Origin and philosophy: Vedic Astrology, or Indian astrology, called JYOTISH, literally means "the science of light".

It has its origin in ancient India many thousands of years ago, by the Rishis. The Rishis were the Yogis (literally: "seers") who dedicated their lives entirely to meditation and spiritual practices.Among them was sage Parashara, father of Vyasa, author or compiler of The Vedas, the ancient indian sacred scriptures, and other illustrous sages like Jaimini, Brighu and others. From those Rishis deep meditative experiences, all the knowledge of Yoga, astrology, mantras, music, ayurveda (the science of health) was revealed, all those being branches of the same science. Vedic astrology is therefore spiritual by nature, and aims to help to understand the personal Karma, to be able to correct it, unidentified with it, and eventually be free of its bondage to dwell fully in our divine inner nature, the immortal Soul or "Atman". The Rishis knew, thousands of years before the invention of the telescope, very advanced astronomical principles. They knew that the earth and planets orbit around the Sun and could calculate their position very precisely, and they understood their function as the instruments or agents by which the law of Karma operates. Jyotish is one of the 6 "vedangas" or limbs of the Vedas, 6 sciences which are to be studied beforw being able to understand fully and practice the Vedic teaching. Each of the vedangas represent one limb of the Vedas, and Jyotish is called "The eye of the Vedas" The 6 angas are Vyakarana Chandas Nirukta Shiksha Kalpa Jyotish Grammar (face) Meter(rithm) (legs) Meaning of words, etymology (ears) Pronunciation (nose) Pujas, Homas, rituals, ceremonies (hands) Astronomy / Astrology (eyes)

There are six branches of Jyotish, called:

Gola: observational astronomy Ganita: astronomical and mathematical calculations Jataka: Natal astrology, understanding the effects of karma in the birth of an individual Muhurta: Electional astrology, choosing the auspicious time to start an important activity Prashna: Horary astrology, answering a specific question based on the moment of the query Nimitha: interpretation of omens

To understand Jyotish we must understand the principle of Karma.

Karma: Karma is the universal law of action and reaction, cause and effect. Every action we perform, starting from the very thought and intention behind it, will sow a seed that will sprout and later bear a fruit which we will have to reap, a life situation which we will have to experience, which could be pleasant or painful, depending on the type of action. Life is a school towards illumination and perfect happiness, were we learn by experience and error. Every selfish or harmful action generates a situation of suffering that will teach us the lesson, and every generous, selfless, loving and detached action will create a more favorable situation for happiness and illumination. The effects of an action may manifest after long time, therefore one life is not enough to work it all out, especially since we are creating new karma while experiencing the results of the previous one. That is the cause of reincarnation, as a form to continue the learning process and experience the karmic debts from the past. When we are born, we don't do it just by "chance" in a particular place and time, but in the condition which is the ripening of the previous actions or Karma, were we will continue what we left unfinished in the past. The Vedas declare that the planets and stars are the instruments of God by which Karma operates, and by analyzing their position in the sky at the moment of birth we can understand the "prarabda karma" - the portion of the past karma that will manifest in this life, as well as the creative tools or potentials to create a new Karma. The Vedic and yogic view is not "fatalist" and emphasizes that through the "agami"or "kriyamana" karma, the karma that we create in this life by our actions, we can correct our past actions and create a new destiny. It is here where we have the free will to choose in which direction we project our life, and sow the future. There is also a part of the Karma that we cannot change, and we need to understand it and work it out. So aceptance of that Karma with detachment, wisdom and surender to God's will is also important for inner peace. The philosophy of Vedic astrology goes hand to hand with the practice of Yoga, the powerful path of self discipline by which the soul can develop it's higher spiritual potentials, enabling him to go beyond the bondage of Karma, and attain "Moksha", liberation or illumination. Jyotish can show us the "samskaras"or mental tendencies and deep-rooted patterns that we bring from the past, that are the cause of our present and future situations, but it is Yoga that is the method by which one can change those samskaras and liberate oneself from their grip. As an analogy we can say that Jyotish can show you the battlefield of this life, and which are your friends, allies and foes, but Yoga is the powerful weapon by which you fight and win the battle. The 4 aspects or goals of life: The Vedic Rishis understood life in 4 main aspects, which we can analyze in Jyotish:

Dharma (divine law) It is the duty or main responsibility in this life. It has to do with the moral and ethic awareness, recognizing the personal duty and sense of justice in every situation and acting accordingly.

