Vault of the Heavens

Preface to the eBook Version of Vault of the Heavens I began working on Vault of the Heavens my first week studying Vedic Astrology. I had been studying Western Astrology for a few years and just purchased a copy of Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra. As I read Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra I quickly realized that studying this great book was not going to be like studying a western astrology book - a quick read leading to knowing what I was doing was just not going to work with this great text, so I began by writing down each Sutra in the text and gave my thoughts on it. Over the years I revised my thoughts and six years later published a large part of those thoughts as my first book Vault of the Heavens. Vault of the Heavens was instantly successful. It opened up many doors that helped me to be able to support my new family at a time when I was studying 30 hours a week while also supporting my wife and first son by consulting with clients. Three years later and I sold through the first printing of Vault of the Heavens and decided not to reprint. Ever since then students of astrology have regularly asked me for a copy, for a reprint, for anything. For many years I resisted reprinting Vault of the Heavens. Why did I do this? It was my best selling book after all. There are two reasons. The first is that I did not know Sanskrit while writing Vault of the Heavens and so had to rely on the available translations, all of which had some errors and bad ideas and thus there are a few things that are incorrect in Vault of the Heavens (don't worry, I will tell you what those things are in a moment). The main reason, however, that I did not reprint Vault of the Heavens is that I wanted to write a multivolume set of books expanding upon everything in Vault of the Heavens and going much beyond it. A Magnum Opus on Parashari Astrology as portrayed in Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra. I began that set of books with Graha Sutras, which expands the first two chapters of Vault of the Heavens into a book equally as long as

Vault of the Heavens - now we are getting serious about the Grahas! And that was the last book I wrote. Since then I have been busy teaching audio and lately video courses all of which have extensive manuals - sveral books worth of manuals. While I myself would prefer to simply write books and forget about the talking as writing is my favorite pastime, many students seem to prefer audio or video courses, which, combined with the manuals give a much more rounded approach to learning. One day all these manuals will be written into their final drafts into my huge series of astrological texts, but until that time, videos are audios is all I have time for. My reason for releasing Vault of the Heavens now as an eBook is that so many people have asked it of me. I regularly get emails and phone calls of people asking if I have just one copy left as the only place they can find it is at amazon.com for $250.00-999.00. I hate to think of anyone being forced to pay such an astronomical amount for my book (even if it is astronomical in nature), so here it is digitally and cheap! And since it is going to be a while before I finish the companion books to Graha Sutras, I hope this release of Vault of the Heavens will satisfy the book lovers out there. What is wrong in Vault of the Heavens? 1. First, in Graha Sutras you will find much more perfect translations of the planetary chapters of Vault of the Heavens. There is only one Sutra that comes to mind that is in Vault of the Heavens that all translators have managed to totally botch and that is the chapter on the complexions of the planets. This has all be straightened out in Graha Sutras - which in my opinion is my best and most important book. In fact, half the questions that people ask me would be answered if they studied Graha Sutras. If you think you understand the planets, read Graha Sutras to find out just how far away the planets are and how little you know about them.

2. The colors of the Rasis given in Vault of the Heavens that I took from the available translations are not correct. Please refer to my Gems, Jyotish and Minerals audio course for correct information on the colors. 3. I have taught the use of Lajjitaadi Avasthas much, much better in my Lajjitaadi Avasthas video course than I have in Vault of the Heavens. 4. The correct calculation of Planetary War is a problem that prevails with modern Vedic Astrologers. In my latter writings and courses I teach how to do this properly. Other than these four points, I recommend Vault of the Heavens to you with great fervor, in fact, with so much fervor that I wonder why I did not release this as an eBook years ago. Come to think of it, perhaps there is one other reason I did not reprint. It is written very badly, lots of mistakes, typos, even some English words I made up it was my first book and it shows! In this second release of Vault of the Heavens I am proud to say that I did not correct any of those errors, you have the original words of the original version with all of its idiosyncrasies. I have left all these errors and poor writings as they are as an inspiration to other would be authors. It reminds me of some of the multi volume novels I have read. In a few of my favorite series the first novel is a great story, written very badly, the next novel is written better, the next quite good, the tenth very well. Seeing this made me feel that writing a book is possible for anyone who wants to give the substance the due time it deserves, and thus I leave my first writing as it is with all its errors so that you too can believe that you can write a book if you have something worth telling. Ernst Wilhelm June 2012

Vault of the Heavens ~Treatise on Vedic Astrology~

by H Ernst Wilhelm I

© Copyright, 2001 by Ernst Wilhelm

First Edition, 2001

Library of Congress Control Number: 2001118600 ISBN 0-9709636-0-2

Käla Occult Publishers www.vedic-astrology.net

To My Dear Friend Gaetano, Without whom My early career as an astrologer Would not have been possible.

Lord Ganesha Patron Deity of Astrology

Contents Contents Preface……………….……………….……….…….…..…. xi 1. The Planets and Myth……………………….………….. 1 Weekdays Governed by the Planets, The Avatars, Presiding Deities

2. Description and Indications of the Planets…………… 23

Chief Aspect, Planetary Cabinet, Gunas, Caste, Sex, Color, Doshas, Taste, Sight, Residence, Age, Maturation Age, Description of the Planets, Benefics and Malefics, Body Tissues, Five Elements, Trees, Person, Vedas, Time Periods, Period of Life, Seasons, Dhatu, Moola and Jeeva, Senses, Subtances, Clothes, Directions, Gemstone, Letters, Rasis, Exaltation and Debilitation, Planetary Types, Outer Planets

3. The Rasis……………………………..……………….. 53

Zodiac and Chakra Correspondence, Lords of the Rasis, Descriptive Symbols of the Rasis, Qualities of the Rasis, Determining Important Rasis, Rasi Table

4. The Lagna………………..……………………………. 65 Character Effects of the Lagnas

5. Planetary Relationships………………..….………….. 75

Natural Relationships, Rahu’s and Ketu’s Relationships, Temporary Relationships, Compound Relationships, Relationships in Dasa Interpretation

6. Dignities…………………..……...………………….… 81

Own Rasi, Exaltation, Moolatrikona, Debilitation, etc., Dignities Classified, Rahu’s and Ketu’s Dignities, Cancellation of DebilitationNeechabhanga Raja Yogas, Effects of Exalted and Debilitated Planets

7. Deeptaadi-Avasthas………..……………………….…. 93 Planetary War, Retrograde Planets, Effects of Combust Planets

8. The Houses………………..…………………………. 107 Types of Houses: Kendras, Panaparas, Apoklimas, Trikonas, Dusthanas, Upachayas, Artha, Kama, Dharma, Moksha Houses, The 12 Houses, Body Parts, Secondary Meanings, House Systems

9. House Lords………………..………………..…….…. 121

Nature of Planets due to House Lordship, Dispositions of the House Lords, Planets as House Lords, House Lords for the 12 Lagnas, Important Influences to a House Lord, The Lagna and its Corresponding House

10. The Nakshatras………………...……………….…… 169 Importance of the Moon, Tara Bala, Planets in Nakshatras, Nakshatra Tables

11. Conjunctions of Planets………..……………………. 189 Influence of Planetary Relationships, Multiple Planet Conjunctions

12. Planetary Aspects .………..…………………….…… 193

Calculating Aspectual Values, Influence of Planets Aspecting Planets, Aspect Tables

13. Rasi Aspects……………..………………………….... 203 Aspect Chakra, Simple Yogas involving the Lagna,

14. Sambandha………………….……………………….. 207

Mutual Connections between Planets, Parivartana Yogas: Maha, Khala and Dainya Yoga, Hemming in between Benefics or Malefics

15. Raja Yogas………….…………………………….….. 211 Raja Yogakarakas, Rahu and Ketu as Yogakarakas, Raja Yogas in the Navamsa, Vipareet Raja Yogas: Harsha, Sarala, and Vimala Yogas

16. Yoga Karakas………………………………….…….. 215 Productive Effects of Planets on Mutual Angles from Each Other

17. Navamsa….……………………………………..…… 217 Table of Navamsas, Navamsa in Dasa Analysis, Vargottama

18. Dispositors………..………………….……..…...…… 219 Final Dispositor, Dispositors and Dasa Results, Rasi, Navamsa and Nakshatra Dispositors, Dispositors in Judging the Horoscope

19. Shad Bala……….……………………………….…. 223 Shad Bala Components, Shad Bala in Dasa Analysis

20. Vimshottari Dasa…..……………………………..….. 229

Calculating Vimshottari Dasa, Maha Dasa, Antar Dasa, and Pratyantar Dasa Lords, Samskaras- The Mental Tendencies, Nature of Dasa, Rohini, etc., Transition from One Dasa to the Next, Results due to the Natural Characteristics, Constitutional and Elemental Effects, Results due to Specific Indications, Results due to House Lordship, Position of AntarDasa Lord from Dasa Lord, 2/12 and 6/8 Positions, Dasa Effects Due to Friendship and Enmity, Effects of Specific Aspects and Conjunctions, Saturn/Rahu and Rahu/Saturn Periods, Venus/Rahu and Rahu/Venus Periods, Jupiter/Venus and Venus/Jupiter Periods, Saturn/Venus and Venus/Saturn Periods, Venus/Venus and Saturn/Saturn Periods , Rahu/Ketu and Ketu/Rahu Periods

21. Subha, Asubha, and Misra Yogas….……………..….. 249 Qualifying the Effects of a Planet in a House, Yoga, etc.

22. House Lords in Houses………………………………. 253 Results of House Lords due to Subha or Asubha Yogas

23. Judging the Horoscope……………………………….. 257

Karakas, Predicting Quality, Delaying & Separating Factors, Fatal Degrees, Influence of Houses and House Lords, Predicting Details, Use of the Navamsa, Dual Use of the Navamsa and Rasi, Importance of the Dasa Influence, Dispositors, Chandra Lagna, Other Houses as Lagnas

24. Lajjitaadi Avasthas………….………………………. 271 A Group of Avasthas that Significantly Affect the Houses

25. Shayanaadi Avasthas…..…………………………….. 277

A Group of Avasthas that individualize the Effects of the Planets, Summary of Avasthas

26. Developmental Qualities of the Planets…….……….. 297 Affliction by Rahu, Saturn, Mars and Ketu, Influence of Benefics

27. Saturn…………….……….………………………….. 307

Attitudes and Compensations of Saturn in the Rasis, Saturn in the Houses, Saturn’s influence on Planets, Rahu Gives the Results of Saturn, Combust Moon

28. Rahu and Ketu………..………………….…..….…… 313 Rahu and Ketu; General Nature, Rahu and Ketu in the Rasis and Houses, Lords of Rahu and Ketu, Aspects of Rahu and Ketu to their Lords, Rahu and Ketu Joining and Aspecting other Planets

29. Tajika Aspects……………….………………………. 349

Deeptamsas- orbs of Influence, Timing the Effects of Tajika Aspects, Summary of Aspects

30. The Outer Planets…………….……………..………. 353

Involutionary Urges of the Outer Planets, The Tri-Murthi and the Outer Planets, Using the Outer Planets, Transits of the Outer Planets, The Outer Planets and Rahu and Ketu

