Planetary Transits for May 2008
(All times are GMT, London, and U.K.)
All month: Jupiter in Sagittarius (Dhanus) direct and retrograde, Mercury in Taurus direct and retrograde, Mars in Cancer (Karka) debilitated, Saturn in Leo (Simha) direct and retrograde, Rahu in Capricorn (Markar) & Ketu in Cancer (Karka) (True & mean). Krittika is the monthly celebrations for Kartikeyan.
May 2008 Panchanga
2nd 23:23 Pradosh***
3rd 03:04 Saturn becomes direct in Leo
4th 17:02 Amavasya Tithi begins**.
5th 13:19 New Moon in 21º 24', in Aries, Bharani nakshatra. (Moon joins Sun at 21º 23' at almost exact point creating a yudh avastha)
Krittika, special day for Mars*.
6th 18:33 Moon enters Rohini and becomes exalted on 6th May at 18:33 and stays exalted until 7th May until 15:38.
7th Akshaya Tritiya where the Sun and Moon are exalted at the same time. (More on this special transit above.)
9th 12:33 Jupiter becomes retrograde in Sagittarius in Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra.
10th Krittika, special day for Mars* (from 20:18 on 9th May).
12th 10:54 Moon in exact conjunction with Ketu at 29º 21' in Ashlesha Nakshatra. 14th 10:54 Sun enters Taurus and joins Mercury.
16th 20:40 Pradosh***
17th 22:40 Poornima Tithi begins
19th 00:52 Full Moon in 22º 25' Libra, Vishaka nakshatra.
20th 16:45 Mercury becomes retrograde at 27º 33', Taurus Mrigashirsha nakshatra.
26th 02:15 Venus enters Taurus.
27th 00:34 Moon in exact conjunction with Rahu at 28º 34', in Dhanistha Nakshatra.
Akshaya Tritiya on 7th May 2008
The word "Akshaya" means imperishable or eternal - that which never diminishes. Initiations made or valuables bought on this day are considered to bring success or good fortune. Buying gold is a popular activity on Akshaya Tritiya, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gold and gold jewelry bought and worn on this day signify never diminishing good fortune. Indians celebrate weddings, begin new business ventures, and even plan long journeys on this day.
Akshaya Tritiya is a holy day and is also known as "Akha Teej", is traditionally the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. People conduct special Pujas on this day, bathe in holy rivers, give charitable donations, offer barley in a sacred fires, and worship Lord Ganesha & Devi Lakshmi on this day.
Hindus believe in the theory of "mahurats" or auspicious timings in every step in life - be it to begin a new venture or making an important purchase. Akshaya Tritiya is one such momentous occasion, which is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Vedic Calendar. It is believed, any meaningful activity started on this day would be fruitful. Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month (April-May), when the Sun and Moon are in exaltation; they are simultaneously at their peak of brightness, which happens only once every year.
The day also marks the beginning of the "SatyaYug" or the Golden Age - the first of the four Yugas. In the "Puranas", the holy Hindu scriptures, there is a story that says that on this day of Akshay Tritiya Vedavyas along with Lord Ganesha started writing the great epic Mahabharata. Ganga Devi or Mother Ganges also descended to earth on this day. It is also believed that people born during this time shine bright in life. Many luminaries were born during this period: Basaveshwara born on May 4, Ramanujacharya and Adi Shankaracharya on May 6, Swami Chinmayananda on May 8 and Lord Buddha on May 16.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Magic Cosmic Time
This is a magic time! The cosmos aligns itself into special configurations over the next couple of days, freeing you to accomplish almost anything you desire -- all while working in harmony with the universe!
On April 17, communicative Mercury enters practical and down-to-earth Taurus, forming a Grand Trine on April 18 with Pluto and Saturn.
Then, expressive Sun follows Mercury into Taurus, on April 19, immediately enhancing the beneficial grand trine on April 20 and 21, with hard-working Saturn in Virgo and intense Pluto in achievement-oriented Capricorn.
A grand trine occurs when you have three celestial bodies that are all separated by a span of 120-degrees. Trines favor focus on high ideals, insight, vision, creative expression and well-being. Grand trines specifically promote self-confidence, self-assurance, optimism, expectation, a sense of pleasure, an easy flow of energy, inspiration, expansion of creativity and a sense of inner hope and faith.
Because this trine is happening in earth signs, expect people with valuable advice and experience to come out of the woodwork. These people will help you accomplish your aims -- whether you want to pitch your latest creative project, start a business or set up a savings plan for retirement. You can do more now to make your life secure and stable than you have for a long time.
On April 17, communicative Mercury enters practical and down-to-earth Taurus, forming a Grand Trine on April 18 with Pluto and Saturn.
Then, expressive Sun follows Mercury into Taurus, on April 19, immediately enhancing the beneficial grand trine on April 20 and 21, with hard-working Saturn in Virgo and intense Pluto in achievement-oriented Capricorn.
A grand trine occurs when you have three celestial bodies that are all separated by a span of 120-degrees. Trines favor focus on high ideals, insight, vision, creative expression and well-being. Grand trines specifically promote self-confidence, self-assurance, optimism, expectation, a sense of pleasure, an easy flow of energy, inspiration, expansion of creativity and a sense of inner hope and faith.
Because this trine is happening in earth signs, expect people with valuable advice and experience to come out of the woodwork. These people will help you accomplish your aims -- whether you want to pitch your latest creative project, start a business or set up a savings plan for retirement. You can do more now to make your life secure and stable than you have for a long time.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Propitiating the Planets
When any planet starts giving negative results in a person's life, it is best to pacify them by donating the items symbolized by these planets, and chanting their mantras.
Sun
Moon
Mars
Mercury
Jupiter
Venus
Saturn
Rahu
Ketu
Sun
Moon
Mars
Mercury
Jupiter
Venus
Saturn
Rahu
Ketu
Mantras as Remedies
Astrological mantras are Sanskrit phrases, the effects of which (when chanted) are known. The meaning of each mantra is given below, and because they appear quite devotional, one could think that they work due to the faith of the person practicing. However, this is not the case. It is primarily the vibration of the sounds on the human nervous system which will cause the subtle positive effects on the person and neutralize the harmful energy indicated by an afflicted planet.
Sanskrit is the language of the Vedas, the Indian body of knowledge which predates religion and is said to have been cognized by ancient enlightened beings. It is revered as a pure language because there is essentially no difference between a particular word and the object it describes. This is called "name and form." These prayers of a sort invoke the grace of a planetary energy to lessen its negative effects as revealed in the horoscope.
Mantras are commonly used in India,and have also withstood the test of time. Regarding proof of their power, it is simply up to the reader to test these practices and draw conclusions based upon experience. It is noted that Indians generally accept such matters on faith and also have great patience, the latter being a necessity for the use of mantras. Their behavior is not without reason, as anyone having been to India for any length of time may understand.
Mantras, in India, are not closely guarded secrets despite what many people think. They are widely available in common print. In recent years, as Hindu teachers have come out to the West to spread their knowledge, many have through experience seen fit to attach a great privacy to the techniques they have given out. The West is an entirely different culture than the East, and their actions were likely quite appropriate. However, it should not be concluded that because these mantras are in print they are not effective, ancient, or genuine. They are a standard body of knowledge passed on from generation to generation. Many mantras considered highly esoteric or secretive in the West are found quite openly in Indian scriptures on the subject.
Regarding the procedure of chanting, one may be sitting, standing, or walking while practicing, but the best effects are gained when the chanting is done softly and gently. Although the instruction of chanting does not include dwelling on the meaning of the mantra, the process should be a conscious one. During the practice one may notice his attention easily focusing on the vibration of the sound within the body. A very peaceful and relaxing state will result when this is done properly. The chanting should be smooth and repeated somewhat in a monotone to fully appreciate the vibrations, but the rate of speed may be as quick as desired.
Each mantra has a designated number of times it must be repeated. Although some peace of mind may immediately result from chanting, the desired effects connected to the significations of the planet and the houses that it rules are supposed to be realized after the allotted number of chantings have been performed. In India, beads similar to a rosary are used to count the chanting. During the practice, one bead is kept between the thumb and middle finger to keep track of the number of repetitions. The most desirable beads, according to many Hindus, are rudrakshas, which are found In India or Nepal and are considered somewhat sacred. The next best are tulst beads, which are also sacred but easier to come by. A string of 108 beads is used for the counting, and one bead, known as the Guru bead, is slightly protruded from the others so one knows when the mantra has been chanted 108 times. This is called one mala. At the conclusion of one mala the person either stops or turns back, so the Guru bead is never crossed. One may chant as many or as few malas as desired during each sessiorl In any case, it is the chanting, not the beads, which is important. Therefore, any means of counting will do. A rosary, though, is probably the simplest way.
NOTE: Mantras should be given to a person during the waxing phase of the Moon and on the day ruled by the planet whose mantra is employed. E.g., give out a Sun mantra on Sunday and let the person begin chanting on that day. The ideal time to chant one of these mantras Is In the early morning when all is quiet.
MANTRA FOR THE SUN - - To be chanted 7,000 times (not necessarily in one sitting):
PRONUNCIATION:
Japa kusuma sankarsham kashya-peeyam maha-djutim, tamorim sarva pahpagnam pranato smee divahkaram.
Let us chant the glories of the Sun god, whose beauty rivals that of a flower. I bow down to him, the greatly effulgent sun of Kasayapa who is the enemy of darkness, and destroyer of all sins.
MANTRA FOR THE MOON - - To be chanted 11,000 times:
PRONUNCIATION:
Dadee shanka tusha-rabam ksheero darnava sambhavam na-mahmee shasheenam somam samboor mookuta booshanam.
I offer my obeisances to the Moon god, whose complexion resembles curds, the whiteness of conch shells, and snow. He is the ruling deity of the soma-rasa, borh from the Ocean of Milk and he serves as the ornament on top of the head of Lord S’ambhu.
MANTRA FOR MARS - - To be chanted 10,000 times:
PRONUNCIATION:
Daranee garbha sambootam vidyut-kahntee sama-prabam koomahram shaktee hastam-cha mangalam prana-mam mya-ham.
I offer my obeisances to Sri Mangala, god of the Planet Mars, who was born from the womb of the earth goddess. His brilliant effulgence is like that of lightning, and he appears as a youth carrying a spear in his hand.
MANTRA FOR VENUS - - To be chanted 16,000 times.
PRONUNCIATION:
Heema-kunda mri-nala-bam deyt-yanam para-mam gurum sarva-shastra pravak-taram barga-vam prana-mam mya-ham.
I offer my obeisances to the descendant of Bhrigu Muni (Venus), whose complexion is white like a pond covered with ice. He is the supreme spiritual master of the demoniac enemies of the demigods and has spoken to them all the revered scriptures.
MANTRA FOR MERCURY - - To be chanted 4,000 times
PRONUNCIATION:
Preeyangava guleekash yam roopeyna prateemahm budam, sowmyam sowmya goono-peytam tam boodam prana-mahm mya-ham.
I bow down to Buddha, god of the planet Mercury, whose face is like a fragrant globe of the priyangu herb and whose beauty matches that of a lotus flower. He is most gentle, possessing all attractive qualities.
MANTRA FOR JUPITER - - To be chanted 19,000 times:
PRONUNCIATION:
Deva-nancha rishee-nancha gurum-kanchana saneebam boodee bootam treelo-keysham tam na-mamee brihas-pateem.
I bow down to Braspati, god of the planet Jupiter. He is the spiritual master of all the demigods and sages. His complexion is golden and he is full of intelligence. He is the controlling lord of all three worlds.
MANTRA FOR SATURN - - To be chanted 23,000 times.
PRONUNCIATION:
Nee-lanjana sama-basam ravee-putram yema-grajam chaya-martanda sam-bootam tam namahmee sanee-charam.
I bow down to slow moving Saturn, whose complexion is dark blue like nilanjana ointment. He is the elder brother of Lord Yamaraja born from the Sun-god and his wife Chaya.
MANTRA FOR RAHU - - To be chanted 18,000 times.
PRONUNCIATION:
Arda-kayam maha-viryam chandra ditya veemar-danam seeng-hee-ka garba sambootam tam rahum prana-mam mya-ham.
I offer my obeisances to Rahu, born from the womb of Simhika, who has only half a body yet posses great power, being able to subdue the Sun and the Moon.
MANTRA FOR KETU - - To be chanted 17,000 times.
PRONUNCIATION:
Palasha-pushpa-sankasham taraka-grahu masta-kam rowdram row-drat makam goram tam keytoom prana-mam mya-ham
I offer my obeisances to the violent and fearsome Ketu, who is endowed with the potency of Lord Shiva. Resembling in his complexion the flower of a palasa plant, he serves as the head of the stars and planets.
Sanskrit is the language of the Vedas, the Indian body of knowledge which predates religion and is said to have been cognized by ancient enlightened beings. It is revered as a pure language because there is essentially no difference between a particular word and the object it describes. This is called "name and form." These prayers of a sort invoke the grace of a planetary energy to lessen its negative effects as revealed in the horoscope.
Mantras are commonly used in India,and have also withstood the test of time. Regarding proof of their power, it is simply up to the reader to test these practices and draw conclusions based upon experience. It is noted that Indians generally accept such matters on faith and also have great patience, the latter being a necessity for the use of mantras. Their behavior is not without reason, as anyone having been to India for any length of time may understand.
Mantras, in India, are not closely guarded secrets despite what many people think. They are widely available in common print. In recent years, as Hindu teachers have come out to the West to spread their knowledge, many have through experience seen fit to attach a great privacy to the techniques they have given out. The West is an entirely different culture than the East, and their actions were likely quite appropriate. However, it should not be concluded that because these mantras are in print they are not effective, ancient, or genuine. They are a standard body of knowledge passed on from generation to generation. Many mantras considered highly esoteric or secretive in the West are found quite openly in Indian scriptures on the subject.
Regarding the procedure of chanting, one may be sitting, standing, or walking while practicing, but the best effects are gained when the chanting is done softly and gently. Although the instruction of chanting does not include dwelling on the meaning of the mantra, the process should be a conscious one. During the practice one may notice his attention easily focusing on the vibration of the sound within the body. A very peaceful and relaxing state will result when this is done properly. The chanting should be smooth and repeated somewhat in a monotone to fully appreciate the vibrations, but the rate of speed may be as quick as desired.
Each mantra has a designated number of times it must be repeated. Although some peace of mind may immediately result from chanting, the desired effects connected to the significations of the planet and the houses that it rules are supposed to be realized after the allotted number of chantings have been performed. In India, beads similar to a rosary are used to count the chanting. During the practice, one bead is kept between the thumb and middle finger to keep track of the number of repetitions. The most desirable beads, according to many Hindus, are rudrakshas, which are found In India or Nepal and are considered somewhat sacred. The next best are tulst beads, which are also sacred but easier to come by. A string of 108 beads is used for the counting, and one bead, known as the Guru bead, is slightly protruded from the others so one knows when the mantra has been chanted 108 times. This is called one mala. At the conclusion of one mala the person either stops or turns back, so the Guru bead is never crossed. One may chant as many or as few malas as desired during each sessiorl In any case, it is the chanting, not the beads, which is important. Therefore, any means of counting will do. A rosary, though, is probably the simplest way.
NOTE: Mantras should be given to a person during the waxing phase of the Moon and on the day ruled by the planet whose mantra is employed. E.g., give out a Sun mantra on Sunday and let the person begin chanting on that day. The ideal time to chant one of these mantras Is In the early morning when all is quiet.
MANTRA FOR THE SUN - - To be chanted 7,000 times (not necessarily in one sitting):
PRONUNCIATION:
Japa kusuma sankarsham kashya-peeyam maha-djutim, tamorim sarva pahpagnam pranato smee divahkaram.
Let us chant the glories of the Sun god, whose beauty rivals that of a flower. I bow down to him, the greatly effulgent sun of Kasayapa who is the enemy of darkness, and destroyer of all sins.
MANTRA FOR THE MOON - - To be chanted 11,000 times:
PRONUNCIATION:
Dadee shanka tusha-rabam ksheero darnava sambhavam na-mahmee shasheenam somam samboor mookuta booshanam.
I offer my obeisances to the Moon god, whose complexion resembles curds, the whiteness of conch shells, and snow. He is the ruling deity of the soma-rasa, borh from the Ocean of Milk and he serves as the ornament on top of the head of Lord S’ambhu.
MANTRA FOR MARS - - To be chanted 10,000 times:
PRONUNCIATION:
Daranee garbha sambootam vidyut-kahntee sama-prabam koomahram shaktee hastam-cha mangalam prana-mam mya-ham.
I offer my obeisances to Sri Mangala, god of the Planet Mars, who was born from the womb of the earth goddess. His brilliant effulgence is like that of lightning, and he appears as a youth carrying a spear in his hand.
MANTRA FOR VENUS - - To be chanted 16,000 times.
PRONUNCIATION:
Heema-kunda mri-nala-bam deyt-yanam para-mam gurum sarva-shastra pravak-taram barga-vam prana-mam mya-ham.
I offer my obeisances to the descendant of Bhrigu Muni (Venus), whose complexion is white like a pond covered with ice. He is the supreme spiritual master of the demoniac enemies of the demigods and has spoken to them all the revered scriptures.
MANTRA FOR MERCURY - - To be chanted 4,000 times
PRONUNCIATION:
Preeyangava guleekash yam roopeyna prateemahm budam, sowmyam sowmya goono-peytam tam boodam prana-mahm mya-ham.
I bow down to Buddha, god of the planet Mercury, whose face is like a fragrant globe of the priyangu herb and whose beauty matches that of a lotus flower. He is most gentle, possessing all attractive qualities.
MANTRA FOR JUPITER - - To be chanted 19,000 times:
PRONUNCIATION:
Deva-nancha rishee-nancha gurum-kanchana saneebam boodee bootam treelo-keysham tam na-mamee brihas-pateem.
I bow down to Braspati, god of the planet Jupiter. He is the spiritual master of all the demigods and sages. His complexion is golden and he is full of intelligence. He is the controlling lord of all three worlds.
MANTRA FOR SATURN - - To be chanted 23,000 times.
PRONUNCIATION:
Nee-lanjana sama-basam ravee-putram yema-grajam chaya-martanda sam-bootam tam namahmee sanee-charam.
I bow down to slow moving Saturn, whose complexion is dark blue like nilanjana ointment. He is the elder brother of Lord Yamaraja born from the Sun-god and his wife Chaya.
MANTRA FOR RAHU - - To be chanted 18,000 times.
PRONUNCIATION:
Arda-kayam maha-viryam chandra ditya veemar-danam seeng-hee-ka garba sambootam tam rahum prana-mam mya-ham.
I offer my obeisances to Rahu, born from the womb of Simhika, who has only half a body yet posses great power, being able to subdue the Sun and the Moon.
MANTRA FOR KETU - - To be chanted 17,000 times.
PRONUNCIATION:
Palasha-pushpa-sankasham taraka-grahu masta-kam rowdram row-drat makam goram tam keytoom prana-mam mya-ham
I offer my obeisances to the violent and fearsome Ketu, who is endowed with the potency of Lord Shiva. Resembling in his complexion the flower of a palasa plant, he serves as the head of the stars and planets.
the Celestial Nodes: Rahu and Ketu
The Mythology
Understanding Rahu & Ketu in Our Natal Charts
Vedic Hymn to Rahu
Rahu and the Nakshatras
Ketu
Vedic Hymn to Ketu
Ketu and the Nakshatras
Kal Sarpa Yoga
Transitions
RAHU-KETU
Rahu Ketu is the name given to the Nodes of the Moon. Rahu is the North Node and Ketu is the South Node. They are points on the ecliptic where the Moon is in alignment with the Sun and the Earth. They indicate the precise point of the harmony with the three most important influences in our life- the Sun, the Earth and the Moon. This relationship plays an important part in the unfolding of individual consciousness.
Their role as Karmic indicators of our life is connected with their power to cause eclipses. The eclipses occur in the vicinity of Rahu Ketu during the Full Moon and the New Moon. (During New Moon when it is +/- 18 degrees from Rahu Ketu, the Solar eclipse takes place. At the full Moon +/- 11 degrees 15' from the nodal position, the Lunar eclipse takes place.) As they symbolically eclipse the Sun (consciousness) and the Moon (the Mind), they have a great part to play in darkening our perspective in order to bring in new light. They deal with the concept of death and re-birth, transformation and regeneration. During the eclipses the light from the Luminaries is darkened. The energies created are powerfully psychic, pregnant with new information and occult power. The period after the eclipse is considered a rebirth of the Sun and the Moon. The role of Rahu Ketu in this powerful alignment of the Sun Moon and the Earth gives them the role of the ultimate controllers of the destiny.
The prime importance given to Rahu Ketu in Vedic Astrology is one of it's key features. They have been given the status of Planets to emphasise their significance and the importance placed on eclipses. They are known as Chayya Grahas (shadow planets). They have no substance and are physically non-existent. Yet their influence is full of potency and spiritual significance. They work in unison 180 degrees apart, two opposite points in the zodiac with a mission to churn our lives in order to externalise hidden potential and wisdom. In keeping with their shadowy nature, they work on a psychological level. It is always difficult to gauge their effect because their main concern is with our emotional makeup. They effect us internally. We are unaware of what exactly is happening to us at the time.
In Vedic Astrology, the concept of the Soul's journey through different lifetimes is central to it. The final goal of the soul is to break this cycle of life and death. Like the beads on a necklace, various lifetimes are joined together to form a necklace, each life being different but interconnected by an invisible thread. The invisible thread is Rahu and Ketu. The purpose of the soul in this life to act out his given Karma, destroy the illusions of the materialistic life and move towards the pursuit of self realisation. To live on the astral planes where pleasure and pain do not have the capacity to hurt, the mind is still and at peace. The soul's journey in a particular life time and it's connection with eternal life is indicated by the position of Rahu and Ketu. Ketu deals with the past Karma and Rahu with the future.
The five instincts that keep us attached to the materialistic purpose of life are Kaam (Desire, passions) Krodh (Anger) Madh (intoxicants- drugs, alcohol etc) Moh (Attachment) Lobh(Greed) and Matsaya(Jealousy). We need to control our instincts rather than allowing ourselves to be controlled by them. Both Rahu and Ketu have the ability to keep our mind focused on these instincts- Rahu by exaggerating and Ketu by obscuring or blocking. We are tied down to the cycle of unhappiness and dissatisfaction as we cannot break away from our lower selves. We are born again and again to experience the pleasures and pains of the earthly life until we recognise them to be the illusions that they are. On a subconscious level we are afraid that if we give up these desires, we will lose out. Once we start understanding the principle of letting go, enjoying what life has to offer but not getting attached, then we are able to grow spiritually. Rahu Ketu deals with the inner fight within us, the moral and the social choices we have to constantly make and the inner dilemmas.
The Mythology
There are many Myths and legends attached to Rahu Ketu. The most well known one is of Rahu Ketu as the Naga Vasuki- the ruler of the Patala Loka (the nether regions of the earth). Nagas in Vedic literature are not ordinary snakes but Serpents with much hidden knowledge and wisdom. There was a great war between the gods and the demons for the control of the universe and at the centre of it was the ocean which was being churned to find the hidden treasures and the Amrita- the nectar of immortality. Vasuki helped the gods in their mission. He was the rope tied around the spiritual mountain Mandara, which was the rod, used by the gods to churn the ocean.
