Moon - the mother

Moon: The cosmic feminine energy, relates to mind, mother and rules over emotions, imagination, abundance of love, dignity, nurturing and holds her influence behind every decisive action in life.  Very important Karmic index in Vedic astrology and often used as a prime reference tool at the interpretational levels in predictive, progressive and transits. Moon confers many creative talents in poetry, art and bestows royal status and also tends to cause mental unrest, changeability, lunacy and emotional disturbances.  Moon is associated with blood, eye, lung related problems and feminine reproductive and menstrual disorders. 

Moon belongs to the Vaishya caste (merchants & artisans class, third in order among 4-caste pattern of social classes practiced in Hinduism in ancient days) and regarded as queen in celestial cabinet. The ancient astrological texts bear the mention of classifying this celestial body as female gender and attributed to the Satvic guna.  This cosmic force has been considered as benefic in waxing and malefic in waning stage with a short stature with command over the northwest direction with the element of water.  The Moon personified as the senses, emotions, and mind.  Moon is identified as mother in relationship index. Temptation is the method of persuasion applied by this cosmic force in human interaction.

Moon owns the constellation of Cancer (Karka), 4th of the zodiacal order located at 90 to 120 degrees of the zodiac symbolized by a Crab with the element of water representing the chest of cosmic man. This stretch causes exaltation of Jupiter and debilitation of Mars and corresponds to the issues related to the mental and emotional aspects of the human beings. Degree of social, political acceptance, fame can be ascertained from here. It indicates chest, stomach–especially that of related to the digestive systems are well examined from this slot.   

Moon has lordship over the Nakshatras (lunar mansions) of Rohini, Hasta and Sravana and co-signifies fourth house with Venus (bhava  Sukhasthan - house of happiness, comfort & harmony, that is also known as Mathrstan – house of mother)

In natural relationship with other planets Moon is friendly with Sun and Mercury, inimical to none, while neutral to Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn.   

Mars - the God of war

 ‘Mangal’, ‘Kuja’ and ‘Angaraka’ are few names of planet Mars in Sanskrit.  He is head of the celestial army and referred as God of war.  This cosmic force represents enormous energy and often promotes onslaught, aggression, and mass destruction in direct warfare and is symbol of courage and power. Mars confers the ability to standup and speaks against the evil with determination.  It also bestows great oratory skill and commands which influence the society at large in taking up strong causes in fight against the evil and injustice and destroy the root of menace by aggression and force. The might of Mars that is known to have caused supreme success in historical adventures with the ambition, courage, endurance, wittiness it also caused a number of accidents, loss of human lives, violence, extravagance and utter chaos in society.  The Martian energy, if misdirected causes destruction, aggression and violence and often seen as one of the main causes in marital discord and violence.  Terrorism, dictatorial and mass destruction activities are also known to have triggered by this entity. 

Mars belongs to the Kshatriya caste (warriors and rulers class, second in order among 4-caste pattern of social classes practiced in Hinduism in ancient days) and regarded as head of armed forces in celestial cabinet. The ancient astrological texts bear the mention of classifying this celestial body as male gender and attributed to the tamas guna. The nature of this cosmic force is categorized as malefic.   This cosmic force has been considered as a short stature and command over the south direction with the element of fire.  Mars is personified as the strength & power and is identified as significator of siblings in relationship index. Punishment is the method of persuasion applied by this cosmic force in human interaction.

Mars owns constellations of Aries (Mesh) and Scorpio (Vrischik).  Aries, being a positive domain of Mars which is the 1st of the zodiacal order located from 0 to 30 degrees of zodiac and symbolized by the a ‘ram’ with the element of fire representing the head of the cosmic man. This stretch gives power and boosts new beginnings with great perceptive, directional, motivating skills. Confers ability to plan, design and execute any action that requires courage and determination.  It gives the ability to supervise, adhere and monitor the tedious patterns of assignments.  It helps to initiate, incubate and transfer the issues that relate to human life and existence.  This stretch exalts Sun and debilitates Saturn.

