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Lesson 14
Yogas: Key Planetary Combinations - Part 2
by Vaughn Paul Manley, M.A.
In the last lesson we discussed the first two categories of yogas of the PAC-
DARES method: Dhana Yogas and Arishta Yogas. We’re now ready to complete
our study of the yogas by discuss the final three categories: Raja Yogas,
Exchanges, and Special Yogas.
Historically, the Indian culture in which Vedic astrology flourished was basically a
feudal society, ruled over by a royal class. This was similar to medieval Europe,
but instead of kings and queens, there were rajas and maharajas depending on
the size of the region that they ruled. Therefore, an astrologer was expected to
have the skill to determine whether a person could rise to a position within the
ruling class, or even become a maharaja.
The classic texts give many examples of these so-called 'royal combinations.'
Since the days of kings and queens as political leaders are long over, raja yogas
in a modern day context indicate a rise to prominence within any field. For
instance, Bill Gates is arguably the 'king' of the computer software industry, and
Oprah Winfrey is the 'queen' of talk show hosts. Both the quantity and quality of
the raja yogas in their charts indicate this.
Raja yogas are easier to identify and less complicated than arishta yogas. They
are also a surprisingly common yoga, and it's unusual that a person doesn't have
at least one raja yoga in their chart. Since not everyone becomes successful or
eminent in their field, much less the ruler of a country, the strength of the raja
yogas need to be carefully analyzed. This becomes an important skill, because
almost everyone wants to know about their career and how successful they will
likely be. Raja yogas are the primary yogas for determining this.
• The angular houses (1, 4, 7, 10) and/or their lords and the trinal houses (1, 5,
9) and/or their lords.
Here's a quote from sage Parashara regarding the formation of Raja Yogas.
• When a trinal house lord (1, 5, 9) is placed in an angular house (1, 4, 7, 10).
Note: The placement of an angular lord in a trinal house, or vice versa, is not
as strong a raja yoga as when house lords combine. Some astrologers won't
even consider these raja yogas even though the above quote by Parashara
clearly lists these as such.
• When an angular house lord (1, 4, 7, 10) aspects a trinal house lord (1, 5, 9).
• When a trinal house lord (1, 5, 9) aspects an angular house lord (1, 4, 7, 10).
• When an angular house lord (1, 4, 7, 10) aspects a trinal house (1, 5, 9).
• When an trinal house lord (1, 5, 9) aspects an angular house (1, 4, 7, 10).
Note: Aspects by an angular lord to a trinal house, or vice versa, are only partial
raja yogas at best. Many astrologers won't consider these aspects a raja yoga.
Therefore, they're not listed in the example charts below. However, it is important
to note that they are partial raja yogas and will have some beneficial effect.
• When a trinal house lord (1, 5, 9) conjuncts an angular house lord (1, 4, 7, 10).
Let's now discuss why these houses and house lords give success.
The trikona houses, 1, 5, 9, are the places of dharma, which represents purpose,
fortune, and the fruit of our good karma. The trinal houses are called Lakshmi
sthanas or places of Lakshmi. Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu, and is the
goddess of wealth and prosperity, which we discussed in the Dhana Yoga
section.
When the kendras and trikonas combine it forms a 'royal union' between Vishnu
and Lakshmi. Therefore, raja yogas are the wedding together of masculine power
and feminine grace. They represent the ability to take strong action that is
aligned with one's divine purpose or dharma. The result is the increase of
success, fame, and prestige.
Qualitatively, when the 9th and 10th houses lords combine it forms the strongest
raja yoga. This is given a special name of Dharma Karma Adhipati Yoga. This is
a union between the lord of the highest house of dharma, the 9th house, with the
lord of the highest house of karma (action), the 10th house. This becomes
especially strong when these planets join in a trine or kendra house, especially
the 10th house.
Lakshmi. This means that if the lagna or lagna lord combines with either an
angular or trinal lord it will produce a raja yoga. In other words, it only takes
the lord of house 4, 5, 7, 9, or 10 to be placed (P) in the lagna, or to aspect (A)
or conjunct (C) the lagna lord to form a raja yoga. No other house lord can
claim this unique power.
If you look again at the Spectrum of House Beneficence in Lesson 12 you'll see that
the 1st house is considered the weakest of the three trinal houses. Don't let this
confuse you. With regards to raja yogas, the lagna has unique power because of
this dual quality of being both the lord of an angular and trinal house.
It's very beneficial for the overall strength of the chart for a raja yoga to either be
placed in the lagna or involving the lagna lord. This is not new information, since
we discussed in the Introduction about how a strong lagna and lagna lord will
increase the strength of the other benefic yogas in the chart, while
simultaneously reducing the strength of malefic yogas. Also, in the discussion on
Arishta Bhangas in the last section, we listed how when the lagna or lagna lord is
involved in a raja yoga, it gives arishta bhanga, or cancellation of arishta. All
these points demonstrate the unique and powerful role that the lagna has. Here's
a quote from Sage Parashara to validate these points:
For review, there are only three planets that ever become yogakarakas: Saturn,
Mars, and Venus. Here again is the table showing the yogakaraka planets for the
six ascendant that they apply to:
Mars Cancer 5, 10
Mars Leo 4, 9
Venus Capricorn 5, 10
Venus Aquarius 4, 9
It may seem odd to you that a planet simultaneously ruling the 1st house and an
angular house isn't given the status of being a raja yoga karaka, since the lagna
is considered both an angle and a trine. This would be the case for any lagna
ruled by either Mercury or Jupiter:
Mercury rules:
- Houses 1 and 4 for Gemini lagna
- Houses 1 and 10 for Virgo lagna
Jupiter rules:
- Houses 1 and 4 for Sagittarius lagna
- Houses 1 and 10 for Pisces lagna
“The lagna, the fourth, seventh, and tenth houses have the
designation of kendras (angles). The fifth and ninth houses
from the ascendant are called kona or trine.”
- Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Ch.7, v.33-36,
(translation by Girish Chand Sharma)
When the lagna lord rules another angular house it is not considered as strong
as a yogakaraka and it does not form a raja yoga wherever it is placed. However,
Jupiter and Mercury as lagna lord and ruler of an angular house should not be
considered to be ruling two angular houses and forming Kendradhipati Dosha
either, which we discussed in the last lesson. They are just not given the special
power of being a yogakaraka, but as lords of the lagna they are temporal
benefics and are powerful for forming many raja yogas easily.
There are four other types of raja yogas that are worth discussing here, which
are typically identified as such: neecha bhanga raja yogas, viparita raja yogas,
raja yogas formed by Rahu and Ketu, and raja yogas formed by trinal lords.
Besides the standard way that a raja yoga is formed, by combining angular
and trinal lords, these four need to be identified while analyzing a chart.
The first three types, neecha bhanga raja yogas, viparita raja yogas, and raja
yogas formed by Rahu and Ketu, are anomalies in Jyotish, since each can
appear to be a weak or afflicted combination. Therefore, it's common to
misinterpret them. Astrologers also have varying opinions about them, so these
can be particularly confusing for students. My hope is that the following
descriptions clear up any confusion.
We already discussed neecha bhanga raja yogas in detail in the last Lesson 12,
but it's important to reiterate that this is indeed a raja yoga that can actually
increase status, position, and success. The operable word here is 'can.' Meaning
that it doesn't always give great success. It depends on the quantity and quality
of the neecha bhanga factors that exist in the chart. Even if there is a high
quantity, like three or more, and even if these are strong in quality, like being
placed in an angle and exalted, still there can be challenges initially before
eventually achieving success. The debility is still a debility, but this yoga
eventually turns into a strength for the person.
For instance, Einstein's debilitated Mercury meant that he didn't learn in a linear,
logical manner but relied on his intuition to understand a subject. This gave him
problems succeeding in school in the early part of his life, but eventually gave
him the ability to intuit complex mathematical theories first, and then explain the
theory later. It's this ability that made him a genius.
This is a controversial yoga since even classic texts can't agree about how it's
formed, nor its effects. After much research my opinion is that the clearest
definition is what is given by sage Mantreshwara in the Phaladeepika, which says
that a viparita raja yoga is formed when:
• The lord of dusthana house (6, 8, 12) is placed in a dusthana house, 6, 8, 12.
This is what is given in Mantreshwara's description of the twelve yogas that are
formed when the lord of a house is placed in a dusthana house. For instance,
when the 1st lord is placed in a dusthana house it forms an ava yoga, which
gives negative results. However, when the lord of a dusthana house happens to
be placed in a dusthana house, the results are reversed and become positive.
Mantreshwara describes this in the the following quote:
"If the lord of the 8th house is posited in the 6th, 8th or the 12th
house it causes Sarala Yoga. The person born in this yoga will
enjoy longevity, be resolute, fearless, prosperous, respected and
endowed with learning, children and wealth. He will be
successful in all his enterprises, overcome his foes, be pure of
mind and widely celebrated."
- Phaladeepika, Ch.6, v.65 (translation S.S. Sareen)
There are the three kinds of Viparita Raja Yogas - Harsha, Sarala, or Vimala,
depending on whether the 6th, 8th, or 12th lord is involved respectively:
1) Harsha Viparita Raja Yoga: The 6th lord is placed in the 6th, 8th, or 12th
house. 'Harsha' means 'happiness' or 'joy.' It indicates the ability to overcome
one's enemies, and attain health, wealth, and fame.
2) Sarala Viparita Raja Yoga: The 8th lord is placed in the 6th, 8th, or 12th
house. 'Sarala' means 'correct' or 'straight.' It indicates the ability to attain
longevity, success, wealth, and knowledge.
3) Vimala Viparita Raja Yoga: The 12th lord is placed in the 6th, 8th, or 12th
house. 'Vimala' means 'clean' or 'pure.' It indicates the ability to attain wealth,
virtue, and contentment.
Some astrologers consider that when the lord of a dusthana is placed in its own
house, it doesn't form a viparita raja yoga. This is what is given in the Uttara
Kalamrita by sage Kalidasa:
"If in a nativity, the lord of the 8th is in the 12th or 6th; lord of
the 6th be placed in the 8th or the 12th; the lord of the 12th
should occupy the 8th or the 6th; the native will not be less than
a great king, dominating over other rulers and will be renowned
and wealthy."
- Uttara Kalamrita, Ch.4, v.22 (translation S.S. Sareen)
The problem with this distinction is that a planet is strong in its own house (OH),
and the house significations also flourish. I once asked K.N. Rao about this and
he said, "Any lord in its own house is good." The question may then come to
mind that, "If the 6th lord is in the 8th or 12th house, is it better than being in the
6th house itself?" Mantreshwara would say "no." This is a harsha viparita raja
yoga and his definition is that it is good for overcoming one's enemies, which is a
6th house signification. The 6th lord placed in the 6th house is especially good
for this. Therefore, leaving out the lord of a dusthana in its own house (OH) from
the definition of a viparita raja yoga isn't a very useful distinction.
