Index 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

The history of The Sun & Birth of Saturn The Moon or Chandra or Soma The Birth of Mars/Angaraka/Bhauma/Kuja The Birth of Shukracharya / Venus & History of Jupiter The Birth of Mercury The Birth of Rahu/Ketu Planets in Vedic Astrology 12 Houses Of Vedic Astrology

Sanjana was the daughter of Vishwakarma who is the celestial engineer and architect. Vishwakarma asks the Sun God to marry his daughter. Sun or Surya accepts and Marries her, after some days Sanjana was not able face glare and heat emitted from Suryas golden aura have darkened her complexion and sapped her energy; she no longer feels any love for her husband. She creates a clone. She calls her clone Chhaya (shadow) and ask her not to leave Suryas presence under any circumstances, and to dutifully remain there till her return. Sanjana then returns to her fathers house for some respite. Surya does not notice the difference. He takes Chhaya to be his wife; he initiates marital relations; Chhaya conceives and delivers a son Shani (Saturn). Shani is born of dark complexion like his mother, and also inherits Chhayas serious and somber countenance. Vishwakarma hears news of Shanis birth. He asks Sanjana for the truth. Sanjana confesses having left behind a clone. Vishwakarma immediately orders his daughter to return to her rightful position in Suryas house. Sanjana returns to Suryas house but is livid with Chhaya for having violated the scope of her orders. Sanjana destroys Chhayas tangible body and reduces her to a mere illusion in Suryas light and glare. Surya once again does not notice the exchange of wives. Sanjana gives birth to 2 children from Surya son Yama and daughter Yamuna. As the children grow older, Sanjanas animosity towards Shani grows stronger and she does everything in her power to distance him from Surya. Devoid of motherly love and fatherly attention, Shani is distraught, depressed, lazy and utterly directionless. The 3 children come of age, and time comes to bestow them with responsibilities. Surya announces the same to his children; hearing this, Sanjana quickly poisons Suryas mind against the capabilities of Shani and requests him to divide his responsibilities between Yama and Yamuna. Surya relents. So on the appointed day, Shani (the elder son) is ignored and Yama (the younger son) is given the title of Dharmaraj or king of dharma and is given the responsibility of upholding truth in humanity Yamuna is given the status of a holy river, and is given the responsibility of washing away the sins of those who bathe in her or partake of her waters. Yama and Yamuna accept their responsibilities and leave. Shani is left standing all alone. As a son and older brother, he feels humiliated and insulted. Unable to break the barriers of communication with his father; unable to invoke love from his mother; unable to express authority over his younger brother and sister, and unable to prove the capability that he believes he has a rage builds up in Shani. To vent his anger, he seeks out mother Sanjana and delivers a well aimed kick in her womb believing that she is an insult to the womb that she birthed him from. Shocked at this act, Sanjana retaliates by cursing Shani to lose the leg that he kicked her with. Maimed and helpless, Shani lies on the ground. The scene is witnessed by Surya. Though he can forgive

Shanis behavior as he act of an unruly son, he is unable to understand the curse of mother Sanjana. Surya then confronts Sanjana for the truth. Sanjana confesses to her folly, apologizes, and narrates about her Chhaya and the birth of Shani before her return to Suryas home. Surya is livid with rage and glows brighter and hotter than before. He accepts Shani as his legitimate older son, restores his lost leg though a limp still remains to honor the word of his mothers curse, and then makes amends by bestowing upon him the honor of a place in the solar system

History It is believed that Lord Brahma created his human sons in order to create planet Earth, Some believe these sons are created from the mind of Brahma. Those sons are Saptarishis These Saptarishis keep changing for every Yuga. As per Hindu Shastras, there are four yugas 1.Krita Yuga 2. Treta Yuga 3. Dvapara Yuga 4. Kali Yuga We are presently in the Kali yuga, life span being 432,000 years [we are in 5104 year now in 2013]; Dvapara Yuga is twice Kali Yuga, Treta Yuga is thrice Kali yuga and Krita Yuga is four times Kali yuga. Overall, 4,320,000 years termed as 1 Chaturyuga .. 1000 Chaturyugas make the day of 12 hours for Brahma (Creator) and during another 12 hours, brahma takes rest and there is no creation during this period of time. Thus 1 day for Brahma constitutes 1000 Chaturyugas (=4,320,000,000 years). Thus 1 year constitutes 360 x 4,320,000,000 = 3,110,400,000,000 years; Life span of Brahma is 100 years = 100 x 3,110,400,000,000= 311,040,000,000,000 years 12 hours of Brahma is considered to have 14 Manus and each Manu has different set of Saptarishis, right now we are under Seventh Manu (The interval of Vaivasvata Manu)

Current Saptarishis : Atri, Bhrigu, Kutsa, Vashista, Gautama, Kashyapa and Angiras The Moon

The Birth of Chandra There are different beliefs on birth of Chandra or The Moon or Soma, below are some of them

1. Wanting to grant Maha Sati Anasuya her desire to beget sons equal to Brahma, Vishnu and Siva, Sarasvati (wife of Lord Brahma) Lakshmi (wife of Lord Vishnu) and Parvati (wife of Lord Siva) requested their husbands to test the Pativrata Dharma of Maha Sati Anasuya, wife of Atri Maharishi, and ask her to give them Nirvana Bhiksha, that is, to give them food in a naked condition. The Tri-Murtis, (Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Siva) through their Jnana-Drishti ((supernatural vision) knew the divine wishes of their divine wives (Goddesses

Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Parvati) and the wish of Maha Sati Anasuya. They agreed. The Tri-Murtis (Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Siva) took on the forms of Sannyasins, (Wandering holy ascetics) and appeared before Maha Sati Anasuya and asked her to give them Nirvana Bhiksha that is, to give them food in a naked condition. Maha Sati Anasuya was in a great dilemma. She could not say No to the Sannyasins.She had to maintain her Pativrata Dharma also. She meditated on the form of her husband, took refuge in his feet and sprinkled over the three Sannyasins a few drops of water which were used for washing the feet of her husband. The Tri-Murtis (Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Siva) were converted into three children on account of the glory of the Charanamrita (Holy water). At the same time, there was accumulation of milk in the breast of Maha Sati Anasuya. She thought that those children were her own children and fed them with the milk in a nude state and put them to the cradle. She was eagerly expecting the arrival of her husband who had gone for taking his bath. As soon as Atri Rishi came back home, Maha Sati Anasuya related to him all that had happened during his absence, placed the three children at his feet and worshipped him. But Atri knew all this already through his divine vision. He embraced all the three children. The three children became one child with two feet, one trunk, three heads and six hands. Atri Rishi blessed his wife and informed her that the Tri-Murtis (Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Siva) themselves had assumed the forms of the three children to gratify her wish. Sage Narada went to Brahma-Loka, Vaikuntha and Kailasa and informed Goddesses Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Parvati that their husbands had been turned into babies through the power of the Pativrata Dharma of Maha Sati Anasuya when they asked her Nirvana Bhiksha and that they would not return unless the Goddesses asked for Bhartri Bhiksha (Praying for return of the husbands) from Maha Sati Anusuya. Goddesses Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Parvati appeared before Maha Sati Anusuya and asked for Pati Bhiksha: (Praying for return of their husbands) Maha Sati Anusuya duly honored the three Goddesses and with folded hands prayed to them that her wish should be fulfilled. Then the three Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Siva appeared in their true form before Maha Sati Anusuya and Sage Atri Rishi and said, "This child will be a great sage according to your word and will be equal to us according to the wish of Maha Sati Anasuya. This child will bear the name of Dattatreya". Then they disappeared. Maha Sati Anasuya thus became the mother of Lord Dattatreya (the sage-avatar of Divine Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Siva), the sage Durvasa and the moon-god Chandra. 2. Saint Atri performed a Yagya named Anuttar. After a few days, drops of water fell from his eyes. Directions took form of women and consumed this water and wanted sons. But, directions could not bear the energy of the womb and sacrificed it. Lord Brahma then transformed this womb into a human form which came to be known as Moon. Lord Moon was made the Lord of Nakshatra, Vanaspati, Brahmana and Tap by Lord Brahma. Lord Moon is worshipped by all the Devas and saints. 3. According to Hindu mythology Chandra has not been very fortunate in life. Chandra was born in the Ocean of Milk (the gods were churning it for millennia in order to create immortal life), and nearly blinded the gods with his bright, glowing body (hence the name

that means "illustrious"). The gods unanimously decided to give Chandra the status of a planet and sent him into the cosmos.

Legend of Moon or Chandra or Soma Lord Moon has been described in many puranas and has a long history, below are some of his accounts

A. Marriage & Cruse of Chandra According to the puranas, Daksha had 24 daughters from his wife Prasuti and another 62 from his wife Panchajani (Virini). The 27 daughters married to Chandra are (1) Kttik (the Pleiads), (2) Rohin, (3) Mrigashrsha, (4) rdr, (5) Punarvasu, (6) purbabhadrapada, (7) Pushya, (8) Aslesh, (9) Magh, (10) Svti (Arcturus), (11) Chitr (Spica), (12) Purbaphalguni, (13) Hasta, (14) Rdhas, (15) Vishkh, (16) Anurdh, (17) Jyeshth, (18) Mla, (19) purbashdha, (20)Uttarashara, (21) Sravana, (22) Uttarphalguni, (23) Satabhisha, (24) Uttarbhadrapada, (25) Revati, (26) Ashwini, (27) Bharani. These 27 wife of Chandra are 27 Nakshatras (the constellations) which are on the moon's orbit. Daksha gave all her daughters to Soma on one condition where Soma would treat every one equally, instead of loving all the 27 wives equally, developed an intense partiality towards Rohinee. Resentful of this action of Chandra, his other wives went and complained to their father about the partiality of Chandra. Daksh on hearing this report from his dear daughters cursed Chandra to be deprived of his Kalaa (brightness). Below are some of the beliefs on Moon Cruse Cruse by Daksha and different accounts of it 1. Much grieved and depressed at heart, Chandra at last made his way to Lord Shiv and prayed to be saved from the curse of Daksh. Shiv, out of compassion, retrieved him partially from the curse and saved him by wearing him on his own forehead. Hence we find changes in the phases of the Moon's gradual decrease of brightness during Krishn Paksha or the dark fortnight, and gradual increase during the Shukla Paksha or the bright fortnight. This action of Lord Shiv further infuriated Daksh where more described in Daksha Yagna and Somanth Temple. 2. The daughters intervened and made his death periodic, symbolized by the waxing and waning of the moon.

3. Chandra didnt know what to do went to Brahma for advice. Brahma was angry in the begning but later said Moon can be liberated by chanting Mahamrityunjay Mantra

