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PART - 1
Information about Planets and Houses
The Zodiac, Signs and Planets
The work "Bhrigu Sutram" deals with the
effects of various planets in the twelve
houses of the horoscope. Before taking up the
main work, it will be useful for the readers
to have some idea of the Zodiac, the twelve
parts of the Zodiac viz., the signs and the
qualities characteristics and significations
of the planets as well as the significations
of the twelve houses. In this chapter we
propose to give information about the Zodiac,
signs and the planets. The significations of
the twelve houses will be given in the next
chapter.
The Zodiac
The Zodiac is a circle of space surrounding
the Earth. It may be imagined as a belt in
the heavens about 15 degrees wide in which
the planets travel. It is the Sun's apparent
path that is called the ecliptic. The
zodiacal circle is divided into twelve parts,
each part containing thirty degrees of space
called the signs of the Zodiac. Thus a sign
is one twelfth division of the zodiacal
circle and is denned as containing 30 degrees
of celestial longitude : 12 signs each
measuring 30 degrees constitute the circle of
the Zodiac or 360 degrees. In this circle the
planets travel each in its own orbit, one
outlying beyond the other. The twelve signs
of fhe Zodiac are Aries (Mesha), Taurus (Vrishabh),
Gemini (Mithuna), Cancer (Kataka), Leo (Simha),
Virgo (Kanya), Libra (Thula), Scorpio (Vrischika),
Sagittarius (Dhanu), Capricorn (Makara),
Aquarius (Kumbha), and Pisces (Meena). It is
these twelve signs through which the planets
travel or transit from west to east, going
through one sign after another in their order
from Aries to Pisces. Each sign possesses a
specific influence. The planets also as they
travel around the Zodiac exert an influence
according to their separate nature and
position in the Zodiac.
Although according to modem Astrology there
are twelve planets viz., Sun, Moon, Mars,
Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, Kethu,
Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, Hindu Astrology
recognises only the first nine. Each sign of
the Zodiac is owned by a planet who is termed
as its 'ruler'. Sun and Moon rule one sign
each viz., Leo and Cancer respectively. Mars,
Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn rule two
signs each. There is controversy about Rahu
and Kethu ruling some signs but the fact is
that they being shadow planets do not own any
signs but cast their influence according to
signs in which they are placed, or lords of
those signs, or according to planets
influencing them by aspect or association.
Mars rules Aries and Scorpio, Mercury Gemini
and Virgo, Jupiter Sagittarius and Pisces,
Venus Taurus and Libra and Saturn Capricorn
and Aquarius.
PLANETS [THEIR ASTROLOGICAL NATURE AND
INFLUENCE]
1 Sun-The Father and Life Giver
Sun is the king of the solar kingdom. He is
also called the 'Father of Stars'. Sun is
about 93 million miles away from the Earth.
He is the largest amongst the planets. His
diameter is about 110 times that of Earth and
Sun is nearly 27,19,000 miles in
circumference.
Being the centre of all life force and energy
and the giver of Prana, Sun is worshipped as
Sun God. He is said to represent the creator,
the Brahma, with his four faces to have a
survey of all the four directions causing
four seasons and the four elements namely
Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Westerners call
the Sun, Apollo. The Sun takes exactly one
year to go round the ecliptic. It has only
the direct motion. It is never goes
retrograde. According to Hindu Astrology Sun
is the soul of Kalpurusha (The Moon is his
mind, Mercury his speech, Mars his strength,
Jupiter his knowledge and happiness, Venus
his desire or lust, Saturn his misery).
For all living beings Sun represents the
positive and primal front whereas the Moon
represents the negative influence. Sun is
constructive and creative, Moon is preserving
and formative. Sun is the father, Moon is the
mother. The Sun and Moon are considered
sovereigns. Jupiter and Venus are ministers.
Mercury is the young prince. Mars is the
commander-in-chief and Saturn is the servant.
Sun is the king and the Moon is the queen.
Sun and Moon are also considered luminaries.
People with Sun as the ruling planet will
have honey coloured eyes. The face will be
large and round. The stature will be average.
The hair and the colour of the body will have
a light shade.