Scorpio, being a negative domain of Mars which is the 8th of the zodiacal order located from 210 to 240 degrees of zodiac and symbolized by the a ‘scorpion’ with the element of water representing the sexual organs of the cosmic man.  This stretch symbolizes application of physical energy, stamina that is guided systematically into upholding the values of society. Due to debilitation of Moon in this stretch of zodiac this is called one of the mystical and dark stretch of the zodiac, which promotes interest and activity into the exploration of the darker side of the human nature through mystical practices of tantra and other forms of occultism. This stretch is associated with high intelligence and perception and also often found to cause overly expressive in emotions that relate and advance in the direction of sexual encounters.   

Mars has lordship over the Nakshatras (lunar mansions) Mrigshira, Chitra and Dhanishta and is significator of third house (bhava Parakramsthan - house of valor) and also signifies Sixth house (bhava Shatrusthan or Rogsthan - house of enemies & diseases) with Saturn. 

In natural relationship with other planets Mars is friendly with Sun, Moon & Jupiter and inimical to Saturn & Venus and neutral to Mercury.  

Venus – the Goddess of love, passion and beauty

Venus, in Sanskrit is called ‘Shukra’ literally means semen and referred as the morning star, symbol of luxury, wealth, beauty, art, elegance, grace, charm and power. Mythological texts refer Venus as teacher of demons who taught them all aspects of traditional warfare and tactics from casting charms to hypnotize and immobilize the enemy. Venus, a Brahmin, teacher of demons depicted in two different images, the first being a fair skinned youth personified with sensual, love and graceful expressions with hypnotizing eyes and radiant physique and other image is that of a supreme Brahmin teacher of the demons with matted hair with fully grown beard and focused eyes. These images indicate two distinct sides of Venus – the sensuous side of human side which influences aspects of love, passion, lust and other quality of regularizing and leading demonic forces. Venus stands to represent all worldly pleasures and power that can unseat the mighty and the power drawn through sexual unions that relates to Tantra and as we see that dilution of sex is mandatory means of practice of tantra. Venus also connects with witches, charms, occult, black magic and other means of deadly practices and draws tremendous strength in the morning hours.

Venus belongs to the Brahmin caste (Priests and teachers class, highest in order among 4-caste pattern of social classes practiced in Hinduism in ancient days) and regarded as advisor in celestial cabinet. The ancient astrological texts bear the mention of classifying this celestial body as female gender and attributed to the rajas guna. The nature of this cosmic force is categorized as benefic. This cosmic force has been considered as an average stature and command over the southeast direction with the element of water.  The Venus is personified as the desires and cravings and identified as significator of spouse in relationship index. Counsel is the method of persuasion applied by this cosmic force in human interaction.

Venus owns the constellations of  Taurus (Vrishab) and Libra (Tula).  

Taurus, being the negative domain of Venus that is 2^nd of the zodiacal order located at the 30 to 60 degrees symbolized by a ‘bull’ with unusual horns with the element of earth and representing mouth of the cosmic man.  This stretch exalts Moon and works at strengthening human relationships and partnerships that promote social, conjugal harmony and peaceful existence. This stretch is also known to acquire, preserve and improve all that it comes into contact with respect to human relationships and fosters growth and fertility. 

 Libra, being the positive domain of Venus which is 7th of the zodiacal order located at the 180 to 210 degrees symbolized by a ‘scales’ or ‘balance’ with the element of air and representing lower abdomen of the cosmic man.  This stretch exalts Saturn and debilitates Sun.  This stretch indicates power, fight for humanitarian causes, leadership and ideas and brings  new social orders by revolutions, reforms, fanaticism and changes by constant application of balance.  This stretch causes very strong belief in truth and righteousness and evokes the masses to correct the political system and judiciary. 

Venus has lordship over Nakshatras (lunar mansions) of Bharani, Purva Phalguni and Purva Ashada and is significator of the fourth house (bhava Sukhasthan – house of happiness, comfort & harmony) also signifies the seventh house (bhava Yuvathisthan - house of union) with Jupiter. 

In natural relationship with other planets Venus is friendly with Mercury and Saturn, inimical to Sun, Moon and Neutral to Mars & Jupiter

Mercury, the messenger of Gods'

Mercury, the messenger of Gods is known as ‘Budh’ in Sanksrit, that represents intelligence, communication at all levels and acts of balancing and known to be associated with constant change, swiftness, invention, restlessness and quick response. This celestial body represents qualities of dynamism, reasoning, and logic, duality with regard to speech, commerce, trade and communication. Highly adaptable to situations, circumstances and bestows quality as a medium to form a balance in each and every application of human relationship, be it commercial, spiritual or social.

