Neecha Bhanga Raja Yoga

We have been discussing about Rajayoga since last few sessions wherein we obtained an understanding that there are three classifications of Rajayoga namely Maha Rajayoga, Neechabhanga Rajayoga and Vipreetha Rajayoga and in the last 2 sessions we were discussing Maha Rajayoga in detail. Now let us have an insight into the next section, the Neecha Bhanga Rajayoga, a typically natured Rajayoga, a distinctive feature of Vedic Astrology which is been either unexplored or been discussed only in patches without a systematic approach to it till date. Thus I believe that a discussion here about this unexplored fiefdoms of Vedic astrology would be of benefit for all who dabbles with astrology, I mean the students, researchers and professionals alike.

Let’s start......

The Effects of Neecha Bhanga Rajayoga

As mention in the earlier notes on Rajayoga, Neecha Bhanga Raja Yoga too provides one with Fame, Wealth and Power generally. But all the said prosperities will be enjoyed by the native only in the second half of life especially after the age 36 corresponding to the age when the yoga promoting dasha, sub period and transits takes place in one’s chart. This typical nature is attributed this Yoga because teh planet who cause Neecha Bhanga Rajayoga is subject to debilitation first and then attains the cancellation. Likewise the natives life too would suffer adversities in the initial part of life and then will start excelling.

Acquiring much fame among vast number of peoples and several communities along with holding a good image are the outcome of this Yoga. One will be well known within his/her personal, professional and social circles. Whatever they do brings a good repute for them and people generally like them for what they are. They will amass huge wealth and start producing many sources of income once the Rajayoga is in operation. They will also hold power in life. There will be many waiting to take orders from them once the Yoga is operational.

The Definitions & Controversies

When a planet is in Neecha (debilitation) and attains Bhanga (cancellation) from his state of Neecha (debilitation) then it is called as Neecha Bhanga and a planet who has secured Neecha bhanga (Cancellation of debilitation) is bound to provide Rajayoga results to the natives thus it is called as Neecha bhanga Rajayoga. Whether a planet attaining Neecha Bhanga would always be capable of producing Rajayoga is a debatable matter which we will be discussing at an apposite place below.  Anyway let us have a gaze through the definitions which are most common in practice.

When a planet is in debilitation and

1)  The Lord of that sign where the planet is getting debilitated should be in a Kendra (Quadrant) either from Lagna or Moon.

2)  The planet who gets exalted there (in the sign where a planet is getting debilitated) is in a Kendra either from Lagna or Moon.

3)  The lord of the sign where the debilitated planet in concern could get exalted should be in Kendra either from lagna or Moon.

4)  The lord of that sign where the planet is getting debilitated should be having aspect or conjunction with the planet in debilitation.

5)  The lord of that sign where the planet is getting debilitated and also the lord of the sign where the debilitated planet could attain exaltation, these two should be in mutual Kendra (Quadrants) or trikona (Trines) to each other.

6)  The debilitated planet should be exalted in Navamsa.

The above are definitions mentioned in the ancient texts for forming Neecha Bhanga Rajayoga and may not be true in actual practise always. There are so many other parameters we need to take in to consideration to have a final conclusion whether the cancellation of debilitation (Neecha Bhanga) taking place as per verbatim is in operation or not.  Anyway before we get in to the technicalities of the yoga let us have look at the controversies existing about definitions of the yoga.

There are controversies about the definitions mentioned above. For example the definitions mentioned in clause no 2 & 3, which one to take in actual practice is always a matter for debate among different schools of Vedic Astrology. A set of schools of Vedic astrology believe that it is the lord of the planet where the debilitated planet could get it’s exaltation (mentioned in 3) should be taken in to consideration while others believe that it is the planet who gets exalted at the sign where a planet gets debilitated (Clause 2) should be taken in to consideration for determining the Neecha bhanga. Score of horoscopes examined by me forces me to conclude that the conditions applied in both clauses holds good. Depending upon the power and position held by these two enables either of the them to become more stronger and more benefic in nature which empowers themselves to become the saviour of a debilitated planet. 

Meanwhile yet another controversy regarding the definition is whether the planet in concern mentioned in clauses 1, 2 and 3 could be posited in a Kendra either from Lagna or Moon or from Moon alone. Some are of the opinion that the planet in concern mentioned in above clauses are to be posited in a Kendra from Moon alone and it couldn’t be considered from Lagna. I am of the opinion that either Lagna or Moon could be taken for consideration for counting the position of a planet in concern.  

Judging It’s Exsitence

We know that there are 9 planets in use in Vedic astrology, out of which only 7 planets could be subject to Neecha and subsequently for Neecha Bhanga too. Rahu and Ketu are exempted from being Neecha or Neecha Bhanga since they are deviod of ownership of houses and also don’t have exaltation or debilitation houses though many schools of astrology strongly believe otherwise assigning Taurus and Scorpio as signs of exaltations respectively for Rahu and Ketu thus the same signs becoming the sign of debilitation for each other. Anyway I think we don’t need to include Rahu and Ketu here as I am of the strong opinion that Rahu and Ketu are not capable of producing Neecha Bhanga Rajayoga. Let us see what happens with the other planets....