Each of us, according to our previous karma, have a duty, a job or task to do in this life, a particular responsibility and service to perform, which will be a form of purification, evolution and spiritual progress. By performing our own duty without attachment, we pay our past karmic debts without creating new ones. Artha (prosperity) Is the need to maintain the physical and material needs. Economic prosperity, work, possession or lack of food, home and material needs, are dependant on previous karmas and can be analyzed in jyotish. Kama (desires or enjoyments) The kind of desires or enjoyments, sensual and sexual life, art and beauty, are related to past mental tendencies and impressions, and the capacity to obtain the desired objects depends on previous karma. But attachment to sensual pleasures and desires is considered as an obstacle to inner peace, and is a cause of future sufferings. Moksha (liberation or illumination) It is the very purpose of existence and it is considered the most important goal of life. It means the complete liberation of suffering through the realization of the divine and eternal inner and outer nature and the union or fusion of the individuality in the cosmic consciousness or God. When this is attained, the wheel of samsara, the wheel of births and deaths is broken, to dwell forever in a state of absolute bliss. To free oneself from the grip of karma and samsara requires a development of the inner potential spiritual powers as well as the grace of God. This inner spiritual power can be developed by a life dedicated to Sadhana - spiritual practices and self-discipline like yoga, meditation, renunciation to all attachments, devotion and surrender to God. Vedic astrology can help us a great deal to understand the main lessons we have to learn in this life, discover our inner potentials and creative energy, and choose the type of sadhana or yoga practice, personal Mantra, Ishta Devata or personal tutelary deity, spiritual teacher, etc.

Differences between Vedic and Western Astrology There are many important differences between the western and Vedic systems of astrology. One of the most important one is that western astrology uses the tropical zodiac, considering the vernal equinox as the 0 degree of Aries, but there is a phenomena called the precesion of the echinoxes, and every year it goes back a fraction of degree. Now a days the vernal echinoxe takes place in Pices about 4 degrees. So there is a difference of around -24 degrees. This difference is called the Ayanamsha and is the base of the Sidereal Zodiac, used in Vedic astrology. So the western tropical zodiac is more a kind of symbolic or archetypical zodiac but it doesnt reflect the real position of the planets in relation with the stars and the universe, but is more based in the relation between the Sun and the Earth and the seasons, and therefore, more concerned about the worldly matters, while the Sidereal zodiac used in Vedic astrology is very precise in making accurate predictions, and for understanding the relationship of the individual with the entire universe, and is more suitable for spiritual maters.

Becose of the diferent zodiac sistems, the position of the planets will be diferent in the chart, and many planets will be in a previous sign, creating a whole diferent chart. Another point is that vedic astrology is a Moon based sistem, instead of the Sun based sistem in western. A special importance is given to the ascendant as well. Even though the Sun is the soul of the universe and has an importan signification, all the experience of the individual take place on the mind, and that is seen on the Moon. The Moon is the prana or vital force in each individual and each action, wich will determine his actions, reaction and therefore, Karma. So in the vedic sistem, when we talk about somebodys Sign, we do not usually refer to the Sun sign, like in the western system, but more to the Ascendant and Moon signs. Even the sun sign may often be on the sign previous than the western system and the same with all the other planets and the ascendant There are also different interpretative rules, different rules of the planetary and house aspects and simbolism, different house systems, but there are several common rules and symbolisms as well. If you are used to the western system and tropical zodiac, which also has its validity for some uses, it is recommended not to mix the two sistems, and try to understand each of them independently with their own rules and frame of mind. Vedic astrology also has a unique system of dividing the sky in 27 sections of 13:20 degrees called Nakshatras or Stars, which gives a more precise division of the signs and the zodiac, and very useful to understand the mind frame of the native and some inherent karmas related with them. There is also a unique and very accurate system of prediction and timing of events which is the Dasha system of planetary periods of life, which doesnt exist in the western system. There are many Dasha systems but the Vimshottari Dasha is the most commonly used and appreciated. The Dashas are use together with the transits for fine tuning of predictions. Another important factor to understand is that unlike the western system, the Vedic understanding of the birth chart is thet it represents the maya or illusion of the person. The Yogi does not identify with it, but rather understands that the chart represents the ignorant tendency of the mind to cling to a personality, which actually limits and prevents the spiritual experience, the realization of the true Self. The planets show the karma, and karma means bondage to the material consciousness, it is something that the Yogi wants to liberate from, and not strength the identification with it. We can clearly see that the western culture in general is based on strengthening and identifying with the ego and uses astrology to justify the personality. Even many modern Vedic astrologers who only study the astrological techniques, without the knowledge of Vedanta philosophy and study of the Vedas and without a personal Sadhana or experience in yoga and meditation, tend to do the same mistake.