Mercury belongs to the Vaishya caste (merchants & artisans class, third in order among 4-caste pattern of social classes practiced in Hinduism in ancient days) and regarded as prince in celestial cabinet. The ancient astrological texts bear the mention of classifying this celestial body as neuter gender and attributed to the rajas guna. The nature of this cosmic force is categorized as benefic or malefic depending upon its association with other forces.   This cosmic force has been considered as a short stature and command over the north direction with the element of earth.  The Mercury is personified as the rational mind and expression and identified as significator of maternal uncles in relationship index. Diplomacy is the method of persuasion applied by this cosmic force in human interaction.

Mercury owns the constellation of Gemini (Mithun) and Virgo (Kanya). 

The Gemini, being a positive domain that is 3rd of the zodiacal order located at the 60 to 90 degrees symbolized by ‘twins’ with the element of air representing the arms of the cosmic man.  This stretch is barren, but highly intelligent, seeking motion and dualistic in approach and state.  Some slots in this stretch are known to cause uncertainty and prone to massive natural calamities and destruction of infrastructure that are presumed as creative destruction to bring a new world order by striking balance. 

The Virgo, being a negative domain that is the 6th of the zodiacal order located at the 150 to 180 degrees, symbolized by a ‘Virgin’ with the element of earth representing digestive system of cosmic man. This stretch exalts Mercury and debilitates Venus. The intellectual and other properties of this stretch are largely come into force with keen applications that hold vital in interacting with human life to maintain or enhance the energies at the physical level. 

Mercury has lordship over the Nakshatras (lunar mansions) of Ashlesha, Jyestha and Revati and it signifies the second house (bhava Dhanasthan -house of wealth) with Jupiter.  It also   signifies the tenth house (bhava Karmasthan – house of action) along with Jupiter & Sun. 

In natural relationship with other planets Mercury is friendly with Sun, Venus and inimical to Mars, Jupiter and Saturn and neutral to Moon

Jupiter - the divine guide

Jupiter - ‘Guru’,  ‘Brhaspati’ ‘Devaguru’ are a few among many Vedic references of the planet, the most benefic and auspicious of all celestial forces that relates to knowledge, intelligence, fortune, wealth, fame, wisdom, and spirituality and represents divine spirit and cosmic intelligence.  It signifies luck and fortune and responsible for fame, success and rise and hence it symbolizes increase and expansion in every activity.  It also shows the path of divinity through truth, law and light.  In mythological reference Jupiter was born to sage Angirasa and Surupa.  He is an expert in Vedas and possessed with all forms of knowledge and teacher of Gods. The Rig Veda cites of his defeating enemies and breaking their forts flawlessly with his immaculate skills in warfare. Positive influence of Jupiter energy is essential in large ventures, enterprises, developments and it plays vital role in areas related to religion, justice.  Jupiter indicates spirituality, contributions to the social cause. Negative influence of Jupiter causes atheism, designing deceptive plans and guides (financial and religious), pessimism, lethargy and financial misadventures. 

Jupiter belongs to the Brahmin caste (Priests and teachers class, highest in order among 4-caste pattern of social classes practiced in Hinduism in ancient days) and regarded as advisor in celestial cabinet. The ancient astrological texts bear the mention of classifying this celestial body as male gender and attributed to the Satvic guna.  This cosmic force has been considered as benefic of the highest order with a tall stature and command over the northeast direction with the element of ether.  The Jupiter personified as the knowledge and fortune and identified as significator of children in relationship index. Counsel is the method of persuasion applied by this cosmic force in human interaction.

Jupiter owns the constellations of Sagittarius (Dhanur) and Pisces (Meena).  Sagittarius is a positive domain of Jupiter and is 9th of the zodiacal order located at the 240 to 270 degrees, symbolized as ‘an archer’ with the element of fire representing the thighs of the cosmic man. This stretch manifests the ‘will’ in action and causes the qualities of self-righteousness, discriminating and being overly expressive in criticism at times. It tends to create a lot of positive energy in chasing dreams and shaping society at large which also works on the same level at the physical levels in athletics and sports and more expressed in explorations and other forms of outdoor activities. The hips, buttocks, glutinous muscles are related to this stretch. 