Strength of Neecha Bhanga conferring planet

While considering a planet in debilitation for Neecha Bhanga first and foremost importance has to be given to the other planet who could constitute Neecha Bhanga. If the said planet is powerless then the Neecha Bhanga could exist only theorotically. For example; If Jupiter is debilitated and the Lord of debilitation sign that is Saturn is in the sign Leo in an enemy sign owned by Sun then Saturn cannot constitute Neecha bhanga for Jupiter. Supposing Saturn is in a Kendra from Lagna or Moon still Saturn will be unable to cause cancellation of debilitation for Jupiter. If the Lagna or Moon for such a case happens to be Taurus or Aquarius then Saturn would be either the Yogakaraka or 1^st lord for that chart still his ability to cause Neecha Bhanga will be very much limited. In such a case of Jupiter only if other factors which could confer Neecha bhanga are strongly posited could help Jupiter to attain Neecha Bhanga. Likewise if the other planets who could confer Neecha Bhanga for Jupiter are also posited ill then the chances for Jupiter to have Neecha Bhanga with the help of these planets are rules out. So the planets being in strength who could confer Neecha Bhanga for a debilitated planet is very essential for conferring the same.

Lordship of the Planet who attains the Neecha Bhanga; Does it matters?

If we go by experience it may not be necessarily matter if the planet be in a good house. In many cases it is been seen that planets who owns inimical houses and placed in debilitation but in a good house and also subject to Neecha Bhanga then the said planet definitely confers rajayoga. This is been born out to be true in various cases examined by me. For example; If Sun is debilitated in the 10^th house for Capricorn Lagna then it will be the 8^th lord debilitated in the 10^th house. If Sun attains Neecha Bhanga in that chart then irrespective of the fact that Sun is the 8^th lord the most powerful Dusthana, Sun will go on to confer Neecha Bhanga Rajayoga for the native on the appropriate period in life. Being the 8^th lord posited in the 10^th house he would be causing severe obstacles for the native’s career till the Rajayoga comes in to action but once it gets in to operation Sun will make sure that the native is been elevated to the highest peaks in life.

We can see that if the planet attaining Neecha Bhanga happens to be in a Kendra or a Kona from the Lagna or Moon then the said planet will definitely confer Rajayoga to the native irrespective of the planet’s lordship over houses. Apart from Kendra and Trikona houses, the natural benefic planets though owning an inimical house will be capable of producing Neecha Bhanga Rajayoga if attained cancellation of debilitation in the 2^nd house while the same holds good for natural malefic planets in the 3^rd and 11^th houses. If we fall back to the clause No 4 we can see that the planet in debilitation and it’s depositer lord are taken in to account. In such cases the planet in debilitation should be preferably posited in a Kendra or Trikona while the depositer should be either conjunct there or should have aspect over there from a house other than Dusthana.

From the above we can see that the position of the planet who attains Neecha Bhanga matters the most than his lordship in providing Rajayoga.

The Best Combinations

The above said were mainly banked upon the combinations mentioned in clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 while in actual pratice it is been found that the combinations mentioned in the clauses no 5 and 6 the most reliable in predicting Neecha Bhanga Rajayoga.

As per clause No 5 mentioned above, the lord of debilitation and the lord of exaltation signs of a debilitated planet are required to be either in a Kendra or in a Trikona from each other to confer Neecha Bhanga for a debilitated planet. By being either in a Kendra or in a Trikona from each other these two planets will become temporal friends to each other for that chart eventhough they are natural enemies. This brings in a harmony between the exaltation and debilitation lords of a debilitated planet thus causing him a much comfortable situation where the debility of a planet fades away leading to cancellation of debilitation. Anyhow these two planets needs to have good strength and also needs to be away from Dusthanas to produce desired results.

The exaltation in Navamsa of a planet who is posited in the debilitation sign in Rashi chart is also considered to be one among the combination for a debilitated planet to have Neecha Bhanga. As far as I am concerned this could be the most reliable combination in ascertaining whether a debilitated planet has attained Neecha Bhanga or not. Only if the planet attaining Neecha Bhanga as per this combination happens to be in a dusthana would be deprived from the capacity of producing Rajayoga.

Neech Bhanga or Neech Bhanga Rajayoga

There is confusion among different schoold of Vedic astrology whether a debilitated planet attaining Neecha Bhanga could always produce Rajayoga? Some say that a planet which attained Neecha Bhanga is always capable of producing Rajayoga while others are of the opinion that it may not be necessarily so. I prefer the latter version. As mentioned in the above lines a planet though attaining Neecha Bhanga but posited in a duthana generally doesn’t cause Rajayoga though there are exception for this too. So all the Neecha Bhanga may not be necessarily be Rajayoga.