Meaning of the houses The sky and the zodiac are divided in 12 sections of 30 degrees called the 12 zodiac signs or 12 constellations, also called the 12 Rashis Due to the rotation of the earth on its axis, the Rashis will ascend (rise) on the sky on the eastern horizon of the earth, becoming visible in the sky, and descend on the western horizon to become invisible again in relationship with a specific location in the earth At the moment of birth of a person or of the beginning of an event, one of those Rashis will be rising on the eastern horizon. The exact point or degree of the Sign that is rising, which intersects the horizon is called the ascendant or Lagna, and that whole sign is considered as the first house. The following Rashi to rise after that is the 2nd house, and so on, corresponding each of the consecutive Rashis to the consecutive 12 houses called Bhavas. This is the most commonly house system used in Vedic astrology, called the equal sign house system, even though there are also other house systems used for specific situations, like the equal bhava house or the Sripati system, not discussed here. Each house corresponds to a specific dimension of experience, a specific area of life. From the 1st house representing the beginning, the origin, the sprouting of a seed, to the 12th or last house, representing the end, the dissolution, the return to the source for a new beginning, the 12 houses represent the whole cycle of life and the different levels of experiences that the individual can have. Understanding the relationship between the inherent energy of each rashi and its correspondence to a specific house, plus the influence of the planets on those houses and their interrelationship, is the basis of the chart interpretation. Meaning of the houses The 1st house, (Tanur Bhava): The first house is also called the Lagna or ascendant. It is the Sign or constellation (and the specific degree within that constellation) that is rising at the eastern horizon at a specific time and location on the earth. Is considered the most important house since it marks the beginning, the origin, the motivational impulse, the contact between the sky and the earth. The ascendant actually represents the position of the earth in referent to the sky at a particular moment. Also by determine the ascendant; all the other houses are determined at the same time, relating the Signs or Rashis with the various houses or areas of life. The 1st house represents: the Self, the self identity, character, personality, the main energy that impulses the starting of a life or an event, the beginning, the birth and early infancy and its condition, the physical body and its health, strengths or weaknesses and its physical appearance. The condition and strength of the first house and its ruling planet is a very important factor for the general health and vitality of the individual. Within the physical body, it specifically it represents the area of the head, including heir and brain. It also shows important personality trends and how the individual projects himself on a public

level, the public appearance. The Sign and the planets placed or aspecting this house as well as the planet ruling the 1st house and the house it is placed on also has an important effect on the personality, sense of dharma and career propensities. The H01-First House represents birth, the inner and outer Self, appearance, well being, personality traits, and general inclinations. It is a Purpose house , and it is at the same time an angular and trinal house. It is the most important and auspicious house in the horoscope [Kundali]. The sign [rashi] that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of birth is Ascendant [Lagan] or Rising sign. The rising sign [rashi] fully occupies the H01-FirstHouse of horoscope [Kundali]. The 2nd house, (Dhana bhava) This house is related to the wealth and prosperity. It represents money, prosperity, accounts, finances, precious and valuable objects like jewels or similar, banks, and treasury. It also represents the mouth and food, the way we eat and drink and what kind of foods one likes, speech, languages and the capacity for verbal communication, the family, family inheritance, money of the family and childhood. Physically it represents the face, mouth, throat, neck and thyroid gland, right eye, teeth, tongue, nose, nails. It also shows inner potentials. The H02-Second House represents family, status in life, wealth, oral knowledge, speech, mouth, face, right eye, and foods liked. It is a Material house . 3rd house, (Bratri Bhava) This house represents desires, impulses, courage, ambitions, motivations, constant movement or short trips, bothers and sisters (mainly younger) and close friends. It is also the house of expression and communications and is related to artists, musicians, actors, dancers, writers, journalists, the show business, the media and internet. Physically represents physical strength, the upper limbs, arms, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands and the upper chest, lungs and upper breath passages. The H03-Third House represents younger siblings, talents and skills, courage, energy level, means of communications, as well as short distance travels. It is a Desire and growing house . The 4th house, (matri bhava or sukha bhava) The fourth house represents what is underneath, the earth. It represents the inner life, the mother, motherhood, the earth and Mother Nature, the home, the education, property like houses, land, cattle, real estate and vehicles. It also relates to the emotions, inner intimate feelings and inner happiness. Physically represents the chest area, breast, milk and the heart. Spiritually it is the house of devotion or Bhakti, love, emotional and mental peace and wellbeing. The H04-Fourth House represents mother, emotions, happiness, home, real estate, vehicles, and quality of early education. It is a Liberation and an angular house .

The 5th house, (putra bhava) This house represents the capacity to have children, the relationship with them and their wellbeing. It also represents the capacity to be creative on a mental level, creative ideas, creative intelligence or buddhi, writing and artistic creativity. It is an auspicious house related with the Purva punya or past good karmas or merits and how they can manifest in talents and blessings in this life. It is a house of dharma, related with the sense of righteousness, justice, wisdom, education, the process of learning, studying and teaching, educational institutions, books, writers, libraries, sacred scriptures and Mantras. Spiritually, it is an important house to determine the Ishta Devata or the deity or form of God that the person has a natural connection with, coming from past life worship and natural mental tendencies. That house is also related with the capacity to play, games, child-like nature, sports, entertainment and the romanticism in love relationships, recreation or what we like to do. It also relates with good luck, fortune in speculation, gambling or investing. Physically it represents the upper part of the abdomen, the stomach, liver, pancreas, and pregnancies. The H05-Fifth House represents children, good merits from the past lives, education, speculative activities, and leisurely past times. It is a Purpose and a trinal house . The 6th house, (shatru bhava) This is called the house of difficulties, enemies, debts, obstacles, diseases, hard work and servitude. It also shows the capacity to overcome those obstacles and diseases and the capacity to win over enemies, so it is usually related with doctors and healers, military, policeman, athletes and physical strength, capacity to do big effort and hard work. Usually the placement of the ruler of the 6th house and planets placed on the 6th house will show the more difficult areas of life, areas where there may be more opposition and need to do a big effort, and also the parts of the body that can be more prone to diseases, injuries and pains. More specifically it is related to the digestive system and the immune system. Spiritually it relates with Karma Yoga or selfless service and also to the capacity to do a constant and steady effort, necessary for Sadhana or spiritual practices, self discipline and austerities. It is also an important Artha house representing the capacity to work hard to attain the material goals. The H06-Sixth House represents debts, health conditions, diseases, enemies, level of service, ability for detailed work, litigation, and accidents. It is a Purpose and a growing house . The 7th house, (kalatra bhava) This house relates mainly with marriage, the spouse and other important relationships and partnerships. The 7th house is the opposite of the ascendant. Therefore it represents what the individual is looking to complement him/herself. Opposites attract. The 7th house represents the other person the opposite but complementary to the self.