Pisces being a negative domain of Jupiter which is 12th of the zodiacal order located at the 330 to 360 degrees, symbolized by ‘two fish in the North & south direction’ with the element of water, representing feel of the cosmic man. This zodiacal stretch causes exaltation of Venus and debilitation of Mercury. This stretch evokes unusual psychic, occult abilities and unnatural, secretive behavioral patterns that cause emotional upheavals

Jupiter has lordship over the Nakshatras (lunar mansions) of Punarvasu, Vishaka and Purva Bhadrapada and significator of the second house (Bhava Dhanasthan- house of wealth) with Mercury.   Jupiter also owns fifth house  (bhava Putrasthan - house of progeny), seventh house  (bhava Yuvathistan - house of union) with Venus, ninth house (Bhagyasthan - house of wisdom) with Sun, tenth house (Karmasthan -house of action) with Sun & Mercury, and eleventh house-house of gains). 

In natural relationship with other planets Jupiter is friendly with Sun, Moon & Mars and is inimical to Mercury & Venus and neutral to Saturn.

Karma and its mapping through the horoscope using cosmic forces

The natal horoscope prepared based on inputs of birth data (date and time of birth and other information like longitude & latitude of the place of birth) aided with harmonic charts of an individual give disposition of celestial bodies engaged in the Jyotish in understanding the very essence or forces. 

The celestial forces or entities do indicate the gunas, represent the elements, indicate the purushathas, and have been distinctly characterized by the ancient sages.  Their zodiacal disposition in the horoscope guides the Vedic astrologer in mapping the events.  Every learned Vedic astrologer attempts to decipher the causes and effects from the charts through his knowledge that he gained though his teachers and Vedic astrological treatises.  The Vedic astrologer assesses and analyzes each or collective cosmic force influencing the individual after applying many tools of Vedic astrology. 

The dispositions of the celestials bodies like the planets and lunar mansions (Nakshatras) at the zodiac at the specific house or stretch reveal us Karmic path of every individual.  Every natal chart is distinctly different than other as that of similar to the biometric impression, which is unique and is not repetitive or duplication.  The natal chart contains and reveals the information on each and every aspect of life.  

Jyotish uses the sidereal zodiac for all its calculations, interpretations and predictions using the nine planets consist of Sun, Moon as luminaries, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars as outer while Venus and Mercury as inner planets.  Rahu and Ketu, commonly known as north and south nodes of the Moon are non-entities, but play important role in mapping and  treated as planets for mathematical points of intersection.  The 27 Nakshatras or the lunar mansions spread across the zodiac in 12 signs of 30 degrees each thus creating a total band of 360 degrees act as specific indices in interpreting the Karmic significance with reference to each and every natal chart or harmonic charts.  

Sun - the universal soul

The Sun, regarded as the life force, dispeller of evil and darkness and giver of Prana (Vital life, breath) to all live living creatures is known from the fact that the Sun was worshipped as God by the civilizations.  Sun indicates vitality and the practice of Surya Namaskar (Sun salutation yoga position) reminds us the importance of this practice in maintaining or regaining the lost vitality. Hindu mythology references Sun as legendary first man of the human race Manu is said to be son of Sun.  The scripture refers about the Sun being the dwelling place of our ancestors and is one of the eight Vasu’s (dwelling place of consciousness).  The Sun, the purifying male energy associated with Vishnu, the Lord of preservation.  The Sun is the self that is connected to the creator, the Soul.  In cosmic references we ascribe him as the universal soul that represent the life force and sustains everything. Each heartbeat of living creature is controlled the Sun.  Similarly the thought process, inspiration, vitality, power and confidence have directly related to the Sun

Sun belongs to the Kshatriya caste (warriors and rulers class, second in order among 4-caste pattern of social classes practiced in Hinduism in ancient days) and regarded as king in celestial cabinet. The ancient astrological texts bear the mention of classifying this celestial body as male gender and attributed to the Satvic guna.  This cosmic force has been considered as malefic with an average stature and command over the eastern direction with the element of fire.  The Sun personified as the soul, self and identified as father in relationship index. Punishment is the method of persuasion applied by this cosmic force in human interaction.