B. Cruse by Lord Ganasha One day while travelling round the universe on his rat, Ganesha came to Chandraloka (the realm of the Moon). The Moon saw him. The Moon, very handsome, was proud of his appearance. On seeing the elephantfaced, big-bellied Ganapati riding on a rat, he- laughed at Ganesha with contempt. This was an insult and Ganesha was very angry about the Moon. His eyes grew red. He pronounced a curse "Oh Moon, your handsome appearance has made you too vain. Fool, I am worshipped in all the worlds, but you laugh at me. Receive now the fruits of your foolish pride. Let your beauty, which is the cause for your arrogance and ignorance vanishing! From now on, whoever sees you on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada month, the day of my birth, will suffer because of unjust accusations." The curse shattered the Moon's pride. He realized his mistake, and felt sorry. Standing devotedly with folded hands before Ganesha he prayed to him. "Sir, forgive me and my ignorance. Take back the curse and protect me." Then the kind Ganesha grew calm. He consoled the unhappy Moon. He said, "Moon, you have realized your fault. What is important is the destruction of your pride. Anyhow, my curse cannot be in vain. But those who are subjected to false accusations will be saved and regain their good name if they see you on the second day of the bright fortnight also or listen to the story of the Syamantaka gem." The Moon was satisfied. Others Soma was one of the more important gods in the Rig Veda; 120 hymns and one entire book are dedicated to him. He has many different forms. He is seen as a celestial bull, a bird, a giant rising from the waters, the lord of plants, and as an embryo. He rarely is seen as a fully grown human. As a drink, Soma is the ambrosia of the gods. It was due to this influence that they could rise above all obstacles to achieve their goals. Indra was a great drinker of the substance; before his confrontation with Vritra, he drank rivers of it to gain the strength needed to overcome the fearsome dragon. Agni also consumed it in large amounts. Soma was what gave the Vedic gods their immortality. It was also a drink for mortals, a golden-hued nectar which was derived from the Soma plant, which may be a species known as ephedra vulgaris to botanists. This drink brought hallucinations and ecstasy to those who consumed it. It helped warriors to overcome their fears in battle, and it helped poets to become inspired to create. Soma was a bridge between the mortal world and that of the gods. This drink is the same as Haoma in Persian mythology.

As the moon, Soma became equated with the god Chandra, who originally was the moon deity. The moon was considered the cup which held the drink Soma for the gods, and one reason that the moon waxed and waned was due to this fact. When the moon waned, it was because the gods were drinking down all the Soma; as it waxed, the god was re-creating himself, only to be consumed again once the cup was again full. As the Vedic age ended and the Brahmans asserted them, the power of the gods no longer came from Soma but instead from sacrifices made by humans; Soma came more and more to be just a god of the moon Soma or Chandra or Moon was later accounted for the birth of Mercury or Bhuda which we will discuss in respective chapter.

Characteristics of Chandra in Vedic Astrology In Vedic astrology Chandra represents brain, mind, emotions, sensitivity, softness, imagination, queen and mother

1. In Hindu mythology, it is said that there was a time when the demons were destroying the world and creating tremendous problems for all creatures, even the gods. To defeat them, the gods obtained the seed of the Lord Shiva, which refers to his energy or power. When the gods got Shivas seed, it required special arrangements to preserve it. It had such a fiery quality that an ordinary receptabe or womb could not hold it. The seed was thus cast in fire and protected by water. The Krittikas were requested to nourish it in their womb. Karttikeya was thereby born and on the seventh day after his birth killed the mighty demon Taraka, and thereby delivered the gods from the demons who had defeated them. In the Shiva Purana the birth of Kartikeya is associated with the destruction of Taraka, a demon who acquired the benediction of Brahma that he could not be killed by anyone except a seven day old child of Shiva. Taraka was thus almost invincible. He oppressed the gods and took control of the universe. When the gods approached Brahma for subjugating Taraka, he suggested that no one could, not even Shiva, because Shiva was a celibate yogi and his having a child was impossibility. Meanwhile Parvati, the eternal consort of Shiva, had taken another birth and was united with Shiva again. The gods wanted to take this opportunity to destroy Taraka. Kartikeyas other name, Shadanana, which means one with six heads corresponds to the five senses and the mind. The six heads also stand for his virtues enables him to see in all the directions - an important attribute that ensures that he counters all kinds blows that can hit him.

The war imagery and the six heads of Kartikeya indicates that if humans wish to lead themselves efficiently through the battle of life, they must always be alert lest they are shown the wrong path by crafty people with the six demonic vices: kaama (sex), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (passion), mada (ego) and matsarya (jealousy).

2. Once when Lord Shiva was engrossed in deep meditation (Sansrit: samdhi) upon his abode, Mount Kailash, three drops of perspiration originated from his forehead and fell down on the earth. From those drops manifested a very beautiful infant, who was of reddish complexion and who had four arms. The child was handed over to the earth goddess, Bhumi for upbringing by Lord Shiva. The child was named Bhauma as he was nurtured and brought up by 'Bhumi' (earth). 3. As per the inscriptions in Matsya Purana, Mangalnath is said to be the birthplace of Mars. The uranas refer to Mangaldev as the child of Lord Shiv and Prithvi (Bhumi, earth), thereby acquiring the name, Bhaum. In the Puranas Ujjain is mentioned as thus-Shloka for Mangalnathji Ujjainya samutpanna namo bhaum chatubhuj| Bharadwajakule jataha shoola shakti gadhadhara || Meaning: In the city of Ujjain, has emerged Bhaum/Mangal, who has four hands, in the lineage of the Bharadwaj Kula as a son holding a mace, spear and the emblem of Shakti- a Lotus Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mangalnath Temple is a greatly respected holy place situated in Ujjain.

Mars/Angaraka/Bhauma/Kuja as Gods Commander or Army Chief of God

1. Lord Kartikeya led the army of devas and defeated the demon Tarakasur's forces at Tiruchendur. He restored the kingdom of heaven to Indra. Indra requested Him to marry his daughter Deivanai. Kartikeya consented and the wedding took place at Thirupparamkunram, which is also one of the Arupadaiveedu on the day of Panguni Uthram. 2. Indra attacks Kartikeya as he sees the latter as a threat, until Shiva intervenes and makes Kartikeya the commander-in-chief of the army of the Devas. He is also married to Devasena, Indra's daughter. The origin of this marriage lies probably in the punning of

'Deva-sena-pati'. It can mean either lord of Devasena or Lord of the army (sena) of Devas.

When Bhauma grew up, he went to Kashi and did a tremendous penance to please lord Shiva. Lord Shiva blessed him by granting him 'Mangala loka' (the Abode of Mangala), which was superior even to the 'Shukra loka' (the Abode of the god of Venus - Shukra). The same Bhauma is established in the solar system by the name of Mangala (planet Mars).

