When you fall in love

They say “love is what love is”, as it can not be described by way of words. Yet, most of the historical legends, mythologies, poetry, plays, films, even monuments and icons revolve around the epicentre of love. Here, I am not talking about the love for god, divine being, nature, wisdom, celebrity, mentor, parent, progeny etc. Although, they all are different hues and shades of same state of heart and soul, but the focus of this article is love between two opposite sexes. Austere minds sometime label it carnal, erotic or base without understanding that man has been created with this instinct and emotion. It is peculiar in itself in numerous ways. One can not intentionally lit up love for a certain girl or boy. It happens when it is written.

Ishq par zor nahi, hai yeh wo aatish Ghalib

Kay laga’ay na lagay, aur bhujha’ay na bunay.

Ghalib, I can’t contend with love. It’s a fire

So dead I can’t light it, so hot I can’t put it out.

In ancient Greek, Latin, Arabic and Persian astrological discourses, love matters are considered from 5th house and beloved one is seen from 5th lord and Venus. In Indian astrological treatises, 5th house and 5th lord are not given that much significance for aforementioned affair. But again, ancient sages of India do consider 5th house as the abode of love, however not for the mundane or carnal love, but divine love: a love for creator or beloved deity, chanting the name of deity in love, reciting god’s name etc.

Nonetheless, both – Occidentals and Orientals – are agreed on the natural causative planet (karaka) of love between two sexes, which is none but Venus. On the other hand, jyotish canons explicitly mark 7th house and Venus for business of love, by the name of kama (desire or longing), lobha (cupidity) and mada (besides intoxication, it also means ardent passion and lust). There is another word in Sanskrit, “bandhu”, which is associated from 4th house of chart, and generally translated as relative, fast friend, or sometime beloved one. But it can not be termed girlfriend, boyfriend or spouse in modern parlance. Bandhu is any affectionate friend (whether blood relative, batch-mate, neighbour or coworker) who unconditionally supports you in good and bad time. Like in earlier tribal and agrarian life, kinsmen of one’s own clan, allies of one’s caste, or supporter relatives were called bandhu. Yet in anyway, love of bandhu is not the love between two sexes.

The concept of wife in earlier times, viz., kalatra, jaya, bharya, and yauna may now be translated as girlfriend or lover. Since the institution of marriage has revolutionized in 20th century. Until 19th century, most of the marriages were taken place at teen ages. But now in 21st century, males (especially urban dwellers) usually go for marriage near or after age 30, while females usually go for courtship after completing 25. However, in between adolescent and wedding, both male and female establish intimacy, which sometime results in wedlock and sometime not. Western society has now accepted premarital relation (sex before marriage) as part of culture. While in east, establishing premarital relations is still considered a wayward perhaps taboo. But emotional relationship (without physical liaison) has been becoming a common practice in metropolitan lives of eastern society. This typical behaviour entails importance of 7th house from Moon (both in male and female nativities). By 7th from natal Moon, one should not confuse with Moon as co-significator of wife and Sun as co-significator of husband. Mind that this notion of co-significatorship is more popular among practitioners of tropical zodiac. Conventional jyotish followers do not buy this theory. They simply entitle Venus as wife or girlfriend and Mars as husband or boyfriend. Some northern Indian jyotishis take Jupiter as husband while some nadi texts mark Venus+Mercury as girlfriend.

Apart from female partner or girl friend, “lobha” (means love, sexual desire, cupidity etc.) is again an exclusive jurisdiction of Venus both in male and female horoscopes. All astrological schools accept this attribute of Venus. It explains the way, how one falls in love. Placement of Venus in mooltrikona, swakshetra, or uccha (either in rasi or navamsa) surely yields a soul painted by eros and cupid. Aspect of Jupiter over such a Venus is indeed a gifted combination. R. Santhanam holds that retrogression of Venus (especially under aspect of Saturn) is ominous for enjoying inter-personal happiness. It sometime unearths deep rooted misunderstanding about intimacy and sometime produces love-hate relationship. This signature may entail failed affair in early life and later disturbed marital life. On the other hand, Moon in the sign of Venus, especially in Libra, reveals a mind highly sensitive towards love business. Interestingly, very few people are aware of the fact that English word “love” and Latin term “libido” are driven from Germanic word “liob” which itself taken from ancient Sanskrit term, “lubhaeti” or “lubhyati”. Lobh and lubhana being its derivatives are still in vogue in various vernaculars of Indian sub continent.

Some modern interpreters and practitioners suggest that relations between a girlfriend and a boyfriend, especially in western countries and eastern urbanized societies, should observe from 12th house (which stands for sexual relation) rather 7th house (which indicates legal marriage according to established social norms). Although it holds some weight but it can not be generalized for all lovers, since many a couples, even today, are not stimulated by mere sexual desires. However, short term cohabitation without wedlock may judge from 12th house. This is somewhat akin to Gandharva Vivah, one of the 8 kinds of marital relationships, Manu Smirti expounded.

Earlier scholars have also paid significant importance to 6th house for “sapatni”, (co-wife, fellow mistress) and pratiyuvati (concubine, courtesan). In present day context, sapatni should imply extramarital relations and sexual liaison with others, when one is already married. In female chart, 6th house indicates possibility of extramarital relations of her boyfriend or husband.

Followers of western astrology still rely on 5th and 11th houses for love and friendship respectively. However, traditional perhaps strict adherents of jyotish do not endorse this thesis. Despite, many modern Vedic astrologers have espoused this notion without any hesitation.