A viparita raja yoga generally gives positive results like success and rise in
status, like any raja yoga. It can be thought of as a double negative equaling a
positive, like the act of destroying negativity. However, it usually causes some
degree of misfortune as well. This is because a viparita raja yoga is not only a
raja yoga but simultaneously forms an arishta yoga. It forms a multiple malefic
influence, which we described in the last section as an Arishta Yoga Type #2.
As with all yogas, the planets involved should be strong in order to attain the best
results. This means that if the 6th, 8th, or 12th lord is in a strong sign position, like in
its own house (OH), mulatrikona sign (MT), or exalted sign (EX), then the beneficial
effects increase. Also, if benefic planets are involved or aspect then the beneficial
effects increase and predominate over the malefic effects. This is indicated in the
following quote by sage Satyacharya in his classic text,
Satyajatakam:
"If the lord of the 12th house is placed in the 6th house along with
its lord, the period will prove to be auspicious. Here Vipareeta
Raja Yoga is caused. During the period, he will perform
auspicious ceremonies and lead a happy life. Benefic
combinations will promote the good results to a great extent. If
the lord of the 6th house be placed in the 6th house combined
with benefics, results will be good. If, however, the lord of the 6th
house be weak, good results will be very little.”
- Satyajatakam, Ch.4, v.6. (translation S.K. Raman)
It could be because of the malefic results that can come as a result of ruling a
dusthana house that sage Parashara generally does not give favorable results
for a viparita raja yoga. For instance, he emphasizes the arishta yoga effects of
harsha viparita raja yoga in the following quote:
“If the 6th lord is in the 8th house the native will be sickly,
inimical, will desire other's wealth, be interested in other's wives
and be impure (or degraded).”
- Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Ch.24,
v.68 (translation R. Santhanam)
It's because of quotes like this that can be found in classic texts that B.V. Raman
encourages a cautionary approach to interpreting viparita raja yogas:
"Even though the author of the above yogas has ascribed very
pleasant results to these three combinations, yet in actual
practice quite the contrary have been the results. Parashara and
Lomasa do not seem to favor the conception that the sting arising
from an evil lordship can disappear entirely as a result of the lord
occupying another dusthana. On the other hand, the intensity will
be somewhat diminished."
- 300 Important Combinations, p. 129
Because of the varied and contrary results that this yoga can give it can be tricky
to interpret accurately, and needs to be analyzed very carefully. We can't get
carried away and think that a viparita raja yoga will only produce raja yoga
results. It has to give the arishta yoga results as well to some degree. To what
degree is based on the strength of the planets involved.
One of the best examples of a viparita raja yoga in recent times is the rise of Kim
Kardashian to international fame during her Mercury dasha. Mercury is the 8th
lord in the 12th house forming a sarala viparita raja yoga, and is quite strong
being the sign of a Great Friend (GF) Venus. It is also conjoined with the
debilitated 10th lord, Sun, which is in an exchange of signs with Venus in the
10th house. Her chart is also a good example of a neecha bhanga raja yoga.
She became famous basically by her good looks and social connections, which
resulted in her forming a reality TV show with her two sisters, Keeping Up With
the Kardashian's. She's a professional socialite, model, and entrepreneur with
her own line of perfumes. There's little else to explain her rise to fame during her
Mercury dasha except the fact that Mercury is involved in a sarala viparita raja
yoga. We'll discuss examples like this in more detail in our next lesson on the
Vimshottari Dasha System.
Here's a quote from sage Parashara about this raja yoga forming power of the
nodes of the Moon.
“If the shadowy planets Rahu and Ketu are situated in an angle
or a trine, are in a conjunction with or are aspected by the
angular lord or the trinal lord, even then they are raja yoga
karakas (indicators of raja yoga).”
- Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Ch 36, v 17,
(translation by Girish Chand Sharma)
It's easy to think of Rahu and Ketu as only malefic planets incapable of giving
favorable results. However, it's not true due to their impressionable nature. They
can be particularly beneficial when they form a raja yoga in the above described
manner, and when the planet that aspects or conjuncts it is a benefic.
“The 9th lord is akin to a minister and the 5th lord akin to the chief
minister. If both have the mutual aspect, the native is entitled to
be a king. If they are in conjunction anywhere or if they are in the
7th house from each other, then the native born in a royal family
will certainly be a king.”
- Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Ch.41, v.33-34,
(translation by Girish Chand Sharma)
The key qualification for this type of raja yoga is that they are in mutual aspect or
sambandha. This means that they are either conjunct, in opposition to one
another (7th house relationship), or in an exchange of signs, also called a
Parivartana Yoga. See Lesson 11 to review mutual aspects. If a trinal lord makes
a one-sided aspect to another trinal lord then it can only be considered a partial
raja yoga formed by trinal lords. Also, this yoga does not include the 1st lord as a
trinal lord, because as an angular lord it will already form a raja yoga when in
mutual aspect with a trinal lord, so it's redundant to include it.
K.N. Rao also refers to this combination in his chapter on Raja Yogas in his
book, Astrology, Destiny and the Wheel of Time, when he says:
“If the 5th lord and the 9th lord aspect each other mutually, it
is excellent.”
At the end of the analysis for each chart I give a bulleted list of the raja yogas as
has been done in the dhana yoga and arishta yoga examples. At the end of the
bulleted list you'll see the total number of raja yogas, which gives you an
objective quantitative analysis. Keep in mind that this is only half the picture, and
that a qualitative analysis is made by analyzing the strength of each factor.
There are a couple more raja yogas that probably are less obvious. Notice how
the 9th lord Jupiter is placed in the 10th house, while the 10th lord Saturn is
placed in the 9th house. These are both raja yogas by placement. They also
exchange signs, which means that they are in mutual aspect or sambandha, as
the 9th and 10th lords. This also forms a raja yoga. Lastly, notice that 6th lord
Mars is placed in the 8th house, forming a viparita raja yoga. It's also exalted in
Capricorn, making this quite powerful. The only type of raja yoga from our list that
Einstein's chart doesn't have is a raja yoga formed by Rahu and Ketu.
• 1st lord, Mercury, is placed in the 10th house in Pisces (debilitation sign).
• 5th lord, Venus, is placed in the 10th house in Pisces (exaltation sign).
• 9th lord, Saturn, is placed in the 10th house.
• 10th lord, Jupiter, is placed in the 9th house.
• 1st lord, Mercury, conjuncts 5th lord, Venus.
• 4th lord, Mercury, conjuncts 5th lord, Venus.
• 1st lord, Mercury, conjuncts 9th lord, Saturn.
• 4th lord, Mercury, conjuncts 9th lord, Saturn.
• 9th lord, Saturn, exchanges signs with 10th lord, Jupiter (parivartana yoga).
• Neecha bhanga raja yoga - debilitated Mercury conjuncts exalted Venus.
• Raja yoga formed by trinal lords - 5th lord, Venus, conjuncts 9th lord, Saturn.
• Harsha viparita raja yoga - 6th lord, Mars, is placed in the 8th house in
Capricorn (exaltation sign).
Quantitative Analysis:
Raja Yogas - 12
In contrast to the twelve raja yogas in Einstein's chart, Paul Newman has only
seven. However, five out of seven of these all involve the lagna lord, Jupiter, who
is immensely strong due to being the lagna lord in the lagna in its mulatrikona
sign. Therefore, this is a good example of how important the quality of the raja
yogas is, and not just quantity. Of course, when there's both quantity and quality
then it's extraordinary as in Einstein's chart. Newman's chart is also a good
example of how powerful it is to have the lagna and lagna lord strong and
involved in a raja yoga. The entire chart and all the other yogas are enhanced as
discussed in the section on The Importance of the Ascendant in the introduction.
Two raja yogas are formed by the conjunction between Jupiter and Mercury.
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Lesson 14 Yogas: Key Planetary Combinations – Part 2
These are the 1st lord Jupiter conjunct the 7th lord Mercury, and 1st lord Jupiter
conjunct the 10th lord Mercury. Also, Mercury simply being placed in the 1st
house forms two more raja yogas as the 7th and 10th lord. For lagnas ruled by
either Jupiter or Mercury, raja yogas must involve at least one of these two
planets, since they're the only angular lords. You can see in Einstein's list of raja
yogas that all involve either Mercury or Jupiter, unless they're one of the other
four types of raja yogas. Another raja yoga in Newman's chart is 1st lord Jupiter
aspecting 5th lord Mars. None of the other types of raja yogas apply to
Newman's chart, so his list of raja yogas is only seven. This is in contrast to his
high quantity of dhana yogas, thirteen, which we discussed earlier.
Quantitative Analysis:
Raja Yogas - 7
First of all, the 7th lord, Saturn, and 4th lord, Venus, are placed in Cancer forming
two raja yogas by placement in the lagna. the lagna lord Moon is placed in the 5th
house, so this is also a raja yoga by placement. The Moon is aspected by the raja
yoga karaka for Cancer lagna, Mars, forming two raja yogas between the 1st lord
and the 5th and 10th lord. Since the Moon is debilitated in Scorpio, and Mars is the
lord of Scorpio, this also forms an excellent neecha bhanga raja yoga. However,
this is only a one-sided aspect, not a mutual aspect between
Mars and the Moon, so it's not as strong as being in sambandha. If it was a
mutual aspect it would also form a chandra mangala yoga. Still, Mars is strong in
the fire sign of Leo, and aspecting its own sign so it is quite potent. It forms three
raja yogas with the Moon.
There are three more raja yogas that are significant. First, notice that Ketu is in a
trinal house conjunct with an angular lord, the Moon. So again, this combination
with the Moon forms another raja yoga. Ketu is also aspected by the 10th lord
Mars. Lastly, the 12th lord Mercury is placed in the 12th house in its own sign of
Gemini forming a strong viparita raja yoga. When the 12th house is protected by
its lord, like it is here, then it minimizes losses thereby protecting his wealth.
• 1st lord, Moon, is placed in the 5th house in Scorpio (debilitation sign).
• 5th lord, Mars, aspects 1st lord, Moon.
• 10th lord, Mars, aspects 1st lord, Moon.
• 4th lord, Venus, is placed in the 1st house.
• 7th lord, Saturn, is placed in the 1st house.
• Neecha bhanga raja yoga - debilitated Moon is aspected by debilitation
lord, Mars.
• Raja yoga formed by Ketu - Ketu is in the 5th house conjunct 1st lord, Moon.
• Raja yoga formed by Ketu - Ketu is in the 5th house aspected by the 10th lord,
Mars.
• Vimala viparita raja yoga - 12th lord, Mercury, is placed in the 12th house in
Gemini (own sign).