Conclusion…..….……………….…….………………..… 361 Index…………...….………..….……………...………..... 365 About he Author..……………………………………….. 370

Lists & Tables Allocation of Body Parts to the Rasis……..……..………… 80 Aspect Tables & Diagrams……….…..……….…………. 198 Astronomical Data of the Planets…….…..………….…….. 22 Cancellation of Debilitation…………………………….…. 86 Combustion of Planets…………...…..…….……………… 99 Directions of the Planets…………………………………… 48 Exaltation and Debilitation………..….…………………... 49 Fatal Degrees………………………………………..…… 264 House Indications………………..………………………. 120 Karakas………………………………………….………. 258 Moolatrikonas of the Planets………...……….…………… 81 Nakshatra Tables…..………….………………………… 178 Nakshatra Wheel with Planetary Lords………………….. 168 Nama (Name) Nakshatra……………………………….. 188 Navamsa Table………………..……………………….… 217 Planetary Glyphs and Sanskrit Names…..……..……….… 52 Planetary Relationships……….………………………...… 75 Planets and Sanskrit Letters…………………………...….. 49 Rasi Glyphs and Sanskrit Names…………….…………… 64 Rasi Tables…….………….…….………………………… 62 Rasis and Chakras…...………...….………………….…… 53 Rasis and Planetary Lords…..…..………………………… 54 Shayanaadi Avasthas…………………………………….. 296 Star Chart of Rasis & Nakshatras.…..………………..…. 192 Subha/Asubha Yoga Table……………………………… 251 Tajika Orbs of Influence………...….……………………. 350 Tara Bala……………………………..………..………… 172 Vimshottari Dasa Lengths………………..…………… 230

Acknowledgments My thanks to all those who helped with the proofing: Marty Russell Lisa Reina Mynx My Wife, Srishti; Double thanks to her for also assisting with the artwork.

Thanks also to Paul Brinkley Rodgers for the loan of the computer resources necessary for the layout of this book. Special thanks are due Nick Hodgson of Astrogems for the generous loan that made the first printing possible.

Rasis and Grahas

Surya, the Sun, surrounded by the Grahas (planets), and the Rasis.

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Preface The Hindu Culture of India has its roots in the Vedas, the sacred knowledge said to have originated from Brahma, the Creator, even before the Earth was formed. Veda literally means “true knowledge.” The Vedas consist particularly of hymns to different aspects of God. Astrology is known as a Vedanga, a limb of the Vedas, specifically as the Eyes of the Vedas. As a limb of the Vedas, the purpose of astrology is to support the revelation of truth. As the Eyes of the Vedas, this ultimately means to change our consciousness in some manner that allows us to see God in our daily lives. For those of intellectual bent, the study of astrology may serve the purpose of transforming the consciousness in such a manner that upon looking at the world, the Truth is more evident. The study of astrology, therefore, has much to offer. There are five unique attributes of this text. First, it is a reference work of important significations of planets, signs, and nakshatras, or stars, not to be found elsewhere. Particular mention must be made to full ten pages of nakshatra tables containing more information on the nakshatras then any other source available to date. Second, all of the fundamental principles necessary for any study of astrology are explained with such depth and clarity that the advanced astrologer is sure to gain a new depth of knowledge, and the beginning student will be able to avoid the seeming contradictions that only a partial understanding will result in. Third, chapters devoted to Saturn and the Nodes of the Moon reveal the counseling potential of Vedic Astrology. Particular mention must be made to the chapter on the Nodes of the Moon, Rahu and Ketu, which provides a detailed understanding of these shadowy and elusive planets. Fourth, clear and concise, step-by-step instruction for applying all the fundamental principles to judging the horoscope as well as to the planetary

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periods used for timing events. Fifth, chapters on the Outer Planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, and Tajika aspects, which are similar to the aspects used by Western Astrologers, assist the Western Astrologer in making the transition to Vedic Astrology. These chapters provide a framework for using the Outer Planets in the context of Vedic Astrology without bringing in misconceptions that may reduce the efficacy of Vedic Astrology. In short, every attempt has been made to render the fundamental principles of astrology clearly and concisely under one cover. Those new to Vedic Astrology must be told that many of the principles used by Western Astrologers have their mention in some ancient text in India, and that there are many parallels between the astrology in the East and the astrology in the West. There is, however, one significant difference, and that is that Vedic Astrologers have always used the Sidereal Zodiac, which is based on the greater galaxy, rather than the Tropical Zodiac used commonly by Western Astrologers, which is based on the Sun and the equinoxes. These days there is a difference of about twentyfour degrees between these two zodiacs, almost an entire sign. Therefore, it will be necessary for you to procure horoscopes calculated for the sidereal zodiac. With the Internet as your resource these days, this is a simple manner. Ernst Wilhelm June 2001

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1 The Planets and Myth According to Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra, the Supreme Spirit incarnated as the planets to bestow upon the Jeevas, the living beings, the results due to their karmas. The planets used in Vedic astrology are the seven visible heavenly bodies and the two nodes of the Moon. The visible heavenly bodies are the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. They are normally listed in the classical texts in the order of the weekday that they rule: the Sun ruling Sunday, the Moon- Monday, Mars- Tuesday, Mercury- Wednesday, Jupiter- Thursday, Venus- Friday and Saturn- Saturday. The nodes of the Moon, though not actually planets, are given full planetary status and are of great importance. The nodes are the points where the Moon's orbit around the Earth intersects with the orbit of the Earth’s movement around the Sun. This intersection occurs at two points, one northern and one southern. The northern point is known as Rahu and the southern point is known as Ketu. Rahu and Ketu, therefore, occur at the junctions of two powerful forces generated by the movement of the Earth around the Sun and the Moon around the Earth. These are the points where eclipses may occur. Considering this, it becomes apparent how important they are in astrology. Another point to note is that Rahu and Ketu, being invisible, and being the nodes of the Moon- the mind, symbolize the unconscious aspects of the mind. The planets are considered as deities and much mythology has been written involving them. Knowing some of this mythology becomes an integral part in understanding the planets. Following are the Avatars that stemmed from each of the planets, as well as the presiding deities of the planets:

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Avatar From the Sun the incarnation of Lord Rama, from the Moon that of Bhagavan Krishna, from Mars that of Narasimha, from Mercury that of Buddha, from Jupiter that of Vamana, from Venus that of Parasurama, from Saturn that of Kurma, from Rahu that of Varaha, and from Ketu the incarnation of Matsya occurred. LORD RAMA Long ago during the Tetra Yuga there was an Asura (demon) king by the name of Ravana who was displaying great selfishness and arrogance, and who was fast breaking every conduct of dharma. Ravana had won many boons due to the strict penance he had performed. These boons made him so powerful that no one could conquer his display of unrighteousness and therefore adharma (unrighteousness) was becoming rampant in the world. Brahma and the Devas went to the all-pervading Vishnu to request his assistance in riding the world of Ravana, as none of them could do so. Vishnu promised to incarnate in the Solar Dynasty and put an end to Ravana and his unrighteousness. Vishnu was born as Rama, who exemplified all of the ideals of Dharma throughout the entirety of his life. Rama was of royal birth and was chosen as the crown prince of Ayodhya. Through the scheming of one of his father’s wives the throne was unjustly taken from him and he was exiled to the forest for fourteen years. To insure that his father’s good name would remain unblemished, Rama willingly accepted the exile with even minded calmness and detachment, even though his father had already died due to the grief caused by Rama's exile. Rama's wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshman, would not part from Rama and followed him to the forest. Many adventures befell Rama during his exile and not even once did he stir from the strict path of Dharma. After many years of living and wandering in the forest, news of Sita’s beauty reached the ears of Ravana, who then abducted Sita, hoping to make her his wife. Rama was heartbroken and made every

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effort to find Sita and rescue her from Ravana. After much time and effort, Rama destroys Ravana, and Sita is returned to him. At that point the purpose of Rama's incarnation had been fulfilled; he had destroyed Ravana and exemplified Dharma to such a degree that mortal man weeps at the thought of the sacrifices Rama had made to reestablish Dharma in the world of man. On hearing the stories of Rama, man to this day becomes inspired to follow in his footsteps. The trials of Dharma are hard and Rama, after conquering Ravana, still had one more ideal to establish. After returning to his native-city and becoming crowned, Rama heard that one of his subjects spoke ill of his wife. His subject declared that once a woman resides under the care of another man she should not be allowed to return to her husband, though Rama might accept her because he was infatuated with her, he would never accept her. That Sita was taken against her will, that she remained outside Ravana’s palace, only eating roots and fruits so as to eat what her husband Rama was eating in the forest while she waited for him to rescue her, was not considered by this critic. Rama, feeling that as king his highest Dharma was to please his subjects abandoned Sita to the ashram of Rishi Valmiki. Sita was with child, after giving birth to Rama's twin sons she died. At hearing of Sita's death Rama was sunk in sorrow, but he remembered that a king has no right to have feelings of his own so he concentrated on ruling the earth until his death. For a man to live a life of such strict adherence to Dharma he must be conscious of the true Self that resides in him. Only then can he be separated and detached enough to do his duty. This Self is symbolized by the Sun and exemplified for all time by Lord Rama. BHAGAVAN KRISHNA Krishna is the beloved Avatar of the Hindus. The stories of Krishna are many and his devotees never tire of hearing them. Krishna was born of two saintly parents while imprisoned by the evil King Kamsa, Krishna's uncle. Kamsa had imprisoned Krishna's parents because a voice from the sky had told him that their eighth

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child would be the death of him. Kamsa killed Krishna's six younger siblings as soon as they were born, but the seventh was transformed to the womb of Rohini, a cowherd of Gokula. This seventh was Balarama; an incarnation of Adishesha- the 1000 headed serpent, Krishna's lifelong companion. When Krishna was born the doors to his parent’s prison magically opened. His father carried him away to Gokula, and exchanged Krishna for the newborn daughter of Yashoda, who lay sleeping. When Kamsa heard of the eighth child being born, he rushed to kill it. When he raised the child, who was actually Yashoda’s child, up in order to smash and kill it, the child slipped from his fingers into the air, and before magically disappearing, told Kamsa that the eighth child was hidden safely away. Krishna spent his early life in sweet contentment among the cowherds. Kamsa sent many Asuras to kill him, but Krishna, though just a small child, vanquished them all. Krishna was a delight to all, and entertained them with the music of his flute and his constant pranks. At the age of fifteen Krishna left the cowherds to kill the evil Kamsa and release his parents. Krishna became known as a hero due to his amazing feats while destroying many Asuras. The people, therefore, always came to Krishna for his aid, succor and comfort. Krishna is best know for his role as friend, advisor and comforter to Arjuna and the Pandus during the great Kurukshetra war between the Pandus and Kurus, depicted in the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. During this war, virtually all those who were of an evil and arrogant nature were destroyed, purifying the world Krishna grew up in a contented atmosphere among the cowherds; it is the Moon that indicates the early environment essential for emotional well-being. The Moon also rules cows as well as dairy and butter, Krishna’s favorite food. Krishna spoke always of the importance of Bakti (devotion), keeping God always in mind. He loved his Baktis (devotees) more than all else, even more than Brahma and all the other deities. It is

