Aspects Course 1 Lesson 11

Light On Vedic Astrology
Lesson 11
Online Course Level 1

Planetary Aspects (Drishtis) and Conjunctions
Lesson 11:
by Vaughn Paul Manley, M.A.
Topics Covered in this Lesson:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Aspects in Western Astrology Vs. Vedic Astrology

Determining the Effects of Aspects
A Deeper Look At Aspects
Determining the Effects of Conjunctions
Exercises and Homework
In the last lesson we learned to interpret the placements of the planets in the
natal chart by blending the keywords of the planets with the houses and the
signs. To demonstrate this, we used Einstein's chart and showed how each
interpretation can be explained logically. Throughout the lesson we likened
astrologers to chemists who are constantly weighing the effects of combinations.
As we added the interpretation of the planets in the signs, we saw how this
modified our interpretation of the planets in the houses. We also saw how this
became further modified by our interpretations of the placements of the rulers of
houses. In the homework assignments we gave you the opportunity to practice
making your own interpretations of the placement of the planets using your own
chart.
In K.N. Rao's PAC-DARES method we start with the analysis of (P) Placement the placement of planets in the houses and signs, including the placement of the
rulers of the houses. When we're first looking at a chart, a planet's placement in
the houses and signs is visually the most obvious combination to identify. We
literally see the planets in the boxes in the chart. If we go outside on a clear night
then we can also literally see the planets in the houses and signs in the night sky,
which we've done in previous homework exercises.
Interpreting the planets placement is a good place to begin, but it's only the
beginning. In the following lessons of the course we'll be modifying and refining
this basic interpretation. In this lesson we'll be adding the next two steps of the
PAC-DARES method, the (A) Aspects and (C) Conjunctions which will modify our
previous interpretations. The final steps, the acronym DARES, deal with the
yogas or planetary combinations, and are a natural progression of refinement
since the aspects and conjunctions will form yogas. We will study the yogas in
lessons 13-16. For now we'll focus on gaining a thorough understanding of the
aspects and conjunctions in chart interpretation.
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Lesson 11

Aspects in Western Astrology Vs. Vedic Astrology

The Influence of Aspects and Conjunctions in Astrology
In all systems of astrology, aspects are key factors in chart interpretation that
need to be understood and used properly in order to make accurate predictions.
Unlike the placement of the planets, aspects in astrology are not obvious. They
can't be seen in the boxes in the natal chart, nor can they be seen overhead in
the night sky. This is because they are the projected influences of the planets
from their given positions to other positions in the chart. Aspects are sometimes
called "thrown influences" for this reason.
Conjunctions, on the other hand, are simply the association that a planet has with
other planets in the house and sign it's placed in. They can be seen associated
with the planet both in the box in the chart, and next to the planet in the night sky.
Think of a planet's placement in a house and sign like a tenant renting a house.
The ruler of the house is the landlord. The conjunctions are the planet's
housemates, while the aspects are the planet's neighbors on the block who
frequently interact with it. Just like in real life, these relationships are somewhere
on the spectrum between tense and harmonious, for better or for worse. If we
have a tense relationship with a house mate or neighbor it will effect our well
being and happiness in the house even when we don't have to interact with them.
Likewise, every influence by aspect or conjunction will further modify our
interpretation of the planets in the houses and signs. The influence can be slight
or dramatic depending on many factors, which we will discuss below.
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First, let's look at the use of aspects in Western astrology and see how their use
in Vedic astrology differs.
Aspects in Western Astrology

The purpose of aspects in Western astrology is to describe the relationships that
planets have with one another in the horoscope. These relationships are
measured by the degree of angle or arc that is formed by their distance from one
another. For instance, in the circular diagram below, imagine a planet positioned
at the point we're calling 0 degrees, at the 9 o'clock position. If another planet
joins this position then it's a conjunction and there's no angle relationship. If a
planet is exactly opposite, then it forms a 180 degree relationship, which is an
opposition. If a planet is at a 90 degree relationship then it's a square. A sextile,
trine and quincunx are 60, 120 and 150 degree relationships respectively. These
are the major aspects in Western astrology and are shown in the diagram below
along with their symbols:
Conjunction - 0 degrees
Sextile - 60 degrees
Square - 90 degrees
Trine - 120 degrees
Quincunx - 150 degrees
Opposition - 180 degrees
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There are several other aspects that are considered minor aspects like the semisquare and semi-sextile that fall in between the major aspects. The quincunx is
sometimes listed as a minor aspect. All planets will make all aspects, both major
and minor aspects. All aspects are calculated both forward and backward in the
zodiac, and the planet that receives an aspect will also reciprocate the same
aspect back to the aspecting planet.
In order for an aspect to be considered functional in the chart it needs to fall
within a 5 degree range or orb of these angles. It's like the lines in the above
diagram are laser beams that the planets send to these angled positions. If
another planet happens to be within about a 5 degree orb (some say 10 degrees)
of the beams influence then their aspect is in effect, and it will be factored into
the interpretation of the chart. If a planet falls outside the range then the aspect is
nullified. For this reason, Western astrologers closely examine the degree of orb
of the aspects.
In order to describe the effects of the aspects, they are generally classified as
either hard (malefic) or soft (benefic). The hard aspects are the squares and
oppositions, because they stimulate action and are considered difficult and tense
in nature. The quincunx is generally considered a difficult aspect as well. The soft
aspects are the sextiles and trines, which are considered easy and harmonious
in nature. The conjunction is not classified as either hard or soft, because the
planets involved determine how favorable the outcome is.
Aspects become more sophisticated in application in Western astrology, but this
serves as a basic introduction to this system's use of aspects.
Western astrology's use of aspects is valid and applicable for use within its
system, but it's not applicable to the Vedic system. It's understandable that the
Western aspects could be used since subtracting the ayanamsha does not effect
the relationship of the angles between planets. However, I can't emphasize
enough that you should not try to mix methods between the two systems. It will
confuse you and cloud your ability to give a clear interpretation. Both systems
have developed their unique interpretation methods within their respective
systems. The more you can keep them separate the better. If you're a Western
astrologer who's accustomed to using Western aspects then it may be
challenging for you to adopt the Vedic system's method in its entirety since it is
quite different. I assure you that Vedic aspects do work and will give you reliable
results. So let's learn them.
Aspects in Vedic Astrology

There are several systems of aspects that are employed in Vedic astrology
depending on which of the five systems you're working with. As a review from
Lesson 1, the five systems are:
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Parashari
Jaimini
Nadi
Tajak
Tantric
The Parashari system, based on the principles of sage Parashara, is by far the
most commonly used system and the "default" system that most people refer to
when discussing Vedic astrology. Therefore, the Parashari system of aspects is
what we'll be referring to exclusively in this course. However, for reference it's
interesting to note that both the Jaimini and Tajak systems have unique systems
of aspects that are different from the Parashari system. The Jaimini system uses
a sign based system that makes aspects from sign to sign, and not from planet to
planet. The Tajak system combines Western, Arabic, and Vedic astrology
principles and its use of aspects is very similar to Western astrology. The Tajak
system is used in Horary or Prashna astrology, as well as progressed annual
horoscopes, whereas the Jaimini system is an advanced system that is often
used along with the Parashari system in natal chart analysis. In fact, sage
Parashara writes about the use of Jaimini methods in his classic text, the Brihat
Parashara Hora Shastra, which is why K.N. Rao encourages students to use
both systems side by side in his Composite Approach.
The 7th house "mirror" aspect in Jyotish

An aspect in Vedic astrology is called a drishti, which means a "sight" or "glance"
in Sanskrit. In the Parashari system, a drishti means that the planets are gazing
at certain positions in the chart relative to where they're positioned. This is similar
to the angled positions, like the square or trine, that a planet will aspect in
Western astrology, except that there are fewer aspects in Vedic astrology and all
planets don't make the same aspects. All planets will, however, gaze or aspect to
the opposite house, which is the 7th house from their given position. This is the
main aspect in Vedic astrology, and is similar to the opposition or 180 degree
aspect in Western astrology. Just as the main direction that all people look is
straight ahead, so all planets gaze straight ahead to the opposite house. The
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opposite house is the "mirror" house and all planets will project their influence, or
gaze into the mirror house straight ahead. The image that is seen in a mirror is
only the projected image, likewise, an aspect is the projected influence of the
planet.
In addition to the 7th house aspect, the outermost planets, Mars, Jupiter, and
Saturn, have what are called special aspects. Mars also aspects the 4th and 8th
houses; Jupiter also aspects the 5th and 9th houses; and Saturn also aspects
the 3rd and the 10th houses. Some astrologers will also give the 5th and 9th
house aspects that Jupiter has to Rahu and Ketu, but this is not widely accepted.
The counting system is a zero-based system, which means that the counting
begins with the house that the planet is placed in. The counting is also always
forwards and not both forwards and backwards as in Western astrology aspects.
Major and Minor Aspects

The 7th house aspect given to all planets, plus the special aspects of Mars,
Jupiter and Saturn, are the major aspects in Vedic astrology and are shown in
the table below:
Major Aspects
Planet
House(s) Aspected
Sun, Moon, Mer, Ven, Rahu, Ketu
7th
Mars
4th, 7th, 8th
Jupiter
5th, 7th, 9th
Saturn
3rd, 7th, 10th
%
100%
100%
100%
100%
The special aspects of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn share similarities to the aspects
in Western astrology. The 4th house aspect of Mars is similar to the forward
square of 90 degrees, and its 8th house aspect is similar to the quincunx
counting backwards. A quincunx is 150 degrees but the 8th house aspect of
Mars is 210 degrees, which is equivalent to the backward quincunx. The 5th and
9th house aspects of Jupiter are similar to a trine of 120 degrees counting
forward and backward respectively. The 3rd house aspect of Saturn is similar to
the forward sextile of 60 degrees, and its 10th house aspect is similar to the
backward square of 270 degrees.
This major aspects in the table above are considered 100% aspects, because
they give their full strength. However, there are also minor aspects which give
varying degrees of partial strength: 75%, 50%, and 25%.
The list of minor aspects are shown in the table below:
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Planet
All planets except Mars
All planets except Jupiter
All planets except Saturn