When the Amrita was found the gods wanted to keep it for themselves as they felt that the demons would use it for the wrong purpose. Vasuki being a demon, his instincts were for personal glorification and materialistic happiness rather than universal good. (Sacrificing self for others is considered the godly impulse). Vasuki, was more intelligent than the other demons, he was not willing to be distracted by the gods. He drank the nectar of immortality secretly. The Sun and the Moon complained to Lord Vishnu, the creator of the Universe, who was very angry at this deception. In anger he threw the Sudharshan Chakra at Vasuki and cut him into two. Vasuki had drunk the Amrita and was immortal, therefore could not be killed. He remained in the skies as Rahu(the head)Ketu (the lower half), a permanent reminder to the other planets(gods) of the darker side of life which we have to defeat in the pursuit of immortality.
Rahu Ketu are considered great enemies of the Sun and the Moon because they told Lord Vishnu about them. They symbolically swallow the two luminaries during the eclipses. Their capacity to darken the Sun and the Moon make Rahu Ketu the most powerful influences in the Zodiac. The Sun around whom the other planets and the solar system revolves, the Moon which controls life on earth, are obscured by Rahu Ketu during eclipses. Rahu Ketu represent Cosmic Law which everyone including the Sun and the Moon have to obey.
This allegory has to be understood as life. The Gods without the help of Vasuki (Rahu Ketu) could not find the secret of immortality. In the same way we as humans cannot find our higher selves without understanding the lessons of Rahu and Ketu. They represent the darker side of our nature which we need to overcome. Our inner emotions are like the ocean being churned. Within this ocean lie a number of treasures as well as poisons and nasty things. We have learn to recognise the precious from the dross and finally find Amrita- the secret of immortality or true happiness. The conflict between our attachment to materialistic achievements (this gives us momentary happiness which is a fantasy as it has no real basis, the domain of Rahu) and liberation of the soul, finding bliss and tranquillity which is eternal and everlasting (Ketu is the Moksha karaka significator for spiritual realisation). The gods needed the help of Vasuki in the Amrita manthan and in the same way we need the knowledge provided by the wise nodes to give direction.
Understanding Rahu and Ketu in our Natal Charts
To understand the influence of Rahu Ketu in our chart we must learn about their shadow nature. This is the most important factor in when dealing with the influence of the nodes. They are only points in the Zodiac therefore they are unable to enact their effect on their own. The nodes take on the characteristics of their dispositor as they have no substance themselves. It is very important to study the sign, position and placement of the depositor. Here it is important to understand that although the nodes are influenced by their depositor, the depositor itself carries forward the influence of the nodes. The basic results of Rahu- Ketu are modified by their location in your chart. The signs/ houses they are placed in. The aspects they receive and the aspects they throw out. Also if they are in conjunction with another planet (note in Vedic Astrology a planet in the same house is considered conjunct. The closer the conjunction the stronger the influence.) they will throw out it's influence. For example if Rahu is in conjunction with Mars it will throw the aspect of Mars along with that of it's depositor.
Rahu Ketu are the personal eclipse points. Therefore they are areas where you need to work out your Karma, past as well as future. They are our Karmic responsibilities. We have to learn to look beyond the momentary darkness that Rahu Ketu represent. They highlight the negative side of our nature which we need to overcome to move towards the spiritual growth. They work psychologically, therefore it is hard to pin- point their effect. They are the axis of life which indicates the path of spiritual growth from past life ( Ketu) to the Future (Rahu). Knowledge of both the past and present are needed for true understanding of life. The past shapes the personality we are now, the negative and the positive Karma we are going to experience. It shades our psyche to how we are going to tackle the present. The future is always uncertain therefore can seem like darkness and carry fear and uncertainty within it. We have to really come to terms with our past to be able to not get afraid of the future. Rahu is showing this direction, Ketu is sometime blocking due to our actions of the past.
Rahu Ketu have twin purpose, one in the mundane life and another in the spiritual life but it is intertwined, like their shadowy nature. Their actions in the material realm are meant so that we change our thoughts and ideas about what we want and desire. What is darkness to a person enmeshed in materialistic ambitions can be powerful spiritual energy for those on the path of Moksha and spiritual enlightenment.
The nodes always serves opposing purposes- good and bad, lots and nothing, give and take. Rahu gives, Ketu takes back. The are no straight rules about them. They operate in so many different colours which can lead you to the highest spiritual pinnacle to the greatest financial achievements or vice versa. They can give contrary results. You can never give predictions dealing with surety.
They can create fear of the unknown. They can create sudden and unexpected results.
The saying is that Rahu Ketu always take away what they give because they have a special reason for granting you your wishes. To realise that what they give is not necessarily what you want once you have achieved it. They highlight dissatisfaction within ourselves.
RAHU
Vedic Hymn to Rahu
'Rahu is snake shaped, born of a lioness and a devourer of the Sun and the Moon'
Rahu is the head part of the celestial snake. This hymn refers to Rahu being snake shaped. The snakes are given great importance in Vedic mythology. Lord Shiva has a snake around his neck, Lord Vishnu's throne was Shesh Naga - the Eternal Serpent. Shesh Naga represents the cycles of time and space which the seed of cosmic creation. The Nagas are shaped like snakes but stand tall. The Nagas are highly evolved beings. They are wise, but their wisdom can be used for both good and bad. The Naga sheds his skin, this symbolises transformation,re-birth. The snakes in Vedic literature remind people of their mortality.
The 'devouring of the Sun and Moon' are when Rahu eclipses the luminaries. This shows the important part Rahu has to play in changing the course of our life. The Sun and Moon are Royal planets under whose dictates the universe and life on earth revolves. But Rahu can darken this light, therefore it controls the process of life. The Sun is the Soul and Moon the Mind, when they are eclipsed, they go through regeneration, transformation and death.
Rahu takes people off their Dharmic past path to tempt them on the road of self destruction. But Rahu has a very definite purpose in doing so. It wants you to learn, taste and feel everything so that from the full satiation of your senses you turn a new leaf on the path of self realisation and find their true enlightenment. Rahu on a physical plane gives you insatiable desire to achieve, to conquer. Once you have reached the pinnacle of achievement, you realise this success you have achieved has not brought with it happiness because you were in fact chasing an illusion. There are many cults in India which preach satiation of all your mundane and carnal desires so that we can learn the important lesson of fulfilment of all your desires do not give you the true happiness.
Rahu signifies foreigners in all fields- people, countries, tastes.
Rahu behaves like Saturn. It deals with drugs, poisons, over ambition, power play, hidden knowledge,
Rahu's element is air. It deals with all aspects of air related activities air travel, Air accidents, Aviation, Pilots etc. Other significations of Rahu include students of Astrology, metaphysical knowledge, witchcraft, skin diseases, small pox, deception, politics, political manoeuvre, inventions, scientists, execution, diseases, disenchantment etc.
Rahu and the Nakshatras
Rahu Ketu rule 3 Nakshtras (fixed stars) each. Rahu rules Ardra ( 6 degree 40' to 20 degrees 00' Gemini), Swati ( 6 degrees 40' to 20 degrees 00' Libra) and Shatabishak (6 degrees 40' to 20 degrees 00'Aquarius), all in the Air triplicity . Mercury, Venus and Saturn represent intellectualism, pleasure and righteous behaviour. Rahu has the capacity to bestow in all these areas.
As the ruler of the fixed star Ardra( 6 degree 40' to 20 degrees 00' Gemini), Rahu represents the highest thinking, Ardra is the Nakshatra where we begin our learning about the nature's law. Ardra is in 6 degree 40' to 20 degrees Gemini a sign ruled by Mercury. At the cosmic stage of Ardra, there is conflict on the outer level where we are dissatisfied with our present surrounding, so we start looking for answers. This can be through knowledge, occult and communication The duality of Gemini as well as the celestial powers of Mercury are present. Ardra's symbol is of a head or a single jewel. both symbolising ideas, mind and thinking. Rahu is always about matchless ambition and in Ardra it combines it with the capacity for knowledge. Planets in Ardra get motivated towards greater occult learning. Rudra, the God of Destruction is Ardra's presiding Diety.. Rudra is a form of Shiva. Rudra's mission is to destroy ignorance, therefore he directs the consciousness towards knowledge and finding the answers for ourselves about this manifestation. At Ardra we start to study or learn about the Law of Nature. The first time we become dissatisfied with the materialistic nature of our lives and start towards expanding the horizons of our spiritual selves..
The Second Nakshatra ruled by Rahu is Swati ( 6 degrees 40' to 20 degrees 00' Libra) Planets in Swati indicate the depth of the soul's involvement in Materialism. The indicator of the soul in our chart, the Sun, is debilitated here and Saturn the worker of the Zodiac is exalted here. Under Swati, the impulse is all about material gain. Venus rules the earthly needs in an individual. Combining it with Rahu it adds further to the desire for success, wealth and finance. Many millionaires are born with their Moon's or Saturn in Swati. The presiding diety is Vayu (air).The Symbol is Coral. The location of this Nakshatra in Libra indicates that the experience of full involvment into earthy, materialistic pleasures will bring with it dissatisfaction because the scales will be heavy to one side. Once success is achieved we feel empty, alone and dissatisfied with our achievement, many try for more success but the correct thing would be to look towards your higher self at this time. Libra is a stage of life when we start thinking about the spiritual meaning of life but only once the other urges have been fulfilled.
Shatabishak( 6 degrees 40' to 20 degrees 00'Aquarius) is the final Nakshatra ruled by Rahu. Aquarius is ruled by Saturn and Rahu's rulership of the Nakshtra makes a very difficult combination where life has to have a purpose and the total direction is about learning lessons. Rahu gives results like Saturn but on a psychological level. This double Saturnine influence on planets placed here is difficult to handle unless our activities are directed towards service to humanity. Here both Rahu and Saturn are concerned about changing our purpose of life, giving us the final answers. Rahu on the internal level and Saturn on an external level offers restrictions, obstacles and transformation. The need to understand the final lessons of life as well as duty to others are two of the important aspects of Shatabishak. Its symbol is the thousand petalled flower, Shatabishak is where the Kundalini flowers and we reach towards the full awareness of our consciousness. This is the stage in life where we activate the Sahasara (Crown) Chakra. Rahu brings forth its full power as the teacher of cosmic law. When the Moon is in Shatabishak, its materialistic tendencies are shed completely and we moves towards the true purpose of life. We are ready to transcend to the next phase of spiritual development.
All the quarters of Rahu's Nakshatra are ruled by Jupiter and Saturn, the significators of spirituality and occult initiation. They are Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Each pada (quarter) represents the ninth harmonic of the natal chart. Together these four signs represent the final stages of spiritual development. As the Rahu Nakshatras represent a point in cycle of life where we are starting to change, these padas further indicate that life on an internal level remain the same again. Sagittarius is the level when man learns to control the base emotions,changes from animal to human, at Capricorn we learn about the duties and responsibilities to others, Aquarius represents the stage of development where we are now privy to full knowledge. At Pisces we are able to make the final change, sow the seeds for future growth. So although the stages of the soul's journey are different in Ardra ( Gemini) Swati ( Libra) and Shatabishak( Aquarius) the underlying urge, represented by the quarters, is still the same- to evolve. The ending of one way of life and the beginning of another.
KETU
Vedic Hymn to Ketu
' Decked with silk, flowers, garlands, sandal paste and an umbrella, of variegated colour, born of Jaimini's family under Abhijit Nakshatra…'
Ketu is the lower part of the celestial snake.
This hymn shows the main difference between Rahu and Ketu, Rahu is dark in colour but Ketu has a variegated colour. Therefore it has the capacity to shine a light on you suddenly, bring about enlightenment.
Ketu is born to the Jaimini family who followed the Mimasa school of philosophy. Their main concern was the correct interpretations of the vedic rituals and settling any controversies about the Vedic texts. Ketu himself is guiding towards meditation of the nature of creation, intuitiveness, the true understanding of universe and the guidance of the soul towards it's final salvation or Moksha.
Ketu causes great impediments in your paths. It sets up roadblocks, traffic jams, boulders in your journey of life. It causes pain. It wants to change your psyche. You learn to leave your excess baggage of past Karma behind. Travel lightly into your this existence so that you can understand there are areas of your life which need to address and some left behind. Those unable to harness the power of Ketu or understand its karmic path can be lead to a sorrowful existence. Sometimes it is difficult for any one do stand in the way of Ketu power. We need to accept and understand the divine plan which is part of our destiny and Ketu is doing its work to produce in you the enlightenment which would lead to true enlightenment and honour. The effect of the Ketu problems are like the going through the ritual of fire from which one comes out stronger more powerful to be able to take on the problems thrown at us
Ketu will act like Mars and so will it's dispositor. Fiery in nature, it signifies accidents or injury specially due to fire.
Ketu rules 7 years in the planetary life cycle. Ketu always has a sting in it's tale. So the ending of Ketu Maha Dasha one has to be vary of unexpected happening
Ketu is considered the keeper of the book of our life- past and present Karmas.
Ketu is known as Dhwajah- flag. It's association with in dignity with a planet has the capacity to boost it's capabilities- good or bad beyond recognition for lotteries and windfall. Ketu in conjunction with a benefic can give beyond your wildest expectations.
Some of the signification of Ketu are Ascetics, assassinations, trouble through cats, calirvoyance, contemplation, desire for knowledge, deep thinking, imprisonment, poison, intrigues, magical powers, poverty, mysticism etc.
Ketu and the Nakshatras
The Nakshatra's Ketu rules are Ashwini (Aries), Magha (Leo) and Mula (Sagittarius), the fire triplicity. These are the beginning stages in the cycles of life. Mars, Sun and Jupiter the rulers of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are friends with each other. Together they represent strength, the soul and wisdom, Ketu has the capacity to give in these areas. A proper blending of these three planets in our natal charts direct us towards seeking Moksha- the final liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Aries deals with birth, a new life, freshness of approach and start of the cycle of Life.
0 degrees to 13 degrees 20 is Ashwini, the first Nakshatra ruled by Ketu. Ashwini indicates the beginning of the soul's journey into the earthly life. Ketu's rulership of this part of the Zodiac is full of occult significations. Ketu is the significator for Moksha. The beginning part of life indicated by Aries ruled by Ketu Nakshatra shows that the true reason of our manifestation on earth is to find the Moksha- the final salvation from the cycles of life and death. This is the stage where mind is pure and we have not yet entangled ourselves into knots which represent the attachment to life. Sun, the signifactor of the soul, our inner consciousness is exalted in Ashwini. Ashwini is in Aries ruled by Mars. Ketu acts like Mars but on a psychological level so the purity of Martian action, courage and protection of humanity is powerfully indicated by the planets located here. The past life connection is very strong as Ketu, specially if the Moon is located here.
Magha is the second Nakshatra ruled by Ketu. Magha is in the sign of Leo ( 0 degrees to 13 degrees 20' Leo) ruled by the Sun. Magha is the beginning of the second cycle in the soul's Journey. The signs Leo to Scorpio indicate the soul's full involvement into the pleasures and pains of the earthly life. Ketu, the significator of spiritual realisation ruling the commencing point of the materialistic journey shows the importance of the experience of the realities of life in fulfilling the divine mission of the Soul. Magha's ruling deity is Pitris, who are the fathers of humanity whose mission is to guide their children to the right course of life. The father's only interfere if you are going off the right path. Ketu and Pitris both guide the soul towards it's special mission in life. Planets in Magha are idealistic even if their mission is to fulfil their materialistic needs. This does create misunderstandings at times. Others suspect their honour and sincerity. Magha gives a lot materially, but the person ruled by Magha knows intuitively that the material happiness is only an experience, he still needs to follow the inner purpose of life and move towards Moksha.
Mula is the third Nakshatra ruled by Ketu. Mula is 0 degrees to 13 degrees 20' Sagittarius. This is the start of the final part of the Soul's mission towards finding the answers that will lead to his breaking away from the cycles of life and death. This is one of the most difficult Nakshatra for planets to be situated in specially the Moon. The deity that rules Mula is Nittriti, the goddess of death and destruction. This personifies the destruction of the material sheaths and the foundation on which the spiritual enfoldment can be undertaken. The pain experienced by the influence of Mula changes the personality. Attachment to the lower nature and material tendencies have to be severed so that a new spiritual beginning can happen. This is the Nakshatra of initiation towards spiritual realisation. Ketu fulfills it's role as Moksha karaka by arousing the soul towards it's ultimate destination. Mula means root and it also is Muladhara chakra (Base Chakra) where the Kundalini power lies dormant and has to be activated. Ketu rules this and Rahu with it's rulership of Shatabishak- the Crown Chakra indicate the real spiritual insight provided by the nodes. At times they create powerful negativity to focus your mind towards the absolute knowledge.
The quarters of Ketu's Nakshatras are ruled by Mars, Venus, Gemini and the Moon. Mars is courage, Venus- the guide to material fulfilment, Mercury the pure intellect and Moon, the emotional Mind. The signs these planets rule are Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer- the four sign that lead the soul towards experiencing the life on earth. Each pada (quarter) represents the ninth harmonic of the natal chart. Together these four signs represent the beginning stages of spiritual development. As the Ketu Nakshatras represent a point in cycle of life where we have to move towards the divine mission of the soul. They always indicate a beginning and an ending at two different levels. Aries is about discovery of new ideas and the courage to explore them. Taurus is where we nurture the creative potential of our new beginnings. Gemini develops the mind and the recognition of time, space, the working of the universal law. Cancer makes time and space possible. It is ruled by the Moon and Water which also leads us towards purification of mind and harmonising the spiritual and the material. The stages of the soul's journey are different in Ashwini (Mars) Magha (Leo) and Mula (Sagittarius) the underlying urge, represented by the quarters, is still the same- to evolve. The ending of one way of life and the beginning of another.
Kal Sarpa Yoga
Kala Sarpa Yoga is formed when Rahu Ketu hem in the planets in the natal chart i.e. if Rahu is 10 degrees Leo and Ketu 10 degrees Aquarius and all the planets are within these degrees, either from Leo to Aquarius or Aquarius to Leo (Vedic Astrology does not use the outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto). For this yoga to be complete, no planet should conjunct Rahu or Ketu. It restricts completely any indications of the charts. However capable the person, his life is impeded due to past Karma. Important lessons have to be faced in this life, where no amount of effort is rewarded, obstacles are encountered at every junction for inexplicable reasons.
The Yoga does not suggest either success or failure, but a person caught up in Karmic forces so great that they restrict his/ her destiny. It acts mysteriously, without other indications in the birth Chart. A heavy price is paid for past Karma in this life. Understanding and counter- acting the effects of Kala Sarpa Yoga needs a person to move towards his higher self. As Rahu and Ketu act on the inner self, the need to understand the psychic implications and the inner blocks created by this combination is important.
Transits
To judge the transits of Rahu Ketu we have to look at the planets they conjunct during their transit. The Sun and Moon being the most important planets. In 1998 when Rahu Ketu are transiting through the Leo Aquarius Axis, people with Leo Sun, Moon, Ascendant and Aquarius Sun, Moon, Ascendant are feeling the transforming effect of Rahu Ketu. The transit of Rahu Ketu gives clues to their unpredictability. They normal travel in a retrograde motion, the opposite to other planets. They will suddenly go direct and backwards again, representing the churning process. They can churn up your life, your inner emotion, force you to transform yourself, create unpredictability in your life. To know exactly how powerful their influence will be, you will have to study the eclipses. If the eclipses are taking place within 1to 2 degrees of your natal planets then they will be indicating a time for change. Here it is important to remember that the eclipses work on a psychological level, some of these influence may not be immediately obvious but will reveal themselves in time.
The transit of Rahu also needs to be seen through their Dashas- planetary cycles. They are each assigned a Mahadasha. Rahu has an 18 year period and Ketu a 7 years period. They also have sub- periods in planetary cycles of other planets through which they exercise their power and influence. Whenever the life cycles come into our life they have the overall control over factors which dictate what we are going to be doing.
(Written by Komilla)
Understanding Rahu & Ketu in Our Natal Charts
Vedic Hymn to Rahu
Rahu and the Nakshatras
Ketu
Vedic Hymn to Ketu
Ketu and the Nakshatras
Kal Sarpa Yoga
Transitions
RAHU-KETU
Rahu Ketu is the name given to the Nodes of the Moon. Rahu is the North Node and Ketu is the South Node. They are points on the ecliptic where the Moon is in alignment with the Sun and the Earth. They indicate the precise point of the harmony with the three most important influences in our life- the Sun, the Earth and the Moon. This relationship plays an important part in the unfolding of individual consciousness.
Their role as Karmic indicators of our life is connected with their power to cause eclipses. The eclipses occur in the vicinity of Rahu Ketu during the Full Moon and the New Moon. (During New Moon when it is +/- 18 degrees from Rahu Ketu, the Solar eclipse takes place. At the full Moon +/- 11 degrees 15' from the nodal position, the Lunar eclipse takes place.) As they symbolically eclipse the Sun (consciousness) and the Moon (the Mind), they have a great part to play in darkening our perspective in order to bring in new light. They deal with the concept of death and re-birth, transformation and regeneration. During the eclipses the light from the Luminaries is darkened. The energies created are powerfully psychic, pregnant with new information and occult power. The period after the eclipse is considered a rebirth of the Sun and the Moon. The role of Rahu Ketu in this powerful alignment of the Sun Moon and the Earth gives them the role of the ultimate controllers of the destiny.
The prime importance given to Rahu Ketu in Vedic Astrology is one of it's key features. They have been given the status of Planets to emphasise their significance and the importance placed on eclipses. They are known as Chayya Grahas (shadow planets). They have no substance and are physically non-existent. Yet their influence is full of potency and spiritual significance. They work in unison 180 degrees apart, two opposite points in the zodiac with a mission to churn our lives in order to externalise hidden potential and wisdom. In keeping with their shadowy nature, they work on a psychological level. It is always difficult to gauge their effect because their main concern is with our emotional makeup. They effect us internally. We are unaware of what exactly is happening to us at the time.
In Vedic Astrology, the concept of the Soul's journey through different lifetimes is central to it. The final goal of the soul is to break this cycle of life and death. Like the beads on a necklace, various lifetimes are joined together to form a necklace, each life being different but interconnected by an invisible thread. The invisible thread is Rahu and Ketu. The purpose of the soul in this life to act out his given Karma, destroy the illusions of the materialistic life and move towards the pursuit of self realisation. To live on the astral planes where pleasure and pain do not have the capacity to hurt, the mind is still and at peace. The soul's journey in a particular life time and it's connection with eternal life is indicated by the position of Rahu and Ketu. Ketu deals with the past Karma and Rahu with the future.
The five instincts that keep us attached to the materialistic purpose of life are Kaam (Desire, passions) Krodh (Anger) Madh (intoxicants- drugs, alcohol etc) Moh (Attachment) Lobh(Greed) and Matsaya(Jealousy). We need to control our instincts rather than allowing ourselves to be controlled by them. Both Rahu and Ketu have the ability to keep our mind focused on these instincts- Rahu by exaggerating and Ketu by obscuring or blocking. We are tied down to the cycle of unhappiness and dissatisfaction as we cannot break away from our lower selves. We are born again and again to experience the pleasures and pains of the earthly life until we recognise them to be the illusions that they are. On a subconscious level we are afraid that if we give up these desires, we will lose out. Once we start understanding the principle of letting go, enjoying what life has to offer but not getting attached, then we are able to grow spiritually. Rahu Ketu deals with the inner fight within us, the moral and the social choices we have to constantly make and the inner dilemmas.
The Mythology
There are many Myths and legends attached to Rahu Ketu. The most well known one is of Rahu Ketu as the Naga Vasuki- the ruler of the Patala Loka (the nether regions of the earth). Nagas in Vedic literature are not ordinary snakes but Serpents with much hidden knowledge and wisdom. There was a great war between the gods and the demons for the control of the universe and at the centre of it was the ocean which was being churned to find the hidden treasures and the Amrita- the nectar of immortality. Vasuki helped the gods in their mission. He was the rope tied around the spiritual mountain Mandara, which was the rod, used by the gods to churn the ocean.
