacrifice one's self,

allowing others to dominate. The Sun rules the sign of Leo, and represents the father and our relationship

to him. We begin our calendar week with Sunday. It is the strongest celestial body that we observe from

Earth, without which there would be no life for us.

MOON The Moon rules the second day of the week, Monday, and the sign of Cancer. Whereas the Sun

represents the father, the Moon represents the Mother, the Divine Goddess, and the feminine creative

principle. It shows the state of our mind, including thought, emotion, and intuition. A strong Moon shows

nurturing, caring, sensitivity, and receptiveness, giving emotional maturity and responsibility, allowing

us to benefit others. An afflicted Moon shows mental disturbance, a poor ability to relate to others, and

personality disorders. The Moon is easily influenced by the energies of other planets. It symbolizes

relationship, interchange, and communication with others.

MARS Mars is the planet of projection, aggression, force, drive, and courage. Its energy is masculine

and shows how we project our vital energy and emotion, and it indicates our passion, motivation, and

determination. Key words for Mars are drive and power, and he rules work, effort, research, and

development. A strong Mars will indicate these qualities, but overly endowed or ill placed; Mars can

cause violence, control, domination, or injury. Well placed, Mars provides the capacity for confidence to

carry out our will, discrimination, insight, and self-discipline. In short, it is the planet of goal-oriented

action, and its placement can show our tendencies toward utilizing that energy. Tuesday is Mars' day, and

it rules the signs of Aries and Scorpio.

MERCURY Mercury is the indicator of the intellect or informational capacity of the mind. He moves

the most quickly of all the planets, gaining the reputation of messenger, traveler, and communicator. His

nature is mutable, and both other planets and energies that closely affect him easily influence Mercury.

He rules writing, speech, education, calculation, thought, and commerce. A strong Mercury affords one

intelligence, good humor, and psychological balance, as well as strength in Mercurial matters. Afflicted,

Mercury may cause a weak intelligence, a deceptive nature, speech impediments, or nervous system

disorders. Mercury rules Wednesday, the turning point of the weak, significant in that his placement

indicates the point at which we can use our intellect to change our lives and achieve balance. He rules the

signs Virgo and Gemini.

JUPITER The planet of expansion, spiritual intelligence, creativity, luck, and grace is Jupiter. Whereas

Mercury rules the intellect that depends on information, Jupiter points toward eternal intelligence and the

Divine spirit. Jupiter is joyous, fun loving, enjoys music, and loves to share. A well-endowed Jupiter will

give us a strong tendency toward inner work, religiosity, a healthy vitality, and a joyful nature. An

afflicted Jupiter could cause too much optimism, causing us to over speculate or to overextend ourselves

or our resources. We could become caught up in the pursuit of fun, pleasure, or luxury. Jupiter shows the

expansiveness of our spirit, and his placement in our charts shows the source of grace and fortune in our

life. Another name for Jupiter is Jove, hence the term jovial, and his day of the week is Thursday. Jupiter

rules the signs Sagittarius and Pisces.

VENUS Venus is well known as the goddess of love and beauty, and she represents relationship and

harmony. Venus signifies art, music, poetry, and dance, and her placement shows our source of

sensitivity and refinement. She is the embodiment of femininity, and indicates sexuality and sexual love.

A well-placed Venus gives us an inherent sense of beauty and harmony, giving a great capacity for love,

devotion, and sensitivity. An afflicted Venus can lead us toward self-indulgence, vanity, and exhaustion