Minor Aspects
House(s) Aspected
4th, 8th
5th, 9th
3rd, 10th
%
75%
50%
25%
The classic text, Phala Deepika, discusses both the major and minor aspects:
Saturn aspects with full glance the 3rd and 10th houses; Jupiter
the 5th and 9th; Mars, the 4th and 8th. All planets cast a quarter
glance at the 3rd and 10th houses; half a glance at the 5th and
9th; three quarters of a glance at the 4th and 8th; and full glance
at the 7th house.
While theoretically the minor aspects do exert some amount of influence in the
chart, most Vedic astrologers ignore them entirely. Only the major aspects are
practically used in natal chart analysis, which is why we won't use the minor
aspects in this course. The main use of the minor aspects is in the system for
determining planetary strength called Shad Bala, which will be discussed in the
next lesson.
Aspects to Houses
You'll notice in the above tables that the reference is to the houses that a planet
aspects instead of to the degree of angle that the planet makes as in Western
astrology. This is because the aspect or gaze is to the entire house in Vedic
astrology, whether or not a planet is placed there. This is a major departure from
the use of aspects in Western astrology where the aspect is only to planets. In
Vedic astrology an aspect is to a planet only when it happens to be placed in the
house that the planet aspects. In other words, the emphasis of the aspect is on
the house and not the planet. In Western astrology the planets throw a "laserlike" aspect to other planets within a 5 degree orb. In Vedic astrology the planets
shine a "flashlight-like" aspect that lights up the entire house, regardless if a
planet is placed there or not, just like how a flashlight shined into a room will light
up the entire room.
For example, if the Sun were at 2 degrees in Aries in the 1st house, its 7th house
aspect would light up the entire 7th house of the sign of Libra. This is shown in
the South and North Indian charts below.
You'll notice that I've placed the glyph symbol of the Sun to show its thrown
aspect into the 7th house. To review here are the glyphs for each planet, which
we will use to show their thrown aspect in a particular house:
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Sun
Moon
Mars

Merc
Jupiter
Venus
Saturn
Rahu
Ketu
Here are the major aspects of all the planets, including the special aspects of
Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, using the glyphs in Albert Einstein's chart:
Notice in Einstein's chart that all planets have their glyphs in the 7th house from
their position, and Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn have them also in the additional
houses of their special aspects. This shows the sum total of the major aspects in
Vedic astrology, which are the aspects that you will always need to be aware of
when analyzing a horoscope.
Notice in Einstein's chart that Jupiter doesn't aspect any planets, but it does
aspect the 1st, 3rd, and 5th houses. The most important of these is the aspect to
the 1st house, because aspects to the 1st house or ascendant will describe one's
main personality traits. The ascendant is one of the four personality indicators,
along with the ascendant lord, Sun and Moon, which we will discuss later in the
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lesson. In Lesson 10, we talked about how Jupiter in the 9th house gives him an
interest in philosophy and acquiring wisdom, and makes him an inspirational
teacher. However, because Jupiter also aspects the ascendant these qualities
become central character traits in his personality.
Aspects to Planets
If a planet happens to be located in the house that a planet aspects, then the
aspect will count even if there is a wide orb between the two planets. Again, this
is a major difference in the use of aspects between the two systems. For
instance, if Saturn were at 29 degrees in Libra in the 7th house, then the Sun's
aspect would count even though the Sun is at 2 degrees and the orb of
difference is 27 degrees as shown in the chart below:
In Western astrology for an aspect to count the orb needs to be within 5 or 10

degrees. For an aspect to count in Vedic astrology the orb is disregarded
entirely. When the orb happens to be close between planets, however, within
about 5 degrees, then the aspect is considered to be proportionately stronger.
The general rule is that the tighter the orb of the aspect, the stronger or more
intense its influence will be.
Because it's not necessary to know a planets degrees to identify its aspects,
finding all the aspects in a chart becomes much easier than in Western astrology.
Not only are there fewer aspects, but they can easily be determined. For this
reason, Vedic chart printouts don't list of all the aspects alongside the chart, like
Western chart printouts typically provide.
In Einstein's chart the only aspects that are made between planets are on the
2nd and 8th house axis, with Rahu and Mars in in the 8th house, in mutual
aspect with Ketu in the 2nd house.
Sambandha: Mutual Aspects vs One-Sided Aspects

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When a planet aspects to another planet, the aspect is either a mutual aspect or
a one-sided aspect. Obviously when two planets mutually aspect one another
they form a stronger connection, because of the reciprocal bond. This is given
special significance in Vedic astrology and is called sambandha, which means
"relationship" or "connection" in Sanskrit. All mutual aspects form sambandha.
The most obvious mutual aspects are when planets are in conjunction or
opposition to one another. For instance, the conjunction of Mars and Rahu in
Einstein's chart forms sambandha. Likewise, the opposition of the Sun and
Saturn in the example above forms sambandha.
The only situations that one-sided aspects take place are with the special
aspects of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. However, there is one exception: Saturn
and Mars will form a mutual aspect when Saturn is in the 4th house from Mars.
This is shown in the chart below:
Another situation where a mutual aspect is formed is when planets exchange

signs, or reside in each other's signs. This is called a mutual reception in
Western astrology. For instance, if Jupiter is in Taurus (Venus's sign) while
Venus is in Sagittarius (Jupiter's sign) then they exchange signs as shown in the
chart below. This is also called a parivartana yoga, which we will discuss more in
lesson 16. This is the least obvious way that a sambandha is formed because
these planets don't appear to be aspecting one another.
As mentioned above, the strength or intensity of an aspect increases when the
orb is tight, like within 5 degrees. This is especially true when planets are in
mutual aspect. For instance, the example above of Saturn opposite the Sun is
technically a mutual aspect, with the Sun at 2 degrees aspecting Saturn at 29
degrees. However, it's not a very strong sambandha because the orb is so wide.
The strength of the aspect by orb needs to always be factored into our
interpretation.
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Sandhi Aspects
There is one more important point about aspects. If a planet is in a previous sign,
but close to the degree of the aspected planet, then the aspect needs to be
considered as valid. For instance, if Saturn were in Virgo at 29 degrees, instead
of in Libra, then it would technically be only 3 degrees away from the 7th house
aspect of the Sun. This is shown in the chart below:
This is called a sandhi aspect. Sandhi means "joint" in Sanskrit and refers to
when a planet is within 3 degrees of the joint or cusp between two signs. Sandhi
aspects can easily be missed because they're not obvious, which is why I'm
cautioning you to be aware of them. Astrology charts make clear, distinct
boundaries between signs, however, in the actual sky no such boundaries exist.
Because of this, the impact of sandhi aspects will be experienced. This is another
instance where it's helpful to think in terms of observable astronomy, which is
what Jyotish historically was based on.
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Summary of the Vedic Use of Aspects

All planets aspect the 7th house.
Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn have special aspects: Mars also aspects the 4th, 8th
houses; Jupiter also aspects the 5th and 9th houses; and Saturn also aspects
the 3rd and 10th houses.
The counting of the aspects is always forwards, starting with the house that the
planet is placed in.
Aspects are to the entire house, and not just to planets.
An aspect to a planet is valid regardless of the orb of degrees.
The tighter the orb of aspect to a planet, the stronger the aspect is. This is
especially true when planets are in mutual aspect, which forms a strong
connection called sambandha.
Sandhi aspects are valid and need to be watched out for.
Quiz #63:
Sambandha means which of the following?
1) One-sided aspect
2) Sandhi aspect
3) Mutual aspect
4) Tight aspect
5) It's a trick question. None of the above.
The answer is at the end of the lesson.
Determining the Effects of Aspects

So far we've discussed how aspects work in Vedic astrology, and have compared
them with their use in Western astrology. However, we haven't yet shown what
effects they have in natal chart analysis. Aspects can significantly modify the
effect of a planet's placement in a house and sign, which is why it's necessary to
always factor in their influence into any interpretation. It's for this reason that K.N.
Rao includes it as a step in the PAC-DARES method, which are all the necessary
steps that we need to take in order to accurately interpret the natal chart.
The Key to Understanding Aspects

In Western astrology, the effect of an aspect is determined by the type of aspect
itself. For instance, the hard aspects, like square and opposition, will generally be
difficult and tense, while the soft aspects, like trine and sextile, will generally be
easy and harmonious. Vedic astrology does not distinguish aspects as hard or
soft, because the angle of relationships between planets does not define aspects
as inherently difficult or easy. The effects of the aspects are entirely dependent
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on the qualities of the planets involved - both the planet sending the aspect, as
well as the planet that receives the aspect, and the interaction between the two.
As we said earlier, an aspect is the transfer of a planets influence from its given
position to another house, as well as to any planets that happen to be placed
there. Therefore, the key to understanding aspects is to first understand the
qualities of the aspecting planet. This makes sense since a planet can only
transfer what it represents in the chart.
There are two kinds of qualities that a planet has: natural and temporal, which we
discussed in the last lesson. Here's a quick review: A planet's natural nature is
unchanging and is based on three things: 1) its general qualities, 2) its status as
a benefic or malefic planet, and 3) the houses it significates. These are the
qualities that it always has, and transfers by aspect, regardless of the condition
that it's in by house or sign position, house rulership etc. Its temporal nature, on
the other hand, changes according to its condition in the chart. The temporal
condition of a planet is determined by analyzing every step in the PAC-DARES
method: a planet's (P) position, including house rulerships, (A) aspects, (C)
conjunctions, and (DARES) yogas that it is involved in. Because a planet will
aspect FROM its given position, everything that you can understand about its
given position will be useful to understanding its aspects. Please see the
following table:
The Planet's Nature
Natural
(never changes)
General Qualities
Status as Malefic/Benefic
House(s) it Significates
Temporal
(changes by its condition in the chart)
PAC-DARES:
Position - including house rulership,
Aspects, Conjunctions, and Yogas.
How the general qualities and the benefic or malefic status effect
a planets aspect is discussed in detail below. The houses that a planet
significates was discussed in the last lesson. How these effect a planet's aspect
is simply that it will transfer the qualities of those house(s) by aspect. For
instance, Venus's aspect will transfer the qualities of the 4th house (vehicles) and
the 7th house (relationships, spouse) to wherever it aspects.
How the temporal nature of a planet effects its aspect will be discussed in detail,
with examples, in a later section of this lesson.
The Role of a Planets Key Qualities in Aspects