Moon an Exception

I have to mention a rare phenomen regarding the Neecha Bhanga of Moon which will be noteworthy and also may made subject for further experiments and researches whoever wish to. Let me also mention here that I am indebted to an unknown author (whose name I forgot) from whose article I have noticed this point which I am broaching to my readers now which was published in Astrological Magazine many decades ago.  The author claims that Moon can never attain Neecha bhanga if happens to be in his sign of debilitation in Rashi chart as being posited in Scorpio (Moon’s sign of debilitation) Moon could never acquire the position in Taurus (Moon’s exaltation sign) in Navamsa chart; True since Navamsa of a planet posited in Scorpio starts from the sign Cancer and ends at Pisces in clockwise direction thus Moon’s Navamsa would never fall in Taurus if he is posited in Scorpio in Rashi chart. The author goes on with the claim that all the other planets has a chance to secure the exaltation position in Navamsa chart while being posited in debilitation sign in Rashi chart meanwhile Moon alone is deprived from such an opportunity which is a clear cut indication that the planet Moon if debilitated cannot attain Neecha Bhanga even if other combinations are favouring for the same. I have been trying to see the applicability of this principle in various charts examined by me and I must admit that the principle has proved right in majority of the cases though there were exceptions. I leave it to the wisdom of my esteemed readers for taking this rule in to confidence.

Neecha Planets in Vargothama

Yet another point where clarity is lacking regarding the Neecha Bhanga of planets is when a planet is debilitated in a chart and subject to Vargothama too (Vargothama – Having posited in the same sign in both Rashi and Navamsa chart). As per Vedic astrology a planet being Vargothama obtains prodigious powers to shower benefic results upon the native. Based on this prinicple a bunch of Vedic astrologers are of the opinion that If a debilitated planet is in Vargothama then that alone would enable a debilitated planet to attain Neecha Bhanga.

As far as I am concerned this cannot be relied upon due to a couple of factors. Mainly because whether the Vargothama powers can be attributed to a debilitated planet itself is a highly debatable matter and I will be discussing about that later separately. Secondly even if there are planetary combinations present in a chart which constitutes Neecha Bhanga for a debilitated planet who is having Vargothama too, we cannot expect the planet to have attained Neecha Bhanga because even when the planet has attained Neecha Bhanga in Rashi chart the planet will be debilitated in Navamsa and we know how important the power of a planet in Navamsa matters. But if a planet who is debilitated and Vargothama has attained Neecha bhanga in both Rashi and Navamsa charts powerfully then we can expect the planet to have attained Neecha Bhanga but such occassions would be rare.

Neecha Planets in Retrogression

The nature of a planet when he is in retrogression is a vast subject to discuss and needs to elaborated solely in an article which I will be doing soon. Anyway since we are bound to make an understanding about what happens to debilitated planets who is retrograde also let us have a brief look.

Generally when a planet is in retrogression he is acquires power but whether the power acquired will be diverted towards good deeds or otherwise is the question in concern here. Eventhough a planet is a temporal benefic in a chart but a natural malefic then his retrogression is not going to help as the power acquired will be used for adverse purposes. Meanwhile a natural benefic planet though happens to be a temporal malefic in a chart if becomes retrograde then he will be tend to produce more beneficial results acquired through retrogression. So in a chart if a natural malefic is in debilitation but if in retrograde motion too then he might not produce the Rajayoga results even if subject to Neecha Bhanga meanwhile a natural benefic planet if attains Neecha Bhanga then he will produce strong Rajayoga results if in retrogression.

Debilitated Planets in Mutual Aspect

Some Vedic Astrologers have an opinion that if two debilitated planets are in mutual aspect then that alone could confer Rajayoga. They claim that since both are in need to get rid of their state of debilitation they might help each other in attaining Neecha Bhanga. We willl have to simply reject this claim as we know now that a planet deviod power cannot be of help to another who is in need. This is as false as believing that two blind men standing on either sides of a road in search of help could help each other in crossing a road.

Time of Frutification

High amount of caution is a must while fixing up the time period when the Neech Bhanga Rajayoga would start operating in a chart if it is present.  In many cases it is been found that in the sub period of a planet which is comes first after the age of 35 who is posited in the Nakshatra (Star/Constellation) of the planet who is causing Neech Bhanga Rajayoga will be start providing the Yoga results and the native will start getting benefitted out of it. Meanwhile is the transit Jupiter which is through a good house from natal Moon should also influence the natal position of the sub period lord by then. If an adverse transit of Saturn is influencing the natal position of the sub period lord then the Rajayoga might not trigger then. On such occassions the native will have to wait till the occurance of such a combined planetary infuence taking place next time for the Rajayoga to get triggered.

Please Heed

I hope I have been able to cover at least the major portions of the topic though not in it’s entirety.  I would have missed a few points in my scrutiny which my esteemed readers may deem to be valid. If so, I always welcome whoever wish to pinpoint where I have missed to look into. Also there must be places where a few might disagree and have indifferences which are also welcomed for further explorations.

Rahu-Ketu in Transit (Effects in Leo & Aquarius)

(Based on Sun Signs)

Rahu-Ketu, the shadowy planets are considered to be inflicting adverse effects on most of the occasions though there are exceptions where they would provide beneficial effects too. Irrespective of the branch/aspect of astrology is in consideration most of the placements of Rahu-Ketu are bound to cause adverse effects. Currently Rahu-Ketu are transiting through Leo and Aquarius (Rahu through Leo and Ketu through Aquarius) from on 30^th Jan 2016 and will complete their transit through these signs by 18^th Aug 2017 for a period of 18 months. Jupiter will be conjunct to Rahu in Leo till 11^th Aug 2016 and also will be having aspect over Ketu till he moves out of Leo. Saturn too will be casting his glance over Rahu in this transit of Rahu except for a period of 6 months between 28^th Jan 2017 and 21^st June 2017.