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when the mind, the Moon, is kept centered in the heart that bakti is cultivated. Among Avatars, it is Krishna whose many activities are questionable, but as his mind was always one with God, nothing he did could ever be construed as degrading to his spirit. The Moon is the mind; where the mind is, that is what is important. NARASIMHA Very long ago there was an Asura by the name of Hiranyakashipu. He had won many boons and had become very powerful. He conquered the three worlds, forcing the Devas (demigods) to become his vassals. The Devas appealed to the Supreme Lord, who told them that Hiranyakashipu would soon have a saintly son and that a time when Hiranyakashipu was mistreating his son, He, the Lord, would come and destroy him. Hiranyakashipu's youngest son, Prahlada, expressed all of the qualities of a saint. He was truthful, disciplined and loved all living beings. He had his senses under control and his conduct was faultless. Whenever his father asked him what he had learned, Prahlada spoke of the Lord. Needless to say his father was not pleased at this. He commanded Prahlada's instructors to teach Prahlada worldly ways and to make sure that he saw no devotees of the Lord. Prahlada's instructors asked him who had instilled him with such thoughts. Prahlada answered that like iron attracted to a magnet his mind was always pulled towards the Lord. With the threat of punishment they taught him their ways and he acted as though he was learning, but his mind was always with the Lord. They then brought him to his father who was interested in his “progress”. Again Prahlada spoke of the Lord. His father was enraged and commanded that he be tortured. Prahlada was undaunted, therefore Hiranyakashipu ordered that Prahlada be killed. Though many methods were tried the Asuras were unable to kill this child of five. Prahlada's instructors finally told the king that since they were unable

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to kill the boy, in time he might reform, and so Prahlada was taken back to his studies. There then came a time when the instructors were away and Prahlada began converting the other students. When the instructors returned they were furious at this, especially since the other students would no longer heed them in their lessons. The instructors rushed to Hiranyakashipu who became enraged and decided that he would kill his son with his own hands. Hiranyakashipu then sent for Prahlada who came and greeted him respectfully. Hiranyakashipu chastised Prahlada, who remained undaunted, speaking only of the Lord to his father in a respectful manner. Prahlada told his father that he could benefit from the Lord who was greater than even him. His father asked him where this “Lord” was who was greater than he was. Prahlada replied that He was everywhere. His father asked him if He was in a pillar which he pointed to. Prahlada said that He was. Hiranyakashipu then told Prahlada that he was going to kill him, now, so if indeed the Lord was in the pillar, He should come out and rescue Prahlada from death. Hiranyakashipu then hit the pillar with his great fist. There was a terrible noise and the pillar split. Out of it came the Lord in a terrible form. He glowed like molten gold. His head and face were that of a lion, his chest also. His lower half was that of a man. Everyone was afraid except for Hiranyakashipu. He thought what a strange beast this is; it is neither man nor animal. He then remembered the time when he had asked Brahma for a boon of immortality. Brahma had been unable to do so, as he was not immortal himself. However Brahma granted him that he would not be killed by one of His creations, he would not be killed by man or animal, during day or night, inside or outside, on the earth or in the sky. Brahma did definitely not create this that came out of the pillar; could this be his death? Hiranyakashipu then hit the Lord in this beastly form with his mace. They fought, until finally the Lord lifted him and carried him to the threshold of the hall; it was neither inside nor outside. The sky

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was deepening into darkness; it was neither day nor night. The Lord placed him in his lap, neither the earth nor the sky. Hiranyakashipu was still unafraid. He looked at Prahlada as if to say that perhaps he was right, that there was someone more powerful than he. The lord then ripped out his entrails, killing him. The Lord then went and sat on the throne. He was so angry that no one dared approach him, the Earth was trembling, and the heavens were scorching from the heat of the Lord. The Devas went to get Mother Lakshmi, the Lords consort. Even She dared not approach Him; She had never seen him so angry before. Finally Prahlada went to the Lord. The Lord raised him up and His anger vanished. Narasimha's righteous anger, providing protection to God's devotees, is the fiery energy of Mars’ utilized at its best. BUDDHA Buddha means ''the awakened one”. As a name, Buddha refers to the Buddha known as Guatama Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism. Siddhartha was born as a prince in the kingdom of Sakyas, on the border of present-day Nepal and India. Learned Brahmins who read his palms and bodily features declared that he would become either a world monarch, if he remained at home, or a Buddha, if he left home. But there was one Brahmin who said he would definitely become a Buddha. As a result of this, Siddhartha's father was always concerned that Siddhartha might desire to leave home and become an ascetic. He therefore always did his best to influence Siddhartha in favor of the worldly life, keeping him happy and contented with every comfort and luxury. When Siddhartha was 29 years of age his life took a sudden turn. When he was out driving with his charioteer he saw a decrepit, old man. Siddhartha asked his charioteer what had happened to the man. The charioteer explained that the man was old, that all men became old. This greatly perturbed Siddhartha. Another day he saw a sick

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man that had fallen in his own excrement. His charioteer, seeing that Siddhartha was perplexed, explained that the man was sick, that all men succumb to sickness. On another occasion Siddhartha saw a dead body. Again his charioteer explained that the man was dead, that all men must die. Next Siddhartha saw a man with a shaven head wearing yellow robes. He was impressed with the calm demeanor and serenity of the man. That day Siddhartha decided to become a wandering ascetic. During the night he quietly slipped out of the palace, leaving his wife and newborn son. Siddhartha searched for truth. There were two sages who became his teachers, through their teachings he reached very high spiritual states. This was not enough for Siddhartha who continued his quest for Truth. After almost dying from practicing severe bodily austerities for six years in a woodland grove along with five other ascetics, Siddhartha realized that such mortification could not bring him to what he wanted. He changed his ways and began eating and taking care of himself in a balanced manner. His five companions, on seeing this, lost faith in him and left in disgust. From this point forward Siddhartha followed his own path. Soon after he attained enlightenment at the foot of a bodhi tree after determining that he would not rise from the foot of the tree before attaining enlightenment. After several tests he obtained his goal and became the Buddha. Buddha then began attracting disciples. His first disciples were the five ascetics who had earlier abandoned him. He spoke of a balanced “middle path” avoiding both self-indulgence and self-mortification. This became known as the Noble Eight-fold Path. This path consisted of right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right living, right endeavor, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Buddha's teachings rapidly spread, through himself and his many enlightened disciples. Buddha, upon seeing the death and suffering inherent in the world and the peacefulness of an ascetic, made the choice between worldly life and the spiritual life. In the same manner, Mercury, upon

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seeing his options, has the capacity to make the choices that result in greatest security. Siddhartha went from royal luxuries to severe austerities, but only when he became balanced in his approach did he receive enlightenment. It is Mercury, a neuter planet, which gives a practical balance between two extremes. The Noble Eight-fold Path is a path of choosing, always, to do the right thing; it is a path of discrimination. It is Mercury who provides this type of discrimination. VAMANA Long ago there was a powerful Asura by the name of Bali. He grew to such strength that he chased Indra, the king of the Devas, from the heavens. He then ruled the heavens and the world from what had been Indra's city. Bali's fame spread all over the world. Though an Asura, he was famous, not only for his might, but also especially for his goodness and generosity. The mother of Indra was unhappy over the vanquishing of her son by Bali. She performed a mantra and the Supreme Lord came to her and told her not to worry; He would be born as her son to provide help to the Devas. A son was born to her who is known as Vamana. Vamana, as a boy, approached Bali during a spiritual rite that he was performing. Such was Vamana’s brilliance that it appeared as if a bright light was coming over the horizon towards Bali and the other onlookers. When Bali saw that he who came was such a glorious Brahmin boy he honored him and fell at his feet. “Welcome,” said Bali, “by your coming I have been blessed. Tell me what I can do for you?” Vamana answered him; “I want from you three paces of ground measured by my stride.” Bali was taken back, “You do not know what is good for you, boy. You are just a child. Instead of asking me for islands you ask me for three paces of ground measured by your tiny feet. Please, ask again, and ask for enough land to keep you comfortable for all your life.”

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Vamana said, “If a man has not conquered desire all things in the world will not be enough to satisfy him. One who is not satisfied with three paces of ground will not be satisfied with the seven continents and all their wealth. I therefore ask you only for three paces of ground.” Bali was prepared to grant Vamana's request. At this time, however, Sukra (Venus), Bali's Guru stepped in and said, “Do not give. He is deceiving you in order to help the Devas. He is the Supreme Lord and with one pace of his foot He will cover the world, with another He will cover the heavens and the third step He will take on your head. You do not have to keep your promise of a gift to him, for he is deceiving you and intends to take all that you have.” Bali listened to his Guru and said, “I believe what you say, I do not have to honor my promise as all my possessions and security are at stake, but I do not fear loosing all that I have. I only fear the infamy of speaking an untruth.” Sukra was angry with Bali for this and cursed him to fall from grace and loose all his wealth and success. Bali was not perturbed by his Guru’s curse and granted Vamana's request. Vamana then grew to huge proportions and took the form of the Lord. With one step he covered the world, and with another the heavens. He then resumed the form of Vamana. Bali was then tied up, but he smiled, for he knew why the Lord had done this to him, to rid him of the two sins, “I” and “Mine”. By taking away all that he had, the Lord rid him of the sin “Mine”. The Lord now wanted to show the world that only by surrender could one rid oneself of the sin “I”. Vamana looked at Bali, “You promised me three paces of ground. I have taken only two and there is nothing left. Tell me, where should I place my third step? You have not kept your word.” Bali was not frightened, “I do not consider my words to be lies, there is still a place for your third pace. Please place your foot on my head.”

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Brahma then came to Vamana and said, “Please release Bali, he has given you all he has and has surrendered himself to you. He should be rewarded.” The Lord then said, “When I want to destroy a man I grant him all the wealth and power in the world. He then gets involved in them and forgets his true nature. When I want to save a man from this delusion I take away his all. Becoming rid of all his faults he will become Mine. Bali has never swerved from the path of truth. Blessed by me he will become the Indra during the Savarni Manvantar (another cycle of creation). Until then he will go to Sutala (a heavenly realm) where I will always be with him.” Vamana took everything from Bali, but after Bali surrendered to Him, He blessed him to be the next Indra. In the same manner Jupiter will take away in order to allow for greater blessings to follow. Bali had never swerved from truth and when he was ready to grow, Vamana, in taking, freed Bali from his attachments so that he could grow. In the same manner Jupiter, when we are ready to grow, frees us from those things that are preventing our growth. Vamana graced Bali, a mere Asura, to become the next Indra, the next king of the Devas. In the same manner, Jupiter turns all that is gross into the most perfected. PARASURAMA Parasurama was the son of Jamadagni. Due to some misbehavior of his grandmother, Parasurama, though born in a Brahmin (priest caste) family, had the qualities of a Kshatriya (warrior caste). A time came when Kartavirya, a powerful and arrogant king, came to the ashram of Jamadagni. So impressed was he of Jamadagni's divine cow of plenty that he stole her. When Parasurama found this out, he pursued Kartavirya and killed him and his entire army singlehandedly, returning the cow to his father. His father was disappointed in him and scolded him for his impatience and for the sin of killing a king. He requested Parasurama to go on a one-year pilgrimage to the sacred rivers in order to purify himself of the sin.