Shukra is the son of Bhrigu, He was a Bhargava rishi of the Atharvan branch and a descendant of sage Kavi. The Devi-Bhagavata Purana refers to his mother as Kavyamata. The feminic natured Shukra is a Brahminical planet. He was born on Friday in the year Parthiva on Sraavana Suddha Ashtami when Svati Nakshatra is on the ascent. Hence, Friday is known as Shukravaar in Indian languages like Sanskrit, Telugu, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Oriya, Bengali, Assamese, and Kannada. How Shukracharya became guru of Asuras Devas and the Asuras were always at loggerheads in ancient Hindu texts of India. Their enmity was deep rooted and they has constant wars. Once in a fight between the devas and the asuras , the devas had the upper hand. The asuras went running to Maharishi Bhrighus ashram for refuge and Shukracharyas mother Ushana ( wife of Bhrigu ) gave then shelter. This ashram could NOT be attacked by anybody due to a divine protective shield bubble. Maharishi Bhrigu and his son Shukracharya were both away at this time doing penance. When Brighu returned , and he saw the asuras in his ashram everywhere . On hearing from his wife that they sought refuge on fear of death, he told her that she has done the right thing. The devas under Indra went running to Lord Vishnu and complained. Vishnu visited the ashram when Bhrigu and his son Shukracharya were not there. He met Bhrigus wife and tried to convince here, that she should kick out the asuras from the ashram. She did NOT agree to this as both her husband and her son have no problem with the asuras . Then Vishnu told her that he would have to use the power of Sudarshana chakra ( a scalar howitzer ) to break the protective shield of the ashram and she should move out of her ashram. Bhrigus wife decided to stay put , since her husband and son were far way . She knew she would die and she thought that getting death from Vishnu meant attaining moksha or deliverance. Totally in a bind, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra and killed everybody in the ashram , including Shukracharyas mother. Later Shukracharya, while putting fire to his mothers pyre took a solemn vow of revenge with the devas and Vishnu.This prompted him to side with the the Asuras .

Maharishi Bhrigu flew into a terrible rage and cursed Vishnu that he would have to be born several times on earth. These are Vishnus avataras (incarnations). As for his own wife, Bhrigu resurrected her through his yogic powers. Shukracharyas anger had been indeed brimming for a long time. As a young boy Shukracharya studied the Vedas under Rishi Angirasa . He was upset with Angirasa's favoritism towards his own son Brihaspati. Brihaspati was always graded higher than him, Shukracharya was better than Brihaspati when it came to merit. In a deep sulk he left Angirasa's ashram and went to learn under Maharishi Gautama. Since then, he always had a professional rivalry with Brihaspati. Even in mantric siddhis , Brihaspati was no match for Shukracharya and both knew this. When the devas ( gods ) need a guru , they chose Brihaspati . Shukracharya who expected to be chosen became very bitter and spiteful. In a knee jerk manner he offered his services as guru to the Asuras ( enemies of Devas ) and they grabbed it with both hands. This was the root cause of the Mahabharata war and other jealous races like Persians, Greeks and Romans outside India. To make matters worse Devyani the daughter of Shukracharya, was rejected by the son of Brihaspati, Kacha. She later married the legendary Somavanshi king Yayati. In the time of the Mahabharata, Shukracharya is mentioned as one of the mentors of Bhishma, having taught him political science in his youth. Shukracharya was the son of 'Vidhata', who was the son of Maharshi Bhrigu. Shukracharya was the Guru (teacher) of the demons. He was proficient in the science of Yoga. Though being a Guru of the Asuras, yet he was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. He used to give religious discourses to the 'Asuras' to change their evil nature. Due to his influence, Prahlad, Virochana and Bali, the great devotees of Lord Vishnu were born in the descent of the demons. Shukracharya knew the art of making dead people alive. Shukracharya brought the demons who got killed by the deities during the battles back to life. Parasurama Avtar of Venus (lineage of Prajapati Bhrigu) Valmiki Ramayanam, Balakanda 75th Sarga, as per this version: Parasurama told Sri Rama, the story of the two bows, one of Vishnu and one of Siva, both made by Viswakarma for a duel between the two, organized by Brahma to see who was stronger, to satisfy the curiosity of the Devas. There was a fierce and thrilling fight. When Vishnu was able to stretch Sivas bow, Siva was disappointed and gave that bow away to Devarata, a poorvaja (one born before) of Janaka. Vishnus bow went to Richika and was then inherited by Jamadagni and then Parasurama. When Parasurama heard that Sri Rama had broken Sivas bow, he wanted to see of Sri Rama was strong enough to break Vishnus bow. Valmiki Ramayanam, Balakanda 76th Sarga, as per this version:

Sri Rama said, I commend you for avenging your father, but I resent your insinuations about my prowess. He seized Vishnus bow from Parasuramas hands and fitting it with an arrow, he spoke again. I am not going to kill you because you are a brahman and a relative of Viswamitra (sisters grandson). Tell me whether I should immobilize you or take away your acquired tapobalam (strength acquired through tapas (penance)). Parasurama gazed at Sri Rama weakly and said, I promised Kasyapa that I would not stay here during the nights and so I have to go back to the Mahendra Hills. I cannot afford to be immobilized. You can take away my tapobalam. But do it quickly for I have to leave soon. I now know that you are Vishnu himself, who else could handle his bow? So Sri Rama used the arrow to take away Parasuramas tapobalam and Parasurama quickly left for Mahendra. As he left, the darkness too left the place, and all the Devas amd Rishis praised Sri Rama.

