Vedic Astrology is a science based on the authorities of the ancient rishis or seers of India. Notably, Parasara and Jaimini's works have remained the classic text through which we use astrological rules to base an interpretation. However, there still remains much controversy over various factors in determining the correct interpretation of a chart. This is largely due to differences of opinion of other classic authorities as well as due to the additions given by more modern vedic astrologers based on their experience.
This post is a list of 10 such factors, which usually have to do with either;
i) determination of strength or weakness of the planet
ii) technicality of rules and their application
iii) technicality of calculation
i) Strength or weakness of a planet
Strength = the power to manifest potential of combinations depends on inherent strength of planets in chart. Two approaches considered:-
a) Quantative = Shadbaba (planetary strength), Bhava Bala (House Strength), Vimshpaak (sign strength) & Ashtavarga (aspectual strength); noting ishta phala
b) Qualitative = angular planets, tripod strength (of Ascendant, Moon and Sun), depositorship, aspects, retrogression, combustion, avastha, pushkara, mid-house position, vargotomma, no. of times planet in own/exaltation sign in divisionals (ie. observing vimshopak impact in Rasi eg. lordship) neechabhanga etc.
Note that the strength of a planet can indicate the PLANETARY TYPE. Each planet should be individually assessed, combining all rules for strength, to determine their power. Using the quantitive measure of Ishta Phala and the qualitative analysis of all aspects (planetary, rasi, argala, ashtakvarga, orbs, configurations, bhavat bhavam) on the planetary type, its positive or negative expression can be assessed.
From the above factors for strength, some of the controversial ones have been categorised below under 10 headings. The first factor on retrogression includes examples of (how you can do your own) research for the various opinions on the subject matter (questions posed).
1. RETROGRESSION - when does it contribute to strength or weakness of a planet as well as how does it modify the effect of a planet (malefic or benefic; exaltation or debilitation; sign before, towards or away combustion, or on other planets in conjunction with a retrograde planet?). What is the special rule for aspects with regard to retrograde planets? (ie. aspects include from previous sign). How does house position affect retrogression? (ie. retrograde natural malefic planet in angle or trine VS a retrograde natural benefic in angle or trine houses VS a retrograde natural malefic/benefic in dusthana houses?). And what if (as in these mentioned cases) the planet is in exaltation or debilitation?. Does a retrograde planet act like the sign opposite to it? Is Neechabhanga possible for a planet that is debilitated and retrograde or does it depend on house position? What happens when a planet is retrograde but exalted? (eg. Rama & Saturn). Or do retrograde planets strengthen all planets but the above queries must be applied to exaltation/debilitation planets only?
Research according to Classics
Parasara states that a retrograde is stronger (Chesta Bala)than a direct planet. Lal Kitab states that a direct planet achieves its aim and destination whereas a retro planet is deprived of its destination. According to Sarvartha Chintamani, as lord of an evil house it increases the evil effect (ie. increases effect of house he rules and where he placed). Phala Deepika states that the dasa period of an unafflicted retro planet increases the things it signifies. In Uttara Kalamrita it states, "When a planet is retrograde motion, his strength is similar to to a planet in exaltation. If a planet is conjoined a retrograde planet, his strength is half rupa. When a planet is in his sign of exaltation but retrograde he gets zero rupa. If a planet be retrograde while in debilitation his strength is similar to exaltation".
Research according to contemporary astrologers
ie. Dr David Frawley indicates retrograde planets gives uncertain results. Levacy indicates that a retro planet exhibits more of what is already has (for good or bad); others say it causes energy to reverse, internalise, etc...(Do not forget to consider the contemporary opinions of authorities such as B.V. Raman, KN Rao & Sanjay Rath) Bepin Behari gives a good description of the qualitative, psychological effects of retrogression. Generally, retrogression seems to indicates some karmic/past/subconscious introspective cause to be worked through. It can reveal a challenge the soul has to go through in not following the dictates of the outer worlds expectations but the promptings of the conscience. Grace Inglis book on retrograde planets (Ch 6) is also a very useful resource on the subject.