When the Amrita was found the gods wanted to keep it for themselves as they felt that the demons would use it for the wrong purpose. Vasuki being a demon, his instincts were for personal glorification and materialistic happiness rather than universal good. (Sacrificing self for others is considered the godly impulse). Vasuki, was more intelligent than the other demons, he was not willing to be distracted by the gods. He drank the nectar of immortality secretly. The Sun and the Moon complained to Lord Vishnu, the creator of the Universe, who was very angry at this deception. In anger he threw the Sudharshan Chakra at Vasuki and cut him into two. Vasuki had drunk the Amrita and was immortal, therefore could not be killed. He remained in the skies as Rahu(the head)Ketu (the lower half), a permanent reminder to the other planets(gods) of the darker side of life which we have to defeat in the pursuit of immortality.
Rahu Ketu are considered great enemies of the Sun and the Moon because they told Lord Vishnu about them. They symbolically swallow the two luminaries during the eclipses. Their capacity to darken the Sun and the Moon make Rahu Ketu the most powerful influences in the Zodiac. The Sun around whom the other planets and the solar system revolves, the Moon which controls life on earth, are obscured by Rahu Ketu during eclipses. Rahu Ketu represent Cosmic Law which everyone including the Sun and the Moon have to obey.
This allegory has to be understood as life. The Gods without the help of Vasuki (Rahu Ketu) could not find the secret of immortality. In the same way we as humans cannot find our higher selves without understanding the lessons of Rahu and Ketu. They represent the darker side of our nature which we need to overcome. Our inner emotions are like the ocean being churned. Within this ocean lie a number of treasures as well as poisons and nasty things. We have learn to recognise the precious from the dross and finally find Amrita- the secret of immortality or true happiness. The conflict between our attachment to materialistic achievements (this gives us momentary happiness which is a fantasy as it has no real basis, the domain of Rahu) and liberation of the soul, finding bliss and tranquillity which is eternal and everlasting (Ketu is the Moksha karaka significator for spiritual realisation). The gods needed the help of Vasuki in the Amrita manthan and in the same way we need the knowledge provided by the wise nodes to give direction.
Understanding Rahu and Ketu in our Natal Charts
To understand the influence of Rahu Ketu in our chart we must learn about their shadow nature. This is the most important factor in when dealing with the influence of the nodes. They are only points in the Zodiac therefore they are unable to enact their effect on their own. The nodes take on the characteristics of their dispositor as they have no substance themselves. It is very important to study the sign, position and placement of the depositor. Here it is important to understand that although the nodes are influenced by their depositor, the depositor itself carries forward the influence of the nodes. The basic results of Rahu- Ketu are modified by their location in your chart. The signs/ houses they are placed in. The aspects they receive and the aspects they throw out. Also if they are in conjunction with another planet (note in Vedic Astrology a planet in the same house is considered conjunct. The closer the conjunction the stronger the influence.) they will throw out it's influence. For example if Rahu is in conjunction with Mars it will throw the aspect of Mars along with that of it's depositor.
Rahu Ketu are the personal eclipse points. Therefore they are areas where you need to work out your Karma, past as well as future. They are our Karmic responsibilities. We have to learn to look beyond the momentary darkness that Rahu Ketu represent. They highlight the negative side of our nature which we need to overcome to move towards the spiritual growth. They work psychologically, therefore it is hard to pin- point their effect. They are the axis of life which indicates the path of spiritual growth from past life ( Ketu) to the Future (Rahu). Knowledge of both the past and present are needed for true understanding of life. The past shapes the personality we are now, the negative and the positive Karma we are going to experience. It shades our psyche to how we are going to tackle the present. The future is always uncertain therefore can seem like darkness and carry fear and uncertainty within it. We have to really come to terms with our past to be able to not get afraid of the future. Rahu is showing this direction, Ketu is sometime blocking due to our actions of the past.
Rahu Ketu have twin purpose, one in the mundane life and another in the spiritual life but it is intertwined, like their shadowy nature. Their actions in the material realm are meant so that we change our thoughts and ideas about what we want and desire. What is darkness to a person enmeshed in materialistic ambitions can be powerful spiritual energy for those on the path of Moksha and spiritual enlightenment.
The nodes always serves opposing purposes- good and bad, lots and nothing, give and take. Rahu gives, Ketu takes back. The are no straight rules about them. They operate in so many different colours which can lead you to the highest spiritual pinnacle to the greatest financial achievements or vice versa. They can give contrary results. You can never give predictions dealing with surety.
They can create fear of the unknown. They can create sudden and unexpected results.
The saying is that Rahu Ketu always take away what they give because they have a special reason for granting you your wishes. To realise that what they give is not necessarily what you want once you have achieved it. They highlight dissatisfaction within ourselves.
RAHU
Vedic Hymn to Rahu
'Rahu is snake shaped, born of a lioness and a devourer of the Sun and the Moon'
Rahu is the head part of the celestial snake. This hymn refers to Rahu being snake shaped. The snakes are given great importance in Vedic mythology. Lord Shiva has a snake around his neck, Lord Vishnu's throne was Shesh Naga - the Eternal Serpent. Shesh Naga represents the cycles of time and space which the seed of cosmic creation. The Nagas are shaped like snakes but stand tall. The Nagas are highly evolved beings. They are wise, but their wisdom can be used for both good and bad. The Naga sheds his skin, this symbolises transformation,re-birth. The snakes in Vedic literature remind people of their mortality.
The 'devouring of the Sun and Moon' are when Rahu eclipses the luminaries. This shows the important part Rahu has to play in changing the course of our life. The Sun and Moon are Royal planets under whose dictates the universe and life on earth revolves. But Rahu can darken this light, therefore it controls the process of life. The Sun is the Soul and Moon the Mind, when they are eclipsed, they go through regeneration, transformation and death.
Rahu takes people off their Dharmic past path to tempt them on the road of self destruction. But Rahu has a very definite purpose in doing so. It wants you to learn, taste and feel everything so that from the full satiation of your senses you turn a new leaf on the path of self realisation and find their true enlightenment. Rahu on a physical plane gives you insatiable desire to achieve, to conquer. Once you have reached the pinnacle of achievement, you realise this success you have achieved has not brought with it happiness because you were in fact chasing an illusion. There are many cults in India which preach satiation of all your mundane and carnal desires so that we can learn the important lesson of fulfilment of all your desires do not give you the true happiness.
Rahu signifies foreigners in all fields- people, countries, tastes.
Rahu behaves like Saturn. It deals with drugs, poisons, over ambition, power play, hidden knowledge,
Rahu's element is air. It deals with all aspects of air related activities air travel, Air accidents, Aviation, Pilots etc. Other significations of Rahu include students of Astrology, metaphysical knowledge, witchcraft, skin diseases, small pox, deception, politics, political manoeuvre, inventions, scientists, execution, diseases, disenchantment etc.
Rahu and the Nakshatras
Rahu Ketu rule 3 Nakshtras (fixed stars) each. Rahu rules Ardra ( 6 degree 40' to 20 degrees 00' Gemini), Swati ( 6 degrees 40' to 20 degrees 00' Libra) and Shatabishak (6 degrees 40' to 20 degrees 00'Aquarius), all in the Air triplicity . Mercury, Venus and Saturn represent intellectualism, pleasure and righteous behaviour. Rahu has the capacity to bestow in all these areas.
As the ruler of the fixed star Ardra( 6 degree 40' to 20 degrees 00' Gemini), Rahu represents the highest thinking, Ardra is the Nakshatra where we begin our learning about the nature's law. Ardra is in 6 degree 40' to 20 degrees Gemini a sign ruled by Mercury. At the cosmic stage of Ardra, there is conflict on the outer level where we are dissatisfied with our present surrounding, so we start looking for answers. This can be through knowledge, occult and communication The duality of Gemini as well as the celestial powers of Mercury are present. Ardra's symbol is of a head or a single jewel. both symbolising ideas, mind and thinking. Rahu is always about matchless ambition and in Ardra it combines it with the capacity for knowledge. Planets in Ardra get motivated towards greater occult learning. Rudra, the God of Destruction is Ardra's presiding Diety.. Rudra is a form of Shiva. Rudra's mission is to destroy ignorance, therefore he directs the consciousness towards knowledge and finding the answers for ourselves about this manifestation. At Ardra we start to study or learn about the Law of Nature. The first time we become dissatisfied with the materialistic nature of our lives and start towards expanding the horizons of our spiritual selves..
The Second Nakshatra ruled by Rahu is Swati ( 6 degrees 40' to 20 degrees 00' Libra) Planets in Swati indicate the depth of the soul's involvement in Materialism. The indicator of the soul in our chart, the Sun, is debilitated here and Saturn the worker of the Zodiac is exalted here. Under Swati, the impulse is all about material gain. Venus rules the earthly needs in an individual. Combining it with Rahu it adds further to the desire for success, wealth and finance. Many millionaires are born with their Moon's or Saturn in Swati. The presiding diety is Vayu (air).The Symbol is Coral. The location of this Nakshatra in Libra indicates that the experience of full involvment into earthy, materialistic pleasures will bring with it dissatisfaction because the scales will be heavy to one side. Once success is achieved we feel empty, alone and dissatisfied with our achievement, many try for more success but the correct thing would be to look towards your higher self at this time. Libra is a stage of life when we start thinking about the spiritual meaning of life but only once the other urges have been fulfilled.
Shatabishak( 6 degrees 40' to 20 degrees 00'Aquarius) is the final Nakshatra ruled by Rahu. Aquarius is ruled by Saturn and Rahu's rulership of the Nakshtra makes a very difficult combination where life has to have a purpose and the total direction is about learning lessons. Rahu gives results like Saturn but on a psychological level. This double Saturnine influence on planets placed here is difficult to handle unless our activities are directed towards service to humanity. Here both Rahu and Saturn are concerned about changing our purpose of life, giving us the final answers. Rahu on the internal level and Saturn on an external level offers restrictions, obstacles and transformation. The need to understand the final lessons of life as well as duty to others are two of the important aspects of Shatabishak. Its symbol is the thousand petalled flower, Shatabishak is where the Kundalini flowers and we reach towards the full awareness of our consciousness. This is the stage in life where we activate the Sahasara (Crown) Chakra. Rahu brings forth its full power as the teacher of cosmic law. When the Moon is in Shatabishak, its materialistic tendencies are shed completely and we moves towards the true purpose of life. We are ready to transcend to the next phase of spiritual development.
All the quarters of Rahu's Nakshatra are ruled by Jupiter and Saturn, the significators of spirituality and occult initiation. They are Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Each pada (quarter) represents the ninth harmonic of the natal chart. Together these four signs represent the final stages of spiritual development. As the Rahu Nakshatras represent a point in cycle of life where we are starting to change, these padas further indicate that life on an internal level remain the same again. Sagittarius is the level when man learns to control the base emotions,changes from animal to human, at Capricorn we learn about the duties and responsibilities to others, Aquarius represents the stage of development where we are now privy to full knowledge. At Pisces we are able to make the final change, sow the seeds for future growth. So although the stages of the soul's journey are different in Ardra ( Gemini) Swati ( Libra) and Shatabishak( Aquarius) the underlying urge, represented by the quarters, is still the same- to evolve. The ending of one way of life and the beginning of another.
KETU
Vedic Hymn to Ketu
' Decked with silk, flowers, garlands, sandal paste and an umbrella, of variegated colour, born of Jaimini's family under Abhijit Nakshatra…'
Ketu is the lower part of the celestial snake.
This hymn shows the main difference between Rahu and Ketu, Rahu is dark in colour but Ketu has a variegated colour. Therefore it has the capacity to shine a light on you suddenly, bring about enlightenment.
Ketu is born to the Jaimini family who followed the Mimasa school of philosophy. Their main concern was the correct interpretations of the vedic rituals and settling any controversies about the Vedic texts. Ketu himself is guiding towards meditation of the nature of creation, intuitiveness, the true understanding of universe and the guidance of the soul towards it's final salvation or Moksha.
Ketu causes great impediments in your paths. It sets up roadblocks, traffic jams, boulders in your journey of life. It causes pain. It wants to change your psyche. You learn to leave your excess baggage of past Karma behind. Travel lightly into your this existence so that you can understand there are areas of your life which need to address and some left behind. Those unable to harness the power of Ketu or understand its karmic path can be lead to a sorrowful existence. Sometimes it is difficult for any one do stand in the way of Ketu power. We need to accept and understand the divine plan which is part of our destiny and Ketu is doing its work to produce in you the enlightenment which would lead to true enlightenment and honour. The effect of the Ketu problems are like the going through the ritual of fire from which one comes out stronger more powerful to be able to take on the problems thrown at us
Ketu will act like Mars and so will it's dispositor. Fiery in nature, it signifies accidents or injury specially due to fire.
Ketu rules 7 years in the planetary life cycle. Ketu always has a sting in it's tale. So the ending of Ketu Maha Dasha one has to be vary of unexpected happening
Ketu is considered the keeper of the book of our life- past and present Karmas.
Ketu is known as Dhwajah- flag. It's association with in dignity with a planet has the capacity to boost it's capabilities- good or bad beyond recognition for lotteries and windfall. Ketu in conjunction with a benefic can give beyond your wildest expectations.
Some of the signification of Ketu are Ascetics, assassinations, trouble through cats, calirvoyance, contemplation, desire for knowledge, deep thinking, imprisonment, poison, intrigues, magical powers, poverty, mysticism etc.
Ketu and the Nakshatras
The Nakshatra's Ketu rules are Ashwini (Aries), Magha (Leo) and Mula (Sagittarius), the fire triplicity. These are the beginning stages in the cycles of life. Mars, Sun and Jupiter the rulers of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are friends with each other. Together they represent strength, the soul and wisdom, Ketu has the capacity to give in these areas. A proper blending of these three planets in our natal charts direct us towards seeking Moksha- the final liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Aries deals with birth, a new life, freshness of approach and start of the cycle of Life.
0 degrees to 13 degrees 20 is Ashwini, the first Nakshatra ruled by Ketu. Ashwini indicates the beginning of the soul's journey into the earthly life. Ketu's rulership of this part of the Zodiac is full of occult significations. Ketu is the significator for Moksha. The beginning part of life indicated by Aries ruled by Ketu Nakshatra shows that the true reason of our manifestation on earth is to find the Moksha- the final salvation from the cycles of life and death. This is the stage where mind is pure and we have not yet entangled ourselves into knots which represent the attachment to life. Sun, the signifactor of the soul, our inner consciousness is exalted in Ashwini. Ashwini is in Aries ruled by Mars. Ketu acts like Mars but on a psychological level so the purity of Martian action, courage and protection of humanity is powerfully indicated by the planets located here. The past life connection is very strong as Ketu, specially if the Moon is located here.
Magha is the second Nakshatra ruled by Ketu. Magha is in the sign of Leo ( 0 degrees to 13 degrees 20' Leo) ruled by the Sun. Magha is the beginning of the second cycle in the soul's Journey. The signs Leo to Scorpio indicate the soul's full involvement into the pleasures and pains of the earthly life. Ketu, the significator of spiritual realisation ruling the commencing point of the materialistic journey shows the importance of the experience of the realities of life in fulfilling the divine mission of the Soul. Magha's ruling deity is Pitris, who are the fathers of humanity whose mission is to guide their children to the right course of life. The father's only interfere if you are going off the right path. Ketu and Pitris both guide the soul towards it's special mission in life. Planets in Magha are idealistic even if their mission is to fulfil their materialistic needs. This does create misunderstandings at times. Others suspect their honour and sincerity. Magha gives a lot materially, but the person ruled by Magha knows intuitively that the material happiness is only an experience, he still needs to follow the inner purpose of life and move towards Moksha.
Mula is the third Nakshatra ruled by Ketu. Mula is 0 degrees to 13 degrees 20' Sagittarius. This is the start of the final part of the Soul's mission towards finding the answers that will lead to his breaking away from the cycles of life and death. This is one of the most difficult Nakshatra for planets to be situated in specially the Moon. The deity that rules Mula is Nittriti, the goddess of death and destruction. This personifies the destruction of the material sheaths and the foundation on which the spiritual enfoldment can be undertaken. The pain experienced by the influence of Mula changes the personality. Attachment to the lower nature and material tendencies have to be severed so that a new spiritual beginning can happen. This is the Nakshatra of initiation towards spiritual realisation. Ketu fulfills it's role as Moksha karaka by arousing the soul towards it's ultimate destination. Mula means root and it also is Muladhara chakra (Base Chakra) where the Kundalini power lies dormant and has to be activated. Ketu rules this and Rahu with it's rulership of Shatabishak- the Crown Chakra indicate the real spiritual insight provided by the nodes. At times they create powerful negativity to focus your mind towards the absolute knowledge.
The quarters of Ketu's Nakshatras are ruled by Mars, Venus, Gemini and the Moon. Mars is courage, Venus- the guide to material fulfilment, Mercury the pure intellect and Moon, the emotional Mind. The signs these planets rule are Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer- the four sign that lead the soul towards experiencing the life on earth. Each pada (quarter) represents the ninth harmonic of the natal chart. Together these four signs represent the beginning stages of spiritual development. As the Ketu Nakshatras represent a point in cycle of life where we have to move towards the divine mission of the soul. They always indicate a beginning and an ending at two different levels. Aries is about discovery of new ideas and the courage to explore them. Taurus is where we nurture the creative potential of our new beginnings. Gemini develops the mind and the recognition of time, space, the working of the universal law. Cancer makes time and space possible. It is ruled by the Moon and Water which also leads us towards purification of mind and harmonising the spiritual and the material. The stages of the soul's journey are different in Ashwini (Mars) Magha (Leo) and Mula (Sagittarius) the underlying urge, represented by the quarters, is still the same- to evolve. The ending of one way of life and the beginning of another.
Kal Sarpa Yoga
Kala Sarpa Yoga is formed when Rahu Ketu hem in the planets in the natal chart i.e. if Rahu is 10 degrees Leo and Ketu 10 degrees Aquarius and all the planets are within these degrees, either from Leo to Aquarius or Aquarius to Leo (Vedic Astrology does not use the outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto). For this yoga to be complete, no planet should conjunct Rahu or Ketu. It restricts completely any indications of the charts. However capable the person, his life is impeded due to past Karma. Important lessons have to be faced in this life, where no amount of effort is rewarded, obstacles are encountered at every junction for inexplicable reasons.
The Yoga does not suggest either success or failure, but a person caught up in Karmic forces so great that they restrict his/ her destiny. It acts mysteriously, without other indications in the birth Chart. A heavy price is paid for past Karma in this life. Understanding and counter- acting the effects of Kala Sarpa Yoga needs a person to move towards his higher self. As Rahu and Ketu act on the inner self, the need to understand the psychic implications and the inner blocks created by this combination is important.
Transits
To judge the transits of Rahu Ketu we have to look at the planets they conjunct during their transit. The Sun and Moon being the most important planets. In 1998 when Rahu Ketu are transiting through the Leo Aquarius Axis, people with Leo Sun, Moon, Ascendant and Aquarius Sun, Moon, Ascendant are feeling the transforming effect of Rahu Ketu. The transit of Rahu Ketu gives clues to their unpredictability. They normal travel in a retrograde motion, the opposite to other planets. They will suddenly go direct and backwards again, representing the churning process. They can churn up your life, your inner emotion, force you to transform yourself, create unpredictability in your life. To know exactly how powerful their influence will be, you will have to study the eclipses. If the eclipses are taking place within 1to 2 degrees of your natal planets then they will be indicating a time for change. Here it is important to remember that the eclipses work on a psychological level, some of these influence may not be immediately obvious but will reveal themselves in time.
The transit of Rahu also needs to be seen through their Dashas- planetary cycles. They are each assigned a Mahadasha. Rahu has an 18 year period and Ketu a 7 years period. They also have sub- periods in planetary cycles of other planets through which they exercise their power and influence. Whenever the life cycles come into our life they have the overall control over factors which dictate what we are going to be doing.
(Written by Komilla)
Harmonize your life astrologically
“Astrology is an ancient Psychology”? The psychic astrologers are believed to communicate directly with the different planets. When we listen to the message of the planets, we can live a life of balance and harmony, just by tuning in to the rhythm of the planets which rule our lives.So,when we combine the overall message of the various planets
Let us start with the ruling planet that is the Sun. According to the astrology, the planet Sun demands from a kind of self-love, the egocentric love for the self. Besides this, the Sun is the royal planet amongst all the other planets and that is why it asks us to feel the same royalty. It wants us to feel like “the King of my own sphere. “ But what people often miss is the fact that the Sun also represents the Soul. Soul is that essential part of a human being that lives from one lifetime to another. Therefore, it is very necessary to be in touch with one’s Soul and as the Sun dominates the entire solar system, we should let our Soul dominate or lives.
The next on the list is the Moon. Moon represents a number of things at a time – the emotions, the mind and the entire feelings. It is very important for a human being to be in touch with the innermost feelings the level of finest feeling. What is that teaches us everything about the “Relative” life? Some people take it as the Absolute Self but instead of it, it is the first manifestation of the individual selves that is the ground rock of any individual’s essence. This helps us decide what is wrong and what is right. There is a Divine Voice within which we need to listen carefully. Here, by the innermost feelings I do not mean the crude emotions such as gluttony, arrogance, greed, lust or anger. These are nothing but mental junk and as soon as a person indulges in them, he/she is sure to be ruined. So, better do not allow these crude emotions to empower your decisions.
Mars is the planet that forces us to indulge in action. When you read the Bhagavad-Gita, you find Lord Krishna talking about the need of action. One has to be brave, strong and always a warrior. This does not at all refer to the physical strength or physical fight. The courage here refers to the courage of one’s convictions. One needs to act upon the thoughts. Do not just be a thinker, be a doer as well. You have to be useful for others so be active. Have this affirmation that God is with you. Trust yourself and your God and do what needs to be done. Inaction is worse than a wrong action.
Mercury, on the other hand, wants us to have fun and play. It asks from the individual to dance to his/her own tune. You should follow your heart, whatever gives you the greatest joy indulge in that. Moreover, Mercury is a talkative planet. It loves to schmooze, calculate, improvise, and make deals and talk. So, play!
The grandest of all the planets is Jupiter and it represents wisdom – religion, Law, philosophy, higher education, raising children and the Guru. Without the wisdom of the Jupiter, the fun, money and sex will turn us into mere animals. We are divine beings and we need to pray study and meditate as well and this is what Jupiter asks us to do. In addition, it is considered the most benevolent planet. When you surrender to its energy, you are sure to be benefited from it. You will get an inner balance and all the other skills required for a happy life. So, do not ignore Jupiter at all.
Next is Venus, which stands for all the greatest sensual enjoyments of life such as art, beauty, refinement, music, sex, and all other worldly sumptuousness. And this what makes her one of the most loved by all. Venus has a rule over things like fancy furniture and clothes and cars and also diamonds. But one should not just consider the lower aspects of Venus because then one might get sick of the venereal disease. According to me, Venus does stand for beauty, creativity and refinement as well. It demands 3 hours of pure creativity per week.
Saturn is considered to be a planet of work but I think it represents steadiness and discipline at its deepest level. If a person is disciplined in 3 areas he/she will be blessed by Saturn . It is 4 then Saturn will shower huge blessings on that person. The area in which one’s heart is one blessing will tend to manifest in that very area. Everybody resents Saturn because of his outer face but when one knows about the inner side, one gets to know he is a good guy! Saturn is the main planet of Karma. So, it is not just about work at all.
The next is Rahu, which demands from us an embracement of the foreign. This planet represents obsession as such. It asks us to accept the fact that we all are obsessed of some thing or the other and go for the useful things. We should be obsessed of success, career, or even accumulating knowledge. The obsession can be beneficial if obsessed for healthy things.