All matters related to the marriage, sexuality and important partnerships in life are seen in this house. It is a Kama house, related with the sexual desires and passions, and the desire or impulse to have committed relationships. This house is also related with trade, commerce, business partners and client kind of relationships, and it also represents traveling and locations other than the one the individual is placed and foreign trade. The H07-Seventh House represents relationships, partnership, marriage, business, and friends. It is a Desire and an angular (powerful) house . The 8th house, (ayur bhava or mrityu bhava) This house represents death and longevity. It is a difficult house, related with obstruction to the flow of life, material prosperity and mental wellbeing. It represents the hidden, unknown, mysterious and dark areas of life and the bad or difficult karmas. It also represents the sexual organs and sexual energy, sexual magnetism or attraction. If this house is afflicted it can lead to a short life span or chronic diseases, suffering, tragedies, fear, mental depression, anguish, loss of dear objects or people, financial bankruptcy, crimes, imprisonment or other forms of punishment, sexual aberrations, influence from low astral entities, drug addictions, alcoholism or other forms of mental and physical degradation. On the other hand, if this house is strong and well disposed, it can bring the opposite results, meaning: long life, destruction of enemies and difficulties, knowledge of the mind and its hidden potentials, knowledge of psychology, mathematics and sciences, awakening of psychic powers and paranormal faculties, intuition, knowledge of secrets, esoterical knowledge like astrology and tantra, proficiency in Yoga and the control of the mind and the astral body and attainment of Moksha or spiritual liberation. This house represents the Kundalini power. According to the Yogic scriptures, if this energy flows downwards it takes the person to slavery or hell, if it flows upwards, it takes the person to heaven and the attainment of spiritual illumination or liberation from all suffering. Planets placed on the 8th house and the houses they rule tend to suffer and be areas of difficulties, unless those planets are strong, like in their exaltation or own sign, when they can bring good results. It is basically a difficult house for the material aspects of life, since it represents the withdrawal of the energy from the material plane, but because of that, it has also an important role in the spiritual awakening and evolution. This house relates to intense transformation and purification of the old bad karma, which is so necessary for the spiritual awakening, even though the process is usually painful. Physically it represents the private parts the external genital organs and the area of the anus. The H08-EighthHouse represents the obstacles that hold back, losses, and longevity. It is a Liberation and a difficult house . The 9th house, (Dharma bhava) This is the house of dharma, righteousness, doing good actions, good karma, justice, moral and

ethics, wisdom, higher learning, higher values, philosophy, religion, spirituality, the Guru and the relationship with him/her, interest in teaching and spreading knowledge. This is considered the most auspicious house or the house of good luck. Good luck is the result of following Dharma or right actions in the past. Therefore planets placed in this house and the houses they rule will tend to flourish and manifest their best qualities, unless they are debilitated or severely afflicted. The planet ruling the 9th house is also a benefic planet which will bless the house it is placed or aspecting, if it is not afflicted. The 9th house is the main house to assess the spiritual inclinations of a person, their philosophical values, spiritual path, religious approach, and the main dharma or mission in life, the kind of path that will be conducing to the greatest benefit or growth. It is also related with pilgrimages, successful travels for spiritual reasons and connections with foreigners. The H09-Ninth House represents good fortune, prosperity, father, devotional practices, foreign travel, higher knowledge, spiritual guide, and grandchildren. It is a Purpose and a trinal house . The 10th house, (karma bhava) This house represents our actions and main work in this life. It is the house where we can assess matters related to the success or failure in career, natural vocation and talents, name, fame, prestige, honor and recognition in our work. It represents the position and power that a person has in the society, related with his work achievements. The 10th house is the highest position in the sky at the moment of birth, so it represents our direction and goals in life, the personal mission or work that we are supposed to do in this life. Is an Artha house, related with prosperity and material security. The 10th house is considered the strongest Kendra or angular house, being an important pillar in supporting the strength of the chart as a whole. Planets placed on the 10th house tend to be very important, strong and externally visible and manifested in the life of a person, and tend to make the person ambitious, out-going and achievement oriented. The nature of those planes and the house they rule will be important influential factors to determine the career and profession a person does in life. The H10-Tenth House represents career, social status, government, fame, and father (both the H09-Ninth and the H10-Tenth houses represent the father). It is a Material house and the most powerful angular house. It is also a growing house . The 11th house, (labha bhava) This is called the house of Gain. It is a Kama house, related with the aspirations and desires and the capacity to fulfill them. It relates with abundance, money, income and possession of the desired objects. Planets placed in the 11th house tend to give good results and the houses they rule prosper and develop their potentials. Planets in this house and the connection they make with other houses show the means of income of the native, their main way to make money or gain, and can also be an important factor in

