The body of jyotish depends squarely on the epic texts known as

DASHAS – A PRIMER
BY ROHINIRANJAN
{NOTE: These tutorials written by Rohiniranjan (Crystal Pages) were first published in
the EXPRESS STAR-TELLER Magazine, CHENNAI, INDIA as part of a continuing
series for students of astrology in EST’s student section
All copyrights retained by Rohiniranjan and Crystal Pages as ALL earlier sharings
offered to Jyotish and its readers and aficionados }
The body of jyotish depends squarely on the epic texts known as Brihat Parasara Hora
Sastra (BPHS) which are essentially a comprehensive transcript of the dialogues between
Muni Parashara and his acolyte Maitryaya. In 100 chapters, Parashara has captured nearly
all of what traditional Jyotish is. There have been embellishments and additions and in
some cases subtractions and variant opinions that have been provided by other doyens
and even a significant portion of Parashara’s teachings have been attributed to what is
known as Jaimini System. Jaimini system builds upon and elaborates a portion of the
discourse. Without entering the quagmire of who came first and who adopted whose
writings and similar never-ending controversies, most jyotishis would serve themselves
better by avoiding getting embroiled into such debates and gratefully gain what they can
from the writings of all of these great former astrologers and many of them being saints.
Phalita Jyotish or predictive astrology (that which shall fructify, or in other words bear
fruit) deals with the important factor of karma which creates our destinies and also allows
us to reverse the wrong-doings of earlier times through charity, penance, worship etc.
Essentially, through developing right actions and right mental attitude. While the
horoscope itself is essentially a snapshot of the heavens as viewed from the birthplace at
the epoch of birth and holds important attributions and signatures of the incarnating soul,
the planets do not stay frozen for our entire lifetime. Thus we incorporate two types of
movements of the planets. One type is the direct movement which is studied as transits or
gochara. The other type is a projected or progressed movement. These essentially are
what is termed in Jyotish as dasas. These have been interpreted both as Dasha
(surrounding conditions and states) as well as Disha (directions; the optimum plan of
action).
One or many: If one were to browse through BPHS one would see a few categories.
There are dashas which are calculated based on the nakshatra such as Vimshottari, others
are based on the rashis such as Chara dasha, while another popular dasha Kalachakra
incorporates both the nakshatra and rashi. Aside from this classification, Parashara has
indicated that some of the dashas can be utilized as general purpose and applicable to all,
whereas other dashas are utilized when certain conditions are met with in a horoscope.
For example, Panchottari dasa is utilized when someone is born in karka lagna and also
has karka dwadashamsha rising in lagna.
Udu dasa: Udu means the ‘flying’ as in a bird. The term is also utilized for nakshatras.
Puristically, all nakshatra dashas are udu dashas, however, generally speaking vimshottari
dasha is considered as the udu dasha. Vimshottari has been the primary staple dasa used
by jyotishis in general. A minority of jyotishis have utilized other dasas too quite
successfully and in recent times, Professor B. V. Raman, Mr. K.N. Rao, and more
prolifically Sri Sanjay Rath and his disciples have been very instrumental in producing
large bodies of work dealing with different dashas. In the case of many of the dashas,
there are variant calculations prescribed and this then compounds with the other two
uncertainties: which ayanamsha, which dasha year duration – and the situation becomes
very complex. In astrology there is a major role played by what is known as the Law of
Diminishing Returns. I have seen beginners and even more advanced jyotishis to use too
many factors and techniques which make it very confusing for most. The illustrated cases
are very impressive but when the same dasha or principles are applied to a few more
randomly selected charts, the solid platform risks becoming a floating barge in the Jyotish
Baitarini!
KISS: This stands for the ancient multicultural principle of Keep It Simple ‘Santon’!
Since these articles are aimed at beginners, it would be more useful to learn a few dashas
rather than a whole bag-full that would only cause mental indigestion. I have found two
dashas, both belonging to the udu dasa group most useful. When the birth is in
suklapaksha (bright half of moon, shukla prathama to poornima) vimshottari dasa must
be used whereas if the birth is in krishnapaksha (Krishna prathama to amavasya) then
ashtottari must be used. This is not to say that dashas such as chara, sthira, yogini, chakra,
kalachakra and the rest of 32 dashas described in BPHS are to be ignored. But these must
be taken up after gaining some confidence in vimshottari and astottari. Also, one must not
rely on just articles in magazines or on the internet to consider themselves astrology
literate. Internet articles in particular can be of the highest quality or questionable,
therefore some prudent caution would not be out of place.
In subsequent articles we will go into more details about the methodology and other
considerations and try to reduce if not eliminate the mystery around these very useful
tools for timing of events.
{end of segment 1)
DASHAS – A PRIMER (2)
BY ROHINIRANJAN
FUNDAMENTAL BASIS: The basic premise behind dashas is simple and
straightforward. Life is segmented into sections or periods which are represented by
planets in the horoscope (nakshatra dashas) or the signs (rashi dasas). The orientation
point for the nakshatra dashas (udu) is the natal moon. If we visualize that starting at
moment of birth, the moon is progressing through the rest of the zodiac (at a speed lot
slower than in transit, i.e., 2.5 days per sign) and as it passes through the different
nakshatra, the planetary rulership changes. The planetary ruler is then considered to be
the primary planet indicator during that period. Some of the dashas such as vimshottari
and ashtottari have very long total duration, 120 and 108 years respectively and most
individuals do not complete the full cycle. Others dashas such as yogini are shorter and
one can have more than one cycle during a typical lifetime.
VIMSHOTTARI AND NAKSHATRAS: 1Vimshottari is related to the quantity '120'
and the entire dasha cycle spans over 120 years. The two luminaries, five planets and the
two lunar nodes that are considered by vedic astrologers in delineations, rule over periods
varying from 6 to 20 years each during the 120 years in this order: Ketu (S. node of
Moon), Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu (N. node of Moon), Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury.
These rule for 7, 20, 6, 10, 7, 18, 16, 19 and 17 years respectively. Nowhere in ancient
texts does one find the rationale behind the assignment of this order (other than saying
that the order follows the order of nakshatras or lunar asterisms, on which the dasha
system is based) nor are the individual durations rationalized. These 'periods' are different
from the ones that are attributed to Ptolemy and Babylonian astrology, and therefore must
be of a different origin and the product of a completely different line of thinking and
derivation. Some experts have tried to group the different dasha periods by drawing the
dividing line after the Moon (which being the satellite of earth is considered the nearest
body to earth and the orienting point in the scheme) in the vimshottari dasha sequence,
thus giving us two groups, constituted by:
a) Mars, Rahu, Jupiter and Saturn, their periods totaling to (7+18+16+19=) 60
years, and
b) Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun and Moon, their periods totaling to
(17+7+20+6+10=) 60 years.
The above scheme places the 'outer' planets in the first group and the luminaries
(sun and moon) and the "inner" planets in the second group, with each group containing
one of the two lunar nodes. The vimshottari order is preserved, as well if the two groups
are joined together (mars, rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, mercury, ketu, sun and moon being the
order of vimshottari dasas!). The rationale behind the assignment of individual period
durations in the vimshottari scheme is not known, but this sequence is interesting and
intriguing, at the very least.
In vimshottari dasha the sidereal asterismal position of natal Moon determines the
point at which one enters into or starts the 120 year cycle. The 360d zodiac is divided into
27 asterisms, each 13d 20m long. The first 13d 20m starting at sidereal Aries 0d, is ruled
by Ketu with Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury and Venus
following in the same order as that followed in the rulership assignment in the
vimshottari dasha.
Each vimshottari dasha period (mahadasha) is subdivided into nine sub-periods,
also known as antardasha or bhuktis. The first bhukti in any dasha is ruled by the dasha
lord itself and is followed by the bhuktis of other planets. The first bhukti in the dasha of
Sun would be ruled by Sun, followed by the bhuktis of Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter,
Saturn, Mercury, Ketu and Venus. Each sub-period can be further divided proportionately
into antaras, pratyantaras, sukshmas etc. However, given the controversies regarding the
most 'accurate' values for ayanamshas (precessional corrections for converting tropical
longitudes into sidereal longitudes) and inaccuracies in reported birth times, the practical
usefulness of finer sub-periods may be questionable.
IS VIMSHOTTARI A PROGRESSION: Those who are familiar with western
astrology would perhaps know that in that system the primary progression is based on a
degree a year progression. Planets are considered as moving one degree ahead each year,
thereby completing 120 degrees in 120 years. If you think for a moment, vimshottari is
based on the moon moving through a set of nakshatras (120 degrees) in 120 years!
However, in the finer Jyotish system of dasha, it is the moon that we consider as
progressing at inequal rates through the zodiac. For example if at birth moon was at the
beginning of ketu’s nakshatra, the nativity will experience 7 years of ketu followed by 20
years of Venus dasha (moon is moving through Venus star). So although in longitude
(degrees) the star of ketu occupies the same segment in the zodiac (13d 20m or 800
minutes) as does the star ruled by Venus, the moon moves through the two at very
different speeds, thus giving the different durations of the dashas. The following table
will help clarify:
2Asterism beginning at the following sidereal longitudes of Moon:
Deg min
Deg min
000 00
120 00
013 20
133 20
026 40
146 40
040 00
160 00
053 20
173 20
066 40
186 40
080 00
200 00
093 20
213 20
106 40
226 40
{end of segment 2)
Deg min
240 00
253 20
266 40
280 00
293 20
306 40
320 00
333 20
346 40
Asterism ruled by
Ketu
Venus
Sun
Moon
Mars
Rahu
Jupiter
Saturn
Mercury
DASHAS – A PRIMER (3)
BY ROHINIRANJAN
DEC 2008
UNDERSTANDING THE ALPHABET – NAKSHATRAS: 3Nakshatras are very
useful in delving a bit deeper in the charts. Without understanding these, one’s handling
of udu dashas would be shaky. There are many different ways in which these have been
used, including, the presentation of effects experienced by those born with moon (and
ascendant) in the different asterisms. Typically, the 360 degrees of zodiac can be divided
into 27 segments which coincide pretty closely to the daily motion of the moon (or more
accurately, the daily motion of the moon through a tithi. Each tithi is the time during
which moon travels 12 degrees away from the sun, and since the sun is also moving
through nearly a degree during the same period, the moon needs to move approximately
13degrees in order to maintain the 12 degree difference from sun.) The nakshatra is a
segment that is 13d 20m long. There are 27 nakshatras in the zodiac. For muhurta
(electional horoscopy) a sub-segment known as Abhijit is used by some jyotishis. Each
nakshatra is associated with a fixed star (or two) and is listed in Dr. Raman's book for
beginners. Each nakshatra has four divisions, each 3d 20m long. These are known as
padas and these quarters are identical to the navamshas, and are 108 in number in the
zodiac. 108 Is a very special number that appears in hindu practices in more than one way
(for mantra repetitions and other rituals, etc.).
NAKSHATRAS AND DASHAS: Nakshatras also have a special connection with
planets. Each nakshatra is ruled by one planet in the order of vimshottari dashas. The first
nakshatra beginning at Aries 0, known as ashwini, is ruled by ketu. The next one, bharini,
is ruled by venus (whose dasha follows that of ketu), next come krittika ruled by sun,
rohini ruled by moon, mrigashirsha (mars), ardra (Rahu), punarvasu (jupiter), pushya
(saturn) and ashlesha (mercury). The cycle then repeats in two sets, the next set of nine
stars ruled by the planets ketu to mercury being: magha, purva phalguni, uttar phalguni,
hasta, chitra, swati, vishakha, anuradha and jyeshta, and the third set comprising moola,
purvashadha, uttarashadha, sravana, dhanishta, shatabhisha, purvabhadrapada,
uttarabhadrapada and revati. Each set spans four signs, beginning with a fire, then earth,
air and water sign. Each set of nakshatra, therefore, contains all four elements.
Nakshatra lordship and dispositorship is important and gives rise to a scheme
whereby each planet is associated with another planet through a body or soul (essence)
relationship. This sharira-jeeva relationship is described in details elsewhere in this
manual. The intrinsic elemental nature or guna of a planet in a horoscope must be kept in
mind as being associated with not only the sign but also the nakshatra it is in. The
nakshatra rising in the east (lagna nakshatra) also adds a significant extent to the
personality of an individual in addition to the sign rising and must be paid attention to.
Similar considerations must be noted for the lunar asterism and the different nakshatras
that the karakas or significators.
OTHER BUILDING BLOCKS: Combining nakshatra attributes with those of the signs
that they are associated with (attributes such as, elements, malefic/benefic nature, chara-
sthira-dwiswabhav state, male-female nature, etc.) can help fine-tune many details and
impart a richness and texture to the horoscope readings. According to some jyotishis, one
can view the influences of the sign/rashi/constellation on a planet as its exterior, physical
or coarse influence, while the influence of the asterism or nakshatra would determine the
finer or mental nature of the planet. The navamsha sign in which the planet is placed
would describe the intrinsic nature and motivations that act on the planet, in a sense the
karmic signature. The three can also be described as the form, living essence and motive
of the planet in a cosmic sense.