Sun rules the direction East and "Grishma"
Rithu (Summer season). In the birth chart Sun
represents the father of the native. In the
woman's chart Sun indicates her husband
(There is another school of thought that
Jupiter represents the husband in a female's
chart). In service Sun shows the
administrative head or Government. The Sun
offers us the power of resistance and
vitality. He governs the breath of life. He
rules our consciousness and denotes the
individuality. He gives the force and self
will and makes one determined and decisive.
The Sun in nature is hot, dry, masculine and
life giving. He possesses the power of
absorption of the nature and influence of any
planet within an orb of 8 ˝ degrees of his
conjunction. Sun represents health, the vital
principle, general prosperity and high
office, positions of rank and title,
government affairs and officials, new
undertakings, publicity, popularity, superior
or proud and haughty persons. Sun governs the
sides, upper portion of the back, heart,
right eye of the male and left eye of the
female. His day is Sunday, metal gold and
colour orange. If he is not hampered by
unfavourable disposition or malefic aspects
or association and is dignified by position
in the horoscope, Sun bestows a nature which
is ambitious, proud, magnanimous, frank,
generous, humane, firm and honourable. Men
ruled by the Sun aspire to positions of
rulership and by their earnest nature inspire
others with a respect for their abilities, so
they usually attain positions of trust,
responsibility and honour where they are
perfectly at home and capable of practical
execution to a very satisfactory degree.
If the Sun at birth is unfavourably placed
and is otherwise undignified, the native is
inclined to be too forceful, lordly,
domineering, positively arrogant and
extravagant, inclining also to sickness of a
feverish inflammatory native, eye affliction
and heart disorders as well as loss of
position, credit or esteem due to
impulsiveness of these natives.
The Sun's gems are diamond and ruby. Sun owns
Leo. He is exalted in Aries and debilitated
in Libra. 10 degrees of Aries is highest
exaltation point and 10 degrees of Libra is
his lowest debilitation point. Initial 20
degrees portion of Leo is his Mūlatrikona and
the remaining 10 degrees is Swakshetra. The
Sun's friends are Moon, Mars and Jupiter.
Venus and Saturn are his enemies. Mercury is
neutral to him.2 Moon-the Mother and Mind.
Moon is the planet nearest to the Earth. It
is the only planet in the solar system which
revolves round the Earth. The Sun is the
generator of power whereas Moon is conductor
of power lent by the Sun. Moon shines only by
the reflected light of the Sun. The distance
between the Earth and Moon is approximately
2,38,000 miles. The Sun gives the spirit and
life to all planets and Moon rules the lives
of the beings on Earth. Sun represents
individuality whereas Moon shows one's
personality. Moon also represents mother if a
person is born at night Moon is feminine.
Hence the person under the rulership of Moon
becomes timid, vacillating receptive and
convertible. Moon governs the impregnation,
conception, birth of child, the animal
instinct the union and the embryo. It also
rules the infant stage of a person and it has
powerful influence on their lives. Afflicted
Moon at the time of birth causes ailments
frequently and does not allow to have proper
growth. Natives ruled by Moon generally have
white complexion and charming eyes. They are
plump and of short stature. They walk with a
rolling gait. Moon's influence is said to be
cold, moist, phlegmatic and feminine. She is
fruitful and convertible in nature according
to her position in the chart and her aspects
and location in the zodiac (by sign) at that
time. Her proximity to the Earth and rapidity
of motion render her a powerful significator
in all branches of 15 astrology. She makes a
complete transit of the zodiac (i.e. all the
signs) every 27 days, 7 hours and 43 minutes.
