Practical aspects of Astrology

Vedas are the oldest, the most authentic and the most sacred scriptures to
understand the mysteries of nature. According to Maxmuller, a renowned
German scholar of the Vedas, 'Vedas are oldest books in the library of the
world.' To understand the meaning of these Vedas, our Rishis, Maharathis have
categorised the Vedas into six parts. Astrology is one of them and considered
as the sixth sense which helps one to see all the unseen objects and the future
events of the world.

Even Astrology is divided into three parts or subdivision :

THEORY (Siddhant).
SAMHITA.
JATAKA.

Siddhant helps us to understand the good and evil results (effects), with the
help of minute arithmetic calculations related to rising and setting of the
planets, Nakshatras, stars, Rashis, the combination of planets (grahayoga),
grahayudha and the eclipse of the Moon and the Sun.

Samhita means the good and evil effects, which occur due to the combination
of the planets, day and night transitions and seasonal transitions that affect
the whole world.

Jataka means the good and evil effects which occur during the transmigration
of a soul through 84 lakh yonis, and the effects which the Isht, Lagna, Graha
(planets) Nakshatras, have on the joy, sorrow, gain-loss, destiny and age.

Our most revered sages imagined about the planetary orbits by doing penance
and Yoga for a long time. They also observed the motion of these heavenly
bodies through a distinct and well-marked path in the sky which contains
twelve zodiac signs. These twelve zodiac signs of the solar system are
established in the twelve parts of our body.

They are as follows:

Forehead - Aries (Mesh)
Mouth - Taurus (Vrishabh)
Chest area - Gemini (Mithun)
Heart - Cancer (Karka)
Stomach - Leo (Simha)
Waist - Virgo (Kanya)
Bladder - Libra (Tula)
Sex organ - Scorpio (Vrishchik)
Thighs - Sagittarius (Dhanu)
Knees - Capricorn (Makara)
Calf of leg - Aquarius (Kumbha)
Feet - Pisces (Meena)

The planets traveling in twelve zodiac signs have affect on the following:
The Sun has effect on - Soul (Aatma)
The Moon has effects on - Mind (Mana)
The Mars has effects on - Patience (Dhairya)
The Mercury has effects on - Voice (Vaani)
The Jupiter has effects on - Reasoning (Viveka)
The Venus has effect on - Sperms (Virya)
The Saturn has effect on - Sensitivity (Samvedana)

This implies that, the position of the seven planets and the twelve Zodiac signs
are well established within our body.
The above mentioned organs and parts of the body are greatly influenced by
the planets of the solar system and their movement.
Panchang

Although it is essential to have the knowledge of arithmetical calculations to

understand Indian Astrology, but for the benefit of the common people,
astrologers have devised a calendar (Panchang) with the help of which, and
simple arithmetical calculations, one can have knowledge about planets, good
or bad for him.

It is not necessary for a common man to be an astrologer in order to

understand the Panchang. But for a smooth and systematic running of life, one
should know how to interpret 'Phalita'.

Panchang means five organs to understand the Phalita. These five things are –

Tithi (Date)
Nakshatra (Group of stars)
Yoga (an auspicious moment)
Karan (Half of the part of Tithi)
Vaar (days of the week)

TITHI

Tithi is considered as the first phase or portion (Kala) of the 16 phases of the
Moon. The 15 days, commencing from Amavasya (the last day of the dark half
of a lunar month) to Purnima (Full moon), are called the Tithis of the Shukla-
Paksha (brighter phase) and the days commencing from Purnima to Amavasya
are called Krishna Paksha (darker phase).

In Indian Astrology, the calculation of the Tithis starts from Pratipada (The first
day in each half of the lunar month) of the Shukla-Paksha. They are:

Pratipada.
Dwitiya.
Tritiya.
Chaturthi.
Panchami.
Shashthi.
Saptami.
Ashtami.
Navami.
Dashami.
Ekadasi.
Dwadashi.
Trayodashi.
Chaturdashi.
Purnima.

Similarly, in the Krishna-Paksha, starting from Pratipada till Chaturdashi, all

the dates are same; the only difference being the fifteenth day which is
Amavasya (Moonless night)

These fifteen days have been given five names.

NANDA(1st,6th,11th & Friday)

BHADRA(2nd,7th,12th & Wednesday)
JAYA(3rd,8th,13th & Tuesday)
RIKTA(4th,9th,14th & Saturday)
PURNA(5th,10th, 15th & Thursday)

If the above mentioned days falls on the given Tithis it is considered as

auspicious and the work taken in hand in successfully accomplished. For
example (if, 1st, 6th 11th falls on Friday, 2nd, 7th, 12th falls on Wednesday
etc.)