Research the Web (examples)
http://www.komilla.com/pages/RetrogradePlanets.html
http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/vedic-astrology-jyotisha/329809-retrogression.html
http://www.astroiq.com/LearnAstroFromVinay1.aspx
http://www.lightonvedicastrology.com/phpBB3_0/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10617
2. COMBUSTION - what is the orb of combustion for planets? what is the effect? Are there any exceptions to the rule, or factors that will modify the effect on a planet within its orb of combustion in a chart?
As above, now research the classics, contemporary opinions, your experience & the web ...
3. AVASTA/PUSHKARA/VARGOTOMMA/NAVAMSA - which factor of strength predominates when a planet is in its last or first degree but is in vargotomma and/or pushkara sign?
What happens to the strength of an exaltation planet when it is debilitated in Navamsa and vica versa (debilitated planet exalted in Navamsa?). What happens when a planet is debilitated but vargotomma?
4. MAHAPURUSHA/NEECHABHANGA/VIPREET YOGAS - what are the factors that clearly constitute these yogas? ie. what are the requirements for a pure Mahapurusha yoga?; factors for an effective Bhanga rajayoga or cancellation of exaltation?; does a planet aspecting a vipreet yoga reduce or cancel its effects? What other combinations, apart from lordship, constitute a vipreet raja yoga?
(Note Uttara Kalamrita states that, "a planet in conjunction with an exalted planet gets half rupa but in conjunction with a debilitated planet he gets zero rupa. A planet in conjunction with a malefic who is a friend or with a benefic who is an enemy gets half rupa").
In terms of " doshas" in general, such as kendra pati dosha (for Jupiter) or Kuja dosha, how do they apply and how are they modified in a chart (eg. for Gemini & Sag Ascendants)?
For overall yogas of charts, what factors outweigh each other (eg. the negative of a papa argala, kemadruma, sakata, pasca shrapit (Saturn Rahu), guru-chandal or kalsapra yoga VS the positives of a powerful rajayoga or Jupiter in Ascendant etc)?...as well as comparing these yogas from Moon (inner?) vs Ascendant (outer?) levels of operation.
ii) technicality of rules and their application
To a some extent, many factors to do with assessing strength also impact rules and their application (as in point 4.). For example, (for the following point 5.) does the use of rasi in determining benefic vs malefic influences in a planet in a house contribute to strength?.
5. RASI PLANETARY ASPECTS - eg. Are Rasi aspects used in a Rasi chart interpretation? Are Planetary aspects used in divisionals? What is their use in Yogas (for rules of Parasara & Jaimini astrology). Do Rasi aspects vary depending on a relationship of houses ie. if planet in fixed sign aspects a planet in a cardinal sign by a 6/8 relationship rather than a 3/11 one?
6. ARGALA (+ Virodhargala) & ASHTAKVARGA as modified type aspects - eg. Is argala to be treated like an aspect? What is the difference between a bhadaka planet and papa argala in causing obstructions and what are their remedials? Does an argal aid or obstruction vary depending on 2nd (wealth), 4th (comforts) vs 11th position (gains) vs 12th (losses), 10th (work) & 3rd (effort)? How do secondary argalars work? (ie. 5th and 9th form a sign). Are there exceptions to the rule? (ie. many malefics 3rd from a house, etc.). What happens when a planet causing argala is stronger (or having a more advanced longitude in the sign)than the one obstructing it (Virodhargala) and vica versa?
Does a high number of (Binna & Savra Ashtavarga) points to a sign contribute to the strength of planets in that sign?
NOTE: that both Argala and ashtakvarga appear like complex aspects revealing the planets relative position to each other. Along with bhavat bhavam (sign lord position) from the planet can reveal a lot about a planet.