Next time we shall look at tara sambandhas and other factors influencing the planets that
one would be examining while analyzing a vimshottari dasha. Only through an
examination of a matrix of influences can one truly decipher the meaning of the
astrosymbolizm of dashas and how they connect and work cooperatively with transits
within the confines of the horoscope of the nativity.
{end of segment 3)
DASAS – A PRIMER (4)
BY ROHINIRANJAN
DEC 2008 CONTD
After dasas have been calculated using tables that are given in all ephemeris or with a
program (since most people use computers these days), the next question that faces the
astrologer is, how to translate all these periods and planets into a reading? 4Some basic
considerations that may be followed are:
FIRST AND FOREMOST: The mahadasha period determines the primary jurisdiction of
effects that one might experience during the dasha.
AFTER DASA COMES BHUKTI: The results during the bhukti period would depend on
the interaction between dasha and bhukti lords, mutual relationship, placement, attributes
and strengths, etc., but a bhukti generally cannot give or take away what falls outside the
jurisdiction of the dasha. The dasha effect generally supervenes and forms the boundaries
of what is achievable. The only thing to watch out for is the bhukti lord is a yogakaraka
and very strong. This sometimes makes it the primary determinant even surpassing the
dasha lord.
STRENGTH PREVAILS: The strength of the dasha and bhukti lords determine the
extent to which the effects of these planets would materialize or be experienced by the
nativity (jatak, one that is born).
YOGAS HAVE A SAY: Any special yogas or combinations formed by the dasha and
bhukti lord in the natal horoscopes may materialize in their dasha and bhuktis or in the
periods of the planets that are placed in the stars of the yoga-forming planets. For
example, the mutual angular disposition of Jupiter and Moon results in gajakeshari yoga,
a benefic combination for fame and success and gives a very steady level-headed mind
set that is not swayed easily by sentiments. A person with stronger Jupiter and Moon
would be more successful and higher-placed than another one with gajakeshari but with
the two planets weak in the horoscope. Similarly, a person with gajakeshari in the 1st and
10th house is likely to experience a higher degree of success than one with the Jupiter and
Moon in the 3rd and 6th signs from the ascendant (although the two planets are still in
mutual angles). If the dasha and bhukti lords are mutually ill-disposed, such as in the 6th
or 8th from the other, then their energies are not likely to be expressed in a harmonious
manner. Somewhat similar to when the team members do not work in synch with each
other! One factor to keep in mind though is what is known as rashi drishtis. The fixed
(sthira) rashis aspect the movable (chara) rashis except the one next to them. So scorpio
will aspect capricorn, Aries and cancer but would not aspect libra. Similarly, libra will
aspect aquarius, Taurus and Leo but not scorpio. The mutable (dwiswabhav) rashis,
Gemini, virgo, Sagittarius and pisces aspect each other. They are all in kendras from one
another and in general references made in yogas and other astrological combinations
which refer to Kendra sambandha producing such and such effect is more pronounced
when the planets are in dwiswabhav rashi! Gajkeshari yoga that is formed by Jupiter and
moon being in dwiswabhava rashis is especially strongly expressed if the planets are
benefic and strong otherwise.
NATURE OF INDICATORS: During a dasha (and to a lesser extent in a bhukti),
influences of the planet/s are expressed according to the nature of the sign in which the
planet is placed in the natal chart. Planets in cardinal (chara) signs generate restlessness,
activity, outwardly directed expression, dynamism, the opposite effects are seen during
periods of planets in fixed (sthira) signs. Mutable (dwiswabhav) signs generate
ambiguity, bipolar responses and nervousness. The quadruplicity of the sign (all sidereal)
must likewise be taken into account, particularly the way in which it interacts with the
inherent nature of the planet. A fiery Mars in a fiery cardinal sign can express itself
strongly and is very much in its own element. If it is not in a malefic house (6th, 8th or
12th from ascendant) or aspected by malefic planets, its periods signify a large amount of
activity and personal growth and reshaping. Likewise, Moon in a watery sign would be
able to express its effects more in the way it is supposed to. Moon in a fixed fiery sign
would be very uncomfortable. This, incidentally, is perhaps the theme on which house
ownerships, exaltation and debilitation are based.
JAN 2009
KP AND ASTERISMAL CONSIDERATION: An important consideration to be kept in
mind (the concept originating from Krishnamurthi Paddhati) is that the planet ruling over
a period indicates the source of effect during its dasha or bhukti. If it is strong by
rulership, position and association the effects during its period will be strongly felt and
vice versa. The nature of the effect will be determined by the planet in whose star the
dasha or bhukti lord is situated. The asterismal sub (which is the angular representation of
the duration of bhukti in a dasha, considering the dasha duration to represent an arc of
13d 20m) indicates success or failure depending on its relationship (inherent and housewise) with the asterism lord (indicating the effect during a dasha). The following example
might make this more clear. In a horoscope, if Mercury is in Scorpio ascendant in the
asterism of Mercury and sub of Venus. During the dasha of Mercury, the source of
effects would be Mercury, the nature of effects experienced will be determined by the
asterism lord, Mercury in this case and the houses ruled by it (8th and 11th) and occupied
by it (1). Venus, the sub-lord is in the 2nd house and is in the 7th from the 8th house, 4th
from 11th and 2nd from 1st house and Mercury. So, during the dasha of Mercury, the 8th
and 11th house effects would flourish, while the 1st house will be moderately helped.
This translates into numerous obstacles, gains from insurance or inheritances (8th), good
earnings for one’s capabilities and a period of moderately good health and some personal
growth (1). Mercury is an active planet but it is located in a fixed watery sign (Scorpio).
It is strong in shadbal (strength determination), so the effects will be prominently felt. But
since it is not in a very congenial sign, the native would have enormous restlessness
without an opportunity for expressing it and things would move very slowly or not at all.
There would be opportunities for spiritual and metaphysical experiences and growth. The
intellectual as opposed to emotional faculties will be utilized more in these matters.
PLANETS ARE KNOWN BY THE COMPANY THEY KEEP: Associations and
aspects from other planets to the planets ruling the dasha and bhukti modify and modulate
the effects of the period lords. As a general rule, friendly and benefic planets (natural
benefics such as Jupiter, Venus, Mercury and waxing Moon, or benefic by disposition,
such as planets ruling over angular and trinal houses from the ascendant) help move
matters, malefics (natural such as Saturn, Mars or rulers of the 6th, 8th and 12th signs
from the ascendant) exert the opposite effects. Sun and waning Moon and rulers of 2nd,
3rd and 11th signs from the ascendant have mixed effects, partly benefic and partly
malefic. Some authorities consider the Sun as a cruel but benefic planet. Rahu and Ketu
are shadow planets and assume the qualities of planets in whose sign they are placed in a
horoscope. However, they generally tend to be malefic in nature. The nodes are in a class
by themselves and different authorities have dealt with those in different ways. Some
have assigned particular signs as owned by the nodes and signs in which they are exalted
or debilitated, as is the case for other planets. Others have refrained to do so. My
experience is that the nodes take on the attribute of their sign dispositor. Any planet
which is in conjunction with the nodes loses its propensity to bring about effects and
often expresses through the nodes in their dashas, bhuktis or transits. Nodes have a very
significant influence on one’s life and nodal periods sensitize and expose one to
influences beyond one’s immediate control. Perhaps these influences originate from
actions in other time periods. They have been thought to signify karmic influences, Rahu
signifying karma-generating actions (future karma) while Ketu signifies deeds already
done and is more concerned with tying up of karmic loose ends.
ONE SWALLOW DOES NOT MAKE SUMMER: Dasha effects must not be studied in
isolation. The reference to the natal chart is absolutely essential but they must be studied
simultaneously with transits. The stars of the dasha and bhukti lords and of their
asterismal dispositors represent sensitive zones during the dasha and bhukti. When these
stars are transited by the Moon and/or Sun or other significant planets, the effect tends to
fructify. The transit of the dasha and bhukti lords through different houses and stars
should also be considered. There is some see-sawing that one can find in contemporary
views, with some astrologers saying that the dasha supersedes transit influences, while
there are a few who uphold the opposite view. The final vote is not in, obviously, but it
would pay to closely study the transit of planets associated with the current dashas,
vimshottari and chara. The latter dasha being not within the scope of this course may not
be illustrated here or in future material pertaining to this course; however, the seed has
been planted in your mind. Mastering vimshottari dasha, however, is definitely the first
task one should perform. A very good compendium of rules and suggestions exists in a
small booklet which includes both the Laghu and Madhya Parashari (companion booklets
of Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra), translated by S.S. Sareen and published by Sagar
Publications. The considerations take one a step beyond what is written in other classical
texts.
{end of segment 4)
DASAS B A PRIMER (5)
BY ROHINIRANJAN
EST Feb-2009 Primer-4 <begin>
Although most Jyotish texts, ancient and contemporary, focus a lot on laying
out the attributes of signs, planets, nakshatras, houses and the effects of
combinations of these pointers, the beginner in Jyotish is often left wondering
about the sequence in which these must be tackled or what weightage must
be given to each of those individually. To complicate matters further,
recommendations sometimes vary from one author to another.
THE FIVE PRINCIPLES: Sage Satyacharya discussed the five principles
(pancha siddhanta) of horoscopy in Satyajatakam. These being:
1. GRAHA SHEELA: Intrinsic attributes and behaviors of the planets;
2. KARAKATTWA: Intrinsic significances of the planets, karakatwa;
3. NAKSHTRA OR ASTERISMAL POSITION: Also known as tara sambandha
whereby planets are considered from their asterismal placement from the natal
lunar asterism (the star in which moon is placed at birth) or the 10th or 19th
therefrom.
5Let us consider that the Moon is in Aries 2d and thus in the star of Ketu in a chart The
sequence of star-relationships in this specific example would be:
RULER
STAR #
NAME
EFFECT
Ketu
Star #01
Janma
+ moderately positive
Venus
Star #02
Sampat
+ moderately positive
Sun
Star #03
Vipat
- negative results
Moon
Star #04
Kshema
+ moderately positive
Mars
Star #05
Pratyari
- negative results
Rahu
Star #06
Sadhaka
+ moderately positive
Jupiter
Star #07
Vadha
- negative results
Saturn
Star #08
Maitra
+ moderately positive
Mercury
Star #09
Param maitra ++ excellent
Ketu
Star #10
Janma’
+ moderately positive
Venus
Star #11
Sampat’
+ moderately positive
The relative positions from sign (rashi) and in stars would be an important factor to
consider. For instance, a planet that is the bhukti-lord and in the 3rd star from the dasha-lord
might find it difficult to facilitate positive results fully. The effects are modulated by the intrinsic
or chart specific qualities of the planet such as strength, beneficence and participation in a
particular yoga or arishta (-) as well as mutual location of major and sub-lords in the chart,
etc.
4. PLANETARY STRENGTH: This is based on the placement of the planets in
a chart in signs and divisions, as well as the planetary states or awasthas.
5. RULERSHIPS of specific houses in a chart: This is very important in
Jyotish and along with the dispositorship of signs (and stars) forms the crux
of our system.
Essentially, one must realize that the following building blocks are used in a
Jyotish analysis.
a) Rising sign - which orients and aligns the zodiacal circle of signs
(impersonal) with the circle of houses in a given chart (personal), bringing the
two together. There is a considerable lack of unanimity in what is understood
and utilized by jyotishis as a house or bhav. In the experience of many a
house or bhav would be represented by the entire sign placed in a house with
reference to the first house or rising sign, regardless of where in the sign the
rising degree (ascendant) might be placed. For instance, if the 28th degree of
Cancer is rising, then the entire sign of Cancer would be in the first house or
tanu bhav, the entire sign of Leo would be in the 2nd house or dhan bhav,
and so on. This is known as the “whole sign as a house” system. Other
house division systems in astrology include: equal house, Placidus,
Regiomontanus, Zenith, Campanus, etc. Most are used in western or tropical
astrology but Placidus is also used in Krishnamurthi Paddhati and some
jyotishis utilize the equal house division (Sripati Paddhati).
b) House groups: The houses are next viewed in sets or groups,
i. TRINES OR TRIKONAS: The trines 1st, 5th and 9th are the most important
benefic houses. Some consider the 1st as a weak trine or a weak benefic (the
1st is considered to be an angular house, as well). Since the first house
represents the self and the ultimate decision maker in most things that we do,
as well as the primary perceiver of reality as one experiences it first hand, this
can be seen as the most important house in all considerations such as yogas
and associations with other planets. I, therefore, vote for giving it a lot of
importance in all delineations, for good and bad effects. The trines essentially
form the tripod on which our life-experience rests upon. The 9th house
indicates our past, going beyond this lifetime, our ancestral roots, our karma
that is ripe and ready and which brought us to the present station in the
journey of soul. Little wonder, therefore, that this is the house we look at for
matters such as our luck, fortune and destiny, things over which we have little
control, in this lifetime. The 5th, on the other hand, represents the future, the
next generation (children), it also signifies 'that' which we have the capability
of creating. This has implications greater than simply our innate creativity, but
also includes the karma and actions that we create, now -- deeds over which
we have relatively 'greater if not full' control. So, in a sense, our 9th house
indicates that which might be predestined, whereas, the 5th represents to
some extent that which is within our free-will to create and accomplish. The
5th house is 3rd from the 3rd (house of initiative, actions, purushartha) and
this again underscores the association of 'free-will' and the 5th house in a
spiritual manner as opposed to the physical, worldly things. It must be realized
that karma exists in a timeless realm, whereas, we experience it within the
temporal constraints of our existence which gives us the perception of time as
a linear entity. The 5th, though forward-looking and prospective in nature, is
not entirely free from what is known as 'purva-punya', effects generated by
earlier deeds, which then appear as our current spiritual state and the Grace
that we may receive through mantras, remedies, upaayes (which literally
means procedural solutions). So, paradoxically, there is a timelessness link
between the 5th and 9th houses in some ways.