determine the profession and work of a person, together with the 10th house and the ascendant. It is also related with the social environment of the person, groups of people, the close friends and siblings, mainly the elder siblings. The H11-Eleventh House represents desires and their fulfilment, money, plenitude, career income, gains, elder sibling, and friends. It is a Desire house and a growing house . The 12th house, (vyaya bhava) This is called the house of loss, detachment, letting go, surrender and renouncing. It is the last of the houses, so, it represents the endings, the dissolution, the moment when the individuality is lost and everything returns back to the source. It represents isolation, seclusion, and liberation from the material attachments. It represents what we have to detach from in this life and our main source of expenses or material loss. If this house and its ruler are afflicted it can cause material loss, separation, feeling of loneliness, depression, mental sorrow, isolation, imprisonment, hospitalization, addictions, lack of success in undertakings, loss of dear objects and people. On the other hand, this is the most important house from the spiritual point of view. It is the house of Moksha or attainment of liberation from the cycle of births and deaths, pain and material attachments, to return to the source where the soul came from, the God consciousness. This house represents the opposite to materialism. It is the moment when the material dissolves and returns to the origin, the spirit, the pure consciousness. This house is related with monks, people who search for God and enlightenment, the capacity to detach from the material illusion to become one with the divine. It relates to non-profit organizations, actions done without any expectations for material reward, charity, giving, generosity, desire to be in secluded places out of the worldly noise, ashrams and monasteries, places of prayer and meditation, spiritual and mystical experiences. This house is related to loosing oneself, loosing the individuality or the ego to find the oneness with God. But if this house is severely afflicted and there are other indications of weakness of the mind in the chart, it can lead a person to desire to loose his ego and personality trough unhealthy and unspiritual methods like addiction to alcohol, drugs, sex, being subjugated or enslaved by other people, loss of will power and weakness of personality. Planets placed on the 12th house tend to loose their strength and capacity to express their energy in the material level, even though they can be vary favorable for the spiritual practices or for success in foreign countries. Important planets like the Ascendant lord, the Moon or the sun on the 12th house can bring a sense of dissatisfaction with life, a feeling that something is missing or a sense of not belonging to, which can create a feeling if loneliness or isolation, but this is also a strong call to search for the real source of happiness, which is on the Divine. It really shows an advanced Soul who is ready to move into a higher spiritual realization. Once established on a spiritual path and finding inner peace, they can also be successful in other activities of life. If those planets represent people, like parents, children, spouse, etcetera, their placement on the 12th house will tend to create a separation or loss of them or will indicate that this people may

have some personal difficulties. This house is also relates with the bed conforts so it is related with the capacity to sleep well or not, and the sexual enjoyments or difficulties. The 12th house also represents exile, far away places, foreign countries, foreign people, long distance travel, foreign trade, imports-exports, tourism, travel agencies and like; places of isolation and seclusion, like hospitals, jails, monasteries, living in the nature, out of the noise of the cities, are also ruled by the 12th house. Physically it represents the feet. The H12-Twelfth House represents foreign residency, immigration, imprisonment, confinement, losses, sexual pleasures, hospitals, sleep, dreams, death, and moksha (final liberation). It is a Liberation house and a house of difficulties. THE SUN (SURYA) The Sun, being the center of our planetary system, represents the central position: the king, the soul, the government, the masculine principle and our vital energy (together with the Moon). Without the Sun, life on earth wouldnt be possible, therefore it represents the life force and energy. Even though the Sun represents our true nature (the soul or Atman), due to human beings spiritual ignorance, it manifests more as the individual self or ego. The Sun represents what the individual identifies with. According to the sign and house in which it is located in the birth chart, we can understand which areas will be important for the person, or areas the individual has to experience to find out his true nature and Self. Because of its fiery nature, the Sun is considered a malefic planet in Jyotish; it hurts or damages the areas it affects. By identifying with a particular area of life which is not the true self or soul, it brings a fall of consciousness, leading to the experience of suffering, which will eventually lead us to develop humility and recognition of our true nature. The Sun represents the authority figure, the king, the government or the boss. A strong Sun in the birth chart will indicate a person with some authoritarian and leader personality, who will tend to be in an important position in society or have some relationship with the government. It also represents the father or paternal figure. A strong Sun usually indicates a rich or powerful father or a good relation with him. A strong Sun in the chart indicates a mature soul with a developed consciousness, strong personality, and good self-esteem. A too-strong or predominant sun can indicate an overly authoritative person, or someone who is too self-centered, always wanting to be the center of attention, someone who has difficulties working with or under other people, and, in general, a lack of humility. A weak or afflicted Sun will usually indicate a difficult relationship with the father or that the father has some problem, or a low self-esteem, low vitality or health problems. The Sun rules the heart, blood circulation, the sight, right eye, head and headaches, hair growth or baldness, the abdomen and digestive fire, dryness and fever. The ayurvedic constitution is Pitta or fiery. THE MOON - (CHANDRA or SOMA) The Moon is considered the most important heavenly body in Vedic astrology, due to its influence on the mind and emotions. These are the instruments by which we perceive the world,