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A year passed and Parasurama returned home. Shortly thereafter, his mother, while fetching water on the banks of the river, saw a demigod playing in the water and thought how handsome he was. When she returned, Jamadagni saw with his mind's eye the thought she had. The thought that a man, other than her husband, was handsome was a sin. Jamadagni called his sons and commanded they kill her. They were hesitant to kill their mother at their father’s angry command. Jamadagni then called Parasurama, his youngest son, and commanded that he should kill his mother and brothers. Without hesitation, Parasurama did so. Jamadagni was pleased with him and told Parasurama to ask for any boon. Parasurama asked that his mother and brothers be returned to life, not remembering what had happened. Jamadagni was happy to provide this boon and it was done. In the meantime Kartaviraya's sons were nursing their hatred against Parasurama for killing their father. During a time when Parasurama was out hunting, they came to his father's ashram to kill his father. When Parasurama heard the cries of his mother and saw his dead father he left everything in the hands of his brothers, grabbed his huge ax and ran from the ashram. At that moment he had decided to kill all Kshatriyas. Parasurama killed all the 10,000 sons of Kartavirya, but this did nothing to appease his anger. His pride rampant, he would not brook any insult, not resting until he had punished the offender. With his pride as an excuse he went around the world twenty-one times killing Kshatriyas. He performed sacrificial rites to purify himself of the sins of killing so many kings. It is said that his purpose was to rid the world of evil Kshatriyas. A Brahmin by birth, he punished Kshatriyas that disrespected Brahmins. Parasurama was very loyal and devoted to his father. Venus also exhibits such traits of loyalty and devotion, which comes from understanding where the greatest good lies. Parasurama instigated many a fight due to his pride, the pride that is a characteristic of Venus, the most proud amongst the planets.

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Parasurama became intoxicated with killing Kshatriyas. In the same manner Venus becomes intoxicated with passion for what he loves to do. Venus is considered one of the benefics, for an avatar, with such a bloody role as Parasurama had, to be related to the benefic Venus appears preposterous at first. A very important astrological text, Upadesa Sutras, states that Venus has the ability to abort siblings and cause the loss of children, so there is much more to Venus then meets the eye. KURMA There was war in the heavens between the Devas and the Asuras. The Devas could not stand the fierceness of the Asuras, and many of them were dying. Indra and the others came to Brahma for help. He advised that they pray to the Supreme Lord. Brahma and the Devas then prayed to the Lord and asked him to pity the Devas. The Lord appeared and counseled them to make peace with the Asuras in order to buy them time. He then suggested that they obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality. He told them that to obtain the Amrita they must churn the ocean with the mountain, Mandara, and that they would need the help of the Asuras to do so. He then told them that he would also assist and that he would make sure that the Asuras got nothing of the Amrita. He then cautioned that many things would come from the churning of the ocean and that they were not to oppose the Asuras in anything that the Asuras desired; their only aim was to be the Amrita. The Devas then made peace with the Asuras who agreed to help them for their fair share of the Amrita. First they began to carry the mountain, Mandara, to the ocean, but it was to heavy and they dropped it crushing many Devas and Asuras. The Supreme Lord then appeared, lifted the mountain and carried it to the ocean. The serpent, Vasuki, was then tied to the mountain. The Lord and the Devas went to the head of the serpent and grasped it in their hands. The Asuras were angry with this and complained that they would not hold onto the tail of the serpent as it was beneath their dignity. So the

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Lord allowed the Asuras to hold onto the head. They then began to churn the ocean, but the mountain was very heavy and sank into the ocean. The Lord knew that this happened because they had failed to pay reverence to Lord Ganesha. The Lord then went under the water and took the form of a huge tortoise, Kurma, and lifted the mountain on his back. Only very few knew why the mountain had sank and how it had come up again. The churning began and the serpent being pulled upon, could not take it. Fire and poisonous smoke came out of his mouth, and the Asuras suffered greatly from it. The difficult churning continued and many things of great value and beauty rose up from the ocean. The Devas took only that which the Asuras did not want until at last Amrita rose to the surface in a vessel of gold carried by a divine looking being. The Asuras quickly took the Amrita, ran away, and began fighting amongst themselves over who should have the first taste. The Devas appealed to the Lord. The Lord told them not to worry, for had not he already promised them that they would receive the Amrita. Among the Asuras then came a woman, Mohini, of such beauty that the Asuras stopped quarreling. The Asuras handed the Amrita to her and asked for her to decide who should taste the Amrita first. She said that she would do so if they promised to accept her actions, which the Asuras readily agreed to. This woman was actually the Lord who knew it was not right to give the Amrita to the Asuras because they were cruel by nature. He then, in the guise of the woman, seated the Devas and the Asuras in separate groups. Her smiles and loving glances were all for the Asuras, but all the while she was giving the Amrita to the Devas. The spell she had cast on the Asuras prevented them from realizing that the Amrita was all being given to the Devas. They were so enamored by the women's beauty that they thought how terrible that the Devas could only think of the Amrita and had no appreciation of beauty. They thought that it was okay for the Devas to have their share first and that surely the woman would not cheat them. One Asura, Svarbhanu, however was not fooled, so taking the appearance of a Deva he sat between the Sun and the Moon. He

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partook of the Amrita. The Sun and Moon then recognized him and made signs to the Lord who cut off Svarbhanu's head with his chakra. Svarbhanu, though, was already immortal from drinking the Amrita. Brahma had previously granted a boon to this demon to make him a planet, therefore the Lord allowed him to drink the Amrita. Svarbhanu's head became Rahu and his body became Ketu. Rahu and Ketu forever after have had bitter enmity with the Sun and the Moon which they “swallow” during an eclipse. When the Lord saw that all the Devas had taken Amrita he resumed His form. Though the Asuras had worked as hard as the Devas they were not rewarded with any Amrita. Kurma made it possible to perform the difficult churning of the ocean by raising the mountain after it had sunk into the ocean and holding it on His back during the churning. It is Saturn who provides the capacity to persevere through difficult tasks. It is also Saturn who is slow, persevering, and lasting, just like a turtle. The Asuras churned the ocean with attachment and desire for the objects that arose from the ocean. The Devas only desired the Amrita, and after the Asuras ran off with the Amrita they had to surrender to God and believe that He would return it to them. When Saturn is attached to the results he tends to create obstacles, become inert due to fear, or actually push away what he desires, both resulting in the loss of what is desired. When Saturn works with detachment and surrender he finds that his efforts bring happiness. VARAHA In the beginning of the creation of this Kalpa (cycle of time), Brahma commanded his son to begin creating. “But please tell me where my creations are to live. The earth has been submerged during the great deluge,” his son replied. “She is now in the netherlands. If you can retrieve her I will be able to do as you wish.” Brahma thought to himself, “Lord, you have commanded me to create, so it is up to you to help me solve this problem.” Brahma then thought of the Supreme Lord and became absorbed in meditation. All of a sudden a tiny boar jumped out of his nostril and began to

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grow and grow until it had assumed immense proportions. All those who were watching realized that the Supreme Lord had donned the form of a boar in order to raise the earth from below. The Supreme Lord then, in the form of the boar, plunged into the waters, swimming to the bottom He found the Earth. Raising the Earth on his tusks the boar began to rise up. A demon attacked him on is way up but was killed after a ferocious battle. Varaha then emerged from the water with the Earth, which he placed on the dents formed by his hoofs. Brahma and the others praised him and his glory, “We salute you and your wife, Mother Earth.” Varaha, (the Boar) after listening to their words, vanished from their sight, but not before giving the essence of yagyas; rites for manifesting desires, making changes, and creating karmic balance. Varaha, the avatar associated with Rahu, was necessary in order to create life on Earth, the physical plane, after the causal and astral planes had been created. Rahu indicates many of the deeper lessons and desires, and the need to create karmic balance in underdeveloped areas, which make it necessary for us to reincarnate on the physical plane. This is also symbolized by the Earth’s salutation as Varaha's wife. When Varaha was raising the Earth, an Asura attacked him. Many “Asuras” of phobias, hallucinations, pretensions, and compulsions similarly attack the areas that Rahu influences. MATSYA At the end of the previous Kalpa, Brahma, the Creator, went to sleep and the world became submerged under the waters. When Brahma was sleeping an Asura stole the Vedas from him and disappeared under the waters. Previous to that a saintly king by name Satyavrata ruled the world. One day Satyavrata was performing his ablutions on the banks of the river Kritamala. When he took up the water in his cupped palm he found a tiny fish in his hands. He promptly dropped the fish back in the water. The fish spoke and said, “O king, have pity on me, I am so small and afraid of the big fish which threaten to eat me up. Please

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take me away and protect me.” The king was touched by the fish and took it home. The next morning the fish said, “There is not enough space inside the vessel I am in, please place me in a wider pot.” Satyavrata placed it in a wider pot filled with water but within an hour the fish had outgrown the new pot. Satyavrata then placed it in a pond and the same thing happened. He kept placing the fish in bigger and bigger areas filled with water but the fish kept growing and complaining that it did not have enough space. Finally Satyavrata took it to the ocean and dropped it there. The fish said, “The Ocean is full of sharks and whales which will surely eat me up. Why did you bring me here.” Satyavrata smiled and said, “You are no ordinary fish. I know who you are. You are the Supreme Lord who has donned this form for some good purpose.” The Lord, in the form of the fish, then said, “You are right. Seven days from today the three worlds will be submerged under the waters. The great deluge is coming. When the world goes completely under you will see a boat. Take your place in the boat with the Seven Rishis. I will be in the waters. When you see me tie the boat to one of my horns. I will play on the waters for the duration of Brahma's night (the period during which Brahma is sleeping and creation is submerged), and you will also be with me.” All happened as was said. The Lord in the form of the fish also taught Self-realization to Satyavrata. During this time he also fought the Asura who had stolen the Vedas, returning the Vedas to Brahma at the end of the great deluge. Matsya was a fish who was discontented with all smaller vessels except for the ocean of Spirit. Similarly Ketu is never contented with anything of the world and only finds contentment in Spirit. Matsya taught the knowledge of Self-realization to Satyavrata and returned the wisdom of the Vedas; Ketu provides the Jnana (knowledge) of Self-realization.