Ketu is similar to Rahu. It wants our Soul! It demands from us to know our Soul and let it be the ruler of our lives. In this age, this planet that the human being has least come to terms with. We should indulge in prayers, meditation or charity- something that can benefit the inner self – the Soul. Although, it will not enrich our bank balance but it will enrich our inner selves and that is the most important part of an individual. Therefore, we should take into consideration the importance of our Soul.
The psychic astrologers believe that on an average you need to give at least 3 hours per week to the qualities typified by each of the planets.
In a nutshell....
Sun: You need to spend time to commune with the inner self and celebrate the Divine self within.
Moon: You need to engage yourself in those very activities that can nourish the finest feeling level.
Mars: You need to exercise. Turn your thoughts into action. Taking actions is important.
Mercury: You need to have fun in life but in a manner that will enrich your intellectual.Jupiter: You need to do something wise. It could be to spend time in honoring the cultural or family’s traditions or to learn the teachings of the wise. You can also go for those wise books that can teach you how to live!
Venus: You need to spend time not just on beauty but also creativity.
Saturn: You need to have time for joyful discipline. A quote can help you for this which goes like “If it's boring to do something once, do it twice. If it is still boring, do it 4 times. If still boring, do it 8 times."
Rahu: You need to learn how to manage the obsessive tendencies so as to turn into Divine Obsession which is beneficial.
Ketu: You should let your Soul rule your entire life.
Author can be contacted at shankerstudy@gmail.com
Let us start with the ruling planet that is the Sun. According to the astrology, the planet Sun demands from a kind of self-love, the egocentric love for the self. Besides this, the Sun is the royal planet amongst all the other planets and that is why it asks us to feel the same royalty. It wants us to feel like “the King of my own sphere. “ But what people often miss is the fact that the Sun also represents the Soul. Soul is that essential part of a human being that lives from one lifetime to another. Therefore, it is very necessary to be in touch with one’s Soul and as the Sun dominates the entire solar system, we should let our Soul dominate or lives.
The next on the list is the Moon. Moon represents a number of things at a time – the emotions, the mind and the entire feelings. It is very important for a human being to be in touch with the innermost feelings the level of finest feeling. What is that teaches us everything about the “Relative” life? Some people take it as the Absolute Self but instead of it, it is the first manifestation of the individual selves that is the ground rock of any individual’s essence. This helps us decide what is wrong and what is right. There is a Divine Voice within which we need to listen carefully. Here, by the innermost feelings I do not mean the crude emotions such as gluttony, arrogance, greed, lust or anger. These are nothing but mental junk and as soon as a person indulges in them, he/she is sure to be ruined. So, better do not allow these crude emotions to empower your decisions.
Mars is the planet that forces us to indulge in action. When you read the Bhagavad-Gita, you find Lord Krishna talking about the need of action. One has to be brave, strong and always a warrior. This does not at all refer to the physical strength or physical fight. The courage here refers to the courage of one’s convictions. One needs to act upon the thoughts. Do not just be a thinker, be a doer as well. You have to be useful for others so be active. Have this affirmation that God is with you. Trust yourself and your God and do what needs to be done. Inaction is worse than a wrong action.
Mercury, on the other hand, wants us to have fun and play. It asks from the individual to dance to his/her own tune. You should follow your heart, whatever gives you the greatest joy indulge in that. Moreover, Mercury is a talkative planet. It loves to schmooze, calculate, improvise, and make deals and talk. So, play!
The grandest of all the planets is Jupiter and it represents wisdom – religion, Law, philosophy, higher education, raising children and the Guru. Without the wisdom of the Jupiter, the fun, money and sex will turn us into mere animals. We are divine beings and we need to pray study and meditate as well and this is what Jupiter asks us to do. In addition, it is considered the most benevolent planet. When you surrender to its energy, you are sure to be benefited from it. You will get an inner balance and all the other skills required for a happy life. So, do not ignore Jupiter at all.
Next is Venus, which stands for all the greatest sensual enjoyments of life such as art, beauty, refinement, music, sex, and all other worldly sumptuousness. And this what makes her one of the most loved by all. Venus has a rule over things like fancy furniture and clothes and cars and also diamonds. But one should not just consider the lower aspects of Venus because then one might get sick of the venereal disease. According to me, Venus does stand for beauty, creativity and refinement as well. It demands 3 hours of pure creativity per week.
Saturn is considered to be a planet of work but I think it represents steadiness and discipline at its deepest level. If a person is disciplined in 3 areas he/she will be blessed by Saturn . It is 4 then Saturn will shower huge blessings on that person. The area in which one’s heart is one blessing will tend to manifest in that very area. Everybody resents Saturn because of his outer face but when one knows about the inner side, one gets to know he is a good guy! Saturn is the main planet of Karma. So, it is not just about work at all.
The next is Rahu, which demands from us an embracement of the foreign. This planet represents obsession as such. It asks us to accept the fact that we all are obsessed of some thing or the other and go for the useful things. We should be obsessed of success, career, or even accumulating knowledge. The obsession can be beneficial if obsessed for healthy things.
Ketu is similar to Rahu. It wants our Soul! It demands from us to know our Soul and let it be the ruler of our lives. In this age, this planet that the human being has least come to terms with. We should indulge in prayers, meditation or charity- something that can benefit the inner self – the Soul. Although, it will not enrich our bank balance but it will enrich our inner selves and that is the most important part of an individual. Therefore, we should take into consideration the importance of our Soul.
The psychic astrologers believe that on an average you need to give at least 3 hours per week to the qualities typified by each of the planets.
In a nutshell....
Sun: You need to spend time to commune with the inner self and celebrate the Divine self within.
Moon: You need to engage yourself in those very activities that can nourish the finest feeling level.
Mars: You need to exercise. Turn your thoughts into action. Taking actions is important.
Mercury: You need to have fun in life but in a manner that will enrich your intellectual.Jupiter: You need to do something wise. It could be to spend time in honoring the cultural or family’s traditions or to learn the teachings of the wise. You can also go for those wise books that can teach you how to live!
Venus: You need to spend time not just on beauty but also creativity.
Saturn: You need to have time for joyful discipline. A quote can help you for this which goes like “If it's boring to do something once, do it twice. If it is still boring, do it 4 times. If still boring, do it 8 times."
Rahu: You need to learn how to manage the obsessive tendencies so as to turn into Divine Obsession which is beneficial.
Ketu: You should let your Soul rule your entire life.
Author can be contacted at shankerstudy@gmail.com
Who should invest or speculate?
1.Look at the second house of the natal chart, which indicates money to be made by the native through his own efforts, i.e., through investment in conservative or growth stocks. He will succeed if the Sun, Moon, Venus or Jupiter is in the second house or rule the sign that is on the cusp of the second house. He will have difficulties if Mars, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune or Pluto is involved
2.Look to the fifth house of the natal chart, which indicates money to be made through speculation. Successful results will be obtained if the Sun, Moon, Venus, Jupiter or Neptune (the planet of speculation) is in the fifth house or on its cusp. Losses will occur if Mars, Saturn, Uranus or Pluto is involved.
3. However, an afflicted Jupiter or Neptune in the fifth house is indicative of bad judgment, due to over optimism, while a well-aspected Saturn in the fifth house would indicate caution.
4. The conservative investor will probably have Saturn in either the second or fifth houses. Such an individual should put his or her surplus funds into Certificates of Deposit, which are guaranteed by the U. S. Government or in the higher interest paying Money Market Funds, which, although not guaranteed by the Government, are practically risk free
2.Look to the fifth house of the natal chart, which indicates money to be made through speculation. Successful results will be obtained if the Sun, Moon, Venus, Jupiter or Neptune (the planet of speculation) is in the fifth house or on its cusp. Losses will occur if Mars, Saturn, Uranus or Pluto is involved.
3. However, an afflicted Jupiter or Neptune in the fifth house is indicative of bad judgment, due to over optimism, while a well-aspected Saturn in the fifth house would indicate caution.
4. The conservative investor will probably have Saturn in either the second or fifth houses. Such an individual should put his or her surplus funds into Certificates of Deposit, which are guaranteed by the U. S. Government or in the higher interest paying Money Market Funds, which, although not guaranteed by the Government, are practically risk free
Dr. V.B.Raman's anlysis of Rama"s birthchart
Late Dr. B.V. Raman in his notable Horoscopes begins with horoscope of Lord Sri Krishna as follows:Date of Birth: 19th July 3228 B.C. at about mid – night (Lat 27.25’ Long 77.41’E)Balance of Moons Dasa at birth 4 years 2 months 21 days readers may please note that in 3000 – 4000 B.C. Solar months began earlier than present ones.Varha Mishra in his Brihat Jataka gave hints about Sri Rama’s Horoscope taking from Valmiki’s Ramayan follows:Unfortunately no authority could earlier fix up the exact year of Sri Rama’s birth on late B.V. Raman’s inspiration. I tried to fix up the period of the Vedas the Ramayan and the Maha Bharat in the year 1995-96 which finds places at page 1 of my book: Astrology in the Vedas and Puranas Published by Alpha Publication delhi-6.According to our estimate Vedic civilization appertained to 6000 to 7000 B.C., the age of Ramayan could be around 5000 B.C. The age of first Jain Trithankar Rishabhanath around 2500-3000 B.C.In his letter dated 24th Feb, 1998 to me late B.V. Rama agreed with me in these words: “The statements made by yourself are in compatibility which our traditions and beliefs. I congratulate you on your scholarship and the clarity of presentation.”Recently, Mr. Pushkar Bahatnagar an office of Indian Revenue Service through help of a software “ Palnetarium Gold “ has made sensational revelations in his book: dating the age of Lord Rama “ taking cue from astrological feed – back given on Valmiki Ramayan as follows:-a) Sri Ram was born on 10th January 5114 B.C. at noon at Ayodhya at 25 N Nad 81 E that is 7117 years before which was Chaitra Chukka 9 – time 12 to 13 hrs.b) Sri Ram went to forest when he was 25 years old that is in 5089 B.C.c) It was in 13th year of his Vanavasa that is on 5th October 5077 B.C that a fierce battle with Khara – Dooshan was bought by Rama and Lakshman on a solar eclipse day.d) Sri Rama came back to Ayodhya on 2nd January 5076 B.C. on Chaitra Shukla 9 (not Karteka Amashya) as commonly believed) after completion of his 14 years of Vanvasa.It is obvious that due to changes in axis of the earth solar months came to months earlier in Ramayan age and one month earlier in Mahabharat age when compared with 20th or 21st century A.D.Some Research scholar has traced out Ashoka Vatika where Sita was kept by Ravana and also the hill of herbs brought at Lanka by Lord Hanuman.All these go to prove that Sri Rama was real person appertaining to 5000 B.C. and around that. It also gives me the satisfaction that my inferences about the period of the Ramayan in 1996-97 are now supported by advanced computer technique also.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Pushkar Navmansh
Brihaspati, The Myth of Pushkara and the Pushkara Navamsha
Part One
by
Komilla Sutton
posted on 3 october 2006
Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the quality of the planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good luck and auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara means who does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They form the secret part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep, you come up with gems of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious astrologers insight where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka Parijata have a few shlokas that mention them. Their importance is understood through understanding the myth of pushkara and its relationship with the creator Brahma and Brihaspati (Jupiter).
Myth of Pushkara
After a prolonged penance a Brahmin called Tundila was granted a boon that he would remain permanently with Shiva in form of Jalamayatva Siddhi. Shiva has eight forms and one of them is Jalamayatva Siddhi, the ability to live in water. Tundila became known as Pushkara, the one who nourishes the world as this penance gave him the power to purify all the holy rivers for the benefit for all.
Brahma wanted water for creation and Pushkara’s ability to purify it. He pleaded with Shiva to allow Pushkara to live in his kamandal (the water pot that Brahma keeps by his side). Shiv granted this request. Brihaspati (Jupiter) asked Brahma that Pushkara should be with him, as water was essential for mankind and Pushkara’s ability to purify unique. Pushkara refused, as he did not want to leave Brahma.
Brahma resolved the situation by asking Pushkara to stay with Brihaspati for 12 days when the latter was entering a new Rashi and 12 days when he was leaving it. On a daily basis, Pushkara would stay with Brihaspati for a length of two Muhurta (48 minutes is one muhurta) in the afternoon. Brahma, accompanied by all the other gods, would go with Pushkara to the holy river being blessed. Thus, Pushkara could be with Brahma as well as with Brihaspati at the same time. Brihaspati stays in one rashi for a year and takes 12 years to complete one cycle of the Zodiac. When Brihaspati comes into a Rashi then the Pushkara would be with him in the first 12 days (Aadi Pushkara) and the last 12 days (Antya Pushkara) as Brihaspati exits the rashi. When people bathe in a holy river at the time of Pushkaram, they take the blessings of Jupiter into the next twelve-year cycle of Brihaspati.
The twelve main rivers were blessed by Pushkara and purified once every twelve years. Pushkaram signifies the entry of Pushkara into the river water along with all gods and goddesses, which makes the water of that river pure for another 12 years. The entire year is considered holy to have the dip because earthly one-year amounts to only one divine day. During Pushkaram, the old sins can be washed away and the souls leave the water purified. People also pay homage to their departed ancestors during this time as well. All can experience the blessings of Pushkara twice a day when the pushkara muhurta is on by taking a dip the holy waters.
The temple town of Pushkar in Rajasthan is blessed, as its lake is the living kamandal of Brahma. There is a rare Brahma temple there as well. This is one of the holiest place and people throng there to find absolution for negative past karma.
Daily there are two Pushkaram when the holy waters get energized with the godly presence and these are the special times to take a dip in the holy waters as they are specially energized and purified. All the gods are residing with Brahma to give their blessing to the aspirants.
Brihaspati ( Jupiter) transits and Pushkara of the Holy Rivers
There are twelve holy rivers in ancient India and these rivers are not always easy to trace in the present times. The rivers blessed by Pushkar during Brihaspati Rashi transits are
Rashi
River
Mesha
Ganga
Vrishibha
Rewa
Mithuna
Saraswati
Kartaka
Yamuna
Simha
Godavari
Kanya
Krishnaveni
Tula
Kaveri
Vrishchika
Bhima
Dhanus
Pushkaravahini
Makara
Tungabhadra
Kumbha
Indus
Mina
Parineeta
As Jupiter goes into Vrishchika ( Scorpio) on 28 october 2006, he will be blessing Bhima river. Bhima river rises near Pune in the western ghats near an ancient shiva temple known as Bhimashankar. Bhima Shankar is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Shiva. this is where Shiva killed the demon Tripurantikari. The Bhima flows through the states of Maharashtra and karnataka into Krishna river, blessing its people. The major shrines on the banks of Bhima will hold festivals to welcome the pushkara of its river. All the major gods will visit the river along with Pushkara and cleanse the river and its people.
Pushkara Bhaga, Navamsha and the Myth
There are two pushkara bhagas/navamshas in each sign. This reflects the fact that there are two Pushkara muhurta daily in the afternoon. Two degrees became highly beneficial during each month. A muhurta is 48 minutes, the start of the muhurta would represent the Bhaga/degree as duration of it the navamsha. The navamsha and the bhaga do not always coincide. I do not have any answers for it as yet. How the exact daily calculation is done, I am still not aware of but will keep on researching and keep you all posted. In all these would make 24 positions within the solar year (360º Zodiac). These positions have been transposed into the natal chart to show degrees or navamshas, which become special placement for the planets. The planets in these positions take a virtual dip in the holy waters and regardless of their previous karma or weaknesses they have the ability to get redeemed and be strengthened.
While humans can get rid of their sins by taking a dip in the holy waters during Pushkaram, the planets in the natal chart gets similarly blessed and lose all their negative qualities. What is important to remember is that the individuals in whose chart where the lagna or planets in the pushkara navamshas and bhagas should want to make the changes, to find the blessings. Otherwise these positions can just remain unrealized blessings. Brihaspati (Jupiter) has a special relationship with Pushkara and its position in Pushkara is especially beneficial.
The rishis and spiritualist wait for pushkara time to rise before they take a dip in the holy waters, similarly we can get the same blessings by choosing a pushkara lagna rising in our muhurta.
Note: Part two of this article on Pushkara Navamsha and Bhaga will be published in November 2006.
Part2
Pushkara: Navamsha and Bhaga
Part Two
Komilla Sutton
click here for part one
posted on 1 Nov 2006
Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the quality of the planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good luck and auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara means who does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They form the secret part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep; you come up with gems of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious astrologers insight where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka Parijata have a few shlokas that mention them. I read about Pushkara in C S Patel’s book Navamsha and Nadi Astrology, Jataka Parijata and Chandra Kala Nadi, but the final analysis is my own research and experience.
Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the quality of the planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good luck and auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara means who does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They form the secret part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep; you come up with gems of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious astrologers insight where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka Parijata have a few shlokas that mention them. I read about Pushkara in C S Patel’s book Navamsha and Nadi Astrology, Jataka Parijata and Chandra Kala Nadi, but the final analysis is my own research and experience.
Pushkara Navamsha
Navamsha is the most important varga. Planet positions in their navamsha finally decide whether they are strong or weak in the chart. Do they feel supported or not. Therefore Pushkara navamshas become very important. They are specific areas in charts that nourish which give planets the capacity to heal and regenerate themselves. This special navamsha allow the personality to flourish. Regardless of the situation of the planet, its qualities become replenished. It is always the navamsha ruled by the same signs within the same elements that become pushkara. Study the table below for further clarification.
Pushkara navamsha table by signs and elements
Elements
Signs
pushkara degrees
Pushkara navamsha
Fire- Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
20 deg to 23 deg20
Libra
26 deg to 30 deg 00
Sagittarius
Earth- Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
06 deg40 to 10 deg 00
Pisces
13 deg 20 to 16 deg 40
Taurus
Air- Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
16 deg 40 to 20 deg 00
Pisces
23 deg 20 to 26 deg 40
Taurus
Water- Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
00 deg 00to 03 deg 20
Cancer
06 deg 40 to 10 deg 00
Virgo
While there are two Pushkara in each sign, they do not fall in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Aquarius navamshas. These navamshas can be taken as points of personal development, where individual learns from their own mistakes. Aries, Gemini, Leo and Aquarius are male signs and their navamsha may use up all the energy available to them not try to regenerate the planetary qualities. Scorpio and Capricorn are female signs but these are complex areas within signs. Scorpio creates sudden transformation and Capricorn makes planet feel very burdened, even if they are well placed. As Capricorn makes us face up to our karmic responsibilities and therefore we are not able to nurture the soul.If planets are placed in these navamshas, it should not be taken as minus points. What needs to be understood that these planets have to be self-motivated, their job in this life uses up some of the positive energy saved from previous lives, and therefore pushkara does not nourish them. That may not be negative, just the way life is. Not everything can be saved up or nurtured. But by being aware of these qualities, we can make sure that we learn to nourish them through our actions.
Pushkara navamsha can be classified through nakshatras padas as follows
Ketu Nakshatras (Ashwini, Magha, and Mula) do not have any pushkara navamsha.
3rd pada (Libra) of Venus nakshatras- Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha
1st pada, Sagittarius and 4th pada, Pisces of Sun nakshatras- Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha
2nd pada Taurus of Moon nakshatras- Rohini, Hasta, Shravana
Mars (Mrigasira, Chitra, and Dhanishta) do not have any pushkara navamsha.
4th pada Pisces of Rahu nakshatra- Ardra, Swati and Shatabhishak
2nd pada (Taurus) and 4th pada (Cancer) of Jupiter nakshatras- Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purva Bhadra
2nd pada (Virgo) of Saturn nakshatra- Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara BhadraMercury (Ashlesha, Jyeshta, and Revati) do not have any pushkara navamsha.
Ketu nakshatra are beginning stages for the development for the soul. These stages can be very intense and therefore personal effort and the struggle of the soul to live a material life is there. In Ketu nakshatras, the soul is taking a new step in its development, so it uses up some of its accumulated nourishment. So while they are aspiring for moksha, their very action depletes their collected good karma and planets find it difficult to find nourishment in these circumstances. That does not make it wrong or bring weakness but pushkara cannot thrive. The soul cannot change the situation and in its pursuit for the next level of development, they have to use up some of their equity. It is like taking a loan for present development, which will bring future rewards. But the present will make them feel burdened.
Ketu nakshatra are beginning stages for the development for the soul. These stages can be very intense and therefore personal effort and the struggle of the soul to live a material life is there. In Ketu nakshatras, the soul is taking a new step in its development, so it uses up some of its accumulated nourishment. So while they are aspiring for moksha, their very action depletes their collected good karma and planets find it difficult to find nourishment in these circumstances. That does not make it wrong or bring weakness but pushkara cannot thrive. The soul cannot change the situation and in its pursuit for the next level of development, they have to use up some of their equity. It is like taking a loan for present development, which will bring future rewards. But the present will make them feel burdened.
Mercury nakshatras are areas of transformation where the debris of all soul’s negativity gets collected, the soul struggles to make the changes, the mind is active trying to make sense of their circumstances. The planets struggle to transcend, therefore there is no calmness and stillness provided by Pushkara. Planets use up their energy and do not always feel nourished.
The pushkara navamshas throw up some interesting points. The rulerships of the navamshas are by benefic planets. Jupiter and Venus ruler nine pushkara each, one in fire, earth and air elements, whereas Moon and Mercury rule one each in Water elements. Water signs are known as moksha houses as well. Moksha houses are about self-realisation and the rulership of Moon and Mercury- the two planets of the mind should that we have to nourish our mind before we can aspire to realise ourselves. Another way of looking at it is that a nourished and quiet mind helps us to go towards self-realization.
The planets that are not placed in pushkara need to be energized, as they do not have the capacity to nourish themselves.
Pushkara Bhaga
Pushkara bhaga are specific degrees where planets become especially auspicious to do good. The exact degree is becomes very powerful agent for being positive, whereas the navamsha is still powerful but not as intense as the degree. Pushkara degrees are used for Muhurta. Choosing the muhurta lagna on a pushkara bhaga makes that a very auspicious moment.
Jataka Parijata- Adhyaya 1 Shloka 58 gives the following degrees:
21º Aries (Libra Navamsha) 19º Leo (Virgo navamsha) 23º Sagittarius (Libra Navamsha) These three in Venus nakshatras and Fire signs
14º Taurus (Taurus navamsha and vargotamma- Moon nakshatra),9º Virgo (Pisces navamsha- Sun nakshatra), 14º Capricorn (Taurus Navamsha- Moon nakshatra)Above Three in Earth signs
18º Gemini (Pisces navamsha- Rahu nakshatra),24º Libra (Taurus Navamsha- Jupiter nakshatra), 19º Aquarius (Pisces Navamsha- Rahu nakshatra)Above three in Air signs
8º Cancer (Virgo Navamsha) 11º Scorpio (Libra Navamsha), 9º Pisces (Virgo Navamsha)Above three in Saturn nakshatras and Water signs
Pushkara degrees given by CS Patel in his book Nadi and Navamsha astrology are:21º of Fire signs: 21º Aries, 21º Leo, and 21º Sagittarius (Venus nakshatras)14º in Earth signs: 14º Taurus, 14º Virgo, and 14º Capricorn (Moon nakshatras)24º in Air signs: 24º Gemini, 24º Libra, and 24º Aquarius (Jupiter Nakshatras)7º in Water signs: 7º Cancer, 7º Scorpio, 7º Pisces (Saturn nakshatras)
According to the CS Patel, Bhagas are not found in Ketu, Sun, Mars, Rahu and Mercury nakshatras while Jataka Parijata has pushkara bhaga in Rahu and Sun nakshatras but not in Ketu, Mars and Mercury nakshatras.