INAUSPICIOUS DAYS:– The following days (Tithis) are considered to be

inauspicious, and there is a fear of hurdles, obstructing the accomplishment of
the work. The names of these auspicious days have been given as follows:

The dates are considered to be inauspicious if it falls on the following days

SUN MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT

DAGDHA 12 11 5 3 6 8 9

VISHA 4 6 7 2 8 9 7

HUTASHAN 12 6 7 8 9 10 11

If 12th day and 4th day of the months falls on Sunday and 11th & 6th falls on
Monday and 5th & 7th falls on Tuesday respectively, they are considered as
inauspicious.
NAKSHATRA (CONSTELLATION)

A group of stars is called Nakshatra. Just as the units used for measuring the
distance is miles or kilometers in the same way the space (Akash Mandal) is
measured in terms of Nakshatras (group of stars). The whole space has been
divided into 27 parts and each part has been given the name of Nakshatra.
They are as follows

ASHWINI.
BHARANI.
KRITIKA.
ROHINI.
MRIGASHIRA.
AARDRA.
PUNARVASU.
PUSHYA.
AASLESHA.
MAGHA.
PURVA PHALGUNI.
UTTARA PHALGUNI.
HASTA.
CHITRA.
SWATI.
VISHAKHA.
ANURADHA.
JYESHTHA.
MOOLA.
POORVAASHADHA.
UTTARAASHADHA.
SHRAVANI.
DHANISTHA.
SHATABHISHA.
PURVA BHADRAPADA.
UTTARA BHADRAPADA.
REVATI.

The Indian astrologers believe that the combination of the last 15 Ghati of
'Uttarashadha Nakshatra' and the first 4 Ghati of the Shravani Nakshatra i.e.
19 Ghatis in all, constitute the 'Abhijeet Nakshatra' and this particular
Nakshatra is considered to be very auspicious to begin a good work.
(One Ghati is equal to 24 minutes)

PANCHAKA NAKSHATRA

The following group of five Nakshatras are considered as having five defects
(Panchakadosha). They are Dhanistha, Shatabhisha, Purvabhadrapada,
Uttarabhadrapada and Revati.

MOOLA NAKSHATRA

A child taking birth in this Nakshatra, which consists of Jyestha, Aashlesha,

Revati, Mool, Magha and Ashwini Nakshatra are not considered as auspicious.
Therefore, for the pacification of this 'Moola Nakshatra', some specific rites are
performed 27th days after the birth when the same Nakshatra returns. Out of
these six Nakshatras, which constitute Moola Nakshatra, Jyeshtha and Moola
are called 'Gandant Moola' and Aashlesha is called as 'Sarpa Moola'.

ADHOMUKHA NAKSHATRA

As the name of this Nakshatra implies, works like digging a well, or lying a
foundation is considered as auspicious. This particular Nakshatra is itself
constituted by Nakshatras. They are: Moola, Aashlesha, Vishakha, Kritika,
Purvaphalguni, Purvashadha, Purvabhadrapada, Bharani and Magha

DAGDHA NAKSHATRA

For commencement of any work, this Nakshatra is considered as inauspicious.

Therefore, commencing any work in this Nakshatra is prohibited if the days on
which, this Nakshatra falls are as under-

Sunday - Bharani
Monday - Chitra
Tuesday - Uttarashadha
Wednesday - Dhanishtha
Thursday - Uttaraphalguni
Friday - Jyeshtha
Saturday - Revati

YOGA (COMBINATIONS)

There are 27 Yogas in all. They are as under:

1) VISHAKUMBHA, 2) PREETI, 3) AAYUSHMAN,
4) SAUBHAGYA, 5) SHOBHANA, 6) ATIGANDA,
7) SUKARMA, 8) DHRITI, 9) SHOOLA, 10) GAND,
11) VRIDDHI, 12) DHRUVA, 13) VYAGHAATA,
14) HARSHANA, 15) VAJRA, 16) SIDDHI,
17) VYATIPAATA, 18) VARIYAANA, 19) PARIGHA,
20) SHIVA, 21) SIDDHA, 22) SADDHYA, 23) SHUBHA,
24) SHUKLA, 25) BRAHMA, 26) INDRA,
27) VAIDHRITI.

KARANA

Half of the part of a Tithi is called a Karana i.e. There are two Karanas in a
Tithi. There are 11 Karanas altogether.