Quantitative Analysis:
Raja Yogas - 9
Like in the previous three example charts, notice how her lagna lord Sun is
involved in multiple raja yogas. It is conjunct 10th lord Venus, and aspected by
5th lord Jupiter.
Oprah’s yogas increase in strength because they involve the two best benefics,
Venus and Jupiter. Add to this the fact that they involve the 10th lord, and a
planet aspecting the Sun from the 10th house, Jupiter. Raja yogas are obviously
more beneficial for career success when they involve the 10th house and/or the
10th lord.
Jupiter in the 10th house also forms multiple raja yogas due to its mutual aspect
with the 4th and 9th lord Mars. This raja yoga is particularly strong because Mars
is the raja yoga karaka for Leo ascendant, and it's in its own sign, Scorpio. Like in
Trump's chart, Oprah has a debilitated Moon, and therefore its conjunction with
Mars, its debilitation lord, forms a neecha bhanga raja yoga.
Quantitative Analysis:
Raja Yogas - 7
JFK's chart offers a contrast to our first four examples, because even though the
lagna lord is still involved in raja yogas, the lagna lord is placed in the 8th house
and aspected by malefics, Mars and Saturn. We discussed in the previous
arishta yoga section how this caused severe health problems throughout his life.
Yet, he still rose to the height of the presidency of the United States due to the
raja yogas present in his chart as well.
First of all, notice that the lagna lord, Mercury, is aspected by the 5th lord Saturn,
forming two raja yogas between the 1st and 5th lords, and the 10th and 5th lords.
Mercury is also conjunct Mars who forms a powerful viparita raja yoga by being
the 8th lord in the its own sign of Aries in the 8th house. We can't say that
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Lesson 14 Yogas: Key Planetary Combinations – Part 2
Mercury forms a viparita raja yoga itself by association with Mars, but we're
noting that their conjunction is certainly adding Mars's powerful qualities like
courage and ambition to the lagna lord.
The other raja yogas in his chart all involve Jupiter, the 4th and 7th lord, and its
placement in Taurus in the 9th house with Venus, the 9th lord. This forms four
raja yogas and from there Jupiter aspects the lagna, which we discussed in the
last section as being an important arishta bhanga. These raja yogas formed by
Jupiter in the 9th house, the house of the father, with the 9th lord, along with the
Sun, the karaka of the father, clearly shows how beneficial his father was to his
rise and success. It was the fact that he was the eldest son of the wealthy and
influential Kennedy family, that gave him a strong foot in the door in the political
world. These raja yogas clearly show this.
Quantitative Analysis:
Raja Yogas - 7
It's interesting to see that all his raja yogas take place in the 7th house of
relationship, in the militaristic sign of Aries. The one exception is that the mutual
aspect between the 7th lord, Mars, and the 5th lord, Saturn, forms a raja yoga in
both the 7th house and 10th houses. What does this indicate? A powerful
marriage? It may, but more importantly it shows his incredible ability to dominate
others to achieve his own ambitious aims. Remember that the 7th house is not
only the house of marriage, but indicates our relationship to others in general.
For Hitler his 7th house is the combative sign of Aries, with ruler Mars strongly
placed there in its own sign.
Three of Hitler's ten raja yogas are formed by this powerful Mars, as the 7th lord
in the 7th house. It's conjunct 1st lord, Venus, and 9th lord, Mercury, as well as
mutually aspecting 5th lord, Saturn. Therefore, Mars combines with all the trinal
lords adding tremendous power to fulfill his dictatorial objectives. Notice how
Mars is also conjunct an exalted Sun, and both are strong by sign and house
position. Since the 11th Sun is not a trinal or angular lord it doesn't form any raja
yogas. However, it is important to note as a factor adding political, administrative
and authoritarian power to the military power of Mars. Political or administrative
leaders of an organization will often have a prominent Sun in their charts
aspected by Saturn. As we mentioned in Lesson 11, Saturn's mutual aspect to
Mars adds a ruthless controlling quality to Hitler's military and political power that
is often seen in the charts of criminals or serial killers.
Five raja yogas in his chart are formed by 1st lord Venus. It's placed in the 7th
house, conjunct 7th lord, Mars, and 9th lord, Mercury, as well as aspected by raja
yoga karaka 4th and 5th lord, Saturn. It's Venus that gave him his seductive
charm and charisma. Venus conjunct Mars gives sexual passion, whereas Venus
conjunct Mercury gives charismatic speech. This increases when they both
conjunct the Sun, which is a combination that is often seen in actors. Jupiter's
aspect expands this charismatic quality still further and made him also
philosophically idealistic. Saturn's one-sided aspect to 9th lord, Mercury, can be
considered a partial raja yoga by trinal lords since it's not a mutual aspect.
Quantitative Analysis:
Raja Yogas - 10
Actress Angelina Jolie has steadily climbed in popularity to become one of the
highest paid actresses in Hollywood today. This rise in her career is to be
expected when you see the multiple raja yogas in her chart.
First of all, notice that Venus, her 4th lord, is placed in the lagna giving her
physical beauty and charm. In addition, her lagna lord, Moon, is placed in
the 9th house. Already this gives two raja yogas, one in the lagna, and the
other involving the lagna lord. But it only gets better from here.
Notice that the Moon is conjunct the raja yoga karaka 5th and 10th lord, Mars,
adding two more raja yogas to the lagna lord. This is also a chandra mangala
yoga giving wealth. Jupiter, the 9th lord, is also in the 9th house conjunct the
Moon and Mars, forming three more raja yogas. One of these is between the
9th and 10th lords forming the best raja yoga, the dharma karma adhipati yoga.
So this combination of all three trinal lords takes place in the 9th house giving
her tremendous wealth and success.
The 7th and 8th lord, Saturn, also aspects the combination of the Moon, Mars,
and Jupiter in the 9th house adding still more raja yogas as an angular lord
aspecting all three trinal lords. Notice that Saturn's position also forms a viparita
raja yoga as the 8th lord placed in the 12th house. However, as the 8th lord, this
also forms an arishta yoga with the lagna lord, Moon. This reduces the overall
strength of these yogas to some extent, and could indicate a chronic health
challenge that she may need to deal with at some point. The 8th house also
represents sexual energy, and so this aspect to the lagna lord and 10th lord,
while Venus is also placed in her lagna indicates the sexual charm and charisma
that she projects.
It's interesting that Mars and Saturn also mutual aspect one another, as in Hitler's
chart, and she often plays the role of a beautiful diva goddess warrior who can be
strong, tough and ruthless. However, Mars and most of her planets are placed in
feminine water signs, as opposed to Aries for Hitter. Overall, the high quantity of
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twelve raja yogas in her chart show an impressive balance of both masculine and
feminine energies, which adds to her popularity and versatility as a Hollywood
actress.
Quantitative Analysis:
Raja Yogas - 12
This is the chart of a man who never attained fame or celebrity status, but who
had a very successful career as a tax accountant. For much of his career he
ran his own private practice and was able to retire comfortably at age 60.
Natal Chart
First of all, notice that his lagna lord, Venus, is placed in the 9th house conjunct
the 10th lord, Moon. Angelina Jolie also had this combination of the 1st and 10th
lord in the 9th house. The 1st and 10th lord combining anywhere in the chart will
be beneficial to some degree for career success, but it's especially strong when
it's placed in the most benefic 9th house. Looking more closely at lagna lord,
Venus, notice that it exchanges signs with Mercury, forming another raja yoga
between the 1st and 9th lord. Mercury represents accountants and anyone
working with mathematical calculations. Mercury is placed in the 8th house, the
house of taxes and other people's money, and in the practical and rational sign of
Taurus.
Mercury's conjunction with the raja yoga karaka 4th and 5th lord, Saturn, forms
two more raja yogas. This makes the 8th house very prominent and powerful.
However, does it ruin the raja yogas to be placed in the most malefic dusthana
house? The answer is that they will still benefit the indications of the 8th house,
while at the same time being weakened to some degree. These raja yogas
benefited him as a tax accountant and dealing with other people's money, but did
not allow his career to rise as high as it would have if this combination were
placed in an angle or trine.
Mars's aspect to Mercury and Saturn forms two more raja yogas between the 7th
and 9th lord, and the 7th and 5th lord. Notice how Saturn and Mars are again in
mutual aspect like Jolie, and Hitler. However, unlike Hitler's chart, neither of them
aspect any of the personality indicators - the lagna, lagna lord, Moon, or Sun.
He's not an abrasive person by nature, let alone being harsh or ruthless. Only
benefic planets surround his lagna lord, Venus, and the Moon, making him very
friendly and likeable. This helped him in his accounting practice where he
worked one on one with clients. In total he has eleven raja yogas, which is a high
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quantity, including one by Rahu being placed in the angular 10th house aspected
by the 5th lord, Saturn. The only type of raja yoga from our list that he doesn't
have is a neecha bhanga raja yoga.
Quantitative Analysis:
Raja Yogas - 11
Quiz #76:
st
Why doesn’t a planet that rules the 1 house and an angular house become
a raja yoga karaka, and form a raja yoga wherever it’s placed?
st
1) Because even though the 1 house is considered both an angle and trine,
it’s primary considered to be an angular house. A planet that rules two angular
houses can’t become a raja yoga karaka, and form raja yoga wherever it’s
placed.
2) Because a single planet can’t form a raja yoga wherever it’s placed. It
must combine with another planet.
st
3) It’s a trick question. The 1 house lord never rules an angular house also.
4) It’s a trick question. It does become a raja yoga karaka, and form a raja yoga
wherever it’s placed.
5) It's a trick question. None of the above.
The answer is at the end of the lesson.
For review, when two planets exchange signs they are located in signs ruled by
each other. This is called a mutual reception in Western astrology. For instance,
in Einstein's chart Saturn is in Pisces (Jupiter's sign), while Jupiter is in Aquarius
(Saturn's sign).
Exchanges are the least obvious way that sambandha is formed because the two
planets usually appear to not aspect one another at all. Sometimes planets can
be in mutual aspect and exchanging signs. We saw this in Chart Example #5 in
the arishta yoga section, when Saturn was in Leo while the Sun was in the
opposite sign of Aquarius. However, this is usually not the case. Therefore, the
realization that there's any connection between those two planets can easily slip
the attention of the astrologer. This can be disastrous to the interpretation, since
exchanges have a dramatic impact, just like planets in mutual aspect do.
To avoid this, K.N. Rao wanted to make sure that astrologers develop the habit
of looking for exchanges. This is well advised, since you'll find quotes in classic
texts that also emphasize this. For instance, in the following quote sage
Satyacharya lists exchanges first in his list of important steps to take when
analyzing the effects of dasha periods:
Another quote is by sage Parashara from the last section, who puts
exchanges first in his list of possible ways that a raja yoga can be formed:
Unlike the first three categories of yogas that we've studied so far (dhana yogas,
arishta yogas, and raja yogas), parivartana yogas are not inherently benefic or
malefic yogas. The yoga(s) that the house lords make will determine if their
combination is beneficial or not. The same is true when planets mutually
aspecting one another, and the same rules apply. For instance, when planets are
conjunct we can't assume that the conjunction is benefic or malefic. We need to
analyze the planets natural and temporal nature, their house rulerships, and the
yogas that they form to make that determination.