Mostly the Jataka Parijata pushkara bhaga degrees are used. I am also using Jataka Parijata bhagas as it gives these actual degrees in the text. Plus it resonates with my research.
I have been infomred by one of his students that CS Pate'ls information is from Purva Kalamrita. Do research both sets of degrees and come up with your own conclusions.
How to use Pushkara Bhaga and Navamsha.
Jataka Parijata says that pushkara should be used in muhurta, natal and any other factor under consideration. Other factors under consideration are in prashna and maybe relationship compatibility.
Muhurta: There are 24 pushkara navamsha and 12 pushkara therefore every hour a pushkara navamsha rises and every two hours a pushkara degree rises. Therefore when you need to find an auspicious time in a hurry, you can chose a pushkara navamsha or a pushkara degree. Some degrees reflect both the navamsha and degree of pushkara. In Taurus, the pushkara navamsha and the degree are vargotamma; therefore that particular position is extremely strong. Generally when planning a muhurta, it would be good to choose a pushkara degree or navamsha rising. This protects the chart and gives it a benefic quality. To have the benefic planets, lagna lord, 9th lord, 5th lord as well as the lord of the house for which you are performing the muhurta (10th career, 4th- home) to be in pushkara navamsha will further fortify the chart.
Natal: Remember pushkara is added on knowledge. You should analyse the chart by all traditional methods and then study the chart to see whether any planets are placed in pushkara bhaga or navamsha. If a chart does not appear to have any great strength but it has ascendant in pushkara bhaga and 10th lord in pushkara degree, the quality of the is chart changes and your analysis will be different. The chart is showing extra ordinary strength with both the lagna and 10th lord fortifies. Pushkara will bring strength to the chart, nourish it after it has used up some of its energy. The individual may not immediately gain the strength, but is guided through these auspicious degrees to work with their issues, accept them and learn to overcome them.
Planet in an exact degree is stronger than the bhaga so the quality will be more intense. If you have Sun exalted in 21º Aries, it is in pushkara navamsha and bhaga. But this is also the debilitated navamsha of the Sun. Sun debilitated by navamsha shows hidden lack of confidence, need for support of others, and low self esteem. The weakness indicated by the Sun in its debilitated navamsha is being over-ridden by the fact that the Sun is pushkara both in navamsha and bhaga. Therefore an individual may experience some weaknesses of this debilitation, but they are quickly able to overcome it and make the Sun, its karakas, house rulerships etc positive. Low esteem will be there but the person learn confidence, pushkara will make them feel strong instead of weak.
All texts say lagna, lagna lord, and 10th lords in Pushkara gives great strength and good luck to the birth chart. In my experience, the more planets in pushkara, the stronger the chart. The lagna is a pushkara degree or navamsha brings fortune and success. If the lord of a house is placed in pushkara or the bhava Madhya of the house is placed in pushkara, this strengthens it and makes it a force to do good. Pushkara imparts sweetness to the chart that brings in higher qualities of goodness, spiritual aspirations and material success as.
Those who have their rajayoga karaka in pushkara or their yogas taking place in pushkara, they are specially blessed. This enhances an already strong position to something sublime.
The experience of pushkara is during their dashas. If the dasha lord is in pushkara or the lord of bhava Madhya that are pushkara, it will give special results in relationship to its signification’s.
Also watch when planets go into their pushkara positions by transit. In June 2005, many planets, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Sun while as I write this article (23 July2005) only Saturn and Sun are pushkara in 6º Cancer. But Saturn is combust and Saturn is spoiling Sun. Therefore the ability of these planets to do good is limited. But their being in pushkara position, it suggests that despite their limitations and the pain that this conjunction has generated is there, but also there is hope and capacity for improvement.
Prashna: If the prashna ascendant falls in pushkara or the karaka falls in pushkara, there will be a good ending. Lets suppose the question was about buying a new home. 4th lord is Mercury and is placed in the 8th house in Taurus navamsha in Libra. The immediate answer would be that there is difficulty in buying the house. But this is a pushkara navamsha; therefore there are some underlying factors that will make this negative aspect positive. It may be that not buying the house saved you from a big loss or there may be a better property ahead so not buying this property will be for your good in the long run.
Relationships: if Venus, the karaka of relationships is placed in 14º Virgo. Now Venus in Virgo would usually create problems with relationships but the pushkara aspect will nourish Venus, make it feel supported and that would have good effect for relationships.Your lagna lord is pushkara in your partner’s chart or vice versa means that you have the ability to nourish your partners. The karakas Venus and Jupiter in pushkara degrees help make partnerships good. If a woman has Jupiter in pushkara, then she will experience good partners and children. A pushkara Venus gives nourishing relationships
Pushkara: Navamsha and Bhaga
Copyright by Komilla Sutton
Pushkara: Navamsha and Bhaga
Part Two
Komilla Sutton
click here for part one
posted on 1 Nov 2006
Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the quality of the planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good luck and auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara means who does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They form the secret part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep; you come up with gems of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious astrologers insight where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka Parijata have a few shlokas that mention them. I read about Pushkara in C S Patel’s book Navamsha and Nadi Astrology, Jataka Parijata and Chandra Kala Nadi, but the final analysis is my own research and experience.
Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the quality of the planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good luck and auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara means who does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They form the secret part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep; you come up with gems of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious astrologers insight where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka Parijata have a few shlokas that mention them. I read about Pushkara in C S Patel’s book Navamsha and Nadi Astrology, Jataka Parijata and Chandra Kala Nadi, but the final analysis is my own research and experience.
Pushkara Navamsha
Navamsha is the most important varga. Planet positions in their navamsha finally decide whether they are strong or weak in the chart. Do they feel supported or not. Therefore Pushkara navamshas become very important. They are specific areas in charts that nourish which give planets the capacity to heal and regenerate themselves. This special navamsha allow the personality to flourish. Regardless of the situation of the planet, its qualities become replenished. It is always the navamsha ruled by the same signs within the same elements that become pushkara. Study the table below for further clarification.
Pushkara navamsha table by signs and elements
Elements
Signs
pushkara degrees
Pushkara navamsha
Fire- Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
20 deg to 23 deg20
Libra
26 deg to 30 deg 00
Sagittarius
Earth- Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
06 deg40 to 10 deg 00
Pisces
13 deg 20 to 16 deg 40
Taurus
Air- Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
16 deg 40 to 20 deg 00
Pisces
23 deg 20 to 26 deg 40
Taurus
Water- Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
00 deg 00to 03 deg 20
Cancer
06 deg 40 to 10 deg 00
Virgo
While there are two Pushkara in each sign, they do not fall in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Aquarius navamshas. These navamshas can be taken as points of personal development, where individual learns from their own mistakes. Aries, Gemini, Leo and Aquarius are male signs and their navamsha may use up all the energy available to them not try to regenerate the planetary qualities. Scorpio and Capricorn are female signs but these are complex areas within signs. Scorpio creates sudden transformation and Capricorn makes planet feel very burdened, even if they are well placed. As Capricorn makes us face up to our karmic responsibilities and therefore we are not able to nurture the soul.If planets are placed in these navamshas, it should not be taken as minus points. What needs to be understood that these planets have to be self-motivated, their job in this life uses up some of the positive energy saved from previous lives, and therefore pushkara does not nourish them. That may not be negative, just the way life is. Not everything can be saved up or nurtured. But by being aware of these qualities, we can make sure that we learn to nourish them through our actions.
Pushkara navamsha can be classified through nakshatras padas as follows
Ketu Nakshatras (Ashwini, Magha, and Mula) do not have any pushkara navamsha.
3rd pada (Libra) of Venus nakshatras- Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha
1st pada, Sagittarius and 4th pada, Pisces of Sun nakshatras- Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha
2nd pada Taurus of Moon nakshatras- Rohini, Hasta, Shravana
Mars (Mrigasira, Chitra, and Dhanishta) do not have any pushkara navamsha.
4th pada Pisces of Rahu nakshatra- Ardra, Swati and Shatabhishak
2nd pada (Taurus) and 4th pada (Cancer) of Jupiter nakshatras- Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purva Bhadra
2nd pada (Virgo) of Saturn nakshatra- Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara BhadraMercury (Ashlesha, Jyeshta, and Revati) do not have any pushkara navamsha.
Ketu nakshatra are beginning stages for the development for the soul. These stages can be very intense and therefore personal effort and the struggle of the soul to live a material life is there. In Ketu nakshatras, the soul is taking a new step in its development, so it uses up some of its accumulated nourishment. So while they are aspiring for moksha, their very action depletes their collected good karma and planets find it difficult to find nourishment in these circumstances. That does not make it wrong or bring weakness but pushkara cannot thrive. The soul cannot change the situation and in its pursuit for the next level of development, they have to use up some of their equity. It is like taking a loan for present development, which will bring future rewards. But the present will make them feel burdened.
Ketu nakshatra are beginning stages for the development for the soul. These stages can be very intense and therefore personal effort and the struggle of the soul to live a material life is there. In Ketu nakshatras, the soul is taking a new step in its development, so it uses up some of its accumulated nourishment. So while they are aspiring for moksha, their very action depletes their collected good karma and planets find it difficult to find nourishment in these circumstances. That does not make it wrong or bring weakness but pushkara cannot thrive. The soul cannot change the situation and in its pursuit for the next level of development, they have to use up some of their equity. It is like taking a loan for present development, which will bring future rewards. But the present will make them feel burdened.
Mercury nakshatras are areas of transformation where the debris of all soul’s negativity gets collected, the soul struggles to make the changes, the mind is active trying to make sense of their circumstances. The planets struggle to transcend, therefore there is no calmness and stillness provided by Pushkara. Planets use up their energy and do not always feel nourished.
The pushkara navamshas throw up some interesting points. The rulerships of the navamshas are by benefic planets. Jupiter and Venus ruler nine pushkara each, one in fire, earth and air elements, whereas Moon and Mercury rule one each in Water elements. Water signs are known as moksha houses as well. Moksha houses are about self-realisation and the rulership of Moon and Mercury- the two planets of the mind should that we have to nourish our mind before we can aspire to realise ourselves. Another way of looking at it is that a nourished and quiet mind helps us to go towards self-realization.
The planets that are not placed in pushkara need to be energized, as they do not have the capacity to nourish themselves.
Pushkara Bhaga
Pushkara bhaga are specific degrees where planets become especially auspicious to do good. The exact degree is becomes very powerful agent for being positive, whereas the navamsha is still powerful but not as intense as the degree. Pushkara degrees are used for Muhurta. Choosing the muhurta lagna on a pushkara bhaga makes that a very auspicious moment.
Jataka Parijata- Adhyaya 1 Shloka 58 gives the following degrees:
21º Aries (Libra Navamsha) 19º Leo (Virgo navamsha) 23º Sagittarius (Libra Navamsha) These three in Venus nakshatras and Fire signs
14º Taurus (Taurus navamsha and vargotamma- Moon nakshatra),9º Virgo (Pisces navamsha- Sun nakshatra), 14º Capricorn (Taurus Navamsha- Moon nakshatra)Above Three in Earth signs
18º Gemini (Pisces navamsha- Rahu nakshatra),24º Libra (Taurus Navamsha- Jupiter nakshatra), 19º Aquarius (Pisces Navamsha- Rahu nakshatra)Above three in Air signs
8º Cancer (Virgo Navamsha) 11º Scorpio (Libra Navamsha), 9º Pisces (Virgo Navamsha)Above three in Saturn nakshatras and Water signs
Pushkara degrees given by CS Patel in his book Nadi and Navamsha astrology are:21º of Fire signs: 21º Aries, 21º Leo, and 21º Sagittarius (Venus nakshatras)14º in Earth signs: 14º Taurus, 14º Virgo, and 14º Capricorn (Moon nakshatras)24º in Air signs: 24º Gemini, 24º Libra, and 24º Aquarius (Jupiter Nakshatras)7º in Water signs: 7º Cancer, 7º Scorpio, 7º Pisces (Saturn nakshatras)
According to the CS Patel, Bhagas are not found in Ketu, Sun, Mars, Rahu and Mercury nakshatras while Jataka Parijata has pushkara bhaga in Rahu and Sun nakshatras but not in Ketu, Mars and Mercury nakshatras.
Mostly the Jataka Parijata pushkara bhaga degrees are used. I am also using Jataka Parijata bhagas as it gives these actual degrees in the text. Plus it resonates with my research.
I have been infomred by one of his students that CS Pate'ls information is from Purva Kalamrita. Do research both sets of degrees and come up with your own conclusions.
How to use Pushkara Bhaga and Navamsha.
Jataka Parijata says that pushkara should be used in muhurta, natal and any other factor under consideration. Other factors under consideration are in prashna and maybe relationship compatibility.
Muhurta: There are 24 pushkara navamsha and 12 pushkara therefore every hour a pushkara navamsha rises and every two hours a pushkara degree rises. Therefore when you need to find an auspicious time in a hurry, you can chose a pushkara navamsha or a pushkara degree. Some degrees reflect both the navamsha and degree of pushkara. In Taurus, the pushkara navamsha and the degree are vargotamma; therefore that particular position is extremely strong. Generally when planning a muhurta, it would be good to choose a pushkara degree or navamsha rising. This protects the chart and gives it a benefic quality. To have the benefic planets, lagna lord, 9th lord, 5th lord as well as the lord of the house for which you are performing the muhurta (10th career, 4th- home) to be in pushkara navamsha will further fortify the chart.
Natal: Remember pushkara is added on knowledge. You should analyse the chart by all traditional methods and then study the chart to see whether any planets are placed in pushkara bhaga or navamsha. If a chart does not appear to have any great strength but it has ascendant in pushkara bhaga and 10th lord in pushkara degree, the quality of the is chart changes and your analysis will be different. The chart is showing extra ordinary strength with both the lagna and 10th lord fortifies. Pushkara will bring strength to the chart, nourish it after it has used up some of its energy. The individual may not immediately gain the strength, but is guided through these auspicious degrees to work with their issues, accept them and learn to overcome them.
Planet in an exact degree is stronger than the bhaga so the quality will be more intense. If you have Sun exalted in 21º Aries, it is in pushkara navamsha and bhaga. But this is also the debilitated navamsha of the Sun. Sun debilitated by navamsha shows hidden lack of confidence, need for support of others, and low self esteem. The weakness indicated by the Sun in its debilitated navamsha is being over-ridden by the fact that the Sun is pushkara both in navamsha and bhaga. Therefore an individual may experience some weaknesses of this debilitation, but they are quickly able to overcome it and make the Sun, its karakas, house rulerships etc positive. Low esteem will be there but the person learn confidence, pushkara will make them feel strong instead of weak.
All texts say lagna, lagna lord, and 10th lords in Pushkara gives great strength and good luck to the birth chart. In my experience, the more planets in pushkara, the stronger the chart. The lagna is a pushkara degree or navamsha brings fortune and success. If the lord of a house is placed in pushkara or the bhava Madhya of the house is placed in pushkara, this strengthens it and makes it a force to do good. Pushkara imparts sweetness to the chart that brings in higher qualities of goodness, spiritual aspirations and material success as.
Those who have their rajayoga karaka in pushkara or their yogas taking place in pushkara, they are specially blessed. This enhances an already strong position to something sublime.
The experience of pushkara is during their dashas. If the dasha lord is in pushkara or the lord of bhava Madhya that are pushkara, it will give special results in relationship to its signification’s.
Also watch when planets go into their pushkara positions by transit. In June 2005, many planets, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Sun while as I write this article (23 July2005) only Saturn and Sun are pushkara in 6º Cancer. But Saturn is combust and Saturn is spoiling Sun. Therefore the ability of these planets to do good is limited. But their being in pushkara position, it suggests that despite their limitations and the pain that this conjunction has generated is there, but also there is hope and capacity for improvement.
Prashna: If the prashna ascendant falls in pushkara or the karaka falls in pushkara, there will be a good ending. Lets suppose the question was about buying a new home. 4th lord is Mercury and is placed in the 8th house in Taurus navamsha in Libra. The immediate answer would be that there is difficulty in buying the house. But this is a pushkara navamsha; therefore there are some underlying factors that will make this negative aspect positive. It may be that not buying the house saved you from a big loss or there may be a better property ahead so not buying this property will be for your good in the long run.
Relationships: if Venus, the karaka of relationships is placed in 14º Virgo. Now Venus in Virgo would usually create problems with relationships but the pushkara aspect will nourish Venus, make it feel supported and that would have good effect for relationships.Your lagna lord is pushkara in your partner’s chart or vice versa means that you have the ability to nourish your partners. The karakas Venus and Jupiter in pushkara degrees help make partnerships good. If a woman has Jupiter in pushkara, then she will experience good partners and children. A pushkara Venus gives nourishing relationships
Pushkara: Navamsha and Bhaga
Copyright by Komilla Sutton
Part One
by
Komilla Sutton
posted on 3 october 2006
Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the quality of the planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good luck and auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara means who does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They form the secret part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep, you come up with gems of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious astrologers insight where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka Parijata have a few shlokas that mention them. Their importance is understood through understanding the myth of pushkara and its relationship with the creator Brahma and Brihaspati (Jupiter).
Myth of Pushkara
After a prolonged penance a Brahmin called Tundila was granted a boon that he would remain permanently with Shiva in form of Jalamayatva Siddhi. Shiva has eight forms and one of them is Jalamayatva Siddhi, the ability to live in water. Tundila became known as Pushkara, the one who nourishes the world as this penance gave him the power to purify all the holy rivers for the benefit for all.
Brahma wanted water for creation and Pushkara’s ability to purify it. He pleaded with Shiva to allow Pushkara to live in his kamandal (the water pot that Brahma keeps by his side). Shiv granted this request. Brihaspati (Jupiter) asked Brahma that Pushkara should be with him, as water was essential for mankind and Pushkara’s ability to purify unique. Pushkara refused, as he did not want to leave Brahma.
Brahma resolved the situation by asking Pushkara to stay with Brihaspati for 12 days when the latter was entering a new Rashi and 12 days when he was leaving it. On a daily basis, Pushkara would stay with Brihaspati for a length of two Muhurta (48 minutes is one muhurta) in the afternoon. Brahma, accompanied by all the other gods, would go with Pushkara to the holy river being blessed. Thus, Pushkara could be with Brahma as well as with Brihaspati at the same time. Brihaspati stays in one rashi for a year and takes 12 years to complete one cycle of the Zodiac. When Brihaspati comes into a Rashi then the Pushkara would be with him in the first 12 days (Aadi Pushkara) and the last 12 days (Antya Pushkara) as Brihaspati exits the rashi. When people bathe in a holy river at the time of Pushkaram, they take the blessings of Jupiter into the next twelve-year cycle of Brihaspati.
The twelve main rivers were blessed by Pushkara and purified once every twelve years. Pushkaram signifies the entry of Pushkara into the river water along with all gods and goddesses, which makes the water of that river pure for another 12 years. The entire year is considered holy to have the dip because earthly one-year amounts to only one divine day. During Pushkaram, the old sins can be washed away and the souls leave the water purified. People also pay homage to their departed ancestors during this time as well. All can experience the blessings of Pushkara twice a day when the pushkara muhurta is on by taking a dip the holy waters.
The temple town of Pushkar in Rajasthan is blessed, as its lake is the living kamandal of Brahma. There is a rare Brahma temple there as well. This is one of the holiest place and people throng there to find absolution for negative past karma.
Daily there are two Pushkaram when the holy waters get energized with the godly presence and these are the special times to take a dip in the holy waters as they are specially energized and purified. All the gods are residing with Brahma to give their blessing to the aspirants.
Brihaspati ( Jupiter) transits and Pushkara of the Holy Rivers
There are twelve holy rivers in ancient India and these rivers are not always easy to trace in the present times. The rivers blessed by Pushkar during Brihaspati Rashi transits are
Rashi
River
Mesha
Ganga
Vrishibha
Rewa
Mithuna
Saraswati
Kartaka
Yamuna
Simha
Godavari
Kanya
Krishnaveni
Tula
Kaveri
Vrishchika
Bhima
Dhanus
Pushkaravahini
Makara
Tungabhadra
Kumbha
Indus
Mina
Parineeta
As Jupiter goes into Vrishchika ( Scorpio) on 28 october 2006, he will be blessing Bhima river. Bhima river rises near Pune in the western ghats near an ancient shiva temple known as Bhimashankar. Bhima Shankar is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Shiva. this is where Shiva killed the demon Tripurantikari. The Bhima flows through the states of Maharashtra and karnataka into Krishna river, blessing its people. The major shrines on the banks of Bhima will hold festivals to welcome the pushkara of its river. All the major gods will visit the river along with Pushkara and cleanse the river and its people.
Pushkara Bhaga, Navamsha and the Myth
There are two pushkara bhagas/navamshas in each sign. This reflects the fact that there are two Pushkara muhurta daily in the afternoon. Two degrees became highly beneficial during each month. A muhurta is 48 minutes, the start of the muhurta would represent the Bhaga/degree as duration of it the navamsha. The navamsha and the bhaga do not always coincide. I do not have any answers for it as yet. How the exact daily calculation is done, I am still not aware of but will keep on researching and keep you all posted. In all these would make 24 positions within the solar year (360º Zodiac). These positions have been transposed into the natal chart to show degrees or navamshas, which become special placement for the planets. The planets in these positions take a virtual dip in the holy waters and regardless of their previous karma or weaknesses they have the ability to get redeemed and be strengthened.
While humans can get rid of their sins by taking a dip in the holy waters during Pushkaram, the planets in the natal chart gets similarly blessed and lose all their negative qualities. What is important to remember is that the individuals in whose chart where the lagna or planets in the pushkara navamshas and bhagas should want to make the changes, to find the blessings. Otherwise these positions can just remain unrealized blessings. Brihaspati (Jupiter) has a special relationship with Pushkara and its position in Pushkara is especially beneficial.
The rishis and spiritualist wait for pushkara time to rise before they take a dip in the holy waters, similarly we can get the same blessings by choosing a pushkara lagna rising in our muhurta.
Note: Part two of this article on Pushkara Navamsha and Bhaga will be published in November 2006.
Part2
Pushkara: Navamsha and Bhaga
Part Two
Komilla Sutton
click here for part one
posted on 1 Nov 2006
Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the quality of the planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good luck and auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara means who does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They form the secret part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep; you come up with gems of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious astrologers insight where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka Parijata have a few shlokas that mention them. I read about Pushkara in C S Patel’s book Navamsha and Nadi Astrology, Jataka Parijata and Chandra Kala Nadi, but the final analysis is my own research and experience.
Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the quality of the planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good luck and auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara means who does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They form the secret part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep; you come up with gems of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious astrologers insight where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka Parijata have a few shlokas that mention them. I read about Pushkara in C S Patel’s book Navamsha and Nadi Astrology, Jataka Parijata and Chandra Kala Nadi, but the final analysis is my own research and experience.
Pushkara Navamsha
Navamsha is the most important varga. Planet positions in their navamsha finally decide whether they are strong or weak in the chart. Do they feel supported or not. Therefore Pushkara navamshas become very important. They are specific areas in charts that nourish which give planets the capacity to heal and regenerate themselves. This special navamsha allow the personality to flourish. Regardless of the situation of the planet, its qualities become replenished. It is always the navamsha ruled by the same signs within the same elements that become pushkara. Study the table below for further clarification.