The first kind of natural or unchanging quality that a planet has is simply its
general qualities as mentioned above.
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When a planet gives an aspect we need to keep in mind the planets key qualities
and how they relate to the planet and house that it aspects. For instance, if
Saturn is placed in the ascendant then it will aspect the 10th house. Saturn's
hardworking, responsible, and persevering qualities can be beneficial for one's
professional life. However, it will also aspect the 7th house and Saturn's serious,
cold, and unfeeling qualities are not helpful for romance. Saturn's aspect may be
good for establishing business partnerships, which the 7th house also
represents, since Saturn is so work-oriented. Therefore, a planet's adds a
mixture of both its positive and negative qualities to wherever it aspects, and we
need to consider how it will logically effect that house or planet.
Here's a list of the general qualities of each planet by aspect, both positive and
negative, which follow the qualities that we've discussed in previous lessons. Of
course, the most important planets to understand by aspect are Mars, Jupiter,
and Saturn, since they will give three times as many aspects as the other
planets, due to their special aspects.
Planet
Sun
General Qualities by Aspect

Positive: The Sun's aspect can give self-expression, vitality,
illumination, dignity, leadership, power, and authority to any planet it
combines with.
Negative: The Sun's aspect can also give pride, dominance over
others, self-centeredness, and need to be the center of attention.
Positive: The Moon's aspect can give support, care, protection,
gentleness, emotional sensitivity, compassion. and introspection to
any planet it combines with.
Moon
Negative: The Moon's aspect can also give moodiness, instability,
quick changes, vulnerability, passivity, dependence, and lack of
power.
Positive: Mars's aspect motivates action, and increases energy and
strength. It can give drive, determination, competition, will and
ambition to any planet it combines with.
Mars
Mercury
Negative: Mars's aspect shows areas of potential conflict. It can give

a self-centered, independent attitude, and be impatient, impulsive,
pushy, aggressive, and critical. These qualities can create tension
and conflict with others.
Positive: Mercury's aspect can give intelligence, learning,
communication, social interaction, business dealings, objectivity,
analysis, and rational thinking to any planet it combines with.
Negative: Mercury's aspect can also give nervousness,
restlessness, scattered thinking, and ungrounded behavior.
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Jupiter
Venus

Positive: Jupiter's aspect is primarily positive. It minimizes any

negative influences in the chart, while giving beneficial qualities. It
can give grace and blessing, wisdom, knowledge, faith, trust,
expansion, growth, wealth, a positive outlook, optimism, a solutionoriented attitude, concern for ethics, and generosity to any planet it
combines with.
Negative: Jupiter's aspect doesn't give many negative qualities, but
it can give self-righteousness, arrogance, unrealistic idealism, and
an overly optimistic attitude.
Positive: Venus's aspect can give creativity, art, harmony, love of
beauty, affection towards others, social interaction, relationship,
intimacy, and charm to any planet it combines with.
Negative: Venus's aspect can also give indulgence, extravagance,
vanity, deception, lust, and narcissism.
Positive: Saturn's aspect can give a hard work ethic, responsibility,
discipline, focus, perseverance, and mature wisdom to any planet it
combines with.
Saturn
Negative: Saturn's aspect is primarily negative. It increases the

challenging influences in the chart, while minimizing what is
beneficial. Its aspect indicates areas where there are struggles,
hard lessons, delays, pressures, obstacles, limitations, and
restrictions. Saturn can try to control situations and people out of
fear and insecurity. It can give fear, doubt, insecurity, pessimism,
constriction, inhibition, laziness, and rigidity.
Positive: Rahu's aspect can give ambition, courage, will, a sense of
adventure, a pioneering attitude, spontaneity, and originality to any
planet it combines with.
Rahu
Negative: Rahu's aspect can also give strong desires, instability,
restlessness, change, compulsive and addictive behavior,
eccentricity, ungroundedness, illusions (maya), and hallucinations.
Positive: Ketu's aspect can give intuition, mystical insight,
introspection, spiritual longing, and quietude to any planet it
combines with.
Ketu
Negative: Ketu's aspect can also give dissatisfaction, doubt,
disillusionment, negativity, lack of motivation, instability, loss, and
isolation.
The Predominance of a Planets Natural Status

The second kind of natural or unchanging quality that a planet has is its status as
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a benefic or malefic. A planets aspect either improves or detracts from the affairs
of the house, as well as any planet, that it happens to aspect. The most basic
way to determine if the aspect is favorable or unfavorable is to simply identify its
natural status as either a benefic or malefic. This is because the natural status of
a planet predominates over its temporal status in determining its effect. In other
words, simply the fact that a planet is a benefic or malefic is the strongest reason
there is to believe that its aspect will be either favorable or unfavorable.
This may sound like a distinctly black and white principle, but there are hundreds
of quotes from the classic texts to validate it. For instance, here are just a few of
the many quotes from sage Parashara's classic text, Brihat Parashara Hora
Shastra:
Key Quotes from Classics for Interpreting Aspects

"There will not be bodily health if the ascendant or the Moon be drishtied
(aspected) by or conjunct with a malefic, while being devoid of a benefics drishti
(aspect)." ch.12, v.3
"These evils will not come to pass if there happens to be a conjunction with or
an aspect from a benefic." ch.30, v.19
"One will gain through royal association if the 11th house is occupied by its own
lord, and is devoid of an aspect from a malefic." ch.40, v.12
"There will be some favorable effects at times in the above situations if the Sun
receives an aspect from benefic planets. The effects will always be unfavorable
when malefic planets give an aspect to the Sun." ch.47, v.12
This principles makes interpretation quite simple. Just count the number of
benefic or malefic aspects to determine if the effects will be favorable or
unfavorable.
Here's an example chart showing this principle. Just to review how to analyze a
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Lesson 11

house, from Lesson 10, we look at three areas of the chart:

1. The house
2. The house lord
3. The significator of the house
In this example chart let's analyze the health by looking at the 1st house, 1st lord,
and the Sun (significator of the 1st house and health). Notice how many malefic
aspects or conjunctions are made to these areas of the chart. There are 5
malefic aspects to the 1st house, 4 to the 1st lord, and 3 to the Sun:
Number of Aspects by Benefics and Malefics

# of
Malefics
1st House
1st Lord
Sun
Planets
Sat, Rahu, Ketu,
Mars, Sun
Sat, Rahu, Ketu,
Sun
Sat, Rahu, Ketu
# of
Benefics
Planets
Mercury
0
1
Mercury
This is the chart of a man who struggled with health problems all his life. There is
a predominance of malefic aspects and conjunctions on all three areas for health.
Notice especially that all five malefics aspect the 1st house: Saturn, Rahu, Ketu,
Mars, and the Sun. At the same time, there is only one benefic aspect, by
Mercury, which aspects both the 1st house, and is conjunct the Sun. However, in
this chart Mercury is conjunct and aspected by malefics, which shifts its status to
a natural malefic. In lesson 4, we talked about the general principle with Mercury
- that it acts like a natural malefic when associated with or aspected by malefics.
Therefore, in this chart there is not only a high number of aspects by malefics on
the 1st house, 1st lord, and the Sun, but there is essentially no aspects by
benefics.
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The Influence of a Planets Temporal Status

You might be thinking, "What about the aspects of the temporal benefics in this
example chart?" Fair enough. Good question. Yes, there are aspects to the 1st
house, 1st lord, and the Sun by temporal benefics. The 1st lord Mercury aspects
the ascendant, which is his own sign of Gemini, while the 9th lord Saturn is
placed in the ascendant. That should account for something positive right? Yes,
certainly. First of all, the general rule is that when a planet aspects its own house,
as in the case of Mercury aspecting the 1st house, it protects the indications of
the house. Therefore, it will offer some degree of protection to this man's overall
health. In addition, the most beneficial temporal benefic, the 9th lord, aspects all
three, because it's placed in the 1st house and aspects both the 1st lord,
Mercury, and the Sun. Again, this will certainly add some positive outcomes in
his life, like finding a good doctor who can provide positive solutions which the
9th house can represent. The important point, however, is that aspects by natural
benefics and malefics outweigh the aspects by the temporal benefics and
malefics, as the above quotes suggest. This chart is overwhelmed by natural
malefic influences that are not softened by natural benefic influences. This can
represent a particularly difficult karma, also called a dridha or fixed karma, which
we discussed in lesson 2..
If we want to try to make a case for the temporal benefic aspects, then we'd have
to also be fair and recognize that Saturn is not only the 9th lord, but the 8th lord,
a dusthana lord. Therefore, the 8th lord also aspects the 1st house, 1st lord, and
the Sun. In addition, Saturn is the karaka of the dusthana houses, the 8th and
12th houses. In medical astrology, Saturn represents chronic illness and
conditions that are difficult or slow to improve. Saturn in this man's chart further
reinforces the dridha or fixed negative karma overall. This means that he would
have to work extremely hard to improve his health. At it turned out, he became
overwhelmed by his health challenges and died in his early forties.
The Effects of Benefics and Malefics