Story 1: In Hindu mythology (Vishnu Purana, Brahma Purana, Devi Bhagvata Bhagwat Purana, Harivansha Purana, Padma Purana and Vayu Puran) tells that Budha (Mercury) is the illegitimate son of Chandra (Moon) out of Tara who was Gurus (Jupiter) wife. The Puranas tell us that Chandra was enamored of Tara the wife of Guru and seduced her when she was taking a walk in a garden. Tara is then said to have eloped with Chandra. On being asked by Guru to return his wife, Chandra refused to do so. Thereupon Guru sought help of other Gods who waged war against Chandra, but Chandra who was helped by Shukra (Venus) defeated them. Then Guru sought help of Lord Shiva who set out to fight Chandra. Lord Brahma, who treats Chandra as his son, knew that this war would end in annihilation of Chandra and therefore went to Chandra and prevailed upon him to return Tara to Guru, thus avoiding war. Chandra relented and returned Tara who started living with Guru. However Tara was pregnant by that time and gave birth to Budha at Gurus place. On being confronted, she accepted that Budha was son of Chandra. However Budha was so handsome, sharp, capable of grasping thing fast, and intelligent that Guru decided to accept him as his own son and taught him all the shastras (sciences), which Budha absorbed in a short time. In Vedic Astrology Budha considers Chandra as his enemy while Chandra considers Budha as a friend and the legend perhaps tries to tell us this important astrological principle through the mythological story.

Story 2: As the story goes: Jupiter, the preceptor of the gods, had a very beautiful wife named Tara. One day she was out walking when she came to the Moon's house. When the Moon saw her, he fell in love with her immediately. Tara also fell in love with the Moon and decided to move in with him. When Jupiter found out that Tara was with the Moon, he sent his disciples to bring Tara back, but Tara refused. Jupiter sent his disciples back several times, but each time they returned without Tara. Even when Jupiter went personally and tried to convince Tara to return, she would not come back to him. This caused Jupiter to become very angry. He called the Moon "The brahman killer, gold thief, drunkard, he who marries another's wife." He also told the Moon that he was not fit to reside in the abode of the gods. "Unless you return my wife," Jupiter said, " I will curse you!" The Moon was not impressed and did not give in. He told Jupiter that Tara had come to him on her own and would leave him when she was no longer satisfied. This made Jupiter furious, so he went to Indra (the king of the gods) and asked him to help. Indra agreed and ended up going to war with the Moon. Eventually, Brahma the Creator intervened and convinced the Moon to return Tara to Jupiter. By this time, however, Tara was pregnant, and later gave birth to the beautiful, articulate, and charming child, Mercury. Of course, Jupiter is the significator of children in astrology, and he was particularly infatuated with Mercury. He convinced himself that Mercury was his own child and tried to convince the Moon as well. But the Moon also loved the golden colored child. This resulted in the world's first custody battle, with Jupiter and the Moon arguing over who was the real father of Mercury. They demanded that Tara name the real father. Tara would not, because Mercury was illegitimate. Finally Brahma (the Creator) questioned her and she confessed that the Moon was Mercury's real father.

The Mythology There are many Myths and legends attached to Rahu Ketu. The most well known one is of Rahu Ketu as the Naga Vasuki- the ruler of the Patala Loka (the nether regions of the earth). Nagas in Vedic literature are not ordinary snakes but Serpents with much hidden knowledge and wisdom. There was a great war between the gods and the demons for the control of the universe and at the centre of it was the ocean which was being churned to find the hidden treasures and the Amrita- the nectar of immortality. Vasuki helped the gods in their mission. He was the rope tied around the spiritual mountain Mandara, which was the rod, used by the gods to churn the ocean. When the Amrita was found the gods wanted to keep it for themselves as they felt that the demons would use it for the wrong purpose. Vasuki being a demon, his instincts were for personal glorification and materialistic happiness rather than universal good. (Sacrificing self for others is considered the godly impulse). Vasuki, was more intelligent than the other demons, he

was not willing to be distracted by the gods. He drank the nectar of immortality secretly. The Sun and the Moon complained to Lord Vishnu, the creator of the Universe, who was very angry at this deception. In anger he threw the Sudharshan Chakra at Vasuki and cut him into two. Vasuki had drunk the Amrita and was immortal, therefore could not be killed. He remained in the skies as Rahu(the head)Ketu (the lower half), a permanent reminder to the other planets(gods) of the darker side of life which we have to defeat in the pursuit of immortality. Rahu Ketu are considered great enemies of the Sun and the Moon because they told Lord Vishnu about them. They symbolically swallow the two luminaries during the eclipses. Their capacity to darken the Sun and the Moon make Rahu Ketu the most powerful influences in the Zodiac. The Sun around whom the other planets and the solar system revolves, the Moon which controls life on earth, are obscured by Rahu Ketu during eclipses. Rahu Ketu represent Cosmic Law which everyone including the Sun and the Moon have to obey. This allegory has to be understood as life. The Gods without the help of Vasuki (Rahu Ketu) could not find the secret of immortality. In the same way we as humans cannot find our higher selves without understanding the lessons of Rahu and Ketu. They represent the darker side of our nature which we need to overcome. Our inner emotions are like the ocean being churned. Within this ocean lie a number of treasures as well as poisons and nasty things. We have learn to recognise the precious from the dross and finally find Amrita- the secret of immortality or true happiness. The conflict between our attachment to materialistic achievements (this gives us momentary happiness which is a fantasy as it has no real basis, the domain of Rahu) and liberation of the soul, finding bliss and tranquillity which is eternal and everlasting (Ketu is the Moksha karaka significator for spiritual realisation). The gods needed the help of Vasuki in the Amrita manthan and in the same way we need the knowledge provided by the wise nodes to give direction.

Scientific insight

The nodal points of the Moon what we call Rahu and Ketu are, infact, clubs of magnetic and gravitational forces of two celestial bodies, the Moon and the Earth and hence are very influential on the life of mankind. These points affect our central nervous system as well as sympathetic and para-sympathetic nervous systems which work on the principles of electromagnetic systems. Consequently, they have direct impacts on the generation of signals of informations in neurons and neuro-transmitters and their movement from brain to various parts of our body and back to the brain. In this way, these nodal points (Rahu and Ketu) are psychosomatic which govern not only the stress level of our mind but also the activities of hormones, blood circulation and function of the heart. This becomes more important at present time of

intense competition at various levels of survival for gains of physical comforts when we have been very prone to psycho-somatic problems which creep up cardiac problems. In this scenario, astrological study of so called Rahu-Ketu in ones horoscope is very note-worthy.