For friendship, difference of opinion on 4th and 11th houses is already described in earlier paragraphs. Interestingly enough, old jyotish scriptures opine to see 4th house for judging first place of intercourse in life as well as for mandap (wedding place). Nowadays it may imply place of date in general. Avoid dating, when a natural malefic, Moon or Sun transits 4th or 8th house (especially in vipat, pratyak or naidhana tara) from janma rasi (radical Moon).

Combinations of Love and Romance

Following are choice planetary combination in a natal horoscope that result in love affair. I have avoided giving long list of relevant yogas, as it often confuses the students and difficult to memorize. Secondly, most of the yogas (in available books and online blogs) generally focus marriages, late marriage, divorce, death of spouse etc. While western practitioners mainly bank upon sign placement of Venus rather sound applicable combinations. That’s why learners and amateurs do not easily find astrological aphorisms for love and romance. Here I’m presenting a few. Some of them are gathered from standard jyotish texts while rests are my observations.

1) Native will fall in love when in rasi or navamsa, Venus and Moon are mutually related by aspect or conjunction.

2) One will encounter a love affair, when Mercury and lunar nodes (Rahu/Ketu) are mutually related. Similar result matures when Mercury and Moon are sambandhi.

3) Without retrogression, should lord of 1st house in 7th house or lord of 7th house in 1st house: one will go for a love marriage.

4) Venus or its dispositor when aspected by Saturn generally shows prolonged longing with one person, whereas Venus conjoined Saturn often gives more than one liaison.

5) Lord of 7th with Venus or relation between dispositor of Venus and 7th house leads to falling in love.

6) If Venus is sambandi with Mars, or 1st lord is sambandi with 7th lord then native will be very passionate and may easily fall in love (However, Venus conjoined Mars is not a welcome combination for a happy relationship).

Combinations of Failed Affairs

7) When Venus is conjoined or aspected by Saturn, and neither 7th lord nor Venus gets shubh argala or shubh drishti, then a miserable end of intimacy is indicated. Moreover, pain of parting terribly hurts the native if Moon occupies in the navamsa of Venus or Saturn.

8) For male nativities, Venus in 12th or 6th house having aspect and association of at least two natural malefics; and for female nativities, Mars in 12th or 6th house having aspect and association of at least two natural malefics reveals failed affair as well as separation from spouse.

9) Lord of 7th or Venus in rasi/navamsa of Virgo and a malefic in Libra makes one bereft of true happiness in love. Even s/he may go for many relationships.

10) Saturn in planetary war with Venus and opposite to Moon; or Saturn in planetary war with Mars and opposite to Venus; or Venus in planetary with Mars and opposite to Moon, gives uncountable affairs and enormous breakups.

11) If AL and A7 are placed 6th-8th or 2nd-12th to each others; and malefics occupy in 2nd and 4th from UL then shortcoming in emotional relationship is indicated.

12) In male charts, Jupiter (without retrogression) be in 6th or 8th from afflicted Venus; and in female charts, Jupiter (without retrogression) be in 6th or 8th from afflicted Mars, results in failed relationship. However, such a Jupiter in retrogression gives partial happiness after initial failure.

Timing Love Affair

13) In natal chart, if Jupiter aspects/conjoins Venus or Mars (as the chart belongs to male or famle respectively), then during second guru-parayaya (age 13-24), transit of Jupiter over, opposite to trine to natal Venus or Mars produces emotional intimacy with opposite sex.

14) When Mercury and Lunar Nodes, or Mercury and Moon form love yoga in the natal chart, then transit of Jupiter, over, opposite to trine to these radical planet yields begining of love affair.

15) If Saturn aspects/conjoins Venus (both in natal charts of male and female) then, transit of Saturn over, opposite to trine to natal Venus brings beloved one in life.

Illustrations

Case 1

Moon with Mars in ascendant renders the native highly emotional, headlong and bit capricious. Lagnesh Jupiter, who is also the rasi dispositor of Moon and Mars, is casting its full aspect over Venus. And Venus is enjoying its mooltrikon by sitting in 11th-Libra. He is destined to experience love affair with opposite sex. Lord of 7th, Mercury in opposite to Rahu is a sure signature of involving in a liaison (see aphorism no. 2 above). In fact, his interrelationship developed with a coworker girl in Venus-Mercury period when Jupiter was transiting Virgo over natal Mercury. In navamsa chakra, Venus and Mercury are occupying together, while Saturn and Venus are strongly sambandhi by parivartana. So far, the affair has been going successfully without major impediments due to Jupiter’s full aspect over Venus as well as Jupiter’s occupation in 2nd from UL.

Case 2

Chart 2 belongs to a girl who is very passionate and emotional in love business, as Venus being lord of 7th is in lagna. Vargottam Venus in Scorpio is adding fuel to her sensuality and possessiveness. Moon and Venus are apparently not related, however, both are in sign of Mars. And on the other hand, Venus owns the navamsa occupied by Moon.

She fell in love with a young teacher in her academic life (Moon owns 9th house and occupies in the navamsa of 7th lord). Coincidently, this event happened during Moon-Venus period when Jupiter was transiting over natal Mars (a karaka for boyfriend in female chart). But it was a one-sided love from her end, and she could not get the due attention of her choice despite her full efforts spreading over many years. This ultimately resulted in extreme emotional turmoil and mental agony especially in Mars-Mars and Mars-Rahu periods. Unfortunately, 7th lord Venus is under full aspect of Saturn, Mars and Rahu, besides associated with Gulika and Mandi. Resultantly, she could not get due warmness in return (see aphorism no. 4 and 7).

