4 Periods of the Wayward Rahu Rahu in the Twelve House of the Chart

Dr K S Charak

capable of conferring on the native varied An afflicted pleasures as well as affluence. It also yields good he dasha results of a planet are vastly results when aspected by benefics, and when Rahu in the Tdependent upon its location in the natal without malefic aspect. An unafflicted malefic con- chart, besides other attendant factors. We have alone may not cause any problem. But when fers on the already had an inkling of the results of the MD malefic influences act in combination, adverse native ill of Rahu and those of the various AD’s under the results are produced. We have already eluci- MD of Rahu. Before we discuss the results of AD dated the effect of Rahu in the lagna in chart 2 health and of Rahu under the MD of various planets, it may (vide the Vedic vol. 5 no. 6, November- ugly looks, be worthwhile to understand the results con- December 2001 issue). ferred by Rahu when it occupies different houses unless coun- of the horoscopic chart. Rahu in 2H tered by We shall consider here the views from MS: Rahu in the second house makes one a thief, benefics. three classics, viz., the Maanasaagari (MS), the ever haughty, given to intense suffering. The Phaladeepika (PD) and the native has access to a lot of wine and flesh, and (SC). It will be generally seen that Rahu is he resides in the houses of the fallen ones. eminently beneficial when it occupies houses 3, 6, 10 and 11. According to the Sarvartha PD: Rahu in the second makes one given to Chintamani, Rahu in the houses 6, 8 and 12 deceitful conversation, easily angered, suffering gives various problems during its dasha periods. from disease of the oral cavity, detestable, There is some overlap here. We shall have to see comfortable and wealthy due to help from how Rahu behaves when it occupies the sixth the king. house. SC: The dasha of Rahu occupying the second Rahu in Lagna house deprives one of status and wealth. The native obtains unwholesome food to eat, serves MS: Rahu in the lagna renders the native ever a fallen king and indulges in lies and anger. ailing. Supporter of his family members, the Comments: The second house rules over speech native is talkative, red-eyed, a sinner,DR.RUPNATHJI( ever DR.RUPAK NATH ) as well as the oral cavity. Rahu in the second engaged in forbidden activities and adept in confers on one unclear speech, and speech with courageous deeds. hidden meaning. The native has a quarrelsome PD: Rahu in the lagna makes one short-lived, nature and deals in animal skins and sale of wealthy and strong. The native has a disease fish. If unafflicted, Rahu in the second ensures involving the upper part of his body. monetary gains. SC: The dasha of Rahu located in the lagna leads Rahu in 3H to loss of discrimination, danger from poison, fire and weapon, loss of dear ones, suffering in MS: The third house Rahu destroys the native’s general, and defeat in battle. brother but blesses the native with comforts, Comments: Rahu is a natural malefic, equivalent wealth, wife, children and friends. If this Rahu to Saturn in effect. Its occupation of the lagna is is exalted, the native possesses elephants, horses not conducive to sound health or long life. It (vehicles!) and servants. confers cruelty and ugly looks on the native. It PD: The native with Rahu in the third is proud, should, however, be remembered that Rahu can opposed to his brothers (and sisters), wealthy, give beneficial results under certain situations. long lived and of stable intellect. Thus Rahu in the lagna identical with Mesha (), Karka () and Simha () is

Vedic Astrology / Volume 6, Number 2 3 SC: The dasha of Rahu occupying the third Comments: The fifth house Rahu is not good for house confers gains from children, wife and (male) progeny though a solitary unafflicted brethren, general comforts, lordship over others, Rahu here often does ensure the birth of one son. foreign travel, favours from the ruler, and con- Rahu’s influence over the Moon or the fifth finement (suffering!) from agricultural pursuits. house or the fifth lord leads to phobias of different kinds and intensities. In the case of Afflicted Comments: Rahu in the third house generally confers great benefits on the native. It makes one female natives, Rahu in the fifth can cause Saturn in wealthy, valiant and long-lived. However, it is disease of the uterus (womb). the fifth not conducive to harmonious relationship with Chart 5, born on January 2, 1946, belongs to a house, also one’s siblings. Or the siblings tend to suffer in male native with Kumbha () lagna. This millionaire industrialist has Rahu and retrograde an afflicted various ways. The fourth is the house of agriculture. A malefic, like Rahu, in the twelfth Saturn, the latter being the lagna lord, in the fifth Moon, can from fourth, i.e., in the third house, is not good house in Mithuna (). Almost all the lead to for agricultural pursuits. planets, other than the debilitated and retrograde tenth lord Mars in the sixth, have something mental de- Rahu in 4H to do with the fifth or the ninth house. In fact, pression. MS: The native with Rahu in the fourth house, six of them actually fall in the 5/11 axis. This as the overlord of a village, resides on one side ensures a very sound financial worth of the (in isolation!) in misery, bereft of wealth and near native. The lagna gains strength from Jupiter’s ones. Devoted to the mean, a backbiter and a aspect and a vargottama lagna lord, through the sinner, be begets one daughter and has a frail wife. latter is afflicted to some extent. Rahu dasha (May 29, 1994 to May 29, 2012) PD: With Rahu in the fourth, the native is has, however, created some trouble. There have foolish, troublesome, short-lived but blessed been problems of liquidity and the projects with friends, and occasionally also comfortable. undertaken are not being looked after satis- SC: The dasha of Rahu occupying the fourth factorily. Pressure from creditors and persistent house destroys the native as well as his mother; apprehension of legal action from them have there occur losses in agriculture, ire of the ruler, robbed him of sound sleep. Particularly the trouble to wife, mental torment, danger from Rahu-Saturn (July 5, 1999 to May 11, 2002) fire and thieves, risk of imprisonment, physical period has been quite taxing mentally as well illness to wife and children, and detachment as financially. With an afflicted fifth house, from wife, children as well as the world. though aspected by Jupiter, the native has no Comments: The fourth is an adverse house for sons but only three daughters. Loans availed occupation by Rahu. The health and longevity of from one of the sons-in-law also gave him tough the mother tend to suffer. The fourth house time and he suffered severe mental depression stands for comforts at home. Rahu here destroys at one stage. Saturn in the fifth, afflicted by peace at home and generates conflict with wife Rahu, and the Moon also grossly afflicted, and children. DR.RUPNATHJI( DR.RUPAKpredispose NATH )one to mental depression. The situ- ation in the Dashmasha does not appear too Rahu in 5H bad, though here too Rahu occupies the fifth MS: Rahu associated with the Moon in the fifth house justifying a lot of mental tension. There house causes harm (disease or death!) to the is also a lot of protection in the Dashmamsha son and makes the native consistently angry. If chart, with the lagna lord occupying the lagna Rahu associates with the Moon in any other and Jupiter aspecting it. house, the native gets one son whose dress is Rahu in 6H often ugly and shabby. MS: Rahu in the sixth makes one a destroyer of PD: The native with Rahu in the fifth house is his opponents and blessed with sons, wealth and sonless, stone-hearted, with a diseased womb, varied comforts. If Rahu here is exalted, the and a nasal twang in voice. native rectifies several injustices, and is devoted SC: The dasha of Rahu located in the fifth house to someone else’s wife. causes loss of discrimination, lack of enjoyment PD: The native with Rahu in the sixth is wealthy from food, disturbance in studies, conflicts with and long-lived. He suffers from peri-anal ail- others and mental torment. Additionally, there ments and is tormented by an enemy or a malefic occur harm to progeny and ire of the ruler. graha (suffers illness!). SC: The dasha of Rahu occupying the sixth Rahu 9 house leads to fear from fire, thief or the king, Saturn Sun (R) 12 10 loss of earnings and of one’s well-wishers, Moon 1 Lagna Venus diabetes, tuberculosis, splenic disorders, skin Mars Lagna disease, imbalance of Pitta in the body, and Chart 5 (R) 11 even death. Birth Chart 28Mercury January 2, 1946 5 Comments: The sixth house is generally consid- 3 7 Rahu ered good for Rahu to occupy. Rahu here tends Jupiter Sun Saturn(R) to destroy one’s opponents and also illness. 46 Moon Mercury Jupiter Malefics in the sixth generally ensure a sound Venus Mars health for the native. However, to overcome Ketu (R) disease there must be a disease in the first place. Lagna 6°04' Mars (R) 4°45' Venus 10°49' Or there must be enemies there if they have to Sun 18°06' Mercury 26°54' Saturn (R) 29°10' be destroyed. It will be seen that a native with Moon 3°02' Jupiter 1°51' Rahu 6°54' Rahu in the sixth would generally have a sound Rahu Jupiter resistance against disease and would succeed in Ketu Mercury Moon 6 annihilating his enemies. Being in the house of Saturn 9 7 disease and of enemies, Rahu creates them and 10 Lagna Sun destroys them. Venus In Chart 6 (female native, born on October 27, 8 Navamsha 11 5 Mars 1949; at 6:30 hours IST; at 30ºN26', 75ºE03'), 2 Rahu occupies the sixth house, in Meena Mars 12 4 (). The native is a highly successful Mercury Venus practising gynaecologist who developed mul- 13 tiple joint pains and deformities. The problem Rahu Lagna Jupiter Sun Ketu Moon Saturn started in 1983 with the commencement of Rahu dasha (December 27, 1982 to December Mercury Mercury Venus 27, 2000), and soon became severe enough to Lagna Venus Sun 3 Saturn 11 Mars 2 cripple her. All medical treatment, including Saturn Lagna 12 Sun Ketu steroids, chloroquine, and gold injections, failed Mars to give her relief. Sometime in the middle of Ketu 1995, during Rahu-Venus period (July 15, 1994 1 Dashamsha 410Moon to July 15, 1997), she underwent total, bilateral 7 knee replacement. Rahu is in the sixth house Moon Rahu 5 while Venus (AD) is the eighth lord both from Rahu Jupiter 9 the lagna as well as from Rahu (MD). Both Rahu 68 and Venus receive the aspect of Mars, the planet Jupiter for surgery. In the navamsha chart, DR.RUPNATHJI(Rahu is DR.RUPAK NATH ) associated with the Sun, and the sixty-fourth navamsha lord Jupiter, while it receives the aspect of Mars. In the , the RKA Venus Ketu involves the twenty-second Drekkana while 5 Rahu 9 Mercury Venus owns it. 8 6 Lagna Mars This chart shows a very prominent Dhana Moon Sun Saturn or combination for wealth. The lagna lord Venus occupies the second house, the second Chart 6 7 lord Mars occupies the eleventh house, while Birth Chart Jupiter 10 4 October 27, 1949 Mars 1 the eleventh lord Sun occupies the lagna. Thus, Jupiter Saturn the lagna, the second and the eleventh are 11 3 very favourably linked. In addition, the Mars- Lagna Ketu 12 2 Saturn combination in the eleventh house in Moon Venus Sun Mercury itself is a Dhana-yoga. This is also confirmed Rahu in the navamsha where the lagna lord Jupiter Lagna 7°35' Mars 6°51' Venus 25°40' combines with the ninth lord Sun in the Sun 10°08' Mercury 24°27' Saturn 22°49' second house. Moon 19°53' Jupiter 1°28' Rahu 22°27' Sun Jupiter Rahu in 7H Mars 11 Rahu 7 10 8 MS: Rahu in the seventh confers on the native Venus Lagna Saturn a prodigal wife and numerous enjoyments in the company of wife. If malefics influence Rahu Venus Ketu 9 in the seventh house, the wife is wicked, ill Navamsha 12 6 Moon tempered and sinful. Sun 3 Jupiter Mercury 5 PD: The native with Rahu in the seventh is of Rahu 1 Mars Mercury independent nature, of limited wisdom, loses 24money from association with women, a wid- Lagna Saturn Moon Ketu ower, and of depleted fertility. SC: The dasha of Rahu occupying the seventh Rahu house leads to loss of wife, foreign travel, and Saturn Mercury 5 loss of wealth, progeny, agricultural produce as Moon Ketu 8 6 well as of one’s name and fame. Fear from 9 Lagna Mars serpent, or death may occur. Sun Venus 7 Comments: Rahu in the seventh house tends Drekkana Jupiter 10 4 Venus to make one an adulteror and to lose money 1 Jupiter Mars 11 through women. It also ensures foreign travel; seventh is the house for travel, and Rahu Sun Saturn 3 12 Moon 2 the graha for Western direction as also for ¦ Rahu Lagna Mercury nonconformism. Ketu (To be continued)