Sun owns the constellation of Leo (Simha) 5th of the zodiacal order located at 120 to 150 degrees of the zodiac symbolized by a Lion with the element of fire representing the solar (celiac) plexus of cosmic man. This zodiacal stretch promotes a forceful, dominating, determined mindset that is representing ego, ambition. This stretch causes great attraction with the members of the opposite sex and known to attribute tendencies towards gambling and speculation. It indicates the heart, spine, spinal marrow, nerves, and anterior and posterior coronary. 

Sun has lordship over the Nakshatras (lunar mansions) of Krittika, Uttara Phalguni and Uttara Ashada and is significator of first house (bhava Lagnasthan) and Ninth house (bhava Bhagyasthan) with Jupiter and Tenth house (bhava Karmasthan) with Jupiter with Mercury. 

In natural relationship with other planets Sun is friendly with Moon, Mars & Jupiter, inimical to Venus, Saturn while neutral to Mercury.  

Understanding ‘Purusartha – the four aims of life’ through Vedic astrology

Dharma (righteousness), Artha (worldly wealth), Kama (worldly pleasures) and Moksha (self realization) are the four aims of human life.   These four aims of life are best explained as the four legs of a pyramid. When life begins, an individual contributes in shaping and erecting the structure in a right way up, with a gradual ascent to the pinnacle by balancing all the four aims in life.   Though the whole purpose of life is to create a flawless pyramid, the human being fails to erect a right structure and often seems to tilt and throw it off balance. It is here that the importance of examining the natal chart (prepared based on birth details like date, time and other information, like longitude and latitude of the place of birth) of an individual comes in. This gives disposition of celestial bodies engaged in the Jyotish in understanding the very essence or forces that destroy the structure and help us understand and forewarn the consequences. The very dispositions of the Celestials bodies, like the planets and Nakshatras (lunar mansions), of the zodiac reveal to us the Karmic path taken by every individual.  Every natal chart is distinctly different from others and is similar to the biometric impression, which is unique. The natal chart contains and reveals the information on each and every aspect of life. 

Dharma means living life righteously by the ethical codes and norms of religion, by the word of the God and religious codes and by refraining from anything that causes damage to the purity of the soul and mankind. The path of Dharma creates eternal happiness and immortality. It includes all the good deeds for mankind and sacrifices to the divine, which eventually elevates human character. Dharma leads one to the path of purity, perfection, divinity, selflessness and glory.  Dharma also means to take steps to uphold justice by all means, which includes harsh punishments within the powers enforced.

Artha means worldly wealth and is recognized by and related to the material wealth associated with pursuing the joys of life. It is the second most important aim of life after Dharma, in relation to living and connecting with oneself, family and society.  Working and channeling energies towards this aim relate to amassing wealth, chasing fame and reaching atop the social ladder and also breaking the forts to conquer enemies. It can also contribute to larger social causes for the well being of mankind.

Kama literally means worldly pleasures, though it is seen as desire of all forms in entirety, while referring to one of the important aims of life.  Desire is the root cause of any suffering and is often linked to the bondage in the cycle of birth and sex. It has been considered as one of the worldly pleasures and can mean liberation and can be used as a tool for happiness in life.  Through celibacy one attains spiritual awakening and transforms into a higher energy, but through suppression it is known to cause suffering that leads to bondage in birth cycles. Kama plays an important role in balancing the aims of life, but often is seen as more of an addiction to the sensual side, overstepping wedlock and finding oneself in mental conflict. 

Moksha is a state of spiritual awakening or self-realization. It is the most difficult state to attain and different schools of thought hold different views on this state. Despite this, all of them agree that this state is attained after renouncing worldly desires and upon successfully treading the path of knowledge, action and supreme devotion.  This state is also known as Paramartha, the transcendental aim. 

Using zodiac as primary grid on knowing the 4 aims

Zodiac is a 360-degree band that is divided into 12 equal divisions that are commonly known as Bhavas or houses in Vedic astrology.  These 12 bhavas consist of four trines or triangles; they represent the four aims of life or Purushartha - Dharma (Righteousness), Artha (Worldly wealth), Kama (Worldly pleasures or desires) and Moksha (Spiritual awakening and liberation of soul). The set of three bhavas or houses in each represent the aim of life with a varied level of index of each aim.   The reference point in determining the 1st house in the natal chart is always the ‘Udaya Lagna’ or the ascendant  – referred as the first house, the sign that is rising on the eastern horizon at the time of birth.  The other houses follow the zodiacal sequence and the trines are formed in 3 sets as 1,5 & 9 (Dharma),   2,6, & 10 (Artha),    3,7 & 11 (Kama) and 4,8 & 12 (Moksha)

The 1st, 5th and 9th bhavas are known as The Trines of Dharma and unfolds the level of Self, intelligence and spiritual path, the first aim of human existence. 