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Matsya liberated Satyavrata from the fears caused by the ending of creation; Ketu, in the end, provides us with spiritual liberation. Ketu is therefore known as the producer of Jnana and Moksha (liberation). Presiding Deity The Sun has Agni as h his is presiding deity. The Moon has Varuna. Mars has Kartikeya. Mercury has Vishnu. Jupiter has Indra. Venus has Lakshmi as well as Sachi Devi. Saturn has Brahma as well as Yama. Rahu has Adishesha. Ketu has Brahman. AGNI Agni is the god of fire. Like fire is hidden in wood, Agni represents the spirit hidden in matter; the conscious, but not selfconscious, energy or life force that is contained within and unites all things. Agni is also the “conveyor of the gods,” as it burns the sacrificial ghee, etc, it brings the sacrifice to the gods. Agni, as the presiding deity of the Sun causes the Sun to burn up things in life that are sacrificed for the purpose of self-development. VARUNA Varuna is the all encompassing god of the ocean, the ocean of cosmic consciousness. He is the lord of all creative forces arising out of the ocean of cosmic consciousness. In the Vedas, Varuna is considered as the most excellent and preeminent of all deities, as the primal maker and upholder of the universe. Varuna as the presiding deity of the Moon reflects the importance of our mental attitude in creating our reality. KARTIKEYA Kartikeya, the god of war and power, is the second son of Lord Shiva. He is the supreme warrior-general among the gods, who commands the armies of the gods in their battle with the demons and leads them to victory. Kartikeya represents the perceptive power of the pure and innocent mind that has the discrimination to control the

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passions and lend them a spiritual focus. He does this by freeing the mind from its concepts and ideas, these being what we fight for, believing that things must be a certain way in order for us to be happy and secure. Kartikeya is also known as Subramanya or Skanda VISHNU Vishnu is known as the preserver and the protector. When the universe returns to an unmanifested state during the end of each cycle of creation, even spirit in creation shows its impermanence and is dissolved. It is Vishnu who preserves the worlds and non-liberated beings in an unmanifested state until the next cycle of manifestation begins. Vishnu sleeps during the long night of cosmic dissolution but is protected from dissolution. Vishnu is the only manifestation of the Absolute that does not suffer dissolution. He is therefore considered as chief of all of the intelligent manifestations of the Absolute. Vishnu is the immanent cosmic intelligence that provides the memory of all that has been created and done in order to maintain the order and rhythm of the universe, cycle by cycle. It is said that Vishnu protects those that are dear to Him by endowing them with intelligence and discrimination. INDRA Indra is the king of the gods and represents divinity. Indra is also known as the all-conquering. The word Indra implies “one who is a conqueror of the indriyas- the senses”. Many stories of Indra are related wherein he becomes proud of his status. In his pride, he even tested Krishna. Indra, though a god, is still part of manifested creation and therefore capable of succumbing to pride. SACHI DEVI Sachi Devi is the consort of Indra and symbolizes the feminine, passive aspect of divinity. Sachi Devi is, as the name implies, instilled with power. The power to maintain divinity while making use of the senses. The masculine Indra conquers the senses, while the feminine Sachi, enjoys but is untouched by the senses.

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LAKSHMI Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu, the goddess of prosperity. Though having the capacity to endow with prosperity and all pleasures, she herself clings to the chest of Lord Vishnu. BRAHMA Brahma is the creative aspect of Spirit. For creation to manifest, the Absolute must hide behind a veil in order to give the idea of creation being separate from Himself. This veil is termed Maya and is created by each individual's Avidya, ignorance of his soul nature. It is Saturn who is responsible for this Avidya. Saturn creates this ignorance through his lordship of the nerves. It is through the consciousness descending through the nerves that we perceive things as soft, solid, bright, dark, mother, father, etc, in other words, not as God. YAMA Yama is the god of death who leads the disembodied souls into one of the darker or brighter regions of the astral world, according to each individual’s merit. The word yama means “control” and specifically self-control. Among all forms of self-control the control of the life force is paramount. Through Yama, there is enforced control of life as it is withdrawn from the body at death. ADISHESHA Adishesha is the great thousand-headed serpent that couches and canopies the sleeping Vishnu during the dissolution between cycles of creation. Shesha means “that which remains”, and refers to the preserved potentialities of creation that, in a suspended state, await expression in the next cycle of creation. During creation, Adishesha supports all spheres of manifestation through the agency of cosmic delusion. It is Rahu who indicates the desires that are preserved in the state after death that wait to return one to the physical realm for their

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fulfillment or transmutation. Rahu also creates an illusion of possible fulfillment that keeps one's consciousness mired in the world. BRAHMAN Brahman is the Absolute, Unmanifested God beyond creation; “the origin of all knowledge and love, the root of all power and joy.” Brahman rightly presides over Ketu, the producer of liberation, the only planet who is never satisfied with any love, knowledge, information or happiness that creation, in its many aspects, has to offer.

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Astronomical Astronomical Data of the Planets Sun

Moon

Mars Mercury Jupiter

Mean N/A App. same 227,941, Distance as Earth 040 from Sun km Sidereal N/A 27.3217 686.980 Period of days (from Days Revolution Earth) Mean N/A 29.531 779.94 Synodic Days Days Period Inclination N/A N/A 1.850 of Orbit to Deg Ecliptic Mean N/A N/A 24.1 Orbital km/s Velocity Eccentricity N/A 0.055 0.093 of Orbit Tilt of 24.936 Axis Deg Rotation 25days at 27.322 24h 37m Period equator, Days 23s 35 at pole Diameter 1,390,000 3,476 6793.8 km km km Mass 1.989e30 7.353e22 6.418e23 kg kg kg Density 1.41 3.34 3.9 g/cm^3 g/cm^3 g/cm^3 Surface 162 372 Gravity cm/s^2 cm/s^2 Primary Silicates CompoIron Compo- Hydrogen Silicates sition Sulphur Satellites 2 Satellites

Venus

Saturn

Earth

57,910, 778,330, 108,200, 1,426,940, 149,6000, 000 000 000 000 000 km km km km km 87.9694 11.86 224.7 29.46 365.256 Days yrs Days yrs Days 116 Days

>1 year

584 Days

>1 year

N/A

7.004 Deg.

1.3 Deg.

3.4 Deg

2.5 Deg

48 km/s

13.06 km/s

35 km/s

9.67 km/s

0 Deg. (Cause of Ecliptic) 29.79 km/s

0.206

.048

0.007

0.056

0.0167

0 3.12 Deg. Deg 58.6461 9hrs Days 50 min at equator. 4,878 km 142,984 ± 2km km 3.30e26 18.99e26 kg kg 5.44 1.33 g/cm^3 g/cm^3 370 2,2888 cm/s^2 cm/s^2 Iron Hydrogen Nickel Helium Silicates none 16

177.36 Degs 243 Days (reverse) 12,102.5 km 4.87e24 kg 5.24 g/cm^3 860 cm/s^2 Silicates Iron Nickel none

25.33 23.45 Deg. Deg. 10h 23h 56m 39.4 min 4s 120,536 12,756.28 km km 5.685e26 5.976e24 kg kg 0.69 5.52 g/cm^3 g/cm^3 896-1,214 980 cm/s^2 cm/s^2 Hydrogen Silicates Helium Iron Nickel >20 1

A study of the astronomical characteristics has much to reveal about the planets.

Description and Indications of the Planets

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2 Description and Indications of the Planets Following are the description and indications of the planets as given in classical texts with notes to facilitate understanding: Chief Aspect The Sun is the Atman. The Moon is the Manas. Mars is one's strength. Mercury is speechspeech-giver. Jupiter confers wisdom and happiness. Venus is one's passions. Saturn denotes misery and grief. The Sun represents the Atman, or universal soul, the divine Self, inherent in all. The Atman is the source of true self-esteem, confidence and humility. The Moon represents the receptive mind known as the Manas, or sense mind. In the Manas, the Jeeva (the self) lives with Ahamkara (the ego), the idea of separate existence. Separate existence, meaning an existence removed from the consciousness of Spirit, causes one to relate and experience the world in some habitually formed manner. Instead of viewing the world through Spirit, we view the world through the agency of the Manas; therefore the Moon indicates how we experience the world. Specifically it indicates our perception of how the world affects us in our separate existence. In short the Moon reflects our mental attitude. Mars is one's strength, both physical and mental. Physically, Mars is strong and appreciates a challenge. This makes him competitive. Mars provides the capacity for the body to keep going even when it is exhausted beyond its normal limits and is sick or famished. Symbolic of strength is willpower, which Mars possesses in abundance, and

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which he very much enjoys using. Mars likes to display his strength and have it recognized, this may make him somewhat arrogant. Mercury, as the speech-giver, is important with regard to all worldly affairs. Speech and communication facilitate fair and practical behavior, comprehension of all sides of an issue, and the interpersonal sharing of needs and desires for the aim of reasonable fulfillment. If an individual is unable to fulfill their desires in a fair and practical manner, then the temptation to engage in unfair ways will increase. It is Mercury who indicates the capacity for negotiation in a fair, practical and impartial manner. Jupiter represents wisdom and happiness. His wisdom stems from the intuitive faculty and his happiness comes from faith in something greater, which manifests as optimism. Jupiter has the capacity to infer the deeper purpose in all our experiences. He sees the good in everything and has the wisdom to experience the joy of each moment. Venus represents passions; the motivating influence in the heart that helps us make decisions, and that which we love because doing so provides happiness. This includes, but is not limited to, the desire to share experiences with the opposite sex. When Venus is in a pure state she gives the capacity to enjoy the pleasures of the world in a healthy and balanced manner with unperturbed senses, and the ability to make the best, balanced and heartfelt decisions. Saturn represents the misery and sorrows that are the result of ignorance. Furthermore, Saturn provokes one to behave in a manner that continues to create misery. Saturn does this through the agency of psychological complexes. For example, due to ignorance an individual may have performed many selfish activities in a previous incarnation. During the next incarnation the individual grows up in difficult circumstances that create in him a psychological complex of neediness. This motivates him to again behave in selfish ways. Only after the results of one’s karma are reaped will the misery causing veils of ignorance ruled by Saturn be lifted in the form of psychological breakthroughs. In this manner, Saturn creates delays to the successful fulfillment of the areas he influences.

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Planetary Cabinet The Sun and the Moon are the royal planets, the Sun the king and the Moon the queen. Mars is the army chief. Mercury is the crown prince. Jupiter and Venus are ministers. Saturn is a servant. servant. Rahu and Ketu form the army. The Sun is the king and provides the confidence required for making and executing decisions in a congruent and steadfast manner. He is of noble blood and an aristocrat. The Moon is the queen who is full of social grace and care. Mars, as the army chief, has an objective and uses his will and power to accomplish it. Fulfilling the objective is of primary importance; pleasantries and other time consumers do not fall in his realm. Mars likes to be punctual, get to the point, and move on to another agenda. Mars runs the army with his strong will. When in power, he is a dictator and, like a surgeon, wields a precise scalpel to remove any obstructions. This is not to say that Mars is self-serving or evil, rather that Mars prefers to cut to the chase. Like most princes, Mercury is given the luxury of play. He represents the intellectual mind that is at home wheeling, dealing, and progressing in the material world. Mercury prides himself at making the correct calls in a business deal, card game, or marketing strategy. Doing these things, Mercury is at play. As the crown prince, however, he must eventually rule the kingdom. He does this when he becomes spiritualized; at which time he becomes Buddhi, the discriminative intelligence. Buddhi is capable of perceiving the Sat (Real substance) from the Asat (unreal substance) thereby determining what is truth. Mercury as Buddhi is most qualified to guide the kingdom. Jupiter ministers with his knowledge and wisdom. He is known as the preceptor of the Devas (divine beings). Jupiter comes as the guru, astrologer, teacher and counselor to those in need who have merited his time and attention. Jupiter is full of spiritual and lawful knowledge. He also ministers as the judge who uses his wisdom to establish fairness and order.