The first house represents the present -- our current station. Since our current
horoscope is linked strongly to the moment of our birth and is indeed a route
map of this lifetime, it makes a lot of sense to study the 1st house carefully to
see which houses, and signs it is connected with, in order to acquire an
understanding of the direction that we originally intended to follow. It pays to
remind ourselves from time to time that we as souls are the creators of our
horoscopes and the designers of our destiny and so some of us may indeed
choose to alter our course in life, at times. Leaving the spiritually advanced
aside, most of us come to this lifetime to learn how to make spiritually correct
decisions. The concept of being crushed and trapped forever in the concrete
prison of fatalistic karma hastily interpreted from the 'old' age and the
careless, carefree abandon of the new age are both extremes and both
positions are perhaps illusory.
ii) ANGLES OR KENDRAS: While the three trines represent our experiences
in time (past, present and future), the angles, 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th are
connected with and represent our surroundings and the people close to us,
thus, from the 1st we see the nature of the self, the person closest to us, and
our inner space. From the 4th we study our mother and all the places which
generally represent as our secure resting places, our mother's womb, the
ancestral home, the native surroundings we were raised in, the sanctuary we
return to each day, as well as our final resting place in this worldly journey.
The 7th deals with all that which is truly a part of self but that we tend to
project outside. It is that part of ourself that we continue to seek outside of us.
The significant other, the externalized half, the other gender, our interactions
with others outside of our circle are all covered by this angular house.
Finally, there is the 10th which describes our work and occupational
surroundings, and goes even beyond our daily mundane and worldly work,
and describes the purpose, the major tasks that we bring to this lifetime, with
us, the quality of supportive influences and people that help us attain this.
According to Laghu Parashari Bhashya an accompanying text to Brihat
Parashara Hora Shastra, in the order of increasing strength the houses are:1,
4, 7 and 10th the strongest.
iii) TRIKAS OR CHALLENGES: Our challenges, impediments and our losses
are indicated by the 6th, 8th and 12th houses. These govern among many
other things, VI: sicknesses and enemies, VIII: hidden parts of our self, our
defects, our chronic obstacles -- as well as our hidden strengths, and, XII: our
losses, separations (detachments) and confining situations. In some senses,
all of these houses have the ability to confine us, to subject us to
regimentation and under controls that we are not naturally inclined towards
accepting, and those things that help focus our awareness on specific issues
and problems, in a worldly and also perhaps in a spiritual way. These houses
bring us face to face with our vulnerabilities, showing us the fragile, human
parts of our 'selves'.
One important basic principle of Jyotish involves treating any house that is
being examined as the first or orienting house. The houses that are in trinal or
angular relationship with the said house, represent the helpful influences to
the matters ruled by the house that is being examined. Those houses that lie
in the 6th, 8th or 12th from the house under study would adversely interfere
with the fructification of this house. The 6th and 8th are particularly malefic in
this type of consideration. This mode of studying a house is also applied when
examining dasha effects. If the bhukti lord is well-placed from the dasha lord,
the two can work harmoniously, and if these happen to be benefics and
mutual friends in the horoscope under scrutiny, can lead to very desirable and
positive results. Experience indicates that the major period lord is the more
important one and if the sub-period lord makes connections with the major
period lord (sign exchange or mutual reception, occupancy of the same sign,
aspects, etc.) then the sub-period would show up the effects of major period
lord. If such an association is not there, then the sub-period lord would show
its independent effects, within the general boundaries of what is promised or
indicated by the major period lord.
iv) CONNECTING HOUSES: The remaining three houses, 2nd, 3rd and 11th,
deal primarily with our acquisitions and how we go about acquiring those.
Through these houses, we connect and communicate with others, often in a
materialistic and material sense. It must be mentioned that the 6th house also
qualifies to be considered as a part of this triad, since it is also a upachaya or
house dealing with earnings, growth and usually indicates acquisitions
obtained while in service of others. Sage Satyacharya does not consider it as
an 'evil' place for a house-lord to be placed in (see below). However, readers
are advised to test this position which must not be taken too literally.
So, when viewing a chart we must first look at these four sets of houses,
namely, 1-5-9, 4-7-10, 6-8-12 and 2-3-11. There are a few different ways of
looking at these:
STRENGTH: The simplest way is to look at the strengths of the houses and
of their lords using the full-scale bhav/graha shadbal system. From a practical
point of view, it is best not to have the 6-8-12 set excessively strong, as a
general rule. It is best to have the trines, 1-5-9, strongest and balanced
(equally strong!) in the chart. In Jyotish, planets can be in strong or weak,
friendly or inimical signs -- this is based on their nature and temporal
placements and is taken into consideration as part of the classical strength
determination.
RELATIVE PLACEMENT OF RULER: The next thing to look at is the
placement of the ruler from its own houses. A ruler placed in a trine or angle
from its house would be able to help matters governed by the house. If placed
in 6th or 8th from its house or in the 6th, 8th or 12th from the ascendant (1st
house in radix), then the house under study is likely to suffer to some extent.
Please note that a planet placed in the 12th sign from its own house is not
necessarily a weakening influence, though it is so, when placed in the vyaya
bhav or house of loss from the ascendant. In the same vein, unless otherwise
weak or afflicted, the mere presence of the lord of the ascendant in the 12th
house is not necessarily detrimental for the indications of the 1st house. This
could be treated as an exception that applies to the first house. If lords of
other houses are placed in the 12th from ascendant (the horoscope's 12th
house), the indications of those houses may suffer. Perhaps this is why when
the lord of dusthanas (trikas, bad places!), 6th, 8th and 12th are placed in the
12th house, these houses do not prosper and thus result in a net positive
effect for the nativity in a worldly sense. This forms part of what is known as
a 'vipareet rajyoga' or paradoxical-regal combination!
TRI-FOLD CONNECTIVITY: The connectivity between the house, the house
ruler and the dispositor must be reviewed. The dispositor is the planet that
rules the sign in which a house ruler is placed. If Aries is rising and Mars is in
Capricorn, then Saturn as the lord of Capricorn is the dispositor for the 1st
house (and for the 8th, Scorpio in that chart, as well).
EXECUTOR OR KARAKA: Finally, we should routinely look at the executor or
the significator for the house under review. These planets may be considered
as the secondary rulers for a house. Although, only a few significators are
listed in standard books, many more house-significations may be attributed to
each planet. One can generate a list by associating the intrinsic attributes of
the planets with areas and activities in life. Sun, for instance, is the significator
for father, wood, light, energy, government, administration, bones, teeth, eye,
eyesight, structure, and much much more (For more detailed discussion of
these and other material suitable for the beginner please study my on-line
article at:
http://www.boloji.com/astro/00308.htm
One can examine these planetary significators in two ways, firstly, by studying
their strength and disposition as viewed from the perspective of the house
they signify as well as the placement of the significators from the ascendant.
The second way is to treat the house that holds the significator as the
ascendant and viewing the relationship/placement of other planets therefrom,
considering their natural benefic and malefic natures and properties.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Other considerations and ways of examining the
planetary associations and relationships also exist. These include their
placement in nakshatras, i.e., the stellar division of the zodiac, and the
considerations of the 'body' (sharira) and "spirit" (jeeva) dispositors. Divisional
charts, particularly the nonile or novile harmonic -- navamsha, is examined in
several ways to judge the connectivity between planets and signs. There are
many other esoteric and practical techniques that can be utilized to define and
examine the ways in which planetary indicators associate with each other and
connectively manifest their energies. These are fairly advanced considerations
and techniques that lie ahead in your path as a jyotishi.
SCORING SYSTEM: According to Satyacharya, a bhav or house would be
strengthened by the following:
1. When the lord of the bhav is placed between (flanked by) benefic planets.
This is also called 'shubha kartari' yoga.
2. When the lord of the bhav receives aspect from benefic planets.
3. When the lord of the bhav is strong by virtue of being in exaltation,
moolatrikona, its own, or friendly sign.
4. When the lord is placed in an Upachhaya sthana from lagna. These are the
1st, 3rd, 6th, 10th or 11th houses from lagna.
5. When the lord of bhav is in an angle (kendra) from the lagna or lagna-lord.
6. When the lord of bhav is in a trine (1, 5, 9) from lagna or lord of lagna.
For each of the above, a planet can receive a score of 1 or 0. In item 5 and
6, scores of 0.5 to be assigned for each of the considerations, 0.5 from lagna
and 0.5 from lord of lagna.
On the other hand, a house is weakened in the following situations:
a. Lord of bhav is flanked by malefics in the 12th and 2nd house from it
(papakartari yoga).
b. Lord of bhav receives aspect of malefics
c. The lord of bhav is weak in strength by being in debility, or in inimical signs
d. The lord of the house is combust.
e. The dispositor of the lord of a bhav (the lord of the sign that holds the lord
of bhav under scrutiny) is weak, debilitated, or in inimical sign.
f. The lord of the bhav under study is in the 8th or 12th house from the lagna
or from the lord of lagna.
For each of the above there can be a score of -1 or 0. In item f, a score of
-0.5 for each of the considerations: lagna and lagna lord.
Looking at the tenth house, we see that:
The lord mercury is not flanked on both sides (0)
The lord does not receive aspects from benefics (0)
The lord is in the sign of a neutral (0)
The lord is not placed in an upachaya (0)
The lord is not placed in an angle from the lagna (0)
The lord is not placed in a trine from the lagna or its lord (0)
Total benefic points = 0
On the malefic side of the equation,
The lord of 10th bhav is not flanked (0)
The lord does not receive aspects (0)
The lord of the 10th bhav is neither weak nor strong (0)
The lord of the house is not combust (0)
The dispositor of the 10th lord mercury (Moon) is not strong (-1)
The lord of the bhav is in the 8th from lagna (-0.5)
but not from the lord of lagna (0)
Total points = -1.5
The points a planet can obtain can range from -6 to +6. We can add 6 to the
scores obtained to convert the range into positive numbers and this would
result in a percentile range from 0 to 12. In our example the sum total that the
Sun in this chart gets is:
0 + (-1.5) +6 = 4.5. This corresponds to a percentage of 37.5% indicative of
difficulties in reaching full potentials insofar as the 10th house is concerned.
While numerical measures such as these help one, it must be noted that they
must not be taken as the final value. For instance, in this scheme, we have
not taken into full consideration things such as composite shadbal,
vimshopaka and nakshatra effects, etc. The numbers derived here serve as
starting points and must be modulated with proper judgment.
THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING: Without digressing too much from the
subject matter at hand, this may be a good time to look into why we are
putting so much effort into learning the dashas and their wonderful reminder to
us that the Universe is indeed connected! That, I think, is the most beautiful
reassurance that astrology was meant to give to us! It is unimaginable
otherwise why the distant planets going about their business of circling around
the sun have such profound impact on, concordance with, and relevance to
the billions (at least on our planet) of human lives through the language of
astrology.
This chart is of Benazir Bhutto and while there shall always remain the
niggling doubt as to which one is the correct chart and so on in this chart that
I provide an intriguing consonance between her ill-fated career and
assassination, and the signature of the Jyotish indicators is highlighted and
can be used as a somber and somewhat macabre illustration of the principles
that underlie the human experience.