She rules liquids, fresh water, milk, public
commodities like groceries, fish, drinks
etc., also sailing, brewing, nursing and
females generally. Moon influences the growth
of all plant life. She governs the brain,
breasts, left eye of the male and right eye
of the female. Her day is Monday, metal
silver, colour white; gem pearl and other
white stones. People ruled by Moon are
usually sensitive, emotional and
domesticated, possessing a love for home and
kindred. They have a good memory. Having a
fertile imagination and being also very
conscientious, they meet with many ups and
downs in life. They are quite receptive and
mediumistic and frequently possess musical
talent They like water and natural beauty. If
the Moon is not favourably disposed, the
natives may be either too easy going and
given to self gratification and over
indulgence in eating, drinking or pleasure,
or are too changeable, negative and
uncertain. Person ruled by Moon do well as
nurses, cooks, confectioners, grocers,
gardeners, matrons, dealers in liquids,
stewards, clerks, companions and in other
occupations of a common, public or
fluctuating nature. Waxing Moon is considered
a benefic and waning Moon a malefic. Moon
owns Cancer. She is exalted in Taurus and
debilitated in Scorpio. Her highest
exaltation point is 3 degrees of Taurus and
the lowest debilitation point is 3 degrees of
Scorpio. The first 3 degrees of Taurus
constitute Moon's exaltation portion and the
remaining 27 degrees portion is her
Mooltrikona. The whole of Cancer is her
swakshetra.
3 Mars-The Brother and Courage
Mars is one of the outer planets. It is
nearer to the Earth than any of the other
outer planets like Jupiter, Saturn etc. Mars
is smaller than Earth and its diameter is
around 4,200 miles. According to mythological
beliefs Mars is said to be the deity of
Buddhists and the God of Romans. He is the
God of war and also of hunting. Mars (or
Aries in Greek, Artos in Egyptian, Angarka,
Magnala, Kuja is Sanskrit) is said to be the
son of Jupiter. According to Hindu beliefs
Mars is said to be the son of the Earth and
is called Bhumi-putra. He is the God of
dispute, destruction and war. Mars is a dry,
fiery planet, masculine by nature. Mars has
much to do with one's ambition and desires.
Mars symbolises the senses and rules the
animal instinct in man. Generally Mars is
treated as a malefic planet. If Mars is not
afflicted, he gives self confidence,
endurance, impulse for all ventures and
heroic deeds, strength, courage,
combativeness, sharp wit, faculty to argue,
go ahead spirit etc. Mars bestows the nature
with quick mental activity and extraordinary
muscular strength, great organising ability,
power for practical execution, independent
spirit, force of character, strong
determination, ambition to come out
successful in the material field in spite of
any opposition, and above all, leadership in
all pursuits. If Mars is weak and afflicted
in a horoscope, the native will be rash, will
lose temper quickly, will be foolhardy and
also quarrelsome. He will use brute force to
settle his affairs and may become a drug
addict. He may turn out to be the worst type
of sexualist and satisfy his sexual urges in
novel ways.
People born with Mars as their ruling planet
will have white complexion with a shade of
red. The native will be tall and muscular.
Their eyes will be round. Their waists will
be narrow. Mars is the chief governor for
brothers and landed property. His colour is
red-gems, coral, ruby, and all red stones-
day Tuesday. Mars governs the sex organs,
bladder, muscular system, head, face, left
ear and sense of taste; also cuts, bums,
scolds, etc. He rules copper, gold, iron and
steel, surgery, chemistry, military matters
and wars, policemen, surgeons, dentists,
butchers, those of quick temper and reddish
complexion. Being averse to dictatorship,
persons influenced by Mars usually find the
best outlet for their special ability when in
business for themselves or in positions when
they can direct the work of others. Being
quite inventive and mechanical, they become
good designers, builders and managers and
usually make their way to the front in
whatever they undertake. Mars owns Aries and
Scorpio. He is exalted in Capricorn, the
highest exaltation point being 28 degrees
of4hat sign. He is debilitated in Cancer, the
lowest debilitation point being 28 degrees of
that sign. The first 12 degrees portion of
Aries is his Mooltrikona and the rest is his
Swakshetra. The whole of Scorpio is also his
Swakshetra. Sun, Moon and Jupiter are friends
of Mars. Mercury is his enemy. Venus and
Saturn are neutral to him.
4 Mercury-The Messenger of Gods
Amongst all the planets Mercury is nearest to
Sun. It revolves round the Sun in 88 days.
Its diameter is nearly 3,200 miles.
Mythologically Mercury was known as Thoth,
Hermes and "The Messenger of Gods". It was
usually portrayed as a youth, flying with
wings at his heels, bearing a cadaceus made
of olive wood about which were twined
serpents, the rod being surmounted with a
pair of wings. This symbol represents the
essential qualities of the planet, duality,
speed and wisdom. According to Hindu
mythology Mercury is said to be the son of
Moon. Mercurial people generally have a
youthful appearance.