Pushkara navamsha table by signs and elements
Elements
Signs
pushkara degrees
Pushkara navamsha
Fire- Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
20 deg to 23 deg20
Libra
26 deg to 30 deg 00
Sagittarius
Earth- Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
06 deg40 to 10 deg 00
Pisces
13 deg 20 to 16 deg 40
Taurus
Air- Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
16 deg 40 to 20 deg 00
Pisces
23 deg 20 to 26 deg 40
Taurus
Water- Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
00 deg 00to 03 deg 20
Cancer
06 deg 40 to 10 deg 00
Virgo
While there are two Pushkara in each sign, they do not fall in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Aquarius navamshas. These navamshas can be taken as points of personal development, where individual learns from their own mistakes. Aries, Gemini, Leo and Aquarius are male signs and their navamsha may use up all the energy available to them not try to regenerate the planetary qualities. Scorpio and Capricorn are female signs but these are complex areas within signs. Scorpio creates sudden transformation and Capricorn makes planet feel very burdened, even if they are well placed. As Capricorn makes us face up to our karmic responsibilities and therefore we are not able to nurture the soul.If planets are placed in these navamshas, it should not be taken as minus points. What needs to be understood that these planets have to be self-motivated, their job in this life uses up some of the positive energy saved from previous lives, and therefore pushkara does not nourish them. That may not be negative, just the way life is. Not everything can be saved up or nurtured. But by being aware of these qualities, we can make sure that we learn to nourish them through our actions.
Pushkara navamsha can be classified through nakshatras padas as follows
Ketu Nakshatras (Ashwini, Magha, and Mula) do not have any pushkara navamsha.
3rd pada (Libra) of Venus nakshatras- Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha
1st pada, Sagittarius and 4th pada, Pisces of Sun nakshatras- Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha
2nd pada Taurus of Moon nakshatras- Rohini, Hasta, Shravana
Mars (Mrigasira, Chitra, and Dhanishta) do not have any pushkara navamsha.
4th pada Pisces of Rahu nakshatra- Ardra, Swati and Shatabhishak
2nd pada (Taurus) and 4th pada (Cancer) of Jupiter nakshatras- Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purva Bhadra
2nd pada (Virgo) of Saturn nakshatra- Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara BhadraMercury (Ashlesha, Jyeshta, and Revati) do not have any pushkara navamsha.
Ketu nakshatra are beginning stages for the development for the soul. These stages can be very intense and therefore personal effort and the struggle of the soul to live a material life is there. In Ketu nakshatras, the soul is taking a new step in its development, so it uses up some of its accumulated nourishment. So while they are aspiring for moksha, their very action depletes their collected good karma and planets find it difficult to find nourishment in these circumstances. That does not make it wrong or bring weakness but pushkara cannot thrive. The soul cannot change the situation and in its pursuit for the next level of development, they have to use up some of their equity. It is like taking a loan for present development, which will bring future rewards. But the present will make them feel burdened.
Ketu nakshatra are beginning stages for the development for the soul. These stages can be very intense and therefore personal effort and the struggle of the soul to live a material life is there. In Ketu nakshatras, the soul is taking a new step in its development, so it uses up some of its accumulated nourishment. So while they are aspiring for moksha, their very action depletes their collected good karma and planets find it difficult to find nourishment in these circumstances. That does not make it wrong or bring weakness but pushkara cannot thrive. The soul cannot change the situation and in its pursuit for the next level of development, they have to use up some of their equity. It is like taking a loan for present development, which will bring future rewards. But the present will make them feel burdened.
Mercury nakshatras are areas of transformation where the debris of all soul’s negativity gets collected, the soul struggles to make the changes, the mind is active trying to make sense of their circumstances. The planets struggle to transcend, therefore there is no calmness and stillness provided by Pushkara. Planets use up their energy and do not always feel nourished.
The pushkara navamshas throw up some interesting points. The rulerships of the navamshas are by benefic planets. Jupiter and Venus ruler nine pushkara each, one in fire, earth and air elements, whereas Moon and Mercury rule one each in Water elements. Water signs are known as moksha houses as well. Moksha houses are about self-realisation and the rulership of Moon and Mercury- the two planets of the mind should that we have to nourish our mind before we can aspire to realise ourselves. Another way of looking at it is that a nourished and quiet mind helps us to go towards self-realization.
The planets that are not placed in pushkara need to be energized, as they do not have the capacity to nourish themselves.
Pushkara Bhaga
Pushkara bhaga are specific degrees where planets become especially auspicious to do good. The exact degree is becomes very powerful agent for being positive, whereas the navamsha is still powerful but not as intense as the degree. Pushkara degrees are used for Muhurta. Choosing the muhurta lagna on a pushkara bhaga makes that a very auspicious moment.
Jataka Parijata- Adhyaya 1 Shloka 58 gives the following degrees:
21º Aries (Libra Navamsha) 19º Leo (Virgo navamsha) 23º Sagittarius (Libra Navamsha) These three in Venus nakshatras and Fire signs
14º Taurus (Taurus navamsha and vargotamma- Moon nakshatra),9º Virgo (Pisces navamsha- Sun nakshatra), 14º Capricorn (Taurus Navamsha- Moon nakshatra)Above Three in Earth signs
18º Gemini (Pisces navamsha- Rahu nakshatra),24º Libra (Taurus Navamsha- Jupiter nakshatra), 19º Aquarius (Pisces Navamsha- Rahu nakshatra)Above three in Air signs
8º Cancer (Virgo Navamsha) 11º Scorpio (Libra Navamsha), 9º Pisces (Virgo Navamsha)Above three in Saturn nakshatras and Water signs
Pushkara degrees given by CS Patel in his book Nadi and Navamsha astrology are:21º of Fire signs: 21º Aries, 21º Leo, and 21º Sagittarius (Venus nakshatras)14º in Earth signs: 14º Taurus, 14º Virgo, and 14º Capricorn (Moon nakshatras)24º in Air signs: 24º Gemini, 24º Libra, and 24º Aquarius (Jupiter Nakshatras)7º in Water signs: 7º Cancer, 7º Scorpio, 7º Pisces (Saturn nakshatras)
According to the CS Patel, Bhagas are not found in Ketu, Sun, Mars, Rahu and Mercury nakshatras while Jataka Parijata has pushkara bhaga in Rahu and Sun nakshatras but not in Ketu, Mars and Mercury nakshatras.
Mostly the Jataka Parijata pushkara bhaga degrees are used. I am also using Jataka Parijata bhagas as it gives these actual degrees in the text. Plus it resonates with my research.
I have been infomred by one of his students that CS Pate'ls information is from Purva Kalamrita. Do research both sets of degrees and come up with your own conclusions.
How to use Pushkara Bhaga and Navamsha.
Jataka Parijata says that pushkara should be used in muhurta, natal and any other factor under consideration. Other factors under consideration are in prashna and maybe relationship compatibility.
Muhurta: There are 24 pushkara navamsha and 12 pushkara therefore every hour a pushkara navamsha rises and every two hours a pushkara degree rises. Therefore when you need to find an auspicious time in a hurry, you can chose a pushkara navamsha or a pushkara degree. Some degrees reflect both the navamsha and degree of pushkara. In Taurus, the pushkara navamsha and the degree are vargotamma; therefore that particular position is extremely strong. Generally when planning a muhurta, it would be good to choose a pushkara degree or navamsha rising. This protects the chart and gives it a benefic quality. To have the benefic planets, lagna lord, 9th lord, 5th lord as well as the lord of the house for which you are performing the muhurta (10th career, 4th- home) to be in pushkara navamsha will further fortify the chart.
Natal: Remember pushkara is added on knowledge. You should analyse the chart by all traditional methods and then study the chart to see whether any planets are placed in pushkara bhaga or navamsha. If a chart does not appear to have any great strength but it has ascendant in pushkara bhaga and 10th lord in pushkara degree, the quality of the is chart changes and your analysis will be different. The chart is showing extra ordinary strength with both the lagna and 10th lord fortifies. Pushkara will bring strength to the chart, nourish it after it has used up some of its energy. The individual may not immediately gain the strength, but is guided through these auspicious degrees to work with their issues, accept them and learn to overcome them.
Planet in an exact degree is stronger than the bhaga so the quality will be more intense. If you have Sun exalted in 21º Aries, it is in pushkara navamsha and bhaga. But this is also the debilitated navamsha of the Sun. Sun debilitated by navamsha shows hidden lack of confidence, need for support of others, and low self esteem. The weakness indicated by the Sun in its debilitated navamsha is being over-ridden by the fact that the Sun is pushkara both in navamsha and bhaga. Therefore an individual may experience some weaknesses of this debilitation, but they are quickly able to overcome it and make the Sun, its karakas, house rulerships etc positive. Low esteem will be there but the person learn confidence, pushkara will make them feel strong instead of weak.
All texts say lagna, lagna lord, and 10th lords in Pushkara gives great strength and good luck to the birth chart. In my experience, the more planets in pushkara, the stronger the chart. The lagna is a pushkara degree or navamsha brings fortune and success. If the lord of a house is placed in pushkara or the bhava Madhya of the house is placed in pushkara, this strengthens it and makes it a force to do good. Pushkara imparts sweetness to the chart that brings in higher qualities of goodness, spiritual aspirations and material success as.
Those who have their rajayoga karaka in pushkara or their yogas taking place in pushkara, they are specially blessed. This enhances an already strong position to something sublime.
The experience of pushkara is during their dashas. If the dasha lord is in pushkara or the lord of bhava Madhya that are pushkara, it will give special results in relationship to its signification’s.
Also watch when planets go into their pushkara positions by transit. In June 2005, many planets, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Sun while as I write this article (23 July2005) only Saturn and Sun are pushkara in 6º Cancer. But Saturn is combust and Saturn is spoiling Sun. Therefore the ability of these planets to do good is limited. But their being in pushkara position, it suggests that despite their limitations and the pain that this conjunction has generated is there, but also there is hope and capacity for improvement.
Prashna: If the prashna ascendant falls in pushkara or the karaka falls in pushkara, there will be a good ending. Lets suppose the question was about buying a new home. 4th lord is Mercury and is placed in the 8th house in Taurus navamsha in Libra. The immediate answer would be that there is difficulty in buying the house. But this is a pushkara navamsha; therefore there are some underlying factors that will make this negative aspect positive. It may be that not buying the house saved you from a big loss or there may be a better property ahead so not buying this property will be for your good in the long run.
Relationships: if Venus, the karaka of relationships is placed in 14º Virgo. Now Venus in Virgo would usually create problems with relationships but the pushkara aspect will nourish Venus, make it feel supported and that would have good effect for relationships.Your lagna lord is pushkara in your partner’s chart or vice versa means that you have the ability to nourish your partners. The karakas Venus and Jupiter in pushkara degrees help make partnerships good. If a woman has Jupiter in pushkara, then she will experience good partners and children. A pushkara Venus gives nourishing relationships
Pushkara: Navamsha and Bhaga
Copyright by Komilla Sutton
Pushkara: Navamsha and Bhaga
Part Two
Komilla Sutton
click here for part one
posted on 1 Nov 2006
Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the quality of the planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good luck and auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara means who does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They form the secret part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep; you come up with gems of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious astrologers insight where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka Parijata have a few shlokas that mention them. I read about Pushkara in C S Patel’s book Navamsha and Nadi Astrology, Jataka Parijata and Chandra Kala Nadi, but the final analysis is my own research and experience.
Pushkara navamshas are special navamshas that enhance the quality of the planet. Pushkara bhagas are special degrees, which bring good luck and auspicious energy to the chart. Push means to nourish and kara means who does or what causes. So pushkara navamsha nourishes the quality of the planet placed within it. This can take the quality of the planet from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Pushkara are not given in many texts. They form the secret part of Vedic astrology in which when you dig deep; you come up with gems of analysis. The secret part was essential to give serious astrologers insight where the amateurs could fail. Chandra Kala Nadi, Jataka Parijata have a few shlokas that mention them. I read about Pushkara in C S Patel’s book Navamsha and Nadi Astrology, Jataka Parijata and Chandra Kala Nadi, but the final analysis is my own research and experience.
Pushkara Navamsha
Navamsha is the most important varga. Planet positions in their navamsha finally decide whether they are strong or weak in the chart. Do they feel supported or not. Therefore Pushkara navamshas become very important. They are specific areas in charts that nourish which give planets the capacity to heal and regenerate themselves. This special navamsha allow the personality to flourish. Regardless of the situation of the planet, its qualities become replenished. It is always the navamsha ruled by the same signs within the same elements that become pushkara. Study the table below for further clarification.
Pushkara navamsha table by signs and elements
Elements
Signs
pushkara degrees
Pushkara navamsha
Fire- Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
20 deg to 23 deg20
Libra
26 deg to 30 deg 00
Sagittarius
Earth- Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
06 deg40 to 10 deg 00
Pisces
13 deg 20 to 16 deg 40
Taurus
Air- Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
16 deg 40 to 20 deg 00
Pisces
23 deg 20 to 26 deg 40
Taurus
Water- Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
00 deg 00to 03 deg 20
Cancer
06 deg 40 to 10 deg 00
Virgo
While there are two Pushkara in each sign, they do not fall in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Aquarius navamshas. These navamshas can be taken as points of personal development, where individual learns from their own mistakes. Aries, Gemini, Leo and Aquarius are male signs and their navamsha may use up all the energy available to them not try to regenerate the planetary qualities. Scorpio and Capricorn are female signs but these are complex areas within signs. Scorpio creates sudden transformation and Capricorn makes planet feel very burdened, even if they are well placed. As Capricorn makes us face up to our karmic responsibilities and therefore we are not able to nurture the soul.If planets are placed in these navamshas, it should not be taken as minus points. What needs to be understood that these planets have to be self-motivated, their job in this life uses up some of the positive energy saved from previous lives, and therefore pushkara does not nourish them. That may not be negative, just the way life is. Not everything can be saved up or nurtured. But by being aware of these qualities, we can make sure that we learn to nourish them through our actions.
Pushkara navamsha can be classified through nakshatras padas as follows
Ketu Nakshatras (Ashwini, Magha, and Mula) do not have any pushkara navamsha.
3rd pada (Libra) of Venus nakshatras- Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha
1st pada, Sagittarius and 4th pada, Pisces of Sun nakshatras- Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha
2nd pada Taurus of Moon nakshatras- Rohini, Hasta, Shravana
Mars (Mrigasira, Chitra, and Dhanishta) do not have any pushkara navamsha.
4th pada Pisces of Rahu nakshatra- Ardra, Swati and Shatabhishak
2nd pada (Taurus) and 4th pada (Cancer) of Jupiter nakshatras- Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purva Bhadra
2nd pada (Virgo) of Saturn nakshatra- Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara BhadraMercury (Ashlesha, Jyeshta, and Revati) do not have any pushkara navamsha.
Ketu nakshatra are beginning stages for the development for the soul. These stages can be very intense and therefore personal effort and the struggle of the soul to live a material life is there. In Ketu nakshatras, the soul is taking a new step in its development, so it uses up some of its accumulated nourishment. So while they are aspiring for moksha, their very action depletes their collected good karma and planets find it difficult to find nourishment in these circumstances. That does not make it wrong or bring weakness but pushkara cannot thrive. The soul cannot change the situation and in its pursuit for the next level of development, they have to use up some of their equity. It is like taking a loan for present development, which will bring future rewards. But the present will make them feel burdened.
Ketu nakshatra are beginning stages for the development for the soul. These stages can be very intense and therefore personal effort and the struggle of the soul to live a material life is there. In Ketu nakshatras, the soul is taking a new step in its development, so it uses up some of its accumulated nourishment. So while they are aspiring for moksha, their very action depletes their collected good karma and planets find it difficult to find nourishment in these circumstances. That does not make it wrong or bring weakness but pushkara cannot thrive. The soul cannot change the situation and in its pursuit for the next level of development, they have to use up some of their equity. It is like taking a loan for present development, which will bring future rewards. But the present will make them feel burdened.
Mercury nakshatras are areas of transformation where the debris of all soul’s negativity gets collected, the soul struggles to make the changes, the mind is active trying to make sense of their circumstances. The planets struggle to transcend, therefore there is no calmness and stillness provided by Pushkara. Planets use up their energy and do not always feel nourished.
The pushkara navamshas throw up some interesting points. The rulerships of the navamshas are by benefic planets. Jupiter and Venus ruler nine pushkara each, one in fire, earth and air elements, whereas Moon and Mercury rule one each in Water elements. Water signs are known as moksha houses as well. Moksha houses are about self-realisation and the rulership of Moon and Mercury- the two planets of the mind should that we have to nourish our mind before we can aspire to realise ourselves. Another way of looking at it is that a nourished and quiet mind helps us to go towards self-realization.
The planets that are not placed in pushkara need to be energized, as they do not have the capacity to nourish themselves.
Pushkara Bhaga
Pushkara bhaga are specific degrees where planets become especially auspicious to do good. The exact degree is becomes very powerful agent for being positive, whereas the navamsha is still powerful but not as intense as the degree. Pushkara degrees are used for Muhurta. Choosing the muhurta lagna on a pushkara bhaga makes that a very auspicious moment.
Jataka Parijata- Adhyaya 1 Shloka 58 gives the following degrees:
21º Aries (Libra Navamsha) 19º Leo (Virgo navamsha) 23º Sagittarius (Libra Navamsha) These three in Venus nakshatras and Fire signs
14º Taurus (Taurus navamsha and vargotamma- Moon nakshatra),9º Virgo (Pisces navamsha- Sun nakshatra), 14º Capricorn (Taurus Navamsha- Moon nakshatra)Above Three in Earth signs
18º Gemini (Pisces navamsha- Rahu nakshatra),24º Libra (Taurus Navamsha- Jupiter nakshatra), 19º Aquarius (Pisces Navamsha- Rahu nakshatra)Above three in Air signs
8º Cancer (Virgo Navamsha) 11º Scorpio (Libra Navamsha), 9º Pisces (Virgo Navamsha)Above three in Saturn nakshatras and Water signs
Pushkara degrees given by CS Patel in his book Nadi and Navamsha astrology are:21º of Fire signs: 21º Aries, 21º Leo, and 21º Sagittarius (Venus nakshatras)14º in Earth signs: 14º Taurus, 14º Virgo, and 14º Capricorn (Moon nakshatras)24º in Air signs: 24º Gemini, 24º Libra, and 24º Aquarius (Jupiter Nakshatras)7º in Water signs: 7º Cancer, 7º Scorpio, 7º Pisces (Saturn nakshatras)
According to the CS Patel, Bhagas are not found in Ketu, Sun, Mars, Rahu and Mercury nakshatras while Jataka Parijata has pushkara bhaga in Rahu and Sun nakshatras but not in Ketu, Mars and Mercury nakshatras.
Mostly the Jataka Parijata pushkara bhaga degrees are used. I am also using Jataka Parijata bhagas as it gives these actual degrees in the text. Plus it resonates with my research.
I have been infomred by one of his students that CS Pate'ls information is from Purva Kalamrita. Do research both sets of degrees and come up with your own conclusions.
How to use Pushkara Bhaga and Navamsha.
Jataka Parijata says that pushkara should be used in muhurta, natal and any other factor under consideration. Other factors under consideration are in prashna and maybe relationship compatibility.
Muhurta: There are 24 pushkara navamsha and 12 pushkara therefore every hour a pushkara navamsha rises and every two hours a pushkara degree rises. Therefore when you need to find an auspicious time in a hurry, you can chose a pushkara navamsha or a pushkara degree. Some degrees reflect both the navamsha and degree of pushkara. In Taurus, the pushkara navamsha and the degree are vargotamma; therefore that particular position is extremely strong. Generally when planning a muhurta, it would be good to choose a pushkara degree or navamsha rising. This protects the chart and gives it a benefic quality. To have the benefic planets, lagna lord, 9th lord, 5th lord as well as the lord of the house for which you are performing the muhurta (10th career, 4th- home) to be in pushkara navamsha will further fortify the chart.
Natal: Remember pushkara is added on knowledge. You should analyse the chart by all traditional methods and then study the chart to see whether any planets are placed in pushkara bhaga or navamsha. If a chart does not appear to have any great strength but it has ascendant in pushkara bhaga and 10th lord in pushkara degree, the quality of the is chart changes and your analysis will be different. The chart is showing extra ordinary strength with both the lagna and 10th lord fortifies. Pushkara will bring strength to the chart, nourish it after it has used up some of its energy. The individual may not immediately gain the strength, but is guided through these auspicious degrees to work with their issues, accept them and learn to overcome them.
Planet in an exact degree is stronger than the bhaga so the quality will be more intense. If you have Sun exalted in 21º Aries, it is in pushkara navamsha and bhaga. But this is also the debilitated navamsha of the Sun. Sun debilitated by navamsha shows hidden lack of confidence, need for support of others, and low self esteem. The weakness indicated by the Sun in its debilitated navamsha is being over-ridden by the fact that the Sun is pushkara both in navamsha and bhaga. Therefore an individual may experience some weaknesses of this debilitation, but they are quickly able to overcome it and make the Sun, its karakas, house rulerships etc positive. Low esteem will be there but the person learn confidence, pushkara will make them feel strong instead of weak.
All texts say lagna, lagna lord, and 10th lords in Pushkara gives great strength and good luck to the birth chart. In my experience, the more planets in pushkara, the stronger the chart. The lagna is a pushkara degree or navamsha brings fortune and success. If the lord of a house is placed in pushkara or the bhava Madhya of the house is placed in pushkara, this strengthens it and makes it a force to do good. Pushkara imparts sweetness to the chart that brings in higher qualities of goodness, spiritual aspirations and material success as.
Those who have their rajayoga karaka in pushkara or their yogas taking place in pushkara, they are specially blessed. This enhances an already strong position to something sublime.
The experience of pushkara is during their dashas. If the dasha lord is in pushkara or the lord of bhava Madhya that are pushkara, it will give special results in relationship to its signification’s.
Also watch when planets go into their pushkara positions by transit. In June 2005, many planets, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Sun while as I write this article (23 July2005) only Saturn and Sun are pushkara in 6º Cancer. But Saturn is combust and Saturn is spoiling Sun. Therefore the ability of these planets to do good is limited. But their being in pushkara position, it suggests that despite their limitations and the pain that this conjunction has generated is there, but also there is hope and capacity for improvement.
Prashna: If the prashna ascendant falls in pushkara or the karaka falls in pushkara, there will be a good ending. Lets suppose the question was about buying a new home. 4th lord is Mercury and is placed in the 8th house in Taurus navamsha in Libra. The immediate answer would be that there is difficulty in buying the house. But this is a pushkara navamsha; therefore there are some underlying factors that will make this negative aspect positive. It may be that not buying the house saved you from a big loss or there may be a better property ahead so not buying this property will be for your good in the long run.
Relationships: if Venus, the karaka of relationships is placed in 14º Virgo. Now Venus in Virgo would usually create problems with relationships but the pushkara aspect will nourish Venus, make it feel supported and that would have good effect for relationships.Your lagna lord is pushkara in your partner’s chart or vice versa means that you have the ability to nourish your partners. The karakas Venus and Jupiter in pushkara degrees help make partnerships good. If a woman has Jupiter in pushkara, then she will experience good partners and children. A pushkara Venus gives nourishing relationships
Pushkara: Navamsha and Bhaga
Copyright by Komilla Sutton
Planetary Transits for April 2008
Planetary Transits for April 2008
(All times are GMT, London, and U.K.)
All month: Jupiter in Sagitarius (Dhanus), Saturn (Retrograde) in Leo (Simha), Krittika is the monthly celebrations for Kartikeyan.
April 2008 Panchanga
3rd 12:09 Pradosh***
5th 07:51 Amavasya Tithi begins**.
6th 09:37 New Moon in 22º 46', in Pisces, Revati nakshatra.
13th 14:15 Sun enters Aries and is exalted. Next month is the special akshaya tritiya on 7th May when Sun and Moon is exalted
15th 02:14 Mercury enters Aries.
17th 12:09 Pradosh***
18th 08:09 Poornima Tithi begins 19th 09:38 Full Moon in 23º 41' Virgo, Chitra nakshatra
25th 17:16 Venus enters Aries.