They are:

1) BALA, 2) BAALAVA, 3) KAULAVA, 4) TAITIL,

5) GARA, 6) VANIJA, 7) VISHTI, 8) SHAKUNI,
9) CHATUSHPADA, 10) NAAGA, 11) KINSTUGHNA

The first 7 of these Karanas are movable (Chara) i.e. it cannot be

predetermined as to on which dates, these are going to occur, but the last 4
Karanas are fixed (Sthira), and hence can be predetermined.

VISHTIKARANA is also called 'Bhadra' and commencing any work during this
time is prohibited. Bhadra is marked very clearly in every panchanga.

VAAR (DAYS)

There are 7 days i.e. Sunday (Ravivaar), Monday (Somavaar), Tuesday

(Mangalvaar), Wednesday (Budhvaar), Thursday (Brihaspativaar), Friday
(Shukravaar) and Saturday (Shanivaar). The counting of days begins from the
sunrise of the first day to the sunrise of the second day. In astrology, this
system is known as 'AHORATRA', which means day and night taken together.
Omitting the first letter 'A' and the last three letters 'T','R','A', the word 'HORA'
is coined from which, the English word 'HOUR' originated. There are 24 HORAS
in all.
Now the question arises, why is the day coming after Sunday is named
Monday, Why not other day. To understand this, we will first have to
understand the positions of the planets, in the space. In astrology, the
respective position of the planets are given as under –

Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury and Moon.

Therefore, Saturn is the highest or the farthest planet. Below the Saturn is
Jupiter, below Jupiter is Mars, below the Mars is Sun, below the Sun is Venus,
below Venus is Mercury, and below Mercury is Moon. All the planets are
revolving around the Sun in their respective orbits. Since there are 24 Horas in
a day combined with night, therefore, each Hora consists of an hour. The ‘Lord’
of each Hora is a planet from the nearest lower orbit.

The Lord of the first HORA is the Sun. In the beginning of the creation, the Sun
was visible first of all and for that very reason, it has been considered as the
lord of the first Hora and also the first day has been named after it. The next
Hora is named after 'Shukra' (Venus, which is the lord of the second HORA,
and whose orbit is just below the Sun. The lord of the third Hora is 'Budha'
(Mercury) whose orbit is just below that of Shukra (Venus). The lord of the
fourth Hora is the Moon (Chandrama), whose orbit is below that of Venus and
so on. In this way, the lord of the 24th HORA is again Mercury and the Moon
(Chandrama). The following chart clearly shows the positions of the planets
(horizontally) in order, and the days of the week (vertically) in order. From the
Hora chart, it is quite clear that the Moon is the lord of the first Hora (Hour) of
the second day(Monday), hence the next day after Sunday is called Monday.
Similarly, the lord of the first Hora of the third day is Mars (Tuesday), the lord
of the first Hora of the fourth day is Mercury (Wednesday), the lord of the first
Hora of the fifth day is Jupiter (Thursday), the lord of the first Hora of the sixth
day is Venus (Friday) and the lord of the first Hora of the Seventh day is
Saturn (Saturday).
Therefore, the name of the days in order are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
GENTLE DAYS

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are considered as the 'gentle' days.
These days are considered auspicious for commencing any good work.

CRUEL DAYS

Tuesday, Sunday and Saturday are considered as 'cruel' days. Saturday is

considered an auspicious day for undergoing operation. Thursday is considered
auspicious for starting education. Wednesday is considered auspicious to start
any business.

Planets
SUN:-
The Sun god has two arms, he is seated on the pedestal of
lotus; both of his hands are embellished with lotus flowers.
There is a beautiful golden crown, on his head and a garland
of gems around his neck. His radiance is just like the interior
part of a lotus flower and he is mounted on the chariot
pulled by seven horses.

The Sun god is also known as ‘Savita’, which means - one who creates,
‘SAVITA SARVASYA PRASAVITA’ (Nirukta -10/31). According to the Rigveda the
Sun god situated at the centre of the solar system is an inspirer of all,
pervader of the internal parts and an embodiment of almighty god. According
to the ‘Markandeya Puran’ Sun is the embodiment of Brahma, the world
originates from the Sun and is established in it. The Sun is the appearance of
all the matters and elements and is the eternal almighty. This very God
‘Bhaskar’ creates nurtures and annihilates the world respectively in the form of
lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva. Sun is the supreme deity amongst all
the nine-planets.

When Brahma manifested himself by breaking the egg, then he pronounced

‘OM’. This Omkar itself is the supreme soul and the very physique of Sun god.
The four Vedas emerged from all the four mouths of lord Brahma, which were
glowing by their own radiance. The powerful radiance emanating from the
‘Omkar’ covered the radiance of the Vedas and ultimately all of them unified.
This very Vedic appearance of ‘Omkar’ is the sun god. This radiant sun was the
first manifested during the times of creation, hence it was called ‘Aditya’.