and act and relate with it, being the cause of the play of karma. The Moon reflects the energy of the Sun and balances its fire with her fresh, cooling, nourishing and vitalizing light and nectar. It represents the mind, emotions, prana, water and liquids. Moon also represents the mother. Its position indicates the type of relation with her and her well-being, factors that have a deep effect on a persons psychology and life. It also represents the nourishment, food and material needs for survival, all of which are provided by the mother. Therefore, a strong Moon is a great strength in the chart and helps to overcome difficulties in life. The waxing and waning cycles of the Moon are well-known for their effect on all life on earth: plants, ocean tides, climate, the female cycle, fertility and emotional moods. The Moon cycles directly affect the psychological and physiological state of humans and all living beings. Statistical studies have shown that mentally disturbed people feel more affected or aggravated during the full Moon. Being born during the waxing Moon usually leads to a more extroverted mind and personality, while the waning Moon leads to a more introverted mind. The position of the Moon in the birth chart indicates the way the person thinks and feels, his important subjects in life and his relationship with the external world. A strong Moon in the chart reflects mental and psychological stability, good concentration and capacity of well-being and emotional satisfaction. An afflicted Moon usually reflects emotional difficulties, mental or psychological disturbances or health problems. The effects of a weak Moon can be overcome by meditation and spiritual practices, living in calm places, in contact with nature, and by white or light colors. The exact degree of the Moon at birth determines the successive planetary periods known as Maha Dashas, and it is an important factor to predict the energies and issues that will predominate over the course of time. Moon represents female fertility, blood and body fluids, the lungs, breasts, milk and the chest area. The ayurvedic constitution is Kapha or phlegmatic, and partially Vata or airy. MARS (KARTIK, MANGAL or KUJA) Mars represents energy, courage, initiative and action. It also represents war and aggression. Depending on its position it can be a positive spiritual energy to overcome obstacles and grow spiritually, or it can become a destructive force, causing harm, injuries, accidents and uncontrolled passions. Mars is action-oriented, related to initiative, youth and the conquering of enemies. It can lead to a very dynamic, active and enthusiastic personality, or alternatively, to one who wants to dominate others by force. Mars also represents brothers, technology, technical or mechanical skills, mathematics, computing, athletics and sports, medicine and surgery, blood pressure, police and military people, dictators, fire and explosions. A strong and well-placed Mars in the birth chart indicates a spiritual warriora lack of fear to face the difficulties and enemies of life, internally and externally; control over ones own body and aggression. An afflicted Mars can indicate a fearful, aggressive or violent person. A weak Mars can lead to an uncontrolled dissipation or loss of the vital energy in many directions. It can create muscular weakness. Physical exercise is a good way to strengthen Mars energy.

Physically it represents the marrow, muscles, physical strength, the head, testicles and virility, and has a Pitta or fiery ayurvedic constitution. MERCURY (BUDDHA) Mercury represents the intellect or Buddhi, the capacity for discrimination, communication, language, learning, youth, childhood, plays, sports and friends. Mercury has a constant desire for learning, but it also creates a duality in the mind, always comparing between the pairs of opposites. The Moon represents the subconscious or emotional mind, but Mercury represents the pure analytical and rational mind. A strong and well-placed Mercury indicates good intelligence and capacity for learning, oral or written communication skills and good speech. Mercury, when too strong or predominant, can lead to repressing the emotions with reason, and can make for a very critical nature. A weakly-placed Mercury can lead a person to rely more on emotions and instinct rather than on reason, and it can bring some difficulties in learning, speech, the skin, nervous system, and diminish the capacity to retain knowledge. Mercury can behave as a benefic or malefic planet depending on its association with other planets. A person can have a good intelligence, but use it on a selfish and destructive way, if afflicted by malefic planets. Physically it represents the skin and breathing passages, and it has a Vata or airy ayurvedic constitution. JUPITER (GURU or BRIHASPATI) Jupiter represents the teacher, the Guru, the one who leads us from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. He stands for wisdom, knowledge, learning, goodness, good luck, good karma and expansion. In the Vedas, Brihaspati is called the Guru of the Devas, the celestial or angelical beings. He is represented as a priestfull of wisdom, righteousness, justice, goodness; desirous to bless and give prosperity to everyone. Jupiter also represents children, mainly the eldest son, and in case of woman, it represents the husband. It is considered the most benefic planet because of its nature of giving and expanding, without expectations. Jupiter usually blesses the areas related with its placement, but for some ascendants like Taurus, Libra or Capricorn, it can be adverse or bring inauspicious effects, because it is the ruler of difficult houses. The position of Jupiter in a birth chart will indicate the ways of spiritual learning, type of faith or religion, teachers and material prosperity. A strong and well-placed Jupiter in a chart is an indicator of optimism, faith, interest in religion of philosophy, sense of righteousness and justice, positive contacts with teachers, wise or religious people, and good prosperity, caused by some good past karmas and spiritual tendencies. It is very common in the charts of religious people, priests, teachers, philosophers, judges, lawyers, or prosperous people. But in some cases, an excessively strong Jupiter can lead a person to not make any effort to improve his life situationan excessive optimism that can lead to spiritual stagnation. An afflicted Jupiter can indicate difficulty in getting a spiritual teacher, or sometimes even