7. BHAVA CHAKRA vs RASI CHAKRA (+ house lordship in general) and the application of yogas in the areas of life.
What are the difference house systems that are used in Vedic astrology (ie. Sri Pati equal house division) and Western astrology?
How do planets in a different bhava to its position in a sign manifest in the chart? What is the outcome of a Raja yoga when a planet is in a different bhava despite forming the yoga in a sign?
In terms of influences on a person, how does one prioritize and compare houses (& their lordship) from their karakas. eg. 9th house (existential experience of father) vs Sun (nature of father)?
In terms of house lordship of two houses (ie. for the 12 Ascendants), which of the 2 houses gains influence? (ie. which of the 2 signs have more planetary aspect, planets positioned there, or moolatrikona ownership)
In terms of a house, how do we prioritise the influences on a house; ie. planet(s) in a house, aspects on the house, influence on the lord, influence of the karaka of a house on it, argalas to a house, ashtavarga, arudha, relevant divisional etc..
How do we interpret and prioritise arudha (Maya) positions from the houses and planets vs the inanimate houses themselves? How does one interpret the subtle factors of arudha
eg. postions from AL along with Karakamsa & Swamsa for wealth? (ie. 2nd, 7th, 11th vs 12th or 8th), or courage (3rd & 6th), happiness (4th)?
eg. when the AL and UL (Upapada lagna) are both ruled by the same lord?
What are the other lagnas and how do we use them? (ie. bhava lagna, ghati lana, hora lana, indu lagna, paka lagna, pranapada lagna, sree lagna, upapada lagna, varanada lagna) http://www.mysticscripts.com/astrology/vedic-astrology/lagnas/
8. PARASARA vs JAIMINI (& DIVISIONAL CHARTS) astrology rules (in yogas, divisionals and aspects) - can any of the rules of Jaimini be applied to Parasara astrology? Should they be interpreted completely separately from each other using their different karakas and aspects, or can they be integrated in chart interpretation?
ie. how do their different yogas and aspects apply in Rasi & divisionals?
ie. how do we read divisionals relative to the Rasi & Navamsa charts?
What factors take prevalence in divisional chart reading?
ie. Relevant rasi lords and karakas into divisional VS the divisional itself VS divisional lords into rasi charts? Do we read a divisional in the same way we read the rasi, with application of lordship, argala, bhadaka etc..?
Which houses are especially relevant in divisionals due to the harmonic/octave theory on houses, eg. D24 (4x6) and 4th, 9th (6 away from 4th), 2nd and 7th houses?
ie. How does one differentiate and prioritise between rasi lordhsip, parasara vs jaimini karakas, houses and Arudha in divisionals?
9. VIMSOTTARI DASA, OTHER DASA SYSTEMS & USE OF NAKSHATRAS - does Vimsottari dasa system depend on the strength of the Moon or Ascendant to use its Nakshatra lord for the beginning of ones dasa cycle? If three are more than 4 planets in a sign how is it used? When and for what particular factors are other dasa systems used? How are Nakshatras to be applied to chart lordhsip and how do they apply to stellar dasa systems like Vimsottari? How important are Nakshatras to transits analysis? (ie. Vedha, Latta, Nakshatra Anga Phal etc.) How do arudha house positions apply in predictions?
iii) technicality of calculation
10. AYANAMSA & RATE OF CHANGE (very important in rectification and subtler divisional charts) - which calculation does one use and under what rationale? (ie. ayanamsa subtraction and rate of change. eg. Lahiri, Raman, Surya Siddhanta etc.). How much do planetary positions change at deeper divisional varga charts by the degree differences between the various ayanamsas?
What is the difference between Sidereal astrology above and Western Tropical astrology?
Note the various calculations between schools (ie. download the free jagannath hora soft ware and note the different "preferences" for calculations)
In order to gain expertise and confidence in Vedic Astrology, it is important to personally address and answer these type of doubts. I suggest students to identify the above factors by number (1-10) and state for themselves the rationale behind your answers ie. based on which classical text, contemporary authority or personal experience (AS IN POINT 1 on RETROGRESSION). Alternatively, you can research the web for varying opinions to consider and contemplate on.
