Light On Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India (Arkana)

one famous combination states that if a Watery rashi rises in a lagna which is exclusively occupied and aspected by Watery planets (Jupiter, Venus and Moon), the person will be stout. This condition harmonizes well with Ayurveda’s basic principles, which ascribe stoutness mainly to Kapha.

Parashara correlates the Twelve Rashis and the Three Doshas in this way: • The Watery Rashis indicate Kapha • The Fiery Rashis indicate Pitta • The Earthy Rashis indicate Vata • The Airy Rashis indicate mixed (mishra or sama) doshas

When a naturally benefic graha (Jupiter, Venus, waxing Moon, or Mercury unassociated with malefics) occupies a ‘head-rising’ constellation, it becomes still more benefic. A naturally malefic graha (Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu, waning Moon, Mercury associated with malefics) becomes more malefic when in a ‘back-rising’ constellation. By extension, a ben

For example, because of Leo’s position in the zodiac, the stars which form the lion’s head will rise before the stars which form its feet. Leo is consequently called a ‘head-rising’ constellation. Astrologically, the ‘head-rising’ constellations are auspicious, the ‘backrising’ ones are inauspicious and the ‘both-way-rising’ constellation is change

PISCES rises with both its beginning and ending portions first and is the ubhayodaya (‘both-way-rising’) constellation. According to a few authorities, Gemini is also ubhayodaya.

ARIES, TAURUS, CANCER, SAGITTARIUS and CAPRICORN rise over the eastern horizon with their ending portion first and are called in Sanskrit the prishthodaya or ‘back-rising’ constellations.

GEMINI, LEO, VIRGO, LIBRA, SCORPIO and AQUARIUS rise over the eastern horizon with their beginning portion first; these are called in Sanskrit the shirshodaya or ‘head-rising’ constellations.

Saturn rules or represents contraction and, by extension, spasms. In Aries, it gives spasms in the muscles of the head; in Taurus, spasms of the facial muscles; in Gemini, spasms of the muscles of the shoulders, arms and hands; in Cancer, of the chest; and so on.

Mercury also symbolizes speech and, if it is in Pisces (which is known to be a mute constellation), the person will often have difficulty with vocal patterns and speech.