Case 3

From material perspective, this is a very strong nativity. Native is highly educated and quite affluent and influential. But on emotional ground, planets do not promise love and comfort from opposite sex.

Venus and Mars are in opposition (although not exactly degree-wise, yet it) is a well known combination for love affair. Since 11th-Mercury and 12th-Venus are in parivartana therefore both planets are bound to yield each others results in their periods. Consequently, Venus gives additional results as if sitting in 11th (which is 7th from Moon) and Mercury gives additional effect as if sitting in 12th (i.e. 7th from Rahu). He experienced his first love perhaps close intimacy in Mercury-Rahu antardasa when transit Jupiter was moving in Taurus and Gemini. Because of enfeebled Venus and afflicted Moon, neither his affair, nor his two marriages could sustain. Note the presence of two malefics in 7th from Venus, and affliction to Moon due to debilitation and papakartariyoga by Saturn and Mars.

Case 4

Native of chart 4 is a very dynamic, enterprising and loyal man, as seen from Jupiter in langa, and lagna lord in 10th house with 9th and 10th lords. Apart from this yoga, he too had a long story of relationship with a teenager of entirely different cultural background. His chart fulfills combinations no. 4, 2 and 6, viz., Venus is aspected by Saturn, Moon is along with Mercury, and Venus is conjoined with Mars. Note that Mars is the lord of 7th from Venus and Saturn is the lord of 7th from ascendant.

Resultantly, he remained under spell of a girl’s charm. Saturn’s 3rd aspect over Venus usually gives a love affair spanning over many years. In fact his longing started in Mercury-Mercury. Presence of Jupiter in lagna makes him follower of social norms and customs. He never touched the girl, not to speak of establishing any physical liaison. Instead, he got the proper approval of girl’s parents, and they agreed. Nonetheless, wedding could take place since after few years girl herself declined him. At that fateful time native was going through Mercury-Rahu antardasa and Sade Sati as well. Venus with Mars under full aspect of Saturn often spoils the happiness from beloved one.

Case 5

Chart 5 illustrates a female who married twice and both times, “I love you” followed “I do”. Here again, not only aphorisms related to romance are present but also yogas for separations are pronouncedly existed.

Venus is sitting with 7th lord Saturn in the sign of Taurus. Similarly, Mercury in opposite to Rahu, and Moon with Mercury in 12th house, ensure manifestation of love affairs before marriage. She encountered her first love in Venus-Jupiter and wedded in Venus-Saturn antardasa. However, the said love marriage could hardly run for 10 years and she got divorced during Sun-Jupiter. Later, she established an intimacy with her aged boss and married to him during Sun-Mercury. But unfortunately, second marriage again proved a mirage for happiness. In fact, she had his pati karaka (Mars) in 12th house under the malefic influence of Rahu and Saturn. In the very 12th house, associated Moon is weak on account of lacking pakshabala and Mercury has lost its beneficence because of Ketu and Mars. Thus 12th house is completely ruined. Jupiter (who is itself chara dara karka) is placed in 8th from Venus and 6th from Mars and Moon. This is an unlucky signature that gives many ups and downs in relationship.

Case 6

This is a peculiar chart having many unique planetary signatures. Born with a silver spoon on February 20, 1900, she was the only daughter of an Indian business tycoon and granddaughter of Dinshaw Maneckji, who was the founder of modern cotton industry in India. Having splendid beauty and aesthetic taste, she was known as “the flower of Bombay” by the then elites of India. Exalted Venus in lagna having full aspect of lagna lord Jupiter explains the plenty of richness, flair for literature and gifted charisma. The auspiciousness of Venus and Jupiter upon lagna is multiplying, since Venus is the rasi dispositor of Moon and Jupiter is the navamsa dispositor of Moon. However, Rahu with Jupiter in 9th house generally yields deserting ancestral faith or dispute with family elders. She underwent both, because of her love.

In the summer of 1916, when she had just crossed her 16th year, she came across an articulate and affluent lawyer of Bombay, who was a friend of his father (observe, 7th lord Mercury is with 9th lord and pati-karaka Mars in 12th; astrologically, 12th house also rules parental kith and kin and friends of father). She fell in love with him (in first meeting), despite knowing that he was 23 years older than her and hailed from a different religious background. Jupiter-Saturn was running at that time. Saturn is in 10th house in rashi and aspecting pati-karaka Mars, 7th lord Mercury and 7th house Virgo. While in navamsa, Saturn sitting in 7th house reveals the age difference between girl and her would-be. Her father was against this inter-religious wedlock. But she only heeded to her heart and soon after turning 18 (legally independent), left her father, religion and parental home just to marry with her beloved one. At the time of her marriage (Friday, April 19, 1918), she was going through Jupiter-Saturn-Rahu as per vimshottari. All the three planets are self explanatory.

The initial years of marital life were happy and harmonious. But later, her husband got engaged in Indian politics and found no time for her. Yet, they never parted. Finding herself emotionally aloof, she got escaped in occult studies and joined Theosophical Society during Jupiter-Venus. Unfortunately, the chart does not promise much longevity (lord of lagna Jupiter is in the mouth of Rahu while both the marakas, Mercury and Mars, are under full aspect of Saturn). She died of stomach cancer on February 20, 1929 (when Jupiter-Rahu-Mercury was running). Coincidently, it was her 29th birthday. The beloved of the native was none but leading statesman Mohammad Ali Jinnah, whom she used to call J.