This post is a list of 10 such factors, which usually have to do with either;
i) determination of strength or weakness of the planet
ii) technicality of rules and their application
iii) technicality of calculation
i) Strength or weakness of a planet
Strength = the power to manifest potential of combinations depends on inherent strength of planets in chart. Two approaches considered:-
a) Quantative = Shadbaba (planetary strength), Bhava Bala (House Strength), Vimshpaak (sign strength) & Ashtavarga (aspectual strength); noting ishta phala
b) Qualitative = angular planets, tripod strength (of Ascendant, Moon and Sun), depositorship, aspects, retrogression, combustion, avastha, pushkara, mid-house position, vargotomma, no. of times planet in own/exaltation sign in divisionals (ie. observing vimshopak impact in Rasi eg. lordship) neechabhanga etc.
Note that the strength of a planet can indicate the PLANETARY TYPE. Each planet should be individually assessed, combining all rules for strength, to determine their power. Using the quantitive measure of Ishta Phala and the qualitative analysis of all aspects (planetary, rasi, argala, ashtakvarga, orbs, configurations, bhavat bhavam) on the planetary type, its positive or negative expression can be assessed.
From the above factors for strength, some of the controversial ones have been categorised below under 10 headings. The first factor on retrogression includes examples of (how you can do your own) research for the various opinions on the subject matter (questions posed).
1. RETROGRESSION - when does it contribute to strength or weakness of a planet as well as how does it modify the effect of a planet (malefic or benefic; exaltation or debilitation; sign before, towards or away combustion, or on other planets in conjunction with a retrograde planet?). What is the special rule for aspects with regard to retrograde planets? (ie. aspects include from previous sign). How does house position affect retrogression? (ie. retrograde natural malefic planet in angle or trine VS a retrograde natural benefic in angle or trine houses VS a retrograde natural malefic/benefic in dusthana houses?). And what if (as in these mentioned cases) the planet is in exaltation or debilitation?. Does a retrograde planet act like the sign opposite to it? Is Neechabhanga possible for a planet that is debilitated and retrograde or does it depend on house position? What happens when a planet is retrograde but exalted? (eg. Rama & Saturn). Or do retrograde planets strengthen all planets but the above queries must be applied to exaltation/debilitation planets only?
Research according to Classics
Parasara states that a retrograde is stronger (Chesta Bala)than a direct planet. Lal Kitab states that a direct planet achieves its aim and destination whereas a retro planet is deprived of its destination. According to Sarvartha Chintamani, as lord of an evil house it increases the evil effect (ie. increases effect of house he rules and where he placed). Phala Deepika states that the dasa period of an unafflicted retro planet increases the things it signifies. In Uttara Kalamrita it states, "When a planet is retrograde motion, his strength is similar to to a planet in exaltation. If a planet is conjoined a retrograde planet, his strength is half rupa. When a planet is in his sign of exaltation but retrograde he gets zero rupa. If a planet be retrograde while in debilitation his strength is similar to exaltation".
Research according to contemporary astrologers
ie. Dr David Frawley indicates retrograde planets gives uncertain results. Levacy indicates that a retro planet exhibits more of what is already has (for good or bad); others say it causes energy to reverse, internalise, etc...(Do not forget to consider the contemporary opinions of authorities such as B.V. Raman, KN Rao & Sanjay Rath) Bepin Behari gives a good description of the qualitative, psychological effects of retrogression. Generally, retrogression seems to indicates some karmic/past/subconscious introspective cause to be worked through. It can reveal a challenge the soul has to go through in not following the dictates of the outer worlds expectations but the promptings of the conscience. Grace Inglis book on retrograde planets (Ch 6) is also a very useful resource on the subject.