Rahu Ketu

Rahu/Ketu is the name given to the Nodes of the Moon. Rahu is the North Node and Ketu is the South Node. They are points on the ecliptic where the Moon is in alignment with the Sun and the Earth. They indicate the precise point of the harmony with the three most important influences in our life- the Sun, the Earth and the Moon. This relationship plays an important part in the enfolding of individual consciousness. Their role as Karmic indicators of our life is connected with their power to cause eclipses. The eclipses occur in the vicinity of Rahu Ketu during the Full Moon and the New Moon. (During New Moon when it is +/- 18 degrees from Rahu Ketu, the Solar eclipse takes place. At the full Moon +/- 11 degrees 15' from the nodal position, the Lunar eclipse takes place.) As they symbolically eclipse the Sun (consciousness) and the Moon (the Mind), they have a great part to play in darkening our perspective in order to bring in new light. They deal with the concept of death and re-birth, transformation and regeneration. During the eclipses the light from the Luminaries is darkened. The energies created are powerfully psychic, pregnant with new information and occult power. The period after the eclipse is considered a rebirth of the Sun and the Moon. The role of Rahu Ketu in this powerful alignment of the Sun Moon and the Earth gives them the role of the ultimate controllers of the destiny. The prime importance given to Rahu Ketu in Vedic Astrology is one of it's key features. They have been given the status of Planets to emphasise their significance and the importance placed on eclipses. They are known as Chayya Grahas (shadow planets). They have no substance and are physically non-existent. Yet their influence is full of potency and spiritual significance. They work in unison 180 degrees apart, two opposite points in the zodiac with a mission to churn our lives in order to externalise hidden potential and wisdom. In keeping with their shadowy nature, they work on a psychological level. It is always difficult to gauge their effect because their main concern is with our emotional makeup. They effect us internally. We are unaware of what exactly is happening to us at the time. In Vedic Astrology, the concept of the Soul's journey through different lifetimes is central to it. The final goal of the soul is to break this cycle of life and death. Like the beads on a necklace, various lifetimes are joined together to form a necklace, each life being different but interconnected by an invisible thread. The invisible thread is Rahu and Ketu. The purpose of the soul in this life to act out his given Karma, destroy the illusions of the materialistic life and move towards the pursuit of self realisation. To live on the astral planes where pleasure and pain do

not have the capacity to hurt, the mind is still and at peace. The soul's journey in a particular life time and it's connection with eternal life is indicated by the position of Rahu and Ketu. Ketu deals with the past Karma and Rahu with the future. The five instincts that keep us attached to the materialistic purpose of life are Kaam (Desire, passions) Krodh (Anger) Madh (intoxicants- drugs, alcohol etc) Moh (Attachment) Lobh(Greed) and Matsaya(Jealousy). We need to control our instincts rather than allowing ourselves to be controlled by them. Both Rahu and Ketu have the ability to keep our mind focused on these instincts- Rahu by exaggerating and Ketu by obscuring or blocking. We are tied down to the cycle of unhappiness and dissatisfaction as we cannot break away from our lower selves. We are born again and again to experience the pleasures and pains of the earthly life until we recognise them to be the illusions that they are. On a subconscious level we are afraid that if we give up these desires, we will lose out. Once we start understanding the principle of letting go, enjoying what life has to offer but not getting attached, then we are able to grow spiritually. Rahu Ketu deals with the inner fight within us, the moral and the social choices we have to constantly make and the inner dilemmas.

Physical Attributes The Sun has a square build, scanty but curly hair, lovely appearance, good intelligence, impressive voice, medium stature, red eyes, dark red complexion, strong bones, bilious nature, firm temperament and saffron robes. Characteristics The Sun represents Father, (The King), Politics, honesty, power, authority, soul, Public appearance, vital energy, success, self-expression, career, confidence, leadership skills, Self-esteem, prominence, Status, Government, higher officials, Managers e.t.c Planetary Lordship Caste Of Sun Essential nature Rulership Social status Gender Human Body Places Represented Directions Strength : : : : : : : : : Leo or Simha Kshatriyas Sattvika (good and noble) Soul King, Father and Leader Masculine Bones Temple South (Afternoon) & Represents Eastern Direction

Physical Attributes The Moon has a slim but roundish body, beautiful appearance, lovely eyes, sweet tongue, phlegm and wind in his composition, white complexion, short curly hair, amiable nature, Sattvika inclination, discriminating wisdom, restless nature, excessive sexual urge, white robes. Characteristics MOON - Mother, (Queen), emotions, home life, peace of mind, Thoughts, Moon is our mind (not intelligence but in general terms heart or feelings), sensitivity, imagination, comfort, fertility, house and domestic comforts, milk, water,, hotel and food industry, textiles, apparels, Cold & Calm Planetary Lordship Caste Of Moon Essential nature Rulership Social status Gender Human Body Places Represented Directions Strength : : : : : : : : : Cancer or Karkataka Vaishyas Sattvika (good and noble) Mind (Feelings) Queen Feminine Blood Watery place North

Physical Attributes The Mars is characterized by fierce red eyes, short stature, tough and youthful body, fickle but generous disposition, short but shining and curly hair, valorous nature, Tamasika inclination, eagerness to hurt, easy excitability, bilious disposition and fair complexion. Characteristics Mars : Mars or Mangala or Kuja is the commander. He represents energy, courage, younger brothers & sisters, armed forces, the police forces, commanders, administrators, men in high position, land, engineering, metals, real estate agents and surgery. Planetary Lordship Caste Of Mars Essential nature Rulership Social status Gender Human Body Places Represented Directions Strength : : : : : : : : : Mesha ( Aries ) and Vrischika ( Scorpio ) Kshatriyas Tamasika (dark and base) Essence (Power) Commander-in-chief Masculine Marrow Fire place South