A few tips for judging career

1) First things first

Rapid expansion of astrological knowledge in recent decade has led to formation of enormous online groups. It brought forth positive as well as negative aspects. At positive front, it provided easy accessibility to astrological texts, online instructors and dynamic discussion platforms. But at the same time this trend changed the entire course of traditional jyotish learning. People now start studying astrology in haywire way, read online columns in bits and pieces, discuss theorems without corollaries from here and there, and become online guru within no time.

Resultantly, they analyze a practical case study or reply a request on internet that usually begins with fascinating secondary elements, e.g. A10 in dasamsa, badhakesh in maran-karaka-sthan, graha arudha, sahamas and etc. etc. Well, my intention is not to deny or deride these concepts. They are the part and parcel of divine jyotish for centuries. But beginning and relying on merely these secondary concepts is not a right way to choose. They do matter, but not more than karaka, bhava and bhavesh. Do read the arudhapad (AL) and karmapad (A10) but after weighing karma karaka (Saturn), and 10th house/lord. Similarly, diving directly into the dasamsa (without judging rasi chakra) may be misleading. Firstly, because of the fact that dasamsa can not overshadow rasi (D1). Secondly, in most of the cases birth time is not accurately recorded. So keep these points in mind before reaching any conclusion. Do analyze dasamsa (D10) but after scrutinizing rasi and in the light of rashi. Don’t forget that rasi (D1) is itself a varga, perhaps most important varga.

2) Never neglect Lagna and Lagnesh

Generally 10th house is considered for determining profession, but hold on! Before reaching karmasthan, concentrate on lagna and lagnesh. It will always help you drawing correct outline of the picture. A well-occupied or well-aspected lagna ensures health, intelligent, and potential. A native having strongly placed lord of lagna and its dispositor, enjoys a stable, honourable and successful life. The horoscope turns more powerful when rasi as well as navamsa dispositor of lagna lord favourably occupies in kendar/kona from ascendant. A robust lagnesh is indeed one of the most fortunate, yet, neglected signature.

Afflicted lagna and lagna lord are often avoided by novices, despite knowing that all the good and bad revolves around this pivotal point. Bare strength of 10th house can not guarantee a sound and successful career. People having weak lagna and lagnesha and powerful karmasthan may prosper professionally for a short span of time but they hardly enjoy satisfactory and sustainable career. Lagna - apart from revealing the innate potential - simultaneously hosts the sukh arghala for karmasthana (i.e. 4th from 10th). That is why, whenever lagna becomes abode of natural benefics, native is always satisfied with his profession (whether he is president or peasant, trader or teacher). On the other hand, when lagna is infested by natural malefics then he would hardly enjoy satisfaction and peace from his career.

3) Don’t forget Karma Karaka Saturn

Saturn is a universal karma karaka for all ascendants. Obviously karma does not confine to career, but career is a significant part of karma we do. Following are some Saturn-based-combinations for judging profession.

a) Note the stronger between Saturn and its dispositor. The rasi and navamsa occupied by said planet shows the nature of work, one adopts. Planets strongly sambandhi (related) to Saturn are also capable of casting their influences.

b) The combination of trikona bhava, from the sign occupied by Saturn, depicts ones professional life. Jupiter, Venus and/or non-afflicted Mercury trine to Saturn is auspicious yoga, while Mars, Rahu and/or Ketu in trine to Saturn is inauspicious yoga.

c) Jupiter, Venus, and/or non-afflicted Mercury sitting 2nd (or zodiacally ahead) of Saturn shows good return of your efforts. In professional life it means, smart income and financial prosperity as one progresses in career. On the other had, merely Mars, Rahu or Ketu, occupying 2nd (or zodiacally ahead) of Saturn, reveals one is bound to get unsatisfactory income.

d) Jupiter, Venus, and/or non-afflicted Mercury occupying 12th (or zodiacally rear) to Saturn indicates agreeable place of work, peaceful environment, besides comfortable beginning of career. On the other hand, Mars, Rahu or Ketu, occupying 12th (or zodiacally rear) to Saturn suggest an unsatisfactory and non-agreeable work location where rivalry, intrigue, and leg-pulling tease the native. Natural malefic planets (without shubh sambandh) sitting behind Saturn further unveils difficult beginning of career.

4) When there is Guru there is Growth

‘Expansion’ is associated with Jupiter. So whenever and wherever, there is guru there is growth. The trinal aspect of Jupiter blossoms the karakattawa of receiving planet and house. In natal chart, if Jupiter is placed in trine to karma karaka Saturn and/or 10th lord then one is destined to rise in professional life, earn respect from seniors and juniors and is known for his dutifulness. In nadi treatises, Jupiter in trine to Saturn is ranked a raja yoga. Jupiter even in 2nd, 12th or 7th to Saturn promises respectful and successful career. People of Guru-Sani yoga bearer definitely gains promotion when in transit, Jupiter sojourns over Saturn/10th lord and their trinal signs. Contrarily to Guru-Sani yoga in radical chart, should Jupiter be in 6th or 8th (to Saturn), while Mars and Rahu are in trine to Saturn or 10th lord; one has to struggle a lot for getting desirable placement and promotion in work. Such natives often lead mediocre lives. But note that retrogression of any of the discussed planet changes the situation. Do treat retrograde planet as if they are locating in 12th from original place. They behave as 'direct' during first half of life, and as 'retrograde' in second half of life. However, Saturn(R) acts conversely. It shows its 'retrograde' effect during first half of life, while 'direct' effect during later half.

