The Astrological
Chart & Chakras
Laura Barat has been practicing Vedic
Astrology and giving consultations for 12
years. She is a graduate of the American
College of Vedic Astrology and a graduate
and regional teacher of Dirah Academy
International. She is also a member of the
American Federation of Astrologers and
has written numerous articles about
Astrology. During her teens, she was very
interested in Astronomy and that turned
into an avid passion for Astrology.
Metaphysical subjects have interested her
since childhood. Laura studies under the
brilliant Vedic Astrologer, Ernst Wilhelm.
She uses the rather novel method of
delineating horoscopes with the Tropical
Zodiac instead of the Sidereal Zodiac while
also using all Vedic techniques from
Maharishis Parasara and Jaimini. Her
website is: www.laurabarat.org.
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Common Afflictions and Remedies
Utilizing Hatha Yoga
By
Laura Barat, USA
ReaderShip Level: Intermediate To
Advanced
A profound link exists between an
individual’s astrological chart or
Rasi and his/her chakras. The macrocosm
of the solar system is present within the
microcosm of the individual human body.
Remedies for afflictions in the chart are
numerous and some examples are:
wearing of gems, chanting of Mantras,
Flower Essences, Pujas and Fasting. These
are all valid and work very well in
alleviating negative karmas. However,
there is one Remedy that needs more
attention and that is the practice of Hatha
Yoga Asanas. Since the Chakras are ruled
by the Planets and Signs, their direct link
to the horoscope presents them as energy
centers to be improved upon and purified
through physical Yoga postures. The
physical aspect of Hatha Yoga will also, as
a remedy, appeal to those who are more
athletically inclined and who are very in
tune with their bodies.
While doing Yoga Asanas for certain
Signs, it must be kept in mind that one is
doing the Asana for the Sign in all the
varga charts, therefore improving every
aspect of life. The evidence that Hatha
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Yoga works to improve inner and outer karma is evidenced many times over by regular
practitioners of Hatha Yoga. They are filled with grace, poise and composure. If one were to
ask such a person if he saw any improvement in his outer life, the answer would be a
resounding ‘yes’! It is already very apparent that Hatha Yoga works wonders for the
emotional/psychological well-being of the person. It goes without saying that the outer will
reflect the inner. There is, indeed, no doubt that Yoga Asanas working to balance the
Chakra energy will also improve outer circumstances as they improve inner circumstances.

This Article will be in two parts. The first part will focus on what actually causes affliction
in a chart and needs to be remedied. The second part will focus on the Chakras and their
corresponding Yoga Asanas to balance them.

Part 1 – Affliction of Planets and Signs

The planets are the pure forces that manifest their qualities as karakas or producers. They
are considered divine and incarnations of God. As such they have consciousness. The Rasis
or Signs are also manifestations of God but do not have consciousness; that is why, for the
most part, they are represented by Earthly creatures. The Signs or Rasis express the
masculine and feminine energies of each planet, except for the Sun and the Moon which rule
Leo and Cancer, respectively. The planets, according to Parasara, were formed to “reward
the fruits of the Karma of the Jivas (Living Beings)”. Because their existence relies upon
Cause and Effect, and in fact, they are the beginning of cause and effect, they are causal and
their power extends to the causal plane. This is also evidenced by their ability to produce
everything that is. The planets are the substance and the Rasis are the form. As a
consequence of giving the things produced by the planets form, the Rasis are astral and reach
up to the astral plane. The Signs and how the Grahas operate through them provide the
emotional and psychological tone of all phenomena. The Houses or Bhavas bring the Signs
and Grahas into direct contact with the Earth via the Ascendant/Descendant axis and the
Midheaven/IC axis. A direct result of the Houses being dependent upon the location of
birth is the Houses marry Heaven and Earth, so to speak. Thus, the Houses are physical and
relate to concrete, physical karmas that will be experienced during the lifetime of the person.