The influence of the planet Mercury is
neutral, dualistic, cold, moist, sexless and
convertible. He gives favourable results when
he is in good association and receives
benefic aspects. Mercury can rarely be seen
with naked eye as he is never more man 28
degrees from the Sun. When he is within 8 ˝
degrees of the Sun, he is treated as combust
or burnt up and loses great deal of its
ability. His influence is best when leaving
the Sun. Mercury rules that part of the
intellect which is susceptible to cultivation
through study, precept, observation and
imitation. Mercury influences the nervous
system, solar plexus, bowels, arms, mouth,
tongue, sense of sight, perception,
understanding, interpretation and expression.
He deals with travelling, teaching,
clerkship, speaking, writing, printing,
publishing, literature, stationery,
secretaries, book-keeping, correspondence,
mailing etc. His day is Wednesday and his
metal is liquid metal or quick silver. His
colour is green and his gem is Emerald. If
Mercury is well placed in the horoscope, the
natives make good linguists, orators,
writers, reporters, teachers, secretaries,
accountants, etc., being fully capable of
maintaining any position where adaptability,
dexterity, perception, skill, quick wit,
imagination and good memory are required.
They usually conduct their work in an
orderly, methodical, systematic and handy
manner being adept at simplifying
arrangements. Mercury shows the type of
mentality one is endowed with, as he governs
the reaction to one's sense and impressions.
Being an intellectual planet, the Mercurian
is highly intelligent, ingenious and
analytical. He will grasp the subjects very
quickly. He gives the native retentive power
and reproductive ability. A well placed and
well aspected Mercury represents a subtle
political brain and intellect, a logician
with learning and discretion. A person
influenced by Mercury will have curiosity to
master occult sciences also. He will be
versatile, good in mathematical calculations,
engineering, accounts etc. If Mercury is
afflicted, the native will be clever, cunning
and mischievous, he will turn out to be a
great gambler, the worst liar, a conceited
showy person, he will pretend as though he
knows everything while actually he is devoid
of real learning. The affliction of Mercury
will also cause excess nervous activity both
of body and mind. There is also consequent
effect on the health detrimental to the
operation of bowels and other organs under
the dominion of this planet. Mercury is the
chief governor for education and uncle.
Mercury owns Gemini and Virgo. He is exalted
in Virgo, the highest exaltation point being
15 degrees of Virgo. He is debilitated in
Pisces, the lowest debilitation point being
15 degrees of Pisces. The first 15 degrees of
Virgo is the exaltation portion of Virgo, 16
to 20 degrees portion is his Mooltrikona and
the rest is Swakshetra. The whole of Gemini
is also his Swakshetra. Sun and Venus are
friends of Mercury, Moon is his enemy and
Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are neutral to him.5
Jupiter-The Great Fortune
Jupiter the mighty planet is called a giant
of the solar system. It has a diameter of
88,000 miles. Jupiter takes a little less
than twelve years to go once round the Sun.
Mythologically, Jupiter is the preceptor of
Gods. Old Greeks considered Jupiter as the
father of Gods-Zeus. Egyptians call Mm Ammon.
Jupiter is said to possess and offer 'Sathwaguna'.
Our fortunes are governed by Jupiter who is
the chief governor for money. Jupiter is
termed as 'Greater Fortune' and is said to be
hot moist, sanguine, temperate, social,
expansive, masculine and moderate. He governs
the blood, liver, veins, arteries and thighs.