“If two planets occupy each other's sign (house) they are said to
have interchanged places. The action of the planets is also
called
Parivartana. There can be 66 such combinations caused by the
various pairs formed of the lords of the houses from the
ascendant - 1st to the 12th. 30 such pairs are made by the lords
of the 6th, 8th and 12th and these yogas are called Dainya; and
8 are created by the lord of the 3rd (Khala Yoga). The remaining
28 yogas are called Maha Yogas.”
- Phaladeepika, Ch.6, v.32 (translation S.S. Sareen)
• The lord of a dusthana house, 6, 8, or 12, exchanges signs with any of other
twelve house lords, including another dusthana house lord. (30 possible
combinations).
'Dainya' means 'lowly' or 'wretched.' This is the most malefic of the three types,
which makes sense since the dusthana houses are the most malefic houses. It
gives basically negative results since any house and its lord will be harmed to
some extent by connection with a dusthana lord. Here's what sage Mantreshwara
gives as its results:
“The native born with a Dainya Yoga in his birth chart is a fool,
speaks ill of others, always acts sinfully, is tormented by his
enemies, always hurts the feelings of others by his speech and
is of unstable mind. Whatever he ventures it is full of hurdles.”
- Phaladeepika, Ch.6, v.33 (translation by S.S. Sareen)
This is an entirely negative description, but we can't take these results literally
and need to remember that any combination will give some positive results as
well. For instance, if the 8th lord exchanges houses with the 2nd lord, it could be
difficult for the person to manifest a stable income. On the other hand, they could
receive an inheritance at some point in their life, or benefit from other people's
money.
• The lord of the 3rd house exchanges signs with any of other twelve house lords.
(8 possible combinations).
results, some negative and some positive. This makes sense since the 3rd house
is considered a mildly dusthana house, and the most malefic after the dusthana
houses. Here's what sage Mantreshwara gives as its results:
“The native born with a Khala Yoga in his birth chart is some
times haughty and at times very gentle and polite. His life is
dotted with both success and failure. At times he has God's plenty
and at another he is in distress, poverty, misery and the like.”
- Phaladeepika, Ch.6, v.33 (translation by S.S. Sareen)
Since the 3rd house is the house of courage, sage Mantreshwara also gives the
following results when the lagna lord exchanges signs with the 3rd lord:
“When the lord of the 3rd house and that of the Ascendant are
connected by their mutual exchange of places and are strong,
the native shall be brave, valorous, friendly to his brothers and
capable of performing daring acts."
- Phaladeepika, Ch.16, v.7, (translation by S.S. Sareen)
Notice that Mantreshwara gives positive results when there's an exchange with
the lagna lord, and they are both strong. In other words, the 3rd house and its
lord benefit by connection with a temporal benefic lord. In this case, the positive
qualities of the 3rd house predominate.
• The lord of an angle, trine, or the 2nd or 11th house exchanges signs with the
lord of an angle, trine, or the 2nd or 11th house. (28 possible combinations).
In other words, any exchange that does not involve the lords of the 3rd, 6th,
8th, or 12th house is a maha parivartana yoga. 'Maha' means 'great.' Here's
what sage Mantreshwara gives as its results:
“The native born with a Maha Yoga in his birth chart will be
endowed with the blessings of the Goddess Shri (Lakshmi), will
have enormous wealth, will have garments of variegated
colors, wear gold ornaments, will be richly rewarded by the
sovereign with gifts and administrative authority and possess
vehicles, wealth and children.”
- Phaladeepika, Ch.6, v.33 (translation by S.S. Sareen)
A maha parivartana yoga will often produce another beneficial yoga like a raja
yoga or a dhana yoga. For instance, Einstein's exchange between the 9th and
10th lords is a raja yoga. However, if two angular house lords exchange signs,
like the 4th and 10th lords, it would still give the above listed results to some
• 9th lord and 10th lord - maha parivartana yoga, raja yoga.
• 9th lord and 7th lord - maha parivartana yoga, raja yoga.
• 8th lord and 10th lord - dainya parivartana yoga.
• 8th lord and 7th lord - dainya parivartana yoga.
Many astrologers make the mistake in thinking that planets only exchange the
houses that they reside in. However, the same rules apply to exchanges as with
planets in mutual aspect - both houses that the planet's rule need to be factored
into the interpretation. For instance, in Einstein's chart Mercury's conjunction with
Saturn in the 10th house also produces four combinations:
When planets produce multiple parivartana yogas, which of the four exchanges is
most important? Give importance to the obvious one formed by the planets
house placement. For instance, in Einstein's chart give importance to:
• 9th lord and 10th lord - maha parivartana yoga, raja yoga.
This can be considered the primary parivartana yoga, and the other three
secondary. This is because a planet takes on the characteristics of the sign and
house it's placed in, being its visible astronomical position. Placement (P) is the
basic starting point of interpretation. In Einstein's case, if Jupiter were in the 8th
house, not the 9th, it would be much different and all four of the parivartana
yogas would be weaker. Then the dainya parivartana yoga would predominate in
effect over the maha parivartana yoga. Jupiter would be weaker by house
position in the 8th house, and it would be weaker by sign position, in its
debilitation sign of Capricorn.
All of the parivartana yogas that two planets form need to be factored into the
interpretation, but give primary importance to the one formed by their house
positions.
Chopra’s 10th lord, Mars, also rules the 3rd house of writing. Therefore, the khala
parivartana yoga that it forms with raja yoga karaka, Venus, is especially
beneficial for his writing pursuits.
• 9th lord and 10th lord - maha parivartana yoga, raja yoga.
• 9th lord and 3rd lord - khala parivartana yoga.
• 4th lord and 10th lord - maha parivartana yoga.
• 4th lord and 3rd lord - khala parivartana yoga.
Quantitative Analysis:
Parivartana Yogas - 4
Oprah had a challenging relationship with her younger half-sister, Patricia Lee-
Lloyd, which can be seen by this exchange with the lord of the house of siblings,
3rd house, and lord of the house of conflict, 6th house. In 1990, her sister sold a
story about her to the National Inquirer regarding Oprah becoming pregnant at
age 14. (The child died shortly after birth). Oprah said she felt totally betrayed,
but this one incident is indicative of their long term conflictual relationship. In
2003 her sister died from a drug overdose after struggling with cocaine addiction.
Notice also that Oprah has a maha parivartana yoga between the 7th lord and
the 10th lord. This connects her work with relationships and social
connections, which makes sense with her profession as a TV talk show host.
Quantitative Analysis:
Parivartana Yogas - 4
Evel Knievel (born Robert Craig Knievel) was a motorcycle daredevil stunt performer
who became famous in the 1970's. In 1971 he set a world record by jumping over 19
cars. During his career he broke 37 broken bones, which earned
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an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the survivor of the "most
bones broken in a lifetime."
Notice the khala parivartana yoga between 1st lord, Saturn, and the 3rd lord,
Jupiter. This is an excellent example of how the classic texts can sometimes be
taken literally. See again the quote by sage Mantreshwara about a 3rd and 1st
lord exchange:
“When the lord of the 3rd house and that of the Ascendant are
connected by their mutual exchange of places and are strong,
the native shall be brave, valorous, friendly to his brothers and
capable of performing daring acts."
- Phaladeepika, Ch.16, v.7, (translation by S.S. Sareen)
The quality of courage is enhanced in Knievel's chart because not only is Saturn
placed in the 3rd house of courage, but it's aspected by Mars, the planet of
courage. Notice also that the 3rd lord, Jupiter, is debilitated in Capricorn.
However, the parivartana yoga forms a neecha bhanga raja yoga due to Jupiter's
exchange with its debilitation lord, Saturn.
Besides being a courageous person, Knievel was also a performer and the 3rd
house is the house of performing arts. A connection between the 3rd and 1st
and/or 3rd and 10th lords can often be seen in the charts of actors, musicians,
and performers of all kinds.
• 1st lord and 3rd lord - khala parivartana yoga, neecha bhanga raja yoga.
• 1st lord and 12th lord - dainya parivartana yoga, neecha bhanga raja yoga,
arishta yoga.
• 2nd lord and 3rd lord - khala parivartana yoga.
• 2nd lord and 12th lord - dainya parivartana yoga.
Quantitative Analysis:
Parivartana Yogas - 4
Because Mars rules both an angle and a trine for Cancer lagna, the 5th and 10th
houses, it becomes the raja yoga karaka. Therefore, its combination with the
Moon will repeat the same list of beneficial yogas as the 1st and 10th lords
combine as well. Keep in mind that since both the Moon and Mars are debilitated
they both form neecha bhanga raja yogas, doubling the beneficial effect. By
contrast, Evel Knievel only had one neecha bhanga raja yoga as a result of the
exchange.
An exchange between the 1st and 5th lords is beneficial for creative pursuits
since the 5th house is the house of creativity and, more specifically, publishing.
His publishing success is virtually unparalleled with his books selling more than
350 million copies, in addition to many becoming movies as well.
• 1st lord and 5th lord - maha parivartana yoga, raja yoga, neecha bhanga raja
yoga, dhana yoga.
• 1st lord and 10th lord - maha parivartana yoga, raja yoga, neecha bhanga raja
yoga.
Quantitative Analysis:
Parivartana Yogas - 2
Natal Chart
This is the chart of the tax accountant that we discussed in the Raja Yoga
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Section. Notice how there's a dainya parivartana yoga between the 8th and 9th
lords. This creates an interesting situation where the most benefic house lord, the
9th house, goes to the most malefic house, the 8th house, and vice versa. In
every mutual aspect one planet benefits more than the other. In this case, the 8th
lord and 8th house benefit more than the 9th lord and the 9th house. This man
made his fortune (9th house) by working with other people's money and helping
them with their taxes (8th house). The 8th house significations benefited greatly.
However, his father (9th house) died (8th house) when he was young so the 9th
house significations suffered.
Quantitative Analysis:
Parivartana Yogas - 4
Example 6 – Entrepreneur
This is the chart of an entrepreneur who also has an exchange between Venus
and Mercury as in the last example. This is a common exchange since
Mercury and Venus are never more than three signs away from one another.
As in the last example, the 1st lord is involved in a dainya parivartana yoga.
Natal Chart
His 1st and 12th lord exchange is a combination for losses, which is obviously not
desirable for an entrepreneur. However, the 5th lord Venus placed in the lagna and
aspected by 10th lord, Jupiter, forms a highly creative and beneficial raja yoga. His
career has been checkered by both losses and gains, which have sometimes
produced big gains followed by big losses. After every substantial loss, he's
somehow been able to remake himself and start up an entirely new new business.