Physical Attributes Jupiter has a big belly and a fat body, pale eyes, virtuous disposition, phlegmatic temperament, knowledge of scriptures and sciences, bright yellow complexion, Sattvika inclination, sharp intelligence, keenness in religious pursuits, forgiving nature and yellow-colored dress. Characteristics Jupiter: Jupiter or Guru or Brihaspati is known as the Devaguru or the guru of the Gods. He represents higher knowledge, spirituality, priests, temples, teachers, research & scientists, layers & judges, children and knowledge of the sastras and astrology, Putrakaraka, Money and everything related to knowledge and earning through it. Planetary Lordship Caste Of Jupiter Essential nature Rulership Social status Gender Human Body Places Represented Directions Strength : : : : : : : : : Dhanu (Sagittarius) and Meena(species ) Brahmins Sattvika Wisdom and comforts Guru Masculine Fat Treasure house East

Physical Attributes Venus is dark brown and handsome, of symmetrical limbs and dark curly hair, writer of poetry, and has an amorous disposition. He has long arms, broad chest, excessive seminal fluid, windy and phlegmatic temperament, Rajasika inclination, grace, vigour, wisdom and intelligence, and multi-coloured robes. Characteristics Venus: Venus or Shukra is the Daityaguru or the guru of the demons. He represents spouse, sex life, kidneys and sex organ, dance, music, arts, gems and jewelers, wines, bars, gambling places, acting, fashion, cosmetics and beauty products and Mainly Marital life.

Planetary Lordship Caste Of Venus Essential nature Rulership Social status Gender Human Body Places Represented Directions Strength

: : : : : : : : :

Vrisha (Taurus) and Tula (Libra) Brahmins Rajasika Seminal fluid Guru Feminine Seminal fluid Bedroom South East

Physical Attributes Mercury has a slim and beautiful body, large reddish eyes, dark green complexion, healthy skin, medium height, clear and witty speech, expression with multiple meanings, Rajasika inclination, plenty of energy, bile, wind and phlegm in his composition, and green robes. Characteristics Mercury: Mercury or Budha is the prince in astrology. He represents speech, intelligence, maternal uncles, short journeys, medical profession, trade, computers and the web, astrology and knowledge of the shastras, accounts, mathematics, journalism, printing and publishing. Planetary Lordship Caste Of Mercury Essential nature Rulership Social status Gender Human Body Places Represented Directions Strength : : : : : : : : : Mithuna(Gemini) and Kanya (Virgo) Vaishyas Rajasika Speech & Intelligence Communicator Eunuchs Skin Playground North

Physical Attributes Saturn has a tall, lean and weak body, dark complexion, stiff hair and limbs, large teeth, lazy disposition, windy temperament, cruel nature, Tamasika inclination, lame, dark and shabby robes. Characteristics Jupiter: Jupiter or Guru or Brihaspati is known as the Devaguru or the guru of the Gods. He represents higher knowledge, spirituality, priests, temples, teachers, research & scientists, layers & judges, children and knowledge of the sastras and astrology, Putrakaraka, Money and everything related to knowledge and earning through it. Planetary Lordship Caste Of Saturn Essential nature Rulership Social status Gender Human Body Places Represented Directions Strength : : : : : : : : : Makara ( Capricorn) and Kumbha (Acquires) Shudra Tamasika Miseries Servant Eunuchs Nerves Dirty places West

Note : We will Take Rahu as a separate topic at later stage Physical Attributes Rahu or Dragons Head or North Node represents foreigners, foreign countries, foreign travel, engineering and the technical trades, smoke, old men, grand parents, theft, gambling, drinking, nonconformists, the underworld and the bad elements in the society. Characteristics Rahu: Rahu have a bluish complexion resembling smoke, wild in bearing, intelligent, and of windy disposition. Planetary Lordship Caste Of Rahu Essential nature Rulership Social status Gender Human Body Places Represented Directions Strength : : : : : : : : : NA Saturn Agent NA Foreign Land NA NA NA Foreign Land NA

Note : We will Take Ketu as a separate topic at later stage Physical Attributes Ketu or Dragons Tail or South Node represents grandparents, technical trades, spiritual inclinations, superstitions and electronics. Its colour is brown and gem is cats eye. Ketu is always in the opposite sign to Rahu, i.e., Characteristics Ketu: bluish complexion resembling smoke, wild in bearing, intelligent, and of windy disposition Planetary Lordship Caste Of Rahu Essential nature Rulership Social status Gender Human Body Places Represented Directions Strength : : : : : : : : : NA Saturn Agent NA NA NA NA NA Forest, Temples & wanderer NA

All the matters regarding living and non living things are signified by the 12 houses. The astrologer has to judge a particular house or a few houses for any particular matter. For example, for marriage, the 7th house is the primary house to be analyzed but 2nd and 11th houses are also taken in consideration. This is because 2nd house denotes family and 11th house denotes gain, fulfillment of desires and happy social occasions. Each house signifies certain matters regarding the individual but the same house can be extended to derive various matters regarding his or her relatives and even friends. This process of extending the affairs of any given house is known as derivative house. A house may be fortunate to the individual but at the same time it may be disastrous to a relative or friend. Every house also indicates a particular part of our body through which Medical astrology is derived There are 2 styles of charts North Indian & South Indian, Both are same it just the way it looks. As I am more comfortable with South Indian chart, would further show examples in South Indian Chart only.

12
Losses, Foreign House or settlement, Bed comforts, Right eye, jails

1
Lagan, start, sunrise, Face, soul, birth, personality, Mind

2
Wealth, Speech, Family, left eye, Throat

3
Bravery, left ear, younger brothers & sisters, initiatives, short travels

11
Profits, Wealth, Gains, speculations, elder brothers & sisters, Left ear

4
Mother, Home, schooling, Comforts, wealth, Clothes, vehicles,

10
Father, work place, job, energy to work, nature of job

South Indian Style Chart (Natural horoscope)

5
Brain, Astrology, children, intelligence, past karma, Money speculation, stomach

9
Religion, Luck, Faith, Holly places, Long Travels (Mostly religious)

8
Death, Injury, Sudden rise & fall, Mysteries, Deep Science, Injuries

7
Sexual Relations, business partners, import-export, Marriage, in laws, private organs

6
Diseases, war, sin, fear, insult, court cases, enemies, servants

The first house or what is commonly known as the Ascendant or Lagna is the most important of the houses. In Vedic Astrology it is referred to as "Tanur or Tanu Bhava", which means literally, "the house of the body". It signifies the birth, beginning of life, personality, self, health, longevity, happiness, appearance, character, stature, temperament, prosperity, disposition, nature, personality, vitality, & vigour, success or failure in attempts, general wellbeing persons asking question, fame, beginning of life, child hood, environment, physical body.