Horoscope afflictions and how they relate to chakras are mainly produced through planets in
Signs, so remedies performed upon the chakras will firstly improve the emotional/psy-
chological well-being of the person. But just as a remedy done for an afflicted planet in a
Sign will improve the planet, it will also improve that Sign and correspondingly its house
placement. If the remedy improves the house, then it also improves the concrete physical
Karmas and not only the emotional/ psychological issues.

What Constitutes Affliction?

1. Sign Placement of Saturn

2. Sign Placement of Rahu and Ketu
3. Combustion of Planets
4. Planets in Debilitation, Great Enemy’s and Enemy’s Signs
5. Low Shad bala score, especially the balas of Sthana bala and Cheshta bala.

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 6. Planets affected by Krura Grahas (Cruel or Malefic Planets)

Now we will discuss how planets become afflicted as karakas, but not as house lords, since
we are focusing on the Sign placement of planets which correspond directly to the Chakras.
We will also discuss how Signs become afflicted and therefore certain houses, which leads
us to our first point which is…

Saturn
Where Saturn is placed in a chart shows us where we hold our fear and
psychological/emotional pain as well as physical pain. Saturn, in Greek Mythology, is
Kronos or Time, so he gives us knowledge of Time and therefore death. Saturn shows us
where our limitations are and points to events and situations that are beyond our control.
But mainly, the core issues are fear and knowledge of the passage of time, which is our
longevity. Who was it that said ‘all our neuroses stem from the knowledge of our impending
death.’? Well, this is Saturn. Even if Saturn is strong in a chart as a karaka, meaning if
Saturn has high Ishta and low Kashta, then the person will be able to weather difficult
situations more gracefully, however, Saturn still shows the major psychological issues at
hand within the mind of the person. Saturn rules all kinds of fears that are known, as
opposed to Rahu which rules fear of the unknown. Saturn rules the feeling of lack, need and
thirst. Where Saturn is or what he touches, we are lacking, needing, thirsting, because we
are ultimately aware of Time touching it, or of its eventual demise and temporal quality.
What sign Saturn occupies and especially which planets it influences will show where there
is need, fear and separation and an awareness of temporality.

Rahu & Ketu

Of the two nodes, Rahu is the most unsettling, especially to the Moon, which is our
individual self, our ego and our perception. Rahu and Ketu are the intersection of the Earth’s
orbit around the Sun with the Moon’s orbit around the Earth. In other words, they are
points on the ecliptic where total eclipses occur. Since Rahu and Ketu are an intersection,
they are much like a Lagna or Ascendant/ Descendant axis, as the Lagna is an intersection
of the horizontal plane with the surface of the Earth. The Lagna or Ascendant determines
the 1st house and thus the beginning of life and the body. This is where the Sun rises and a
new day begins. The descendant or 7th house determines the end of the body, i.e., death and
the Sun sets here, marking a day’s end. Similarly, Rahu is the North Node of the Moon and
represents the rising of the mind, or that which brings the Mind or Jiva into experience.
Ketu or the South Node of the Moon, represents the setting of the Mind, or the death of the
mind which can only mean one thing – Liberation. This is why Ketu is the significator of
Liberation and the death of the Mind, because the Mind can only die when the Soul is free
from it. Because Rahu is that which brings the Mind into experience, according to Vedic
thought, Rahu is what is in the ether that pulls the Jiva into the womb, or the newly formed
zygote, Rahu is the reason we incarnate. Rahu represents the sub-conscious desires that we
have come here on this Earth Plane to experience. He signifies those situations that are
unknown and unfamiliar, but those that we are thrust into time and time again. Rahu
represents compulsion, so the Sign placement of Rahu will show those psychological and
emotional fears of the unknown and specifically, WHAT is unknown to the person.