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Venus is the Prime Minister who is full of worldly wisdom and statecraft. Venus, more than any other, can recognize the true value of a situation and act accordingly. Venus is known as the preceptor of the Asuras (demons). He loves to enjoy pleasures and luxuries. In Vedic mythology Venus is constantly reinvigorating the dead Asuras in their fights with the Devas. This demonstrates his capacity to continually reawaken the desire for pleasures and emphasizes his role of teaching one how to enjoy the world. Saturn is the servant and who does those things which others refuse to do. Saturn indicates many self-worth and self-esteem issues, the rewards of poor karmas, which make it difficult to live life to its fullest capacity causing engagement, instead, in service to that which is beneath our aspirations. On a higher note, however, Saturn serves with the discipline, detachment and perseverance that supports the performance of distasteful actions that ultimately proves beneficial. An army has two purposes, to defend and protect secured territories, and to move outward and conquer new realms. This is what Rahu and Ketu do in their role as the planetary army. Ketu represents the secured, controlled and established territories; and also the reserve armies that maintain and protect the sovereign country so that there is always a safe place to fall back and recuperate. Established areas eventually run out of space, resources, adventure, etc. This gives rise to the desire, or need, to march into undiscovered realms. This task is given to Rahu, who represents the foreign, unexplored, undiscovered and unknown realms. Rahu is the aggressive front of the army that desires to conquer new territory with little knowledge of what this involvement may mean. The unexplored realms of Rahu are wild and unpredictable, very different from the secured and established areas of Ketu. Gunas Sattvic planets are the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter. Venus and Mercury are Rajasic. Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are Tamasic.

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Sattva are the elevating qualities that bring us in touch with our higher natures and generate wisdom. Sattva results in: self-discipline, love towards neighbors and animals, love for good qualities, love for bliss and calmness, love for great men, practical sympathy, benevolence towards the needy, spontaneous and habitual truthfulness, duty out of love and respect, a reforming spirit, moral reason, self-respect, quietness, a reserved nature, tenderness, faithfulness, an obliging nature, patience, forgiveness, acting in accordance with the suggestions of superior minds, outspokenness, having a sense of propriety, amiability, simplicity, frankness, balance, calmness, devotional feelings, contentment, love for mental and physical cleanliness, modesty, philanthropic tendencies, impartiality, gratitude, and reverence. Rajas are the activating qualities that motivate us, through passion, to pursue desires and goals. The eventual outcome of Rajas is grief. Rajasic qualities are: occasional truthfulness with selfish motive, fickleness, adroitness, over-seriousness, smartness, impulsiveness, demonstrativeness, meddling, sanguine, fastidious, lively, and the tendency to equip oneself with information about the environment. Tamas are the obstructing qualities that prevent us from realizing happiness, whether spiritually or materially. Tamas results in ignorance. Tamasic qualities are: attachment to sense objects, hypocrisy, sympathy, an undeveloped sense of “ought”, want of self respect, inactivity, stupidity, dullness, shyness, imperviousness to reason, callousness, dependence through want of capacity, procrastination, moroseness, deception, carelessness, negligence, strong feelings of obstinacy and anger when chastised for faults but careless when not chastised and simply asked to mend faults, crookedness, duplicitous, intellectually bent but heartless, lustful, covetous, a stealing propensity, a begging nature, superstitious, treacherousness, habitual untruthfulness, and shrinking attitude or lack of self-confidence. The Sun is Sattvic because he represents the soul. The Moon is Sattvic because she represents purity of mind. Jupiter is Sattvic because he represents wisdom, the outcome of Sattva, and the noble

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qualities of faith, spirituality, forgiveness, charity, etc. Venus is Rajasic because she seeks pleasure. Mercury is Rajasic because he creates worldly interests and the desire for information. Mars is Tamasic because he represents accidents, enemies and fighting. Saturn is Tamasic because he is lazy, inert and depressed. Rahu is Tamasic because he tends to operate with a lack of premeditation, becomes compulsively attached, and creates phobias and unrealistic perceptions. Ketu is Tamasic because he is shy, hides, is obstinate and tends to abstain from any action. Ketu, however, is good for spirituality, where he becomes capable of giving wisdom, insights, and liberation. Caste Jupiter and Venus are Brahmins. The Sun and Mars are Kshatriyas. The Moon and Mercury Mercury are Vaishyas. Saturn is a Sudra. Rahu is an outcast. Ketu is of mixed caste. The castes are determined according to individual nature. This nature is determined by the three Gunas. Brahmins manifest Sattva, keeping Rajas and Tamas under control. Kshatriyas manifest primarily Rajas, some Sattva and no Tamas. Vaishyas manifest primarily Rajas, and slight Tamas, with Sattva mostly hidden. Sudras manifest primarily Tamas, slight Rajas and no Sattva. “Mind control, sense control, self-discipline, purity, forgiveness, honesty, wisdom, Self-realization, and faith in a hereafter constitute the duties of Brahmins, springing from their own nature.” -Bhagavad Gita 18; 42 The Brahmins’ primary goal is Moksha or spiritual liberation. They serve society through their wisdom and contemplation. Spiritually, Brahmins are those who know the Brahman, the absolute aspect of God. Their greatest enemy is pride; because they know so much and are capable of doing so much good, there is greater possibility of them becoming proud.

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“Valor, radiance, resolute endurance, skillfulness, not fleeing from battle, generosity, and leadership are the natural duties of the Kshatriyas” -Bhagavad Gita 18; 43 The Kshatriyas’ primary goal is Dharma, a life of self-discipline, responsibility and right action. They serve society through the use of their will as administrators and protectors. Spiritually, Kshatriyas are sense-fighters. Kshatriyas, particularly Mars, must learn to control impatience and anger. Their anger is the result of their powerful Rajasic nature that causes them to believe that they have something of great consequence to do. “Tilling the soil, cattle breeding, and business are the natural duties of the Vaishyas.” -Bhagavad Gita 18; 44 The Vaishyas’ primary goal is Artha, which translates roughly as gain and also includes the fulfillment but control of the desires. They serve society through the use of their mentality, skill, and trade. Spiritually, Vaishyas are preparing themselves for a more earnest spiritual effort through learning and cultivating wisdom. Vaishyas must learn not to get overly caught up in the world of pleasure, which they must some day leave, without also developing spiritually. “Actions that are of service to others are the natural duty of the Sudras” -Bhagavad Gita 18; 44.5

The Sudras’ primary goal is Kama, desire for and activity of the life of the senses. They serve society through bodily labor. Spiritually, Sudras are body bound. The Sudras must be cautious not to waste their life away in oversleeping or from living in a drug like stupor that prevents them from bettering themselves in some manner. The high degree of Tamas makes it virtually impossible for unassisted selfimprovement of a Sudra; therefore service under a more Sattvic master is considered a blessing, because it allows for growth through the association of good company.

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In ancient times those who had only ill to offer society were considered as outcastes; Rahu governs these. Their participation in society was likely to lead to the disruption and weakening of the society. Rahu creates the compulsions that provoke one to forego any morals or care for others’ well being. Rahu also governs the propensity for “black magic,” and dark psychic phenomenon that prevents one from fitting comfortable into society. Ketu, who rules the mixed caste, indicates those who are eccentric in their nature and do not quite fit into any societal group. A person of mixed caste was looked upon as unfortunate and therefore avoided. People did not feel comfortable around those of mixed caste because it was never known how they would behave due to their lack of caste structure. A person of mixed caste also felt uncomfortable, did not know where to fit in, and was often hampered in becoming successful in the world. Sex of the Planets The Sun, Mars and Jupiter are male. The Moon and Venus are female. Mercury and Saturn are neuters. Masculine planets are affected by what they do; they feel good when they do good. Feminine planets are affected by their feelings about what happens to them; they do good when the feel good. Neuter planets have the capacity to provide balance. Mercury provides balance through discrimination. Saturn provides balance through discipline and detachment. Color of the Planets The Sun is copper red. The Moon is white. Mars is blood red. Mercury is the color of green grass. Jupiter is golden. Venus is variegated. Saturn is black. The Sun, as a reddish planet, indicates action and initiative. The copper color, which is a mix of red and gold, inclines him towards achieving something noble through his efforts.

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The white Moon is pure, reflective, sensitive in nature, and loves things to be clean and spotless. Blood red Mars is focused on action and initiative, he loves exertion. Mars is inclined to expend energy just for the sheer fun of it. Mars loves to see red, feel red and indulges in speed, danger and accidents. Green Mercury is fresh, young, inexperienced, curious and quick to learn. Golden Jupiter is happy, joyful and optimistic; he possesses a “golden” personality. Variegated Venus is the natural actor and performer who may animate, comfort, enliven, cheer or do almost anything in order to express and receive love, adoration, fulfillment and pleasure. Black Saturn darkens the consciousness through ignorance. If Saturn's influences in this manner are very powerful one may even have a black cast to their complexion. Black also symbolizes death, which Saturn is the producer of. Doshas The Sun is Pitta. The Moon is Kapha and Vata. Mars is Pitta. Mercury is a mix of all the three Doshas. Jupiter is Kapha. Venus is Kapha and Vata. Saturn is Vata. Rahu and Ketu are Vata. The doshas are the constitutional humors useful in medical astrology and Ayurveda. The dosha of a planet also has much to say in regards to a planet's character. Pitta is fiery in constitution, Kapha is watery and Vata is windy. Though the classical texts present Ketu as Vata, in actual practice he often manifests as Pitta. The Moon has more Kapha and less Vata the brighter she is. The Moon is 100% Kapha when she is 180 degrees from the Sun and 100% Vata when at the same degree as the Sun. In between, she is both. Strength, aggressiveness and willfulness characterize Pitta. Pitta is impulsive, forceful and passionate. Pitta does not like to be told what

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to do and is rebellious in nature. Pitta is direct and goal oriented, quickly tackles opposition, is independent yet likes to work in alliance with others toward a common goal. Kapha is characterized by an emotional nature. Kapha is loving, devotional, sentimental, romantic and loyal. Kapha leans toward contentment and is traditional in behavior and belief. Intelligence and mental activity characterize Vata. Vata is socially oriented, indecisive, easily disturbed, fearful and lacks endurance. Taste The Sun is pungent, the Moon salty, Mars bitter, Mercury mixed in taste, Jupiter sweet, Venus sour, and Saturn is astringent. Sight The Sun and Mars look upward. Venus and Mercury look sideways. The Moon and Jupiter look evenly. Saturn and Rahu look downward. Upward looking planets are ambitious and always thinking of what great things they hope to do in the future. Sideways looking planets are waiting to receive something new. Venus is waiting to receive the next pleasure or valued item. Mercury is waiting to receive information. Even looking planets are content in the moment. The Moon is content because she feels good about herself. Jupiter is content because he is full of joy. Downward looking planets find it difficult to manifest their desires and ideals. Saturn looks down because he is depressed and therefore finds it a struggle to move forward. Rahu directs the mind into the subconscious; the eyes naturally point down when the consciousness is focused in the subconscious. This happens when dreaming, fantasizing, taking drugs, or hallucinating; all of which are ruled by Rahu.