getting a wrong, dishonest or fake teacher, or a difficult relationship with teachers in general. It can bring lack of faith and optimism in life, or a more materialistic view of life, or material difficulties that dont allow the mind to expand into a more spiritual awareness. An afflicted or weak Jupiter can indicate marital difficulties or husbands bad health, or difficulties to have children. Physically it is related to the fat tissues, accumulation of fluids, obesity, liver, pancreas and the sugar and fat metabolism, the hips and the feet. Its nature is Kapha or phlegmatic. VENUS (SHUKRA) Venus is also a spiritual teacher, but he is the teacher of the Asuras or demonsbeings who were spiritually evolved at some past time, but fell from grace due to strong materialistic or selfish tendencies. Venus helps them find their path of return. Venus represents the feminine, the beautiful, refined; attraction, the desires and human passions; the sexual and marital relationships. Venus is also associated with wealth, clothes, jewelry, music, dance, the fine arts, creativity, semen, love, attraction and sexuality. For a man, Venus is a significator for woman or the spouse, whose characteristics and relationship can be assessed from the position of Venus in the birth chart. A strong and well-located Venus tends to bestow artistic talents and creativity, physical beauty, good sense of esthetics and harmony, prosperity, wealth and divine grace. A well-located Venus has a spiritual potential of transforming the energy of love and sensuality into devotion, cosmic love and a feeling of the divine grace. If there are no other spiritual indications in the chart, a too-strong or dominating Venus can lead to an excessive attachment to sensual pleasure, and the material objects of the world and its physical pleasures An afflicted or debilitated Venus usually brings a difficulty to obtain pleasure or enjoyment in life, which can lead a person to look for exaggerated means of sensual gratification to compensate. It can also indicate weakness or diseases of the reproductive organs, or sexual disorders. In some cases, if there are other spiritual indications, a debilitated Venus can lead a parson to a sincere spiritual path, developing a strong devotion, looking for Gods love alone. Physically it represents the reproductive organs, urinary tract and semen. Its ayurvedic constitution is Kapha and Vata. SATURN (SHANI) Saturn represents austerity, discipline, restrictions and sufferings. He is also a spiritual teacher, but one who teaches through restriction, hard work, purification, service and humility, leading the person to face his weaknesses and more negative tendencies, to recognize and change them. Saturn makes us face and work out the negative karma we created in the past in the form of restrictions and sufferings, which will lead us eventually to recognize our negative patterns and develop responsibility and self-discipline to change them. Saturn represents longevity, old age, concentration and meditation. The position of Saturn in the chart indicates the areas of struggle and difficulties in life, though in Vedic astrology it is considered a very important planetary energy for spiritual advancement and evolution. A strong and well-located Saturn in a chart will indicate a good capacity to endure the hardships of life, the capacity for hard work, a strong sense of responsibility, seriousness, self-discipline, austerity or tapas. An afflicted Saturn can show a difficulty in facing responsibilities, or trying to evade them,

which leads to more suffering. It can cause mental depression, loneliness, feelings of isolation, addictions and chronic diseases. The more one tries to escape from Saturns restrictions, the more intense those sufferings become, leading eventually to extremely difficult situations. Saturns restrictions lead to disappointment and detachment from the worldly happiness, which eventually leads to the search for true happiness within the spirit. The best way to relate with Saturns energy is to understand and accept his restrictions consciously through self-discipline and self-purification. Saturn moves slowly, an indication that his lessons will have to be learned over a long period of perseverance and hard work. But after that, Saturn can give immense blessings and spiritual strength. He usually tends to postpone or delay things and the areas of life that it affects in the chart. A strong and dominant Saturn can be found in the birth charts of hard-workers, servants, politicians, yogis and ascetic people. Its energy can be positively channeled through fasting, selfless service, seclusion and meditation. Physically it is associated with the nerves and it has a Vata or airy ayurvedic constitution. RAHU and KETU (the nodes of the Moon) Rahu and Ketu are not physical planets; they dont have a physical mass, but are very powerful energetic points in the sky. They are the points of intersection between the path of the Sun and the path of the Moon, causing the solar and lunar eclipses. They are very important on the spiritual level, as they are related with the unconscious shades, unresolved karmas and conflicts coming from previous lives. They are mythologicaly represented by a snake that was cut in two: the head (Rahu) and the tail (Ketu). This inner conflict manifests as two antagonistic, opposite forces in the sub-conscious mind that generate conflicts, dualities, fears, compulsive desires, rejections or phobias, and karmic situations which lead us to face them and work them out. When we can understand and connect those two antagonistic forces, the Kundalinithe inner spiritual power and strengthawakens, leading to inner healing, peace of mind and spiritual illumination. Therefore, Rahu and Ketu can be the cause of great conflicts, dissatisfactions and diseases, but by understanding and working them out spiritually, we can connect them and transform them into a great spiritual power. RAHU (the north node) Rahu is related with the unconscious desires, dissatisfactions, fears, obsessions, ambitions and unresolved issues from previous lives that need to be experienced in this life. The houses and signs where Rahu is located indicate areas where there will be mental restlessness, hypersensitivity, strong desires to experience that area, but fears to do so and dissatisfaction with it at the same time. It tends to create very strong but unconscious desires, without really understanding their causes, which can lead to compulsive behavior, addictions, fantasies, unrealistic imaginations or suggestions. Rahu represents the unconventional, illegal, dark but desired; also foreigners, people out of the social system and its norms, or outcasts. It can also be transformed and sublimated into a spiritual energy, knowledge of the occult side of the mind, or knowledge of psychology. Understanding and control of this energy leads to esoteric knowledge and awakening of the Kundalini power.