Notice that Venus and Mercury also form two maha parivartana yogas, which
additionally form two other raja yogas and a dhana yoga. One of his businesses
has been day-trading in the stock market, which has played out his pattern for big
gains followed by big losses to a more dramatic level.
He has a second exchange between the 3rd lord, Sun, and the 11th lord, Mars,
which form two khala parivartana yogas. This combination give a strong desire
nature since these are two kama houses. This gives him tremendous strength of
will since not only is the 3rd lord involved, but also Mars and the Sun which are
two powerful and energetic planets. This combination adds to his quality of
resiliency to bounce back after a loss and pursue another goal.
• 1st lord and 12th lord - dainya parivartana yoga, arishta yoga.
• 1st lord and 5th lord - maha parivartana yoga, raja yoga, dhana yoga.
• 4th lord and 12th lord - dainya parivartana yoga.
• 4th lord and 5th lord - maha parivartana yoga, raja yoga.
Quantitative Analysis:
Parivartana Yogas - 6
CNN founder and media mogul billionaire, Ted Turner, also has an exchange
involving the 1st lord, but instead of it being placed in the 12th house, it's in the
11th house of gains. This is a maha parivartana yoga and a first rate dhana yoga.
It's a good example of the double reinforcing power of a parivartana yoga
mentioned earlier. Just having either the 11th lord placed in the lagna or the
lagna lord placed in the 11th house could give significant wealth. However, to
have both makes this an extremely good yoga for wealth. It's like the 1st and
11th lords are conjunct, while also being placed in two wealth-producing houses.
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This forms three dhana yogas: one by aspect, and two by placement. This
connection between Mercury and Mars is particularly good for business ventures
and is often seen in the charts of businessmen. Mercury is also the significator
for the media and communication industry.
Turner has another maha parivartana yoga between 4th lord, Saturn, and 5th
lord, Jupiter, which also forms a raja yoga. Saturn's placement in the 5th house is
particularly beneficial for him since it's the 3rd lord, which represents the
communications industry. The two khala parivartana yogas that 3rd lord, Saturn,
forms with 2nd and 5th lord, Jupiter, connects the 3rd house with two houses of
wealth. This further indicates his ability to produce wealth through the media and
communications industry.
• 1st lord and 11th lord - maha parivartana yoga, dhana yoga.
• 1st lord and 8th lord - dainya parivartana yoga, arishta yoga.
• 6th lord and 11th lord - dainya parivartana yoga.
• 6th lord and 8th lord - dainya parivartana yoga, arishta yoga.
• 4th lord and 5th lord - maha parivartana yoga, raja yoga.
• 4th lord and 2th lord - maha parivartana yoga.
• 3rd lord and 5th lord - khala parivartana yoga.
• 3rd lord and 2nd lord - khala parivartana yoga.
Quantitative Analysis:
Parivartana Yogas - 8
K.N. Rao's favorite example of parivartana yogas is the former prime minister of
India, Indira Gandhi. She has three exchanges which is highly unusual. It's the
most that a person could have since it involves six out of the seven planets that
rule constellations. The only planet in her chart that doesn't form an exchange is
Mercury (excluding Rahu and Ketu).
First of all, her lagna lord, Moon, exchanges signs with 7th lord, Saturn, forming a
maha parivartana yoga and raja yoga. However, it also forms a dainya
parivartana yoga, since Saturn is also the 8th lord. The 8th house is the house of
secrecy and intrigue, which plagued her political career.
The exchange that indicates her political power is the maha parivartana yoga
formed by 5th, lord, Mars, and 2nd lord, Sun. These are the two primary planets
of political power. Mars is placed in the political sign of Leo, and also rules the
10th house forming another maha parivartana yoga between the 2nd lord and
10th lord.
Lastly, the 6th lord, Jupiter, exchanges signs with the 11th lord, Venus. This
dainya parivartana yoga between the two best benefics shows her personal
charm that drew many supporters. The 6th house is also the house of conflict
and fighting, and this combined with her powerful Mars shows her ability to fight.
She campaigned as the unlikely candidate to win, being a woman in a male-
dominated society. She was a fierce campaigner and triumphed over her political
enemies (6th house). Notice how this exchange also forms a maha parivartana
yoga and raja yoga between the 4th and 9th lords, as well a maha parivartana
yoga and dhana yoga between the 9th and 11th lords. Since Jupiter becomes the
9th lord of 'luck' for Cancer lagna, its connection with the 11th lord, Venus, gave
her the luck and blessing she needed to win political position (11th house).
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Lesson 14 Yogas: Key Planetary Combinations – Part 2
• 1st lord and 7th lord - maha parivartana yoga, raja yoga.
• 1st lord and 8th lord - dainya parivartana yoga, arishta yoga.
• 2nd lord and 5th lord - maha parivartana yoga, dhana yoga.
• 2nd lord and 10th lord - maha parivartana yoga.
Quantitative Analysis:
Parivartana Yogas – 8
Quiz #77
What is the most benefic of the three types of parivartana yogas?
1) Dainya parivartana
2) Khala parivartana
3) Maha parivartana
4) It’s a trick question. They’re all benefic.
5) It's a trick question. None of the above.
The answer is at the end of the lesson.
• Hemmed in
• Retrograde
• Combust
• Planetary War
• Sandhi or Gandanta
Any yoga in the chart can also be considered a special feature. Therefore, all of
the hundreds of remaining yogas, which we've yet to discuss, fit into this last
category. If we overlook identifying a yoga operating in the chart then our
interpretation will also be thrown off to some extent. We've seen that this is
especially true with the yogas that are trickier to interpret correctly like:
• Parivartana Yogas
• Neecha Bhanga Raja Yogas
• Viparita Raja Yogas
• Rahu and Ketu Forming Raja Yogas
• Vasumat Yogas
You can see that we've already covered many special features in this course. In
this section, we're now going to discuss several more common and important
yogas that we shouldn't miss when analyzing a chart. Most of these yogas are
formed exclusively by the placements of planets, irrespective of their house
rulership or aspects. This is in contrast to the yogas that we've already discussed
in this lesson - dhana yogas, arishta yogas, raja yogas, etc., which are almost
entirely dependent on house rulerships and aspects.
Before we discuss these new yogas, I want to share an initial method for
analyzing yogas, which particularly applies to yogas formed by placement.
"When you first look at a chart, just get a feel for it. Don't think
about house rulerships or aspects or complicated yogas. Just
see where the planets are placed and notice what patterns you
see. Notice what strikes you as significant in the horoscope."
I thought this was excellent advice, since Vedic astrology can get so complicated
so fast with its seemingly endless array of methods for analyzing a chart. Instead
of getting lost in subtleties, Rao was suggesting to first focus on the planets
placement, and the simpler yogas that they form, which we'll be discussing in this
section. Don't consider house rulerships, aspects, and any complicated yogas at
first. Just get a feel for the chart, look for patterns, and note what special features
jump out at you. This is how K.N. Rao begins studying a chart. He said, "Every
astrologer has his style and this is mine."
Since his PAC-DARES method begins with (P) for placement, this initial method
fits in well with what we've already been learning in these lessons. The only
difference is to add the yogas based on placement to this methodology. We're
now ready to discuss these.
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Lesson 14 Yogas: Key Planetary Combinations – Part 2
Nabhasa Yogas
Nabhasa Yogas are a large category of yogas based exclusively on the
placement of planets in certain patterns in the chart, and in the sky. 'Nabhasa'
means 'sky' or 'celestial,' and these yogas involve only the seven visible
planets (excluding Rahu and Ketu).
There are a total of 32 nabhasa yogas, which are divided into four categories:
• 7 Sankhya Nabhasa Yogas: Formed by the number of houses that the planets
are distributed among.
Every chart has one of the seven Sankhya Nabhasa Yogas, since the seven
planets are always distributed among a certain number of houses. Many people
will also have several other Nabhasa Yogas at least partially fulfilled. However,
it's very rare to find Ashraya, Dala, and Akriti Nabhasa Yogas fulfilled fully. The
high majority of these yogas were found only two or less times in a database of
3000 charts! Therefore, we can only realistically expect to find partial yogas, and
we need to modify the classical interpretations. We also need to modernize them.
For instance, approximately 1/3 of charts will have Sankhya Kedara Yoga, which
is formed when the planets are distributed among four houses. The classical
texts say that the person will be involved in agriculture, but obviously this doesn't
apply to 1/3 of all people!
What makes Nabhasa Yogas useful is that they reinforce sound interpretive
principles. For instance, you will develop the habit of analyzing whether there are
malefics or benefics in angular houses, or if there are areas in the chart with a
concentration of planets, like in the quadrants. Taking these steps to analyze
patterns will help you get a 'feel' for the chart, as K.N. Rao suggested. In fact,
many of the exercises in the Natal Chart Skills form were based on the Nabhasa
Yogas, and designed to help you recognize patterns.
The Nabhasa Yogas indicate personality traits and trends that apply throughout a
person's life, not merely during a dasha period. They don't override the effects of
other major yogas, like raja yogas, etc., and they're not more important than
analyzing the personality indicators: lagna, lagna lord, Sun, and Moon, but they
add to this understanding. Nevertheless, it's a good habit to analyze them first in
order to pick up hints about personality. In fact, sage Parashara gives a clue that
the Nabhasa Yogas should be analyzed first by beginning with them in his
section on Yogas in the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, when he says:
Since most Nabhasa Yogas will only be partially fulfilled, what we're looking for is
a predominance of planets fulfilling the yoga. Keep in mind that when the
personality indicators form the yoga: lagna, lagna lord, Sun, or Moon, then its
effect on the personality is much stronger.
Even though we can only expect to find partial yogas (other than with the Sankhya
Yogas), I've listed the classical way that the yoga is formed. I've also included the
percentage of charts that fulfill it, based on a database of 3000 charts. This will help
you gauge how rare or common the yoga is. Lastly, I've given modern results,
based on the classical texts. Let's now learn the Nabhasa Yogas, focusing first on
the category that applies to all charts: Sankhya Nabhasa
Yogas.
Logical Principles:
1) Planets concentrated in only one or two houses indicate imbalance and
struggle. The opposite is generally the case when planets are more evenly
distributed.
2) The results will generally correspond to the house and sign number that equates
to the number of houses the planets are distributed among. For instance, the
results of Shula Yoga corresponds to the 3rd house, and 3rd sign (Gemini); Kedara
Yoga corresponds to the 4th house and 4th sign (Cancer), etc.
Name How Formed Results
1. Gola All planets in 1 sign 1st house and Aries, but there's an
(Sphere) 0/3000 (0%) imbalance due to the concentration
of planets: short-lived, lazy, selfish,
lacks wealth, learning, and
intelligence.
