Connections between planets in Vedic astrology (Jyotish)

Before setting about the study of a birth chart, make sure that it is correct. Computer programs calculate a horoscope to within seconds, in accordance with the Ayanamsha used. In charts drawn up by hand, however, accidental mistakes and miscalculations are sometimes met with. If the date and time of birth are known, one can estimate the position of the Sun and of the Lagna in one’s head.

Having made sure that the chart is correct, one may set about making predictions, taking up the legacy of Varahamihira, Parashara, Jaimini, Mantreshvara and other sages.

An astrologer must possess exhaustive knowledge of the karakatvas and the characteristics of all the signs, planets and houses, which have been described earlier. Without mastering this knowledge it is impossible to occupy oneself with predictions.

The chart must be studied both from the Lagna and from the Moon.

The natural benefic planets (saumya) are Jupiter, Venus, Mercury (when it is not subject to harmful influences) and the Moon (from the 8th tithi of its waxing phase to the 8th tithi of the waning phase).

The natural malefic planets (krura) are Saturn, the Sun, Mars, Rahu and Ketu.

The functional benefics (shubha) are the planets that rule all the houses except the 3rd, 6th, 8th and 12th.

The functional malefics (papa) are the planets that rule the 3rd, 6th, 8th and 12th houses.

Connections between planets

Planets are in a connection (sambandha) when:

• they are joined in one sign (within 12°);
• they exchange signs;
• they are placed in mutual kendras or trikonas;
• they aspect one another (within 12°);
• one planet is placed in a sign ruled by the other planet and aspects it, or receives a full aspect from it.

Note: there exists an interesting type of exchange involving the signs of exaltation and debilitation of the planets. For example, the Moon in Gemini receives additional strength when its dispositor Mercury is in Taurus (the sign of the Moon’s exaltation), but the same Moon becomes weaker if Mercury falls into the sign of Scorpio (where the Moon is debilitated).

Sri Govind Swarup Agarwal — «Vedic Astrology»