In her case, rahu is a strong maraka since it is placed in the 2nd house with
gulika. Sun and mars too are indicative of the same being placed in the 7th,
the other maraka house which also happens to be the badhaka house in her
chart. On the ill-fated day of 27th December 2007 when she faced her destiny
– the vimshottari dasha of Saturn-Jupiter-sun was in effect. Saturn is in the
star of mars and aspecting it fully. Jupiter is the lord of first house but in the
house of enemies and in the star of moon the lord of the 8th house and
longevity. Without the falsely misplaced optimism and sense of purpose would
she have dared to go so unprotected amidst the very crowd that had earlier
made an attempt to kill her. The anthara lord is sun who too is placed in the
7th and thus the maraka house and in the star of rahu who is placed in the 2nd
(maraka house) with gulika an extremely evil upagraha. At the time of
assassination, look at the transits! Jupiter and sun are in the 7th house with
the natal lord of lagna in the chart of the moment! And Saturn is right across
from the strong maraka rahu as per the natal chart. The death came by as
she was travelling (3rd house) during a moment of extreme confusion (ketu
placed with Saturn). In this case the two dasha markers, Jupiter and sun were
also placed in the 7th which is a badhakasthana. To top it all, the weekday
was Thursday ruled by Jupiter and the hora at the moment belonged to:
Mercury which rules over maraka sthana, and is the ruler of the rising moment
at the ill-fated event and in natal chart is placed in the 8th in the rahu ketu
axis. Rahu as touched upon earlier is a strong maraka and with gulika placed
in the 2nd house which signifies death. Most intriguing!
{end of segment 5)
DASAS B A PRIMER (6)
BY ROHINIRANJAN
PLETHORA: When it comes to dashas, Jyotish is resplendent with dashas
that offer directions to the nativity as to the sign of times and to act
appropriately – not just for personal and materialistic benefits which is
certainly possible, but for lasting spiritual growth. That too is possible! Dashas
are available to the jyotishi that utilize the asterismal perspective and others
that utilize the rashis. Vimshottari the commonest is asterism-based, as is
ashtottari and yogini which are very different from how they utilize the
nakshatras. There are also rashi dashas such as chara and there are dashas
like kala chakra which are based both on asterisms and rashis – a bridging of
the two factors that have found many followers recently.
Truth be told, no dasha is perfect! Why else would the sages describe so
many? Some jyotishis recommend using more than one, or several dashas in
tandem and while it has been accomplished successfully by a few, the
plethora generally has proven to be confusing for many beginners (for whom
this series is meant).
Conditional dashas as described in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra are really
meant to be utilized by researchers since the few slokas in which each of the
dashas have been described do not do justice to any of those individually.
Vimshottari: has therefore remained the mainstay for many jyotishis, certainly
at the beginning until they are ready to incorporate more. I have found it
useful to work with Vimshottari and Ashtottari dashas for individuals based on
a simple hint given by G.C. Sharma in his translation of Brihat Parashara
Hora Shastra. Vimshottari was recommended for those born during the Shukla
paksha while Ashtottari was recommended for those born during the Krishna
paksha. Some have further teased it into night births and day births.
ASHTOTTARI: In my recently published article on actor Leo Dicaprio (EST:
November 2008 issue) I have demonstrated how Ashtottari dasha can be
utilized. The basic premise seems to be that one born in krishnapaksha has a
slightly shorter lifespan hence utilizing a dasha of 108 years. This cannot be
taken too literally because lots of people born in shuklapaksha die young
while those in krishnapaksha live longer. And overall, there are not too many
that live to be even 108 years, let alone 120! It is even more interesting to
note that while ketu gets a period allocated to it, Ashtottari only allocates
periods to rahu and ketu is missing. The utilization of nakshatras is different
from Vimshottari also and nakshatras are utilized in groups or clusters of 3 or
4 stars alternately, as opposed to the sequential cycles as in Vimshottari, also
the janma nakshatra of Sri Ram, Abhijit is utilized in the ashtottari scheme.
Vimshottari rulership (YY)
Ketu 07
Venus 20
Surya 06
Moon 10
Mars 7
Rahu 18
Jupiter 16
Saturn 19
Mercury 17
Ketu 07
Venus 20
Surya 06
Moon 10
Mars 7
Rahu 18
Jupiter 16
Saturn 19
Nakshatra
Ashwini
Bharini
Krittika
Rohini
Mrigshirsha
Ardra
Punarvasu
Pushya
Ashlesha
Magha
Purvaphalguni
Uttarphalguni
Hasta
Chitra
Swati
Vishakha
Anuradha
Ashtottari rulerships (YY – MM)
Rahu 03 – 00
Rahu 03 - 00
Venus 07 - 00
Venus 07 - 00
Venus 07 - 00
Surya 01 - 06
Surya 01 - 06
Surya 01 - 06
Surya 01 - 06
Moon 05 – 00
Moon 05 – 00
Moon 05 – 00
Mars 02 – 00
Mars 02 – 00
Mars 02 – 00
Mars 02 – 00
Mercury 05 – 08
Mercury 17
Ketu 07
Venus 20
Surya 06
--Moon 10
Mars 7
Rahu 18
Jupiter 16
Saturn 19
Mercury 17
Jayestha
Moola
Purvashadha
Uttarashada
Abhijita
Shravana
Dhanishta
Shatbisha
Purvabhadra
Uttarbhadra
Revati
Mercury 05 – 08
Mercury 05 – 08
Saturn 02 – 06
Saturn 02 – 06
Saturn 02 – 06
Saturn 02 – 06
Jupiter06 – 04
Jupiter06 – 04
Jupiter06 – 04
Rahu 03 - 00
Rahu 03 - 00
WHEN TO USE WHICH?: Other than the lunar paksha as the determinant for
choosing Vimshottari over ashtottari, Parashara has also indicated that if Rahu
occupies an angle or trine from the lagnesha, then ashtottari may be utilized.
An exception would be if rahu is in the ascendant. In addition to this BPHS
also indicates that for night-births in shuklapaksha (bright phase of moon) and
day-births in Krishnapaksha (dark phase of moon), ashtottari can be used.
These ‘conditionalities’ are given in BPHS as suggestions as opposed to firm
directives. The text indicates that it is what others have utilized and Parashara
was merely including these for completeness sake. Some jyotishis have taken
this to mean that Parashara was not recommending that Ashtottari be used
over vimshottari which has been clearly recommended (as also a few other of
the many dasas described in BPHS, thereby leaving room for experimentation.
The third directive (Vimshottari for suklapaksha day births and krishnapaksha
night births while Ashtottari for the converse situations) has more merit as
experimentation indicates. Sometimes when both ashtottari and vimshottari
point in the same direction, effect-wise it represents a stronger likelihood.
This young man sustained injuries and became paraplegic losing the
functionality in all limbs. Scorpio rises with lagnesh mars with rahu and
neechastha venus in the 11th house. Venus does get cancellation of debility
due to mercury being in kendra from moon and lagna. Since the birth was in
Krishnapaksha, this would be a candidate for using Ashtottari (rahu in kendra
from lagnesh, Krishnapaksha birth during the daytime). The seriousness of the
accident and consequences sustained on Wednesday the 22nd August 2007
are very unfortunate and grave.
Ashtottari: Venus, moon and mars hold sway over the day. Venus represents
7th and 12th house and is placed in the 8th from its nakshatra dispositor
moon. Lagnesh mars is also in same nakshatra and the 6/8 relationship is
not a good omen. Moon is involved in the dasa scheme. From the ashtottari
nakshatra scheme (see Table), both are in hasta nakshatra which is
associated with mars and thus represents accidents, injuries etc. Notice too
that venus, mars and rahu the latter signifying sudden events, accidents are
placed in the pada of 9th house. The ninth is badhaksthana in Scorpio and
therefore the pada of that house will have a negative connotation as well.
Jupiter the great benefactor is actually placed in the 9th house
(badhaksthana) and forming a 6/8 relationship with its dispositor moon (also
represents a rashi sambandha with planets in chara and sthira signs
associating with each other) and was not helpful, other than perhaps not
killing the individual by virtue of being a maraka and ketu’s dispositor. On the
day of transit, a wednesday ruled by gnatikaraka mercury, retrograde venus
was transiting the badhaksthana, Saturn was within few degrees of its natal
position, with sun and mercury (few days after his birthday) across from natal
moon and rahu right over the natal moon.
Vimshottari: Major lord Jupiter in badhaksthana, 6th from its dispositor in
shani's nakshatra, rahu and mercury too involved. Atmakaraka Rahu and
gnatikaraka mercury are negative indicators and the sudden injuries and dire
consequences show up in this dasa scheme too, an indication of how destiny
shows up strongly in charts when something inevitable has to occur.
Transits: As described both indicators of the dasas were transiting key
positions. Jupiter and moon in lagna, the later in debility aspected by mars
from the maraksthana, rahu transiting the moon and Saturn its natal position,
while venus transits the badhaksthana, too many coincidences to be called
such.
Recovery is likely to be very slow with signs of improvement during the period
of mars after September 2009 (Vimshottari) and more sustained improvement
after February 2010 when mars rules the bhukti in Ashtottari. The current
transit of Jupiter in atichara gati (acceleration), neech rashi is not a good
period and hope will dwindle.
Birth: 18 August 1978 15:40 h New York, NY, USA
Cautionary Note for Readers: Since many beginners would be reading and
learning from this series, I must reiterate to them the fact that while sages
have indicated different dasas, one must learn the dasa applications one by
one and it is safest to first use Vimshottari ONLY which BPHS has
recommended for all charts and when familiarity has been gained, then to
move on to include or consider dasas such as Ashtottari, Jaimini system
dasas, yogini etc. Otherwise there could arise confusion. This portion of this
series was just to introduce readers to the possibilities beyond Vimshottari and
illustrate how different dasas can co-operate and indicate similar trends.
{end of segment 6)
DASAS B A PRIMER (7)
BY ROHINIRANJAN
6The call for help came at night quoted here unedited (the individual was distraught, so
please pardon his typos!)
“dear sir,
i am in great trouble. i have been changing jobs oddly for the pass
year and feel so disturbed. i have had bad relationships at the same
time and i have lost most of my friends annd also i have people back
biting me. currently i am working in a company earning minimum wages
much lower compared to what i was earning. i am also doing law on a
part tiime while working and i cant seem to concentrate on studying. i
do not know if i am in the right field of studies and work. i m just
so confused with my llife. does any one have any solutions to help me?
i really hope someoone could guide me. please help me. thank you
d.o.b: 12th november 1984
place of birth: kuala lumpur, malaysia
time of birth: 8.10 p.m”
Now here is the chart:
The question was asked towards the end of December 2008, so the troubles had been occurring
in the period of Jupiter-sun in vimshottari and continuing and perhaps worsening during Jupitermoon vimshottari, and in Mars-jupiter in Ashtottari.
From the Vimshottari perspective, Jupiter is in own house, slightly weak and a malefic for the
Taurus lagna because it rules the 8th and 11th houses. Being an afflicted matrikaraka placed in the
8th with lagnesha it has the ability to give much mental anguish, lack of peace and support or care
from others. It is placed in the nakshatra of venus and thus represents the effect of lagnesha in 8th
house. Sun is lord of 4th and atmakaraka in debility in 6th house, again a negative indicator
although being placed in close proximity of exalted Saturn one would have expected cancellation
of the debilitation. Here one must remember that Saturn and sun are stark enemies and so this
state of cancellation must be approached with caution. The next bhukti of moon is even more
sinister because moon is the lord of 3rd, malefic and placed in direct aspect of Jupiter and venus
which while intrinsically benefic are functionally not so in this chart. This chart gives a good
illustration of some obvious pit-falls in general superficial approaches seen in the field. Notice
also that moon is in the asterism of rahu which is placed in lagna with gulika and therefore moon
bhukti will give pain and difficulty to the nativity and through relationships, lack of family
support and educational activities. A feeling of uncertainty which the nativity expressed in his
original plea. It is of interest to note that during the past year, Jupiter was contacting its natal
placement and now in acceleration is transiting the exalted lord of 12th and 7th and mars also
happens to be darakaraka. Presence of mars who is lord of 7th and darakaraka being placed in
badhaksthana does not bode well for marriage prospects and the nativity will experience
challenges in that area as well. Two exalted planets makes new jyotishis jump with glee but a bit
deeper consideration is required as in this case. Given the situation, Jupiter-mars vimshottari
bhukti does not seem very promising either.
This nativity was born after sunset in krishnapaksha and according to Parashara ashtottari dasha
system applies in this case. Mars though exalted is in badhaksthana and is placed in
Uttarashadha. Although in this case it does not matter because both Saturn and sun are placed in
the 6th, but in ashtottari system Uttarashadha would represent the domain of Saturn and not sun!
This is because Ashtottari has a slightly different system of assignment of planets to stars. For
someone with moon in uttarashadha, the birth dasha will be of Saturn and not of sun as would be
the case for the individual in vimshottari system. This is important to remember. The Jupiter
bhukti in the mars ashtottari dasha is difficult because Jupiter is a malefic, placed in the 8th house
(and other malefic factors discussed earlier) is placed in the 12th house from dasha lord. When
bhukti lord is in 12th or 6th or 8th (trika) from mahadasha lord, it represents a difficult time. From
a nakshatra point of view, Jupiter is placed in purvashadha which falls in Saturn’s sector as well,
in the ashtottari scheme and is similarly afflicted as is mars. The transit of Jupiter and Saturn are
not helpful either due to Saturn being in 8th from dashanath and affecting the fourth house of
mental peace and Jupiter crossing the dashanath firstly in the 12th from it and then in debilitated
accelerated state currently.
