viernes, 21 de febrero de 2014

KARAKAS

KARAKAS IN VEDIC ASTROLOGY


KARAKAS IN VEDIC ASTROLOGY

The student of vedic astrology comes across the word ‘karaka’ quite often in various contexts. In fact most standard texts devote an entire chapter for the ‘karaka’ . For instance Parasara’s magnum opus the ‘Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra’ has an entire chapter titled ‘kaarakaadhyaaya’ . Even the dasa delineation depends on how accurately one identifies all the karakas involved. Every prediction is based on these karakatwas. In fact any successful astrologer will tell you that your understanding of the chart is directly proportional to how thorough your knowledge of the karakas and their appropriate use is.

The word Karaka means a ‘significator’ or “one who causes”. Karaka of a matter is the significator of that particular matter and signifies / causes events related to that matter. Significators can be classified according to various criteria.

Significations may be Natural or Acquired
Natural significations of planets are permanent or fixed in a way and are based on their innate nature. For instance Sun is the karaka for the soul, Moon for the mind, Mercury for the intellect, Mars for courage and Jupiter for children. The detailed natural significations for various planets are given elsewhere.

Planets acquire the power to signify a matter by virtue of their lordships and positions too. These significations are Acquired and change in each chart. For instance the lord of the first house (who ever the planet maybe) acquires signification over all the matters governed by that house. Likewise the second lord acquires signification over matters governed by the second house such as speech, possessions, food/diet etc. The detailed l significations for various houses are given elsewhere.

Acquired or Temporary or Variable karakatwas of planets are defined in another way too in Jaimini system. The Charakarakas of Jaimini are discussed elsewhere in this article.

The above is the simplest and most basic approach to a karaka. As the student progresses, he/she will come across a more in-depth approach to the concept of karakas.

In accordance with tradition, Somanatha Misra writes in Kalpalata (his vrtti on the Jaimini Sutras ) that Karakas are of many kinds ( Kaarakaa bahu vidhaah ) and then deals with the following

Five kinds of karakas
• Karaka

• Atmakaraka

• Swakaraka

• Dasakaraka and

• Bhavakaraka.

Among these five, Jain astrologers are said to favour Atmakaraka and Swakaraka . Atmakaraka is the most favoured planet in Jaimini system and its extensive use is a unique feature of Jaimini astrology.

Swakaraka is the most dependable of all in determining the results of a chart though one should study the chart with reference to other kinds of karakas too. I will deal with the ‘swakaraka’ later. First let me define each of these karakas.

ATMAKARAKA

Atmakaraka is the planet that has advanced to the highest degree in any sign. I have written more on the charakarakas and atmakaraka elsewhere in this article.

DASAKARAKA

Dasakaraka is the planet whose influence is prominent during a particular dasa. The lord of the dasa (in a planetary dasa) is the single most influential planet for that particular dasa. But planets conjunct or aspecting or aspected by the dasa lord too influence the dasa. In a rasi dasa, planets in that rasi as well planets involved in aspects with the rasi also determine the results. All such planets become the Dasa karakas in some manner though the Dasa lord is the single most influential planet as the Dasakaraka. Simply put for most practical purposes Dasakaraka is the planet whose dasa is operating.

BHAVAKARAKA

Bhavakaraka is the significator of a house. Bhavakarakas are of two kinds:

Permanent ( Nitya ) and Temporary ( Anitya )

Nitya (Permanent) bhavakarakas :

The permanent significators for the twelve houses are fixed for all charts. Hence the name Nitya indicating ‘permanent’. These are:

1 st house: Sun

2 nd : Jupiter

3 rd : Mars

4 th : Moon, Mercury

5 th : Jupiter

6 th : Mars, Saturn

7 th : Venus

8 th : Saturn

9 th : Sun, Jupiter

10 th : Sun, Saturn, Mercury, Jupiter

11 th : Jupiter

12 th : Saturn

Though the above list is supported by standard works such as Phala Deepika, Sarvartha Chintamani, Jataka Parijata etc, Parasara mentions only one planet as the significator for a house. According to the BPHS only Moon is considered for the 4th house, Mars for the 6 th , Jupiter for the ninth and Mercury for the tenth. Who is correct? Depending on the context both versions are correct. For instance Mars is the significator for the sixth if one is referring to enemies. But for other general indications Saturn is also appropriate.