DR.RUPNATHJI( DR.RUPAK NATH ) Vasus: The Ruling Deity of the Dhanishtha FromDr. K Sthe Charak scriptures

rom Vasu, the daughter of the Progenitor, lord Dharma begot eightF sons, also called as the Vasus. There are eight of them. They are Aapa, Dhruva, Soma, Aha, Anila, Anala, Pratyusha and Prabhaasa. The eight Vasus, along with Rudras, Adityas, etc., are the gods who mani- fest themselves repeatedly at intervals While they were roaming around in of a thousand yugas. the jungle surrounding the ashrama, Goddess Ganga Returns the wife of one of the Vasus happened to spot Nandini, the celebrated cow of “For what sin did the eight Vasus, the the sage Vasishtha, grazing there. She gods that virtually rule this universe, was a product of the sage Kashyapa suffer to be born as earthlings? And with Surabhi, the daughter of Daksha what justifies the survival of this child the Progenitor. It may be recalled that of yours in the world of mortals?” sage Kashyapa is the forefather of Courtesy: The Kalyana Stupefied by the turn of events that virtually all the species on this earth, better than this. Pray do take this cow had smitten him lately, the noble king whether plant, animal, human or oth- away for me.” Shantanu found it natural to enquire erwise. Seeing that his wife would not give this of the goddess Ganga who stood Entranced by the compelling beauty up her desire, the husband Vasu called before him. The goddess had come to of this celestial creature, the Vasu his other brothers and together they return her eighth son that she had woman called her husband and pointed abducted the cow along with its calf. borne to the king. The other seven her out to him. The husband Vasu also Blinded by their unseemly urge, the sons she had given birth to, as the wife joined his wife to appreciate the charm Vasus failed to foresee the misfortune of the king, were thrown in the river that the cow emanated. that awaited them. Ganga by the goddess herself. “This dark-eyed celestial cow be- The cow was essential for sage The goddess Ganga then narrated longs to the sage Vasishtha,” he said Vasishtha’s Vedic rituals. In due course, the story of the Vasus to her husband, to his wife. “Emitting motherly be- he went out in the forest to search for the king Shantanu. nevolence, this healthful cow has the cow and the calf but found them Nandini, the Celestial Cow all her limbs absolutely perfect. O’ nowhere. Then he resorted to his yogic look at her beautiful udder, and vision and discovered the mischief of Once upon a time, the Vasus as well her perfect tail and hooves. Sage the Vasus. Anger took over him and as the other gods went out to enjoy Vasishtha also owns this sacred instantaneously the ireful sage cursed in the company of their spouses. They jungle along with this ashrama. If the Vasus thus: DR.RUPNATHJI( DR.RUPAK NATH ) happened to reach the beautiful a man were to drink the milk of “All Vasus, the abductors of my ashrama of the sage Vasishtha on the this cow, he would remain alive and matchless cow, would have to be born mountain Meru. In that most enchant- youthful for no less than ten thousand as human beings on the earth.” ing sylvan location, they enjoyed the years.” It was only a sage of Vasishtha’s beauty of nature, the fragrance of “Dear one,” said the wife, “we stature, with tremendous spiritual flowers, the chirping of birds and the should take away this cow. I long to merit, who could curse Vasus, the play of deer and other wild animals. possess her.” gods. When the Vasus realised their The sage would pursue his austerities mistake, it was too late. They came Vasishtha’s Ire in his ashrama here only. running to the ashrama of sage The husband tried to dissuade her. Vasishtha and begged his forgiveness. “What use is this cow to us who are The curse, however, could not be taken already gods, not subject to death and back. It could be mollified, though. old age like the earthlings?” “The curse must take effect,” in- But the wife would not listen. “I sisted the sage. “However, the one of have a dear friend in a princess on the you who is the reason for this curse earth,” she said. “I want this cow for must stay in the mortal world her. You could please me with nothing for a long time. The others would

