Combinations that may indicate abilities in Vedic astrology
Many students of the science of Jyotish ask themselves about their innate inclinations and talents in the field of Vedic astrology. Below are quotations from a number of sources that mention astrological combinations favourable to the mastery of the science of Jyotish.
The zodiac signs that by their nature most incline the native to the pursuit of astrology are Virgo, Scorpio and Pisces. The watery signs represent the Brahmins: Pisces — priests and philosophers, Scorpio — researchers, mystics and astrologers, Cancer — doctors, teachers, psychologists and consultants. Among the houses of the horoscope the ninth (following Dharma), the eighth (uncovering secrets, the study of the occult sciences), the fifth (intellect) and the fourth (education, psychology) are prominent, and, of course, the Lagna.
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The planets responsible for an innate interest in Vedic astrology
A conjunction of Mercury with the lord of the 4th or 9th house indicates the pursuit of astrology.
A strong Jupiter disposes one to a passion for astrology and to a thorough study of this science.
Sri Govind Swarup Agarwal
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The ability to give correct interpretations of horoscopes in Jyotish depends on:
1) the strength of the Lagna and of its lord, and also of the karaka, the Sun;
2) the strength of the 5th and 9th houses, and also of their karaka, Jupiter;
3) the strength and favourable placement of the Atmakaraka.
Ketu: Because Ketu has no physical eyes, its function is to see what lies beyond the material or three-dimensional world. Ketu thus opens the entrance to other dimensions and planes of reality by means of intuition, and it is one of the most important karakas in a horoscope by which an astrologer can be recognised.
When Jupiter or Mercury is joined with Ketu in the Rashi (D-1), the Navamsha (D-9), the Dashamsha (D-10) or the Siddhamsha (D-24), the native may have the talent of a jyotishi.
for more detail see the full translation of Robert Koch’s article, published below at the end of this page
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- The placement of Mercury or Jupiter in the 2nd house (the right eye, correct vision).
- The presence of Mercury, Jupiter, the Sun, the Moon or Ketu in watery signs, which gives intuition.
- The presence of planets in the 4th, 8th and 12th houses.
From the materials of the Basic course in Vedic astrology at Vasily Tushkin’s «Surya-Siddhanta» school — http://www.sss1.ru
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Placements of Mercury in a horoscope that favour the pursuit of astrology
Mercury (Budha) in the 1st house
Eloquence, talkativeness, a cheerful and easy disposition, quickness of understanding, a good education, haste and restlessness. Success in commerce is possible, together with literary talent and an inclination towards medicine, astrology and philosophy.
Mercury (Budha) in the 4th house
A good education, sincerity, a love of travel, attachment to family life, the ownership of property and of means of transport, an inclination towards astrology
Mercury (Budha) in the 5th house
A good education, the talent of a scientific researcher, abilities in writing, inconstancy, a love of sport and games. These people often hold high posts and can invest money well. They have many children. They take an interest in astrology and are inclined to prayer.
Mercury (Budha) in the 7th house
Renown, persuasive speech, travel abroad. These people marry early and have several marriages. They are sensible and successful in business, change their work repeatedly, and are inclined towards astrology.
The horoscope of Dr B.V. Raman, the outstanding astrologer of India, is an excellent example illustrating world fame, a broad outlook and religiousness. Moreover, the placement of Mercury in a kendra is an aspect of a good astrologer, and if in addition the lord of the 2nd house turns out to be strong, «the owner of the horoscope will become an outstanding astrologer».
Mercury (Budha) in the 10th house
Renown, fame, a good reputation, oratorical abilities, success in trade, an excellent education, good fortune and a virtuous character. Such people are inclined to spiritual knowledge and to astrology, and may become doctors or writers.
Indubala
If Mercury is in Gemini or Virgo in the 2nd house, the benefits increase. The person will attain a high position in the field of education. He may become an outstanding scholar, mathematician, astrologer or writer.
A favourable planet in the 10th house gives Amala yoga, which will bring the person well-being, great fame and a good reputation. If Mercury is in the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th house in Gemini or Virgo, the person will have Bhadra yoga, which also gives very favourable results.