Research the Web (examples)
http://www.komilla.com/pages/RetrogradePlanets.html
http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/vedic-astrology-jyotisha/329809-retrogression.html
http://www.astroiq.com/LearnAstroFromVinay1.aspx
http://www.lightonvedicastrology.com/phpBB3_0/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10617
2. COMBUSTION - what is the orb of combustion for planets? what is the effect? Are there any exceptions to the rule, or factors that will modify the effect on a planet within its orb of combustion in a chart?
As above, now research the classics, contemporary opinions, your experience & the web ...
3. AVASTA/PUSHKARA/VARGOTOMMA/NAVAMSA - which factor of strength predominates when a planet is in its last or first degree but is in vargotomma and/or pushkara sign?
What happens to the strength of an exaltation planet when it is debilitated in Navamsa and vica versa (debilitated planet exalted in Navamsa?). What happens when a planet is debilitated but vargotomma?
4. MAHAPURUSHA/NEECHABHANGA/VIPREET YOGAS - what are the factors that clearly constitute these yogas? ie. what are the requirements for a pure Mahapurusha yoga?; factors for an effective Bhanga rajayoga or cancellation of exaltation?; does a planet aspecting a vipreet yoga reduce or cancel its effects? What other combinations, apart from lordship, constitute a vipreet raja yoga?
(Note Uttara Kalamrita states that, "a planet in conjunction with an exalted planet gets half rupa but in conjunction with a debilitated planet he gets zero rupa. A planet in conjunction with a malefic who is a friend or with a benefic who is an enemy gets half rupa").
In terms of " doshas" in general, such as kendra pati dosha (for Jupiter) or Kuja dosha, how do they apply and how are they modified in a chart (eg. for Gemini & Sag Ascendants)?
For overall yogas of charts, what factors outweigh each other (eg. the negative of a papa argala, kemadruma, sakata, pasca shrapit (Saturn Rahu), guru-chandal or kalsapra yoga VS the positives of a powerful rajayoga or Jupiter in Ascendant etc)?...as well as comparing these yogas from Moon (inner?) vs Ascendant (outer?) levels of operation.
ii) technicality of rules and their application
To a some extent, many factors to do with assessing strength also impact rules and their application (as in point 4.). For example, (for the following point 5.) does the use of rasi in determining benefic vs malefic influences in a planet in a house contribute to strength?.
5. RASI PLANETARY ASPECTS - eg. Are Rasi aspects used in a Rasi chart interpretation? Are Planetary aspects used in divisionals? What is their use in Yogas (for rules of Parasara & Jaimini astrology). Do Rasi aspects vary depending on a relationship of houses ie. if planet in fixed sign aspects a planet in a cardinal sign by a 6/8 relationship rather than a 3/11 one?
6. ARGALA (+ Virodhargala) & ASHTAKVARGA as modified type aspects - eg. Is argala to be treated like an aspect? What is the difference between a bhadaka planet and papa argala in causing obstructions and what are their remedials? Does an argal aid or obstruction vary depending on 2nd (wealth), 4th (comforts) vs 11th position (gains) vs 12th (losses), 10th (work) & 3rd (effort)? How do secondary argalars work? (ie. 5th and 9th form a sign). Are there exceptions to the rule? (ie. many malefics 3rd from a house, etc.). What happens when a planet causing argala is stronger (or having a more advanced longitude in the sign)than the one obstructing it (Virodhargala) and vica versa?
Does a high number of (Binna & Savra Ashtavarga) points to a sign contribute to the strength of planets in that sign?
NOTE: that both Argala and ashtakvarga appear like complex aspects revealing the planets relative position to each other. Along with bhavat bhavam (sign lord position) from the planet can reveal a lot about a planet.
7. BHAVA CHAKRA vs RASI CHAKRA (+ house lordship in general) and the application of yogas in the areas of life.
What are the difference house systems that are used in Vedic astrology (ie. Sri Pati equal house division) and Western astrology?