Leo, a fiery and a war like nature sign owned by Sun through which the transit of Rahu is supposed to inflate adversities but him being conjunct to Jupiter till Aug of 2016, will make him less maleficent till the conjunction is on. But Saturn influencing Rahu from the sign Scorpio, a sign which is mystic in nature and known for it’s undercurrents will intensify the flames of Rahu. Keeping this predicament caused by the transit of Rahu-Ketu in view lets scrutinize the affects of it in various sectors of life for each of you based on your Sun signs.

Aries

This transit of Rahu and Ketu respectively falling in 5^th and 11^th houses from your Sun sign will fallout immense mental agonies for you. There will be tensions in each personal relation as you will feel like everyone is keeping a distance from you for unknown reasons; In fact it will be just obverse of the factual born out of your cloudy mind. Rahu causes many suspicions in your mind now and you will be worried on account of illusory plights.

Meanwhile the transit of Ketu through the 11^th house is good which will help you to have a footing. The income will be good throughout this transit but may have checkered flow after Aug of 2016 as Jupiter will be out of the sign Leo by then falling in to the 6^th house from your natal sign and also leaving the grip over both Rahu and Ketu. The professional life will stay afloat though you would feel that the relations from the professional front are going sour. You should make sure that your hobnobs with the opposite sex is not leaving a false feeling inside of someone in your professional circle who would take your trait of taking liberty on others as your manifestation of love. Those who are having natal Venus afflicted in their chart by the current transit of Saturn now should be more careful.   To sum up this could be an year more than just average but the strolls of your cloudy mind would leave an impression that the transit is an adverse one.

Taurus

Rahu and Ketu are transiting through the 4^th and 10^th houses respectively. The 4^th house is the house of domestic life and Rahu transiting through it that too under influence of Saturn is highly adverse for the family and domestic life. Your natural prowess for forbearing would be tested in this transit of Rahu. You might be taken aback realizing that the generosity you showered and the perturbation you have about those whom you considered to be the most important in your life were all going in vain. This might even have an huge impact on your thinking process and may change your attitude towards those around you for the rest of your life. If you are having your natal 4^th house from ascendant in your chart afflicted by current transit of Saturn then the adversities will intensified. All Taurus born needs to be very cautious in the marital life as this would a period where your relation with spouse may go sour if not handled with utmost care as the planetary influences especially the transits of Rahu and Saturn are prone to cause indifference between you two.

On other hand Ketu in the 10^th house might cause turmoil in professional life. There will be many clashes with the superiors as you would be assigned some new tasks in your work which won’t of your interest. You will have a kind of feeling that you have been of cornered in your profession and your frustrations would be intensified when your attempts to find a new job too happens to meet with failures. To conclude this would be an adverse period all around and needs your natural ability to tolerate and be patient at every level to move through it and come out unscathed.

Gemini

For Gemini born this transit of Rahu-Ketu would be a good one in general as Rahu would be transiting through the 3^rd house which is adjudged to be a good one while Ketu through the 9^th house is going to be average. Opportunities in the professional life will flock in throughout this transit and the problem you might face would be in taking a decision to chose from the wide range. You will lack clarity in analyzing the merits and demerits of the opportunities around which will lead to inability in taking a decision. Anyhow the months of Oct-Nov of 2016 will see you are having a change in your career which would be a great leap in your career. If Jupiter in transit is influencing your natal 10^th house or Lord then the professional life will be much benefited. Financial prosperity also can be expected now. Anyway this transit also would make you a bit aggressive towards others and that may have to be controlled with a conscious efforts otherwise it might take it’s toll on your profession.

Ketu transiting through 9^th house generally produces a mixture of events. It is a beneficial transit as far as spiritual life is concern. You will have chances to go to many temples and holy places. You will come in connection to religious and social organizations and also might get elected to hold prestigious positions within. Meanwhile this transit would cause adversities in the materialistic side of life. Your father or an important person from the paternal side would pass away and also the ones whom you consider as Guru in your life would have a stiffened period with you.

Cancer

The benchmark of this transit is the ups and downs in almost all sectors of life. Rahu is transiting through the 2^nd house where he is having the aspect from Saturn who is in turn posited in the 5^th house. Children might become a cause for worry. Those couples who are awaiting a childbirth might have to go through a tough time as there will be many odds they will be subject to. Most of them may find difficulties in getting conceived while the conceived ones may have complications too. Those who are blessed with children might have issues on account of them either by the means of children’s ill health or their irresponsible attitude towards life. Professionally the atmosphere might be unhappy but you will prefer to continue in the current place as you will be hopeful of a better future soon. There will be many hitches in the flow of money but you will still be able to manage the show.  

The transit of Ketu in the 8^th house from your sign is adverse for the health. There are chances for a minor accident between the months of June and Aug of 2016. You might develop health issues related to bone system of the body especially in your leg region at this transit. Also those who are anticipating ancestral assets may have it by the months of May-June 2016. Especially those who have the sub period of a well posited 8^th lord will enjoy the benefits from the ancestral assets. Meanwhile a dispute with your sibling on account of ancestral assets are also to be anticipated. You can conclude that this transit is a good one though will force you to move through the odds it will help you to gain important things in life.

Leo

In the beginning it will seem dark all around but slowly and steadily the fog will start fading away paving way for the bright rays.