12 Vedic Astrology / Volume 6, Number 2 get released from it, one by one At the same time, the goddess each year.” Ganga returned from Brahma’s pres- The sage further continued, “This ence, the thoughts of the agitated king one, living long on the earth, would Mahabhisha tormenting her. As she not procreate. Thoroughly versed in all proceeded towards her abode, she saw scriptures, he would give up the the Vasu-gods, highly disturbed and pleasures of the bed in order to please overtaken by grief, falling from heaven. his father.” She was very concerned. It was this eighth Vasu, called “How have you all come to this Prabhaasa, who was born as the son of plight?” enquired goddess Ganga of the king Shantanu and the goddess Ganga. Vasus. “Something seems disturbingly Devavrata by name, he came to be wrong with the world of the gods.” known as the renowned Bhishma The Vasus replied, “O’ blessed river- after his vow of celibacy and strict goddess! We are all victims of a curse continence. from sage Vasishtha in response to a rather minor lapse on our part. We Earthly Events Sown in Heaven happened to trespass into the ashrama There used to be in ancient times a of the sage the other day. What is more, highly virtuous king known as we abducted his dear cow and calf. Mahabhisha. Having performed nu- Incensed at this folly of ours, he has merous yajnas and other noble deeds, cursed us to take human birth.” the truthful and valorous king pleased The Vasus further continued: “The Indra, the king of the gods, immensely. curse of the exalted sage cannot be This earned him a place in heaven, in falsified. We, therefore, have to take the court of Indra. human birth. However, in order that It once so happened that all the gods we are not subjected to further humili- had assembled in the presence of ation of being born to the earthly Brahma the Creator. King Mahabhisha womanfolk, we request you to take too was present there. In the mean- human form on the earth and be a time, the goddess Ganga came to mother to us.” see lord Brahma. As if by a cosmic Ganga Agrees to Mother the Vasus design, a draught of wind displaced the upper garment of the goddess, The goddess Ganga agreed to be a exposing her lovely body to view. mother to the Vasus. But who could As a matter of propriety, all the deserve to be her husband on the gods lowered their looks. However, earth? king Mahabhisha continued to look The Vasus themselves offered the at her in appreciation and the goddessDR.RUPNATHJI(solution. “King Prateepa DR.RUPAK would NATH beget ) too didn’t seem to object to it. a noble and renowned son called This infuriated lord Brahma who Shantanu. We desire that he happens This suited the Vasus and was in pronounced a curse upon the king, to be our father.” accordance with the curse pronounced thus: The goddess agreed, saying, “I am in upon them by the sage Vasishtha. They “May you go back to be born in the agreement with you. In the process, I said to her, “We shall all contribute an world of men and return only after shall be able to please king Shantanu eighth fraction of overselves to the last earning sufficient merit. This Ganga, and to fulfil your desire as well.” son that you bear to the king. Valorous who has stolen your heart, would act The Vasus further said, “O’ goddess and virtuous, he would, however, have contrary to your wishes there. Only Ganga! When we take birth, one after no progeny while he lives in the world when you are angry at her would the the other, pray throw us in your own of mortals.” effect of the curse vanish.” waters so that we are released from the It was thus that the goddess Ganga King Mahabhisha thought of several mortal world instantaneously. took human birth to be a mother to the noble kings on the earth. He finally “So be it,” said Ganga. “However, I fallen Vasus and to release them from came to the conclusion that the re- do wish that my association with the the curse of the sage Vasishtha. In the splendent king Prateepa of the Kuru king does not prove totally fruitless. process, she was to fulfil a grand ¦ dynasty alone deserved to be his father Therefore, the king must beget at least divine purpose for the earthlings. on the earth. one son from me who could live long.” (To be continued) 5

1- vFk jkf'kcyk/;k;% I. The Strength of Signs ikrkyfgcqdos'elq[kcU/kqlaKkÜprqFkZHkkoL; A Of these, the lagna is of prime importance. Together these uo&i×pes f=dks.ks uoe{k± f=f=dks.ka p AA16AA houses are equivalent to the pillars of a . They are also known as Chatushtaya and Kantaka. Shloka 16 : The fourth house is called by the The four houses next to the kendras are called as names Paataala, Hibuka, Veshma, Sukha and Panaphara. These are thus houses 2, 5, 8 and 11. The last Bandhu (close relatives). The fifth and the group of four houses, i.e., houses 3, 6, 9 and 12, are ninth houses are called as trikonas, while the known as Aapokleema. ninth is (also) called as tri-trikona. f="kMsdkn'kn'kekU;qip;HkoukU;rks·U;Fkk·U;kfu A Comments : Here are several synonyms for the fourth house. The word meanings indicate the significations of oxksZÙkek uoka'kkÜpjkfn"kq çFkee/;kUR;k% AA19AA this house. Thus ‘Paataala’ is the underworld. The fourth Shloka 19: The houses 3, 6, 10 and 11 are called house is opposed to the tenth, which is the mid-heaven. as Upachaya while the remaining ones are ‘Hibuka’ and ‘Veshma’ indicate the home or place of labeled otherwise. In the rashis Chara, etc., the residence. The fourth also stands for ‘Sukha’ or comforts, vargottama navamshas happen to be (repeat- and ‘Bandhu’ or close relatives. The term ‘trikona’ or trine is used for the houses five edly) the first, the middle, and the last. and nine. In fact, the lagna, the fifth and the ninth are Comments : Houses 3, 6, 10 and 11 are labelled as all mutually trinal and fall under the term ‘trikona’. The Upachaya houses, or houses indicating expansion or ninth is also called ‘tri-trikona’, a trine’s trine. improvement. These houses are important for material /kh% i×pea r`rh;a nqfÜpD;a lIrea rq ;kfe=e~ A gains and progress. The remaining houses are called as the Apachaya or Anupachaya houses. These latter |wua |qua p r}fPNæe"Vea }kn'ka fj"Qe~ AA17AA indicate restriction and material loss or wastage, or even loss of friends. Shloka 17: The fifth house is called as Dhee, The term Vargottama is used for the lagna or a graha the third as Dushchikya, the seventh as (planet) when it occupies the same rashi in the navamsha Yaamitra, Dyoona or Dyuna, the eighth as chart as it does in the natal chart. In the Chara (movable) Chhidra and the twelfth as Rishpha. rashis, the first navamsha (i.e., the first 3º20') is Comments : Here are the names for someDR.RUPNATHJI( other houses. DR.RUPAKvargottama. ThatNATH is, ) a planet (or the lagna) falling The fifth indicates ‘Budhi’ (Dhee) or intellect. The third within the first 3º20' of a Chara rashi would fall in the indicates courage. The seventh house represents the same rashi in the navamsha chart, and would be sexual partner. ‘Chhidra’, or crevice, is the term for the considered as vargottama. Rashis 1, 4, 7 and 10 are generally secretive eighth house. Loss is indicated by the Chara rashis. twelfth house. In the Sthira (fixed) rashis, the middle navamsha (i.e., dsUæprq"V;d.VdyXuk·Lrn'keprqFkkZuke~ A the arc 13º20' to 16º40') is vargottama. That is, a planet (or the lagna) falling within 13º20' to 16º40' of a Sthira laKk ijr% i.kQjekiksDyhea p rRijr% AA18AA rashi would fall in the same rashi in the navamsha chart, Shloka 18: Kendra, Chatushtaya and Kantaka and would be considered as vargottama. Rashis 2, 5, 8 and 11 are Sthira rashis. are the terms used for the houses one, four, In the Dwiswabhava (dual) rashis, the last navamsha seven and ten. The next four houses from these (i.e., the arc 26º40' to 30º00') is vargottama. That is, a are labelled as Panaphara, while the still next planet (or the lagna) falling within 26º40' to 30º00' of a four are labelled as Aapokleema. Dwiswabhava rashi would fall in the same rashi in the Comments : Kendras are the houses one, four, seven and navamsha chart, and would be considered as vargottama. ten. These are the most important houses in the chart. Rashis 3, 6, 9 and 12 are Dwiswabhava rashis. The state of being vargottama confers a lot of strength Simha, Vrisha, Mesha, Kanya, Dhanu, Tula on the lagna or the planet. However, being vargottama is and Kumbha. only one factor that confers strength. One has to judge Comments : The site of debilitation of a planet falls in the additional attendant factors before assessing the results seventh house from the site of its exaltation. The exact of a vargottama planet. Thus a vargottama planet would point of debilitation of a planet is 180 degrees away from yield different results in different situations like exalta- its exact exaltation. Thus the Sun is debilitated at Tula tion, debilitation, combustion, adverse placement or 10º, the Moon at Vrishchika 3º, Mars at Karka 28º, malefic/benefic association or aspect. Mercury at Meena 15º, Jupiter at Makara 5º, Venus at es"kk|kÜpRokj% l/kfUoedjk% {kikcyk% Ks;k% A Kanya 27º and Saturn at Mesha 20º. A planet in debilitation is extremely weak and fails to produce the i`"Bksn;k fofeFkquk% f'kjlkU;s áqHk;rks ehu% AA20AA desired results. Shloka 20: Four rashis considered from Mesha, Another situation of strength for a planet is its and Dhanu as well as Makara are strong during Moolatrikona sign. The Moolatrikona signs for the seven the night (the rest attain strength during the grahas from the Sun to Saturn are Simha, Vrisha, Mesha, Kanya, Dhanu, Tula and Kumbha. The classics have given day). These, except Mithuna, rise by their for each graha a range of degrees which represent its rear ends. The remaining ones rise by their Moolatrikona arc in a given sign. head ends. Meena rises both by the head and Table 9 gives information about exaltation, debilitation the rear. and Moolatrikona of grahas. Comments : The signs Mesha, Vrisha, Mithuna, Karka, Table 9: Exaltation, Debilitation and Dhanu and Makara are considered strong during the night Moolatrikona of Grahas (i.e, from sunset to sunrise). The remaining signs, i.e., Simha, Kanya, Tula, Vrishchika, Kumbha and Meena, Grahas Exaltation Debilitation Moolatrikona attain strength during the day (i.e., from sunset to 1. Sun Mesha 10º Tula 10º Simha 00º-20º sunrise). The signs Mesha, Vrisha, Karka, Dhanu and 2. Moon Vrisha 03º Vrishchika 03º Vrisha 04º-20º Makara rise in the horizon by their rear ends facing us. 3. Mars Makara 28º Karka 28º Mesha 00º-12º 4. Mercury Kanya 15º Meena 15º Kanya 16º-20º The signs Mithuna, Simha, Kanya, Tula, Vrishchika 5. Jupiter Karka 05º Makara 05º Dhanu 00º-10º and Kumbha rise in the horizon with their head ends 6. Venus Meena 27º Kanya 27º Tula 00º-15º facing us. The sign Meena rises both by the head and the 7. Saturn Tula 20º Mesha 20º Kumbha 00º-20º rear. This information is useful to understand the circumstances of child birth. It is also useful in Prashna x`ggksjkæs"dk.kk uoHkkxks }kn'kka'kdfL=a'k% A or horary astrology. oxZ% çR;srO;ks xzgL; ;ks ;L; fufnZ"V% AA23AA