How do planets in a different bhava to its position in a sign manifest in the chart? What is the outcome of a Raja yoga when a planet is in a different bhava despite forming the yoga in a sign?
In terms of influences on a person, how does one prioritize and compare houses (& their lordship) from their karakas. eg. 9th house (existential experience of father) vs Sun (nature of father)?
In terms of house lordship of two houses (ie. for the 12 Ascendants), which of the 2 houses gains influence? (ie. which of the 2 signs have more planetary aspect, planets positioned there, or moolatrikona ownership)
In terms of a house, how do we prioritise the influences on a house; ie. planet(s) in a house, aspects on the house, influence on the lord, influence of the karaka of a house on it, argalas to a house, ashtavarga, arudha, relevant divisional etc..
How do we interpret and prioritise arudha (Maya) positions from the houses and planets vs the inanimate houses themselves? How does one interpret the subtle factors of arudha
eg. postions from AL along with Karakamsa & Swamsa for wealth? (ie. 2nd, 7th, 11th vs 12th or 8th), or courage (3rd & 6th), happiness (4th)?
eg. when the AL and UL (Upapada lagna) are both ruled by the same lord?
What are the other lagnas and how do we use them? (ie. bhava lagna, ghati lana, hora lana, indu lagna, paka lagna, pranapada lagna, sree lagna, upapada lagna, varanada lagna) http://www.mysticscripts.com/astrology/vedic-astrology/lagnas/
8. PARASARA vs JAIMINI (& DIVISIONAL CHARTS) astrology rules (in yogas, divisionals and aspects) - can any of the rules of Jaimini be applied to Parasara astrology? Should they be interpreted completely separately from each other using their different karakas and aspects, or can they be integrated in chart interpretation?
ie. how do their different yogas and aspects apply in Rasi & divisionals?
ie. how do we read divisionals relative to the Rasi & Navamsa charts?
What factors take prevalence in divisional chart reading?
ie. Relevant rasi lords and karakas into divisional VS the divisional itself VS divisional lords into rasi charts? Do we read a divisional in the same way we read the rasi, with application of lordship, argala, bhadaka etc..?
Which houses are especially relevant in divisionals due to the harmonic/octave theory on houses, eg. D24 (4x6) and 4th, 9th (6 away from 4th), 2nd and 7th houses?
ie. How does one differentiate and prioritise between rasi lordhsip, parasara vs jaimini karakas, houses and Arudha in divisionals?
9. VIMSOTTARI DASA, OTHER DASA SYSTEMS & USE OF NAKSHATRAS - does Vimsottari dasa system depend on the strength of the Moon or Ascendant to use its Nakshatra lord for the beginning of ones dasa cycle? If three are more than 4 planets in a sign how is it used? When and for what particular factors are other dasa systems used? How are Nakshatras to be applied to chart lordhsip and how do they apply to stellar dasa systems like Vimsottari? How important are Nakshatras to transits analysis? (ie. Vedha, Latta, Nakshatra Anga Phal etc.) How do arudha house positions apply in predictions?
iii) technicality of calculation
10. AYANAMSA & RATE OF CHANGE (very important in rectification and subtler divisional charts) - which calculation does one use and under what rationale? (ie. ayanamsa subtraction and rate of change. eg. Lahiri, Raman, Surya Siddhanta etc.). How much do planetary positions change at deeper divisional varga charts by the degree differences between the various ayanamsas?
What is the difference between Sidereal astrology above and Western Tropical astrology?
Note the various calculations between schools (ie. download the free jagannath hora soft ware and note the different "preferences" for calculations)
In order to gain expertise and confidence in Vedic Astrology, it is important to personally address and answer these type of doubts. I suggest students to identify the above factors by number (1-10) and state for themselves the rationale behind your answers ie. based on which classical text, contemporary authority or personal experience (AS IN POINT 1 on RETROGRESSION). Alternatively, you can research the web for varying opinions to consider and contemplate on.
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