KETU (the south node) Ketu is represented by a Sadhu, a mendicant ascetic monk, one who rejects the world and its vanity, instead looking for the essential truth alone. Ketu indicates areas where detachment has to be developed, areas that will be the source of some sufferingwith the purpose of being spiritualized, searching for lifes very essence. Ketu is considered a very important planet for spiritual evolution, because it represents the capacity for renunciation, detachment from the ephemeral, and a search for the truth and the essence of life. It also represents Moksha, liberation from the cycle of births and deaths and attainment of illumination. A predominant Ketu can be seen in the charts of monks, ascetics, renunciates, and psychic and clairvoyant people. The placement of Ketu in the birth chart indicates areas that have been experienced in excess in previous lives, now causing feelings of dissatisfaction and rejection towards them. Ketu can cause damage and restrictions in the areas it affects, but it is also a way of spiritual learning. An adverse Ketu can cause ruptures, breaks, accidents or diseases, but alternatively it can bestow intuitive knowledge coming from past life experiences.
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Vedic Astrology: Planets and their Significations So let us return back to the nine planets. As we mentioned in earlier, each planet represents certain qualities of life. Here are the natural significations of each planet. The P01-Sun [Surya] represents anything that embodies the center of a structure or which holds some power: it signifies higher self, true inner nature, ego, it represents father or teacher, a head of state or the country. The P02-Moon [Chandra] signifies mind and emotions, mother, females in life, and the general public. P02-Moon [Chandra] has two phases: waxing and waning, and of course every time it is placed in the same sign that the P01-Sun [Surya] is in, it is considered to be New, while occupying a constellation directly opposite to the one occupied by the P01-Sun [Surya], it becomes Full. Even though by nature P02-Moon [Chandra] is a benefic Planet [Graha], it becomes weak while being in a waning or new state, and therefore loses some of its benefic potencies. A strong, bright, waxing P02-Moon [Chandra] well-placed in the chart is said to give a great boost to the overall conditions of one's life. Birth in the full P02-Moon [Chandra] is considered to be highly auspicious in Vedic tradition. P03-Mars [Mangal] signifies courage, strength, energy, and siblings, especially male siblings. P07-Mercury [Budha] signifies intellect and mental capacity, as well as the quality of verbal skills. P05-Jupiter [Guru / Brihaspati] signifies wisdom, knowledge, fortune, and religion. P09-Venus [Shukra] signifies romance, material and sexual desires, pleasure, and comforts. It may also represent beloved one. P06-Saturn [Shani] signifies grief, old age, separation, restrictions and delays, as well as maturity and perseverance. According to an ancient legend, P08-Rahu [Rahu] and P09-Ketu [Ketu] are two halves of a dragon. P04-Rahu [Rahu] is the head of the dragon and P08-Ketu [Ketu] is the headless trunk of the dragon. According to the legend, P08-Rahu [Rahu] and P09-Ketu [Ketu] hate the P01-Sun

[Surya] and the P02-Moon [Chandra] and always pursuit them, trying to swallow the Luminaries. They succeed, but just for an instance (of course that is called an eclipse), then the luminaries escape, and the chase goes on. P08-Rahu [Rahu] and P09-Ketu [Ketu] are said to act in a chaotic, unpredictable manner and are capable of inflicting powerful suffering through their influences in the horoscope. P04-RAHU [Rahu] signifies obsession, foreign influences, unusual cravings, infections, strange occurrences, addictions, and so on. P08-KETU [Ketu] signifies detachment, occult knowledge, spiritual techniques, and untraditional healing methods. Each day of the week corresponds to a particular planet. The influence of a corresponding planet become the dominating influence of that day. The Lunar Nodes, P08-Rahu [Rahu] and P09-Ketu [Ketu], do not get rulership over a day of the week.

P01-SUN is SURYA rule over Sunday. P02-MOON is CHANDRA rule over Monday. P03-MARS is MANGALA rule over Tuesday. P07-MERCURY is BUDH rule over Wednesday. P05-JUPITER is GURU / BRIHASPATI rule over Thursday. P09-VENUS is SHUHRA rule over Friday. P06-SATURN is SHANI rule over Saturday.