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When planetary yogas do not bring expected results
Some astrological yogas indicating the pursuit of astrology
Matsya yoga: Beneficent grahas [planets] in the 1st and 9th bhava, a non-empty 5th, and harmful ones in the 4th and 8th. The result of the yoga: kind, intelligent (quick-witted), a seer (one who sees), an astrologer.
Bhaskara yoga: Surya [the Sun] in the 2nd bhava from Chandra, Budha [Mercury] in the 3rd from Chandra, Guru [Jupiter] in the 5th/9th from Chandra. The result of the yoga: the native is wealthy, valiant, aristocratic (of noble birth), and knows the Shastras, astrology and music.
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The nakshatras, and the planets placed in them, that indicate an inclination towards Vedic astrology
Sometimes an innate talent for the study of Jyotish is not so obvious in the D1 or D9 charts, but it may also be indicated by nakshatras that are prominent in the chart — especially if the Moon or the ascendant is in them (or the Sun, though to a lesser degree), and also by other planets in particular quarters of a nakshatra or under particular aspects. These combinations connected with the nakshatras are given below.
The nakshatra Bharani
Professions connected with Bharani: occultists, hypnotists, clairvoyants, astrologers, psychologists.
The Sun in the 1st quarter of Bharani, 13° 20’-16°40’ of Aries (birth from 28 April to 1 May): attractiveness, pleasant manners, a good education, abilities in astrology.
The nakshatra Krittika
The Sun in the 1st quarter of Krittika, 26°40′-30° of Aries (birth from 13 to 16 May): an interest in astrology.
The nakshatra Mrigashira
Professions connected with Mrigashira: psychic, astrologer, mystic. Primary school teacher, and so on.
The Sun in the 4th quarter of Mrigashira, 3° 20’- 6° 40’ of Gemini (birth from 18 to 21 June): good oratorical abilities, an inclination towards astrology.
The nakshatra Ardra
The Sun in the 1st quarter of Ardra, 6° 40’ — 10° of Gemini (birth from 21 June to 25 June): a good education, mathematical abilities, wealth is possible. The owner of the horoscope may become a good astrologer.
The Sun in the 4th quarter of Ardra, 16° 40’ — 20° of Gemini (birth from 2 to 4 July): nobility, a good upbringing, attractiveness, wealth. The owner of the horoscope may become a good astrologer.
If Mars is placed in the nakshatra Ardra and aspected by Mercury: family happiness, good children. The owner of the horoscope will become a skilful astrologer.
Mars in the 4th quarter of Ardra, 16° 40’ — 20° of Gemini: the owner of the horoscope will attain a high level of education if he chooses law or chemistry. He will also be able to achieve considerable mastery in astrology if he takes it up.
Mercury in the 1st quarter of Ardra, 6° 40’- 10° of Gemini: erudition, knowledge of the sacred scriptures, interest and competence in astrology.
Mercury in the 2nd quarter of Ardra, 10° — 13° 20′ of Gemini: a good position for Mercury, which gives wealth, eloquence, skill and virtuosity in manual work of any kind. If the owner of the horoscope takes up astrology, he may attain a very high level.
If Jupiter is placed in the nakshatra Ardra and aspected by Mercury: abilities in mathematics and astrology.
The nakshatra Punarvasu
Professions connected with Punarvasu: authors of books on astrology and on the other esoteric sciences.
The Sun in the 1st quarter of Punarvasu, 20°-23°20’ of Gemini (birth from 5 to 8 July): a high education and wealth. The owner of the horoscope may become a good astrologer. If the Sun is joined with Mercury, the owner of the horoscope will be an atheist until the age of 28, and after an important event that will take place at that time he will be compelled to believe in God.
Mercury in the 2nd quarter of Punarvasu, 23°20’-26°40’ of Gemini: responsibility, faithfulness to duty, incorruptibility, respect on the part of superiors and subordinates for professional merits. The owner of the horoscope may become a highly qualified accountant, but besides this he will carry out several other duties at the same time. An inclination towards and success in astrology are also noted.
Rahu in the 4th quarter of Punarvasu, 0°-3°20’ of Cancer: if Mercury is in conjunction with Rahu in this quarter, the owner of the horoscope will become an outstanding astrologer or mathematician.