He rules higher education and signifies
judges, councillors, bankers, brokers,
theologians, philanthropists, also science,
law, reason and comparison. He rules
financial dealings, speculation, shipping
business and foreign affairs. His day is
Thursday, metal gold, colour yellow and gems
yellow sapphire and Topaz. Typical
Jupiterians are usually termed jovial owing
to the fact that Jupiter gives such
characteristics as socialiblity, hope,
benevolence veneration, compassion, justice,
honesty, spirituality, also well developed
faculties of proportion, calculation and
location. The Jupiterian is usually quick to
hit the mark as his symbol is the Archer. In
the business world, natives ruled by Jupiter
become interested in large popular
enterprises and deal much in matters related
to lawyers, judges, bankers, brokers and
physicians. Science and medicine, insurance
and commercial travelling often engage their
attention, also affairs of philanthropic,
charitable and religious or benevolent
import. Jupiter is called the 'Greater
Fortune' because, unless he is ill placed in
the horoscope, he bestows a considerable
amount of what appears to be good luck upon
natives who are suited for positions of
dignity, trust or power in business and
social circles. Having a logical, broad mind,
considerable self possession, self confidence
and determination, they usually inspire
confidence and attain responsible positions.
Jupiter is fiery, noble, benevolent,
fruitful, jovial, optimistic, positive, and
dignified planet. He is the greatest benefic.
However, much other planets may be ill
posited and threaten difficulties to a
person, if Jupiter is strong and well placed
in a chart, he will enjoy the providential
help at least at the last moment to tide over
the difficulties and get rid of evil. Jupiter
also indicates how far one will respect the
elders, preceptors and religious scriptures.
Jupiter makes one law abiding, true, honest,
sincere and dutiful. If Jupiter is afflicted
in the horoscope, the native will be an
extremist and unconventional. He will be
extravagant and lavish. The other evil
effects would be over optimism, false hopes,
carelessness, debts, disputes, failure in
speculation, gambling, worry through
children, false prestige, loss of reputation,
mis-judgment and miscalculation, etc.
Jupiterians are well built and may have a
huge belly. They will have good growth in
youth, have muscular body and become so stout
as to command respect from others. Jupiter is
also considered as significator for children
(Santan Karaka). Jupiter owns Sagittarius and
Pisces. He is exalted in Cancer, the highest
exaltation point being 5 degrees of Cancer.
He is debilitated in Capricorn, the lowest
debilitation being 5 degrees of Capricorn.
First 5 degrees portion of Sagittarius is his
Mūltrikona and the rest is hi'-' Swakshetra-The
whole of Pisces is also his Swakshetra. The
Sun, the Moon and Mars are friends of
Jupiter. Mercury and Venus are his enemies
Saturn is neutral to him.6 Venus-The Lover
Venus is much closer to the Sun than the
Earth. The size of Venus is similar to that
of the Earth. Venus has a diameter of 7,600
miles. Venus can never be more than 48
degrees away from the Sun. Venus is the
brightest planet in the solar system.
Mythologically, Venus is considered to be the
Goddess of love, marriage, beauty and
comforts. It is called Maha Lakshmi, wife of
Lord Vishnu. Venus is also called one eyed.
Creeks call Venus the Aphrodite. Venus is
called
Kama, for one's passion depends on its strength. Venus produces people
of average height, of plump body, and with a
round and pimpled face, kind and pleasing
eyes, pleasant voice, sweet smile and curly
hair. Venus is termed as a feminine planet.
Venus rules the sense of touch and to a great
extent the disposition. Venus inclines to all
that pertains to the higher attributes of the
mind, music, poetry, painting, singing,
drama, opera, acting and all refined
amusements and adornments. The influence of
Venus is expressed as generous, kind, good
humoured and loving. Venus is considered
benefic, warm, moist and fruitful. Venus
governs the throat, kidneys, veins and
ovaries. His day is Friday, metal silver,
colour white and gem diamond.
Men and women ruled by Venus are noticeably
kind and social. When well placed Venus
endows the native with a pleasant and
handsome countenance, symmetrical form and
graceful manners. Venus inclines to harmony
and as this planet rules the sense of touch,
he favours art, music and decoration. By
their pleasing personality the subjects of
Venus are natural peacemakers; their refined
nature softens the ruffed feelings of friends
and convert anger to pleasure. As Venus is
the promoter of pleasure, these people are
splendid entertainers and excellent hosts.
When afflicted, Venus produces unsatisfactory
domestic conditions, anxiety in love,
difficulty with friends of through finances.