When we see a majority of natural malefic or benefic aspects, it's a strong
indication of the outcome of a situation. For example, in the above chart, the
majority of malefic aspects give us strong reason to believe that this man
struggles with poor health throughout his life. The aspects by the temporal
benefics, on the other hand, can describe the glimmers of hope and some
degree of positive outcomes.
The natural malefic planets generally represent the fruit of negative karma from
the past, and result in unfavorable outcomes like challenges and obstacles.
Therefore, wherever malefics aspect indicate where we need to learn important
lessons in this lifetime. The opposite is true with benefics, which generally
represent the fruit of positive karma.
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As we mentioned in lesson 4, many Western astrologers have an aversion to the

classical astrology concept of benefic planets that cause good and malefic
planets that cause evil. It all sounds so fatalistic, which I can understand. We've
all had experiences where the worst thing that could have happened, like a loss
of some kind, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. At the same time, we often
hear of how the best thing that could have happened, like winning the lottery,
ended up ruining people's lives. So how do you draw the line between
malefic/evil and benefic/good influences?
In Vedic astrology making the distinction between benefic and malefic planets is
vitally important for this simple reason: it allows us to get specific in our
interpretations and predictions. The purpose of distinguishing between benefics
and malefics is not so that we can make judgmental statements or fatalistic
predictions. It's because our lives are complicated and any given planetary
configuration can represent a wide range of potential interpretations. We need to
have a way to narrow down the possibilities and determine where in the wide
spectrum of positive and negative interpretations a planetary configuration lies.
Learning to identify benefic and malefic influences is the primary means and
cannot be compromised in order to practice Vedic astrology effectively. Please
see the following table:
Aspects by Benefics and Malefics
Benefics
'Positive' karma, favorable results,
fruition, blessings, stability, gains,
progress, ease, solutions, and
success.
Malefics
'Negative' karma, unfavorable results,
challenges, lessons, instability, loss,
obstacles, tension, delays, and
failure.
I personally like to look at the planets in the night sky for extended periods of
time, like 15 minutes or more. When you look at Saturn or Mars for this length of
time, it's a very different experience than Jupiter or Venus. If you're sensitive to
their vibrations you can feel the malefic and benefic qualities of the planets. For
instance, you'll feel very uplifted and expanded while looking at Jupiter, whereas
you will feel the contracted and constricted qualities of Saturn. I highly
recommend taking the time to do this yourself as we've discussed in previous
lessons. It will help you understand this question of the difference between
natural versus temporal benefics and malefics. You will not only know why, the
natural status predominates but can feel it too.
No matter how benefic a malefic like Saturn becomes due to its temporal status,
it will always be a malefic and cause challenges. Likewise, no matter how malefic
a benefic like Jupiter becomes by its temporal status, it will always give benefits.
David Frawley, in his excellent book, Astrology of the Seers, says it this way:
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An aspect from a great malefic like Saturn tends to be difficult

whatever it is. An aspect from a great benefic like Jupiter tends to
be helpful whatever it is.
Quiz #64:
What is the difference between a planets natural status versus temporal status?
1) Temporal status never changes
2) Natural status always changes
3) Natural status depends on the planets condition in the chart.
4) Temporal status depends on the planets condition in the chart.
A Deeper Look At Aspects

We've taken time to discuss the natural, unchanging qualities of the planets by
aspect, which are: 1) a planets general qualities, 2) its status as a benefic or
malefic, and 3) its house significations, because they are not emphasized
enough in my opinion. Too often I see students get stuck on the fact that a planet
is in an afflicted condition in the chart and forget that it has general, unchanging
qualities that it will manifest regardless of its condition. I want you to learn to think
dualistically about the planets nature, which means to always consider both
sides: unchanging and changing. If you do, then you'll make fewer mistakes and
be much further ahead in natal chart interpretation.
However, as important as the unchanging effects of planets are, they are still
only general effects - and only half of the picture. In order to understand the
specific effect that a planet's aspect will have, we need to look closely at its
temporal or changing condition in the chart. As we said earlier, everything that
you can understand about its given position will be useful in this regard.
Therefore, its (P) position, (A) aspects from other planets, (C) conjunctions with
other planets, and (DARES) yogas will all give vital information about its effect by
aspect.
Analyzing The Temporal Condition of a Planet

To begin our discussion on the temporal condition of a planet, and the effect that
it has on its aspect(s), let's take another look at the chart of Adolf Hitler, which we
discussed in Lesson 6. Obviously, we'd expect to see dramatic effects of Mars in
his chart, the planet of war, violence, and aggression. Here's his chart again, but
this time with all the planetary aspects as glyphs included:
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Notice that he has a Libra ascendant, with Mars (P) positioned in the 7th house,
in the sign of Aries, a militant sign. Its position by rulership is that it rules the 2nd
and 7th houses. It's also (A) aspected by both Jupiter and Saturn. Notice that
Mars's aspect with Saturn is a very tight mutual aspect, or sambandha, within 3
degrees, with Saturn at 21 degrees Cancer, and Mars at 24 degrees Aries. The
example we used in our discussion about sambandha was actually taken from
Hitler's chart. Mars is also (C) conjunct quite a few planets: the Sun, Mercury and
Venus. Since we haven't discussed yogas yet in the course, we'll save the
DARES for later lessons.
Just analyzing the PAC of Mars in Hitler's chart will be plenty of interpretive work
to help us understand its temporal condition. For instance, in the last lesson we
only analyzed the (P) position and this led to many paragraphs of information.
Adding the next steps of the aspects and conjunctions makes interpretation much
more complicated since each needs to be understood separately. Please see the
following table listing the PAC of Mars:
PAC of Mars
P Position (In)
7, Aries
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P Position (Rules)
A
A
A
C
Aspects (Receives)
Aspects (Gives to PL)
Aspects (Gives to H#)
Conjunctions

2, 7
Saturn, Jupiter
Saturn
1, 2, 10
Sun, Mercury, Venus
Aspects Received Versus Aspects Given

You'll notice that aspects are separated into the aspects that the planet receives,
as well as the aspects that a planet gives to other houses, and planets. We want
to first analyze the aspects that the planet receives. Why? Because our first task
is to understand everything about the planets given position, since it will aspect
FROM this position, and transfer those qualities by aspect.
When a planet receives an aspect, for instance, Mars receives aspects from
Saturn and Jupiter, we need to understand the natural and temporal qualities
(PAC-DARES) of the sending planet. For instance, Saturn's natural, unchanging
qualities are that it's a planet of contraction and hardship, it's a malefic, and it's
the karaka of two dusthana houses, the 8th and 12th. It's temporal condition is
that it's placed in the 10th house, in Cancer, it's in mutual aspect with Mars, and
it aspects the 4th, 7th, and 12th houses.
The Role of Planetary Friendships in Aspects

When a planet receives an aspect from another planet we need to also consider
the relationship between the two planets. Is it a natural (permanent) friend or
enemy according to the two families of friendships? We discussed this concept
previously in Lesson 4. For review here are the two basic families of planetary
friendships:
Family of Friends #1
Family of Friends #2
Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter
Mercury, Venus, Saturn
An aspect from a natural friend will be more harmonious in general, while an

aspect from a natural friend will be more tense. For instance, notice in Hitler's
chart that Mars and Saturn's mutual aspect is between natural enemies, which
makes this a very tense aspect. This principle, however, doesn't override the
planets malefic or benefic status. For instance, Saturn's aspect will always be a
malefic aspect, but it will be softer, to some extent, when aspecting its natural
friends Mercury and Venus.
Planetary friendships becomes especially important to consider when the two
planets are in sambandha, because the effects of a mutual aspect is intensified.
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This is also true when an aspect is close by degrees, like within a 5 degree orb,
which is also a more intensified aspect. For example, the aspect of Saturn and
Mars in Hitler's chart fulfills both of these intensifications, by being in a mutual
aspect and tight by degrees, at a 3 degree orb.
Example Analysis of PAC

Let's now go through the steps to analyze the PAC of Mars in Hitler's chart and
find out its temporal condition.
(P) Position
Mars is placed in the 7th house, which indicates potential conflict and power
struggles in his relationships in general, as well as with his spouse. Mars in the
7th house can give a critical attitude of others, and a pattern of being demanding
and controlling in his relationships. Mars placed in Aries intensifies the fiery,
aggressive and militant quality of Mars, being in its own sign, making
relationships a battleground.
Mars is a temporal malefic for Libra ascendant, ruling both of the maraka houses,
2 and 7. Maraka means "killer" and this further intensifies the malefic nature of
Mars. As the 7th lord in the 7th house it shows a repeated pattern of conflict in
relationships. Not only is Mars in the 7th house but it rules the 7th house. Having
the 2nd lord Mars placed in the 7th house shows a link between earning and
working with other people.
(A) Aspects
Mars receives aspects from both Saturn and Jupiter. Let's focus on Saturn first
because it's more intense, being a mutual aspect, a tighter aspect, and an aspect
between enemies. Saturn's aspect from the 10th house generally shows his work
obligations, and responsibilities. It shows the pressures and guilt-ridden feelings
that propel him to work hard. It also indicates a methodical, structured and
organized approach to work. Being a planet of insecurity and fear, Saturn in the
10th likes to have control and can be insensitive and callous to other people's
needs in pursuit of control.
Saturn's aspect to Mars from this position makes for an extremely volatile and
explosive combination. Mars is impatient, critical and controlling of people in the
7th house, and Saturn in the 10th house can also be controlling but through rigid
and strict rules and regulations. You can't control other people unless you totally
dominate them, which is became the outcome of this combination in his chart.
Saturn and Mars in tight, mutual aspect can bring out the most aggressive and
callous qualities in a person and is often seen in the charts of murderers and
criminals. This is especially true because Mars is in the violent sign of Aries and
the 7th house, revealing his treatment toward people.
Jupiter's aspect from the 3rd house to Mars in the 7th house, shows Hitler's
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ability to communicate his ideals to others. Jupiter represents one's philosophical

ideals and the 3rd house is the house of communication. This becomes a
reinforced pattern because Jupiter is in his own sign of Sagittarius, which is a
philosophical and idealistic sign. Jupiter is with the Moon, the 10th lord, which
indicates that he communicates his ideals not only to people, but on a large scale
to the masses.
Jupiter's conjunction with Ketu in the 3rd house shows his use of deception to
promote propaganda in the media. Ketu represents ancient knowledge and
mysticism, and Hitler misused the ancient mystical symbol of the swastika for his
Nazi propaganda campaign, This is shown by Ketu in the 3rd house of the
media, with the 3rd lord, Jupiter, and conjunct the 10th lord, Moon representing
public influence. Hitler believed in his ideology of the superiority of the aryan
race, which he used as justification for the holocaust. Jupiter's aspect to Mars
added philosophical fuel to Mars's drive and ruthless ambition.
(C) Conjunctions
Aspects to Mars by Saturn and Jupiter describe important qualities that add to
our understanding of Mars's temporal condition. The conjunctions that Mars has
with the Sun, Mercury, and Venus further add to this. Let's focus first on Venus
since it's the tightest aspect. Venus in the 7th house house conjunct Mars shows
the seductive charm that allowed him to win people over to his ideas.
Incidentally, Venus ruling and aspecting his ascendant shows his interest in art.
It's a well-known fact that he tried to enter a prestigious art college but failed to
pass the entrance exam.
Mercury in the 7th house conjunct Mars shows his direct, and assertive
communication style. The Sun in the 7th house conjunct Mars reinforces his
hunger for power and authority over others, and gives him strength of leadership,
both politically (Sun) and militarily (Mars).
A Planets Temporal Effect by Aspect and Conjunction