When significant effects are to be experienced, these tend to be prominently displayed through
different lenses that Jyotish offers for studying.
<end of submission 7
DASAS B A PRIMER (8)
BY ROHINIRANJAN
A very important consideration, generally underutilized, is what is known as ‘awastha’ or state of
the planets in our charts. There are five classifications which assign 3, 5, 6, 9 or 12 states or
qualifications to planets based on certain factors. These are:
3 levels of Awasthas (Jagratadi…): Represented as level of awareness, the three states are
Awake (own or exaltation sign), dreaming (friend’s or neutral planet’s sign using the panchadha
aggregate friendship classification) and asleep (enemy’s or debilitation sign) states.
5 levels of Awasthas (Baladi…): Represented as the age of planet, the five states are – infant,
child, young adult, aged, dead. In odd signs, the first six degrees represent the infant, then next
six degrees the child and so on. In even signs the progression is inverse, the first six degrees
represent a dead planet, the next six an aged planet etc.
6 levels of Awasthas (Lajjitadi…): Represents the feeling of self-esteem, self-worth, sense of
accomplishment of the planet –
Lajjita/humiliated – Planet in the 5th house in conjunction with rahu or ketu, Saturn or mars.
Garvita/proud – Planet in exaltation sign or moolatrikona zone.
Kshudita/coveting – Planet in enemy’s sign or conjoined with enemy or aspected by enemy
Trashita/deprived/miserable – Planet in a watery sign, aspected by a malefic and not associated
with a benefic.
Mudita/sated/happy – Planet in a friend’s sign or aspected by a friend and conjoined with Jupiter
Kshobhita/guilty/repentant – Planet in conjunction with sun and aspected by malefics and an
enemy.
Planets in lajjita, kshudita, kshobhita and trashita create miseries and lead to disruption of the
house they are in. Lajjita being the best of these four states will give something and will not be
totally destructive. The house occupied by these planets is more affected than if the house lord is
in one of the four states. For example the lord of 3rd house in kshobhita state in the 7th house will
represent worse effects for the 7th house and not the 3rd.
The six states represent worldly benefit and losses, health and happiness.
9 levels of Awasthas (Deeptadi…): Represents the emotional state of spirit Deepta/Brilliant
(exaltation), Swastha (own sign), Pramudita/Joyful (extreme friend’s sign), Shanta/Contented
(friend’s sign), Deena/deficient-humble (neutral’s sign), Dukhita/sad (enemy’s sign),
vikal/anxious panicky (with a malefic planet), Khala/malicious/wicked (inauspicious sign –
debilitation), kopa/Infuriated (conjoined with sun). The effects of a planet are expressed fully in
the first three states, medium in the next two and little or nothing in the remaining four.
12 levels of Awasthas (Shayanadi…): Represent the diurnal state of the planet as these
represent the normal activities to some extent. The calculation etc are covered in texts such as
Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra and can be consulted. The states are Shayana (recumbent),
upaveshana (sitting), netrapani, prakashana (alert), gamana (leaving), agamana (arriving),
sabhavastha (in society, at work), agama(returning home), bhojana (eating), nrityalipsa
(entertainment), kautuka (pleased) and nidra (asleep). The next step involves the derivation of
the sleeping and awakened states and are related to the degree of expression of a given planet. It
must be noted that there are some variations of opinions regarding the calculations for this kind
of awastha.
Parashara describes these states almost towards the middle of BrihatParashara Hora Shastra in
Chapter 47 (Sharma-Sagar 1994 edition) after having described most of the basics and some
advanced techniques and considerations to be used by Jyotishis.
Easing into Awasthas: For beginners the simpler consideration of the 3, 5 and 9 awasthas
during their examination of a horoscope will be an easy way to become familiar to these factors
particularly when they are wondering about dasha effects and how those will be experienced by
the nativity. For those who are more of a mathematical-scientific inclination, each of these three
divisions can be given a weighting of 1/3rd weight each. While doing so one must not lose sight
of the fact that this kind of quantitation is just for simplifying conclusions or bottom lines and are
not absolute measures or quantities. It is more practical to think of these as tools or aids that help
us determine if a planet will be helpful or derogatory, strong or weak, expressive or ineffective in
a global assessment of the different awasthas. One must also remember that awasthas are but a
consideration and are not a black and white factor or absolute.
Let us look at a horoscope, the data taken from birth certificate:
Date: August 4, 1961
Time: 19:24 hrs (UT – 10 hrs zone)
Place: Honolulu, Hawaii
Barack O'Bama was born in krishnapaksha and pretty close to sunset hence the chart would
respond better to Ashtottari dasha. During the last few months of his campaign and election time,
he was experiencing the combined period of mercury-jupiter and venus. Mercury is dreaming,
old and deficient while jupiter is asleep, old and wicked. On the surface it would seem like the
person was not slated for a win, if we only took the awasthas in consideration! However, note
that the Deeptadi (9) awastha was based on the debilitation of jupiter and the inimical sign
dispositor for mercury. This is where the 'human' wearing the thinking cap comes into play!
Jupiter has cancellation of debility due to the presence of saturn (lord of makar) in kendra from
Jupiter in own sign. Obviously Jupiter is not debilitated but much strengthened thus functionally
faring a lot better than the Khala awastha assigned to it at first. An example of neecha-bhanga
raj-yoga, one would say! Being the head of the State requires a lot of maturity and wisdom and
thus the role is of an older and wiser individual which O'Bama has impressed people as being,
despite his young age and youthful appearance. So the old age state of jupiter in baladi (5 levels)
is appropriate. In the Jagratadi (3 levels) consideration too, Jupiter gains awastha strength due to
the cancellation of debilitation. The state of sushupta (asleep) based on placement of jupiter in
debility would be reversed due to cancellation. So, what appeared as a weak, ineffective period
was indeed extremely strong!
Mercury, the bhukti lord comes out as dreaming (house of neutral), old (house of enemy) and
deena or deficient (neutral's sign) and so overall mediocre as per standard awastha determination.
One must not lose sight of the fact that moon, the dispositor of mercury is exalted, the strongest
planet in this chart in shadbala and in awastha too and well placed in a trikona. This obviously
boosts the state of the mercury and must be intelligently considered. Furthermore, mercury
participates in a budh-aditya yoga with strong sun and imparts the high level of intelligence and
breadth of knowledge to Obama, as also the gift of oratory.
The antara of venus was operating and it is dreaming, youthful and happy states. This fits very
well with the charm and public appeal of Obama and placed in the 6th house also indicates
victory over a female opponent in a touch and go primary selection against Mrs. Clinton.
As the historical drama was unfolding, Obama lost his grandmother who had a very formative
role in his life and upbringing. Mercury is a matrikaraka and in a sense the grandmother was
really a mother to him. The 7th house represents grandmother (4th from 4th) and is ruled by
moon and houses mercury. Sun the maraka for this house is placed with the matrikaraka and is
aspected by saturn the other maraka (being lord of 7th from the 7th) from the 1st house. Venus is
placed in the 12th from the 7th and in the 2nd from moon and gulika. The pattern fits the event
that occurred. The cloud that overhung Obama through his association with his earlier pastor and
spiritual leader could be seen as an illustration of what some say about planets with cancelled
debility. The effect while mostly reversed does leave a few personal challenges in the lives of
such nativities.
I have utilized this somewhat difficult chart because it illustrates several principles, such as the
verity of using Ashtottari dasha in krishnapaksha charts, and the importance of an intelligent
consideration of awasthas, and not blindly applying those, using simple and obvious logical
reasoning as described.
Rohiniranjan
<<End of Segment-8>>
DASAS B A PRIMER (9)
BY ROHINIRANJAN
KARMA: Karma-phal or fruits of Karma is primarily what astrology is supposed to decipher and
advise nativities with. Twelve rashis (in sixteen vargas starting with kshetra or Rashi kundali as
it is popularly known as), nine planets, 27 /28 nakshatras (28 in the case of ashtottari) arrive in
many different permutations and combinations to enact the Leela of Karma in individual charts.
Astrologers are divided in their verdict as to all our experiences in this world, known as “human
experience”, as being purely destined or mixed with some freedom of choice too. It would make
it very confusing if destiny was the sole factor because then any further decline or ascension
would not be our choice but of our destiny. Why even try then, if there is no room for personal
choice, decisions, judgments and actions! And if such were the case then how was the original
karma, the original sin that plunged us into millions of repetitions of births, mostly from one
painful experience to another with moments of joy and bliss sprinkled here and there?
While it is conceivable that there are effects that are beyond our control and are to be
experienced, like it or not, there are also opportunities that give us back some control in this
never-ending (it seems!) Ferris wheel of rebirths! The Hindu concept of Karma is actually pretty
complex and rich in details, presented here briefly. Without knowing a bit about it, astrology
becomes confusing and futile!
‘KARMAN’ KI GAT NYAARI UUDHO: The great mystic Meerabai in few words captured a
world of experiential reality that baffles all of us! There is some diversity of opinions amongst
astrologers regarding which planet indicates one’s karma. Those that follow Shri M.C. Jain’s
karmic control theory side with lunar nodes, particularly rahu, others maintain that Saturn is the
kingpin, and still others perhaps also rightly indicate that since a horoscope at birth is the product
of karma that went before, all planets and houses perhaps have a say in karma. However, as
described in my primers freely available on web, many years ago I had described using Dr.
Deepak Chopra’s chart that the planet or house from which Saturn is placed in the 10th house
holds an important key to deciphering a primary karmic lesson that needs to be addressed during
this lifetime and in a sense holds the promise and potential that the maya represented by that
house shall be addressed and the veil removed from one’s eyes. In that sense, Saturn has an
important karmic indicator role to play. By extension, should such a planet from which Saturn is
in the 10th were to be placed in the 4th navamsha from Saturn, it becomes especially significant.
This is because the said planet will be approximately 90 degrees away from Saturn and in close
orb-contact. However, this is a finer point and not absolutely essential for the effect to be seen or
experienced. By extension, the dashas of Saturn and the planet etc that it is in 10th from or the
planet that are in the stars of Saturn and this said planet would bring on this kind of a karmic
experience!
Krishnamurthy’s Theory: K.S. Krishnamurthy, from all accounts, was an uncannily accurate
astrologer who developed an interesting system popularly known as Krishnamurthy Paddhati or
K.P. as is popularly known. He primarily used it for horary or prashna Jyotish but the principles
work in natal or phalit Jyotish as well. Very briefly: His system utilized the planets ruling the
weekday, the asterism that the Moon is in at the time of asking of the question and the ascendant
rising at that instant. The system was claimed as capable of providing highly accurate readings
and Krishnamurthy acknowledged having received the 'method' in the form of a divine
inspiration from his Ishta Devta Uchchista Ganapathy. He chose to use the western placidian
house divisions with these sidereal charts, a major divergence from classical vedic astrology;
moreover, he placed the rising degree at the beginning of a house and not in the middle as is
practiced by other jyotishis. His 'system' also had another interesting feature. Since the zodiac
can be divided into 249 divisions, each ruled by a sign-lord (one per 30 deg), star-lord (one per
13 deg 20 min) and a star-sub-lord (variable dimensions, 40 min to 2 deg 13 min 20 sec), he
often asked clients to provide a number between 1 and 249 which he used to determine the
ascendant in a chart drawn for the moment of the query (planetary longitudes were calculated for
the actual current moment). A client providing a number that was outside this range was told that
the venture would not be a success!
Subdivisions: The KP subdivisions are essentially a way of viewing the vimshottari bhukti or
antardasha in terms of nakshatra longitudes. We all know for example, that, if moon is just
entering krittika, at birth, the child will begin life with sun’s dasha. If the moon has just entered
krittika the child will have sun dasa and sun bhukti at the beginning of life. If the birth moon is a
bit more advanced, the child will begin life with sun dasa and moon bhukti and thus depending
on how advanced the moon is at birth in krittika, the first bhukti could belong to mars, rahu,
Jupiter, etc. Now view these segments of krittika as subdivisions, with the first segment ruled by
sun (sun bhukti), next one ruled by moon, the third by mars and so on. The dimensions of the
segments would be proportional to the proportion of the bhukti to that of the dasa (nakshatra).