vto`"ke`xk³~xukdfdZehuofutka'kdsf"ouk|qPpk% A Shloka 23: Of whichever graha the Griha n'kf'k[;"Vkfoa'kfrfrFkhfUæ;f=uofoa'ks"kq AA21AA (Lagna), , Drekkana, Navamsha, Dwadas- hamsha and Trimshamsha have been men- Shloka 21: Mesha 10º, Vrisha 3º, Mesha 28º, DR.RUPNATHJI( DR.RUPAKtioned, theseNATH (six) ) happen to be the vargas of Kanya 15º, Karka 5º, Meena 27º and Tula 20º that graha. respectively are the points of exaltation for the seven grahas from the Sun onwards. Comments : The six divisions described here are the Griha (Lagna), Hora, Drekkana, Navamsha, Dwadashamsha and Comments : Here are given the points of exaltation for the Trimshamsha. These are called as the vargas. The strength seven planets. Thus, the Sun gets exalted at Mesha 10º, and disposition of each planet in the different vargas the Moon at Vrisha 3º, Mars at Makara 28º, Mercury at needs to be assessed in order to make a correct prediction. Kanya 15º, Jupiter at Karka 5º, Venus at Meena 27º and makes a mention of a total of sixteen vargas. Saturn at Tula 20º. However, a very accurate recording of birth time is A planet in exaltation is considered extremely strong. essential if all the sixteen vargas are to be taken into mPpkéhpa lIreedkZnhuka f=dks.klaKkfu A consideration. For general predictive purposes, the six vargas (Shad-vargas) as described by flago`"kktçenk&dkeZqd Hk`ÙkkSfydqEHk/kjk% AA22AA should suffice. Sage Parashara also indicates the relative numerical Shloka 22: The seventh from the point of significance of each of the six vargas (out of a total value exaltation is the site of debilitation. The of 20 units) as follows: Trikonas (Moola-trikonas) for the Sun, etc., are (Continued on page 21) Some Unknown Dimensions of Kaaraka Dr. Suresh Mishra

Karaaka planet is one which is responsible for disbursing all the goodA and desirable results to the S native. It is very important to deter- () lagna. The Sun at 8 7º48' mine the Kaaraka planet in a given is in the Moola nakshatra. The Sun horoscope. dasha (MD) was not supposed to The terms Kaaraka and Yogakaaraka operate in his lifetime. However, he are often used interchangeably. ‘Yoga’ became the Chief Minister of U.P. in means union, while ‘Kaaraka’ means 1968 when be was running Mercury the executor or the doer. The term MD and Sun AD. Yoga-Kaaraka thus means a planet that • Venus in any of Ashwini, Krittika, manifests certain favourable results for U. Ashadha, Vishakha and P. , and Swati in any the native. The term Raja-yoga Kaaraka Bhadrapada, when placed in a house yields unconditional yoga too carries a similar meaning. In favourable house, is undoubtedly a effects. contrast with a Kaaraka, which yields powerful Kaaraka. In such a situa- The noted cine star Nargis (Chart 2) good results, the term Maaraka indi- tion, the native becomes powerful, was born on June 1, 1929 at 4:20 hours cates a planet which disburses adverse aggressive and dashing in his ac- (IST) at Calcutta. The lagna lord Venus results. tions. Such natives are able to occupies the twelfth house at 0S5º34', Kalyana Varma states in the Saravali overcome many adversities of des- in Ashwini nakshatra. It was in Saturn that no astrologer should proceed tiny indicated otherwise in the chart. dasha, Venus AD, that she manifested further before determining the Kaaraka. • The Sun placed in a favourable herself as a capable star and was dkjdHksnks cyoku~ ewya ;ksxs"kq dhfrZrks gfj.kk A house, like a kendra or a trikona or widely recognised in her field of work. an Upachaya house, in any of rLekr~ QyfunsZ'k% dkjdHksnkfnfHkokZP;% AA • Mars in any of Ashwini, Pushya, U. Phalguni, Moola and and Dhanishtha gives a strong impe- That is: The Kaaraka factor is the basis of Revati, results in yoga during his tus to any other existing good yogas. horoscopy, since the Kaarakas are the root dasha. cause of results emanating from planetary Debilitated Planet in Charts combinations. Ch. Charan Singh (Chart 1), a former Prime Minister of India, was There are many of Parashara’s rules In general, a neecha and combist born on December 23, 1902, soon to decide on the Kaaraka factor. These planet is considered adverse in Vedic after sunrise, near Meerut, in Dhanu include the lagna lord, the lagna astrology. The scriptures, however, nakshatra lord (LNL), the navamsha Jupiter lagna lord, the kendra-trikona lords, Ketu Saturn Lagna 7 etc. Here, however, we intend to point 10 Sun 8 to certain other useful factors which 11 Mercury Rahu are not highlighted in the classics and Venus 9 Moon are, therefore, overlooked by the reader, Chart 1 12 6 although they have definite signifi- December 23, 1902 Mars Jupiter 3 cance in chart analysis. 1 DR.RUPNATHJI(Saturn DR.RUPAK NATH ) Planets in Specific Ketu 5 Lagna Moon 24 Sun Rahu Certain planets in specific nakshatras Mercury Mars produce Kaaraka results. Venus • The Moon in any of Ashwini, Krittika, , U. Phalguni, Lagna Venus Venus Sun 4 Rahu Rahu Mer (R) Lagna Jupiter 3 Sun 1 Mars Mercury(R) 12 Jupiter Moon Mars 2 Chart 2 511Moon June 1, 1929 8

6 10 Saturn 79 (R) Ketu Saturn Ketu (R) Rahu Saturn Mars Moon 1 9 provide us with certain exceptions (R) Rahu 12 10 Lagna whereby debilitated planets give rise Saturn (R) to favourable, sometimes extremely Lagna 11 favourable, results without there being Chart 3 Mars 28 a Neecha-Bhanga yoga. October 13, 1911 5 Venus 3 7 • A debilitated planet, when placed Jupiter in an auspicious sign in the Moon Venus 4 6 Ketu Navamsha or the Drekkana chart, Jupiter Sun Ketu Mercury Sun becomes a powerful Kaaraka. Mercury • When a neecha planet happens to be in exaltation in the Saptamsha, the Trimshamsha or the Dwa- Saturn (R) dashamsha, it produces very 12 Lagna 10 9 favourable results. 1 Ketu Lagna • A neecha planet, strong in Shadbala, Jupiter Ketu 11 though placed in houses 3, 6 or 8, Chart 4 Saturn 28 becomes auspicious if a strong lagna October 13, 1942 (R) 5 lord aspects the lagna or occupies a Rahu 7 favourable house. Rahu Moon Sun 3 46 The veteran cine actor Ashok Kumar Mars Moon Mer(R) Sun Mars Jupiter (Chart 3), who just passed away at the Venus Mer(R) Venus age of 90, was born on October 13, 1911 at Bhagalpur. The debilitated lagna lord Saturn in the third house has a good Shadbala. native becomes a king. This to lagna rashi, Kanya or , falls in a He earned great name and fame in his according to the sage Parashara: kendra from the lagna. field of work during the dasha of r`rh;s ykHkxs uhps yXua i';fr yXui%A • When a neecha planet is associated Saturn. yXuka'kdsUæs"kq 'kqHks fuxzgkuqxzg{ke%AA with or in full mutual aspect with • Parashara says that a neecha planet its neecha (debilitation) lord or its aspecting the lagna yields good • When the lagna is supported by uchcha (exaltation) lord, the neecha results. Here is the relevant shloka: its lord and the navamsha rashi effect is completely lost. of the lagna also falls in a kendra, yXua i';fUr ;s [ksVkLrs losZ 'kqHknkf;u% A In Chart 1, vide supra, belonging to the neecha effect of a planet is Ch. Charan Singh, Jupiter occupies uhp[ksVksfi lEcU /kkr~ yXua i';sr~ HkosUu`i%AA lost. Makara, its debilitation rashi, in the That is: A planet aspecting the lagna isDR.RUPNATHJI(The current Chief DR.RUPAK Minister NATHof the ) second house, in association with auspicious even when it is debilitated. A northernmost state of Jammu and Kash- Saturn, its debilitation lord. This actu- debilitated planet becomes a Kaaraka if it mir, Dr. Farook Abdullah (Chart 5) was ally forms a Raja-yoga. He became the forms a relationship (of association or born on October 21, 1937. His lagna is Prime Minister of India during the MD aspect) with the lagna. 8S18º28'. He has neecha Sun and of Mercury, his tenth lord, and the AD The noted actor Amitabh Bachchan Venus. However, the lagna lord Jupiter of Saturn. During the same MD earlier, (Chart 4), born on October 13, 1942, occupies the lagna while the navamsha in the AD of Jupiter, heRahu had joined the has a debilitated Venus in the eighth Saturn Moon Ketu 7 (R) 10 Lagna 8 house, exalted in the Dwadashamsha Mars 11 Sun and in his own sign in the Navamsha. Jupiter The lagna lord occupies the fourth 9 Chart 5 house and fully aspects the lagna Saturn 12 6 Mercury October 21, 1937 therefrom. His achievements in his (R) 3 Venus real/reel life hardly need any mention. 1 • When a neecha planet occupies the Moon 5 Lagna Mercury 2 4 third or the eleventh house, while at Mars Rahu Sun Venus the same time the lagna lord aspects Jupiter Ketu the lagna or benefics occupy the kendras in the Navamsha chart, the