Venus rules the skin, throat, veins, ovaries
and internal generative organs and these are
adversely affected by over indulgence in
amusements, eating and drinking. Venus is
called Kalathra Karaka, that is the chief
governor for marriage. Venus also indicates
the partner in business. Venus is the chief
planet connected with vehicles (Vahana). For
those born during day time Venus is the
significator for mother. Venus owns Taurus
and Libra. Venus is exalted in Pisces, the
highest exaltation point being 27 degrees of
Pisces. Venus is debilitated in Virgo, the
lowest debilitation point being 27 degrees of
Virgo. First 20 degrees portion of Libra is
his Mūtrikona and he rest is his Swakshetra.
The whole of Taurus is also his Swakshetra.
Mercury and Saturn are' friends of Venus. The
Sun and the Moon are his enemies. Mars and
Jupiter are neutral to him.
7 Saturn-The God Yama
Saturn is called 'Sanaischara' as it moves
along the Zodiac leisurely and more slowly
than other planets. He is the outermost
planet amongst the planets recognised by
Hindu Astrology. Saturn is smaller than
Jupiter and his diameter is around 75,000
miles. Saturn takes 291/2 years to go round
the Sun. Hence on an average Saturn remains
in a sign for about 2 ˝ years. Saturn is
called 'Yama' as he is the chief governor for
longevity. Saturn is said to be 'lame' and
the son of The Sun. Saturn is sometimes
symbolised as Father Time. According to
Western belief in olden days Sater or Satan
was the name given to Saturn and he signified
devil, darkness, secrecy, loss and
misfortune. His nature is cold, dry,
phlegmatic, melancholic, earthy and
masculine. When Saturn is well placed or well
aspected, the person is grave, profound,
prudent, cautious and of excellent organising
and executive ability. If Saturn is
afflicted, the native is apt to be bigoted
acquisitive irritable, discontented and
complaining. Saturn governs the teeth, bones
spleen, knees, right ear and sense of
hearing. He rules brick laying, pottery,
masonry, plumbing and other laborious and
uncongenial employment. He denotes aged
persons, thin, nervous, dark, reclusive-also
farmers, miners, coal and junk dealers,
property owners etc. He rules land, property,
mines, lead and dealings in real estate. Day
Saturday, metals iron and steel, colour dark
blue or black, gem blue sapphire or other
blue and black coloured stones. The influence
of Saturn is commonly called evil and in this
respect he is much maligned, but in reality
there is no evil since all things work
together for good ultimately. Saturn acts as
a deterrent and because he brings denial and
necessity into some lives, he has been
considered as an oppressor, a Satan "He that
filleth with pride will suffer a fall"; for
Saturn will bring the native to his knees,
humble him, and by means of restrictions,
limitation and adversities, will cause the
individual to ponder, study and seek to find
the source of woe that in future may be
overcome. Thus while Saturn is a destroyer
(of false ideals), he is also a redeemer, in
that he brings to mind a state of
introspection and stimulates effort towards
perfection and victory. Saturnians are
extremely sensitive but they hide their
feelings and emotions under a mask of
reserve. If frequently censured, they
withdraw from association and their progress
and development are much delayed. Saturn is
considered to be favourable for people born
in the signs owned by Venus whereas Saturn is
evil to those born in the signs governed by
Mercury. He is also beneficial when he is in
his own sign, or when he occupies the signs
of Jupiter or when he is exalted. Saturn when
benefic makes a person true, reliable,
honest, sincere, faithful and chaste. He aids
concentration, meditation prayers, etc.
Saturn is the chief governor for longevity
(He is called Ayush Karaka). If he occupies
the house of longevity, namely, the 8th house
in a horoscope, the native gets a long span
of life. Saturn owns Capricorn and Aquarius.
He is exalted in Libra, the highest
exaltation point being 20 degrees of Libra.
He is debilitated in Aries, the lowest
debilitation point being 20 degrees of Aries.
For Saturn the first 20 degrees portion of
Aquarius is his Mūltrikona and the rest is
his Swakshetra. The whole of Capricorn is
also his swakshetra. Mercury and Venus are
friends of Saturn. The Sun, the Moon and Mars
are his enemies. Jupiter is neutral to him.8
Rahu and Ketu-the Shadowy Planets
Rahu and Ketu are called shadowy planets by
our ancients. They are not substantial
heavenly bodies with an observable body shape
or mass like the Sun, Moon and other planets.