Once the demons, the titans and the monsters unitedly fought with the deities
and snatched their power and authority after defeating them. ‘Aditi’– the
mother of the deities did worship of sun god to get protection from this
calamity. Being pleased with her the sun god took incarnation as her son and
established the eternal path of the Veda after defeating the enemies of the
deities. He is called Aditya also for this reason.

The complexion of Sun god is red. His vehicle is a chariot. There is only one
wheel in his chariot which is called ‘Samvatsar’. The wheel of his chariot has 12
spokes, which symbolise the twelve months. The wheel has six circumferences,
which symbolize the six seasons, and three ‘Naves’ which is symbolise of the
three four-months.

The sages (rishi) and all the celestial supernatural beings like ‘Gandharva’,
‘Apsara’, ‘Nag’ yaksha and the deities’ move along with him doing his worship.
The wheel, power, a loop and a hook are the weapons of sun god. His great-
phase (Mahadasha) last for six years. The Sun is considered as a high planet,
till the tenth degree, in the zodiac of Aries. Lord Shiva is considered to be the
deity of the Sun. To get his blessings and for his pacification, performance of
‘Arghya’ (pouring water facing the sun in the morning should be done and also
the text of Harivansh purana should be listened to. Ruby should be worn on
the body and donation of wheat, cow along with a
calf, raw-sugar (gur), copper, gold and red-clothes
should be made to the brahmins.

MOON:
The Moon god is of fair complexion. He is attired in
white apparels. The colour of his chariot is white
and so are the colours of horses pulling it. He is
seated on the pedestal of lotus placed in a beautiful
chariot pulled by seven horses. He possesses a
golden crown on his head and a garland of pearls on his neck. He has a mace
in one hand and the other one is raised in the posture of showering blessings.

According to the ‘Srimad Bhagawat’ Moon-god is the son of Maharishi Atri and
Anasuya. He is considered to be all pervading. He possesses all the sixteen
phases (Kala). Lord Krishna was the descendant of moon god, combined with
all the sixteen phases like him. He is the one from whom all the deities’
ancestors, yaksha, human being, animals-birds and trees get life.

Lord Brahma made him the seed, medicine, water and the king of the
Brahmins. He was married to the twenty-seven constellations i.e. ‘Ashwini’,
‘Bharani’, ‘Krittika’, ‘Rohini’ etc. These constellations were the daughters of
‘Daksha’. (Harivanshpuran)

According to the Vanparva of Mahabharata all the wives of moon god are
chaste and beautiful. While moving along with the constellations in their
respective orbits. The moon god nurtures the living beings and classifies
various festivals, combinations and the months.

On the full moon day and during the rising of moon, offerings of the delicacies
mined with honey in a copper-vessel is made to him then he gets satisfied.
Being pleased he frees a man from all the pains and sorrows. By satisfying him
one also satisfies the sun god, ‘Vishvedeva’ (ancestors), ‘Marudgana’ (deities
controlling natural forces) and the wind god (Vayu).

The vehicle of Moon god is chariot. There are three wheels in his chariot. His
chariot is pulled by ten powerful horses. All the horses are divine,
incomparable and are quick as the mind. The eyes and ears of the horses are
white. According to the ‘Matasyapurana’ the horses are as white as a conch.

Mercury is the son of Moon god who took birth from ‘Tara’. The presiding deity
of Moon-god is goddess Uma. Moon-god is the lord of the zodiac sign Cancer
and his ‘great-phase’ (Mahadasha) last for 10 years. He is also considered to
be the lord of the constellations. He holds the second position among all the
nine planets.The Moon is considered as a high planet, till the third degree
in the zodiac of Taurus.

Unfavourability of the moon god causes various kinds of physical pains and
diseases like mental tensions and diseases of breath. He is pleased if one fasts
on Monday, or if one eulogizes and worship lord Shiva. He is also pleased if a
person wears pearls. Donations of Rice, grains, Camphor, White-cloth, silver,
conch, white sandal, white flower, sugar, bullock, curd and
pearls should be made to please him.

MARS:
The deity mars has four arms. He has a hairy body. The
small hairs of the body are red in colour. In his hands are
mace and Trident and rest of the two hands are raised in
the postures of bestowing fearlessness and blessings. He
has a golden crown on his head and his vehicle is a lamb.
He is attired in red coloured apparels and had red garlands
in his neck.