Looked another way, Venus dasa rules for 20 years whereas moon dasa rules for 10 years. Both
moon and Venus nakshatra would have nine segments each ruled by the nine planets, however,
each segment in Venus dasa would be twice as large as the segment ruled by the same planet in
moon dasa. According to Krishnamurthy the nakshatra dispositor of the dasa lord defined the
nature of the result whereas the dasa lord was treated as the source of the effect. The ‘sub’ then
determined the positive or negative outcomes, gain or loss of the effect. So, for illustration let us
say a person is undergoing the dasa of the lord of 10th house which is in the nakshatra of the lord
of 11th. This would be interpreted as the source (tenth = workplace) giving the effect of 11th
(raise or bonus) with the subdivision indicating a gain or a denial of a raise. The relationship
between the dasa dispositor (effect) and the sub-lord would have a say in whether the effect will
be positive or negative. So in our example if the sublord is placed in a trika sthan (6, 8 or 12)
from lagna or from the dasa dispositor would indicate a loss but placement in 1, 5, 9 would
indicate the individual getting a raise. In actual experience, the effect being defined by the dasa
dispositor works out more reliably than the role of the sub-lord in birth charts. Some individual,
on the other hand, have demonstrated very good results when using KP in a horary application,
much better than in natal horoscopy, much in keeping with what Krishnamurthy originally
proposed and utilized this very interesting technique.
Through this method, Krishnamurthy revived a very important fundamental concept on the
Indian astrological scene, that of the role of asterisms in chart analysis and particularly by
refining the use and improving the usefulness of the vimshottari dasha system of timing. He
must be commended for that, even though his system remains a somewhat controversial
approach for many main-stream jyotishis.
The system is essentially not very different from that used for delineating any other chart as per
jyotish parlance. The chart is drawn by using either the numerical representative for the
ascendant, or for the epoch of the query. The planets in both cases are calculated for the moment
of making the query. A list of significant planets are drawn; the planet ruling over the weekday,
the lords of the signs, stars and subs of the rising degree (ascendant) and the Moon. The
ascendant is taken to represent the client while the seventh house represents the astrologer. When
the astrologer also happens to be the querist (self-prashna), it is interesting that at times this is
indicated in the chart itself in terms of 'connectivities' between the two representative houses.
Next, the house/houses pertaining to the question are examined and these are checked to see if
they agree with the significant planets. The success or failure of the undertaking then would be
indicated by the mutual agreement or disagreement between the planets. Things such as
friendship (or lack thereof) between the planets concerned, their association with each other by
aspect, any beneficial combinations (yogas) between relevant planets and the strength of the
planets are taken into account. An examination of the vimshottari dasha is then made and this is
used, in addition to transits of the significant planets and stars for estimating the timing.
Situations where the indicators are fewer and clear, the outcome can be expected to be better
predictable. If too many conflicting influences exist, there is usually reason to believe that the
issue is riddled with problems. In his writings, Krishnamurthy gave numerous examples of
things such as long-distance phone calls that he tested his system on. This might amuse the
modern reader who is used to dialing a number and expecting to get through right away. But in
India of years ago, decades before direct dialing became available, one had to place a call by
'booking' it through an operator and then wait and wait and wait, often at the post-office because
most people did not have personal phones. It was a big deal for most and Krishnamurthy used it
to test his system. Perhaps we can emulate Krishnamurthy’s experiment with our postal-mail,
these days!
Krishnamurthy enumerated in his 'Readers', houses that are involved in determining and
examining different areas/issues in life. I am presenting a tiny sampling here which may be
utilized in addition to the more extensive lists presented elsewhere in this manual, taken from
standard mainstream jyotish texts, all of which can also be used for horary purposes:
Health issues - 1, 6, 8 houses
Income - 2, 11, 10
Children - 5
Love affairs - 5, 7
spirituality - 9, 12
Expenditure - 12
Litigations/insurance matters - 8, 12
Siblings - 3, 11
Home, property etc. - 4, 8
Education - 5, 9
Communication, letters etc. - 3, 11
Business/interview - 7
service/working for others - 6
fame/profession - 10
spouse - 7
family, wealth - 2
pets/animals - 5, Venus
Mystery/intrigue - 8, nodes of Moon
The KP Indicators: Once an indicator is decided upon, its placement in the horary horoscope is
examined and basing on the positions and the mutual relationship between the star and sub-lords,
success or failure is assessed. Generally, if the sub-lord is in an angle or trine from the houses
ruled by the star-lord, success is indicated, whereas, if the sub-lord is in the 6th, 8th or 12th from
the house under examination, then delays, obstacles and failure may be expected. Sometimes, the
nature of the signs and planets involved gives a clue about the rapidity with which the issue
would progress to a culmination. Fixed signs, earthy influences, retrograde planets and planets
such as Jupiter (if malefic) and Saturn generally indicate delays, Sun, Venus, Mars (if benefic),
Moon and Mercury represent speedy progress. The nodes (Rahu and Ketu) add unpredictability
and suddenness, and generally result in uneven progress in the matters at hand.
How does it all come together?: When the question is posed, it is recommended that there should
not be any distraction and the querist should meditate on the question for a while, examining all
known aspects of it before verbalizing the question. Clarity, sincerity and seriousness of intent
when posing the question is probably rewarded with answers that are of a kindred nature. The
reasoning behind this is remarkably similar to that applicable to other kinds of divinatory
procedures. The sincerity of the querist must first be examined in order to determine if the chart
would hold well and represent the process adequately or not. If the two houses (1 and 7) are
strong and well connected, then the communication could prove to be fruitful. A similar positive
connection between the first house (querist) and the house representing the matter under query
are strongly connected then the query was sincere and has a higher chance of being analyzed
positively. This is important, because even if the query is about an important matter, the querist
may not believe sufficiently in astrology or the astrologer and this would be reflected in the chart
and could lead to a 'noisy' imprecise reading. The likelihood of this is much lower in a
professional situation where a cost is involved and the idly curious are screened out to a large
extent. It is not very useful to do an after the fact (post mortem) analysis of a horary epoch. This
is because the transits under which the analysis would be carried out would be different from the
original epoch and would influence the reading. Both the astrologer as well as the nativity must
together be in the same astrological environment (horary epoch transits) for the horary
phenomenon to work efficiently.
By Rohiniranjan
<<End of Segment-9>>
DASAS B A PRIMER (10)
BY ROHINIRANJAN
Are planets Schizophrenic?: Scholars in Jyotish and many teachers have maintained for at least
within the last 60-70 years of published Jyotish literature that there are two distinct systems in
Jyotish, one following the teaching of Parashara Rishi and the other of Jaimini Rishi. It is of
interest that neither of them refer to the other in their writings as far as I know, although mention
of other sages and pioneers in Jyotish does exist in their works. This makes it difficult to wonder
if they were contemporaries or figures that appeared in historical sequence. What is notable,
though, is that Jaimini’s writings do not touch upon so called Parashari methodology at all,
whereas a fair amount of what would constitute Jamini system appears prominently in Brihat
Parashara Hora Shastra. People have expressed their discontentment at Jyotishis and particularly
researchers using both methods simultaneously during the same reading or examination. While
on the one hand, not doing so would simplify matters and arguably hone the acuity and focus of
the method used, on the other hand, such discrimination would understandably lead to the
incompleteness of such a delineation. Astrology is best dealt with a multifactorial, matrix type
approach and as long as the jyotishi is not ‘picking and choosing’ in a hurry and mixing logic
and intuition and all that exists between these two faculties, the result should be richer than using
only one system in isolation. Completely aside from personal viewpoints, it is difficult to
comprehend or even assume that the very same planet, such as mars that is the lord of 4th and
11th, for instance and also Jaimini putrakaraka plus many other inherent roles (karakatwas)
would fulfil one role but not the other. This is where one must intelligently apply the ‘roles’ that
planets play because in a given situation (desh, kal, paristhiti: locality, temporality, situational
circumstances), they would express only one or a few sides of their portfolio and not everything
at the same time. After all a mother who is also working outside her home does not entirely cease
to be the ‘mother’ in office, or the boss at home!
Conditional Dashas: In addition to Vimshottari dasha which is used by nearly everyone by
default, although in this series I have also shown situations where Ashtottari one of the many
conditional dashas in BPHS might be more appropriate, scores of other possibilities exist. In
recent years several reknowned jyotishis and their students and followers have done a lot of
research and demonstrated how the different conditional dashas can be utilized in daily practice.
The fact remains though that for most beginners, juggling more than one or two dashas can
generally produce confusion due to multiplicity of overwhelming and often conflicting
information generated by such an approach. It is to be noted that even those who use just one
dasha are still dealing with the complexities of transit influences, combined with the annual
horoscopic considerations and several vargas pointing in different directions and the tri-oriented
sudarshana kundali (predictions based on the lunar, solar and lagna charts overlapping one
another). The complexity is already substantial. My advice, therefore, would be to work with one
or two dashas at a time and then proceed towards learning more.
Parashara has described certain dashas as being generally applicable, such as Vimshottari,
Kalachakra, Yogini, whereas others are prescribed to apply when certain conditions are met in a
given horoscope (hence termed conditional dashas). For example, Dwadashottari to be applied
when the navamsha lagna belongs to venus (Taurus or libra navamsha rising). Panchottari dasha
to be applied when one is born in cancer ascendant and also having cancer dwadashamsha rising
whereas shashtihayini dasha has been recommended for those who have sun rising in the first
house in their charts. Most followers of Jaimini system also utilize Chara dasha and Sthira dasha
to a lesser extent. Most dashas are relatively easy to calculate and many are already incorporated
in readily available software some of which are simply labours of love and are offered freely.
One popular software is JHora which started out essentially as a software created by a brilliant
engineer, programmer and a jyotishi P.V.R. Narasimha Rao. Over the years he has refined the
product and has been offering it free. It also contains some of the novel techniques that he is
experimenting with and would be of great interest to researchers. This brings a key point which
must be remembered. There have been ongoing discussions between jyotishis about the correct
way of calculating and interpreting the dashas. While the calculation procedures for dashas such
as Vimshottari, Ashtottari, Yogini are unambiguous, others such as Chara and Kalachakra and
some others are not quite so. Different scholars have recommended different methods for
calculating the same dasha and which you may see reflected in the software which gives
different options for calculating the same dasha. Many of these differences arise from what is
known as differences between Paramparas or schools (similar to Gharanas in the realm of
classical music). This has been a major puzzling fact about Jyotish factors and does not remain
isolated to the calculation of dashas alone. It extends to fundamental things such as ayanamsha,
lordships of lunar nodes, distribution of rashis in certain vargas and several other factors.
Delving in these uncertain terrains demands lot of time-consuming research since blind faith is
not going to help for a long time. Having raised that cautionary note, we can move on. However,
I must reiterate that once we throw ourselves into this smorgasbord (a Nordic term representing a
collection of servings of different delicious food items like a Chinese dim-sum for those who are
familiar with that term or a pot-luck food-fest or the native north American Pot Lach meal
combos where each participant brings a different food item and the variety of food items then
grows enormously varied!), the chances of indigestion exist too!
If something does not make sense directly or logically, then such a dasa system that requires one
to go through contortions of mental gymnastics, then perhaps there is a serious flaw in such an
approach. One should consciously avoid to mix too much esotericism into astrological
techniques. Common sense must always remain the yardstick in much of astrological
considerations and esoteria or mystical secrets perhaps better belong in the realm of other occult
pursuits.
MATRIX approach: While too many different techniques applied at the same time can be
confusing and produce the opposite effect than desired, one should try and develop the habit of
utilizing a multi-pronged approach when analysing a chart. Unfortunately, when a delineation is
written out, it gives the impression that a given factor is the ‘clincher’ in a given case. Be it a
mahapurusha yoga or KSY or combustion or low ashtakvarga scores or transits etc, however, in
truth it is the multiplicity of pointers that add to the weight of evidence as it is called. One should
therefore factor in these and other pointers and when they add up, these often point to situations
where a positive or negative effect may be anticipated. The only way to arrive at that level is to
keep practicing with real chart. Reading yet another book, article or internet discussion is simply
not going to do it! Reading a chart properly may take at least 2 hours although a full-scale
reading takes a lot longer. Now if one were to analyze two charts per day (assuming that they
have to work to earn a living, eat, sleep, watch TV etc) they would probably be analyzing about
400 or so charts a year. Over a period of 10 years they would have sampled 4000 charts. It
sounds like a large number, but there are about 6.8 billion individuals at a given instant. 4000
Represents only 0.00006% of the population! The experience and familiarity is simply not
enough to avoid hit and miss analysis.
By Rohiniranjan
<<End of Segment-10>>
DASAS B A PRIMER (11)
BY ROHINIRANJAN
Technology can make life easier for Jyotishis (and confusing!): Many beginners these days
must be getting very confused when they read messages and readings on the Internet where the
same chart that is being read by a variety of jyotishis (often with different backgrounds and
levels of experience) to address the same question or issue and even seasoned astrologers come
up with different explanations and even outcomes. One justifiably becomes discouraged,
sceptical and cynical when encountering such variations. Often the ‘tone’ of confidence in what
one jyotishi writes, as opposed to another is also interesting to observe. Some would tend to give
the impression that astrology is a black or white pronouncement. That if you get the right
ayanamsha, the right zodiac in some instances, the right dasha, then everything should work
uniformly and perfectly! While a comforting thought, realistically, such is not the case. To the
research-minded astrologer, such variability and variations on the theme indicate a fertile
potential for search, research and exploration, for others it can be unsettling and some even get
defensive about it all. This is the biggest mystery within Jyotish! In each horoscope there are so
many hints which are differently revealed or touched upon when different minds (of jyotishis)
apply themselves to a given chart. It is also interesting to observe that while some individuals
tend to be rather terse and give a yes/no kind of answer, others elaborately try to weave a
sequence of happenings or descriptions of a process. The personality, background, and other
individual qualities of the astrologer perhaps enter into the process and define the output.