28th 11:00 Mars enters Cancer and will be debilitated for the two months. watch for the Mars Ketu conjunction. More on it in the next Gochara.
30th 04:15 Rahu enters Capricorn. Ketu enters Cancer
Jupiter is Vargottam and Pushkara
Throughout April. Jupiter is Vargottamma from 26°40 to 30° Sagittarius and this is also its pushkara navamsha. Jupiter comes to this position once in every 12 years.This year it is more special as Jupiter retrogrades over this point, therefore prolonging this positive aspect. Venus is also supporting this postive energy by being exalted in Jupiter's other sign Pisces. This makes it positive for many people - Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces benefit the most.
Complicated Mars with Ketu
Mars has been in Gemini for the last few months and now it ends its journey and moves into its debilitated sign of Cancer on 28 April. Aries and Scorpio will feel this most. What makes this more complicated is that Rahu ketu also change signs on 30th April to Capricorn Cancer Axis. Ketu after being for so long with Saturn now joins and complicates Mars. Mars will also loose the benefic influence of Jupiter so it will feel bereft. From 28 April to 21 June 2008- Mars remains debiltated and weak and this indicates lack of action, general health issues and wasteful use of energy from Aries and Scorpio- they may use this time fruitfully by focussing on their personal well being and not expecting too much from themselves. Being careful about any decisions they make- this is not the right time for them to take decisions. I will be writing more about this in the next months newsletter as well as in June about the Mars Ketu conjunction.
Ketu in Cancer and Rahu in Capricorn
Leo will feel the easing with one of the malefic influence, Ketu is moving away from their ascendants. Cancer will need to handle this energy of Mars Ketu for the coming months. But Mars is the best planet for Cancer and Ketu has the co-rulership of Scorpio- their 5th house ruler- so this may be better than it appears.
Ketu crosses the Gandanta point on 30th April as it moves into Cancer and this could lead to some changes in the world situation. If you have planets placed at the end of Cancer then you are going to experience Ketu. This can be an intense time.
As the eclipses now reach the Cancer Capricorn axis, these lagna or Moons can find themselves making changes in the next 18 months. Capricorn will find the greatest transformations as Saturn is in their 8th house of change and the elcipse now are forcing them to take action.
(All times are GMT, London, and U.K.)
All month: Jupiter in Sagitarius (Dhanus), Saturn (Retrograde) in Leo (Simha), Krittika is the monthly celebrations for Kartikeyan.
April 2008 Panchanga
3rd 12:09 Pradosh***
5th 07:51 Amavasya Tithi begins**.
6th 09:37 New Moon in 22º 46', in Pisces, Revati nakshatra.
13th 14:15 Sun enters Aries and is exalted. Next month is the special akshaya tritiya on 7th May when Sun and Moon is exalted
15th 02:14 Mercury enters Aries.
17th 12:09 Pradosh***
18th 08:09 Poornima Tithi begins 19th 09:38 Full Moon in 23º 41' Virgo, Chitra nakshatra
25th 17:16 Venus enters Aries.
28th 11:00 Mars enters Cancer and will be debilitated for the two months. watch for the Mars Ketu conjunction. More on it in the next Gochara.
30th 04:15 Rahu enters Capricorn. Ketu enters Cancer
Jupiter is Vargottam and Pushkara
Throughout April. Jupiter is Vargottamma from 26°40 to 30° Sagittarius and this is also its pushkara navamsha. Jupiter comes to this position once in every 12 years.This year it is more special as Jupiter retrogrades over this point, therefore prolonging this positive aspect. Venus is also supporting this postive energy by being exalted in Jupiter's other sign Pisces. This makes it positive for many people - Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces benefit the most.
Complicated Mars with Ketu
Mars has been in Gemini for the last few months and now it ends its journey and moves into its debilitated sign of Cancer on 28 April. Aries and Scorpio will feel this most. What makes this more complicated is that Rahu ketu also change signs on 30th April to Capricorn Cancer Axis. Ketu after being for so long with Saturn now joins and complicates Mars. Mars will also loose the benefic influence of Jupiter so it will feel bereft. From 28 April to 21 June 2008- Mars remains debiltated and weak and this indicates lack of action, general health issues and wasteful use of energy from Aries and Scorpio- they may use this time fruitfully by focussing on their personal well being and not expecting too much from themselves. Being careful about any decisions they make- this is not the right time for them to take decisions. I will be writing more about this in the next months newsletter as well as in June about the Mars Ketu conjunction.
Ketu in Cancer and Rahu in Capricorn
Leo will feel the easing with one of the malefic influence, Ketu is moving away from their ascendants. Cancer will need to handle this energy of Mars Ketu for the coming months. But Mars is the best planet for Cancer and Ketu has the co-rulership of Scorpio- their 5th house ruler- so this may be better than it appears.
Ketu crosses the Gandanta point on 30th April as it moves into Cancer and this could lead to some changes in the world situation. If you have planets placed at the end of Cancer then you are going to experience Ketu. This can be an intense time.
As the eclipses now reach the Cancer Capricorn axis, these lagna or Moons can find themselves making changes in the next 18 months. Capricorn will find the greatest transformations as Saturn is in their 8th house of change and the elcipse now are forcing them to take action.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Ramayan Era
« Ramar Paalam/Rama Setu — EvidencesBhugol mein Ram (Raja Rama in World geography) »Ramayana era based on planetarium software
Ramayana era based on planetarium software
Source: Pushkar Bhatnagar, 2004, Dating the Era of Lord Ram, Delhi, Rupa and Co.
Rama was born on the Navami tithi of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra masa(9th day of the increasing phase of the moon in the lunar month of Chaitra).At that time, the nakshatra was Punarvasu, and Sun, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus were in Aries, Capricorn, Libra, Cancer and Pisces respectively. Lagna was Cancer and Jupiter & Moon were shining together. — Ramayana 1.18.8,9
The conditions can be summarised as follows:
1. Sun in Aries
2. Saturn in Libra
3. Jupiter in Cancer
4. Venus in Pisces
5. Mars in Capricorn
6. Lunar month of Chaitra
7. 9th day after New Moon
(Navami Tithi, Shukla Paksh)
8. Moon near Punarvasu Nakshatra
(Pollux star in Gemini constellation)
9. Cancer as Lagna
(Cancer constellation rising in the east)
10. Jupiter above the horizon
The observations on the left, when entered into Planetarium software gives us the above Sky Chart, which in turns gives forth the below mentioned date.
Sri Rama Navami - 10th January 5114 BCE - Birth Day of Rama
Observation at 12.30 p.m.
Birth of Bharatha
The Sky Chart of Bharatha’s birth is depicted on the right.
This is about 16 hours after birth of Rama.
Birth of Bharatha - 11th January 5114 BCE, 4.30 a.m.
Pre coronation eve
King Dashratha to his courtiers - “This month of Chaitra is beautiful and holy. The woods and trees are full of flowers. At this time coronation of Rama is most appropriate.” — Ramayana 2.4.21-22
“Astrologers have told me that my nakshatra has been surrounded by malefic planets like Sun, Mars and Rahu. Under such planetary configurations, the king either dies or falls in some deep conspiracy. Thus, before I face any such problem, you take over the kingship” — - Ramayana 2.4.18
“Today the moon is on Punarvasu nakshatra and tomorrow it will meet the Pushya nakshatra. In that Pushya nakshatra, I am eager to hand over the kingdom to you.” — - Ramayana 2.4.21-22
Planets located together in Pisces constellation 4th January 5089 BCE
Khar, Dushan episode
Surpanaka, after her nose-cut encounter with Lakshmana at Panchavati (Nasik), goes straight to her brothers Khar and Dushan, and instigates them to fight against Rama and Lakshmana to avenge her insult. At the behest of Surpanaka, their sister, Khar and Dushan come to engage Rama and Lakshmana in a fight.
The descriptions of Valmiki can be read below.
Valmiki:
“In the middle of his army, Khar, was looking like Mars in the middle of the planets in the sky”.
“When Khar moved with his army towards Rama for the battle, a red coloured evening appeared to be descending all over.“ - Ramayana: 3.23.1
“The sun was covered by a dark coloured disc that had red coloured corners.“ - Ramayana: 3.23.3
“Although it was daytime, it started appearing to be evening.“ - Ramayana: 3.23.9
“The sun was caught by Rahu because of which the sun lost its glow and brightness. Various animals and birds started making noises as if it was dusk.“ - Ramayana: 3.23.12
Khar told Rama - “I want to say many things about my prowess but I would not, because if in the `meanwhile sunset occurs, there would be a break in the battle.“ - Ramayana: 3.29.23
Solar Eclipse description
1. Planets, visible to unaided eyes are
East to West - Saturn, Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter.
2. Mars was in the middle of this chain.
3. Rarely, all the planets are in the day sky.
4. Rarer is Mars in the middle of them.
5. The occurrence of a solar eclipse at that time makes it absolutely unique.
These are some of the rarest of the rare astronomical events, which got recorded because of their uniqueness.
The Solar eclipse on 7th October 5077 BCE reached maxium coverage for Panchwati at 15.10 hours. The Sky Chart on the left shows the configuration at 2.00 p.m. with the Latitude / Longitude for Panchwati
Vali Vadham “Hearing the roar of Sugreev, Vali’s face became red like the sun caught by Rahu during the eclipse.” - Ramayana 4.15.3 “Vali Vadham” occured on 3rd April 5076 BCE during the Solar Eclipse, in the Amavasa Ashada during the morning hours.
Hanuman’s Visit to Lanka
Hanuman’s Visit to Lanka - 12th September 5076 BCE - Lunar Eclipse
The eclipsed moon rose in the eastern sky. It was not a total lunar eclipse. The place of observation is Lanka
Hanuman’s Return from Lanka
Hanuman’s Return from Lanka - 14th September 5076 BCE
Observation at 6.30 a.m. The Sun and Moon are shining together. Mars & Jupiter are shining. Also seen Pushya Cancer Swati Virgo Airavat elephant of Indra corresponds to Scorpio.
Army march to Lanka
The Vanara Army march to Lanka - 20th September 5076 BCE
Lakshmana’s observation : “The Venus has gone to the back side, Sapta-rishi (Ursa Major) are visible brightly, Trishanku (Crux) is visible in front. Moola nakshatra, protector of Rakshasa, is inflicted with Dhumra-ketu (node).”
Notes:
Actual dates of the life
time of Lord Rama
Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2006 11:43:18 -0000
From: “Pushkar”
Subject: Actual dates of the life time of Lord Ram
Namaskar
My name is Pushkar Bhatnagar, a resident of New Delhi.
I would like to share a few factual details about the life of Lord Rama through this mail. In case you are interested in knowing about the actual dates of the happening of various events during the life time of Lord Rama - please continue to read. I have found the precise dates of happening of various events during the lifetime of Lord Ram from his birth to the age of 39 years when he returned from 14 year’s exile.
Maharishi Valmiki, who wrote Ramayana, was contemporary of Lord Ram. While narrating the events of lifetime of Lord Ram, Valmiki has incidentally mentioned the position of planets in the sky at different places. For instance, the position of all the planets (visible with unaided eye) has been mentioned for the date of birth of Lord Ram. Later, while mentioning that Lord Ram was sent to exile for 14 years on his 25th birthday, the position of planets in the sky has been mentioned again for that day. Moving forward, it has been stated that on the amavasya (no moon day) of the 10th month of the 13th year of his exile he fought a battle with Khar and Dushan and on that day a solar eclipse was seen from Panchwati. Not only a solar eclipse occurred but the planets were arranged in the sky in a particular manner. Going ahead, he mantions that six months later when Ram killed Bali on the Amavasya of Ashad of the 14th year of exile, another solar eclipse was visible in the morning sky and after five months when Hanuman went to meet Sita at Lanka, a lunar eclipse was witnessed in the evening. Besides these several other planetary positions have also been mentioned at different other places.
It is imporatant to know that planetary positions keep changing every day in the sky and they do not repeat for Lakhs of years!! Moreover, if we know the position of all the planets in the sky, then they refer to one and only one date in history.
The effort to provide dates to the planetary positions mentioned in Ramayana and other vedic literature began with legendary Bal Gangadhar Tilak in his well known book ‘Orion’. However, the efforts made so far were based on manual computations. Since one revolution of these planets is completed in a highly complex fractional number, it is difficult to arrive at the accurate day and time in history. But in late 90s many software were developed to track the position of planets in the sky and with these software, planets’ position at any given point of time in the sky can be known.
By using a powerful planetarium software, I found that the planetary positions mentioned in Ramayana for the date of birth of Lord Ram had occurred in the sky at around 12.30 p.m. of 10th January 5114 BC. It was the ninth day of the Shukla Paksh of Chaitra month too. Moving forward, after 25 years of the birth of Lord Ram, the position of planets in the sky tallies with their description in Ramayana. Again, on the amavasya of the 10th month of the 13th year of exile the solar eclipse had indeed occurred and the particular arrangement of planets in the sky was visible. ( Date comes to 7th October 5077 BC). Even the occurrence of subsequent two eclipses also tally with the respective description in Valmiki Ramayan. (Date of Hanuman’s meeting Sita at Lanka was 12th September 5076 BC). In this manner the entire sequence of the planetary positions gets verified and all the dates can be precisely determined.
The entire dating has been conducted objectively because the software does not permit any manipulation and the verses of Ramayana are also free of any doubts. Leading scientists and those in this field have appreciated this work. Since the entire sequence tallies, it proves that all the observations in theRamayana were actual recordings and not conjectures.
The indologist suggested that I should have some archaeological evidence in support of these dates because for western historians these dates are too old to be accepted! By god’s grace I came across an interesting archaeological evidence also and I give it’s details in forthcoming paras.
About a few months back NASA had photographed an ancient bridge like structure between India and Sri Lanka and stated that it appeared to be manmade. Most of our historians and theologists jumped on the story and said it was related to Lord Ram. Later on NASA denied having made any statement as to how the bridge got built etc. The enthusiasm died soon and nothing could be conculded since we were trying to prove that it was built millions of years ago.
Just analyse the situation. Suppose you build your house with stones, which are millions of years old - Does your house also becomes millions of years old?Answer is a clear ‘No’.
This was the mistake we were making while trying to claim the ancient bridge and the antiquity of Lord Ram to millions of years ago. Actually, the remains of the bridge, which Lord Ram had built are still available at a place called ‘ Chedu Karai’ in Tamil Nadu. ‘Chedu’ means ‘Setu’ ( bridge) and ‘Karai’ means ‘corner’. Interestingly, these remains of the bridge are available at the depth of about 10 feet below the water and these are about 1.5 kilometer inside the sea.
We are all aware that the rise of sea level, ever since the end of the last ice age (about 16000 BC), is a continuous phenomenon. There is scientific unanimity today that at the end of the last Ice age (which lasted about 1,20,000 Years) the sea level was about 120 meters below the present level. After that, earth entered the warming phase and Ice started melting. The level of sea started rising. The most interesting thing here is that the depth of sea between India and Sri Lanka is just 6-13 meters. It is not more than 13 meters deep at any place. Hence, at the end of last Ice age (16000 BC) India and Sri Lanka were connected by land.
The sea level started to rise gradually and again the scientific data suggests that it reached the level of 14 meters as late as 8000 Years ago. This clearly means that what we call as Palk Strait today came into existence only around 6000 BC. Water rose to a level where it was seen above the shallow land between India and Sri Lanka only around 6000 BC. The data is correct to the extent of +/- 1500 years.
It is all available at the website of National Geophysical Data Centre, USA.
Hence, if the narration in Ramayana is to be believed that Rama’s army crossed the sea to reach Lanka, it has to be an event of Post 6000 BC era.
Further, the precise level at which the `remains of the bridge’ built by Lord Rama can be measured and exact date of building the bridge can be ascertained because the rate of rise of sea level is known now very precisely.
All these findings have been published as a book titled “Dating the era of Lord Ram” (By Rupa & Co, Delhi). Hope you would the information interesting. I am sure you would have questions on the subject. I shall be glad to answer the same.
My e mail addresses are
Pushkar39@yahoo.com
Pushkarbhatnagar@hotmail.com
Regards
Pushkar Bhatnagar
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun, 26 Mar 2006 20:01:17 -0000
From: “shekhar_sinha”
Subject: Re: Actual dates of the life time of Lord RamThe same Ramayan that gives the planetary descriptions (on which the calculation is based on) also tells that Lord Ram came in Treta yug. Matasya purana (47/240,243-246) gives more detail of various decensions and says Bhagwan Ram appeared at the end of 24th treta yug. Currently, 28th Kali yug is in effect according to our scriptures. Various purans give the period of yug cycles also. This gives the period of Lord Ram approx. 18 million years ago.The palentary positions mentioned in Ramayan would also have occured multiple times in history prior to the calculated date…Moreover the date calculated is heavily dependent on interpretation of sanskrit verses and softwares or method of calculation. Thats why every other persons gives his own date with day/month/year and time.
If we have to beleive the historicity of Lord Ram because of Ramayan then we should also beleive that he appeared in treta yug, because the same scripture says so.
http://www.salagram.net/Rama-dates.html
Oct. 12, 2003
A real life hero, not figment of a poet’s imagination
Saroj Bala
THE story of Shri Ram’s life was first narrated by Maharishi Valmiki in The Ramayana, written after he was crowned as the king of Ayodhya. Valmiki was a great astronomer because he made sequential astronomical references on important dates related to the life of Shri Ram indicating the location of planets vis-a-vis zodiac constellations and the other visible stars (nakshatras). A similar position of planets and nakshatras vis-a-vis zodiac constellations has not been repeated in thousands of years. By entering the precise details of the planetary configuration of the important events in the life of Shri Ram, as given in the Valmiki Ramayana, in the software named Planetarium corresponding exact dates of these events according to English calendar can be known.
Pushkar Bhatnagar, of the Indian Revenue Service, had acquired Planetarium from the USA. It is used to predict the solar/lunar eclipses and distance and location of other planets from the earth by the scientists and astronomers. He entered the relevant details about the planetary positions vis-a-vis zodiac constellations narrated by Valmiki and obtained convincing results, thus almost determining the important dates starting from the birth of Shri Ram to the date of his coming back to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Valmiki has recorded in Bal Kaand Sarga 19 and shloka 8 and 9 (1/18/8,9) that Shri Ram was born on the ninth tithi of Chaitra month when the position of different planets vis-a-vis zodiac constellations and nakshatras (visible stars) was as under :- 1 Sun in Aries ii) Saturn in Libra iii) Jupiter in Cancer iv) Venus in Pisces v) Mars in Capricorn vi) Lunar month of Chaitra vii) Ninth day after no moon viii) Lagna as Cancer (Cancer was rising in the east) ix) Moon on the Punarvasu (Gemini constellation & Pollux star) x) Day time (around noon)This data was fed into the Planetarium software. The results indicated that this was exactly the location of planets/stars vis-a-vis zodiac constellations on January10, noon time in the year 5114 BC. As per the Indian calendar, it was the ninth day of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month and the time was around 12 to 1 noontime. This is exactly the time and date when Ram Navmi is celebrated all over India till date.Shri Ram was born in Ayodhya: This fact can be ascertained from several books written by Indian and foreign authors before and after the birth of Christ e.g. Valmiki Ramayana, Tulsi Ramayana, Kalidasa’s Raghuvansam, Bodh and Jain literature etc. These books have narrated in great detail the location, the rich architecture and the beauty of Ayodhya which had many palaces and temples built all over the vast kingdom. Ayodhya was located over the banks of Saryu River with Ganga and Panchal Pradesh on one side and Mithila on the other side. Normally 7,000 years is a very long period during which earthquakes, storms, floods and foreign invasions change the course of rivers, destroy towns and buildings and alter the territories. Therefore, the task of unearthing facts is monumental. The present Ayodhya is shrunken in size and the rivers have changed their course about 40 km north/south.Shri Ram went out of Ayodhya in his childhood (13th year as per Valmiki Ramayana with Rishi Vishwamitra who lived in Tapovan (Sidhhashram) and from there he went to Mithila, the kingdom of King Janaka. Here, he married Sita after breaking the Shiv dhanusha. Researchers have gone along the route adopted by Shri Ram as narrated in Valmiki Ramayana and found 23 places which have memorials existing even as on date to commemorate the events related to his life.These include Shringi Ashram, Ramghat, Tadka Van, Sidhhashram, Gautamashram, Janakpur (now in Nepal) and Sita Kund etc. Memorials are built for great human beings and not for fictitious characters.Date of exile of Shri Ram: In Valmiki Ramayana it is mentioned in Ayodhya Kand (2/4/18) that Dashratha wanted to make Shri Ram the king because Sun, Mars and Rahu had surrounded his nakshatra and normally under such planetary configuration the king dies/or becomes a victim of conspiracies. The zodiac sign of king Dashratha was Pisces and his nakshatra was Rewati. This planetary configuration was prevailing on the January 5, 5089 BC. It was on this day that Shri Ram had to leave Ayodhya for living in the forests for 14 years. He was 25 years old at that time (5114-5089) and there are several shlokas in the Valmiki Ramayana which indicate that Shri Ram was 25 years old when he left Ayodhya for 14 years of exile.Valmiki Ramayana refers to the solar eclipse at the time of war with Khardushan in latter half of 13th year of Shri Ram’s living in forests. Valmiki has also mentioned that it was Amavasya that day and planet Mars was in the middle. When this data was entered, the computer software indicated that there was a solar eclipse on October 7, 5077 BC (Amavasya day) which could be seen from Panchvati. On that date, the planetary configuration was the same as has been described by Valmiki i.e. Mars was in the middle, on one side were Venus and Mercury and on the other side were Sun and Saturn. On the basis of planetary configurations described in various other chapters, the date on which Ravana was killed works out to December 4, 5076 BC. Shri Ram completed 14 years of exile on January 2, 5075 BC. That day was also Navami of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month. Thus, Shri Ram had come back to Ayodhya when he was 39 years old (5114-5075).Ram Avtar, who had done research on places visited by Shri Ram during 14 years of exile and sequentially moved to the places stated as visited by Shri Ram in the Valmiki Ramayana, started from Ayodhya and went right upto Rameshwaram. He found 195 places which still have the memorials connected to the events narrated in the Ramayana relating to the life of Shri Ram and Sita. These places include: Tamsa Tal (Mandah), Shringverpur (Singraur), Bhardwaj Ashram (situated near Allahabad), Atri Ashram, Markandeya Ashram (Markundi), Chitrakoot, Parnakuti (on banks of Godavari), Panchvati, Sita Sarovar, Ram Kund in Triambakeshwar near Nasik, Shabari Ashram, Kishkindha (village Annagorai), Dhanushkoti and Rameshwar temple.Recently, the Sri Lankan government had expressed a desire to develop Sita Vatika as a tourist spot. Sri Lankans believe that this was Ashok Vatika where Ravana had kept Sita as a prisoner (that was year 5076 BC). An American company engaged in exploring the oceans had put pictures on the Internet of a curved bridge, the ruins of which are lying submerged in Gulf of Mannar between Rameshwaram and Sri Lanka. The age of the stones used has been estimated at 17 million years, though the period of the construction of the bridge has still not been estimated.Indian history has recorded that Shri Ram belonged to the Surya Vansh and was the 64th ruler of this dynasty. The names and other relevant particulars of previous 63 kings are listed on in Ayodhya Ka Itihas written about 80 years back by Rai Bahadur Sita Ram and the ancestors of Shri Ram have been traced out as under: Shri Ram, S/o King Dashratha, S/o King Aja, S/o King Raghu, S/o King Dilip and so on ——-)From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Bengal to Gujarat, everywhere people believe in the reality of Shri Ram’s existence, particularly in the tribal areas of Himachal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and the North-East. Most of the festivals celebrated in these tribal areas revolve around the events in the life of Shri Ram and Shri Krishna.During Ram Rajya, the evils of caste system based on birth were non-existent. Valmiki is stated to be a Shudra. Sita lived with him as his adopted daughter after she was banished from Ayodhya and Shri Ram’s children Luv and Kush grew in his ashram as his disciples. Valmiki was, perhaps, the first great astronomer and that his study of planetary configurations has stood the test of time. Even the latest computer software corroborated his astronomical calculations, proving that he did not commit any error. Shabari is stated to be belonging to Bheel tribe and the army of Shri Ram, which succeeded in defeating Ravana was also formed by various tribals from Central and South India. Facts, events and other relevant details relating to the life of Shri Ram are the common heritage of all the Indians.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031012/spectrum/main6.htm
Nov. 4, 2007 Interview with Dr. S.R. Rao on Ramayana in archaeology http://tinyurl.com/242e9a
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3 Responses to “Ramayana era based on planetarium software”
jk Says:
December 25, 2007 at 10:07 am
namasthe,
1. software has searched for a specific alignment of stars and reported the first instance backwards in time.