Anitya (Temporary) bhavakarakas:

As already stated a temporary significator of a bhava (house) is a planet that acquires the power to signify matters governed by that house by virtue of its lordship, position, aspects etc in the chart under question. So the lord of the second house, planets in the second house and planets aspecting, all these become the bhavakarakas for the second house in a particular chart.

STHIRA & CHARA KARAKAS
Jaimini makes a distinction between Sthira (Fixed) and Chara (Variable) karakas.

STHIRA KARAKAS

As indicated by the name, these significations of a planet are fixed or permanent in nature. For instance Sun is the karaka for the soul, Moon for the mind, Mercury for the intellect, Mars for courage and Jupiter for children. These are to be learnt from other standard texts. Most texts agree on a majority of the common significations in a general way. The detailed natural significations for various planets, based on standard texts, are given in another article. Here I will confine myself to a few important differences.

Generally it is acceptable to take the Sun as the karaka for father and Moon for the mother. But certain authorities make a distinction between night and day births.

In Brihat Jataka, Varahamihira suggests that Sun is the significator for father and Venus for mother in case of day birth. Likewise Saturn is the significator for father and Moon for mother for night births. Parasara has something else to suggest though it has no distinction between day and night births. The stronger one between Sun and Venus is the significator for father, while the stronger one between Moon and Mars is the significator for mother.

My own observation is that Varahamihira is more accurate in this regard. One thing should be kept in mind though. In spite of considering Venus and Saturn too for the mother and father according to day or night birth the general signification of Sun for father and Moon for mother should not be ignored. It works well in practice.

As for Parasara’s suggestion, it could be reframed. Though it does not seem appropriate to take the stronger one between Sun and Venus for father, Venus does have a role in another way. Venus is the significator for ‘shukla’ or ‘semen’ and in that sense indicates the male fecundity factor. Likewise Mars is the significator for ‘sonita’ and in that sense indicates the female fecundity factor at least. Perhaps this may have a bearing on the conception chart. Since no valid research or study has been done on conception charts by anyone so far, I will not speculate.

It is accepted by all that that Venus is the karaka for ‘beeja’ (seed) and Mars for the ‘kshetra’ (field), a concept that has been used by Mantreswara in calculating the ‘beeja sphuta’ and ‘kshetra sphuta’ in assessing the fecundity/fertility factor. The sphuta is calculated in a male chart by adding the longitudes of Sun, Venus and Jupiter. In a female chart it is done by adding the longitudes of Moon, Mars and Jupiter. Jupiter is the fixed karaka for children for all charts. Additionally Sun, Venus for males and Moon, Mars for females are taken by Mantreswara in accordance with the above mentioned logic. Parasara’s suggestion too could be founded on a similar principle and could be useful in a different context. But for all general purposes SOME believe Varahamihira is more acceptable while the standard significations of Sun for father and Moon for mother should be kept in mind at all times.

lunes, 3 de febrero de 2014

VIMSHOTARI DASHA

VENUS Mahadasha Phal (Birth - August 13, 1943)
Your Venus is in Gemini sign which is a Friendly sign for Venus. Venus is lord of 1,6 house and situated in 2nd house. Venus aspects 8th house and aspected by Saturn.

Luck will be on your side in case you are thinking about a rolling your dice on some project or speculation. There are chances of good career progress. This could be an excellent period promising much success provided you are willing to work on it. You will acquire new assests and make some wise investments. You will enjoy the company of the opposite sex. Increased corporation from the family is seen. You will develop the taste for rich and delicious food. A get together at home is on the cards.
SUN Mahadasha Phal (August 13, 1943 - August 13, 1949)
Your Sun is in Taurus sign which is a Enemy sign for Sun. Sun is lord of 4 house and situated in 1st house. Sun aspects 7th house and aspected by Mars,Rahu.

You will be confident and positive during this period. You will continue to wield power and authority either in government or public life. Short distance journeys are indicated which will prove to be beneficial. You will spend money freely. You and a close family member may suffer from ill health. Specifically it indicates sickness to your life partner, severe headache or eye complaints.
MOON Mahadasha Phal (August 13, 1949 - August 13, 1959)
Your Moon is in Leo sign which is a Friendly sign for Moon. Moon is lord of 3 house and situated in 4th house. Moon aspects 10th house and aspected by Mars.