5) Commanding and Executive Position

Assuming powerful position is not possible without cosmic light of Sun. Natives, possessing potent Sun (which is sambandhi with karmesh or karma karaka Saturn) exercise commanding position in life (e.g. politicians, government officials, bureaucrats, judges, chairmen, managers etc. Such natives generally inclined to do independent work when kendra bhavas are more powerful than apoklima bhavas. When raja yogas in chart are annulled, even then a native possessing mentioned Sun does not remain unnoticed and ordinary in their circle. If he is a beggar, he will be head of beggars. If he is a shopkeeper then he will be representative of the association of shopkeepers. This is the natural trait of Sun’s association with 10th house/lord and Saturn.

Another signature that renders one commanding and cruel is placement of natural malefic planets in 3rd and 6th houses. Managers, union leaders and political activists often hold this combination. On the other hand, natural benefic planets in 3rd and 6th houses make one tender, follower and obedient. They are best suited as assistant and subordinate. They lead ordinary life especially when their 10th house/lord and Saturn are devoid of beneficial influence.

Come to Sun again. If someone has well placed Sun and his 10th house is under beneficial aspect then he will always be in good book of his boss/chief. Aspect of natural benefic planets over 10th house ensures favour from higher authorities and government as well. Besides 10th house, if lagna lord and 10th lord: both are strong then native himself becomes head of his work, representative of his clan/community and command fame and power.

In addition to Sun; Mars and Jupiter are somehow connected with higher authorities. If there is a raja sambandh yoga then native enjoys the ministerial position, and supervision of a powerful master. However, the raja sambandha yoga does not necessarily make one minister of a king. The native may be secretary or clerk but will serve someone in authority e.g. government official, head of the department, general manager, COO, CEO, etc.

6) Knowing for Professional Knowledge

Mercury is vaishya by varna and considered as vayapaara karaka (significator of trade). However, it is mainly a significator for professional knowledge (for services sector of urban areas). Favourably placed Mercury which is sambandhi to karmesh and karma karaka bestows skill and knowledge about work. Mercury when aspects or occupy 10th house, or associated with 10th lord shows an adept, skillful, and innovative professional. Company chooses him for skill enhancement courses and seminars. He may also be picked out by authorities as company's spokesman. Having strong professional knowledge such natives usually deliver presentations, produce manuals, and train workforce.

Saturn in Virgo and Pakistani Politicians

Saturn, the deserted son of cosmic king who ultimately turned the lord of death, is leaving the royal camp of his inimical father. Now he is entering the abode of virgins where he would stay for next two and half years.

Among traditionally considered navagrahas, it is the slowest graha in velocity yet heaviest in manifesting far reaching results, not only at individual but equally at social and political arenas.

Following are the brief analysis of Saturn’s transit into Virgo for the three significant political figures of Pakistan, viz.; Nawaz Sharif, ex prime minister and current opposition leader though out of parliament; Pervez Musharraf, former president and retired chief of army staff; and Zardari, sitting president and de facto chairman of ruling peoples party. (Here at this stage it is better to avoid prime minister Gillani and chief of army staff Kayani on account of unavailability of their reliable horoscopes).

Nawaz Sharif – End of Storm but far from Destination

Ingress of Saturn in Virgo would end the out-going stormy phase of life. Saturn in Leo proved a major turning point in his life. It was the very period when he returned from exile, contested the elections (though without decisive victory), fighting against Pervez Musharraf, led a successful long march for restoration of judiciary and facing blames of past mistakes and pocking insult. So it was not merely extraordinary but more than that. Transit Saturn in Leo caused significant for Nawaz Sharif since his own natal Saturn is staying in 12th-Leo having four major planets in trine. Note he practically stepped in the politics in 1979-80 when Saturn was sojourning in Leo.

But now transit Saturn has entered in Virgo – a sign that marked his janma lagna as well as chandra lagna. No doubt, vargottama chandra in Virgo with 35 points in sarva-ashtakavarga, is a pregnant place here. Yet, transit Saturn in Virgo will not yield him much upheaval, volatility, and agitated events especially in affairs of outer life. In other words, the upcoming political path will be rather calm, cautious and calculated. Saturn, a natural significator of politics in mercurial sign would soon render him compromising before establishment.

However, the months of April-May 2010 will bring him unavoidable conflict with government, ups and down in monetary assets and dispute over legal matter. This would be time when retrograde Saturn moves over cusp of his natal ascendant, Sun transits in 8th-Aries and Jupiter changes sign temporarily. Similarly October-November 2011 may also prove quite significant for enjoying support of alien political allies but suffering from own people and unexpected ailment. July 2012 will be another decisive period when he will confront the loss of any closed one and decide not to become future prime minister anymore. Even at that time (peak of last Sade Sati), he may practically abdicate party responsibilities.

Apart from aforementioned three short-run phases, period of transit Saturn in Virgo will be rather passive and tranquil for political career of Nawaz Sharif.

Pervez Musharraf – Rebirth of wingless Phoenix

Saturn in Virgo is bringing a new dawn for former president Pervez Musharraf. With the said transit, his Sade Sati is going to end. During out-going Saturn in Leo he experienced mass opposition, bitter taste of infamy, and loss of power and presidency. Obviously it was not merely Saturn in Leo (especially Poorba Phalguni), but end of Mars mahadasa that gave him worst result. It is like death of Phoenix (a substitute symbol of his Scorpio ascendant).