2. now there is need to search backwards for the second such instance backwards in time.
Why hasn’t that been attempted? I have heard a lot on the maths involved etc.etc. which cannot be believed.
To me it appears simple algorithmically to segment the total alignment and report if mechanistic logic is limitation. But that cannot be dead end. There are are statistical probability based logic and also heuristic logic that can be used.
Leaving all limitations or constraint based logic aside for algorithm.
A
(1) Is is possible to observe Sun, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus in Aries, Capricorn, Libra, Cancer and Pisces at any given longitude? Answer - Yes you have reported such an occurence in 5114 BCE,
(2) When is next occurence backward in time?
There could be a number of such occurences if 1 billion (age of earth) were the limit.
B
(1) When are the backward in time occurences when Lagna is Cancer and Jupiter & Moon shine together
There would be a far more number than in A.
C
Now set (A) and set (B) together - The numer of occurences will drastically reduce. But it will definitely more than just 1.
D
Within these ccurences when nakshatra is punarvasu
E
Chaitra masa
F
Shukla Paksha
G
Navami
To me EFG and D are of lesser degree parameters to build in constraints for them and make comuting tedious.
Reporting all the findings will be a monumental service to mankind. And funding any development for this would not be any problem.
Thanks
Satyakam Nayak Says:
January 16, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Hallow,
facts are hard to believe but excellent.
vcottalwar Says:
January 21, 2008 at 1:49 am
where you read that valmikijee wrote ramayan after lord rama was crowned king of Ayodha. valmiki wrote ramayan before birth of lord Rama.there was also one more ram before lord ram took birth. Donot washed away by immotions.
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Ramayana era based on planetarium software
Source: Pushkar Bhatnagar, 2004, Dating the Era of Lord Ram, Delhi, Rupa and Co.
Rama was born on the Navami tithi of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra masa(9th day of the increasing phase of the moon in the lunar month of Chaitra).At that time, the nakshatra was Punarvasu, and Sun, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus were in Aries, Capricorn, Libra, Cancer and Pisces respectively. Lagna was Cancer and Jupiter & Moon were shining together. — Ramayana 1.18.8,9
The conditions can be summarised as follows:
1. Sun in Aries
2. Saturn in Libra
3. Jupiter in Cancer
4. Venus in Pisces
5. Mars in Capricorn
6. Lunar month of Chaitra
7. 9th day after New Moon
(Navami Tithi, Shukla Paksh)
8. Moon near Punarvasu Nakshatra
(Pollux star in Gemini constellation)
9. Cancer as Lagna
(Cancer constellation rising in the east)
10. Jupiter above the horizon
The observations on the left, when entered into Planetarium software gives us the above Sky Chart, which in turns gives forth the below mentioned date.
Sri Rama Navami - 10th January 5114 BCE - Birth Day of Rama
Observation at 12.30 p.m.
Birth of Bharatha
The Sky Chart of Bharatha’s birth is depicted on the right.
This is about 16 hours after birth of Rama.
Birth of Bharatha - 11th January 5114 BCE, 4.30 a.m.
Pre coronation eve
King Dashratha to his courtiers - “This month of Chaitra is beautiful and holy. The woods and trees are full of flowers. At this time coronation of Rama is most appropriate.” — Ramayana 2.4.21-22
“Astrologers have told me that my nakshatra has been surrounded by malefic planets like Sun, Mars and Rahu. Under such planetary configurations, the king either dies or falls in some deep conspiracy. Thus, before I face any such problem, you take over the kingship” — - Ramayana 2.4.18
“Today the moon is on Punarvasu nakshatra and tomorrow it will meet the Pushya nakshatra. In that Pushya nakshatra, I am eager to hand over the kingdom to you.” — - Ramayana 2.4.21-22
Planets located together in Pisces constellation 4th January 5089 BCE
Khar, Dushan episode
Surpanaka, after her nose-cut encounter with Lakshmana at Panchavati (Nasik), goes straight to her brothers Khar and Dushan, and instigates them to fight against Rama and Lakshmana to avenge her insult. At the behest of Surpanaka, their sister, Khar and Dushan come to engage Rama and Lakshmana in a fight.
The descriptions of Valmiki can be read below.
Valmiki:
“In the middle of his army, Khar, was looking like Mars in the middle of the planets in the sky”.
“When Khar moved with his army towards Rama for the battle, a red coloured evening appeared to be descending all over.“ - Ramayana: 3.23.1
“The sun was covered by a dark coloured disc that had red coloured corners.“ - Ramayana: 3.23.3
“Although it was daytime, it started appearing to be evening.“ - Ramayana: 3.23.9
“The sun was caught by Rahu because of which the sun lost its glow and brightness. Various animals and birds started making noises as if it was dusk.“ - Ramayana: 3.23.12
Khar told Rama - “I want to say many things about my prowess but I would not, because if in the `meanwhile sunset occurs, there would be a break in the battle.“ - Ramayana: 3.29.23
Solar Eclipse description
1. Planets, visible to unaided eyes are
East to West - Saturn, Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter.
2. Mars was in the middle of this chain.
3. Rarely, all the planets are in the day sky.
4. Rarer is Mars in the middle of them.
5. The occurrence of a solar eclipse at that time makes it absolutely unique.
These are some of the rarest of the rare astronomical events, which got recorded because of their uniqueness.
The Solar eclipse on 7th October 5077 BCE reached maxium coverage for Panchwati at 15.10 hours. The Sky Chart on the left shows the configuration at 2.00 p.m. with the Latitude / Longitude for Panchwati
Vali Vadham “Hearing the roar of Sugreev, Vali’s face became red like the sun caught by Rahu during the eclipse.” - Ramayana 4.15.3 “Vali Vadham” occured on 3rd April 5076 BCE during the Solar Eclipse, in the Amavasa Ashada during the morning hours.
Hanuman’s Visit to Lanka
Hanuman’s Visit to Lanka - 12th September 5076 BCE - Lunar Eclipse
The eclipsed moon rose in the eastern sky. It was not a total lunar eclipse. The place of observation is Lanka
Hanuman’s Return from Lanka
Hanuman’s Return from Lanka - 14th September 5076 BCE
Observation at 6.30 a.m. The Sun and Moon are shining together. Mars & Jupiter are shining. Also seen Pushya Cancer Swati Virgo Airavat elephant of Indra corresponds to Scorpio.
Army march to Lanka
The Vanara Army march to Lanka - 20th September 5076 BCE
Lakshmana’s observation : “The Venus has gone to the back side, Sapta-rishi (Ursa Major) are visible brightly, Trishanku (Crux) is visible in front. Moola nakshatra, protector of Rakshasa, is inflicted with Dhumra-ketu (node).”
Notes:
Actual dates of the life
time of Lord Rama
Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2006 11:43:18 -0000
From: “Pushkar”
Subject: Actual dates of the life time of Lord Ram
Namaskar
My name is Pushkar Bhatnagar, a resident of New Delhi.
I would like to share a few factual details about the life of Lord Rama through this mail. In case you are interested in knowing about the actual dates of the happening of various events during the life time of Lord Rama - please continue to read. I have found the precise dates of happening of various events during the lifetime of Lord Ram from his birth to the age of 39 years when he returned from 14 year’s exile.
Maharishi Valmiki, who wrote Ramayana, was contemporary of Lord Ram. While narrating the events of lifetime of Lord Ram, Valmiki has incidentally mentioned the position of planets in the sky at different places. For instance, the position of all the planets (visible with unaided eye) has been mentioned for the date of birth of Lord Ram. Later, while mentioning that Lord Ram was sent to exile for 14 years on his 25th birthday, the position of planets in the sky has been mentioned again for that day. Moving forward, it has been stated that on the amavasya (no moon day) of the 10th month of the 13th year of his exile he fought a battle with Khar and Dushan and on that day a solar eclipse was seen from Panchwati. Not only a solar eclipse occurred but the planets were arranged in the sky in a particular manner. Going ahead, he mantions that six months later when Ram killed Bali on the Amavasya of Ashad of the 14th year of exile, another solar eclipse was visible in the morning sky and after five months when Hanuman went to meet Sita at Lanka, a lunar eclipse was witnessed in the evening. Besides these several other planetary positions have also been mentioned at different other places.
It is imporatant to know that planetary positions keep changing every day in the sky and they do not repeat for Lakhs of years!! Moreover, if we know the position of all the planets in the sky, then they refer to one and only one date in history.
The effort to provide dates to the planetary positions mentioned in Ramayana and other vedic literature began with legendary Bal Gangadhar Tilak in his well known book ‘Orion’. However, the efforts made so far were based on manual computations. Since one revolution of these planets is completed in a highly complex fractional number, it is difficult to arrive at the accurate day and time in history. But in late 90s many software were developed to track the position of planets in the sky and with these software, planets’ position at any given point of time in the sky can be known.
By using a powerful planetarium software, I found that the planetary positions mentioned in Ramayana for the date of birth of Lord Ram had occurred in the sky at around 12.30 p.m. of 10th January 5114 BC. It was the ninth day of the Shukla Paksh of Chaitra month too. Moving forward, after 25 years of the birth of Lord Ram, the position of planets in the sky tallies with their description in Ramayana. Again, on the amavasya of the 10th month of the 13th year of exile the solar eclipse had indeed occurred and the particular arrangement of planets in the sky was visible. ( Date comes to 7th October 5077 BC). Even the occurrence of subsequent two eclipses also tally with the respective description in Valmiki Ramayan. (Date of Hanuman’s meeting Sita at Lanka was 12th September 5076 BC). In this manner the entire sequence of the planetary positions gets verified and all the dates can be precisely determined.
The entire dating has been conducted objectively because the software does not permit any manipulation and the verses of Ramayana are also free of any doubts. Leading scientists and those in this field have appreciated this work. Since the entire sequence tallies, it proves that all the observations in theRamayana were actual recordings and not conjectures.
The indologist suggested that I should have some archaeological evidence in support of these dates because for western historians these dates are too old to be accepted! By god’s grace I came across an interesting archaeological evidence also and I give it’s details in forthcoming paras.
About a few months back NASA had photographed an ancient bridge like structure between India and Sri Lanka and stated that it appeared to be manmade. Most of our historians and theologists jumped on the story and said it was related to Lord Ram. Later on NASA denied having made any statement as to how the bridge got built etc. The enthusiasm died soon and nothing could be conculded since we were trying to prove that it was built millions of years ago.
Just analyse the situation. Suppose you build your house with stones, which are millions of years old - Does your house also becomes millions of years old?Answer is a clear ‘No’.
This was the mistake we were making while trying to claim the ancient bridge and the antiquity of Lord Ram to millions of years ago. Actually, the remains of the bridge, which Lord Ram had built are still available at a place called ‘ Chedu Karai’ in Tamil Nadu. ‘Chedu’ means ‘Setu’ ( bridge) and ‘Karai’ means ‘corner’. Interestingly, these remains of the bridge are available at the depth of about 10 feet below the water and these are about 1.5 kilometer inside the sea.
We are all aware that the rise of sea level, ever since the end of the last ice age (about 16000 BC), is a continuous phenomenon. There is scientific unanimity today that at the end of the last Ice age (which lasted about 1,20,000 Years) the sea level was about 120 meters below the present level. After that, earth entered the warming phase and Ice started melting. The level of sea started rising. The most interesting thing here is that the depth of sea between India and Sri Lanka is just 6-13 meters. It is not more than 13 meters deep at any place. Hence, at the end of last Ice age (16000 BC) India and Sri Lanka were connected by land.
The sea level started to rise gradually and again the scientific data suggests that it reached the level of 14 meters as late as 8000 Years ago. This clearly means that what we call as Palk Strait today came into existence only around 6000 BC. Water rose to a level where it was seen above the shallow land between India and Sri Lanka only around 6000 BC. The data is correct to the extent of +/- 1500 years.
It is all available at the website of National Geophysical Data Centre, USA.
Hence, if the narration in Ramayana is to be believed that Rama’s army crossed the sea to reach Lanka, it has to be an event of Post 6000 BC era.
Further, the precise level at which the `remains of the bridge’ built by Lord Rama can be measured and exact date of building the bridge can be ascertained because the rate of rise of sea level is known now very precisely.
All these findings have been published as a book titled “Dating the era of Lord Ram” (By Rupa & Co, Delhi). Hope you would the information interesting. I am sure you would have questions on the subject. I shall be glad to answer the same.
My e mail addresses are
Pushkar39@yahoo.com
Pushkarbhatnagar@hotmail.com
Regards
Pushkar Bhatnagar
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun, 26 Mar 2006 20:01:17 -0000
From: “shekhar_sinha”
Subject: Re: Actual dates of the life time of Lord RamThe same Ramayan that gives the planetary descriptions (on which the calculation is based on) also tells that Lord Ram came in Treta yug. Matasya purana (47/240,243-246) gives more detail of various decensions and says Bhagwan Ram appeared at the end of 24th treta yug. Currently, 28th Kali yug is in effect according to our scriptures. Various purans give the period of yug cycles also. This gives the period of Lord Ram approx. 18 million years ago.The palentary positions mentioned in Ramayan would also have occured multiple times in history prior to the calculated date…Moreover the date calculated is heavily dependent on interpretation of sanskrit verses and softwares or method of calculation. Thats why every other persons gives his own date with day/month/year and time.
If we have to beleive the historicity of Lord Ram because of Ramayan then we should also beleive that he appeared in treta yug, because the same scripture says so.
http://www.salagram.net/Rama-dates.html
Oct. 12, 2003
A real life hero, not figment of a poet’s imagination
Saroj Bala
THE story of Shri Ram’s life was first narrated by Maharishi Valmiki in The Ramayana, written after he was crowned as the king of Ayodhya. Valmiki was a great astronomer because he made sequential astronomical references on important dates related to the life of Shri Ram indicating the location of planets vis-a-vis zodiac constellations and the other visible stars (nakshatras). A similar position of planets and nakshatras vis-a-vis zodiac constellations has not been repeated in thousands of years. By entering the precise details of the planetary configuration of the important events in the life of Shri Ram, as given in the Valmiki Ramayana, in the software named Planetarium corresponding exact dates of these events according to English calendar can be known.
Pushkar Bhatnagar, of the Indian Revenue Service, had acquired Planetarium from the USA. It is used to predict the solar/lunar eclipses and distance and location of other planets from the earth by the scientists and astronomers. He entered the relevant details about the planetary positions vis-a-vis zodiac constellations narrated by Valmiki and obtained convincing results, thus almost determining the important dates starting from the birth of Shri Ram to the date of his coming back to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Valmiki has recorded in Bal Kaand Sarga 19 and shloka 8 and 9 (1/18/8,9) that Shri Ram was born on the ninth tithi of Chaitra month when the position of different planets vis-a-vis zodiac constellations and nakshatras (visible stars) was as under :- 1 Sun in Aries ii) Saturn in Libra iii) Jupiter in Cancer iv) Venus in Pisces v) Mars in Capricorn vi) Lunar month of Chaitra vii) Ninth day after no moon viii) Lagna as Cancer (Cancer was rising in the east) ix) Moon on the Punarvasu (Gemini constellation & Pollux star) x) Day time (around noon)This data was fed into the Planetarium software. The results indicated that this was exactly the location of planets/stars vis-a-vis zodiac constellations on January10, noon time in the year 5114 BC. As per the Indian calendar, it was the ninth day of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month and the time was around 12 to 1 noontime. This is exactly the time and date when Ram Navmi is celebrated all over India till date.Shri Ram was born in Ayodhya: This fact can be ascertained from several books written by Indian and foreign authors before and after the birth of Christ e.g. Valmiki Ramayana, Tulsi Ramayana, Kalidasa’s Raghuvansam, Bodh and Jain literature etc. These books have narrated in great detail the location, the rich architecture and the beauty of Ayodhya which had many palaces and temples built all over the vast kingdom. Ayodhya was located over the banks of Saryu River with Ganga and Panchal Pradesh on one side and Mithila on the other side. Normally 7,000 years is a very long period during which earthquakes, storms, floods and foreign invasions change the course of rivers, destroy towns and buildings and alter the territories. Therefore, the task of unearthing facts is monumental. The present Ayodhya is shrunken in size and the rivers have changed their course about 40 km north/south.Shri Ram went out of Ayodhya in his childhood (13th year as per Valmiki Ramayana with Rishi Vishwamitra who lived in Tapovan (Sidhhashram) and from there he went to Mithila, the kingdom of King Janaka. Here, he married Sita after breaking the Shiv dhanusha. Researchers have gone along the route adopted by Shri Ram as narrated in Valmiki Ramayana and found 23 places which have memorials existing even as on date to commemorate the events related to his life.These include Shringi Ashram, Ramghat, Tadka Van, Sidhhashram, Gautamashram, Janakpur (now in Nepal) and Sita Kund etc. Memorials are built for great human beings and not for fictitious characters.Date of exile of Shri Ram: In Valmiki Ramayana it is mentioned in Ayodhya Kand (2/4/18) that Dashratha wanted to make Shri Ram the king because Sun, Mars and Rahu had surrounded his nakshatra and normally under such planetary configuration the king dies/or becomes a victim of conspiracies. The zodiac sign of king Dashratha was Pisces and his nakshatra was Rewati. This planetary configuration was prevailing on the January 5, 5089 BC. It was on this day that Shri Ram had to leave Ayodhya for living in the forests for 14 years. He was 25 years old at that time (5114-5089) and there are several shlokas in the Valmiki Ramayana which indicate that Shri Ram was 25 years old when he left Ayodhya for 14 years of exile.Valmiki Ramayana refers to the solar eclipse at the time of war with Khardushan in latter half of 13th year of Shri Ram’s living in forests. Valmiki has also mentioned that it was Amavasya that day and planet Mars was in the middle. When this data was entered, the computer software indicated that there was a solar eclipse on October 7, 5077 BC (Amavasya day) which could be seen from Panchvati. On that date, the planetary configuration was the same as has been described by Valmiki i.e. Mars was in the middle, on one side were Venus and Mercury and on the other side were Sun and Saturn. On the basis of planetary configurations described in various other chapters, the date on which Ravana was killed works out to December 4, 5076 BC. Shri Ram completed 14 years of exile on January 2, 5075 BC. That day was also Navami of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month. Thus, Shri Ram had come back to Ayodhya when he was 39 years old (5114-5075).Ram Avtar, who had done research on places visited by Shri Ram during 14 years of exile and sequentially moved to the places stated as visited by Shri Ram in the Valmiki Ramayana, started from Ayodhya and went right upto Rameshwaram. He found 195 places which still have the memorials connected to the events narrated in the Ramayana relating to the life of Shri Ram and Sita. These places include: Tamsa Tal (Mandah), Shringverpur (Singraur), Bhardwaj Ashram (situated near Allahabad), Atri Ashram, Markandeya Ashram (Markundi), Chitrakoot, Parnakuti (on banks of Godavari), Panchvati, Sita Sarovar, Ram Kund in Triambakeshwar near Nasik, Shabari Ashram, Kishkindha (village Annagorai), Dhanushkoti and Rameshwar temple.Recently, the Sri Lankan government had expressed a desire to develop Sita Vatika as a tourist spot. Sri Lankans believe that this was Ashok Vatika where Ravana had kept Sita as a prisoner (that was year 5076 BC). An American company engaged in exploring the oceans had put pictures on the Internet of a curved bridge, the ruins of which are lying submerged in Gulf of Mannar between Rameshwaram and Sri Lanka. The age of the stones used has been estimated at 17 million years, though the period of the construction of the bridge has still not been estimated.Indian history has recorded that Shri Ram belonged to the Surya Vansh and was the 64th ruler of this dynasty. The names and other relevant particulars of previous 63 kings are listed on in Ayodhya Ka Itihas written about 80 years back by Rai Bahadur Sita Ram and the ancestors of Shri Ram have been traced out as under: Shri Ram, S/o King Dashratha, S/o King Aja, S/o King Raghu, S/o King Dilip and so on ——-)From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Bengal to Gujarat, everywhere people believe in the reality of Shri Ram’s existence, particularly in the tribal areas of Himachal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and the North-East. Most of the festivals celebrated in these tribal areas revolve around the events in the life of Shri Ram and Shri Krishna.During Ram Rajya, the evils of caste system based on birth were non-existent. Valmiki is stated to be a Shudra. Sita lived with him as his adopted daughter after she was banished from Ayodhya and Shri Ram’s children Luv and Kush grew in his ashram as his disciples. Valmiki was, perhaps, the first great astronomer and that his study of planetary configurations has stood the test of time. Even the latest computer software corroborated his astronomical calculations, proving that he did not commit any error. Shabari is stated to be belonging to Bheel tribe and the army of Shri Ram, which succeeded in defeating Ravana was also formed by various tribals from Central and South India. Facts, events and other relevant details relating to the life of Shri Ram are the common heritage of all the Indians.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031012/spectrum/main6.htm
Nov. 4, 2007 Interview with Dr. S.R. Rao on Ramayana in archaeology http://tinyurl.com/242e9a
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3 Responses to “Ramayana era based on planetarium software”
jk Says:
December 25, 2007 at 10:07 am
namasthe,
1. software has searched for a specific alignment of stars and reported the first instance backwards in time.
2. now there is need to search backwards for the second such instance backwards in time.
Why hasn’t that been attempted? I have heard a lot on the maths involved etc.etc. which cannot be believed.
To me it appears simple algorithmically to segment the total alignment and report if mechanistic logic is limitation. But that cannot be dead end. There are are statistical probability based logic and also heuristic logic that can be used.
Leaving all limitations or constraint based logic aside for algorithm.
A
(1) Is is possible to observe Sun, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus in Aries, Capricorn, Libra, Cancer and Pisces at any given longitude? Answer - Yes you have reported such an occurence in 5114 BCE,
(2) When is next occurence backward in time?
There could be a number of such occurences if 1 billion (age of earth) were the limit.
B
(1) When are the backward in time occurences when Lagna is Cancer and Jupiter & Moon shine together
There would be a far more number than in A.
C
Now set (A) and set (B) together - The numer of occurences will drastically reduce. But it will definitely more than just 1.
D
Within these ccurences when nakshatra is punarvasu
E
Chaitra masa
F
Shukla Paksha
G
Navami
To me EFG and D are of lesser degree parameters to build in constraints for them and make comuting tedious.
Reporting all the findings will be a monumental service to mankind. And funding any development for this would not be any problem.
Thanks
Satyakam Nayak Says:
January 16, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Hallow,
facts are hard to believe but excellent.
vcottalwar Says:
January 21, 2008 at 1:49 am
where you read that valmikijee wrote ramayan after lord rama was crowned king of Ayodha. valmiki wrote ramayan before birth of lord Rama.there was also one more ram before lord ram took birth. Donot washed away by immotions.
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