It Signifies wealth, death, speech, family, vision, education, learning, right eye, self-acquisition, face, material welfare, second marriage, teacher, lawyers, bankers, bonds, security, stock & shares, friends, documents, mortgages, negotiable & changeable assets, bank balance, gold, silver, ruby, pearls, money matters, acquisition by self, effort, worldly attainments.

It signifies stamina, courage, longevity, younger brother, perseverance, short travels, writings, relations, confusion of mind, vigor, pleasure, arms, servants, good qualities, large undertakings, mistress, neighbors, brokerage, commissions, ability, memory, mistress, intellect, interview, mental inclination, lower mind for material advancement, inclination to study, change of residence, signing of contracts or railway, papers, accounting, mathematics, editor, reporter, messenger, journalist, library, partition of property, printing press, communications, post offices, letter boxes, telephone, telegraph, television, teleprint, airmail, architect, astrology, writer, post, journalism, correspondence, publishing.

It signifies Mother, happiness, pro-perty (hereditary, landed, constructed) conveyances, morel virtues (honesty and sincerity etc.), friends, education, peace of mind, comforts, acquisitions, general welfare, fondness, masses, fame, intelligence, savings, cattle, agricultural grains, trade, weather, residence, tent, pavilion, false allegations, where stolen property is kept, fields, farms, orchards, crops, mines, private affairs, secrets, secret life, in females nativity-sex life, sangama & sateetavama, popularity.

It signifies Children, intelligence, wisdom, speculation, fame, positions, mind, emotions, 1st conception, sudden wealth, good morals, father, foresight, memory, enjoyment including sex, speculative tendency, flirtations and love affairs, good morals, deity, bhakti, knowledge of future service, publications, gains to wife, festive occasions, sports, recreations entertainment, amusements, wifes partners dance, opera, lottery, gambling, betting, cards, race horse, shares, stock exchange, crossword puzzles, love affairs, religious mindedness, spiritual practices, rapes, society, romance, mantra siddhi, carnal pleasures.

It signifies enemies, debts, diseases, misery, sorrows, wounds, worries, disappointments, illness, accidents, obstacles, scandals, mental, afflictions, injuries, imprisonment, cruel actions, house of deficiency & wants, service, gains, mental stability, wood, timber, stone, instruments, hospitals, prisons, punishment, execution of cruel orders, favorable result in competition, enemy of humanity, center of all six natural enemies of humanity viz., kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (infatuation), ahankara ( arrogance), eerkha (jealousy), loss in investment purchases made by partner, material prosperity, competition.

It signifies Wife, husband, death, sexual desires, marriage, foreign travels, children, general happiness, business partner, cure of disease, relationship, litigation second wife, recovery of lost property, vital power, hernia, sexual diseases, sexual passion or union, diplomacy and honor in foreign country, trade and speculation, marital happiness, business tact, description of thief, foreign affairs, social interactions, partnership in business, social & official status.

It signifies disgrace, degradation, sorrow, debts, death & its cause, impediments, longevity, legacies, gifts, unearned or hidden wealth, career, defeat, urinary trouble, punishment from govt., fear, loss of money from debts, hidden wealth, foreign travel, husbands relatives, mangalaya (forladies), accidents, delays, dejection, disappointment, loss, obstructions, intense mental worry, wickedness, sin, killing a living being, wanderings, trouble to partners & brothers, mysticism, undisclosed affairs, house of mystery, occult science, travels.

It signifies Dharma, fortune, wealth, religion, diety ( religious fervor), journeys, foreign travel, fame, higher mind-wisdom, sudden prosperity, wealth by way of patrimony, moral standards, virtues, gifts (daan), prosperity, charity, luck, husbands fortune, issue in a female horoscope, faith, legal, charitable & religious professions, preceptors, teachers, sacrifices, pilgrimage, research, invention, discovery, exploration, methodical meditation, intuition, forethought, moral qualities, soubhagayasthana for females.

It signifies Occupation, father, son, (Movable sign: indicate ambition, fame, recognition and makes native self-assertive, independent profession; fixed sign indicate firmness, determination, self-reliance, patience, fixity of purpose which is necessary or business; common sign indicate service), karma, respect, honor, foreign, travel, dignity, father, position, trade & commerce, action, political power, reputation, command, fame, success, status, authority, morality, maraca to parents, retirement from world, election, litigation, government jobs, rank, prosperity, prominence.

It signifies Gains (of money, knowledge), elder brother or sister, wealth, elevation of husband, longevity of mother, gain from father-in-law, friends, hops, wishes, aspirations, success in undertaking, election, litigation, speculation, discharge from hospital, ears, trade, society, community, recovery from illness, freedom from misery, ambitions, wishes, desires & their fulfillment, marriage, disease (being 6th from 6th injury house.

It signifies Losses, expenditure, left eye, waste, extravagance, moksha, divine know- ledge, sexual enjoyment, foreign travels, secret enemies, sins, leaving ones own place, fear from foes, being after death, feet, sleep, wandering, living abroad, troubles to partner, comforts fo bed, mental worry, lost goods never recovered, termination of appointment, hospitalization, discharge of debts, loss of wife, death of native, ability to renounce, disputes, misfortunes, profession, impediments, restraint, limitations, waste & extravagance, success through occult affairs, life in a foreign place, asylums.