In the ‘Kalpa’ of Varah’ when Hiranyaksha, the elder

brother of Hiranyakshipu had abducted the earth Lord Vishnu had taken
incarnation as a boar and had rescued the earth by killing Hiranyaksha. Mother
earth became very pleased after seeing lord Vishnu and had a desire to have
him as her husband.

In his incarnation as a boar lord Vishnu’s radiance was as dazzling illuminating

and unbearable as crores of Suns. Lord Vishnu transformed his appearance
into his enchanting form to fulfill the wish of the presiding deity of the earth
and lived with earth for one year in aloofness. This way the birth of Mars took
place (Brahmavaivarta Puran 2/8/29 to 43)
Mars is pacified by the worship of Shiva. Wearing a
coral also pacifies mars. Making donations of copper,
gold, wheat, red clothes, jaggery (gur), red sandal, red
flowers, saffron, musk, red-ox, lentil and land also,
pacified the mars. Fast should be observed on Tuesday
and the Hanuman Chalisa should be read.The great
phase of mars lasts for seven years. Mars is the lord of
two zodiacs, i.e., Aries and Scorpio. Lord Kartikeya is
considered to be the deity of the Mars. The Mars is
considered as a high Planet, till the twenty-eighth
degree
in a zodiac of Capricorn.

JUPITER:
The preceptor of the Deities – Jupiter (Brihaspati) has yellow complexion. He is
adorned with a golden crown on his head and a beautiful garland in his neck.
He is attired in yellow apparels and is seated on the pedestal of lotus flower.
He has four hands and holds a stick (dand), Rudraksha garland, receptacle in
each of his three hands and his fourth hand is raised in the posture of giving
boons and blessings.

According to the Mahabharat (Adiparva), Jupiter is the son of great sage Angira
and the priest of the deities. The demons wanted to starve the deities to death
by obstructing the oblation (Yagya) performed by them. Jupiter by the help of
his profound knowledge helped the deities to get their due shares of the
oblation. Jupiter the preceptor of the deities protected them by using the
Rakshoghna mantra and driving away the demons.
In ‘Skandapuran’ there is a description how he became the preceptor of the
deities. Jupiter did a severe and tremendous penance in ‘Dwarka’ (prabhas
area) to please lord Shankar. Being pleased by his penance lord Shiva gave
him a boon to become the preceptor of the deities.

Jupiter remains in each zodiac for a year if he has a retrograded motion then
this duration changes. (Shrimadbhagawat 5/22/15).

According to the Rigveda Jupiter is very pleasing to watch. He himself has

constructed his abode. He is worth worshipping for the whole world. If he
becomes pleased with his devotees he blesses them with prosperity and
intelligence. He helps his devotees to be on a virtuous paths and protect them
in every calamity. Jupiter is very affectionate towards people who seek his
refuge.

His vehicle is a chariot, which is made up of gold and appears very pleasant.
Eight horses pull his chariot, which have yellow complexions and which are as
fast as the wind. His weapon is a stick made of gold.

Jupiter has two wives - Shubha and Tara. Seven daughters were born to
Shubha – Bhanumati, Raka, Archismati, Mahishrvati, Siniwali and Havishmati.

Seven sons and a daughter were born to Tara. Jupiter also had a third wife
whose name was Mamta and who gave birth to ‘Bhardwaja’ and ‘Kacha’. The
presiding deity of Jupiter is ‘Bhrama’.

Jupiter is the lord of the zodiac Sagittarius and Pisces. His ‘great phase lasts till
sixteen years. The Jupiter is considered as a high planet, till the fifth degree, in
the zodiac of Cancer. Fast should be observed on dark moon (Amavasya) and
on Thursday for his pacification. He is also pacified if yellow topaz is worn.
Making donations of yellow clothes, gold, turmeric, ghee, cereals of yellow
colour, topaz, horse, book, honey, salt, sugar, land and umbrella to the
brahmins pacifies the jupiter.

MERCURY:
Mercury is attired in yellow apparels and wears a
garland of yellow flowers. The radiance and glow of his
body is like that of an oleander flower. He has a sword,
a shield a mace in each of his three hands respectively
and his fourth hand is raised in the posture of giving
blessings. He has a golden crown on his head and a
beautiful garland in his neck. His vehicle is a lion.
According to the ‘Atharavaveda’ Mercury’s father is the moon and his mother is
Tara. He was given the name mercury by lord Brahma because of his
 intelligence. According to Shrimad bhagawat he is
proficient in all the scriptures and is as radiant as the
moon.