Albeit, soon after beginning of Rahu mahadasa (from December 2008) he left the country and has started gaining recognition and monetary benefit through delivering lectures before international think tanks and policy circles. But now after Saturn’s ingress into Virgo, Phoenix would reborn again. And I have no doubt to reiterate that it is written. He will return to homeland and regain lost honour and accolade, but not the power. The period after May 2010 will be more favourable and supportive for him. Despite all efforts he may not be successful to form a political party having mass support. His status will be more or less similar to Imran Khan, a lone crier without audience, i.e., a politician without any vote bank.

Asif Ali Zardari – Monkey Business may go on

Zardari, husband of late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is indeed a chosen one as far as luck through spouse is concerned.

Although never been a reliable and responsible political figure, equally among masses and classes, he came into lime light perhaps power in Saturn-Venus antardasa as a result of assassination of his wife. Saturn being putra karaka (PK) and Venus as atma karaka (AK) are sambandhi through bond of rashi drishti (mutual sign aspect) and thus leading a raja yoga (there also exists other noteworthy yogas too in rashi and navamsa, but this is not the occasion to elaborate them in detail). Within this antardasa, transit Saturn in Leo (2007-09), on one side snatched his life partner but on the other side gave him supreme office of presidency and de facto chairmanship of leading political party of Pakistan.

Now transit Saturn in Virgo may not be that fruitful. Virgo falls 4th from ascendant and 5th from natal Moon and possesses merely 24 points in sarv-ashtakavarga. Even panoti (murthi) rule shows unfavourable ‘loha’ effect for understudied Saturn sojourn into Virgo. Last of week of September and beginning of October 2009 (when transit Saturn makes exact square to natal Mars), he may unexpectedly confront differences and dispute with military junta or on crucial decision involving armed forces. However, the dasha of raja yoga and transit Saturn in Uttra Phalguni may not inflame the problem. The period after September 2010 bring him increasing public opposition, differences with offspring and losing grip on power when transit Saturn makes ingress into janma nakshatra and transit Rahu into naidhana nakshatra. Change in antardasa (Saturn-Moon) and inauspicious transit may also lead to losing political allies. Despite all his monkey businesses, he will remain in office until Saturn reaches Libra.

Solar Eclipse of July 22, 2009

Eclipse is a celestial feature that has amazed and awed the mankind through out history. In earlier times, it was considered an eccentric event that intruded the natural cycle of day and night. Consequently, most of the folklores presented the eclipses as ominous and sinister heavenly phenomena. Religious and cultural traditions have proposed special prayers and pleas at the time of eclipses, so that luminaries could defend themselves against heavenly dragon.

In the purview of astrology too, eclipses are unavoidable phenomena having far reaching impacts, especially on mundane affairs. However, they do cast good or bad effects on individuals when fall near the longitude of radical planets or house cusp of natal chart. But as a whole, Vedic and Western astrological treatises delineate eclipses as a precursor of significant global and national events.

Indian astrology divides the eclipses into ten different kinds, according to various types of shadow at the time of occurrence.

1) Savya

2) Apasavya

3) Leha

4) Grasana

5) Nirodha

6) Avamardana

7) Aroha

8) Aghrata

9) Madhyatamas

10) Tamontay

Whereas modern astronomy considers six types of eclipse, depending upon magnitude of Moon’s shadow and position of Earth’s surface.

1) Central Total Eclipse

2) Central Annular Eclipse

3) Non-central Total Eclipse

4) Non-central Annular Eclipse

5) Annular-Total Eclipse

6) Partial Eclipse

Celebrated Varahamihira thoroughly delineated the astrological impacts of eclipses on mundane affairs in Chapter 5 of his magnum opus Brihat Samhita (BS). There he also discusses the visibility and shape of eclipse disc in detail. Later he gives the results of eclipse occurring in various lunar months and signs. One of important principle he enunciated is “should there be two eclipses (solar and a lunar) in same (lunar) month, kings would be destroyed as a result of revolt; and there would be bloody battles.” (BS Chapter 5, Verse 26)

According to Varahamihira, eclipse yields more malign results when any other transiting natural malefic planet(s) conjunct or aspect the under-eclipsed luminaries.

Ptolomy, the noted western authority on astrology, observes, “if the place of eclipse falls on the eastern horizon, this signifies that the beginning of the predicted event is in the first period of four months from the time of the eclipse and that its important intensifications lie in the first third of the entire period of its duration; if on the mid-heaven, in the second four months and the middle third; if upon the western horizon, in the third four months and the final third.” (Tetrabiblos, Book 2, Chapter 6)

Robert Cross, better known as Raphael, quoting the Ptolomy, eclipses have most effect in those countries where they are visible, and more especially on the countries and cities ruled by the signs in which they occur.

In practice I have also found, eclipse leads to definite and deep rooted outcomes on national affairs when falls on/near the bhava-madhya (cusp) of non-vacant house OR/AND over radical planet/saham of mundane chart. The result may turn severe when eclipse occurs on the weekday of birth.

I've also seen the governments, elected or formed in between two adjacent solar-lunar eclipses of same month, usually come to end before completing their tenure.

Besides mundane results, every second book of astrology maintains a few pages on result of eclipses on natal chart. Famed jyotisha commentator R. Santhanam penned a brief but useful chapter on Eclipse in his "Essential of Predictive Hindu Astrolgy". He holds that;

a) An eclipse, gives auspicious results if it falls on the cusp of kendara (1st/4th/7th/10th) or kona (5th/9th) you may wonder to read it, as most of the astrologers describe this signature a bad omen.

b) Eclipse yields evil result if falls on the cusp of dushtana (6th/8th/12th) or 2nd/3rd/11th houses.

c) Eclipse falling in movable sign (Ari, Can, Lib, Cap) gives prompt results. An eclipse occurring in a fixed sign (Tau, Leo, Sco, Aqu) gives effect in one to 3 months. Whereas a dual sign (Gem, Vir, Sag, Pis) eclipse remain valid for 6 months.