Vedic Astrology / Volume 6, Number 2 19 central cabinet as the Home Minister • In the same (Kumbha) rashi, the was running the Vimshottari dasha of of India. Moon on the 15th degree has a still Mars-Moon. Mr. Jyoti Basu (Chart 6), who re- greater potential beneficence. Combust Planets mained the unchallenged Chief Minis- • The Moon is also favourable on the ter of West Bengal for several years, 15th or the 25th degree of any rashi. • A combust planet does not lose any provides another example. Born on of its effects pertaining to its house • Mercury on the fifth degree of July 8, 1914, in Simha lagna, he has lordship or its aspect. Simha, and Mars on the 7th degree his debilitated Jupiter associated with of Mesha or 21st degree of Mithuna, • A planet combust due to its close the Moon, the exaltation lord of Jupi- acquire capacity to do good. proximity to the Sun loses some of ter, in the sixth house. His Raja-yoga the results of its house placement. continued through Jupiter dasha and Mr. George Fernandes (Chart 8) was • A combust planet yields better re- he retired voluntarily in the dasha of born on June 3, 1930. He has Mars in sults pertaining to its house of Saturn-Mercury. the lagna at 6º59' in Mesha. Mars in Mesha lagna is otherwise also a natural occupation, during its MD/AD, if Amavasya Birth: Another Exception Raja-yoga Kaaraka. The Moon in Simha associated with several strong planets. Amavasya occurs when the Sun and enhances the benefic effect. He was elected, and became a cabinet minis- • Mercury loses least of its benevo- the Moon are closely conjunct and Mercury (R) Sun thus the Moon is combust. However, ter, for the first time in 1977 when he lence when combust.Venus 3 Saturn the Sun-Moon conjunction in Mesha, 6 Lagna 4 Sun 7 Mars Saturn or in the first half of Dhanu, removes Mercury Ketu the adverse effects of the Amavasya. Rahu (R) Chart 6 Venus 5 82 The Saravali reveals: July 8, 1914 Moon Lagna 11 es"ks lglzjf'e% lg 'kf'kuk lafLFkr% Jupiter Mars 1 (R) Ketu djksrh'ke~ A 35-119 9 Rahu 10 12 Moon in Simha Moon Jupiter (R) The Moon in the Simha rashi, or in any rashi but in Simha navamsha, other- Mars Venus wise well placed, yields very good Saturn 9 Rahu results. This Moon should also have a 12 10 Sun good amount of Paksha Bala to be 1 Lagna Mercury effective. It gives a Raja-yoga if sup- Lagna Ketu 11 ported by another favourable combi- Chart 7 28 nation. Mars January 5, 1934 5 Mr. Murali Manohar Joshi (Chart 7), Venus Moon DR.RUPNATHJI(Saturn DR.RUPAK NATH ) Cabinet Minister in the Central Gov- Rahu 3 Moon 7 ernment, born on January 5, 1934, has Sun 46 his Moon in Simha in the seventh Mercury Jupiter Ketu Jupiter house. There is no other planet in the Kendras. The lagna is vargottama.

Some special Rules for Kaarkatva Lagna Sun Sun Jupiter Mars 3 Mercury Here are some special rules from the Mercury Venus 2 Lagna 12 Rahu Jupiter Panchadhyayee, which states: Mars 11 Venus Rahu

dqEHkL;k"VesHkkxs f=dks.k;krks fu'kkdjks Hkæ% A 1 Chart 8 Dofpnfi iapfoa'ks iapn'ksa·'ks fLFkr'pUæ% AA 410 June 3, 1930 7 dqEHks p iapn'kds lfo'ks"kksFk gjkS iapes lkSE;% A Moon 5 9 lIreHkkxs es"ks feFkqus p dqt ,dfoa'ksa·'ks AA Moon Ketu Saturn 68(R) That is: Saturn Ketu (R) • The Moon in the fifth or the ninth, on the 8th degree in Kumbha rashi, becomes a powerful Kaaraka.

20 Vedic Astrology / Volume 6, Number 2 • A combust Moon causes illness, • When the same planet, being strong, Saptamsha, the Trimshamsha, the often serious or even fatal, when it aspects the lagna, the Hora lagna, Shashtyamsha, etc., confers on the falls in Karka navamsha along with the Bhava lagna and the Ghati lagna, native the best of yoga effects. For the Sun. or any two of these , it the text states: • In general, a combust planet which becomes a potential Kaaraka. This is jk'ks æs"dk.krksa·'kkPp jk'ksja'kknFkkfi ok A according to the following shloka: is well placed in divisional charts, ;n~ok jkf'kndk.kkH;ka` yXun"Vk` rq ;ksxn% AA yields favourable results pertaining Hkkogksjk?kVhyXulaKkfu p çi';fr A to its own house or the house LoksPpxzgks jkt;ksxks yXu};eFkkfi ok AA • It may also be relevant here, in the aspected by it. light of the above9 dicta, to point • Any planet aspecting the lagna of out that Parashara and other seers Kaarakatva: Special Rules of any two or three of the charts had a clear concept that Drishti Parashara Lagna, Drekkana, Dwadashamsha, (or aspect) is applicable to the Here are some important rules from and the other prominent divisions divisional charts as much as to the Parashara : (Amshas of the rashi), i.e., the Lagna chart. ¦ Laghu Jatakam (Continued from page 17)

Varga Relative Value six vargas must be considered, and each varga given the relative importance as indicated by sage Parashara. 1. Griha/Lagna 6 Certainly, no predictions should be made without 2. Hora 2 at least considering the Navamsha along with the 3. Drekkana 4 Lagna chart. 4. Navamsha 5 5. Dwadashamsha 2 bfr Jhojkgfefgjfojfprs y?kqtkrds jkf'kcyk/;k;% çFke% 6. Trimshamsha 1 Total 20 units Thus ends the first chapter of the Laghu Jatakam of Varahamihira titled ‘The Strength of Signs’. ¦ This means that predictions should not be made on the basis of the Lagna chart alone. At least the above (To be continued)

DR.RUPNATHJI( DR.RUPAK NATH )

Vedic Astrology / Volume 6, Number 2 21 From the Realm of spirits 12 Stories from Veenu Sandal

The Sweeper’s Ghost

e carried night soil, he was im- And whenever the mune from the foulest, most Municipal Corpora- Hnauseating of smells emanating from tion and the sweep- rotting garbage dumps which he vis- ers got into a con- ited several times a day with trolley frontation, Ratti Ram after trolley of the litter, cow dung, would be at the fore- horse dung, and much else painstak- front. Playing the ingly swept up from his stretch of role of a statesman road. Everybody agreed that though to the hilt, he would Ratti Ram the sweeper literally handled protect the rights and dirt, he had a heart of gold. If he found demands of his fel- some unfortunate beggar scrounging low sweepers even for scraps amongst the garbage and as he held open the rubbish dump, he would, without door for negotiations. hesitation, take credit from the chai He usually managed (tea) shop owner and hand it over to to guide the stale- the overjoyed beggar. If he found an mate to a finale in injured or abandoned animal, he would which both the Mu- pick it up and take it home or leave it nicipal officers and at our home. He’d once taken home an the sweepers felt eagle which had somehow damaged they had won the its wing, and looked after it till it could battle. fly again. If a woman in his biradari He was at the tenure was now dusty more often than (community) was beaten up by a heightDR.RUPNATHJI( of his glory DR.RUPAK NATHnot. ) We all missed Ratti Ram — his drunken husband, he would offer her when tragedy struck Ratti Ram. He work as well as his personality — and shelter for the night. was knocked down by a speeding every morning, his sons, Satpal and A widower in his late fifties, Ratti truck while he was sweeping the road Mahinder, were greeted by what soon Ram was the pradhan (headman) of on a cold, misty winter morning. In became a standard query : “How is the sweepers community down on time, Ratti Ram’s fractured legs healed, Ratti Ram?” Kanwali Road. And once he changed but not completely, and in his crippled One morning, Satpal and Mahinder out of his often ragged, none too clean state, he could no longer carry out his failed to come on duty : they were sweeper’s clothes, what an impressive duties as a sweeper effectively. Walk- busy, we learnt later, with the funeral pradhan he made. His greying hair and ing even a hundred yards brought on preparations for Ratti Ram who had bushy salt and pepper moustache the pain. The cot outside his mud died during the night. Many suspected coupled with his dignified bearing and dwelling became his permanent refuge that Ratti Ram died of a broken heart gentle smile commanded immediate as his sons stepped into his shoes and at his virtual immobility. Even as we respect. In the evenings, while his two took over the stretch of road which had mourned the passing away of a good daughters prepared dinner and his two been Ratti Ram’s domain for so long. man, we began noticing changes. Long sons fetched water and lit the kerosene But the sons couldn’t match the quality before Satpal and Mahinder arrived lantern, he would sit on a cot outside of work which had been Ratti Ram’s with their long brooms and the trun- his neat little mud house and hold hallmark, and our staircase which had dling trolley, the road would be swept court as he drew deeply on a hookah been spick and span with the banisters (hubble bubble). shining brightly during Ratti Ram’s