When we consider all the above factors that effect Mars's temporal condition in
the chart, it becomes easier to predict how Mars will effect the houses and
planets that it aspects or conjuncts. For instance, because Mars aspects to the
10th house from the 7th house, the quality of power and dominance over people
is extended into his work place. Mars from Aries shows his use of military force to
accomplish his career goals. Mars's aspect to Saturn in the 10th reinforces and
increases the volatility that Saturn's aspect to Mars from the 10th house
represents. It's important to also note that only the malefics, Mars and Saturn,
aspect his 10th house. The 10th house is not only the house of career, but of
karma or action, and these malefic aspects while in mutual aspect indicate his
inhumane and ruthless actions. Mars's aspect to its own sign of Scorpio in the
2nd house represents his ability to earn money through his connections with
people, and can represent someone in public service.
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Mars's conjunction with the ascendant lord Venus, and the Sun, in addition to its
aspect to the ascendant, adds Mars's qualities to his basic characteristic traits,
since the ascendant, ascendant lord, and the Sun are all personality indicators in
the chart along with the Moon.
The Most Important Step in Chart Interpretation

This last point about Hitler's chart is the most important one for describing why he
became the person he was. This is because the most important step in chart
interpretation is to analyze the influences on the personality indicators: the
ascendant, the ascendant lord and the luminaries - the Sun, and the Moon.
The Personality Indicators
1 The Ascendant
2 The Ascendant Lord
3 The Sun
4 The Moon
The ascendant is called the stamba, which means the pillar of the horoscope. It's
the foundation of the chart because it determines the starting point for the houses
and the house rulerships. The 1st house is the pivotal house, from which the
entire chart is created. The ascendant represents the earth in the chart because
it's the intersecting point on the horizon between the earth's surface and the sign
constellation. It's the foundation and pillar of the chart because it represents
something solid, the earth.
The ascendant is also the fastest changing influence in the chart, because it will
change signs about every 2 hrs. Whereas the next fastest is the Moon, which
changes signs every 2 1/2 days, followed by the Sun, which changes signs once
a month. This indicates why these influences in the chart are the personality
indicators: they are the fastest changing, and therefore the most unique and
specific for the individual. These four factors show a person's main character
traits, what makes them 'tick', or how they're 'wired.'
The ascendant is considered the "window" through which all of the other houses
are seen. In other words, in order to understand any house in the chart you first
need to understand the ascendant, which includes understanding the ascendant
lord, and the Sun, the karaka of the ascendant. The Moon is added to this list
because it represents the mind and one's outlook in life. It's also the second
fastest moving influence qualifying it as a personality indicator.
If the personality indicators are so important, then why haven't we discussed this
earlier in the course? It's because we just started interpretation methods in the
last lesson, Lesson 10, and to analyze the personality indicators we need to look
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at the not only their (P) position, which we discussed then, but the (A) aspects
and (C) conjunctions that influence them. Therefore, this becomes most relevant
in this lesson. When we were to start from the beginning in interpreting a chart,
we must start with analyzing the PAC of the personality indicators.
For instance, in Hitler's chart, the most important points to recognize are that
Mars from the sign militant sign of Aries, in the 7th house, aspects the
ascendant, is conjunct the Sun, and is in a tight conjunction with Venus, the
ascendant lord. All of the personality indicators, except the Moon, are influenced
by Mars. This takes place while Mars is in a volatile and tight mutual aspect with
its enemy, Saturn, from the 10th house. This shows his violent and controlling
nature, which are his main character traits. The aspect from Jupiter, softens this
to some extent, but Jupiter also adds an idealistic streak, which also fuels his
nefarious ambitions.
Analysis of the Personality Indicators

Let's now look at the example chart of Mahatma Gandhi to show a contrast in
personality, shown by the influences on the personality indicators: ascendant,
ascendant lord, Sun, and Moon.
In the chart of Mahatma Gandhi we find the same ascendant as Hitler, Libra.
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However, notice that Venus, the ascendant lord, is placed in Libra, in its own
sign, not in Aries like Hitler. Aries is the most violent sign in the zodiac, whereas
Libra is the most non-violent, being the opposite and balancing sign from Aries.
It's the sign of harmony, diplomacy, and beauty, ruled by Venus, the planet of
love. In Gandhi's case, Mars is also aspecting the ascendant and the ascendant
lord, as in Hitler's chart. However, it's aspecting by conjunction FROM the sign of
Libra, not Aries. This makes Mars's temporal condition very different than Hitler's.
We see no tight aspects from Saturn, but only aspects by benefic planets Jupiter,
Venus, and Mercury.
Mars in Gandhi's chart does makes him a fighter, because it's in the ascendant,
and conjunct the ascendant lord. However, Mars is not a violent fighter because
it's colored by non-violent Libra. It's also aspected by three benefics, Jupiter,
Venus, and Mercury. The latter two benefics are in conjunction with Mars in
Libra, further reinforcing Libra's harmonious qualities. Jupiter's aspect to Mars,
the ascendant, and ascendant lord, from the combative sign of Aries adds to his
ability to fight to defend his beliefs and ideals. In fact, Gandhi and Hitler share
this quality because of Jupiter's aspect to Mars as seen in both of their charts.
Also, common to their charts is Jupiter's status as a temporal malefic, due to its
rulership of the 3rd and 6th houses. This adds to their ability to fight (6th house)
to defend one's beliefs (Jupiter), as well as to have influence through
communication (3rd house) for this purpose.
In Hitler's chart two of the personality indicators, the ascendant lord, Venus, and
the Sun, are in Aries. Whereas, in Gandhi's chart two of the personality
indicators, the ascendant and ascendant lord, are in Libra. The focus clearly
shifts from Aries to Libra in Gandhi's chart. Looking further, in Hitler's chart, his
ascendant is aspected by two benefics, Venus and Mercury, and two malefics,
the Sun and Mars. However, they're all aspecting FROM Aries. In Gandhi's chart
the ascendant is aspected by three benefics, Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury, and
one malefic, Mars. Two of the benefics are conjunct in Libra itself.
Aries is considered a malefic sign, ruled by Mars, a malefic, whereas Libra is
considered a benefic sign, ruled by Venus, a benefic. This may sound like a
minor point, but it shows an important difference in their main personality traits. In
Gandhi's chart, all of his personality indicators are actually in benefic signs.
Gandhi's Sun is in Mercury's sign, and the Moon is in the Moon's own sign of
Cancer. The Sun is in Mercury's sign in the 12th house, a spiritual house
showing that he aspires for moksha or liberation. The Moon is in the 10th house,
in its own sign of Cancer, indicating that he focuses of his mind in the area of his
work. The Moon's conjunction with Rahu shows his pioneering, innovative, and
unconventional approach in his work, which he was able to use to his advantage
to effect public influence. Rahu with the Moon makes him a rebel, but with so
many benevolent influences on the personality indicators shows that he is a rebel
for good causes.
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We need to learn to hone in on analyzing the personality indicators when

beginning to interpret a chart. This will give us very important clues for
understanding how the person thinks and behaves, which will of course effect
every other area of their life.
Quiz #65:
What are the personality indicators in the chart?
1) The Sun and Moon
2) The Ascendant and Ascendant lord
3) The Ascendant, Sun and Moon
4) The Ascendant lord, Sun and Moon
Determining the Effects of Conjunctions

As mentioned earlier, conjunctions are simply the combining of planets within a
sign. Because of their close proximity, planets that are conjunct are in intimate
association. Even though they're often considered a type of aspect, conjunctions
are not technically aspects. An aspect is a 'thrown' influence and this is only
possible when planets are in a distant house relationship from one another. It's
for this reason that they're given a separate step, (C), in the PAC-DARES
method.
Conjunctions are an observable phenomenon since they can be viewed in the
night sky, as in the photograph above. They are also easy to identify within a box
in the natal chart. Since Jyotish is based in an observable tradition, conjunctions
have always held special importance in chart interpretation. They are arguably
more powerful than aspects, especially when they're close by degrees. They're
always a mutual aspect and therefore always constitute sambandha. Whereas
the special aspects of Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn can sometimes be only onesided aspects, as mentioned earlier. Conjunctions are powerful also because
they represent a repeated influence of the qualities of the sign that they're placed
in. We saw this in Hitler and Gandhi's charts, where the repeated influences of
Aries and Libra respectively played a significant role in our interpretation of their
personalities.
Common Conjunctions
The conjunctions that you'll see the most are the conjunctions between the Sun,
Mercury, and Venus, which amount to three - Sun/Mercury, Sun/Venus, and
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Mercury/Venus. Why? Because Mercury and Venus are the closest orbiting
planets to the Sun. Mercury never gets farther than 28 degrees away from the
Sun, while Venus never gets more than 48 degrees away. They are the only
planets that you'll never see opposite the Sun in the natal chart. Mercury will
always be conjunct the Sun, or in the adjacent sign, while Venus will either be
conjunct the Sun or not more than two signs away. In the above photo, Mercury
and Venus are conjunct, which is of course quite common, while being joined by
Saturn, which is rare. You can be certain that the above photo was taken just
after sunset or just before sunrise, since the Sun would have to be just below the
horizon. In fact, the only times to view Mercury or Venus in the sky are at sunrise
or sunset because of their proximity to the Sun, and you'll never see them directly
overhead.
A three planet conjunction of Mercury, Venus, and Saturn taking place on the
cusp between Gemini and Cancer on June 23, 2005.
Key Quotes from Classics for Interpreting Conjunctions

Some guidelines will be the same for analyzing conjunctions as with aspects. For
instance, we need to consider both the natural and temporal qualities of the
planets involved. We'll be showing examples of this in the Interpretations and
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Logical Explanations section below using Einstein's chart.