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2. Yuga All planets in 2 signs 2nd house and Taurus, but there's an
(Pair) 7/3000 (0.23%) imbalance due to the concentration of
planets: Impoverished, harsh speech,
lacks virtue.
3. Shula All planets in 3 signs 3rd house and Gemini: brave, strong
(Spear) 150/3000 (5.0%) will, warrior-like, assertive,
communicative, engages in debate.
Examples: Adolf Hitler. Mohammed Ali, Stephen King.
4. Kedara All planets in 4 signs 4th house and Cancer: Helpful,
(Field) 900/3000 (30.0%) supportive, dutiful towards family,
courteous, wealth through property,
interest in gardening or agriculture.
Examples: Oprah Winfrey, Albert Einstein, Angelina Jolie.
5. Pasha All planets in 5 signs 5th house and Leo: Skillful,
(Snare) 1100/3000 (36.6%) productive, creative, intelligent,
expressive.
Examples: Paul Newman, Mahatma Gandhi, Ted Turner.
6. Dama All planets in 6 signs 6th house and Virgo: Helpful,
(String) 570/3000 (19.0%) philanthropic, devoted to public
service, benevolent, courageous in
battle.
Examples: Indira Gandhi, J.P. Morgan, Donald Trump.
7. Vina All planets in 7 signs 7th house and Libra: Creative, skilled
(Lute) 70/3000 (2.3%) in art and music, a leader, wealthy,
many comforts and luxuries.
Examples: George Harrison.
Logical Principles:
1) The moveable (cardinal) signs are rajasic in nature: creative, active, and good
Logical Principles:
1) If there are benefics in angular houses then the person's life generally
develops smoothly.
2) If there are malefics in angular house then the person's life generally develops
with struggle.
Note: When Mercury or the Moon are with malefics, then they act as
malefics, since they're impressionable planets.
Name How Formed Results
1. Mala All benefics in angular Smooth progress in life,
(Garland) houses. receives support, protection,
7/3000 (0.23%) comforts, luxuries, and is happy.
Partial Yoga Examples: Mahatma Gandhi, Paul Newman.
The most useful of the Akriti Yogas, in my opinion, are the four yogas that are
formed by planets placed in the quadrants. We learned about the quadrants in
Lesson 6, and added the Quadrants Exercise in the Natal Chart Skills form at the
end of Lesson 6. Please review this. If you do the Quadrants Exercise, then you'll
basically be applying four of the Akriti Yogas. These will help train your mind to
look for a concentration of planets in one of the four quadrants:
2) Next, analyze the Ashraya Nabhasa Yogas to determine in which type of sign
the planets are predominantly concentrated: Moveable, Fixed, or Dual.
If you take these four steps when you first analyze a chart, giving importance to
the personality indicators: the lagna (if applicable), lagna lord, Sun, and Moon,
then you will pick up many valuable clues about the person's personality traits,
as well as general trends in their life.
Let's now look at some more important yogas that are also based exclusively on
the placement of planets: Amala Yoga, Mahapurusha Yogas, and Gajakesari
Yoga.
Amala Yoga
How Formed:
One or more benefic in the 10th house from the lagna or the Moon.
Results:
Increases the success of one's career, wealth and reputation. Sage Parashara
gives this result:
"Amala Yoga will confer fame, lasting until the Moon and stars
exist, and will make the native honored by the king, enjoy
abundant pleasures, charitable, fond of relatives, helpful to
others, pious, and virtuous."
- Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Ch.36,
v.5 (translation by R. Santhanam)
Description:
This is one of the simplest yogas that you'll find, since it only requires one planet
being placed in one house. 'Amala' means 'pure, stainless,' which suggests that
the benefic(s) should be free of malefic aspect to give the yoga's full effects,
otherwise it will usually only give a partial effect.
It should be noted that a malefic placed in the 10th house may lead to success,
Logical Principles:
1) A benefic in an angular house will give strength and protection to the entire
chart, and especially to the house it is located in. A benefic in the 10th house, the
highest and most public angular house, benefits one's actions and achievements
in the outer world being the 'Karma Bhava' or 'House of Action.'
Examples:
K.N. Rao (Asc, Moon), Kim Kardashian (Asc), Oprah Winfrey (Asc), Deepak
Chopra (Asc), Ravi Shankar (Asc).
A good example of an Amala Yoga can be seen in the chart of K.N. Rao, with
Jupiter being placed in the 10th house in its sign of exaltation, Cancer. It's free
from any malefic conjunction or aspect, and it is placed in the 10th house from
both the lagna and the Moon, so it is doubly reinforced and strong in his chart.
K.N. Rao often says that because his 3rd lord, Jupiter, is placed in the 10th
house, astrology is only his hobby. The 3rd house being the house of hobbies.
He doesn't take money for his readings or the teaching he does at his school,
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. However, the 3rd house is also the house of writing, so
he has gained widespread fame and recognition through his books and
publications. Jupiter in the 10th house, also shows his work as a teacher and
counselor, which has also given him widespread fame. Therefore, the planet that
forms the Amala Yoga will indicate the type of achievements and work that a
person performs. You'll notice that his Jupiter in the 10th house in Cancer, also
forms an excellent gajakesari yoga and mahapurusha yoga, which we will
discuss now.
Gajakesari Yoga
How Formed:
Jupiter in an angular house from the lagna or the Moon.
Results:
Increases one's overall status, reputation, popularity, wealth, intelligence, and
virtuous qualities. Sage Parashara gives this result:
Description:
As we mentioned in the introduction, 'gajakesari' literally means 'elephant-
lion,' and the elephant and lion are the two kings of the jungle. Therefore, this
yoga can be considered a type of Raja Yoga since it increases status,
position, and success.
Most authors limit the definition of a gajakesari yoga to only Jupiter's angular
position from the Moon - not from the ascendant. However, sage Parashara
gives this definition:
1) It makes it clear that Jupiter is the significant planet, not the Moon.
Therefore, Jupiter's qualities predominate when a gajakesari yoga is present. It
increases one's reputation, popularity, and status, because the person is wise,
intelligent, dignified, broad-minded, solution-oriented, enthusiastic, and has a
positive attitude. Jupiter's qualities are the driving force behind this yoga. K.N.
Rao says this:
2) It makes it clear that Jupiter must be strong by sign placement and aspect. It
can't be combust, debilitated, in a weak sign, or devoid of benefic aspect. K.N.
Rao adds that it shouldn't be retrograde or have a malefic aspect either. If the
yoga is formed from the Moon, then if the Moon is strong the yoga improves. The
more these conditions are met, the stronger the yoga it is.
3) If the definition is just that Jupiter is on angle from the Moon with no conditions
then approximately 33% of all people will have this yoga. If you add that Jupiter
can also be in an angle from the lagna, then the yoga doubles in popularity to
66% of the population! Add the conditions, and the numbers become realistic,
which explains why a weak gajakesari yoga is only an average person with a
moderate reputation.
Logical Principles:
The angular houses from either the ascendant or the Moon are places of
strength. When Jupiter is placed there, then its qualities increase in strength
and predominate in the chart. If Jupiter is in an angular house from both the
ascendant and the Moon, then its qualities become even more strongly
reinforced in effect.
Examples:
Mahatma Gandhi (Asc, Moon), K.N. Rao (Asc, Moon), Oprah Winfrey (Asc,
Moon), Evel Knievel (Asc, Moon), Albert Einstein (Moon), Adolf Hitler (Moon),
Angelina Jolie (Moon), John F. Kennedy (Moon), Paul Newman (Asc), Stephen
King (Moon), Joseph Campbell (Asc).
The two malefic aspects, Rahu conjunct the Moon, and Jupiter aspected by
Mars, are both reduced in their negative effect because the Moon is strong in its
own sign, and Jupiter has a predominance of benefic aspects. He was a
progressive, innovative and revolutionary leader, which Rahu's conjunction with
the Moon represents. He was also a fighter, which Mars represents. However, he
was a diplomatic, non-violent fighter due to the predominance of Libran traits,
with Libra as the lagna and Venus, Mercury, and the Mars placed there.
Mahapurusha Yogas
How Formed:
One of the five planets: Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, or Saturn (all planets
excluding the Sun, Moon, Rahu, and Ketu), placed in an angular house from
the lagna or the Moon, while also being in its own or exalted sign.
Results:
Strengthens the positive qualities of the planet involved.
Description:
This yoga is also referred to as the Pancha Mahapurusha Yogas. 'Pancha'
means 'five,' 'maha' means 'great,' and 'purusha' means 'being or person.'
Therefore, these are the five yogas that form the five types of great beings relative
to each of the five planets. When Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, or Saturn are not
only strong by house position, by being in an angular house, but also strong by
sign position, in its own or exalted sign, then the positive qualities of those planets
increase and strengthen dramatically. The mahapurusha yogas are like an amala
yoga, or a gajakesari yoga on steroids, because of their super strengthened
condition. Therefore, whoever has a mahapurusha yoga in their chart could be said
to have developed those planet's qualities to an exemplary level in past lives. Of
course, this becomes especially true when the mahapurusha yoga is strong by
being unafflicted by malefic aspects.
A planet forming a mahapurusha yoga is often the strongest planet in a chart. For
this reason, it can't be overlooked in its ability to define a person's strongest
personality traits dominating their life. This is especially true when the
mahapurusha yoga planet affects the personality indicators: lagna, lagna lord,
Sun, and/or Moon.
Logical Principles:
The angular houses from either the ascendant or the Moon are places of
strength. When a planet is not only strong by house position, but also by sign
position it increases in strength dramatically. If the planet is in an angular house
from both the ascendant and the Moon, then its qualities become even more
strongly reinforced in their effect.
Results:
Strengthens the positive qualities of Mars. Makes one courageous, bold, strong,
powerful, ambitious, assertive, competitive and capable of overcoming obstacles
and defeating enemies.
Examples: Muhammad Ali (Asc, Moon), Oprah Winfrey (Asc, Moon), Adolf Hitler
(Asc), Kim Kardashian (Asc).
A good example of a ruchaka yoga can be seen in the chart of Muhammad Ali, an
American former boxer and three time world heavyweight champion. He's widely
considered to be the greatest boxer of all time. He was known for making bold
pronouncements saying, "I am the Greatest!" and taunting his opponents.
Notice how Mars is placed in Aries, its mulatrikona sign, while also being in an
angular house from both the ascendant and the Moon. Saturn conjunct or
aspecting Mars is often seen in the chart of athletes, and adds a strong work
ethic, discipline, and persevering tenacity to overcome one's competitors.
Results:
Strengthens the positive qualities of Mercury. Makes one intelligent, articulate,
communicative, witty, logical, analytical, and capable of academic learning and
communicating ideas.
"The native born in the Bhadra Yoga will enjoy longevity, will be of
sharp intellect, honest, praised by the learned, be a leader of
men, rich and impressive when addressing in the assembly."