22 Vedic Astrology / Volume 6, Number 2 remarkably, we were surprised to find ever since whenever we’ve been up at a puppy with a broken leg whining the first light of dawn. Barely two clean, our staircase would be spick outside our door. The chowkidar years ago, on a day when the rain was and span, the banisters would be swore nobody had come up the hammering incessantly on the roof shining. And every time we would stairs. A few days later, we found a and the rain waters on the road were begin to exclaim, “Surely, this is Ratti bedraggled, half dead bat baby left swirling as if the rain gods had forgot- Ram’s handiwork”, we would bite on a piece of paper outside the door. ten to attend to the flood gates, a tiny back the words, because Ratti Ram was My father became suspicious, and we black kitten with a mangled ear meow- dead. And despite the strange timing decided to keep a vigil. At the crack ing piteously was left at our door. of the improvements around, we would of dawn, just after the chowkidar left, And I now know one thing for sure : reassure ourselves with an Agatha we heard footsteps coming up the death doesn’t change the qualities of Christie-like line, “Dead men don’t stairs and then the unmistakable sound your heart. A salute to you, Ratti Ram: sweep.” But it was almost as if Ratti of a broom. It was Ratti Ram back as you were in life, so you are after Ram was determined to prove that he at work, and we’ve heard the ghostly death. Gentle. Conscientious. A soul ¦ was still a force to reckon with. About footsteps and the invisible broom who still cares. a fortnight after he died and the quality of sweeping and cleaning improved

drum which contained liquid ammo- Punishment for the Murderers nia, and that’s why nobody had been able to smell his dead body. My parents were in Delhi at that time, and Shyam Lal had been on duty almost e was obnoxious. And he had mountain villages beyond the beauti- continously at our flat, otherwise, de- some appalling ideas about hy- ful hill station of Chakrata. In just a spite his age, despite his obvious terror, giene.H A waiter in an unpretentious couple of months, Biru, the one time I may well have suspected him of little eating house near the railway unkempt waiter, transformed himself having a hand in the alleged murder. station in Dehra Dun, Biru had a into a replica of a movie hero. The Shyam Lal’s terror arose not so much remarkable sense of timing. He would small hotels near the railway station from the thought of the murder but stick his forefinger into his nose just as continued to be his favourite haunts. from his encounter at night with the he was about to place whatever you But expensive clothes, expensive dead Biru who had instructed him had ordered on the table. He would shoes, expensive perfumes and expen- clearly and explicitly to inform the scratch his crotch with a spoon and sive girls became his trademarks. He Arhat Bazaar police station. Unfortu- then put it right back with the other walked with a swagger and spoke with nately, Shyam Lal wasn’t told or couldn’t clean spoons. He would happily wipe an insolent drawl and it was whispered remember where the liquid ammonia the sweat and grime off his face with that he never kept a girl with him for drum containing Biru could be found. a napkin and then promptly use the more than one week. Rumour also had The police fanned out and began making enquiries. A day later, after same napkin to wipe plates. DR.RUPNATHJI(it that the girls, after DR.RUPAK several nights NATH of ) He was also lecherous. Whenever a debauchery, dissappeared mysteriously, checking several drums, the ‘hunted’ buxom, well endowed lady entered but nobody could say whether they drum was found, and Biru’s disfigured Peshawri Hotel, as the eating joint was were murdered or simply left wherever body was pulled out with great diffi- called, he would stare unabashedly at they had been picked up originally. culty. It didn’t take long for the police certain places and then, when putting One day, Biru himself dissappeared. to track down Biru’s murderers and down the plates, would pretend to be Some thought he’d gone to Bombay, bust a gang, albiet minor, of drug clumsy and give her a dig with his the glamour city of movies, while traffickers. Nobody came forward to elbow, never mind the presence of the others thought he may be on the run claim Biru’s body and his remains unfortunate lady’s escort. Biru’s gall from the police. Most people heaved a were, after the post mortem, cremated and lust knew no bounds and he was sigh of relief at his departure and he by the police and a charitable soon boasting that he would soon “lay” was quickly forgotten. About a fort- organisation. But the story doesn’t every servant girl in the vicinity and night after his absence was noticed end here. Biru appeared before Shyam their mistresses too whenever he got by people in the area, Shyam Lal, Lal again and assured him of help a chance. our chowkidar’s fourteen year old son, anytime after Shyam Lal too crossed Embarrassed and fed up, the owner came to me with a strange story. Biru over to the world of the dead. Death, of Peshawri Hotel sacked Biru, who had been murdered, he said, stabbed obviously, is no barrier to taking re- ¦ lost no time in joining a gang of opium repeatedly in the stomach, and his venge or showing gratitude. smugglers who obtained the drug in its body had been doubled up and dia- raw form from the poppy fields in bolically shoved into a large plastic

Vedic Astrology / Volume 6, Number 2 23 nakshatra, and Rahu-Jupiter in Gemini World Trade Center Chart designates the religious fanatic, espe- cially in nakshatra. Edith Hathaway Though the WTC Ascendant is in a fixed sign, it is notable that no planets are either in fixed signs or in earth edic astrology places great impor- Furthermore, as there was consider- signs. This would lend greater stability tance on the groundbreaking for a able controversy around many factors and longevity to the building. To have building.V Though there was appar- to do with acquiring the land in lasted a little over 35 years from the ently no ceremony for such a ground- Manhattan, the building and the time of groundbreaking, I assign the breaking of the World Trade Center, architecture of the WTC, no doubt any WTC Navamsha Ascendant to the there is documentation for the start of public celebration of the WTC was fixed sign of . In the Navamsha work on actual groundbreaking. In the geared to minimize the initial opposi- chart, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter are New York Times dated August 6, 1966 tion to the project. (In the early years situated in Taurus, with Moon and (p. 21, column 3), this small headline there was even difficulty in finding Saturn in the 4th house in Leo. The appeared: “Jackhammers Bite Pave- tenants to fill the WTC. After several dashas that occurred up through late ment to Start Trade Center Job.” The years, the New York State government May 2001 were Saturn and Mercury lead sentence reads as follows: “The took over 40 floors.) respectively. Ketu dasha began May early morning quiet along the Hudson The Vedic chart for 7:17 AM EDT on 28, 2001, according to the 7:17 AM river waterfront was shattered yester- Friday, August 5, 1966 has an Ascen- chart. Ketu is Ava Yogi planet, a planet day as construction began on the $525 dant of 4:07 Leo – the sign of majesty that can cause misfortune to the indi- million World Trade Center.” and magnificence. The Moon is at 4:10 vidual or entity with this birth chart. Upon further investigation, I found Pisces, almost exactly on the 8th house In the Bhava chart (i.e., equal house that construction workers in New York cusp – an ill omen to start – especially chart from the Ascendant degree), City usually begin work between 7 and tightly conjunct Saturn at 5:47 Pisces. Ketu falls in the 4th house of real estate 8 AM at the latest, breaking for lunch Mars-Venus-Jupiter in Punarvasu – an even worse omen for Ketu dasha around 11 AM, finishing up between nakshatra in the sign of Gemini (11th and the well-being of the WTC. The 3 and 4 PM. Given that this was the house) would seem fine, except that exact sub-period on September 11, first day of construction, with the need Mars, the karaka (significator) of real 2001 was Ketu-Ketu-Saturn, an un- to assign workers’ tasks and lay out estate is losing a planetary war with stable sub-period in an unstable dasha. equipment – very likely workers ar- Venus. A planetary war occurs when There is an arresting resonance rived around 7 AM and began the two planets are within one degree of between this WTC chart and that of actually groundbreaking within the conjunction in the same sign. (Only the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. next 15 to 30 minutes maximum. I Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and That chart is for September 27, 1996, have rectified the chart to 7:17 AM Saturn qualify for a planetary war.) Kabul, Afghanistan. The time is un- EDT; August 5, 1966; NYC. Venus wins the war in this case due to known, so I have used 12 noon local In establishing the birth chart of the its greater brightness in the heavens, as time. There is – similarly – a close WTC, I would hold that that moment well as being of advanced degree of Moon-Saturn conjunction in Pisces was more important astrologically than longitude over Mars. And as the war- just following a lunar eclipse at 10:28 the other various dates that occurred rior planet – it does not tend to Pisces at 7:21 AM local Kabul time the later. All of this was preceded by surrender gracefully. Notice the war same day. In each case the Moon- legislation passed in February–March DR.RUPNATHJI(takes place in the DR.RUPAKsign of Gemini, NATHSaturn ) combination falls in the 1962 by the states of NY and NJ, where Mars battles over ideas and nakshatra of Uttara Bhadra, known as clearing the way for the building of information. Mars in Gemini is in the “the warrior star” and associated with the WTC. Other relevant dates have to sign of its planetary enemy Mercury. people who are fiercely protective in do with the start of steel construction The current eclipse axis is Gemini- looking after those close to them. (August 1968), the first tenant occu- Sagittarius, from August 31, 2000 The Taliban takeover chart for Sep- pancy at the North Tower (December through March 2, 2002. Note also that tember 27, 1996 shows Moon-Saturn- 1970), and the first tenant occupancy on the day of the attack September 11, Ketu in Pisces opposite Sun-Rahu in of the South Tower (January 1972). A 2001, Mars-Ketu in Sagittarius was Virgo. Jupiter is the 5th planet in a dual ribbon cutting ceremony was held on transiting opposite Moon-Rahu-Jupiter sign, at 14:53 Sagittarius. The only April 4, 1973, but this was well after in Gemini. Mars-Ketu is explosive in planet in a fixed sign is Mercury, at the buildings started to be tenanted. fiery Sagittarius, especially in 25:13 Leo. Currently, the USA is