This transit of Rahu in the 1^st house that too when Saturn moving through the 4^th and Jupiter through the 1^st house itself is going to cause a holocaust in your life bringing all your natural courage and self confidence down to the bottom. You will get frustrated to the core as almost every sector of life will seem to be facing vicissitudes. You will be aspiring for a change in job since a year or so and this transit wouldn’t be helping you initially to find success in your attempts. Those who have an afflicted 10^th house or lord and also subject to concurrent dasha and sub period may suffer loss of job and may have to stay jobless between May and Aug of 2016. But towards the end of the year 2016 you will be able to overcome the situation and fulfill your wish to find a good job.

Ketu is transiting through the 7^th house which is adverse for all kinds of relationships in life. Those who are married may have a bumpy period especially till about Nov 2016. Those who are singles may have to wait till the beginning of 2017 for finding your soulmate. Business partnerships may suffer. Many journeys related profession will be taking place but most of it will turn out to be fruitless. If you are planning to move abroad this would be a beneficial period. Overall this transit could be more of an adverse one though some beneficial events too will be taking place in the latter half of it.

Virgo

Virgo natives will be benefiting from this transit as Rahu will be over the 12^th house and Ketu will be over the 6^th house from their sign which are good.  Some one who is envious about you at your work place may cook up an allegation against you regarding money matters which may bring dishonor to you in the professional sphere. But slowly and steadily you will get out of it and by the last quarter of 2016 you will be able to prove your innocence explicitly.

This transit may cause much mental turmoil leading to development of health issues for you. There are chances for issues related to eye sight. Sufficient care has to be care towards health otherwise there might be initiation of chronic health issues related to blood system of the body like diabetics or blood pressure. Those who have afflicted and weak Jupiter and also the current transit of Jupiter influencing the natal position of Jupiter should be highly careful about their health now. Unexpected loses in business or investments has to be taken care but you need not worry much about it as you will be able to manage the damage as it would be well within your limits.

Libra

A good transit for those born under the sign Libra. Unexpected gains and a good flow of money in life will help you to be happy especially in the beginning of this transit when Jupiter too would be supportive in transit. There will be an increase income between the months of May and July of 2016. Those who are having appropriate planetary combinations in their chart with respective planetary directions on now are having chances to win lotteries or lucky drips in the second quarter of 2016. Professionally too it will be a good transit as you will have an elevation in your career especially in the second quarter of 2016. Your wishes to go abroad in connection to profession will get materialized by the latter half of 2016.  

Ketu in the 5^th house will cause some mental turmoil but nothing would be serious. Health of children might be a concern. Meanwhile the success of your children in their field will bring in happiness too. Your health will stay good throughout this transit provided there are no severe afflictions in your chart related to health. You will have more calmness of mind and it would be a right period to initiate meditation or any kind of practice to strengthen your mind. Personal life will be marked with happiness as your relationships at personal level will stay cordial throughout.

Scorpio

This is going to be a tough transit for scorpions especially in the professional front. Your ego and pride will be touched and you will feel very low especially when it comes to your profession throughout this period. Your performances will be affected and you may even start lacking enthusiasm towards life. You will be facing severe financial problems too at this period. Uncontrollable expenses and the commitments to be met time to time all together will take you to almost an unbearable situation. You will need to keep your faith in yourself of crossing this adverse period without getting shattered which alone will help you to be unscathed. Also make sure that you are not taking any hasty decision in your career especially leaving the current one till mid of Sept of 2016. If you are planning to enter into business or already in to business and have plans for expansions then it is advised that you keep your plans aside till Feb of 2017 as you are prone to face heavy loses if goes ahead with your plans till the said period.   

Ketu is transiting through your 4^th house thus not a good period for you to have any kind of transactions in properties. Till Aug-Sept of 2016 it is not advisable for you to invest in properties if you are planning to while it also not advisable for selling if you are plans are that way. Domestic life will be marked with the influx of both happy and unhappy events. Overall an adverse period through which you need to walk through cautiously in each step you take.

Sagittarius

There are a lot going to happen in this transit for the ones born in Sagittarius. Rahu is transiting through the 9^th house thus it could be a period of aggressive thrust forward in your career especially between the months of April and July of 2016. You will be taking a few decisions with respect to your profession involving a bit of risks. But you will be highly enthusiastic and confident of a positive outcome which will push you to take aggressive decisions ignoring the objections and concerns of those around you. God willing, the moves you make now will benefit you in long run though it may not provide you the desired results immediately.

Ketu transiting through the 3^rd house is average. It is supposed to cause unknown fears about future, disputes with kith and kin, and also health issues. Some kind of pain on the shoulder and neck region would develop now which may prolong too though it may not take a serious toll. You will face problems to express your side properly which will benefit your opponent at disputes thus have a proper preparation whenever you have to enter in to a compromise talk. Investment plans needs to be postponed throughout this transit. Overall there are positive turns occurring beneath the surface while over the surface you might have to counter many odds.

Capricorn

Rahu is transiting through your 8^th house thus this is a period you will need to pay much attention towards your health. Health issues related to digestive system and also your breathing organs are highly possible at this transit. You should be careful around the last quarter of 2016 as you prone to have an accident then which would be a minor one but may upset you professionally and personally.