- Phaladeepika, Ch.6, v.2,
(translation by S.S. Sareen)
You'll find approximately 1/3 fewer examples of bhadra yoga than any other
mahapurusha yoga, since Mercury only has two signs, not three, that it can be
placed in to form a bhadra yoga. This is because it's exalted and in its own sign
in Virgo.
A good example of a bhadra yoga can be seen in the chart of Bill Gates, who has
dominated the computer technology industry since the mid 1970's as the founder
and former CEO of Microsoft. He was the original computer geek, who had such
an astute intellect that, at age 13, he could decipher and re-write the computer
code of some of the world's first computers.
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Notice how Mercury is placed in Virgo, its exaltation sign, while also being in an
angular house from both the ascendant and the Moon. Mars conjunct or
aspecting Mercury is often seen in the chart of technicians and technically
minded individuals since Mars is the 'fix it' planet. It is also seen in the charts of
entrepreneurs, since Mars is a competitor and strategist, and Mercury represents
sales and marketing.
Results:
Strengthens the positive qualities of Jupiter. Makes one wise, philosophical,
ethical, generous, broad-minded, solution-oriented, positive, optimistic, and
capable of teaching and sharing wisdom.
Examples: Joseph Campbell (Asc), K.N. Rao (Asc, Moon), Paul Newman (Asc),
Angelina Jolie (Moon), Adolf Hitler (Moon).
A good example of a hamsa yoga can be seen in the chart of Joseph Campbell,
who was an exemplary philosopher, writer, scholar, and University professor for
38 years. His work in the field of mythology and his TV series, The Power of
Myth, has brought him lasting fame and recognition.
Notice how Jupiter is placed in Pisces, its own sign, in the 7th house from the
ascendant. Of the five planets in Pisces, Jupiter predominates in effect because
it is the strongest by sign position. In his case, it is also the only planet that also
aspects all the personality indicators: the lagna, lagna lord, Sun and Moon.
Jupiter combined with Mercury is often seen in the charts of professors, because
they also have to be good lecturers, scholars and writers. Jupiter and Mercury's
conjunction with Ketu, 8th lord, Mars, and 12th lord, Sun, shows his fascination
with ancient, occult knowledge. Pisces is the sign of unification, and his work
united the world's mythologies into one all-encompassing philosophy.
Results:
Strengthens the positive qualities of Venus. Makes one affectionate, kind,
sociable, relationship-oriented, diplomatic, refined in aesthetic taste, and capable
of creative expression.
Examples: Ravi Shankar (Asc), Mahatma Gandhi (Asc, Moon), K.N. Rao (Asc,
Moon), Albert Einstein (Asc), John F. Kennedy (Moon).
A good example of a malavya yoga can be seen in the chart of Ravi Shankar,
who is the world's most famous Indian musician and composer. He was the first
ambassador of Indian music to ever visit the West and has produced over 50
albums of sitar music. His long recording and performing career has spanned
more than 60 years.
Notice how Venus is placed in Pisces, its exalted sign, in the 10th house from the
ascendant. Venus is the planet of music as well as creativity. When it combines
with the Sun, it increases one's creative expression, leadership and authority. In
this case, the Sun is also the 3rd lord, which represents the performing arts.
Notice that 7th and 10th lord, Jupiter, also aspects Venus and the Sun. This is
extremely beneficial since not only does Jupiter form two raja yogas with Venus
as the 5th and 7th/10th lords combining, but Jupiter aspects from its sign of
exaltation.
Results:
Strengthens the positive qualities of Saturn. Makes one responsible, hard-
working, focused, disciplined, thorough, efficient, persevering, organized,
and capable of leadership.
"The person born in the Sasa yoga will be praised by one and all,
will have faithful attendants and be strong. He will be the
headman of the village or a king. By disposition he will be a
crooked man -- having an eye on other's wives. He will rob
others of their wealth to keep himself happy."
- Phaladeepika, Ch.6, v.4, (translation by S.S. Sareen)
This can be considered a generational yoga, since Saturn will stay in its own
signs, Capricorn and Aquarius, for about 5 straight years every 29 years or so.
For instance, anyone born between February 1961 and April 1966 could have a
shasha yoga.
A good example of a shasha yoga can be seen in the chart of Ammachi, who is
known as "The Hugging Saint." Her tireless humanitarian efforts to help the poor
and needy have brought her widespread recognition and respect. Ever since a
child, she has worked long hours to help others, barely sleeping, and since the
early 1980's she has given some 30 million hugs during her public programs. She
will often sit in one place, without break, for over 12 hours until the last person
receives a hug. It's hard to imagine such superhuman discipline and
commitment, day after day, year after year, let alone compassion and
unconditional love.
Notice how Saturn is placed in Libra, its exalted sign, in the 1st house from the
ascendant. Not only is Saturn exalted and in an angular house, but it becomes
the yoga karaka 4th and 5th lord for Libra ascendant. Furthermore, it's aspected
only by a benefic, Jupiter, the 6th lord of healing and service. Saturn and Jupiter
both aspecting the ascendant, as the two transpersonal planets, show her focus
on humanitarian work and service.
All three of the previous yogas, Amala Yoga, Gajakesari Yoga, and Mahapurusha
Yogas can be considered types of Raja Yogas as they each have the capacity to
increase status, position, and success. Let's now look at a few more yogas
formed exclusively by planetary placement: Kartari Yogas, Dusthana
Yogas and Kuja Dosha.
How Formed:
Papa Kartari Yoga: Malefic planets placed in the 2nd and 12th house from the
ascendant, or any house.
Shubha Kartari Yoga: Benefic planets placed in the 2nd and 12th house from the
ascendant, or any house.
Results:
Papa Kartari Yoga: A malefic influence which harms the indications of the house. It's
similar in effect to malefic planets being placed in the house itself, and can be
considered a type of arishta yoga, especially when the ascendant is hemmed in.
Shubha Kartari Yoga: A benefic influence which benefits the indications of the
house. It's similar in effect to benefic planets being placed in the house itself, and
can be considered a type of raja yoga, especially when the ascendant is
hemmed in.
Description:
We introduced Papa and Shubha Kartari Yogas and the concept of 'hemming in'
in the last lesson, Lesson 12. 'Kartari' means 'scissors,' so just like how two
scissor blades straddle an object on either side, a kartari yoga is formed when
either malefic or benefic planets straddle or 'hem in' a house from the adjacent
houses. Typically, this yoga refers to the hemming in of the ascendant by either
malefics or benefics in the 2nd and 12th houses, but any house can be hemmed
in. If the ascendant is hemmed in by malefics, forming a papa kartari yoga, then it
causes an arishta yoga and afflicts the health and well-being of the individual. It
also describes character traits, and can sometimes be seen in the charts of
criminals. The opposite is the case with a shubha kartari .
The kartari yogas can easily go unnoticed, like a parivartana yoga, since they're
not immediately obvious. Therefore, we need to get in the habit of looking for
them and notice not only when the lagna is hemmed in, but when any house is
hemmed in as well. Also, if there's a planet in the house, then the planet's
significations will be affected. For instance, if Venus is hemmed in by malefics,
then the person could have difficulty in relationships. The same is true if Venus is
hemmed in by malefics by conjunction within a house. In that case, it's no longer
called a papa kartari yoga, but it's still hemmed in.
The question may arise, "Is it a papa or shubha kartari yoga if there's a mixture of
benefic and malefic planets hemming in a house?" The answer is, "It might be."
You have to see the degrees of the planets involved. If there's a benefic with the
highest degrees in the 12th house, and a benefic with the lowest degrees in the
2nd house, then those two benefics hem in the 1st house.
Logical Principles:
The best way to understand the kartari yogas is to remember the concept of
the happy and unhappy condition of planets we discussed in Lesson 12. When
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Lesson 14 Yogas: Key Planetary Combinations – Part 2
planets hem in a house, the house and any planets placed there, are affected by
the planets qualities. Remember this quote from K.N. Rao:
For instance, if you live in a nice house but have mean, obnoxious neighbors, it
will affect the quality of your life. Likewise, even though planets hemming in a
house do not conjunct or aspect a house, or planets placed in that house, their
effect will be felt for better or for worse.
A good example of a papa kartari yoga can be seen in the chart of George
Harrison. If you didn't notice that his 4th house and Mercury were hemmed in by
malefics, you might think his Mercury is very well placed. Mercury is the 9th
lord, placed in an angular house and unaspected by malefics. Looks good.
However, the papa kartari yoga proved to be very debilitating for him. The 4th
house and Mercury both represent the lungs. He was diagnosed with lung
cancer in 1997, two years after starting his Mercury dasha, and died in 2001.
This is difficult to explain if you didn't notice the papa kartari yoga.
Dusthana Yogas
How Formed: Lord of a house is placed in a dusthana house, 6, 8, or 12.
Results:
A malefic influence which harms the indications of the house and its lord, unless
the lord is a lord of a dusthana house. Then it forms a beneficial viparita raja
yoga.
Description:
'Dusthana' means 'place of suffering.' 'Du' is short for 'dukha' or suffering and
'sthana' means 'place.' When the lord of a house is located in a dusthana house,
the lord and the house it rules suffers. It can be considered a type of arishta
yoga that causes misfortune. The dusthana houses often represent the most
challenging karma in a person's chart.
Logical Principles:
The dusthana houses and the malefic planets generally represent negative
karma. Therefore, when the lord of a house is placed in a dusthana house, it
usually represents a challenging area where the person is learning difficult
lessons.
A good example of a dushkriti yoga can be seen in the chart of Angelina Jolie,
who has the 7th lord placed in the 12th house. This hasn't denied her marriage,
but it has given her a complicated relationship history. She divorced twice by the
age of 28, and is now married to Brad Pitt in her third marriage. Notice that not
only is Saturn placed in the 12th house, but it's aspected by Mars. This suggests
an impulsive quality to her romances. This has played out since she's often had
romances with co-stars in her movies, including one time with a female actress.
A dushkriti yoga can sometimes be seen in the charts of people who have
unconventional relationships: long distance, living together but never marrying,
homosexual, multiple partners, etc. Rahu or Ketu affecting the 7th house, 7th
lord, or Venus can also cause this.
Kuja Dosha
How Formed:
Mars placed in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house from the ascendant.
Some astrologers also count Kuja Dosha from the Moon and Venus.
Description:
Kuja dosha is also known as Manglik Dosha. 'Kuja' and 'Mangal' are both names
for Mars, and 'dosha' means 'defect or blemish.' Therefore, when Mars is placed
in one of these houses it can have a detrimental effect on the harmony of one's
martial life.
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Traditionally in India this is very feared yoga to have, since it can be the entire
reason that a person is denied marriage to someone. However, it's also a
widespread yoga, since it effects approximately 1/2 the population! The most
common remedy is simply to marry someone who also has Kuja Dosha.