24 Vedic Astrology / Volume 6, Number 2 Moon Mars Sun 4 Mercury 3 Saturn Venus 7 6 (R) Mars completing its military attack on the (R) Jupiter Ketu Lagna Venus Taliban regime of Afghanistan. The Sun Jupiter Mercury Bush administration believes the 5 Groundbreaking (R) Taliban regime is indirectly respon- 82 August 5, 1966 sible for the WTC attack – for its 11 7:17 hours EDT Lagna 1 harboring and protection of Osama New York Bin Laden in Afghanistan since 1996. 9 Rahu Whatever the case, Moon-Saturn in 10 12 Moon Pisces shows the suffering of the Saturn (R) people. The new post-Taliban govern- Lagna 4°05' Mars 2330' Venus 24°23' ment was sworn on December 22, Sun 1912' Mercury(R) 7°17' Saturn(R) 5°47' 2001. A 12 noon chart gives an Moon 4°10' Jupiter 26°35' Rahu 27°58' Ascendant of 10:09 Pisces, Moon at 00:32 Pisces, and seven planets in Lagna Venus Ketu dual signs – all except vargottama Ketu Lagna Mars 3 1 Jupiter Venus Mars in Aquarius and vargottama 4 Mars 12 Saturn in Taurus in mutual aspect. Jupiter Mars and Saturn in fixed signs may 2 Moon Navamsha 511 not be enough to promise longevity Saturn Moon 8 for this new regime, though it 6 does promise a mighty struggle for Saturn foreign dominance over the future of Mercury 10 Sun 79 Afghanistan – no doubt due to its Mercury Rahu Sun geographical proximity to the phe- Rahu nomenally large oil reserves beneath the Caspian Sea. ¦

DR.RUPNATHJI( DR.RUPAK NATH )

Vedic Astrology / Volume 6, Number 2 25 approach with enormous institutional Astrology in the Twenty-First support. Weather prediction is also an area Century where astrological inputs could pro- vide good support to the meteorologi- S N Tekur cal department . Of late there has been some improvement in weather prediction in the short term through satellite pictures and analysis using INTRODUCTION interpretation of in such large data bases. situations.The Prasna chart is prob- Astrology is an ancient and divine Nevertheless precise guidance is ably of more urgent relevance. science. It has survived and expanded still elusive. The direction of a storm There has been a revolution in the over the entire existence of mankind. and wind speeds are forecast which field of communication. Why then is a debate needed over frequently fail to cross the coast at the In these days of instant everything what is getting changed in astrology in appropriate place or the cyclone the astrologer may also have to modify the 21st century? abruptly changes its mind and moves the approach to the interpretation Basically astrology is a study of the in an unexpected direction. Astrologi- and evaluation of charts as less clues heavens and an attempt to relate cal inputs pertaining to those exact pertaining to omens (shakunas) may be celestial phenomena with events on locations may probably improve re- available. This is because questions earth, both at an individual as well sults. are being increasingly posed over the as a global level. Also astrology could provide long telephone, through e-mail and shortly Interpretations have been defined term forecasts say, over the next de- possibly via video-telephone. by our seers in the form of a number cade which satellite information cer- As a consequence of better commu- of dicta expressed as shlokas and tainly cannot cover. nications faster responses are also aphorisms. National leaders could make good demanded of the astrologer. These are valid for ALL time and do use of mundane astrological inputs There is also likely to be a change not get altered through our definitions regarding the general helath of the in the type of questions asked of the of the millenium. nation and specific problem areas astrologer. A few examples may be: However, the interpretation of the which may arise during a given period same aphorisms has to be adapted to a. Can you select a muhurta for re- of time. modern times and changed living entry of a space vehicle? Spiritual Rejuvenation conditions usually expressed as DESHA, b. Can you provide a suitable muhurta KAALA, AND PAATRA. for advanced biotechnology ex- There appears to be an enhanced We shall try to examine the changes periments? interest worldwide in spiritual matters in lifestyles and the human condition even amongst the youth. The west Mundane Astrology due to technology and other factors appears to be getting disillusioned influencing the demands for astrologi- Several parts of the world are devas- with materialism and is turning to the cal counselling in the 21st century and tated by earthquakes every year and east for guidance in matters outside how we as a community need to gear seismological inputs do not appear to the “see and touch” world. ourselves up for performing our role be adequate both in terms of accu- The question of human evolution satisfactorily. rately predicting the time factor as well in a conscious manner by choice is being seriously studied. Till now evo- Changes Driven by Technology as intensities to take precautionary measures. An addition of astrological lution occurred in stages governed We are living in the space age. DR.RUPNATHJI(inputs could probably DR.RUPAK significantly NATH mainly) by the demands of the environ- Permanent stations have already improve the situation. In order to ment and the role selected for homo- been set up at the poles. Astronauts incorporate these inputs there has to sapiens. have been orbiting the earth for ex- be acceptance of the relevance of In this area astrology has a major tended periods of time. In the not too astrological inputs which can happen role in not only providing an insight distant future space stations are likely only with an attitudinal change at the into the current level of spiritual to be established on the moon and governmental level. Significant impact evolution of an individual but also maybe in deep space. of astrological parameters cannot be providing guidance on the best path in It is time for astrologers to start assessed by individual contributions the current lifetime for rapid advance- thinking about the lagna as well as the but by a systematic and organised ment in the spiritual dimension.