Ketu is transiting through the 2^nd house the house of speech and family. You might have issues with your family as there will occur difference opinion and importantly you will have to face a spate of issues within family in various form. You have to control your speech as you are prone to speak very harshly and make one and all around you to feel enmity towards you. The 2^nd house where Ketu in transit is posited is the house of money too. This would be period of struggles in finances too. Your income would be good and stable but the unexpected expenditures would cause much imbalance in the financial front.

Aquarius

Aquarius born are known for their fast and deep thinking abilities along with their power of intuition which always helps them to look far deep in to the future in advance and also to take proper decisions and moves accordingly. But this transit of Ketu in the 1^st house will prevent you from enjoying your natural thinking abilities rather will put you under frustration due to the lack of clarity in estimating the trends. Professionally there will be gradual growth and much consolidation. Financially there might exist an up and down situation but won’t be beyond your limit.

Rahu posited in the 7^th house would be more troublesome. Rahu in the 7^th house would cause much damage to your marital life. Your spouse may show tendencies of keeping a distance from you.  There might be a few indifference existing between you and your spouse since long which might reach its peak now. The things about which you both kept silence since long may burst out and may lead to a serious threat for your marital life. You will need to be highly patient and tactful throughout this transit otherwise you will have to pay the price for it as there may take serious turns in marital life.

Pisces

Pisces born will be the most benefited from this transit of Rahu and Ketu. Rahu transiting through the 6^th house denotes victory over enemies. You will have the chance to overcome all the difficulties you were facing in professional, financial and personal front since last few years slowly as this transit advances. You will be better posited both financially and professionally towards the end of the year 2016 and the positive trends would began from the middle of the year itself.

Ketu is in the 12^th house which is good for spiritual advancement as well as having prosperity in the materialistic life. You will have chances to progress spiritually as your will be more inclined towards spiritual learning and get involved in religious activities. Those who are singles and looking for marriage will be finding their soul mates or getting married toward the latter half of 2016. Good time to make investments especially in properties in the months of Sept, Oct and Nov of 2016. One of your close relative from the maternal side may pass away by beginning of 2017.

Please Heed

The transit effects of Rahu-Ketu aligned here are the upshots of combining the Western and Vedic systems of astrology. Here Sun sign has been taken in to consideration (Western System) as the base while the movement of Rahu-Ketu transit is taken in to consideration based on Vedic system of astrology with Lahiri’s Ayanamsa. I am open for discussions about the technical aspects of modus operandi applied here. Also I warmly welcome the views and suggestions from my esteemed readers about the writings in these pages or the above post in specific.   

Please suggest topics for an article

Hi all,

It’s been quite long I have been thinking of writing something new over here. Since there wasn’t a single topic yielding precedence in my mind I started scrolling through a few blogs and sites where discussions are on, on various topics in astrology. Suddenly I started having a feeling that than posting my views on a particular topic and waiting for responses from my beloved readers it would be handy and exploratory to seek the opinion from all of you regrading the topic in which I should be writing an article.

I here by humbly invite you all to come up with your suggestions about the topic in which an article to be posted over here next time. Hope you all will come forward unhesitatingly to put forth your views.

Regards,

Bijesh Menon

Maha Raja Yoga (Part2)

In the previous section itself I delineated what are Rajayogas with its effects. In the last section I was describing the vital planets responsible for forming Rajayogas for different signs. We grouped the 12 signs into two based on the number of planets becoming Yogakarakas for each of it. The signs which have a single planet as the Yogakaraka were lined up in the 1^st group about which we discussed in detail in the last section with description about which planet becomes Yogakaraka for each signs and how that planet along with other planets aligned to form Rajayoga. Now let us see which are the planets and how are they act in forming Rajayoga for the rest of six signs falling in the second group.

Group 2 (Aries, Gemini, Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittarius and Pisces)

We know that the signs falling in this group is having a peculiarity that they do not have a single planet owning both a Kendra (Angle) and Trikona (Triangle) thus a single planet doesn’t possess the dignity of being a Yogakaraka rather two or three planets becomes eligible for becoming Yogakara for all the signs falling under this group. Its the combined effect of these planets by the means of influences on each other and also due to their positional influences they derive the capability to form Rajayoga.

We will make a chart showing the list of planets whom we should be taken in to consideration for judging the Yogakaraka for each sign of this group. Here the planets mentioned in the chart are the ones who are either possessing a Kendra or a Trikona for each sign in consideration while who are the ones actually becoming eligible for becoming Yogakaraka for each sign will be discussed and filtered later at appropriate places.

Signs	Planets in consideration to become Yogakaraka
Aries	Mars, Sun, Moon, Saturn, Venus and Jupiter
Gemini	Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn
Virgo	Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn
Scorpio	Mars, Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, Sun and Moon
Sagittarius	Mercury, Jupiter, Sun and Mars
Pisces	Mercury, Jupiter, Mars and Moon

How to Determine?

How we will define which planets out of the ones mentioned in the above chart would actually be falling in place to act as Yogakarakas and what measuring technique shall we employ to filter from the above list for each sign? I think an important dictum from the ancient text “Jataka_Bharanam”, would be of great help for unraveling the irony of this complex situation.