It should turn out to be the prosperous period for you. You will receive many surprises, mostly pleasant. There will be happiness through spouse and your relatives. There will be success in disputes and litigations. You will buy a new house or a vehicle. You may get huge profits from your contracts and agreements. You will prevail over all your enemies. It is a favorable period as far as money matters are concerned.
MARS Mahadasha Phal (August 13, 1959 - August 13, 1966)
Your Mars is in Aquarius sign which is a Neutral sign for Mars. Mars is lord of 12,7 house and situated in 10th house. Mars aspects 1st, 4th, 5th house and aspected by Moon.

Success in examinations, or promotion, or increased recognition in occupation is assured. Increased corporation from the family is seen. Help from people who live in faraway places or foreign associates. You may get a new assignment which will be very beneficial to you. You will have tremendous confidence to handle any kind of adverse situation.
RAHU Mahadasha Phal (August 13, 1966 - August 13, 1984)
Your Rahu is in Virgo sign.Rahu is situated in 5th house. Rahu aspects 9th, 11th, 1st house and aspected by Mars,Jupiter,Ketu.

This is not a good period for you. Your opponents will try to damage your reputation. You may have to be involved in unprofitable deeds. Sudden financial loss is on the cards. Take care of your health and food poisoning could be the cause of stomach ailments. A tendency of taking risks should be curbed as it is not a very harmonious period for you. Dispute on small issues with relatives and friends is on cards. Don't take major decisions otherwise you will be in trouble. Beside this, you might have to get indulge in thankless job.
JUPITER Mahadasha Phal (August 13, 1984 - August 13, 2000)
Your Jupiter is in Taurus sign which is a Enemy sign for Jupiter. Jupiter is lord of 8,11 house and situated in 1st house. Jupiter aspects 5th, 7th, 9th house and aspected by Mars,Rahu.

Your personal needs will be met the more you tune into your spiritual side, and your growth will be directly connected with your ability to accept your deep philosophical transformation. You could greatly benefit by finishing that degree or get that certificate you've been working on. This is a good time to follow that urge to express your deep inner changes in your personal growth. You can be very successful in expressing your higher principles, whether it is work related or community oriented. Your outlook will be optimistic and your enemies will be in touble during this period. Expect monetary returns when you put your ideas into practice. You will gain from government and mistry and may work together with them for the success. There will be expansion in the trade or will get job promotions. Family happiness is assured for you.
SATURN Mahadasha Phal (August 13, 2000 - August 13, 2019)
Your Saturn is in Aries sign which is a Debilitated sign for Saturn. Saturn is lord of 9,10 house and situated in 12th house. Saturn aspects 2nd, 6th, 9th house.

This is not a very satisfactory period for you. You may get indulge into sudden losses financially. Loss of money due to litigation and disputes is also possible. Failure in attempts will make you feel frustrated. You will have to slog as the work burden will be too much. Family life will also create tensions. Don’t try to take risks in business matters as period is not very harmonious to you. Your enemies will try to tarnish your image. Loss of money will be quite evident.
MERCURY Mahadasha Phal (August 13, 2019 - August 13, 2036)
Your Mercury is in Gemini sign which is a Own sign for Mercury. Mercury is lord of 2,5 house and situated in 2nd house. Mercury aspects 8th house and aspected by Saturn.

Income or the position will be improved and gain of profits from work or the business activities is guaranteed. Defeat of enemies, increased property, gain of knowledge, favor from superiors and success can be expected during this period. Travels will be very useful this period will also make you human philosophical and profound. You will be able to balance professional and domestic commitments intelligently.
KETU Mahadasha Phal (August 13, 2036 - August 13, 2043)
Your Ketu is in Pisces sign.Ketu is situated in 11th house. Ketu aspects 3rd, 5th, 7th house and aspected by Rahu.

You will get full co-operation from superiors or people in responsible or influential positions. You can make great progress professionally. . Increased corporation from the family is seen. Help from people who live in faraway places or foreign associates. It could be an excellent period promising much success provided you are willing to work on it. New opportunities will come your way without your seeking them consciously. You will get much respect and honor in social circle. You will construct a new house and enjoy all sort of pleasures.