According to the Shrimadbhagawat (5/22-13) mercury is

situated about 2,00,000 yojans (2400 000 km above venus). Mercury is
considered to be an auspicious planet but if by chance it transgresses, chance
of natural calamities like draught storm and floods occur.

According to the Matsyapuran the complexion of mercury is yellow like an

oleander flower. His chariot is of white colour and illuminated by light, Horses,
which are as fast as the wind, pull the chariot. The names of the horses are
Shweta, Pisanga, Saranga, Neel, Peeta, Vilohita, Krishna, Hairta, Prisha and
Prishni.

The governing deity of the planet mercury is Lord Vishnu. Mercury is the lord
of the zodiac Gemini, and Virgo. The great phase of mercury lasts for 17 years.
The mercury is considered as a high planet, till the fifteenth degree,
in the zodiac of Virgo.

For the pacification of this planet fasts should be observed on every Amavasya
(moonless night) and emerald should be worn on the body.

Donations of ivory, green-clothes, Coral emerald, gold camphor, weapon, fruit

and ghee to the brahmins also satisfies the mercury.

VENUS:
Venus the preceptor of the demons is of white and fair complexion. He
possesses a beautiful crown on his head and wears a garland in his neck. He is
seated on the pedestal of white lotus. He has four hands. In each of his three
hands. He holds a ‘dand’ (stick), a rudraksha garland & a receptacle. His fourth
hand is raised in the posture of giving boons and blessings.

Venus or ‘Shukracharya’ is the priest of the demons. He continuously showers

his blessing on his disciples (demons). He is the supreme teacher of the ‘yoga’
After doing a tremendous penance he had pleased lord Shiva and received the
‘learning’ of ‘Mritasanjivani’ (bringing alive a dead person). By the help of this
learning he used to bring back to life the demons that got killed in the battles
with the deities. (Mahabharat, Adiparva 76/8)

According to the Matsyapuran, Shukracharya performed such a severe

austerity and penance for the benediction of the demons which was
incomparable and which has not been performed by anybody till date. Lord
Shiva became pleased and blessed him with a boon that he would defeat the
deities in the battle and also that nobody would be able to kill him. Lord Shiva
also made him the secretary of all the wealth as a result he became the lord of
all the wealth of all the worlds.

According to the Mahabharat (AdiParva (78/39) Shukracharya was not only the
lord of wealth but he is also the master of the medicinal herbs, the mantras
and all kinds of taste. His capabilities are wonderful. He had donated all his
wealth to the demons and had accepted the life of a hermit.
By the inspiration of lord Brahma he became a planet and started to protect
the lives of all the living beings of all the three worlds. In his form of a planet
he attends the assembly of lord Brahma. He is very favorable planet for the
worlds because he pacifies such planets, which obstruct rain.

His presiding deity is ‘Indra’. According to the Matsyapuran (94/5) the

complexion of Shukracharya (Venus) is fair. Chariot is his vehicle, which is
pulled by eight horses, which are like fire. Flags keep fluttering on top of the
chariot. He has a dand (stick or mace) as his weapon.

Venus is the lord of the zodiac of Taurus and Libra and his great phase lasts for
twenty years. The Venus is considered as a high planet, till the twenty-seventh
degree,
in the zodiac of Pisces.

For the pacification of Venus, the worship of cow should be done and a
diamond should be worn. Venus is also pacified if donations of silver, gold, rice,
ghee, white clothes, white-sandalwood, curd, sugar,
cow and land are made to the brahmins.

SATURN:
The complexion and radiance of Saturn is as brilliant as
a blue diamond. He has a golden crown on his head
and wears a garland and blue coloured apparels. He is
seated on the back of the vulture. He possesses a bow,
an arrow and a trident in each of his three hands
respectively and his fourth hand is raised in the
posture of giving boons and blessings.

Saturn is the son of Sun god and Chaya (Sanvarna). He is considered as a

cruel planet. The cruelty, which he possesses in his sight, is due to the curse
he received from his wife. The narration which has been mentioned in the
Brahma Puran goes as follows:

The deity Shani (Saturn) was a great devotee of lord Krishna right from his
childhood. He used to be immersed in the love for lord Krishna. After he grew
up, his father married him with the daughter of ‘Chitraratha’. His wife was a
chaste woman full of radiance.

One night she went to him after having a bath when her menstruation periods
were over, with a desire of having a son, but her husband Shani (Saturn) was
immersed in the meditation of lord Krishna, he was unconscious of his
surroundings. She became tired of waiting and she became angry . She cursed
him that from today onwards whoever gets seen by him would be destroyed.
After he came out of his meditative trance ‘Shani’ (Saturn) tried to make up
with her by cajoling her. His wife too felt sorry for her mistake but she was
powerless in neutralizing the ill effects of her curse. From then onwards Shani
has been keeping his gaze downwards because he did not want to cause harm
to anybody.