Mesha Lagneshu Jadasya

Rajayogobhi Labhyade

Chathurtha Panchamadheesha Sambandhe

Na Samshaye

Meaning, those who are born under Mesha Lagna, Rajayaga will be conferred on the native for sure if the 4^th and 5^th lords are conjoined.

For Aries the planets in consideration are Mars, Moon, Sun, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter as these own either a Kendra or Trikona. Now why Moon and Sun? Why the other planets are omitted? Especially considering that Mars is the Lagna lord for Aries and Jupiter is the 9^th lord the most powerful Trikona!!! The dictum leaves space for deeper thinking and analysis helping in setting up eligibility criteria for planets to become Yogakarakas. Lets analyze why other planets except Sun and Moon are omitted, one by one.

As we know a Yogakaraka planet is the one which owns both a Kendra and a Trikona. When a sign is devoid of a planet who owns both a Kendra and a Trikona then a couple of planets who are respectively the Lords of a Kendra and Trikona should be fall in the place of Yogakaraka. But for a Lagna there are four Kendra signs and two Trikona Signs so which Kendra Lord which Trikona Lord has to be taken into consideration is the hardest nut to crack. Here the above dictum becomes handy.

If we check under the light of above dictum we could see that for those who are born with Aries as lagna, Mars becomes Lagna lord but will be owning the 8^th house too a most powerful Dusthana. Though the Mool Trikona sign of Mars falls in Lagna leaving Mars disposed more beneficially his Lordship over the 8^th house the most powerful Dusthana leaves him disqualified. Venus becomes the 7^th lord yet another Kendra but he happens to be the 2^nd lord too. The 2^nd and 7^th houses are Maraka Sthanas thus leaving Venus as the most powerful Maraka planet for Aries and making ineligible. Another Kendra Lord for Aries is Saturn as he is the 10^th Lord but his Lordship over the 11^th house disqualifies him from becoming a Yogakaraka for Aries as for Aries the 11^th house is Badhaka Sthana. On the whole Moon is the only Kendra lord owning the 4^th house left alone without any malefic traits in him thus he is been granted one of the Yogakaraka position for Aries Lagna.

Meanwhile in the context of fixing up the second Yogakaraka for Aries Lagna, Jupiter loses the contest to Sun, the twoTrikona Lords of Aries. Jupiter is the 9^th lord a Trikona lord the most powerful Trikona but being 12^th Lord too a Dusthana Lord he cannot be taken in to consideration while Sun acquires the position against Jupiter as he is solely a Trikona Lord devoid of any other maleficence eligible for becoming the second Yogakaraka for Aries.  

Summing up its been seen that Sun and Moon have become eligible to hold the posture of Yogakarakas for Aries though there are planets owning much powerful Kendra and Trikona houses since Sun and Moon are not possessing malefic tendencies. So we can conclude thus that while determining Yogakaraka planets for signs which doesn’t have a single planet owning both a Kendra and a Trikona, primary consideration should be given to those Kendra and Trikona Lords who are devoid of menace.

Aries

We have seen above that for Aries Lagna Moon and Sun are Yogakaraka planets. To confer Rajayoga on Aries Lagna born Sun and Moon are to be connected and influencing each other by the means of conjunction, mutual aspect or exchange of houses. If the conjunction of Sun and Moon are occurring in a Kendra or Trikona that would be the best to form Rajayoga. Either of the Trikona would be good for this conjunction as the two Trikona signs for Aries are Leo and Sagittarius respectively and owned by Sun and Jupiter respectively where both Sun and Moon gain residential strength. The conjunction of Sun and Moon if occurs in a Kendra it would be fine if it is at Lagna or in the 4^th house as for Aries these houses are owned by Mars and Moon respectively thus providing Sun and Moon with residential strength. Meanwhile in the 7^th and 10^th houses this conjunction could confer Rajayoga just for the name sake. The 7^th house falls in Libra which is the debilitation sign for sun while an enemy house for both Sun and Moon while the 10^th house falls in Capricorn a house owned by Saturn a bitter enemy to both Sun and Moon thus in these houses this conjunction won’t provide the desired effect. A Mutual aspect between the two too would confer Rajayoga provided either of them shouldn’t be posited in a Dusthana, especially Moon occupying the 8^th house is highly undesirable. Also if in Kendras in mutual aspect the undesirable position would be Moon in Lagna and Sun in the 7^th house. An exchange of houses between the two is highly beneficial. The conjunction of Mars or Jupiter or their aspect from good houses would add strength to the Yoga.