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Ketu, the tail of the demon, has no eyes. He can only attempt to look inward. This makes him introverted by nature. Using the Sight of the Planets: The sight of a planet indicates the mental outlook during its dasa or antardasa. The sight of other influencing planets must also be considered, as they will modify the outlook. Residence The Sun resides in temples, the Moon in watery places, Mars in fiery places, Mercury in play and sport grounds, Jupiter in the treasury, Venus in the bedroom, Saturn in a filthy place, Rahu in places of darkness, and Ketu has its place in the corners of a house. The Sun resides in all places of worship where the Self is most revealed. The Moon is in all watery places, including bathrooms, pools, laundries, and oceans, where refreshment and renewal take place. Mars is in all fiery places including kitchens, kilns, welding shops, and chemistry labs. Mercury is in all places that stimulate amusement, interest, and curiosity. Venus is in all places of pleasure including hotels, restaurants, and wineries. Saturn is in all places that are unkempt and disregarded. Rahu is in all dark places where there is no clarity of vision. Ketu is in the corners of the house where he is trying to hide and remain inconspicuous. Age of the Planets The Sun is of 50 years, the Moon is of 70, Mars is a young child, Mercury is a youth, Jupiter is 30, Venus is 16, and Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are each 100 years of age. Maturation Age The Sun matures at 22 years of age, the Moon at 24,

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Mars at 28, Mercury at 32, Jupiter at 16, Venus at 25, Saturn at 36, and Rahu and Ketu mature at 48 years of age. The maturation age represents the age a planet matures in the personality. Just because a planet matures at a particular age does not mean it does not undergo any subsequent changes. It is only to say that, at that point, the individual gains the capacity to exercise the full range of the planet. At sixteen the capacity for moral judgment and philosophy matures. Previous to this, thoughts on these matters have not yet been developed to individual standards. Women who give birth at 16 have children (which Jupiter rules) with the fewest birth defects. At twenty-two a person matures as an independent individual. At twenty-four a person matures emotionally, and they become more aware of their attitude and outlook on life. At twenty-five the ability to recognize what exactly will fulfill personal desires matures, especially with regard to romantic partners. This does not mean that these things will necessarily be accomplished at this age, only that at this time there will be a clear idea of it for the first time. At twenty-eight one’s physical and internal strength matures. The greatest indication for maturation in this is to know when to use one’s strength, knowing when to fight. At thirty-two the capacity for rational thinking matures. At thirty-six the capacity for discipline and focus matures. At this point a clear understanding develops regarding personal path and duty, and what must done to bring these to fruition. At forty-eight the capacity to balance the powerful forces of Rahu and Ketu matures. These planets are always in exact opposition, creating a seesaw effect in one’s life, back and forth between the two houses where Rahu and Ketu are placed. During their maturation age one develops to capacity to balance the areas influenced by the nodes.

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Using the Maturation Age of the Planets: The maturation age of a planet is of great importance. During the year of a planet’s maturation the native will reap many of the indications of that planet. The indications of the house the planet rules, the house the planet is in, and the planet’s natural indications will all manifest to some extent. These may be auspicious or inauspicious. In the event that the planet is afflicted then there will be great challenges towards the native’s learning to use the full qualities of the planet, as well as disturbances to its indications. If the planet is well placed in the horoscope its year may give rise and success, and a full use of the qualities of the planet. It is during the year of life in which the planet matures that any potential challenges or success will immerge. In order that the proper year is being understood an example is being given: The Sun matures at 22, the 22nd year is from age 21 to 22. The year following the maturation year is also important for moving forward with what was learned and gained as a result of the planet maturing. An important year for self-development is the maturation year of the lagna lord. Description of the Planets The Sun's eyes are honey colored, he has a square body, a prominent appearance and little hair on his head. He is pure, intelligent, and courageous. The Sun's square body makes him steadfast. The Moon is huge, has a round but thin body, auspicious looks, and sweet speech. She is intuitive, discriminating, kind and ficklefickle-minded. The Moon discriminates through feeling rather than through the use of the intellect. She does this by choosing that which feels good.

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Mars is youthful, with a thin waist and body, and blood red eyes. He is cruel, ill mannered, ficklefickle-minded, courageous, liberal, and given to anger. Mars is cruel in that he hurts and breaks things as he goes about his activities. He is not cruel in a sadistic sense unless other evil planets influence him. Mercury is endowed with an attractive appearance, balanced build, and is agreeable to all in dress and speech. He is skillful, witty and fo fond nd of jokes. Jupiter has a large body, tawny hair, and large golden eyes. He is fond of virtues, of forgiving disposition, modest, intelligent and learned in all sastras. Venus is charming, with a beautiful body, lovely eyes, and curly hair. She is joyfu joyful, l, amorous, poetic, fortunate and sensuous. Saturn has an emaciated and long body, coarse hair, prominent veins, big teeth, and yellow, depressed eyes. He is indolent, lame, and hardhearted. Saturn, due to his hardhearted nature, may be very cold in his behavior. He often is in denial himself and may be so blocked that he does not have a clear idea of exactly how cold he may be. Rahu creates smoke, being horrible with a blueblue-mix body, and skin diseases. He is irreligious, cunning and speaks falsehood. falsehood. The smoke of Rahu makes it difficult to see clearly and manifests as confusion, imaginings etc.

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Ketu is smoky, of fierce look, with reddish eyes and a lean body marked by bruises. He is brutal by nature, and always inhaling smoke. The smoke of Ketu makes it difficult to see, hides things, and creates unexpected happenings. Ketu also gives fierce and intense moods. Benefics and Malefics Saturn, Mars, the Sun, waning Moon, Rahu and Ketu are malefics. Jupiter, Venus, Mercury and waxing Moon are benefics. Mercury, however, is a malefic if he joins a malefic. Planets behave as natural benefics or malefics due to their innate nature. Some planets by their very nature damage those areas they affect and are, therefore, termed as malefic. Other planets enhance those areas they affect and are termed benefic. Saturn is a malefic because he causes delays and separation from the areas he affects. He causes these difficulties because he indicates where we suffer the results of our poor karmas, and he will not allow us to reap the benefits of the areas he affects until the law of karma has been fulfilled. Saturn is the cross that each of us bears. Mars is a malefic because he tends to break things, cause accidents, and create quarrels with others. The Sun is a malefic because he separates us from the areas he affects. Those things the Sun is influencing are sacrificed to obtain spiritual growth and a deeper individuality. Rahu is a malefic because he causes delays and separation from the areas he affects. He causes delays because he indicates where we have little knowledge, and therefore have much to learn before things will work out. Rahu causes separation because he indicates where we act with a lack of forethought and may therefore get caught up in something not in our best long-term interest that we must leave sometime in the future. He also causes separation by creating

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longings that are not fulfilled even when the desired object is acquired, thereby creating the tendency to leave one thing for another. Ketu is a malefic because he hides those areas he affects in addition to destroying, and, thereby, freeing us from attachments. Ketu hides the areas he affects by causing feelings of doubt and creating discontentment that prevents an individual from putting forth the necessary effort. He destroys those areas he affects through self-destructive actions stemming from intense discontent and deep, unfulfilled feelings. Jupiter is a benefic because he provides fortune, blessings, and abundance. He expands and provides more of the good aspects of whatever he affects. He shows where we have been virtuous, forgiving and kind, and therefore have good karma to reap. Most importantly, Jupiter is the good merit that protects us from other adverse influences. Venus is a benefic because she provides all comforts, pleasures and luxuries. She gives refinement, and social grace. Most importantly, she gives the diplomacy so necessary for dealing with others. Mercury is a benefic because he provides the capacity to understand the areas he affects in a clear and impartial manner. This allows us to behave with balance and discrimination. Mercury is a mutable planet and takes on the nature of the planets he associates with. When with a malefic he becomes malefic in nature; his normal, impartial nature instead favors the views and desires of the malefic. Mercury does not become malefic on account of being with Rahu or Ketu; he maintains his benefic status because Rahu and Ketu are shadowy in nature and they themselves tend to take on the nature of other planets. From new moon to full moon the Moon is waxing and her light is increasing. From full moon to new moon the Moon is waning; and her light is decreasing. The amount of light determines the Moon’s beneficence. As her light increases, she gains greater beneficence. As her light decreases, she looses her beneficence. From the waxing half-

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moon phase, which occurs when the Moon is 90 degrees from the Sun, to the waning half-moon phase when the Moon is 270 degrees away from the Sun, the Moon is a benefic. From 270 degrees to 90 degrees, the Moon is a malefic. The Moon has no light of her own and as she merely reflects the light of the Sun; the capacity of the Moon to nourish and provide growth is only a reflection of the creative energy of the Sun. From new moon to the waxing half-moon, the Moon has a creative urge and desire but finds it difficult to focus enough energy to bring desire into reality, therefore, the areas she affects are frustrated. From waxing half-moon to waning half-moon, the Moon is full of nourishing, growth producing energy and therefore enhances the areas she affects. From waning half-moon to new moon, the Moon is loosing her light and lack is felt in the areas she affects. Those things the malefic Moon influences do not fulfill one’s needs. According to Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra, the Moon must have an AyanaBala of 40 virupas to be considered strong, therefore, the Moon is an effective benefic when it is 120 – 240 degrees from the Sun, at which point its AyanaBala is 40 virupas or greater. Half of 40 virupas is 20 virupas; the Moon has 20 virupas or less of AyanaBala when it is 300 – 60 degrees from the Sun, at which point it becomes an effective malefic. The planets additionally gain temporal status as a benefic or malefic depending upon which houses they rule in a horoscope. This often creates many confusing contradictions for the beginning astrologer. A good thumb rule is that the natural tendency of a planet affects any area or combination it influences in the horoscope according to its natural benefic or malefic nature. The temporal nature indicates the motivation and goal of a planet. Body Tissues The Sun governs bones, the Moon the blood, Mars the marrow, Mercury the skin, Jupiter the fat and brain, Venus semen, and Saturn the nerves.

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The bones provide the body with a solid foundation. Similarly, the Sun provides the personality with steadfastness. The blood renews the body by nourishing and cleansing toxins from the cells; it is the Moon who governs all renewal. The Moon is especially important for emotional renewal, keeping us mentally healthy and balanced. The marrow is where red blood cells are created, and is, therefore, a storehouse of energy. As one ages, the red marrow, which produces the energy carrying red blood cells, is replaced with yellow, fatty marrow. Similarly, Mars is the energy that weakens as one ages. The skin is the initial boundary of the body that provides the organism with its first line of defense against anything threatening from the environment. Similarly, Mercury provides certain boundaries through the agency of communication. Jupiter governs fat, which acts as the body’s saving account, and Jupiter does rule banks. Fat is also the essential tissue of the brain, which Jupiter also rules. The brain houses the higher spiritual centers in man where wisdom, knowledge and intuition are seated. The brain has an unlimited capacity for expansion and growth. Man's consciousness when raised into the spiritual centers located in the brain produces the greatest joy. Jupiter ruling the brain again establishes Jupiter as the highest and purest of planets. Semen, according to the Upanishads, is referred to as the organ of generation. Venus, the governor of semen, generates life through desire. An example of this is the sexual act, which, usually done out of desire, has within it is the potential to create life. Venus, by providing worldly pleasure, also generates the desire for life. The nerves are the channels through which the consciousness of man descends from the seven centers (the chakras) in the spine and brain into the senses. Once man's consciousness descends into the senses he becomes aware only of those things which the senses perceive, and therefore becomes blind to Spirit. This is the root cause of the misery that Saturn indicates, a misery that is no more than a consciousness of separation between human consciousness and spiritual consciousness.