July 22, 2009 Eclipse

On Wednesday, July 22, 2009, a central total solar eclipse occurs in parts of Pacific and Asian region. The said eclipse will be longest duration of totality (up to 6 minutes and 39 seconds) in the 21st century. It will be visible in Japan, China, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, India and Pakistan. Among them China will have long lasting impact as a result of said eclipse since the path traverses over its capital Shanghai. Following China, India and Bhutan will too affect as eclipse will be clearly visible in most their cities. However, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, North Korea, Myanmar and Pakistan will partially suffer.

But as whole, this eclipse may not result in mega disaster, war or global unrest, since no natural malefic aspects Cancer on July 22, 2009. Varahamihira says “if the eclipse should also be total and the eclipsed orb is aspected by natural malefics as well, there would be famine and pestilence all over the country.” (BS Chapter 5, Verse 27). Nonetheless, the ashubh dhana argala of Saturn upon Sun at the time of eclipse can not be ignored.

China:
China is traditionally associated with zodiacal sign of Libra, but the emergence of Chinese Republic took place in 1949 when Capricorn was ascending. July 22nd eclipse occurs in 7th house of China where Mars (a natural as well as functional malefic) is sitting in debilitation.

But fortunately eclipsed-luminaries fall in Pushyami nakshatra while radical Mars of China is in Aslesha nakshatra. In spite of that, occurrence of eclipse in Cancer near radical Mars is not a good omen. It may lead to ethnic riots and communal strife, as here natal Mars owns the 4th house and under influence of Moon. Additionally, there is a fear of unexpected flood and shortage of agricultural output. Visibility in the capital city will surely create trouble for the government on account of these unwanted happenings. Nonetheless, involvement of 7th house, 11th lord (Mars), 7th lord (Moon) and Rahu (who is in trine to Cancer) shows new development at external affairs, especially related to India and Taiwan.

India:

July 22nd solar eclipse downwardly transects the Indian geography from north-east to south-west. In the morrow, the eclipse will be visible in Patna, Varanasi, Bhopal, Indore, Soorat and adjacent towns. It will be partially observable in Calcutta and Mumbai too. However, keeping in view the monsoon season during July, probability of observing a clear view of sun is quite feeble. Astrological sources appear vague over this problem, whether non-visibility due to clouds and weather conditions modify the eclipse results or not.

Anyway, the pivotal point of eclipse in Indian horoscope is the 3rd house and 3rd lord (Moon), despite there is an assemblage of four other planets, viz.; Sun, Venus, Saturday and Mercury. But rest of the grahas (except Mercury) is in Aslesha nakshatra.

In mundane astrology, 3rd house rules over means of communication, telecom industry, railway, transportation, media and newspapers. While Cancer associated with water, rivers, naval affairs, and masses in general. But the question is whether understudied eclipse casts favourable or unfavourable impact through these significations? Let’s dig out the answer. Being an upachaya, third house is assumed a haven for transit of malefic planets and malefic heavenly occurrences. And there is no confusion over it. But involvement of 3rd lord (one of the trishadaya bhavapa) renders the situation bit impure. Secondly, falling of eclipse near radical Moon – a naisargika karaka of janta (plebeian), is surely an unwelcome signature. Thirdly, the navamsa of eclipsed luminaries is Leo that coincides with the 4th house of India (as per rasi-tulya-navamsa).

Consequently, it will yield mixed-cum-malefic result for India. But in coming months, the burden of suffering will fall on common man rather on government. Public may come across unsatisfactory perhaps crumble situation of transportation due to hike in fares. Print or electronic media will excessively seek to unveil scandals and rumours. Railway department may see a deficit as well as increasing accidental cases. And there may be demise of famous author or columnist. At economic front, production of autumnal crops and their prices will not be satisfactory since July 22nd solar eclipse occurs in early morning. While at official level, government may start fresh negotiations with neighbouring countries. In the oath taking chart of Manmohan Singh, said eclipse fall in 9th house near Ketu that may bring forth government’s involvement in judicial case, establishing new anti-terrorism frame work, but differences with religious segments.

Pakistan:

In Pakistan, July 22nd eclipse will be partially visible in southern province of Sindh and city of Karachi. Fortunately, there is no planet or cusp in Pushyami nakshatra except Mercury. Note the weekday lord of eclipse is Mercury (same as birth day of Pakistan). This makes the occurrence of eclipse quite significant as far as significations of Mercury and 3rd house are concerned. Resultantly, effect will be more or identical to India, regarding public and means of communication. At government level, President Zardari may have to confront severe criticism from media and losing support of masses.

Sambandha: Celestial Connection

In all nativities planets at certain longitudinal distance and placement from each constitute various kinds of relationship which is known as sambandha. It is a fundamental concept in jyotish, especially useful in assessing the transfer of influence between two grahas, involved in certain yoga or functioning as dasnatha and bhuktinatha.

Standard jyotish treatises do not differ much on the issue of relationship among planets. Father of Indian astrology Parashara enunciated following four types of sambandha.

	Sambandha Name	Meaning
1	Kshetra Sambandha	Exchange or Parivartana
2	Drisht Sambandha	Mutual Aspect
3	Yuti Sambandha	Conjunction
4	Adhishisht Sambandha	Unidirectional Aspect

Whereas Mantraswara provides five types of planetary relationships between two planets (vide Phaladeepika chapter 15, verse 30).