Gemini

For Gemini Lagna the planets Mercury and Venus will become Yogakarakas. Jupiter is being surpassed by Mercury due to Jupiters Lordship over the 7^th house which is both a Maraka and Bhadhaka house. While Venus surpasses Saturn in the battle to secure the position of Yogakaraka though both of them owns a Dusthana, Saturn owns the 8^th house which is the most powerful Dusthana. A conjunction, mutual aspect or exchange of houses between Venus and Mercuy could confer Rajayoga given the condition that neither of them are posited in a Dusthana. If the Rajayoga is conferred on the native by the means of a conjunction between Venus and Mercury then the conjunction anywhere outside the dusthana houses and the 3^rd house is desired. If it is a mutual aspect between the two then again it should be invariably outside the dusthana. Also the position of Venus in the 4^th house and Mercury in the 10^th also won’t give birth to the desired effects though the Rajayoga may exist theoretically since both of them would be in their house of debilitation respectively. In such a case position of Jupiter in Lagna, 4^th or the 10^th house would help to have salvation to a great extend. In case of mutual exchange the position of Venus in Lagna and Mercury in the 5^th is the best and the other exchange of houses with Venus in the 4^th and Mercury in the 12^th won’t give rise to Rajayoga. Saturn and Jupiter in conjunction either in the 9^th or in the 10^th house or exchange of houses between them with Jupiter in the 9^th and Saturn in the 10^th houses also would confer a Rajayoga of the first grade. But a conjunction in any other houses or a mutual aspect between them irrespective of the houses they are posited would confer a Rajayoga of second grade only though it falls in the category of Dharma Karmadhipa Yoga.

Virgo

Once again Venus and Mercury becomes the Yogakaraka planets. Since Venus and Mercury owns the best Trikona and Kendra houses while owning malefic houses with less intensity for Virgo thus they wins the race against Saturn and Jupiter indisputably. As usual the conjunction of Venus and Mercury anywhere except the Dushtans and the 3^rd house would be enough to form Rajayoga. In case of mutual aspect too the position of either of the planets shouldn’t be in a Dusthana and also the position of Mercury in the 7^th and Venus in the 1^st shouldn’t be present, if so Position of Jupiter in the Lagna, 7^th or the 10^th houses would help to have some salvation. Rest of the houses are approved. Meanwhile the mutual aspect of Saturn and Jupiter being posited in the 5^th and 11^th houses respectively would also confer a Rajayoga of second grade.

Scorpio

For Scorpio Lagna, Moon and Sun becomes the Yogakaraks. Moon though Bhadhaka Lord is much beneficial than Jupiter for Scorpio borns as Moon is more friendly to the Lagna lord Mars  and also due to the 2^nd house Lordship of Jupiter a Maraka house. Than Saturn or Venus, Sun becomes the best Kendra Lord for Scorpio Lagna as both Saturn and Venus are owning the 3^rd and 12^th houses respectively apart from the Kendra houses they own which results in Sun acquiring the Yogakaraka position for Scorpio. Sun and Moon are in conjunction in the 1^st or the 10^th houses are good as these two houses are owned by Mars and Sun respectively resulting in the residential strength of both Sun and Moon. In the 4^th and 7^th houses the conjunction may not provide the desired results as these are houses owned by Saturn and Venus respectively, bitter enemies for both Sun and Moon. In case of the conjunction taking place in the 7^th house though it would be the exaltation sign for Moon the weakness of Sun in Taurus would be a handicap. In case of Mutual aspect as always the position of these two should be outside the Dusthana sphere. Position of Moon in Lagna and Sun in the 7^th houses also is not acceptable. Mutual exchange of houses between Sun and Moon would be highly beneficial while influence of either Mars or Jupiter from good houses would boost the beneficial results.

Sagittarius

Sun and Jupiter are the planets becoming Yogakaraka for Sagittarius. Mercury though a Kendra lord he is the 7^th lord which happens to be both Bhadhaka and Maraka Sthana for Sagittarius Lagna while Mars though a Trikona lord is owning the 12^th house too which is a Dusthana. Due to these considerations Jupiter and Sun been awarded the Yogakaraka position for those born under Sagittarius Lagna. Sun and Jupiter conjoined in a Kendra or Trikona house would be the best. The conjunction in a Dusthana is not desirable and also in the 11^th and 3^rd houses too. Meanwhile if it is a mutual aspect between the two then again the position of either of the 2 in a dushana is not desirable with Jupiter in the 8^th house and Sun in the 2^nd house as an exception. An exchange of houses between the two is also highly acceptable while Sun in Lagna would be the best. Martian or Mercurial influence from good houses are good. Also Moon in a Kendra to Jupiter always would be an added power.

Pisces

For Pisces lagna people the planets Moon, Mars and Jupiter are the Yogakarakas with Pisces becoming a rare exception of having 3 planets as Yogakarakas. Mars though the 2^nd Lord a Maraka Sthana and also his Mool Trikona sign falls in the 2^nd house he plays a vital role along with Jupiter and Moon in conferring Rajayoga to a native which is been observed in many cases. Mercury though a Kendra Lord since he is owning the 7^th house a Bhadhaka and Maraka Sthana gets disqualified from the contest of becoming Yogakaraka. The conjunction of Mars and Jupiter is most vital in producing Rajayoga for Pisces Lagna while the position of Moon in a Kendra from there would be giving it a subtle perfection. The conjunction should be in a Kendra or Trikona house and 2^nd house too is well desired. The mutual aspect between the two is also confers Rajayoga provided neither of them are in a Dusthana. Position of Jupiter in the 11^th and Mars in the 5^th is not good while Moon posited in the 2^nd or 5^th house in such a case would revert the scenario. In case of exchange of houses between Mars and Jupiter Rajayoga is conferred provided Moon is not in a Dusthana from Jupiter.

A few points to be noted...

In any of the above mentioned situation where a combination mentioned for forming a Rajayoga make sure that the concerned planets are not in debilitation in Navamsa and also not conjoined with Maraka planets in Rashi chart.