According to the astrology if the Saturn pierces and passes through the
constellation of Rohini then it is considered to be very inauspicious and causes
draughts for twelve years making even the survival of the living beings
impossible. This combination was about to come during the time of
Dasharatha. He was cautioned by his astrologers against its consequences. To
protect his subject from ‘Shanis’ wrath Dasharatha went up in the
constellation-zone. First of all he made salutations to the deity ‘Shani’ but
when he refused he fought with him, using his most destructive weapon.

‘Shani’ became pleased by his sense of duty and asked him to demand any
boon. Dasharatha requested him not to cross the Rohini-constellation’ till the
sun and constellation exists. Shani agreed to his request.

Lord Yama is the presiding deity of the Saturn. His complexion is dark, his
vehicle is a vulture and his chariot is made up of iron. Saturn remains in each
of the twelve zodiacs for thirty months. The Saturn is
considered as a high planet, till the twentieth degree,
in the zodiac of Libra.

RAHU:
The face of Dragon’s head is very ferocious and
terrifying. He has a crown on his head, a garland in
his neck and wears apparels of black colour. He holds
a sword, a shield, a trident in each of his three hands
respectively and his fourth hand is raised in the
posture of giving boons and blessings. He is seated on
a lion, which is his vehicle.

‘Rahu’s’ mother is ‘Sinhika’ who was the wife of ‘Viprachitti’ and was the
daughter of Hiranyakashipu. Rahu is also known as ‘Sainhikeya’, which is
based on his mother’s name. Rahu had one hundred brothers, but he was the
most capable and powerful among all of them. (Shrimadbhagawat 6/6/36).

During the time of churning of the sea, when lord Vishnu in his appearance of
an enchanting woman (Mohini) was giving ambrosia to the deities for drinking,
Rahu sat among the deities in disguise. Rahu also was able to drink the
ambrosia but the moon and the sun made the secret open about with real
identity. Lord Vishnu killed him with his Sudarshan Chakra’ by severing his
head. The drinking of ambrosia had made him immortal and lord Brahma
transformed him into a planet. (Srimadbhagawat 8/9/26)

According to the Mahabharat (Bheeshma Parva 12/40) the shape of the

dragon’s head is circular. He too sits in the assembly of lord Brahma along with
the rest of the planets.

According to the Matsyapuran (28/61) the shadow of the earth is circular and
Rahu rotates around this very shadow.

He is the presiding deity of this shadow (Chhaya). According to the rigveda

(5/40/5) when Rahu – the son of Asuya or Sinhika covers the sun and the
moon with his darkness, then it becomes so dark that the people became
unable even to identify their places.

Even after being transformed into a planet Rahu attacks the moon on full moon
day and the sun on dark moon day out of his enmity towards them. This event
is called an eclipse or Rahu Parag.

According to the Matsyapuran the chariot of Rahu appears in the form of

darkness. His chariot is pulled by eight horses, which are black in color.

The presiding deity of Rahu is ‘Kaal’. It is symbolised by a black flag in north

west direction among all the nine planets.

The great phase of Dragon’s head lasts for 18 years. Barring few situations it is
generally considered to be an inauspicious planet. According to the astrology if
‘Rahu’ is situated unfavorably in the horoscope then it causes many types of
physical illness. It also causes obstacles in accomplishment of works and
accidents.

Chanting of the Mrityunjay mantra and wearing a turquoise pacifies the

dragon’s head.

Making donations of mica, iron, sesame, blue clothes, receptacles made of

copper, horse-beans, oil onyx, blanket, horse and a
sword, to the brahmins too pacifies the dragon’s head.

KETU:
The Dragon’s tail or Ketu has two arms. He possesses
a crown on his head and is attired in black-clothes. The
complexion of his body is smoke-like and he has a
deformed face. In each of his two hands he holds a
mace and the other hand is raised in the posture of
giving boons and blessings. He is seated on a vulture
which is also his vehicle.

‘Ketu’ is the headless trunk of the demon ‘Rahu’. After the killing of Rahu,
when lord Vishnu severed his head by his sudarshan chakra. The head portion
was called Rahu and his trunk was called Ketu. Both Rahu and Ketu became
planets. According to the matsyapuran there are numerous Ketus out of which
‘Dhoomketu’ is the main.