26 Vedic Astrology / Volume 6, Number 2 Some interesting work has been needs to increase not only his profi- However, for any such efforts to documented by several astrological ciency in analysis but also his credibil- become meaningful and effective it is savants looking at Rahu and Ketu as ity by providing value added services. necessary for the scientific community the karmic control planets and as A more detailed explanation is de- to accept and become more deeply indicators of the current life learning manded together with probably newer involved in astrology. The stigma at- and mission. The general disposition and more acceptable remedial mea- tached to overt involvement in astrol- of planets also gives important clues as sures which provide better insights ogy by leaders of the scientific commu- to the directions that are suitable for a into the mechanisms involved in their nity should be overcome. soul at its current state. method of operation. Conclusions For instance, the rashi and navamsha Extra Saturnine Planets charts together with the current dasha An attempt has been made to visualise Our seers do not seem to be unaware and bhukti was considered adequate the trends towards basic changes as of the extra-saturnine planets. to provide counselling. well as applications of astrology in the One conjecture is that the effects of Now, apart from the bhava charts, 21st century. the extra-saturnine planets have been the divisional charts are considered There cannot be any fundamental accounted more effectively through more or less essential. The ashtakavarga changes as this science has already the influences of Rahu and Ketu. When bindus, shadbala and bhava bala to- taken into account all possible correla- our seers could consider the effects of gether with annual charts are routinely tions between mankind, other lifeforms the upagrahas which are synonymous used. There appears to be considerable and the eternal celestial drama. Popu- with the moons around the major interest in different dasha systems lar debate on the implications of the so- planets they certainly knew about Ura- which could be adopted based on the called 13th rashi are merely attempts nus, Neptune, Pluto and maybe several conditions of birth as well as verifica- by vested interests to create confusion yet undiscovered planets. Some re- tion through past events. in the minds of the general populace. searchers have tried to define the Relationship of the auric levels with Twenty-first century astrology has house lordships and Karakatvas of these the planetary strengths indicated by to adapt itself to changes in social planets. From western astrology it ap- the shadbalas and use of colour as structure, lifestyles, and new demands pears as though these planets may be well as alternate healing techniques for guidance both at individual as well used only to more systematically elabo- such as reiki, meditation, etc., need to as organisational and state levels. There rate the current situation exemplified be examined. has to be a higher level of integration by Desha, Kaala and Paatra stated in in all facets of life to which modern Expert Systems and Artificial our literature. astrology has to cater. Intelligence Hopefully astrological inputs will Expectations from the New The intuitive factor can never be also be one of the parameters in Generation Astrologer replaced in the astrological domain. analysis and decision making at vari- In the not too distant past the demands However, just as the power of the ous levels of organisations and govern- made of the astrologer were not computer is currently being effectively ment when due recognition is forth- too stringent. With increased general used to enhance the utility of astrology coming to this field in the new awareness the expectations have by relieving the astrologer of routine millenium. ¦ risen very sharply. DR.RUPNATHJI(computation and DR.RUPAK giving him NATHmore ) Previously, an astrologer was con- time for analysis, it is possible to sidered competent if he was able to consider using newer techniques such draw up a decent looking chart and as expert systems and artificial intelli- make a few pronouncements with gence to enhance the quality of coun- adequate seriousness. However, in selling . In expert systems, the meth- today’s world of computerised astrol- ods of integration and analysis used ogy detailed charts with all possible by masters in the field are carefully diagnostic tools are available at the studied and mimicked using advanced press of a button. The astrologer is software. This requires close interac- expected to correlate all the informa- tion between the software specialists tion and integrate all the different and astrologers with high standing and techniques to provide a much more acknowledged as masters. This pro- authentic review of the current prob- cess is not far different from current lems of his client and suggest better efforts to integrate studies and courses of action than was hitherto the rich knowledge base of the possible. The 21st century astrologer through computers. Lessons in Palmistry Vinay Aditya 3

he most important part of upto his fuller potential. Events marked Cheiromancy is the study of lines in both hands are surer to happen as the Ton the hands. We have, in the previous sub-conscious and the conscious mind lessons, discussed Cheirognomy which are operating in tandem. is the study of mounts on the palm. No Major Lines in the Hand two hands are alike, not even of the twins. In fact no two hands are alike There are five major lines and several even if they belong to one and the same minor lines in the hand. Minor lines person. Most often, the left hand is may not be found in a great majority significantly different from the right. As of hands. It is not necessary that even mentioned by Cheiro, there is an old all the major lines are present in saying on this point: 'The left is the hand every hand. we are born with; the right is the hand 1. The Line of Life : Starting from under we make’. Therefore, the left hand is the the mount of Jupiter it encircles the inherited one showing the subconscious indicates practical commonsense and a mount of lower Mars and the mount mind and natural characteristics of the love of material things. If it is sloping of Venus. Its exact course on the hand person and the right hand shows the towards the end, it denotes imaginative gives vital clue about the health and discipline, training, learning, environ- mind as opposed to practical mind. If vitality of the person. Though disease ment, experience and the traits the the line is sloping right from its start, is seen from every part of the hand person has acquired since birth. For there is a leaning towards imaginative but it must have a corresponding this reason, the right hand changes more work in accordance with the type of mark on the life-line too. Astrologers frequently and reflects the conscious hand, like music, painting, literature or relate it akin to Lagna and Lagnesha. and the operative mind. mechanical inventions. When the line is For any line to indicate the best Major lines do not change signifi- too sloping (drooping towards the mount results, it should be long, narrow and cantly but minor lines come and go. of the Moon, it denotes romance, ideal- deep, pinkish in colour, without They represent the hopes and frustra- ism divorced from pragmatism, and irregularities, breaks or crosses. A life- tions, the present circumstances, the Bohemianism. Ending in a fine fork line like this promises long life, good future planning and coming events. In will mean literary talent of the imagina- health and strong vitality. traditional Indian palmistry, the left tive kind. If rest of the hand also If the life-line starts from the base hand was given more importance for indicates so, too drooping a line ending of the mount of Jupiter instead of women and the right hand for men. on the mount of the Moon indicates the side of the palm, it means that the But in our experience, we have found DR.RUPNATHJI( DR.RUPAK NATHsuicidal ) tendencies. When the life-line person has been quite ambitious right that even for women, the right hand and Head line are closely connected in from the beginning. should be given more importance while the beginning, the life is guided by reading the hands, since the modern 2. The Line of Head: Its normal starting reason, but the subject is extremely woman is also an entity that is thinking, point is the same as that of life-line sensitive about one’s self. He is also very learning, evolving, managing and plan- but it travels across the palm and cautious in all enterprises related to self. ning all the time. And these changes divides the palm in two parts. It When the space between life-line and are better reflected in the right hand. normally ends below the mount of head-line is medium (1 to 4 mm), the The fact that women’s left side of the Mercury or, if a little short, below the subject feels free to carry out his plans brain (intuitional side) is more devel- mount of the Sun. Line of head primarily as per his thinking and ideas. This oped than the man’s, is not important indicates the mentality of the subject, spacing also denotes self-reliance, en- here. After all most women are also intellectual strength or weakness, level ergy, quick decisions and a strong go- right handed just as most men are. For of concentration, and quality and direc- ahead spirit. left handed men and women, the left tion of thinking. It is extremely impor- But if the space between life-line hand28 may be seen more closely. tant to realise that the same and head-lineVedic Astrologyis too / Volumewide 6, Number(5mm 2 If the right hand is better marked than head-line will give vastly different indi- and more), it indicates all the above the left hand, it means that the person cations as per the type of hand. Line qualities in excess: overconfidence, fool- has improved since birth and is living of head, when straight, clear, unmarked, hardiness, impulsiveness, jumping to conclusions without paying attention satisfaction for a man whose heart-line Jupiter is a sign of great success and to reason. Such people specialise in starts from the middle of mount of achievement and realisation of one’s ‘act first, think later’. Saturn. Such people place minimal ambitions. When the head-line is very high in value at fore-play in sexual practices. If 5. The line of Sun: It runs from the wrist the hand so that the space between it the line of heart rises from between the to the mount of the Sun but only in a and heart-line is too narrow, it means two fingers or mounts, it indicates rare hand does it appear full length. that the head will rule over heart ‘middle ground’– idealism in love with Often it is short and appears only above completely if that line is the strongest, practical and commonsensical attitude. the heart-line. This line is also known and vice versa. 4. The Line of Fate: This line is variously as the line of Apollo or line of Fame. 3. The Line of Heart: It starts from the known as the line of destiny or Satur- According to Benham its most appropri- mount of Jupiter (or in its vicinity) and nine line. It starts from the wrist and ate name should be line of capability travels across the palm, under the traverses upto (or in the direction of) (or possibility). Those who have this mounts, up to the percussion. This line the mount of Saturn. This line indicates line well marked have a certain talent, reveals not only the muscular and vital ‘material success’ and some authors call brilliance or facility to shine in ‘some’ strength and action of the heart itself it the 'satisfaction derived from material sphere of life. It is wrong to say that but as a result of these conditions also possessions'. All events related to pro- this line always denotes artistic pursuit the strength and character of love and fessional rise and fall are best indicated and fame as many authors would like affection. The heart-line is a repository on this line. When fate-line rises from us to believe. Which sphere of life of our love affairs and emotional en- the wrist upwards and goes unhindered the person is likely to be successful in tanglements as also of our heart-breaks. upto the mount of Saturn, it indicates will be indicated by the type of hand When it runs clear and deep with good extremely good fortune and success in and whether he belongs to mental, pink colour (not red, not white), it all enterprise. If this line rises from practical or material world. This line indicates a well adjusted, emotionally the mount of the Moon, success will acts as a sister-line to the fate-line satisfied sympathetic, warm hearted in- be dependent on the help, fancy and and it augments the weaknesses of the dividual. caprice of other people. In a woman’s fate-line. This line is not necessarily When the line rises from the middle hand such a fate-line may mean mar- present in the hands of successful of mount of Jupiter it denotes develop- riage in a wealthy family or assistance people, but when it is present it ment of the sentimental and idealistic from some one influential. If the fate- surely makes success easier to achieve side of the affections. Such a man is line rises from life-line it denotes suc- due to the innate brilliance of the firm, strong and reliable in his affec- cess through hard work and personal subject. tions. He does not marry beneath his merit. If it is entwined with the life-line The major lines undergo transforma- station and will rarely have extra-marital in the beginning, it means that the early tions in their indications according to relationships. The idea of love is heavily period of one’s life has been sacrificed several modifiers. That will make the tinged with sensualism and self to the wishes of parents or relatives. A subject matter of a separate lesson. ¦ gratification in preference to mutual fate-line that terminates on the mount of (To be continued)

DR.RUPNATHJI( DR.RUPAK NATH )