Jyotishis like other human beings can be good communicators, or poor communicators, brilliant
and clear or not. All of these and more factors lead to the colourful variegated flavours that show
up when different astrologers read the same chart. In the past this was revealed or observed
infrequently and rather locally, in study groups where astrologers met and discussed or through
the slow sequence offered by magazines which came out once a month or even less frequently.
Internet has made that obsolete and with the Jyotish lists and fora and discussion groups, a lot of
such interaction happens more rapidly and makes it that much more interesting and intriguing.
Unfortunately, it has its negative aspects too and honest discussions often do not take place.
Back in the very early 80s when I was a young man, not quite 30 and arrived in North America,
telecommunications was in its infancy, as was personal computer usage. I was fortunate to very
quickly guess the potential of both on astrology and astrologers and even though livelihood and
other mundane considerations were critically important, I set aside chunks of time a few times
each week to explore these computer-clubs. My first reward was in being able to put together for
myself a software using BASIC which allowed me to create a chart within a minute as opposed
to 60-90 times the TIME it took me to draw a detailed chart using proportional log tables and so
on. What a wonderful boon it was! Of course later on commercial software became available and
made it on the one hand easier but on the other hand a bit of a headache due to errors in
programming and erroneous techniques that got incorporated in most software in the early
nineties and ongoing! The Bulletin Board Systems and their successors, like Compuserve for a
and Delphi and Genie etc brought opportunities to discuss, collect and share charts with others
interested in astrology and it really enhanced my experience and boosted my confidence. Of
course, one must be very careful and critical of what the currently flooded internet represents, as
has been touched upon in my articles in EST and elsewhere.
Software comes to the aid of rectification:Dashas have always had a very important function:
in rectification of birth times! The technique is simple. Armed with a series of significant events
and their dates/times, the astrologer checks those against the prevailing dasa periods and by
moving the stated birth time ahead or behind the first one stated tries to find one where most or
ideally ALL events match up. The process sounds a lot simpler than it is and can be quite nerve
racking! It may seem easier to do this if one is determined to use rigid factors such as ONE
ayanamsha, ONE type of ‘year’ (solar, lunar, synodic, savanmana), and one or two types of
dashas! If you are toying with different ayanamshas and other variables, imagine how
complicated the process can become! Even if you are using software like Parashara’s Light that
allows one to line up dashas (different kinds, pick one!) with the events against birth time
intervals that can be changed (fig 1).
FIG 1
The birth time intervals ranging from 1 second to one hour can be changed by zooming in or out,
the dashas can be changed as well to get a different ‘perspective’. The choice is limited to three
dashas for the rectification screen but wisely chosen by Geovision. There is something special
about these three dashas: Vimshottari, Ashtottari and Yogini and if used wisely, most of the field
of possibilities can be covered by most jyotishis.
In fact having such capabilities in software can make one, who is motivated to do so, to be able
to experiment with different ayanamshas and dasha durations etc and tune into what gets one
closer to reality.
An example: For a demonstration let us look at a nativity who was born on September 4, 1968 at
8 AM in New Delhi. The ayanamsha that I use is -22:27:31. The birth time was stated as being
approximate but within 10 minutes or so of the exact time.
Some considerations: Usually, it is best to select events which are significant and somewhat
destined. For instance the following types of events can be utilized for rectification:
Beginning of a significant educational pursuit
First Job
Jobloss
Marriage
Births (children, siblings, grandchildren)
Acquisition of automobile, house, lands
Loss of relatives (parents, siblings, spouse, children etc)
Gaining substantial sums of money (large raises, lottery)
Loss of significant amounts of money or precious objects
For the current example, two significant events chosen for illustration were the first travel abroad
and the birth of daughter. Both are fairly significant events as all would agree. Neither was a
planned event in a sense, at least not in the timing of it and both represented important desires
and milestones for the nativity,
The procedure: Being a shuklapaksha daytime birth, vimshottari will be dominant in this chart.
In it, for birth times around 8 AM, Rahu, mars, and Venus will operate for a significant time.
Rahu is placed in the 7th and is generally speaking a representative of foreign places, cultures
etc. Seventh rules over journeys. Mars is atmakaraka placed in cancelled debility in the house of
gains and in the nakshatra of lagnesha and hence again represents gains to self which was so in
this instance. Venus, the antara lord holding sway from 7:53 AM to beyond 8:10 AM is the lord
of the 9th another indicator of long journeys and placed in the star of the lord of 12th
(immigration). Venus makes contact with rahu ketu axis and becomes relevant to the matter of
travel abroad even more. Then for the 4th level we have Venus, sun, moon. mars, rahu, guru and
Saturn ruling for short periods. Subperiods generally do not give effects in their own sub-sub
periods, so we can rule out Venus itself. sun, Jupiter, rahu are more directly related to the
journey abroad, while mars, moon are less directly related. Rahu is less relevant than Jupiter and
sun and sun while in moolatrikona is weaker in shadbal to Jupiter. Moreover, Jupiter being the
lord of 7th placed in the 12th describes the effect (journey to countries abroad) more directly.
Saturn which rules after 8:08 AM is less relevant and can be dismissed. The birth time therefore
can be between 8:05 and 8:08. Rather than Jupiter itself, the 5th level subperiod of Venus would
make sense though sun ruling the 5th level at 8:07 works well too.
The second event: The next event we have is the birth of a daughter. Building up on earlier
analysis, if we focus first on the 3-4 minute window we see that Saturn’s period begins around
8:07. One may argue that 8:06 could work because the finest level is ruled by moon which is
placed in the 5th house, however it is aspected by mars and Saturn and hence may be less
conducive to an auspicious matter like as a birth. Also the antara lord Jupiter would not be
helpful because it is placed in the 12th house of the chart indicating loss and in the 8th from the
5th house so again less likely to be of benefit. Saturn, although placed in the 8th gains strength
due to retrogression and also mild cancellation of its debility by being in kendra to moon and
mars. Moreover its relevance to matter of childbirth increases because it is the lord of 5th house,
aspects the 5th house and is placed on the pada of 5th house (as well as 4 and 11, happiness and
gains). It is of interest to note that on Sept 4, 1998 when the daughter was born, sun, moon, mars
and Saturn were transiting in their natal signs. Going to a finer time resolution (Fig 2)the slice
between 8:07:10 AM to 8:07:54 has mercury as the ruler. Mercury is the putrakaraka in this chart
and although in 6/8 relationship with Saturn, is well-placed (in lagna, in trikona from the 5th
house). It is also associated with ketu in whose nakshatra Saturn is placed in this chart. The
following 5th level period of ketu from 8:07:54 also works.
Finer adjustments: Here, we must remember that the window can only extend up to 8:08:05
because that is when the 5th level of Saturn would start for the journey abroad event and that
would not fit as described earlier! So now we re-examine the potential birth time window from
8:07:10 to 8:08:05 to see if the earlier event matches up within this window which describes the
childbirth event.
Even though sun as the 5th level period would suit for the journey abroad as described earlier, it
would make the childbirth falling into a period when Saturn would rule the last three levels of
the dasha, which is generally stated to be not possible. So if the birth were to have taken place
after 8:07:10, then we would have for the childbirth mercury as the 5th level period lord which is
fine but then for the journey abroad we would have as the 5th level period:
Moon from 8:07:09 to 8:07:25
Mars from 8:07:25 to 8:07:36
Rahu from 8:07:36 onwards
For the journey abroad, rahu would be the most relevant by its placement in the 7th and other
reasons described earlier.
So the possible window now extends from 8:07:36 to 8:08:05. Without splitting further hair, we
can consider the mid-point 8:07:50 as the birth time. Ideally, one should use more than just 2
events to rectify birth times but for ease of understanding only 2 were utilized in this case. Even
so, some may find it pretty complex and doing so without software can be really confusing as
one can realize. To make it even more of a matrix approach, one would utilize more than one
dasha to cross check that everything lines up. It is easy to see how much more difficult the
process can be if the birth time is really off, by a couple of hours as opposed to a few minutes as
in this case.
By Rohiniranjan
<<End of Segment-11>>
DASAS B A PRIMER (12)
BY ROHINIRANJAN
In this segment, I will present a pot-pourri of a couple of short examples that touch upon the role
that some of the fundamental astrological factors play when we consider dasas.
Case #1: Male suffering from Multiple Sclerosis
DOB: May 6th, 1964 5:52 EDT
Place: Reading, PA, USA 75W56 40N20
Ayanamsha: -22d 23m 37sec
After the Vimshottari saturn dasa started in March of 1992 the first symptoms appeared. The
native had recently been divorced and was working very heavily, very irregular in diet, eating
lots of fatty junk food and enormous quantities of coffee to remain alert. Over the next decade,
symptoms of a vague nature arose and subsided as often is the case with multiple sclerosis. In
1999 the lightheadedness worsened and around that time he had a series of sinus infections and
severe allergies. Around mid-2003 numbness of feet appeared. Then hands and arms. MRI was
repeated and revealed MS lesions in the spinal cord and brain. Then followed a phase of
depression and finally in 2004 the nativity began to make lifestyle changes (low fat diet, yoga,
meditation) and ayurvedic treatment and remains stable so far. Venus is darakaraka and is lord of
the 7th. Its placement with rahu in a mercurian sign and placement of gulika in the 7th house
gave malefic results for marriage which dissolved. Jupiter is in nakshatra of venus and became
the executor of the effect. The bhukti was of rahu which as we have seen is afflicting venus.
Rahu is in own nakshatra and brought on the negative influence. Saturn dasa brought on the selfdestructive life style but also enormous work-related success. All of these coincided with his
sadesati that started in 1990 and ended in 1998. Once saturn entered the lagna in debility (late
1998) his symptoms worsened coinciding with the joint period of saturn and venus. When saturn
crossed venus and rahu (Saturn-moon) the lesions were detected and diagnosis established. This
coincided with the depressed phase thereafter which is often seen when saturn and moon are
conjoined. Repeated sinus infections and allergies are also seen when saturn and moon are
joined. In this case both are in rahu's nakshatra and also placed in the 11th house which is
badhaksthana in this chart. Superficially, saturn should not cause so much problems because it is
in moolatrikona and strong lord of 10th and 11th. its association with rahu (nakshatra dispositor)
and rahu being associated with saturn and moon in navamsha and again in shastamsha (where
saturn rules the 6th and 7th houses) resulted in it giving mixed effects - good for work and
earnings and hard work and a devastating disease. The coincidental adverse transit influences
(sade sati, then transit through mesha lagna then crossing venus and rahu triggered all the
changes. During Saturn-mars the nativity came to terms with reality and made the necessary
changes. mars as lagnesha placed in lagna (moolatrikona) began in July 2004 and situation
stabilized.
Case #2:
DOB 16 January 1972 23:05 IST
Place: Mumbai, India
Ayanamsha: -22d 30m 38sec
Event-examination: The way we learn astrology, a posteriori
14/feb/1996 first marriage in court:
Vimshottari: RA-Me-Su
Other than mercury which is placed with Jupiter lord of 7th and darakaraka, rahu and
surya do not make any direct association with any of the marriage-related factors. Rahu is
in moon's nakshatra, mercury is in saturn's and sun is in saturn's star.
Ashtottari: JU ME SA - In ashtottari the mahadasa is of Jupiter who is directly related
with marriage (being lord of 7th and darakaraka. Mercury is associated with Jupiter in
rashi in 10th from 7th and is placed in the 7th house in navamsha chart. Saturn the
antaranath is in the 9th and placed in pisces in navamsha and fits in the navamsha tulya
rashi situation because Pisces is the 7th house in the rashi chart. 2nd house deals with
family and so there is indirect connection because saturn is in the 2nd house of the
marriage-specific navamsha chart. In terms of nakshatra dispositions, ashtottari uses a
different nakshatra zone rulership and in this chart Jupiter is in moola which is in the
zone of mercury (in 7th house of D9 and associated with darakaraka and lord of 7th,
namely jupiter in D1), mercury is in poorvashadha which is in saturn's zone and saturn
the antara lord is in Krittika which is in the zone of Venus, the natural significator of
marriage and spouse and placed in dhanu in D9, the tulya sign which in rashi chart holds
the saptamesh and darakaraka Jupiter. A stronger connection is seen when Ashtottari is
utilized in other words.
On Wednesday, Feb 14, 1996 when the marriage was consummated, a day ruled by
mercury, Jupiter was in dhanu, mercury was in makar and shani was in pisces with venus
and ketu.