The nakshatra Pushya
The Moon in the 2nd quarter of Pushya, 6°40’—10° of Cancer: respect on the part of many people, benevolence, moderate means of subsistence… The owner of the horoscope may become a good astrologer.
The nakshatra Ashlesha
Professions connected with Ashlesha: teacher of yoga. Leader of a cult. Hypnotist. Astrologer. Psychiatrist, psychologist, and so on.
The nakshatra Magha
The professions given by the nakshatra Magha: professions connected with museums and with the study of ancient knowledge: historian, librarian, keeper of traditions, archaeologist, antiquarian, researcher of family trees, and so on. Orator, actor, playwright, musician. Occultist, black magician. Astrologer.
The nakshatra Purva Phalguni
If Jupiter is placed in the nakshatra Purva Phalguni and aspected by Mercury — an attractive personality, eloquence, abilities in astrology.
The nakshatra Uttara Phalguni
Uttara Phalguni men make good teachers, researchers, tutors, engineers, astronomers and astrologers. Professions connected with Uttara Phalguni: social workers. Priests, preachers, teachers. Astrologers. Marriage counsellors, sexologists, and so on.
Mercury in the 1st quarter of Uttara Phalguni, 26°40’-30° of Leo: the owner of the horoscope will take up financial activity. He will be interested in astrology and astronomy.
Mercury in the 4th quarter of Uttara Phalguni, 6°40′-10° of Virgo: the owner of the horoscope will be resourceful and inventive. His activity may be connected with finance, but after the age of 45 his life will change greatly. He may become an astrologer or begin to write books.
The nakshatra Hasta
The professions connected with Hasta: experts in tarot cards, palmists, psychics, astrologers and those who take an interest in these subjects.
Mercury in the 3rd quarter of Hasta, 16° 40’-20° of Virgo: the owner of the horoscope will take up activity connected with finance. If Mercury is joined with the Sun, an interest in astrology and abilities in this science will manifest. The owner of such a horoscope may write books on astrology or religion.
If Jupiter is placed in the nakshatra Hasta and aspected by Mercury — happiness in family life, eloquence, abilities in astrology.
The nakshatra Chitra
Chitra men have prophetic dreams; they are advised to develop their intuition and to sustain their gift. Often with a favourable placement of the Moon, Chitra men become good astrologers.
The nakshatra Swati
Swati men may show a talent for astrology and for the study of languages.
The nakshatra Vishakha
The first pada of the nakshatra Vishakha (20°00′ — 23°20′ of Libra) falls in the navamsha of Aries, ruled by Mars. This pada is characterised by energy, impulsiveness, purposefulness and social ambition, and endows one with abilities in the spheres of business and astrology. The second pada of the nakshatra Vishakha (23°20′ — 26°40′ of Libra) falls in the navamsha of Taurus, ruled by Venus. Steadfastness and long patience are the distinguishing features of this pada. The planets will give success in venusian affairs, strong material ambitions, intelligence, diplomacy, an ability for astrology and palmistry.
The Moon in the 1st quarter of the nakshatra Vishakha, 20°00′-23°20′ of Libra: envy, arrogance, ill will. Abilities in the spheres of business and astrology.
The Moon in the 2nd quarter of the nakshatra Vishakha, 23°20′-26°40′ of Libra: intelligence, diplomacy. Abilities in the field of astrology and palmistry. The owner of the horoscope will be of short stature.
Mars in the 4th quarter of the nakshatra Vishakha, 0°-3°20 of Scorpio: Venus in this quarter in conjunction with Mars will bring renown, a high position and abilities in mathematics and astrology.
The nakshatra Anuradha
Professions connected with Anuradha: hypnotist, astrologer, medium, occultist, specialist in numerology.
The Moon in the 3rd quarter of the nakshatra Anuradha, 10°00 — 13°20′ of Scorpio: ambition, intelligence, truthfulness. Abilities in astrology.
The nakshatra Jyeshtha
The professions given by Jyeshtha: astrologer, philosopher, and so on.
Venus in the 1st quarter of Jyeshtha, 16°40’-20° of Scorpio: if Saturn is joined with Mars, this indicates mathematical abilities. The owner of the horoscope may also become a renowned astrologer. He will be respected and authoritative. But this same combination will also give a strong inclination towards games of chance.