Ketu means ‘the flag’, and the flag is what is put into the ground when we have conquered a
territory. But because Ketu is ultimately exactly the same as Rahu, as 2 opposites at their
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extremes are always the same, Ketu also represents areas of life that must be experienced for
the final evolution of consciousness to occur. Ketu represents those areas of life that are all
too familiar and where we highly scrutinize everything. Ketu is where we internalize
energy and demand perfection. Where Ketu resides and what it touches, there is much
talent, however the person is not content with that talent and often is compelled to perfect
it. Where Ketu is, there is a search for the ultimate Truth. Since ultimate Truth does not
exist within categories, which is exactly what Signs are, so Ketu also signifies what aspect of
life we experience as God and also where we have divine discontent. So in effect, the divine
discontent drives us to experience ultimate Truth. Ketu is particularly troubling to the Sun.
The Sun is the divine inspiration and the purely masculine, dynamic force. As such, it does
not do well having its energy internalized
and the divine inspiration cannot be Who was it that said ‘all our neuroses
expressed outwardly when it is with Ketu. stem from the knowledge of our
impending death.’? Well, this is Saturn.
Combust Planets
When a planet is combust, it is said to be
‘kopi’ or angry. Frustrated is also a very appropriate term to describe the feeling of a planet
when it is combust. A planet is angry and frustrated when it cannot be seen from Earth.
This is exactly what combustion is as the planet is too close to the Sun and its Rays are
diminished. Combustion also gives something called low “Cheshta Bala” which means
“movement strength”. When speaking of combust planets, it must be kept in mind that
Venus and Mercury are not combust when they are retrograde, as at that time they are
between the Earth and the Sun, the closest to the Earth they are going to get in their orbit,
and therefore they are extremely powerful. When a planet is combust, the person does not
have any confidence while wielding that planet. Therefore, the aspect of the person’s life
represented by said planet seems to disappear or, in the case of malefics, one will overly
compensate. When a planet is combust, this fact contributes greatly to a planet’s
Ishta/Kashta score, or rather its good/bad points.

Planets in Debilitation, Great Enemy’s and Enemy’s Rasis

When a planet is debilitated it is said to be in an alarmed state. It is also in a depressed state.
Under these conditions, a debilitated planet cannot function properly and not take care of its
significations. Such a planet is in very bad shape and in need of help. When a planet is in a
Great Enemy’s Rasi, it is said to be ‘Khala’ or cruel, so it suffers greatly as any person would
not desire to be in their great enemy’s house. When a planet is in an enemy’s Rasi, then the
planet is said to be miserable and is in need of help.

Low Spashta (Shad) bala score, especially the balas of Sthana bala and Cheshta
bala
A score is considered low if the planet meets less than 100% of its required bala. Most
astrological softwares calculate Shad Bala and the method to do so will not be related here.
The Spashta bala shows the raw strength of a planet based mostly, but not entirely, on
astronomical factors. The most important balas are the Sthana bala and Cheshta balas. The
Spashta (or Shad) bala of planets show the strength with which the person uses their
planetary energies in specific situations. They are not indicative of positive or negative
karmas in store for the native. Those are seen through the dignities and bhava placements of
planets as karakas and house lords. Sthana means “stance” and the Sthana bala is ruled by
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Mercury. In this instance, Mercury is the manager. This bala represents how an individual
uses each planet to manage their life. When a planet is low or does not meet the required
Sthana bala, the person is at a loss to use that planet effectively in the management of their
affairs. Cheshta bala is ‘motion strength’. As mentioned previously, this bala has to do with
retrograde motion and combustion. When a planet is closest to the Earth it gains
tremendous strength, and therefore tremendous confidence. Cheshta bala is the confidence
with which we utilize a planet. When a planet does not meet the required Cheshta bala, the
Signs it rules and their corresponding Chakra will suffer.

Planets affected by Krura Grahas and the Ishta/Kashta Factor

1. Grahas are harmed when they are conjoined with Krura grahas.
2. Grahas are harmed when they receive planetary aspects from Krura Grahas. For
planetary aspects, exact calculations must be used and not the full house aspect.
3. Grahas are harmed when Krura Grahas are in the 4th, 6th, or 8th from the Graha itself.