Logical Principles:
Mars's qualities are commonly the biggest obstacle to marital happiness. Mars
is reactive, impatient, critical, argumentative, self-centered, and combative by
nature. K.N. Rao often jokes that there's very little difference between 'marital'
and 'martial' and none can easily escape marital strife! It requires having Mars
qualities in balance, which is especially challenging for people with kuja dosha.
A good example of kuja dosha can be seen in the chart of Albert Einstein, who
has Mars in the 8th house conjunct Rahu. He lived apart from his wife for five
years before he finally divorced her. It is said that in efforts to save his marriage
he gave his wife a long list of rules such as, "You must answer me at once
when
I speak to you." It didn't work and his wife left with the children. He later married a
woman who he had had an affair with during his first marriage.
Mars in the 8th house, like Einstein's, as well as in the other two moksha houses,
4th or 12th house, can represent someone who is passive aggressive and has
hidden explosive anger. This is because the moksha houses represent the
subconscious and are 'hidden' houses. When Mars is in the 1st or 7th house,
conflict is typically more overt. When Mars is in the 1st or 4th house it also affects
domestic happiness. Mars in the 2nd house is the most mild, in my opinion, but it
can represent someone who can be assertive and sharp in their speech.
We've now completed this section on Special Yogas. There are many more
yogas that should be learned, but in this lesson we've covered the most
important ones that we shouldn't miss when analyzing a chart.
Quiz #78:
Which of the Nabhasa Yogas is not rare, and will be found in all charts?
1) Dala Nabhasa Yogas
2) Ashraya Nabhasa Yogas.
3) Akriti Nabhasa Yogas.
4) Sankhya Nabhasa Yogas .
5) It's a trick question. None of the above.
The answer is at the end of the lesson.
We're now ready for Exercises and Homework involving the yogas.
By studying the last two lessons you've begun the process of memorizing these
important yogas falling under the categories: Dhana Yoga, Arishta Yogas, Raja
Yogas, Exchanges, and Special Yogas. We've also learned important sub-
categories like the nabhasa yogas, mahapurusha yogas, and dusthana yogas.
We're now ready to practice identifying the Raja Yogas, Exchanges, and Special
Yogas. in your own and/or another person's chart through the following Natal
Charts Skills exercises and homework. This gives us a chance to put the theory
that we've learned about these yogas into practice.
Once we identify the yoga, then we can fine tune our interpretation by gauging
its strength using the same skills we learned in Lesson 12. These steps will all
become easy through the study of many charts. Let's continue to do this now.
Materials needed:
- Notebook and pen
- Your South and North Indian Natal Chart Skills forms filled out with the
exercises from Lessons 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13.
- Quick Reference Guide
You'll see that all of these abbreviations are defined at the bottom of the Natal
Chart Skills form. Now, in the following Raja Yoga, Exchanges, and Special Yoga
Exercises , we'll enter the abbreviations of the applicable yogas in the blank
space to the right.
You can choose to identify if the viparita raja yoga is a harsha, sarala, or vimala
viparita raja yoga, by entering the first letter before VP. For instance, HVP for
harsha viparita raja yoga.
Einstein has many raja yogas, which is often seen by world famous personages.
He has twelve raja yogas:
• 1L + 10H
• 5L + 10H
• 9L + 10H
• 10L + 9H
• 1L + 5L
• 1L + 9L
• 4L + 5L
• 4L + 9L
• PV=9L+10L
• NB
• VP
• TR
Now, identify the raja yogas in your chart, and enter the combinations and
abbreviations that apply in the blank space.
2) Exchanges Exercise:
Now, do the same exercise and identify the Exchanges or Parivartana Yogas in
your chart. For review, parivartana yogas (PV) are formed when two planets
reside in each other signs, and therefore exchange signs. This step in the PAC-
DARES method was put in to remind students to always look for exchanges.
However, it's rare that a chart has more than one parivartana yoga, and often
there is none. Therefore, the blank space is often left blank.
You can choose to identify if the parivartana yoga is a maha, khala, or dainya
parivartana, by entering the first letter before PV.
For instance, KPV for khala parivartana.
Einstein has one exchange or parivartana yoga. This happens to also form a raja
yoga, which is why it was also included in the list of raja yogas:
• 9th lord, Saturn, exchanges signs with 10th lord, Jupiter - maha parivartana.
• PV=9L+10L
Now, identify the exchanges or parivartana yogas in your chart, if any, and enter
the combinations and abbreviations that apply in the blank space.
There are a few special instructions for filling out the Special Yogas Exercise. For
the nabhasa yogas, enter the number of houses that the planets (other than
Rahu/Ketu) reside in, which will be one of the seven sankhya nabhasa yogas.
For instance, if the number of houses is four than enter: NA=4, which represents
Kedara Sankhya Nabhasa Yoga. This will be the only nabhasa yoga that we fill
out in the Natal Chart Skills form, since the sankhya nabhasa yogas are the only
ones that apply to all charts. This was the first step of the Nabhasa Yoga
Interpretation Method, which we discussed in the Special Yogas section.
However, I encourage you to get into the habit of mentally doing steps 2-4 also.
For review here are the four steps:
1) First, analyze the Sankhya Nabhasa Yogas to determine how many houses
the planets are distributed among.
2) Next, analyze the Ashraya Nabhasa Yogas to determine in which type of sign
the planets are predominantly concentrated: Moveable, Fixed, or Dual.
For the dusthana yogas, enter the first two or three letters of the yoga. For
instance, AV=Ava, NI=Nissva, MR=Mriti, KU=Kuhu, PA=Pamaru, DU=Dushkriti,
NIR=Nirbhagya, DUR=Dur, DA=Daridra.
Lastly, this category of the yogas also includes Special Features in the chart like
the following factors of strength from Lesson 12: combustion (CB), gandanta
(GN), and planetary war (PW). All of these abbreviations are listed on the bottom
of the Natal Chart Skills form.
• NA=4
• AM
• MMP
• GK
• NI
• DA
• KD
Now, identify the special yogas and special features in your chart, and enter the
combinations and abbreviations that apply in the blank space.
This lesson includes the Natal Chart Skills form with all five of the Yogas
Exercises filled out in Einstein's chart. Please locate that if you want to see an
example.
Exercise Summary
These five exercises train our minds to identify the most important yogas in the
chart. If we get into the habit of looking for these yogas, then we'll never miss
factoring them into our interpretations.
4) Repeat
Repeat the above Raja Yoga, Exchanges, and Special Yogas Exercises using
the North Indian version of your chart that you filled out in Lessons 4, 6, 8, 10, 11
and 12. Save both the South Indian and North Indian versions of your chart for
future exercises.
5) Extra Credit
For extra credit fill out the Raja Yoga, Exchanges, and Special Yogas Exercises
in the Natal Chart Skills form of the person's chart you've been working on in
Lessons 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13. Again, save their chart for future exercises.
1) Raja Yogas:
Identify the raja yogas in your chart, and enter the combinations and
abbreviations that apply in the blank space on the Natal Chart Skills form.
2) Exchanges:
Identify the exchanges or parivartana yogas in your chart, and enter the
combinations and abbreviations that apply in the blank space on the Natal Chart
Skills form.
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80
Light On Vedic Astrology Online Course Level 2
Lesson 14 Yogas: Key Planetary Combinations – Part 2
3) Special Yogas:
Identify the special yogas and special features in your chart, and enter the
combinations and abbreviations that apply in the blank space on the Natal Chart
Skills form.
Homework Assignments
Please take out the ‘The Strength of My Yogas' forms that you filled out for the
Dhana Yogas and Arishta Yogas in Lesson 13.
Again, refer to the 'The Condition of My Planets' forms that you filled out from the
homework assignment from Lesson 12. If you didn't fill these out then please do
so now.
Next, enter all the Raja Yogas, Exchanges, and Special Yogas in your chart. into
the appropriate box in the 'Strength of My Yogas' forms. Refer to your Natal
Charts Skills form and enter all of the Raja Yogas, Exchanges, and Special
Yogas in your chart, which you've listed while doing the above Yogas Exercises.
Next, refer to the subjective strength rating that you gave each planet in Lesson
12’s homework, ‘The Condition of My Planets.' Now, enter the subjective strength
rating for each planet involved in the yoga. Lastly, give an overall subjective
strength rating for each of these yogas in your chart. These instructions are also
on 'The Strength of My Yogas' forms.
Quiz Answers
st
76. Because even though the 1 house is considered both an angle and trine,
it’s primary considered to be an angular house. A planet that rules two angular
houses can’t become a raja yoga karaka, and form raja yoga wherever it’s
placed.
77. Maha parivartana.
78. Sankhya Nabhasa Yogas.
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81
Natal Chart Skills
Navamsha
From: To:
Name: Count from the cardinal sign
Date: of the element of the planet.
o
Time: 1 Navamsha = 3 20’
Place:
Notes:
Dashamsha Transits
From: To: From: To: Date:
Odd signs count from the Time:
sign of the planet - even
signs from the 9th away.
1 Dashamsha = 3o
Dharma Artha Kama Moksha Angle Succed Cadent Masc. Fem. Fire Earth Air Water Card. Fixed Mut.
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+ Taurus+ Gemini+ Cancer+ Aries+ Taurus+ Gemini+
ASC
Sun
Moon
Mer
Ven
Mar
Jup
Sat
Rahu
Ketu
Total
Mercur
Sun Moon y
In Rules In Rules In
P Position
Dashamsha Transits
From: To: From: To: Date: Time:
Dharma Artha Kama Moksha Angle Succed Cadent Masc. Fem. Fire Earth Air Water Card. Fixed Mut.
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+ Taurus+ Gemini+ Cancer+ Aries+ Taurus+ Gemini+
ASC
Sun
Moon
Mer
Ven
Mar
Jup
Sat
Rahu
Ketu
Total
Planetary Dignities
Planet Exalted (EX) Mulatrikona (MT) Own House (OH) Debilitated (DB)
Sun Aries 10 Leo 0-20 Leo 20-30 -- Libra 10
Moon Taurus 3 Taurus 3-27 -- Cancer Scorpio 3
Mars Capricorn 28 Aries 0-12 Aries 12-30 Scorpio Cancer 28
Mercury Virgo 15 Virgo 15-20 Gemini Virgo 20-30 Pisces 15
Jupiter Cancer 5 Sagitt. 0-10 Sagitt.10-30 Pisces Capricorn 5
Venus Pisces 27 Libra 0-15 Libra 15-30 Taurus Virgo 27
Saturn Libra 20 Aquar. 0-20 Aquar. 20-30 Capricorn Aries 20
Rahu Taurus Gemini Aquarius -- Scorpio
Ketu Scorpio Sagittarius -- Scorpio Taurus