The 2nd, 6th and 10th bhavas are known as The Trine of Artha and unfolds at the level of wealth, service and career, the second aim of human existence. 

The 3rd, 7th and 11th bhavas are known as The Trine of Kama that unfolds the human desire and means to achieve it and unfolds it at the level of persistence, one with others, sex, and gain, the third aim of human existence. 

The 4th, 8th and 12th bhavas are known as The Trine of Moksha, which unfolds harmony and aspiration to understand human existence in complete isolation, which leads to liberation.

The disposition of cosmic bodies in these trines of natal charts reveals understanding the construction of the ‘pyramid of human life’.  The science of Vedic astrology has well defined parameters set by the ancient seers in knowing the manifestation of combinational effects caused by the cosmic bodies on human beings.  The Vedic science has a clear way of understanding and foreseeing the possible outcome of the  shaping of ‘pyramid to the pinnacle’.  The astrological natal charts are often used as tools in exploring the Purusartha after evaluating cosmic bodies in various signs, their aspects, transits and other means. 

Jyotish and origin of the Cosmic Man

Jyotish literally means the science of light, which is mentioned in the Vedas and is called Vedic astrology. It is commonly known as Hindu astrology and is one of the ancient forms of astrology.  In the Vedangas, Jyotish is placed in one of the six auxiliary streams as the eyes of the Vedas.  Brihmarishi Mayan was credited with a doctrine of astronomy titled Surya Siddhantha that was of great significance in tracking the movement of the Sun, Moon and other planets. This was repeatedly revised by well known mathematicians, astronomers and astrologers like Varahamihira and Aryabhata.

Jyotish or Vedic astrology is also known as Nayana, means the eye. Naya means to lead. It is believed that a blind man needs to be lead. In relation to that, calculations made in relation to celestial bodies are roadmaps or broad indices on which he/she is lead to clarity and that is why it is called the eyes of Vedas

Sankhya philosophy and the origin of cosmic man: Sankhya is one of the six classical schools of Indian philosophy.  It was founded by sage Kapila and is recognized as the oldest school on the subject.  Philosophy upholds only two realities, The Purusha (consciousness of the cosmic man) and Prikriti (realm of matter) in this universe. Prikriti the first cause of the universe that is associated with Maya and in its unconscious principle, it consists of trigunas (three attributes), namely, Satva, Rajas and Tamas. These shape the cosmos in its root form. The Satva is a source of origin, balance or equilibrium. Rajas causes expansion or activity while Tamas is the state of inertia or resistance to action. The very existence and functioning of the cosmos is attributed to the Vedic belief of Creation (Satva), Preservation (Rajas) and destruction (Tamas). The administration of this Maya is well defined in trigunas of Satva, Rajas and Tamas.  

Satva relates to all the beginnings and refers to the purest form of spiritual spotless existence with higher thinking. It constantly explores the roots of all processes and involves a process that functions undisturbed and focuses on purification.  Rajas is an intermediate act or process which gives rise to deviation, disturbance and causes confusion. It is responsible for extended activity that results in motion, preservation and power.  Action, change, deviation and excitement are identified with this guna and termed as positive but not as much as the Satva guna.  Tamas  darkness, as it means in Sanskrit, relates to resistance to change, promoting darkness in thoughts, proneness to systematic or sudden destruction and causing maliciousness and impure thoughts. It is considered as negative Guna in opposition to The Satva Guna and The Rajas Guna.    

Origin of manas or the mind is attributed to the Satva guna. Hence the five senses of perception i.e; hearing, sight, touch, smell and taste are identified. In response the to the five senses of perception, the Rajas guna causes action by speech as vocal expression, hand movement as creative response, feet to represent motion, genitals to represent reproduction and anus to represent elimination.  Tamas guna controls five objects of senses that are sound, texture, form, flavor and odor.