Ishta means ‘desired’ and Kashta means ‘ill’. A score

between 0 and 60 relates a planet’s beneficial or malevolent
influence. Gentle planets or Saumya Grahas spread their
good points to the planets they influence and keep their
negative points to themselves. Cruel Planets or Krura Grahas
spread their malevolent points to planets they influence and
keep their good points to themselves. Thus, if a planet is
joined with a Cruel Planet, i.e, Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu,
waning Moon or Sun, then if the Cruel Planet’s Kashta or
bad points outweigh the other planet’s good points, then the
Cruel Planet destroys the planet it is influencing.

Summing Up the Afflictions

The Sign and therefore the House suffers when Saturn, Rahu, or Ketu, are placed within it.
The Sign also suffers when it contains a planet in debilitation, in a great enemy’s or enemy’s
sign. The Planet suffers when it is conjoined with a malefic, when its Spashta Bala is less
than 100%, when it is combust, or when it is in debilitation, great enemy’s sign or enemy’s
sign.

The Chakras and Remedial Measures for the Horoscope

utilizing Hatha Yoga
The Planets, Signs and Chakras
Each Planet rules a Chakra through the Signs, except for the Sun and the Moon which rule
one Chakra. The following is a list of the Planets, Signs and the Chakras they rule:

Planet Chakra Signs

Sun, Moon Ajna or Third Eye Chakra Leo, Cancer
Mercury Vissudha or Throat Chakra Gemini, Virgo
Venus Anahata or Heart Chakra Taurus, Libra
Mars Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra Aries, Scorpio
Jupiter Swadisthana or Sacral Plexus Chakra Sagittarius, Pisces
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Saturn Muladhara or Coccygeal Plexus Chakra Capricorn, Aquarius

Hatha Yoga is a branch of yoga that leads to Enlightenment. Kundalini Yoga is the
culmination of Hatha Yoga in which one purifies the Nadis and raises the Kundalini
through the Chakras via the Sushumna Nadi to unite with the Crown Chakra at the top of
the head. Hatha yogis do various exercises to purify and balance their chakras and nadis.
Hatha yogis use their bodies to do what other yogis do through other disciplines such as Raja
Yoga, Laya Yoga, Mantra Yoga and others. Why would the body and its purification act as a
vehicle for realization? It is because the mind, emotions and the physical body are
intricately linked through the various Chakras and Nadis. In addition, negative emotions
and habits can be released through practice of Hatha yoga. And since Hatha yoga works on
the Chakras and the Chakras are linked to the horoscope, by looking at one’s horoscope and
finding the major afflictions, one can deduce the Asanas that will be most helpful in
bringing about release of negativity and self-realization or just improving one’s attitude and
happiness.

Self-Realization before God-Realization

This is a standard mantra propounded on various spiritual paths. What that means is that
we must come to terms with ourselves and accept ourselves before God steps in and accepts
us. That entails working through and releasing all neuroses and emotional traumas. These
things reside in the Chakras and they can be seen in the Astrological Chart. This concept is
deftly explained through the Signs of Aquarius and Pisces. Pisces is the Sign of Liberation
and Enlightenment. It corresponds to the 12th House which has the same meaning among
other things. Pisces has to do with the obliteration of the ego and complete surrender. That
is why its symbol are two fish swimming in different directions. The fish is footless and
cannot take itself where it wants to go, it is swept about by the current of the water. So in
essence, Pisces must symbolically surrender. The 11th Sign of Aquarius has to do with the
process of complete individualization and how that manifests within the group. Put a
different way, Aquarius finally accepts himself and has worked through all the psychological
issues represented by the other Signs. Aquarius is the Sign of Self-Realization and there is
just one step left to God-Realization. So it has taken a journey through the whole zodiac to
reach the point of Self-Realization in the 11th Sign.