What makes conjunctions unique is that a conjunction will show a special
emphasis and have a special effect on the particular house it is in. There are only
nine planets and twelve houses in Jyotish, so there will always be some houses
devoid of any planets. Therefore, whenever a single planet is placed in a house,
it gives a special emphasis to that house. By extension, when there are two or
more planets conjunct in a house it gives an even greater emphasis to the house,
and will represent a significant area in the person's life. The house will invariably
be effected by any planet that is placed there, for better or for worse. The classic
text, Hora Sara, discusses the effects of conjunctions on a house:
The combination of two or more planets always effect the bhava
(house) concerned. The effects of such combinations may also
yield a poisonous mixture as honey and ghee together yield.
When two or more planets are conjunct in a house it complicates the

interpretation of a single planet placed there. We have to tread carefully in our
interpretation because, as the above quote suggests, two planets that yield
positive results separately can become "poisonous" or harmful to the house
when mixed together, just like when mixing ghee and honey together. For
instance, when either the Sun or Saturn are placed in the 11th house they can
produce favorable results. The 11th house is an upachaya house, along with the
3rd, 6th and 10th houses, and a malefic placed there is generally favorable for
financial gains, status, etc. However, if they combine together it can be
challenging because they are both malefics, (the Sun is only mildy malefic), and
are natural enemies to one another. The general rule for understanding
conjunctions is further explained in Hora Sara:
If benefics only join in a bhava (house), the effects produced will
be very superior. Inauspicious results will follow if malefics join
together. If benefics and malefics join, then the effects will be
mixed.
This again demonstrates that how important the natural status of the planets are
in interpretation. If there is a focus of benefics in a house it is generally good for
the house. Likewise, only malefics in a house can concentrate a great deal of
malefic energy and be damaging for the results of the house. For instance, two or
more malefics placed in the 5th house can indicate someone who doesn't have
children, can't have children, or has a difficult relationship with their children. In
either case, the results of children seen by the 5th house are somehow
challenged as indicated by the effects of two or more malefics placed there.
The above quote is a good general guideline. To be able to be more precise in
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our interpretation we need to analyze the condition (PAC-DARES) of not only the
house, but the house lord, and the karaka of the house. When we look deeper
we may find that the malefic planets conjunct in the house form favorable yogas.
This typically means that the house gives good results, however, along with
struggle. Likewise, when benefics are conjunct and form malefic yogas, then the
results are usually unfavorable, but not extremely unfavorable. We will be
discussing this concept more in our lessons on yogas.
Multiple Planet Conjunctions

The more planets that are conjunct in a house the more difficult it is to determine
the effect. We have to look very carefully at the following three steps for
interpreting conjunctions:
1) The natural status and qualities of the planets involved: Which are natural
benefics and which are natural malefics? What are their general qualities, and
how would these qualities affect one another?
2) Whether the planets are natural friends or enemies: Saturn, Venus, and
Mercury are one set of friends, and Jupiter, Mars, Sun, and Moon are the other
set of friends.
3) The temporal qualities or condition of the planets involved - house/sign
placement and house(s) they rule (P), aspects (A) they receive and give,
conjunctions (C) and how the interact with each other, and the yogas (DARES)
that are involved.
The Hora Sara gives a general guideline regarding conjunctions of four or more
planets:
If four or more planets join in a house, only mixed effects will
follow. The results will manifest in the major and sub periods
(dashas), depending on the good or bad disposition of the planets.
This quote indicates that when many planets combine it becomes a complicated
blend of planetary energies which obscures, or blurs the result. The result is
typically mixed, not entirely positive or negative. Even when there are benefics
and strongly placed it tends to be mostly challenging. The classic text, Saravali,
also concurs with this interpretation when it says:
If 5 or 6 planets join at birth, normally such natives will be
penniless, subjected to grief and be dull-witted.
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Lesson 11

There are of course exceptions to these general rules and the Hora Sara
indicates one such exception:
The native who has three or more planets either in the ascendant,
or the 10th or the 9th, will engage himself in multifarious activities,
will have numerous good qualities, will be extremely intelligent and
will enjoy like a lord of wealth.
|
This last quote indicates that we can't be too rigid in our analysis and assume
that the conjunction of multiple planets give bad results, especially when they're
well placed by house position in the lagna, the 9th or 10th house. We can extend
this to any of the angular and trinal houses which are the strongest house
placements. I like what K.N. Rao says about taking principles from classic texts:
"We should take them liberally, not literally." Of course, we don't want to just
overlay our own ideas onto the authoritative texts, but we can use sound logic to
come to our conclusions. When in doubt about the effects of conjunctions it is
always safest to make a careful analysis by using the three steps outlined above.
We'll see below how Einstein's four planet conjunction certainly gave him benefit
in the 10th house of career.
Interpretations and Logical Explanations

Einstein's chart is particularly useful for studying conjunctions because of his four
planet conjunction in the 10th house. We can't take the time and space to study
all of the thirty six possible two planet conjunctions in a chart, but we will study
the seven that are present in Einstein's chart. Fortunately, he has the three most
common conjunctions of Sun/Mercury, Sun/Venus, and Mercury/Venus. It's not
necessary for us to study all of the possible conjunctions, which number in the
hundreds when you consider all of the possible two, three, four, five, six and
even seven planet conjunctions. What's important is to learn how to be chemists,
like we discussed in lesson 10. Everything that we know about the individual
planets is useful for interpreting their blended influence in conjunctions - both
their natural and temporal qualities as listed in the three steps for interpreting
conjunctions above.
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Lesson 11

Let's now look at the sample interpretations of each of the seven conjunctions in
Einstein's chart, as well as the logical explanations for each.
1.
Sun
conj.
Mercury
Interpretation
Is intelligent, communicative, articulate, and socially interactive.
Logical Explanation
This is the most common conjunction in astrology, because the Sun and Mercury
are always so close to one another. As mentioned earlier, Mercury is never more
than 28 degrees from the Sun, so it is always either in the same sign or the
adjacent sign to it. Therefore, approximately 50% of the population has this
conjunction. This conjunction alone doesn't make someone extremely intelligent,
communicative, and articulate but it does help. The Sun conjunct any planet will
increase those planets qualities in the individual's personality, because the Sun
represents the personality and the main character traits as the karaka of the 1st
house. It's also the karaka of the 10th house and represents how we express
ourselves in the world, so it becomes a doubly important planet for understanding
how an individual functions and expresses themselves in their lives. Therefore,
when the Sun is conjunct Mercury it increases Mercury's traits like intelligence,
communication, wit, humor, and sociability.
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Lesson 11

In Einstein's chart, Mercury's placement in the 10th house with the Sun means
that Mercury's traits are expressed and utilized in his career. The 10th house is
also the most visible house, being directly overhead, so this represents that
other's visibly see this person's intelligence and Mercurial traits in his personality.
Because Mercury is not only placed in the 10th house with Sun but rules the
ascendant, it further emphasizes Mercury's traits in his personality and adds to
his ability to be recognized for his intelligence, wit, and communicative abilities.
At the same time, these traits take on an imaginative, intuitive and mystical
quality because of being placed in the sign of Pisces. This gives him intuitive
intelligence, which is a quality that Einstein is known for.
2.
Sun
conj.
Venus
Interpretation
Is creative, expressive, kind, likeable, charming, and admires beauty.
Logical Explanation
The Sun conjunct Venus is also a very common conjunction, but not as common
as Sun conjunct Mercury, because Venus is farther than Mercury to the Sun.
When the Sun is with Venus it means the person shines with Venus's qualities in
his personality, such as creativity, affection, friendliness, charm, love of beauty
and the arts. Because the Sun is an expressive outgoing planet, and Venus is
the planet of creativity, this conjunction increases creativity and is typically seen
in artist types of individuals. Einstein loved music, particularly Mozart, and started
playing violin at age 4. He once said, "If I were not a physicist, I would probably
be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life
in terms of music." This combination shows that Einstein was not only a scientific
genius, but an artist, and an imaginative artist because the Sun and Venus are
conjunct in the imaginative sign of Pisces.
Because Venus is a people-oriented planet, Venus with the Sun also represents
his love of people and compassion for humanity. He said, "More and more I
come to value charity and love of one's fellow being above everything else.
Nothing truly valuable arises from ambition or from a mere sense of duty; it stems
rather from love and devotion towards men." This combination of the Sun and
Venus in Pisces heightens this quality compassion and love for humanity
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Lesson 11

because Pisces is a compassionate, open-hearted, and universal sign. Venus is

particularly strong in the sign of Pisces, and considered exalted, which we'll be
talking about in the next lesson on planetary strength. This further heightens
these traits, and makes them seen by others in his public work due to its
placement in the 10th house.
3.
Mercury
conj.
Venus
Interpretation
Is sociable, creative, and communicates in a charming, pleasant, and articulate
manner.
Logical Explanation
Mercury conjunct Venus is also a fairly common conjunction since they are
always so close in proximity to one another, and to the Sun. Mercury and Venus
are both interpersonal planets due to this proximity to the Sun as previously
discussed in Lesson 4. This means that they are people-oriented, interactive and
sociable and this conjunction increases these traits in the individual. Einstein was
not only a genius with fascinating ideas, but he was approachable and people
oriented because of this combination.
Mercury is also a planet of wit and Venus is a planet of charm, which means their
conjunction makes the person's speech particularly pleasant and enjoyable. This
is commonly seen in performing artists like actors, lecturers, and comedians
because they have an ability to captivate an audience with their charming and
creative use of words. It's commonly said that these individuals typically like to
even hear themselves talk. This combination in Einstein's chart made him one of
the most quotable people in history. A journalist said, "I report him as the kindest,
gentlest, sweetest of men. He had a keen wit and a delightful sense of humor."
4.
Sun
conj.
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Saturn

Lesson 11

Interpretation
Is serious, hard working, reliable, and organized.
Logical Explanation
Saturn conjunct the Sun increases Saturn's qualities in the personality. Saturn is
a planet of fear and insecurity, and to make up for this basic feeling of lack
Saturn works extra hard, perseveres and is serious about achieving whatever it
focuses on. To do this he is typically disciplined, reliable, and willing to sacrifice
pleasure for the sake of getting the job done. Saturn is also a planet of
organization and structure and when it's conjunct the Sun the person proceeds
with projects in a systematic and organized manner.
Einstein was know to be a hard worker, but only when the work interested him.
Saturn and the Sun in the imaginative sign of Pisces in the 10th house means
that he works best when his work captures his fascination and imagination.
Otherwise, he can be unfocused, aloof and distracted, which are the negative
qualities of Pisces. It's well known that he was bored at school, and hated to
repeat information from memory, which is why he was never a very good student.
However, he took getting his theories accepted seriously. Saturn's placement in
the 10th house with the Sun shows his struggle with authorities, which is
documented by his twenty-five year struggle for the acceptance of the theory of
relativity. This conjunction represents the necessity for him to work extra hard to
avoid criticism. The Sun represents authorities and Saturn shows where we have
challenges, so this combination can show issues with authorities and one's own
father. In one of Einstein's biographies the author says, "He had powerfully
conflicted attitudes towards his father."
5.
Mercury
conj.
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Saturn