Please note that while there was a good consonance between jupiter and mercury, the
dasha and bhuktinaths, retrograde saturn was the third level indicator and is placed in the
6th from jupiter and mercury. Also notice that the pada of first house (Arudha) was where
jupiter and mercury were placed whereas saturn was placed on the shatrupada. The clear
indication of there being problems arising in the marriage were evident. Of course no
jyotish consultation was carried out before the court marriage.
20/jan/1997 break up:
Vimshottari: RA Me Ju
Ashtottari: JU ME RA
Barely months passed before troubles arose and the marriage became unsustainable. The
date of breakup of marriage coincided in vimshottari scheme with rahu, mercury and
jupiter. The period as per ashtottari, interestingly was ruled by the same planets but in the
reverse order! Rahu the amatyakarka becomes the third level planet whereas in
vimshottari jupiter the darakaraka is the antharanath! As we move from the general to
specific in the dasha hierarchy, while the major lord rightly indicates the general setting
and ambience, the finer period lord indicates the specific nature of the effect. One may
argue that it was the debilitated jupiter (darakaraka and saptamesh) in transit over natal
moon that blew up the marriage, but rahu was transiting with mars in the ascendant and
right across from saturn that was transiting the 7th house. I think this is stronger as
explanations go because of there being not just one factor into which one need fit the
entire occurrence. Rahu is in Shravana which falls in the zone of saturn as per ashtottari.
Once again, I submit, that ashtottari is giving more direct indications and consonant with
the event.
21/jan/1997 tried to commit suicide:
Vimshottari: RA Me Ju
Ashtottari: JU ME RA
The very next day obviously very upset and in mental pain, the individual tried to commit
suicide. The day was Tuesday the day of mars and mars was transiting the lagna under
watch from saturn moving through the marak sthan. Mars is placed in the 7th house in the
natal chart and by virtue of that has maraka propensity. It is also the lord of 8th house.
Being the strongest planet, atmakaraka, and essentially a malefic (lord of 8th and 3rd
houses), it brought her to the brink of self-imposed death but did not actually make her
complete the act. There were other lessons remaining to be learned yet! Mars is very
powerful in this chart and also is placed in Revati which is ashtottari scheme is Rahu's
nakshatra. This indicates that mars will produce the effects of rahu! It is a volatile
combination when the fire of mars is enveloped in the smoke of rahu! Rahu also stands
for poison and mental aberrations and so mars during that period impulsively tried to kill
herself by taking poison. Rahu and mars were conjoined in virgo (lagna) at that time with
Saturn placed in badhaksthana casting its malefic glance on lagna and lagnesha (mercury)
while the transit moon was in sixth from its natal position as well. All of these factors
upset the mind and interfered with calm thinking creating the near disaster.
25/june/1997 annulment came through:
Vimshottari: RA ME SA
Ashtottari: JU ME ve
While annulment of this marriage may seem like a negative event, in reality it was not! It
was the moment of legal freedom, the marriage now could be put behind oneself.
Certainly saturn would represent the ultimate termination as per the vimshottari scheme
and being in Krittika, the cutting becomes symbolically convincing! However, Venus
being pitrikaraka and lord of 9th also symbolically indicates that the daughter returned
back to her father's home (away from her husband's home)! That poetic symbolism aside,
what concerns me is that if vimshottari is utilized, saturn would produce roadblocks
which it did not. Venus, on the other hand is placed in shatabisha (Jupiter's zone) in the
6th and represents a positive outcome over enemies, although in a marital breakup,
enmity even amongst estranged people sounds inappropriate. When lovers become
inimical it fits with the symbolism of venus the icon of love placed in shatrusthan,
though. However, both dashas seem to work for this specific event.
27/aug/1997 first travel abroad:
Vimshottari: RA ME SA
Ashtottari: JU ME ve
While the same antharas were operating in the two dasha schemes, the native travelled
abroad. Ju and mercury are placed in the 4th house (homeland) while saturn is placed in
the 9th house, the house of foreign journeys. Saturn could also have represented
pilgrimages and higher education or something associated with father, of course.
However, if we look from the ashtottari angle, venus becomes the anthara lord. Venus,
quite interestingly is the lord of the 9th house in rashi and navamsha and also pitrikarka
so thereby becomes a secondary indicator for the 9th house, just as jupiter was for 7th
house (lord and darakaraka). But please note that venus being in natal 6th house is
aspecting the 12th house which indicates foreign residence and it is kendra from saturn in
9 and in kendra from 3rd house (moves and travels again), so once again it has a stronger
signature and association with the event. The move was to a more comfortable and
luxurious surroundings and thus again is described better by venus than saturn.
Shatabhisha the ashtottari zone in which venus is placed is ruled by jupiter and transit
jupiter was transiting the 5th house whereas venus was transiting the 1st under the aspect
of jupiter. Though debilitated, the transit jupiter was retrograde and thus strengthened.
The mutual kendra disposition of mars which is the exaltation lord and aspecting jupiter
from Libra further helped reduce the debility.
WHY THIS ONE?: The reason why this example was chosen was because it highlights
the conditional factor that is in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. While the segment on
BPHS on Ashtottari opens with the condition which implies a certain placement of rahu
being the condition used for selecting ashtottari, further down there is also the
conditionality given that Vimshottari applies better to individuals born during daytime of
Shuklapaksha and night-time of Krishnapaksha whereas Ashtottari applies best to those
born during daytime of Krishnapaksha or night-time of Shuklapaksha. I have been
finding that this is true in nearly all cases I have examined and some examples were
given in this series earlier as well. When the birth is very close to amavasya or poornima,
thought, a caution must be sounded. If the sun and moon are within a few degrees of each
other or the 180 degree (in cases of poornima), it is safe to test using both the dashas. Of
course it would depend a lot on other parameters used such as dasha durations and
ayanamsha etc. Like Shri Raman ji used to say, test things for yourself and taste the
pudding!
For Chart #2
By Rohiniranjan
<<End of Segment-12>>
DASAS B A PRIMER (13)
BY ROHINIRANJAN
FUNDAMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: Jyotish is a complex weave of rules and
assumptions and axioms and many of these may seem to the casual observer as
confusing, or to the cynical types as ‘confused’! At the simplest level is the role of house
rulers and one simplistically assumes things such as: childbirth during the dasha, bhukti
of the lord of 5th, marriage during the period of the planet ruling the 7th and finding
earning and a raise during the period when the lord of the 10th and/or 11th becomes
effective. And then one receives the cold splash of reality! Predictions based on such
simplistic premises fail! If Jyotish were that simple, there would not be the need for so
many books and articles written, from ancient times to now.
Often people see exalted planets and assume that their dasha, once it rolls around, will fix
all the problems and life will become blissful or at least happy. Even after the swabhukti
(subperiod of a planet in its dasha period, the first subperiod in Vimshottari system,
generally believed to not provide results right away) passes, the drudgery continues
unabated and then one begins looking for astrological excuses! It must be the
ayanamsha, or it must be the dasha duration or sometimes maybe it is the wrong dasha
we are using or the birthtime needs rectification or one must use Suryasiddhanta
calculations as opposed to NASA/JPL routines! The confusion continues and much
useless agony is sustained during the process.
EXALTATION: Exaltation has always struck me as being similar to pakshabala of moon.
The moon grows from the point of darkness (amavasya) towards the most reflective
position (Poornima) and between the new-moon and full-moon we witness the half cycle
during which the light grows and then diminishes in the 2nd half of the lunar cycle. A
planet starts at the point of debility and 180 degrees later, just like the moon, finds its
acme in the point of exaltation and then declines from there on until it arrives at its point
of debility again. Individuals often confuse strength with quality! The two are not
synonymous! A planet can be strong (shadbala) but malefic, while another planet can be
weak (shadbala) and yet be benefic. The poornima moon is of benevolent nature,
qualitatively strong and at peace. So is the exalted planet. Now obviously the intrinsic
nature would remain! An exalted Jupiter will behave in a different manner than an
equally exalted Saturn, but a debilitated Jupiter will be different from an exalted Jupiter
or even an exalted Saturn and definitely from debilitated Saturn!
MOUNTING ON THE HOROSCOPIC HORSE: Long ago, when I studied in Brihat
Parashar Hora Shastra (and following that, Jaimini sutra) about the Arudha concept, a
mental image arose in me which pictured a rider who is trying to mount on a horse,
before setting off on a trot. Over the years through observation, this imagery began to
make sense. In order for one to successfully perform all this mounting and seating, one
would need a horse (horoscope), a rider (lagna bhava), who would need to put his feet
(pada) in the stirrup and hoist oneself to mount the horse. Obviously this cannot be
accomplished without having the hands (argala) hold on to the seat and the reins as one
hoists oneself and gets seated on the horse. So in order to study the effective execution
and unfoldment of any house in the horoscope, one must consider not just the house (and
its lord obviously!) but also its pada (feet) as well as any argalas that form the hand-hold.
When the rider (house) is strong, and the pada as well as argala (bolt) are strong and
mutually supportive, that house will flourish. All three are essential for successfully
mounting before setting out on the horse-ride (life; path of human experience).
Obviously, the above ‘algorithm’ applies not just to the lagna bhava (1st house), but to all
houses while considering their padas/arudhas, the argalas and mutual disposition of the
three factors vis-à-vis the house and its lord.
The fundamental theme in Jyotish is really simple and deals with networking, the modern
buzzword, which was in jyotish texts represented as relationship or ‘sambandha’. The
term has been described in many different ways and perspectives but deals with the
concept of being supported, and symbolizes my favourite thought, expressed earlier ofttimes: In astrology, one swallow does not declare summer! Or, one firework does not
herald Deepawali!
In order to ride a horse, effectively, the rider (house and lord) must first be seated and
firmly so, with feet (pada) placed securely in the stirrups and the hands holding the reins
(argala).
FUNDAMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR BEGINNERS: So what are these terms
pada and argala that you may have heard of but have since forgotten? Simply stated
padas or arudhas are a means of finding a secondary house in the rashi chart, the kshetra
varga as it is called. This is basically the standard rashi based chart that we all know
about and consult. Each house represents 30 degrees of the zodiac and goes under the
names: Aries, Taurus, Gemini … ending with Pisces, or in Sanskrit: Mesha, Vrishabh,
Mithun … ending with Meena. All based in the sidereal or nirayana zodiac, of course (so
not the same as the western tropical sunsign you read about in the daily newspaper most
of which continue to follow the tropical zodiac, more for convenience than accuracy.
Pada – Deals with the distance in a chart by which a ruler is removed from its
house. For Aries with mars placed in Taurus (2nd house), the pada of Aries would
lie in the 2nd from the 2nd house, i.e., Gemini! Now if mars were placed in Gemini
(third from Aries) in the chart, then the pada would be in the 3rd from 3rd or Leo
which is the 3rd from Gemini. So, if mars were in Leo in this case (5th from Aries),
the pada would be in Sagittarius (5th from Leo). The ruler of a given house then
falls right between the house it owns and its pada, in a sense.
Two exceptions must be noted. If the pada happens to fall in the same house (Mars
in Aries in above example), it would then be delegated to the 10th house there from
and so the pada of mars in Aries would fall in Capricorn!. The same would be the
case if mars were to be in Libra (Mars ins seventh, so pada falls in seventh which is
the first house, which would get shifted into Capricorn also.
The other exception is when pada falls in the seventh house. Any planet in the 4th
from its house will have its pada fall in the 7th house and will be delegated to the
10th there from resulting in the situation where Aries has mars in cancer (4th) but the
pada will not be in Libra (4th there from) but considered to be in cancer itself (10th
from 7th). So if planet is in its house or in 7th there from, the pada falls in the 10th
house from the house of placement. And if planet is in 4th house from its sign, then
the pada falls in the same sign, i.e. the 4th sign from the house under consideration!
Argala – When a planet is in the 2nd, 4th or 11th from a house (or planet), it
signifies an argala or hands firmly placed on the reins in my analogy. Now if a
planet is also placed in the 12th or 10th or 3rd, respectively then the argala becomes
ineffective . So if there is a planet in the 2nd house as well as another in the 12th, the
argala is ineffective. In other words, symmetry is not helpful in this consideration!
If the argala is broken from the house and its lord, such a cancellation of argala will
be very significant, and represent unbalance and negative.
BOTTOM LINE: In order for a positive unfoldment of a given house, you would want
the house and its pada strong and balanced and an argala to be present and not nullified
for that house and its lord! If all three argalas are nullified, the results and outcomes must
cause concern if not entirely dire, and going through the spectrum of possibilities, if all
argalas form and remain unobstructed, then the result will be the strongest – provided that
the pada or arudha also holds firm! In order to mount the ‘horse’ one must have strong
hold on the reins (Argala) as well as surely and firmly placed feet (pada/arudha) in the
stirrup! I hope it sounds logical and obvious!
<abhi aur hai…>
More will follow in the next segment! But please read and absorb this segment carefully
and with full attention!
By Rohiniranjan
<<End of Segment-13>>