Why would the body and its purification act as a vehicle for
realization? It is because the mind, emotions and the physical body
are intricately linked through the various Chakras and Nadis.

The Chakras, Their Meaning, and Asanas to Purify Them

Muladhara Chakra
This is the base chakra at the coccyx and represents from the bottom of the feet to the
beginning of the spine. The Signs are Capricorn and Aquarius, ruled by Saturn. The
Muladhara chakra is the manifestation of our survival instinct and our feeling of having a
firm foundation. When planets are afflicted in Capricorn and Aquarius, they bring their
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particular type of afflicted energy into this Chakra and affect our fear and worry. Worry is a
minor form of fear, and depending upon the planet, our worries and fear will revolve around
that issue. Afflictions to Saturn will also cause this Chakra to have energy imbalances. The
feeling of groundedness will not be present within the individual and it will be difficult for
them to concentrate, focus and persevere. Because their very survival will always feel
threatened, they will always be changing, never solidifying a firm foundation. To bring this
chakra into energetic balance and robust health, there are a number of Hatha Yoga Asanas
that can be performed. Any exercise that strengthens the legs, such as squats, will go a long
way in balancing the Muladhara Chakra.

1
Yoga Asanas for Muladhara

Virabhadrasana (Warrior)

1. Stand with your feet about 3 ft. apart. Turn your right foot
to the right, and bend your right knee until it is in line with
your ankle.
2. Keeping your back straight, stretch both arms above your
head, bringing the palms of your hand together. Repeat on
the other side.

Trikonasana (Triangle)

1. Stand with you legs wider than your shoulders, making an

equilateral triangle with the floor. Raise both arms to your sides,
level with your shoulders.
2. Turn your left foot out, slowly bend to the left and take a firm hold
of your left ankle with your left hand. Your neck should be
relaxed, with your head falling sideways. Your right arm should
be stretched over your head, parallel with the floor. Repeat on the
other side.

Garudasana (Eagle)

1. Stand upright with your feet together and your hands at your sides.
Bend your right knee, bringing it over the left knee and tucking the
right foot behind the left calf. Balance.
2. Now bend your elbows in front of you and entwine your arms, so
that the right elbow rests on the front of the left arm’s inner elbow.
Join the palms of your hands together. Maintain your balance.
Repeat with the other leg and arm.

1
Note: No pictorial diagrams are given as it is presumed that readers have minimum intermediate level
knowledge of Yoga Asanas. If not kindly refer to the web for it.
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Svadisthana Chakra
‘Svadisthana’ can be translated as ‘one’s own special place’. It is the Chakra of the creative
force and the Signs of Sagittarius and Pisces are here. It is ruled by Jupiter. If there are
afflicted planets in these signs, then the energies of these afflicted planets will adversely
affect one’s healthy, creative expression, sexuality and emotional traumas. Also, afflictions
to Jupiter will cause problems and inhibited energy flow to this Chakra. Jupiter, according
to Parasara, is joy and wisdom that comes from joy. Women seem to hold a lot of their
emotional pain in this center and some men as well. When Yoga Asanas are done to balance
the energy in this Chakra, one may find him or herself crying or feel very sad. However,
the Asana is a healthy form of release. Done regularly, the individual will be able to express
their creativity to fullest form.

Yoga Asanas for Svadisthana

Parivritta Trikonasana (Twisting Triangle)

This Asana is much like the previous Triangle Asana for the Muladhara Chakra. However,
there is a twisting motion involved that will massage and invigorate the Svadisthana
Chakra.

1. Stand with your feet about 3 ft. apart. Turn your right foot
90 degrees to the right, so that your body faces right, with
your left foot only slightly turned to act as a strong base.
Rotate your body toward your right leg, reaching down to
the ankle or to the floor with your left hand beyond your
right foot (for an advanced position).
2. Stretch your right arm straight up until it is in a direct line with the left arm. Repeat
on the other side.

Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Lateral Angle Pose)

1. Stand with your feet together and your arms stretched above your
head. Jump your feet about 5 ft. apart. Raise your arms sideways to
shoulder level. Turn your left foot sideways 90 degrees to the left,
keeping your right leg stretched and tight at the knee. Bend your left
knee to form a 90-degree angle.
2. Place your left palm on the floor by your left foot. Stretch your right
arm over your right ear. Look up to the ceiling. Stretch your spine
and the side of your body. Repeat on the other side.

Hastha Padasana (Leg & Arm Stretching)

1. Sit on the floor and spread your legs as wide as is comfortably possible. Exhale and
bend forward, waling your hands along the floor until both leg and spine reach their
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 maximum stretch. This is a great exercise for stretching the groin area and releasing
the pent up emotional traumas and disappointments, to get the Svadisthana purified
and the energy within it flowing properly.

Manipura Chakra

The Signs residing here are Aries and Scorpio and it is ruled by Mars. This Chakra is the
motivator and the will to power, not to mention a tremendous storehouse of energy. The
Manipura Chakra rules over the digestive system; so symbolically it takes metabolic energy
and converts it into action. When planets are afflicted in Aries and Scorpio, then through
those things that this particular planet signifies, the will power of the native will be
hindered. Just as a good digestive system, which the Manipura Chakra regulates, will give a
person robust health and a strong body, a psychologically healthy Mars and Manipura
Chakra will give the vitality and power necessary to satisfy the desires of the individual.
When Mars is afflicted, the energy is lo w in Manipura or overly compensating, so measures
must be taken to balance the energy.

Yoga Asanas for Manipura Chakra

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting Spinal Twist)

1. Sit on the floor. Bend your right knee and sit on the foot. Then
bend your left knee and lift it over your right thigh, placing the
foot flat on the floor.
2. Turn your body 90 degrees to the left and bring your right armpit
over your left knee. Lock the arm over the knee, then move your
left arm behind your waist, so that your left hand catches your
right hand. Turn your neck to face left, looking over your left
shoulder. Repeat on the other side.

Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

1. Kneel on the floor with your buttocks raised off

your feet. Gently lean backward, placing your right
hand on your right heel and your left hand on your
left heel.
2. Push on your feet with your hands and, taking your
head back, curve your spine upward, pushing it up
until your thighs are in line with your knees and
the front of your body is straight. Relax into the
position.

Stomach Crunches can also be done to strength our core, which is the Manipura Chakra and
main source of our bodily strength.

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Anahata Chakra

The Venus ruled Signs of Taurus and Libra are located here. Compassion and the giving
and receiving of love are the domains of the Anahata Chakra. Opening up to what the
world has to offer and being receptive to what life brings, also making good choices are all
things that are ruled by the Anahata Chakra. When there are afflicted planets in Taurus
and Libra, the person will have specific problems according to the nature of the afflicted
planet, in sharing and in making good choices for their well-being. They will also be miserly
with affection and can appear aloof or they may be a loner and very distrustful of others.
Afflictions to Venus will also cause the same problems only in a more general sense. For
specifics, look for which planets are afflicted in Taurus and Libra, if there are any. To
regulate and balance the proper flow of energy through this Chakra, the following Yoga
Asanas are very helpful.

2
Bhujangasana (Cobra)

1. Lie flat on the floor, with your chin resting down. Place your
hands flat on the floor under your shoulders, with your fingers
pointing forward.
2. Gently raise your body to a comfortable height as you curve
your back backward. Keep your pubis in contact with the floor
– do not lift your body right off the floor. Your arms do not
have to be straight; you may bend your elbows. Flexibility of
your spine will develop with practice.

Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

1. Easy posture: lie on the floor and on your

back with your legs stretched straight out.
Place your hands or elbows on the floor to
support you, then arch your back and place
the top of your head gently on the floor,
keeping your chest raised.
2. Advanced posture: sit with your legs
crossed in full lotus position and, on an
exhalation, lie backward, supporting
yourself on your elbows, until the top of
your head just rests on the floor. Bring your hands to rest on your feet.

2
Publisher: This asana is an excellent asana for astrologers to increase their intuition.
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 Vishuddha Chakra

Parasara describes Mercury as ‘the consciousness spoken’. The phrase is an apt one to describe
the Vishuddha Chakra as well because Sound in all forms is the energizing factor of this
Chakra as its element is ether. The first chakra is our very being, our survival in the
physical world, the second chakra is our creations and our emotional and psychological
environment, the third chakra takes our creations and emotions and projects those into the
world and uses them to sustain us, the fourth chakra takes the will and our sustenance and
uses it for relating to others, and the fifth chakra, the Vishuddha Chakra, takes all of these
experiences and communicates them through Sound. Even if the person is mute, they can
write and others will ‘hear’ him through his words on paper. The Vishuddha Chakra
governs over the thyroid gland and regulates the release of these hormones. Weight issues
surround the unbalanced energy of the Vishuddha Chakra. This Chakra is also our ability
to listen. If the Signs of Mercury, Gemini and Virgo, are afflicted, then the person has
much frustration in communicating their thoughts to others and they also feel very
misunderstood and like they are not being heard. Depending on the planet afflicting Gemini
or Virgo, this will reveal the energy that is blocking the communication and the ability to
listen and gain from listening. If Mercury is afflicted, then the energy of the chakra will be
generally low and will be in need of remedies.

Yoga Asanas for Vishuddha Chakra

Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)

1. Lie down on the floor with your legs together and your hands,
palms down, by your sides. Push down on your hand and
raise your legs straight up above you. Lift your hips off the
floor and bring your legs up, over and beyond your head. Bend
your arms and place your hands in the small of the back. Your
chin should be pressing into your neck and the rest of your
body should be in a vertical line with the weight resting on the
shoulders.

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

1. Lie on your front, with your face down. Reach back, bending
your knees and holding your ankles. Keep your knees together
throughout the asana.
2. Pulling on your ankles, slowly and cautiously raise your trunk
and legs as high as possible. Stretch your neck. Hold the
position.

Ajna Chakra
The Sun and the Moon rule the Ajna Chakra, which is the seat of consciousness and the
doorway into the Astral World. The Sun and the Moon rule the Soul and the Mind. The
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Soul and the Mind create everything that exists in the material world. That is why the
elements follow in the descending Chakras. Leo and Cancer are the Signs here. Leo is the
masculine force of the Third Eye or Ajna Chakra. What does the masculine force do here?
It is Inspiration and Truth. When Leo is well-disposed in a chart, the person acts on their
inspiration and projects that energy into the world. When there are afflictions to Leo and
the Sun, then the person has trouble expressing his Inspiration and following his
Inspiration. The Sign of Cancer is the Feminine force of the Ajna Chakra. What is the
feminine force here? It is the perception and the Intuition. If Cancer and the Moon are
robust, then the person follows their Intuition into happiness and they perceive with clarity.
If the Moon and/or Cancer are afflicted, then the person does not listen to his/her intuition
and will suffer because of it.

Yoga Asanas for the Ajna Chakra

Adho Mukha Avanasana (Downward Dog)

1. Kneel on all fours, then walk you hands farther forward, with
your palms flat on the floor.
2. Raise your trunk, straightening your legs and keeping your
feet flat on the floor. Pull in your abdomen. Your head should
relax down in line with your arms and body. The shape of
this asana is an inverted V.

Yoga Mudra in Padmasana

1. Sit with your legs crossed in the full lotus posture. Clasp your hands behind your
back, locking your fingers together.
2. On an exhalation, bend forward and touch the top of your head to the floor (or as near
as possible). Simultaneously raise your arms straight up behind your back Hold for as
long as possible without breathing.

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