Lesson 11

Interpretation
Thinks and communicates in an organized, logical, and systematic manner.
Logical Explanation
The conjunction of Mercury and Saturn increases logical and rational thinking.
Mercury represents our intellect, how we think and communicate. Saturn
represents organization and structure. Their combined influence gives organized,
structured, linear, and systematic thinking. This is a common combination in the
charts of scientists, engineers, accountants, researchers, or anyone who relies
on processing information in an organized manner.
In Einstein's chart this combination in Pisces in the 10th house shows his ability
to organize abstract ideas. As I mentioned in the last lesson Mercury in Pisces in
the 10th house is the combination that makes him the archetypal absent-minded
professor. His desk was always messy and cluttered. He lived in an imaginative
and dreamy world of abstract ideas. However, this conjunction with Saturn helps
him to organize his abstract ideas and explain them in a simple and logical way.
It makes him a serious and deep thinker, but also a logical thinker. One of
Einstein's famous quotes is, "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it
well enough." One way that he explained his abstract theory of relativity was,
"Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a
pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. THAT's relativity."
6.
Venus
conj.
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Saturn

Lesson 11

Interpretation
Has challenges in relationships, but can also be a committed spouse.
Logical Explanation
The conjunction of Saturn and Venus is challenging for relationships because it
can cool off Venus's romantic affection. Saturn can be cold, distant, detached
and aloof, which doesn't contribute to a very spicey romance. Einstein said,
"When it comes to close relationships I failed twice, disgracefully. Marriages are
dangerous." This is one effect of this conjunction. Another is that it can make one
committed to a spouse because Saturn represents commitment and longevity.
Einstein's first marriage lasted 16 years, most of which were miserable. Saturn
can represent persevering and sacrificing pleasure for the sake of one's
commitment.
Saturn conjunct Venus takes place in the 10th house so it also effects his area of
work. In that regard, Saturn conjunct Venus is good for being disciplined and
structured with art. In Einstein's case this can be seen in his musical discipline.
It's well known that he played the violin everyday. Saturn specifically represents
Western classical music because it is so structured and formal.
7.
Mars
conj.
Rahu
Interpretation
Is courageous, bold, reckless, radical, restless, independent, and a risk taker.
Logical Explanation
The conjunction of Rahu and Mars combines two malefics which increases the
malefic qualities of each, since both afflict one another. Rahu and Mars share
certain qualities, however, like boldness, courage, and independence. Therefore,
their combined influence increases these qualities even more giving staunch
independence, and reckless boldness for instance. The person doesn't mind
taking risks, avoiding rules and regulations, and pursuing a radical direction.
In Einstein's chart this combination represents his bold, independent genius that
caused him to shun conventions in the pursuit of his own original ideas. It's
conjunction in the 8th house represents that his bold pursuits were innovative,
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Lesson 11

alternative, unorthodox, and non-conventional in nature like metaphysics, and

original research. This combination in the 8th house shows Einstein's radical,
unconventional side, and reveals that he was not an imitator, but an innovator
and revolutionary. His theories were, of course, rejected because of their
boldness. His contemporary researcher Robert Millikan said that his theory of
light was a "Bold, not to say reckless, hypothesis of an electro-magnetic light
corpuscle of energy hv, which flies in the face of thoroughly established facts of
interference." Because this combination takes place in the earth sign of
Capricorn it shows that his research and theories dealt with practical, physical
reality.
Quiz #66:
True or false. If three or more planets are conjunct in the chart and placed in the
9th or 10th house the results will be favorable.
1) True
2) False
Exercises and Homework

This lesson introduced the aspects and conjunctions of the planets, which always
need to be considered in any interpretation. When we're analyzing the natal chart
it's important to be able to spot the aspects quickly, which the Natal Charts Skills
exercise in this lesson will help you be able to do. Eventually, this will become
second nature. However, being able to identify the aspects is only the beginning.
The other exercises and homework assignments will give you more experience in
interpreting aspects as well.
Materials needed:
- Notebook
- Red, Green, and Black Pens
- Your South and North Indian Natal Chart Skills forms filled out from Lessons 4,
6, 8, and 10.
The Aspects Exercises

1) Thrown Planetary Aspects:
Take out your own chart with the Planets, Houses, Signs, and the Positions
Exercises filled out from previous lessons (Lesson 4, 6, 8, and 10). In this lesson
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Lesson 11

we learned that all planets "throw" or give an aspect to the 7th house from itself,
and that Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn each have two additional special aspects Mars aspects the 4th and 8th, Jupiter aspects the 5th and 9th, and Saturn
aspects the 3rd and 10th. These aspects are invisible and therefore we risk
overlooking them entirely.
In this exercise we going to make them visible and tangible by putting every
aspect into the chart using the planets glyphs. Use a green pen for the benefics,
and a red pen for the malefics to remind yourself of the importance of the planets
natural status. It's useful to draw the aspects using the planets glyphs every time
you study a chart, because it reinforces the skill of identifying the aspects.
Instead of using planetary glyphs some people like to draw lines to the houses
that the planet aspects. Do it however you like, but do something to identify the
aspects. Personally, I like to draw the glyphs, and when a planet aspects another
planet tightly by degrees, then I like to draw a green or red line to the planet to
emphasize it further in my mind. Bottom line, what's important is to learn to
identify the aspects and consider them closely in every interpretation.
As an example, again see Albert Einstein's natal chart with the Thrown Planetary
Aspects exercise filled out:
As we mentioned earlier in the lesson, Einstein's chart is not a great example

chart for aspects because the only planets that make an aspect to another planet
are Mars, Rahu, and Ketu.
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Lesson 11

2) The Aspects and Conjunctions Table:

In this exercise we'll get more specific about aspects by distinguishing between
aspects that a planet gives and aspects that it receives. Of the aspects that it
gives, we'll also distinguish between the aspects that it gives to planets versus
the ones it gives to houses. Too often I see students making the mistake of
thinking that if a planet doesn't give an aspect to another planet, then it doesn't
make any aspects at all. This is not true, and is based on the use of aspects in
Western astrology. In Vedic astrology, a planet will always aspect at least one
house, and if it's Mars, Jupiter, or Saturn then it will aspect three houses.
In the Natal Chart Skills form, just below where we filled in the positions of
planets in Lesson 10, you'll find the section for filling in the aspects and
conjunction of each of the planets. Notice that there are three kinds of aspects:
Given to Houses, Given to Planets, and Received. This section looks like this:
In this exercise please fill in this section by listing the aspects and conjunctions in
the appropriate boxes. When listing a planet just use the first two letters of the
planet, like Me for Mercury, so that you can fit in all the information in the box. As
an example, we'll again refer to Einstein's natal chart and fill in this section. Here
it is with the first 3 columns completed:
The Natal Chart Skills form with both of these exercises filled out in Einstein's
chart is included with this lesson.
Exercise Summary
These two exercises train our minds to identify the aspects and conjunctions in
the chart. If we get into the habit of immediately finding these in the chart, then
we'll never miss factoring them into our interpretations. I remember in one of my
first Vedic astrology classes the teacher had us draw in the aspects of the
planets by using the planet's glyphs. I've kept with this practice for more than
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Lesson 11

sixteen years, and I'm sure it's the reason that I can identify the aspects so
quickly.
In Einstein's chart, even though there are not many aspects to other planets, we
can still gain some interesting insights by analyzing the aspects that the planets
make to houses. For instance, notice how both Jupiter and Mars aspect to his
3rd house. This is the house of will and adds to Einstein's strength of will and
determination. Mars's aspect comes from its conjunction with Rahu in the 8th
house, which shows that this strength of will has a radical, unconventional side
and shows that he can be stubbornly independent. Jupiter's aspect to the 3rd
house from the 9th house softens any extreme radicalism that Mars's aspect
represents, and shows temperance and wisdom. This is an example of how we
can incorporate the aspects of planets to houses into our interpretation, and
make use of the aspects even when they don't aspect to other planets.
By analyzing the aspects and conjunctions in your own chart, what does this tell
you about yourself? Are any character traits easier to explain because of what
you've discovered?
3) Repeat
Repeat the above Aspects Exercises using the North Indian version of your chart
that you filled out in Lessons 4, 6, 8, and 10. Save both the South Indian and
North Indian versions of your chart for future exercises.
4) Extra Credit
For extra credit fill out the Aspects Exercises in the Natal Chart Skills form of the
person's chart you've been working on in Lessons 4, 6, 8, and 10. Again, save
their chart for future exercises.
Natal Chart Skills Summary

We have now completed the first five sets of exercises of the Natal Charts Skills
method:
- The Planets Exercises (see Lesson 4)
- The Houses Exercises (see Lesson 6)
- The Signs Exercises (see Lesson 8)
- The Positions Exercises (see Lesson 10)
- The Aspects Exercises:
1) Thrown Planetary Aspects:
Identify the aspects that each planet throws or gives by placing the planetary
glyphs in the appropriate houses.
2) The Aspects and Conjunctions Table:
List the aspects that each planet gives to houses and to planets, as well as
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Lesson 11

receives from other planets in the appropriate box. Lastly, list the conjunctions
that each planet has with other planets in the same manner.
Homework Assignments
1) Dramatic Aspects
In this homework assignment you'll be looking at the aspects and conjunctions of
planets of dramatic events. For instance, if you pull up the chart of the terrorist
bombings on 9/11/01 in New York city you'll find that Mars and Ketu were
conjunct together within two degrees. At first glance, this may not sound very
dramatic. However, when you consider that both Mars and Ketu are fiery planets
and that their conjunction takes place in the fiery sign of Sagittarius, then you'll
understand that this an explosive combination that took place at that time. Some
Vedic astrologers have used this event as evidence that the Sagittarius lagna
chart of the USA is the correct chart (6:30pm 7/4/1777 in Philadelphia, PA).
I'd like you to consider a major dramatic event that took place in your own life. It
could be the date of a marriage, childbirth, an accident, an illness, start of travel,
a spiritual experience, spiritual initiation etc. What's important is that it's a
dramatic life changing event.
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Lesson 11

