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

The Srimad Bhagavata, one of India’s greatest spiritual texts, likens buddhi to a charioteer, manas to the reins, the senses to the horses, and the individual soul to the experiencer who sits or stands behind the charioteer, directing his actions.

For horary (prashna) charts, the lagna can be fixed by the Udaya Lagna, the Chandra Lagna, the Dig Lagna (by compass direction), the Shabda Lagna (by the words the clients utter), the Sparsha Lagna (by the parts of the body they touch), the Nama Lagna (by the first letter of their names or the numerical value of the full name), or even by a random

Dridha-Adridha Karmas occur wherever some (but not most) horoscopic factors relating to a particular area converge in their indications. These karmas, good OR bad, can be changed through the concentrated application of creative will, though considerable effort is required.

Flavors SUN governs bitter favors JUPITER governs sweet favors MOON governs salty favors VENUS governs sour favors MARS governs pungent favors SATURN governs astringent MERCURY governs mixed or favors varied favors

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

Dridha Karmas give fixed results because they are so difficult to change that they are practically non-changeable. These karmas, pleasurable or painful, are destined to be experienced because of the intensity of their causes. Most people have noticed that from time to time an experience simply ‘happens’, despite all efforts to avoid its occurrence.

Adridha Karmas are said to give non-fixed results because they are easily altered.

Bodily Constitution SUN governs Pitta JUPITER governs Kapha MOON governs Vata and Kapha VENUS governs Vata and Kapha MARS governs Pitta SATURN governs Vata MERCURY governs Vata, Pitta and Kapha

According to Ayurveda, every individual has seven bodily tissues, and according to Jyotish they are influenced by the different planets. For instance, the Sun influences consciousness and eyes, the Moon governs the mind, Mercury the intellect, and Jupiter supervises knowledge. Mars is related to the blood and liver, Saturn rules the neuro-muscular