What is astrology?
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 ½ 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
Mulatrikona 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 ½ 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 Multrikona 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 Mutrikona 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 ½ 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 Multrikona 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.
Significations of the Twelve Houses of the Horoscope
First House
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.
Twelve 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.
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