Enter the date and location of the event into your software program and pull up
the chart for that day. Don't worry about getting the exact time if you don't know it
because having the correct ascendant of the event chart is not very important.
Just use 12 noon as the time. What we're looking at is where the planets are.
Next, transpose the chart into your notebook, including the degrees of each
planet, and draw in all the aspects. Take a moment to analyze if there are any
mutual aspects, or planets in sambandha. Look for the aspects and conjunctions
that are the tightest by degree and in mutual aspect. These will have the most
dramatic effect as in the example of Mars conjunct Ketu in the 911 chart.
Now take out your own chart and put it side by side with this chart and see where
the planets were transiting at that time in relation to your chart. See if any planets
in the event chart were aspecting or conjuncting any of the planets or the
ascendant in your own chart. If the event you chose was marriage, then see if
there are any planets aspecting your 7th house, 7th lord, or Venus, the karaka of
marriage. For instance, when I was married Jupiter was aspecting my 7th house,
and also my wife's.
Choose a total of three dramatic events and analyze the aspects and
conjunctions of the planets at that time. Lastly, then analyze how they relate to
your own chart.
2) Celebrity Aspects
In this homework assignment you'll be exploring how certain character traits are
formed astrologically, by aspects and conjunctions. To begin with I'd like you to
look down the list of celebrities on the Astrodatabank website by visiting
http://astrodatabank.com/indexNM.htm. You'll notice that their list includes people
who've made the news in a variety of fields: acting, politics, science, business,
sports, crime etc.
Pick someone who catches you're eye, and whose character traits you'd like to
explore through their chart. For instance, in the Entertainment Section Swami
Beyondananda may stand out because of his wit and humor. You'd expect to see
something extraordinary in his chart related to Mercury, the planet of wit and
humor. When you enter his birth data (Oct 9,1946, 18:10, Brooklyn, NY) and pull
up his chart you find that he has Jupiter conjunct Mercury to the exact degree.
Another person who is in the list with extraordinary speaking skills, under the
Politics Section, is Barack Obama. When you enter his birth data (Aug 4,1961,
19:24, Honolulu, HI) and pull up his chart you find that Jupiter aspects Mercury to
within two degrees. By doing this little study into the character traits of two
celebrities who are witty and articulate you have learned something about how
beneficial Jupiter's influence is to Mercury, whether it by conjunction or aspect.
I'd like for you to explore pulling up the charts of various celebrities and see if you
can discover how certain character traits are formed astrologically through the
effect of aspects and conjunctions.
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Lesson 11

Quiz Answers
63. Mutual aspect
64. Temporal status depends on the planets condition in the chart.
65. Its a trick question. None of the above. The personality indicators are the
Ascendant, Ascendant lord, Sun and Moon.
66. True
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Natal Chart Skills
Navamsha
From:
To:
Count from the cardinal sign
of the element of the planet.
o
1 Navamsha = 3 20
Name:
Date:
Time:
Place:
Notes:
1st
Quadrants
4th
7th
Alternate Lagnas
10th
To:
From:
To:
Odd signs count from the

sign of the planet - even
th
signs from the 9 away.
o
1 Dashamsha = 3
Dharma Artha
1,5,9
2,6,10
Kama Moksha
Angle Succed. Cadent
3,7,11
1,4,7,10
4,8,12
2,5,8,11
3,6,9,12
Moon L
Sun L
Dasha L
Transits
Date:
Time:
Dashamsha
From:
Lagna
Masc.
Fem.
Fire
Odd
Even
Aries+
Earth
Air
Water
Taurus+ Gemini+ Cancer+
Card.
Aries+
Fixed
Mut.
Taurus+ Gemini+
ASC
Sun
Moon
Mer
Ven
Mar
Jup
Sat
Rahu
Ketu
Total
In
Sun
Rules
In
Moon
Rules
P
A
A
A
C
Position
Aspects (Receives)
Conjunctions
D
A
R
E
S
Dana Yogas: combos of 1, 2, 5, 9, 11; CM, LK, VS

Arishta Yogas: 1, 1L, Mo, Su + 6, 8, 12, Malefics
Raja Yogas: 1, 4, 7, 10 + 1, 5, 9; NB, VP, R/K
Exchanges or Parivartana Yogas: PV
Special: MP, GK, PK/SK, CB, GN, PW, KD, KM, etc
Mercury
In Rules
In
Venus
Rules
Asc
In
Mars
Rules
Jupiter
In Rules
In
Saturn
Rules
Rahu
In
Ketu
In
Moon
Abbreviations: CM=Chandra Mangala, LK=Lakshmi, VS=Vasumat, NB=Neecha Banga, VP=Vipareeta, R/K= Rahu/Ketu forming Raja Yogas, PV=Parivartana, MP=Mahapurusha Yoga:
BMP= Bhadra, MMP=Malavya, RMP=Ruchaka, HMP=Hamsa, SMP=Shasha, GK=Gajakesari, PK/SK=Papa/Shubha Kartari, CB=Combust, GN=Gandanta, PW=Planetary War,
KD=Kuja Dosha, KM=Kemadruma, AM=Amala, Dusthana Yogas: AV=Ava, NI=Nissva, MR=Mriti, KU=Kuhu, PA=Pamaru, DU=Dushkriti, NIR=Nirbhagya, DUR=Dur, DA=Daridra, etc.
Vaughn Paul Manley, M.A.
Natal Chart Skills

Name:
Time:
Date:
Place:
1st
Dashamsha
To:
From:
Dharma Artha
1,5,9
2,6,10
From:
3,7,11
1,4,7,10
2,5,8,11
Quadrants
4th
7th 10th
To:
Kama Moksha
4,8,12
Navamsha
To:
From:
3,6,9,12
Alternate Lagnas
Lagna
Fem.
Fire
Odd
Even
Aries+
Earth
Sun L
Dasha L
Transits
Time:
Date:
Masc.
Moon L
Air
Water
Card.
Aries+
Fixed
Mut.
Taurus+ Gemini+
ASC
Sun
Moon
Mer
Ven
Mar
Jup
Sat
Rahu
Ketu
Total
In
Sun
Rules
In
Moon
Rules
P
A
A
A
C
Position
Aspects (Receives)
Conjunctions
D
A
R
E
S

Special: MP, GK, PK/SK, CB, GN, PW, KD, KM, etc.
Mercury
In Rules
In
Venus
Rules
Asc
In
Mars
Rules
Jupiter
In Rules
In
Saturn
Rules
Rahu
In
Ketu
In
Moon
BMP= Bhadra, MMP=Malavya, RMP=Ruchaka, HMP=Hamsa, SMP=Shasha, GK=Gajakesari, PK/SK=Papa/Shubha Kartari, CB=Combust, GN=Gandanta, PW=Planetary War,
Natal Chart Skills

Su 1 XX
Me 11 XX
Sa 12 XX
Ve 24 XX
10
Ju 5 XX
Ma 4 XX
Ra 10 X
12 Lg 19
11
bg
e
Ke 10 X
Name: Albert Einstein

Date: 3/14/1879
Time: 11:30 am
Place: Ulm, Germany
Notes:
Navamsha
From:
To:
Count from the cardinal sign
of the element of the planet.
o
1 Navamsha = 3 20
ch
3
ec
7 Mo 22 XX
1st
g
fag
Quadrants
4th
7th
Alternate Lagnas
10th
From:
Kama Moksha
Masc.
Fem.
Fire
1,5,9
2,6,10
3,7,11
4,8,12
1,4,7,10
2,5,8,11
3,6,9,12
Odd
Even
Aries+
In
Dasha L
Date:
Time:
To:
Odd signs count from the

sign of the planet - even
th
signs from the 9 away.
o
1 Dashamsha = 3
ASC
Sun
Moon
Mer
Ven
Mar
Jup
Sat
Rahu
Ketu
Total
Sun L
Transits
To:
Dharma Artha
Moon L
Dashamsha
From:
Lagna
Sun
Rules
In
Moon
Rules
P
A
A
A
C
Position
10
3
6
Aspects (Gives to H#) 4
12
Aspects (Receives)
Conjunctions
Me, Ve, Sa
D
A
R
E
S

Special: MP, GK, PK/SK, CB, GN, PW, KD, KM, etc
Mercury
In Rules
In
10
4
10 5, 12
4
Air
Water
Card.
6
In
8 6, 11
2, 3, 11
Ke
Ke
Su, Ve, Sa Su, Me, Sa Ra
9 7, 10
1, 3, 5
10 8, 9
4, 7, 12
Asc
Saturn
Rules
Mut.
Taurus+ Gemini+
Jupiter
In Rules
In
Fixed
Aries+
Mars
Rules
1, 4
Venus
Rules
Earth
Rahu
In
Ketu
In
2
Ke
Ke
Su, Me, Ve Ma
8
Ra, Ma
Ra, Ma
Moon
j
BMP=
Bhadra, MMP=Malavya, RMP=Ruchaka, HMP=Hamsa, SMP=Shasha, GK=Gajakesari, PK/SK=Papa/Shubha Kartari, CB=Combust, GN=Gandanta, PW=Planetary War,

Aspects Course 1 Lesson 11

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Aspects Course 1 Lesson 11

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Light On Vedic Astrology

Online Course Level 1

Topics Covered in this Lesson:

Aspects in Western Astrology Vs. Vedic Astrology

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Light On Vedic Astrology

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Aspects in Western Astrology Vs. Vedic Astrology

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Light On Vedic Astrology

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Aspects in Western Astrology

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Light On Vedic Astrology

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Aspects in Vedic Astrology

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The 7th house "mirror" aspect in Jyotish

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Light On Vedic Astrology

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Major and Minor Aspects

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Light On Vedic Astrology

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In Western astrology for an aspect to count the orb needs to be within 5 or 10

Sambandha: Mutual Aspects vs One-Sided Aspects

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Another situation where a mutual aspect is formed is when planets exchange

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Light On Vedic Astrology

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Summary of the Vedic Use of Aspects

Determining the Effects of Aspects

The Key to Understanding Aspects

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Light On Vedic Astrology

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The Role of a Planets Key Qualities in Aspects

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General Qualities by Aspect

Negative: Mars's aspect shows areas of potential conflict. It can give

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Positive: Jupiter's aspect is primarily positive. It minimizes any

Negative: Saturn's aspect is primarily negative. It increases the

The Predominance of a Planets Natural Status

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