The nakshatra Mula
The professions given by Mula: shamans, folk healers, healers. Those who sell herbs, roots and root crops. Those who practise tantra, voodoo and black magic. Psychotherapists, astrologers. Ascetics…
If the Moon is placed in the nakshatra Mula and aspected by Mercury: the owner of the horoscope is an attractive personality and may become a good astrologer. If there is an aspect from Jupiter as well — a high social position.
The nakshatra Uttara Ashadha
The professions given by Uttara Ashadha: preachers, priests, spiritual mentors. Consultants, psychologists, astrologers. Teachers.
The nakshatra Shravana
One of the professions given by Shravana: astrologers.
The nakshatra Dhanishta
The professions given by Dhanishta: astrologers. Scholars, researchers, and so on.
Jupiter in the 2nd quarter of Dhanishta, 26°40′-30° of Capricorn: an unaspected Jupiter in this quarter speaks of the profession of a teacher or a minor clerk. If Jupiter is under an aspect from Mercury and Venus, the owner of the horoscope will be well educated and will become a competent astrologer.
The nakshatra Shatabhisha
It gives the professions of all who are connected with the sky: astronomers, astrologers, aircraft designers, rocket testers, and so on. Shatabhisha men experience difficulties in the professional sphere until the age of 34, after which a period of progress sets in. The professions of astrologer, psychologist, healer, doctor and investigator suit them.
The Moon in the 2nd quarter of Shatabhisha, 10°-13°20′ of Aquarius: pride, haughtiness, an inclination towards astrology.
The nakshatra Purva Bhadrapada
Those born under this star may be good teachers, astrologers and researchers.
Mercury in the 3rd quarter of Purva Bhadrapada: 26°40’-30° of Aquarius. This placement of Mercury gives abilities in mathematics, astrology or engineering.
The nakshatra Uttara Bhadrapada
A conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, and also of Ketu, Jupiter and Saturn, transmits an energy similar to that of Uttara Bhadrapada. A calculating mind endows Uttara Bhadrapada with abilities for astrology, numerology, yoga, meditation and divination.
The professions given by the nakshatra Uttara Bhadrapada: doctors. Researchers and philosophers. Poets and writers. Musicians and actors. Sales consultants. Night watchmen. Butlers. Historians and librarians. Specialists in yoga, meditation, tantra and the other occult sciences. Astrologers, mystics, and so on….
Mercury in the 2nd quarter of Uttara Bhadrapada, 6°40’-10° of Pisces: the owner of the horoscope may become a prosperous lawyer or merchant. He will have abilities in mathematics and astrology. Besides this, he will be an expert in literature.
Venus in the 3rd quarter of Uttara Bhadrapada, 10°-13°20’ of Pisces: this too is an excellent placement of Venus, bringing good fortune and success. If Venus is joined with Mercury, an inclination towards and abilities in mathematics and astrology manifest. If the Sun is added to this conjunction, the owner of the horoscope will become an expert in the Vedas and in metaphysics.
The nakshatra Revati
If Revati is prominent in the horoscope, especially with the Moon or the ascendant placed in this nakshatra: they do well in science, in the study of ancient traditions and cultures, and in conducting historical research. They are able to become good doctors, astrologers and poets. The second pada (20°00′ — 23°20′ of Pisces) falls in the navamsha of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. This lends practicality and organisation. This pada has a bearing on the sciences connected with time, for example astrology. Men in particular, born under the star Revati, may become good doctors and astrologers…
based on material from the books «Vedic astrology of marriage» (Indubala) and «Nakshatras. Life under a lucky star» (R. Blekt)
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[In the article that follows, the reasoning is based on one particular person’s chart, but the general principles and combinations for a successful pursuit of astrology are also explained.]
A translation of an article by the well-known astrologer Robert Koch, presented as a paper at the conference of the Sri Jagannath Center (SJC West Coast Conference) in August 2008.
Who can become an astrologer? To determine the possibilities of advancement in the study and practice of Jyotish, attention should be paid to the following:
Special remarks regarding the horoscopes of astrologers
In order to attain success in the study and practice of jyotish, the following must be taken into account:
Jupiter: Jupiter is the most important significator of wisdom, of justice (correct judgement) and of discernment, and is also responsible for traditional learning by means of books and teachers. It is responsible both for intuition and for perception.