Hindu mythology has in its characteristic way
symbolised these two parts of a single body.
According to a Puranic story after churning
of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) came out a
divine elephant, a horse, a physician, the
Goddess of wealth and Amrita or immortality.
About the distribution of Amrita there was a
serious dispute amongst the Devas and Asuras.
The Supreme Lord (Lord Vishnu) assuming the
shape of an alluring Mohini, took charge of
distributing the Amrita with the consent of
both Devas and Asuras. She so distributed the
Amrita that all of it was consumed by Devas
but one among the Asuras had stealthily
joined the ranks of Devas and got a share of
Amrit but was discovered and exposed by the
Sun and the Moon. The Supreme Lord cut the
Asura in two pieces but as he had taken
Amrita both the severed parts remained alive
though separated. The head got the name of 'Rahu'
and the body and tail 'ketu'. This made Rahu
and Ketu eternal enemies of the Sun and the
Moon. Periodically they succeed in swallowing
the Sun and the Moon (This is during
eclipses) but they escape as they are
immortal. The fact that has since been
universally accepted is that Rahu Ketu are
celestial points on the Zodiac with regulated
movement and orbit and they have a distinct
and predictable influence in horoscopes. The
motion of these points which is always
retrograde, can be calculated as accurately
as the position of the Sun or the Moon,
through owing to their being without
substance, this cannot be verified by visual
observation. Westerners have named Rahu and
Ketu as Dragon's Head and Dragon's Tail
respectively. Caput and Cauda are the other
names given to them by Westerners. To
understand how these imaginary points are
accurately located and their movements are
calculated we have to consider the apparent
paths in the heavens of the two planets the
Sun and the Moon, that is, the paths along
which the Sun and the Moon appear to an
observer on earth, to rotate. The Sun appears
to move along an ellipse of which Earth is a
focus. The plane of this ellipse is inclined
to the terrestrial Equator at an angle of 23
degrees. The Moon, as the satellite of the
Earth moves round it and its path is also
elliptical with the Earth as a focus, and
plane of this orbit is inclined to the
Equator at an angle of 28 degrees, so that
the planes of the orbits of the Sun and the
Moon appear to the observer on Earth to be
inclined to each other at an'angle of 5
degrees. The two points at which the orbit of
the Moon cuts the orbit of the Sun are called
nodes, and they are exactly 180 degrees
apart. The point of intersection formed when
the Moon's motion is from South to North, is
said to be ascending node and named Rahu, and
the point of intersection formed when the
Moon's motion is from north to south is
called the descending node or Ketu. It has
been observed that the nodes have a
retrograde movement in the Zodiac at the rate
of 19 degrees 20 minutes per year. Rahu and
Ketu are said to stay in a sign for about 18
months. Rahu and Ketu indicate one born in a
low caste; one who may have intrigue with
girls; is one whose thoughts and actions will
be evil. One will resort to outcastes and low
born as well as in bred people. There is
quite a controversy amongst the ancients
about the signs owned by Rahu and ketu and
signs in which they are exalted and
debilitated. For example, according to Uttara
Kalamrita an ancient classic on Hindu
Predictive Astrology Rahu is exalted in
Taurus and debilitated in Scorpio, vice versa
of Ketu. This work also assigns the sign
Aquarius as owned by Rahu and Scorpio as
owned by Ketu. Mooltrikona of Rahu has been
fixed as Gemini and Mooltrikona of Ketu has
been given as Virgo. Sanketnidhi another
recognised work allots Gemini as the
exaltation sign of Rahu, Virgo as his own
sign and Sagittarius as the exaltation sign
of Ketu and Pisces as its own Sign. It is
also believed that Rahu acts like Saturn and
Ketu acts like Mars. The Gem of Rahu is "Gomed"
and that of Ketu Cat's Eye. For further
information about Rahu and Ketu please see
Part II Chapter Eight.