1) Exchange or Reception

2) Conjunction

3) Mutual Aspect

4) Mutual Angle

5) Mutual Trine

On the other hand, Kalidasa and Venkateswara suggest just three types of graha sambandha.

1) Exchange

2) Conjunction

3) Mutual Aspect

But I would prefer the Parashar’s scheme. Let’s understand his four categories of graha sambandha.

1) Kshetra Sambandha

This planetary relation brings forth when two planets mutually occupy each other’s sign. Almost all sources have ranked this sambandha most effective and most powerful (60 virupa or 100%). Kshetra sambandha (also called parivartana) is somewhat a rare planetary relationship and does neither depend upon longitudinal distance nor closeness. Planets involve in kshetra sambandha exchange their full effects which surely accrue in their mutual dasha/antar. In western astrology, this cosmic connection is known as ‘reception’.

Examples: Moon is into Pisces and Jupiter into Cancer; Sun is into Virgo and Mercury is into Leo; Mars into Libra and Venus into Aries etc.

2) Drisht Sambandha

Mutual aspect between two planets results in drisht sambandha. By drishti means full graha drishti here, and not the rasi drishti (sign aspect). Drisht sambandha leads to partial shift (some assumes 75%, some takes 50%) of influence. Besides, some astrologers do not consider the deeptamsa or longitudinal orb (i.e. range of concentration) while evaluating aspect, however, Parashar’s Spusht Drishti methodology (vide BPHS chapter 28) supports to consider orb. This relationship is not possible between, Sun, Mercury and Venus.

Examples: Jupiter is into Libra and Moon is into Aries; Mars is into Gemini and Saturn is into Virgo; Venus is into Pisces and Saturn is into Virgo etc.

3) Yuti Sambandha

Yuti Sambandha is a conjunction of two planets in a rashi. This is a common planetary relation, and Parashar ranked it after paraspara drishti (mutual aspect).

Apart from it, in western astrology conjunction is also possible when two planets are at extreme degrees of different signs, e.g., Mercury is at 29 degree of Aquarius and Venus at 2 degree of Pisces. But in Indian astrology yuti is only possible when both the planets fall in one sign. However difference of opinion exist whether orb should consider or not.

Examples: Venus and Moon are closely placed in Capricorn; Sun and Mercury is sitting together in Leo; Mars and Jupiter are conjoined in Cancer etc.

4) Adhishisht Sambandha

This is a relationship based on unidirectional aspect, i.e. planet A should aspect planet B, but planet B should not aspect A. This is not a usual relationship since it is only possible when one of the planets is Mars, Jupiter or Saturn, as they have additional aspect beside commonly known 7th-house (180 degree) aspect. However, consensus does not exist among commentators whether dispositorship should be taken or not. A common view is that when dispositor of any planet aspects the occupant but occupant doesn’t aspect its dispositor. Sometimes it is called drishta kshetra sambandha

Examples: Sun is in Aries and Mars in Virgo. Here if Sun occupies in Aries then Mars automatically becomes the dispositor of Sun. Now Mars is into Virgo then it obviously casts its full aspect over Sun. On the other hand, Sun is unable to aspect Mars. Similarly Moon in Pisces and Jupiter in Scorpio; or Mercury in Aquarius and Saturn in Taurus causes Adhishisht Sambandha.

*) Mutual Kendra and Mutual Trikona

It is not only Mantreswara who propounds the planets in mutual Kendra and mutual trikona lead to sambandha. Parashara ranked planets, placed in kendra with respect to each others, as a mutual karaka (vide, BPHS, chapter 34, verses 25-30) if they are in their signs of exaltation, own or friend. Similarly readers may find the utmost significance of mutual trine in Nadi literature based on karakattwas. Horoscopes explained in Bhrigu Nandi Nadi, chiefly weigh mutual trine and planets in them reckoned from a certain karaka. In fact, natural benefic in trine to a karaka causes bhagya yoga concerning signification of that karaka. On the other hand, nadi works also regarded dwirdwadasa (mutual 2nd-12th relation) as a supportive sambandha if formed by friendly benefic planets. But shadashtaka (mutual 6th-8th relation) is unanimously considered an evil signature between a karaka and concerned bhavesha especially when a natural malefic simultaneously aspect either significator or pertained house lord.

Illustration

Here Saturn is in Cancer (a sign ruled by Moon) and Moon is in Capricorn (a sign owned by Saturn). This exchange of sign lords lead to kshetra sambandha between Saturn and Moon. Similarly, Mars in Leo and Sun in Scorpio also forms parivartana and thus hold kshetra sambandha. A very sambandha also constitutes between Venus and Jupiter since they in each other’s sign.

Jupiter and Mercury are opposite to each other and forming drisht sambandh. Mutual aspect between Sun and Jupiter also exist but it not as power as between Jupiter and Mercury on account of orb. Similarly Saturn and Moon are also fully aspecting each other making drisht sambandha (apart from keshtra sambandha).

Sun and Mercury situated in Scorpio results in yuti sambandha. Association of Rahu and Venus also forms yuti in Sagittarius.

Adhishisht sambandha exists between Sun (who is in Scorpio) and Mars (who is in Leo). Mars, being dispositor of Sun, is aspecting Sun but in turns Sun is does not aspecting Mars. If dispositorship is not considered here then also there lies adhishisht sambandha between Moon and Jupiter, as Moon is getting aspect of Jupiter but not transferring its full glance to Jupiter.