According to the Indian astrology dragon’s tail is a shadow planet. It has a

tremendous impact on human lives and also the whole creation. It’s area of
influence is considered to be in the north-west direction. According to some
scholars Ketu is Somber and mild as compared to Rahu and is beneficial for a
man. In some special circumstances it helps a man to achieve the zenith of
fame. The shape of Ketu is considered to be of the shape of a fluttering flag.
Its length is only six angul (six inches).

Although both Rahu and Ketu originated from the same body but after being
transformed into the planets and considering it as their rebirth, new names of
lineages were given to them. Rahu was considered to be of ‘Paithinas’ clan or
lineage and Ketu was considered to be of ‘Jainini’ lineage. The complexion of
Ketu is like a colour of the smoke. In some places there are mentions of pigeon
as his vehicle.
The great phase of Dragon’s tail lasts for seven years. If there is a Ketu
situated in an inauspicious house of a man’s horoscope then it causes
inauspicious and misfortunes. The man gets inflicted with disease like leprosy
itches and ringworm.

Making donations of the following things pacifies the Ketu Lapis- Lazule (gem),
oil, black sesame, blanket, weapon, musk and flower of blue colour. Wearing of
a cat’s eye and chanting of ‘Mrityunjaya Japa also pacifies the Ketu.

Houses

There are 12 houses in a natal chart which are for observing following things.

House 1 : phyasical characteristics

House 2: money
House 3: Brother/sisters
House 4: Mother/happiness
House 5 : Study/Childrens
House 6: Enemies
House 7: Spouse
House 8: Disease/death
House 9: Fortune
House 10: Father/Work done
House 11: Profit
House 12: Losses

House 1 is also called LAGAN.

Rashi (sign)
THERE ARE twelve signs. A sign is called a Rashi in Sanskrit. The word Rashi
literally means a heap, a cluster. As a sign in the zodiac was identified by the
characteristic heap or cluster of the stars constituting it, it came to be known
as a Rashi. This is a general term for a sign, but in Hindu astrology the sign in
which the Moon is placed at the time of birth is commonly referred to as Rashi.
When a brief question is put to a person, "what is your Rashi?" it means in
which sign the Moon was at the time of your birth?

The rising sign is referred to as Lagna-rashi or simply as Lagnam. The names

of the twelve signs have been given before. However some attributes or
characteristics of each sign are given below

1 Aries - Head (top portion)

2 Taurus - Face (including the neck).
3 Gemini - Upper portion of chest and arms
4 Cancer - Heart, Breasts/Chest
5 Leo - Stomach, portion above the navel
6 Virgo - Portion below navel and above Basti
7 Libra - navel to genitals
8 Scorpio - Genitals, anus
9 Sagittarius - Thighs, hips
10 Capricorn - The two knees, back
11 Aquarius - Calves of legs
12 Pisces - Feet

Reading a Horoscope

Lagan Kundli
A horoscope is a detailed layout of the zodiac and planets ( recognized by the
ancient Indians influencing the earth) at the time of birth.
It would be equivalent to a picture taken at a particular time capturing the
state of heavenly bodies in the sky.

So for clarification now:

1. Simha (Leo) is in the 1st house

2. Kanya (Virgo) is in the 2nd house

3. Tula (Libra) is in the 3rd house

4. Vrishchika (Scorpio) is in the 4th house

5. Dhanus (Sagittarius) is in the 5th house

6. Makara (Capricon) is in the 6th house

7. Kumbha (Aquarius) is in the 7th house

8. Meena (Pisces) is in the 8th house

9. Mesha (Aries) is in the 9th house

10. Vrishabha (Taurus) is in the 10th house

11. Mithuna (Gemini) is in the 11th house

12. Kataka (Cancer) is in the 12th house

Further now as per the example the planets are placed in the following signs at
the time of birth :

1. Sun - Mesha (Aries)

2. Moon- Makara (Capricorn)

3. Mercury- Vrishabha (Taurus)

4. Mars- Kanya (Virgo)

5. Jupiter- Kumbha (Aquarius)

6. Saturn- Vrishabha (Taurus)

7. Venus- Mesha (Aries)

8. Rahu- Mithuna (Gemini)

9. Ketu- Dhanus (Sagittarius)

SO NOW THE HOROSCOPE CAST WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS :

1. ASC: Leo

2. Sun: Ninth house : Aries

3. Moon: Sixth house : Capricorn

4. Mercury: Tenth house : Taurus

5. Mars: Second house : Virgo

6. Jupiter: Seventh house : Aquarius

7. Saturn: Tenth house : Taurus

8. Venus: Ninth house : Aries

9. Rahu: Eleventh house : Gemini

10. Ketu: Fifth house : Sagittarius