Chapter II
Significations of the Twelve Houses of the
Horoscope
First House (or Lagna-Ascendant)
Physical stature, colour, form and shape,
constitution, health, vitality and vigour,
natural dispositions and tendencies,
personality and struggle for life, honour,
dignity, prosperity, general well being,
head, upper part of the face, virtues,
longevity, start in life and an idea about
the general structure of life.
Second House
Money matters, fortune, profit, gain or loss,
one's power and resources, worldly
attainments and possession of extrinsic
value, jewellery, precious stones, bonds,
securities and shares, speech, vision, right
eye, memory, imagination, nails, tongue,
nose, teeth, chin, family members. This is
also a house of death or maraka sthana. Many
a learned are of the opinion that education
is also a signification of this house etc.
Third House
Mental inclination, ability, memory,
intellect, inclination to study, courage,
firmness, valour, prowess, heroism, younger
brothers or sisters, cousins, neighbours,
short travels, communications such as
railways, wireless, posts and telegraphs,
correspondence, writings, change of
residence, signing contracts or agreements,
rumours, carrying tales, hands, throat,
shoulder blade, collarbone, arms nervous
system.
Fourth House
Mother, one's home (native place), residence,
domestic environments, grave, private affairs
etc., secret life, vehicles, fields,
pastures, farms, orchards, mines, buildings,
ancestral property, hidden treasure, academic
education, wells, water, milk, rivers, lakes
etc.
Fifth House
Progeny (children), inclinations, pleasure,
artistic talent, recreation, amusement,
sports, romance, competitive activities like
cards, crosswords, lottery, gambling or
betting, love affairs, ambassadors, good or
bad morals, mantra-tantra, religions
mindedness, high learning and wisdom,
intelligence, enormous riches, spiritual
practice etc.
Sixth House
Sickness, diseases, nursing, food, service,
employees, subordinates or servants, debts,
cattle, tenants, enemies, maternal uncle,
miserliness, intense anguish, litigation etc.
Seventh House
House of union or earthly ties, legal
bondage, partner in life (wife or husband),
partner in business, conjugal life, influence
in foreign countries and reputation achieved
there, sexual life, marital relations, danger
to life, marakasthana (house of death).
Eighth House
Longevity or span of life, also called house
of death (because end of longevity is death);
inheritance, legacies, wills, insurance,
pension and gratuity, accidents, death by
drowning, fire or suicide; misery,
misfortune, sorrow, strife, worries,
disgrace, delay, dejection, disappointment,
defeat, loss and obstruction, theft, robbery,
chronic diseases.
Ninth House
Faith, wisdom and divine worship; fortune or
luck (bhagya), philosophy, religious and
philosophical beliefs, meditation, intuition
and forethought, places of worship,
sacrifices and charity, father, preceptor
(Guru), teaching, Dhanna, grandchildren,
dreams and visions, knees; communication with
spirits, long journeys, voyage, air travel,
higher education, foreign travel.
Tenth House
Thighs, honour, dignity, public esteem, name
and fame, power prestige, credit (for good
work and conduct), success and status, rank
and renown, respect and reputation, ambition
and authority, worldly activities,
responsibilities, permanency (in service),
promotion, advancement, appointment,
profession, last rites to one's parents,
religious functions. Government, high
position such as President, Prime Minister or
Minister, pilgrimage to holy places, honour
from Government.
Eleventh House
Friends, society, community, favourites,
ambitions, wishes, desires and their
fulfilment, gains of wealth, success in
undertakings, incoming wealth, profits,
prosperity, elder brothers and sisters,
recovery from illness, dawn of fortune,
ankles.
Twelfth House
Loss and impediments, restraint and
limitation, waste and extravagance, expenses,
drudgery and deception, investments,
donations, charities, separation from family,
going to far away places, sorrow and sin,
misery and misfortune, poverty, imprisonment,
secret enemies, confinement in hospital,
association, fraud, scandal, disgrace, secret
sorrows, success through occult affairs, the
feet, the left eye, the left ear, comforts of
bed, debts, life in a foreign place and
Moksha (final salvation).
Note:-For fuller details of the
Characteristics of the nine planets and the
twelve houses, readers are requested to refer
to Kalidas's famous work 'Uttara Kalamrit'
which is available both in English and Hindi
wilh Ranjan Publications |