Mercury: Mercury is the planet of logic, reasoning, analysis and the empirical or mathematical apprehension of existence. It also represents vag-bala, or the power of speech, which is likewise important for an astrologer, since it matters that he convey correctly to his client the meanings he has formulated.
Ketu: Because Ketu has no physical eyes, its function is to see what lies beyond the material or three-dimensional world. Ketu thus opens the entrance to other dimensions and planes of reality by means of intuition, and it is one of the most important karakas in a horoscope by which an astrologer can be recognised.
When Jupiter or Mercury is joined with Ketu in the Rashi (D-1), the Navamsha (D-9), the Dashamsha (D-10) or the Siddhamsha (D-24), the native may have the talent of a jyotishi.
The influence of Jupiter on the 10th house, and also the presence of beneficent combinations relating to the 9th and 10th houses as indicated above, is likewise important in the horoscopes of astrologers.
Rahu or Ketu in the Svamsha (the Navamsha Lagna or the Karakamsha Lagna), or in the 5th bhava from them
The panapara houses (the succeedent houses — the accumulation of resources, the maintenance of what we have — translator’s note), the 2nd, 5th, 8th and 11th, must also be accentuated by strong planets if the native is to become an adept of jyotish. Let us note the following attributes of these houses:
a) The 2nd house is the house of natural learning and awareness, since it is the 11th (attainments) from the 4th, which is responsible for primary education (the general erudition of life usually laid down by the parents in one’s upbringing and by school education; in my view, what is meant here is specific family values — translator’s note).
The 2nd house is also one of the houses of wealth, ruled by Vishnu, who in turn is interested in the spiritual development of our soul. Wealth stimulates the opportunities for the development of the mind and heart of those who are suited to it. Vag-bala, the power of speech, is also seen from the 2nd house.
b) The 5th house represents the knowledge that appears as a result of formal learning through initiation (shiksha or diksha) by a qualified Guru. As the 9th from the 9th, it is the key house that shows the native’s ability to function as a Guru and thus to give instruction, guidance, direction and inspiration to those whom he counsels. The 5th bhava is also important for predicting the future, and that is a key function of predictive astrology.
Incidentally, Jupiter and Rahu both aspect the 5th and 9th houses, and thus, in addition to Jupiter, Rahu (the researcher) represents brilliant astrologers.
Since Mars aspects the 8th house, it too is one of the main participants in the combinations found in the horoscopes of jyotishis. Mars endows the native with the power of keen discernment, with logic, with the capacity for analysis and with mastery in mathematics — all of which is of enormous significance for the practice of jyotish.
c) The 8th house is the natural house of occultism and metaphysical knowledge, and also of that knowledge which has appeared as a result of siddhis or mystical perfection due to yogic practice and austerity in past incarnations.
It is important to take into account that the correct way of interpreting a horoscope truly and of instructing the native without the astrologer’s personal involvement or interest depends on:
1) the strength of the Lagna and of its lord, and also of the karaka, the Sun;
2) the strength of the 5th and 9th houses, and also of their karaka, Jupiter;
3) the strength and favourable placement of the Atmakaraka.
If these «points» in the horoscope lack strength, and only the 8th house possesses strength, the intuition, knowledge and qualification necessary for a jyotishi will not be there.
d) The 11th house is the 4th (education) from the 8th (occultism), just as it is the 8th from the 4th. Thus, in the context of metaphysics, the 11th house prompts one to master the occult sciences, and it must be particularly accentuated in the horoscope of a jyotishi.
The key yogas (combinations) for the successful study and practice of jyotish
An important yoga for talent in jyotish is a connection of the Atmakaraka with the lords of the 9th and 11th houses. It is desirable that this yoga also be connected with the lord of the Lagna through conjunction, mutual aspects or exchange; the same holds true with regard to the lord of the 8th house.
Combinations involving the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Ketu, and the nakshatras Hasta, Shatabhisha and Ashwini, are often accentuated in the horoscopes of astrologers.
Source: Sudarshana.Ru