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The Five Elements Mars governs fire, Mercury earth, Jupiter ether, Venus water, and Saturn governs air. Mars as applied energy rules fire. Mercury as the concrete rational mind rules earth. Jupiter due to his intuitive and faithful nature rules ether, the intangible element. Venus as passionate emotions rules water. Saturn as detachment rules air. Fire in general is symbolized by the Sun, however, fire is applied as energy through Mars. Water in general is symbolized by the Moon, however, water is felt in the heart by Venus. We respond to ether, the element that is intangible to the senses, as faith, hope, and joy through Jupiter. We respond to earth in the practical day-to-day needs required in order to sustain us through Mercury as trade, commerce, forethought, and planning. We respond to air as detachment given by Saturn. Trees The Sun rules strong trees, Saturn useless trees, the Moon milky trees, Mars thorny trees, Venus floral plants, Jupiter fruitful trees, Mercury fruitless but useful tre trees, es, and Rahu and Ketu rule bushes. The Sun, symbolizing strength and firmness of character, rules strong trees such as oaks. Saturn ruling useless trees, indicates Saturn's tendency of trying to maintain old, no longer useful structures. Saturn does this in an outward manner through conservatism and inwardly by maintaining psychological defenses. He does this in an attempt to maintain a sense of security. The life force of a tree is in its milk or sap. The Moon, ruling milky trees, is indicative of the her role as a nurturer and governor of the life force. The life force is maintained when the mind, the Moon, is healthy. Any mental/emotional disturbance negatively affects the life force, leading to disease.

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Mars rules thorny trees, as well as bitter trees, due to his sharp nature. Venus is most beautiful and therefore rules floral plants pleasant to the sight and smell. Jupiter rules fruitful trees as he indicates the best fruits of any work. Mercury's inventive and commercial nature allows him to rule fruitless trees that have other useful properties, especially those of commercial value. Bushes have never been given the stature of a tree. If someone were to accidentally kill a bush he might say “it’s just a bush” and not care so much. If he were to kill a tree, however, he would feel much worse. These days planting a tree is considered a noble act, as it was in ancient times in India, but planting a bush is not considered with the same regard. Rahu and Ketu are similarly not given the same stature as the other planets. In fact they only became planets as a result of a boon from Brahma. Bushes can grow in areas where trees are unable. They can be cut down to almost nothing and grow back in a short time. Like weeds, they have a tendency to overrun their growing areas and may become a nuisance. Only when they are carefully pruned and maintained are they considered beautiful. Rahu and Ketu, like bushes, have a tendency to “overrun” the planets that they affect by clouding the pure qualities of the planets with compulsions, discontentment, inconsistencies and imbalances. Only through the careful “pruning” of introspection and disciplined spiritual life can the evil effects of Rahu and Ketu be overcome. Though trees have more practical and food value, a larger number of herbal medicines, as well as poisons, come from bushes. Rahu and Ketu do not have much meat to satisfy our appetite; however, they do teach us to take spiritual “medicine” in order to cure the panaceas of worldly life. They do this by creating discontentment, by fueling desire that is unappeased by worldly living, and by separating us form areas of attachment. They thereby have the capacity to serve as

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spiritual motivators. They can do this only if there are spiritual factors in the nativity; otherwise they act more like poisons. Person The Sun indicates the father, the Moon the mother, Mars one’s siblings, Mercury friends and relatives. Jupiter the Guru (teacher), children, and husband, Venus the wife, Saturn a common man, Rahu the maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather, and Ketu indicates the maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother. The father is, as the masculine, solar force within the family, responsible for establishing the status and position of the family. This provides the individual with an identity to go forth with into the world. The mother is, as the feminine, lunar force within the family, responsible for creating a comfortable and accepting environment. This allows for healthy emotional expression and a healthy mental attitude. Siblings, as our first companions, are responsible for teaching us how to work towards a common objective with disciplined, joint effort. This includes learning how to differentiate and make use of our strengths, just as Mars, the army chief, makes use of each individual’s strength to accomplish a given task. On a more esoteric note, the siblings, though coming from the same source, are all different as a result of each sibling holding different concepts and having different expectations put upon them. It is Mars who rules the mental concepts and ideas that we strongly hold onto creating the idea of differentiation. Friends are those with whom we play and with whom we share things of similar interest. Mercury rules those interesting things we want to talk about and share. The guru is responsible for teaching wisdom and proper moral, spiritual behavior, which are represented by Jupiter. Jupiter also

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represents the husband. To quote Carl Jung, “It is almost a regular occurrence for a woman to be wholly contained spiritually in her husband...” One of the spiritual duties of man is to his ancestors. He fulfills this duty by having children, who, as a spiritual duty, are indicated by Jupiter. Venus is indicative of all romantic love and the producer of romantic partners for both men and women. Venus, however, is a specific indicator of the wife in a man's horoscope, a man's due reward for his good actions. Saturn represents the struggles common to all of mankind. This inclines him towards the common man, making him a democrat. There is some difference of opinion about which grandparent Rahu and Ketu rule. Following is a brief explanation of why I choose to use Ketu as the indicator of the maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother and Rahu as the indicator for the paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother. We are the result of our past. Biologically we are the products of our parents. There is, therefore, a significant link between the past that formed us and our parents. Ketu represents the past; because he is the node of the Moon (the mind), he represents the mental peculiarities from the past biologically manifesting through the agency of our parents. The maternal grandfather, represented by Ketu, has a greater effect upon the mentality of the mother because women generally take on more of the mental peculiarities of their father. The paternal grandmother, also represented by Ketu, has a greater effect upon the mentality of the father because men generally take on more of the mental peculiarities of their mother. Therefore, Ketu must rule the maternal grandfather and the paternal grandmother, and Rahu must rule the remaining grandparents. Using the Person Ruled by the Planets: The psychological indications that the native will be dealing with at a given time are relative to the person indicated by the planet. This is of primarily importance in the dasa of the Sun, during which issues concerning the father will be dealt with, and the dasa of the Moon,

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during which issues concerning the mother will be dealt with. Vedas Jupiter rules the RigRig-Veda, Venus the YajurYajur-Veda, Mars the SamaSama-Veda, and Mercury rules the AtharvaAtharva-Veda. The Rig-Veda is the oldest of spiritual texts consisting of hymns to different manifestations of God. The Yajur-Veda is a handbook of rituals for the priests who conduct the ceremonial rites. The SamaVeda contains chants with their proper melodic intonation. The Atharva-Veda contains incantations and formulas to appease negative forces and gain mundane favors in addition to containing the prescriptions that were the beginning of Ayurvedic healing. Time Periods An Ayana is ruled by the Sun, a Muhurtha by the Moon, a day by Mars, a Ritu by Mercu Mercury, ry, a month by Jupiter, a Paksha by Venus, and a year by Saturn. Rahu and Ketu denote 8 months and 3 months respectively. An Ayana is the period it takes the Sun to cover its northern course from the first day of winter to the first day of summer, or its southern course from the first day of summer to the first day of winter. This is a period of six months. A Muhurtha is two ghatis or 48 minutes. A Ritu is a season, since there are six seasons in a Hindu year, a Ritu corresponds to two months. A Paksha is the period from new moon to full moon, or from full moon to new moon. This compromises 15 tithis (lunar days), or about 2 weeks. Period of Life The Moon rules the age up to 4, Mercury from 55-14, Venus from 1515-22, the Sun from 2323-41, Mars from 424256, Jupiter from 5757- 68, and Saturn, Rahu and Ketu rule from 6969-108 years of age.

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The period of the Moon is that of infancy when the Mother is the guiding light of the child’s life. This is the period most important for healthy emotional growth. The period of Mercury is that of learning the important fundamental skills necessary in life. This is also the period of apprenticeship. The period of Venus is that of love and passion following puberty, as well as the first yearnings for marriage. The period of the Sun is that of career focus and gaining status and respect in society. The period of Mars is a period of disciplined activity, ideally for the purpose of spiritual growth, and the need for freedom to pursue activities that are deemed important. The period of Jupiter is a period of wisdom and spirituality, or one of wealth, happiness and affluence. The period of Saturn, Rahu and Ketu is one of fulfilling the karmas allotted this life, of degeneration, and of eventual death, but possibly detachment and liberation. Using the Period of Life of the Planets: Judging the planet that governs a period of life allows for a general overview of the life during that time, especially in respect to that planet’s developmental needs. Seasons Venus rules Vasanta, Mars Greeshma, the Moon Varsha, Mercury Sarad, Jupiter Hemanta, and Saturn Sisira. In India there are six seasons roughly corresponding as listed: Vasanta, ruled by Venus: March 22- May 21 the spring blooming season. Greeshma, ruled by Mars: May 22- July 21, the hot months. Varsha, ruled by the Moon: July 22- September 21, the rainy, monsoon season. Sarad, ruled by Mercury: September 22-November

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21, the fall. Hemanta, ruled by Jupiter: November 22-January 21, early winter. Sisira, ruled by Saturn: January 22-March 22, late winter. The Sun being the cause of the seasons is not given lordship over a season. He is, however, considered to co-rule Greeshma with Mars. Dhatu, Moola and Jeeva Rahu, Mars, Saturn and the Moon ru rule le Dhatus. The Sun and Venus rule Moolas. Mercury, Jupiter and Ketu rule Jeevas. Dhatus are the minerals, the inanimate kingdom. Moolas are the roots, the plant kingdom. Jeevas are the living beings, the animal kingdom as well as human beings. Senses Senses The Sun, Moon and Mars rule the sight, Venus the taste, Mercury the smell, Jupiter the hearing, and Saturn and Rahu govern the touch. The Sun has particular influence on the right eye and the Moon has particular influence on the left eye. Also, Rahu influences the psychic sense and Ketu influences the intuitive sense. Substances The Sun rules copper, the Moon gems, Mars gold, Mercury alloys, Jupiter silver, Venus pearls, Saturn iron, Rahu lead, and Ketu rules turquoise. Mercury rules alloys, which are a blend of metals, because he rules all that is mixed. Rahu rules lead, which is very heavy, dull, and poisonous, as is Rahu’s nature. Jupiter, who rules silver, also rules, according to some texts, gold when he is in his own rasi.

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Clothes Clothes The Sun governs rough, thick cloth, the Moon new clothes, Mars burnt clothes, Mercury washed clothes, Jupiter neither new nor old clothes, Venus strong clothes, Saturn rags, Rahu multimulti-colored clothes, and Ketu also rules rags. Directions The Sun lords lords over the East, Venus the Southeast, Mars the South, Rahu the Southwest, Saturn the West, The Moon the Northwest, Mercury the North, and Jupiter over the Northeast. Me

Mo

Sa

N

E

W

Ra

Ju

S

Su

Ve

Ma Gemstone The Sun has as its gem a ruby, the Moon a spotless pearl, Mars red coral, Mercu Mercury ry emerald, Jupiter yellow sapphire, Venus diamond, Saturn blue sapphire, Rahu gomedha (hessonite garnet), and Ketu has cat’scat’s-eye as its gem.

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Letters

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