SATURN (SHANI) IN LEO (SIMHA) ON JULY 16, 2007

The Gochar of Shani is, of course, very significant in that it indicates where the stressful and testing results of our past Karma shall obtain over a broad period of 2 ½ years. This Karma at the level of resources and inanimate realities, such a circumstances, is divined from the inherent nature of the Rashi that Shani shall tenant in the said phase, at too its functional role when reckoned from various reference points indicative of the Self. I shall now proceed to illustrate these premises with the aid of express astrological terminology. These are centered around the quite significant astrological event of Saturn’s entry into Leo on July 16, 2007.

SIMHA RASHI (LEO):

Let us begin with Simha Rashi itself, where Shani shall transit over the next 2 ½ years beginning the 16th of July, 2007 in the early morning hours. This Rashi is ruled by Surya and indicates power and authority. The basic tenor of the inanimate or Jada reality that subsists in this Rashi is antithetical to the nature of Shani. Shani is sallow and reluctant. He does not shine. In the proud and somewhat egoic domain of the spiritual Surya, Shani feels overwhelmed and uncomfortable. He is malefic here. If Simha Rashi should be your Chandra Rashi, then this transit can be a time of intense and personal transformation. The innate pride and exclusivity of the psychological makeup could be thwarted and minimized by the realistic and ponderous pressures of Shani.

If this Rashi tenants the Lagna, then decision making, health and such issues could be troublesome. In both cases, work performance will be challenged. In the former scenario it will be the social support and professional recognition and partnership due from people and colleagues that shall dry up; in the latter it shall be the ability to work that will be hampered for some reason. If Simha houses the Arudha Lagna or the Rajyapada/ A10, the external manifestation of work, namely the office and tangible professional output, then these areas can struggle to emerge. The Rajyapada suffers as the person is required to work very very hard and yet the people who are given the responsibility to judge this seem to feel that not enough has been accomplished and more effort must go into it. Likewise, any other Arudha will feel the weight and withdrawal of Saturn’s Karmic portfolio.

It ought to be understood at this juncture that those who are undergoing auspicious Vimshottari Dasha in their horoscopes and are aided by a Moola Dasha that is not fructifying a curse, these trials imposed by the transit of Shani can prove to be basically tolerable.

While this Gochar for Simha Chandra Rashi/ the natal Moon sign in the Rashi Chakra forms the white-hot heart of the Sade-Sati, for those with this Lagna and Arudha Lagna, the transit is formative of Kantak Shani. Generally speaking, it would be a good idea to seek remedial measures and start performing them. The eternal rationale behind Shani’s resolute punishment is transformation and weeding out the dead parts of our lives and personalities; if one were to aid Saturn in this task by free-willed choice and seeking to understand the core of the spiritual nature of the human being and that of life itself, the suffering can be mitigated.

The Graha Mantra or Tantric Mantra of Shani should not be attempted without proper horoscopic evaluation. Mental health for those in the Sade-Sati will be contingent on the strength of the Moon in the radix. If Chandra is involved in Matri Shrapa, and the Moola Dasha is precipitating the Curse, then direct attention should be focused on psychological propriety and emotional constructs. Anxiety disorders, panic attacks, melancholy, psychological aberrations like Obsessive Compulsive Disorders should not be swept under the dusty carpet of mundane existence as these can be life altering issues. The manifestation of natal Tithi Dosha can also lead to such outcomes.

KANYA RASHI (VIRGO):

For nativities with this Chandra Rashi, the psychological horizons are about to undergo a sea-change. Shani in Simha Rashi signals the beginning of their Sade-Sati and a complete overhauling of the manner in which societal stimuli have been interpreted by the mind. Issues related to home, character and personal life might arise. If health is suspect, recovery from irritating medical conditions might become lingering and slow, much like the deliberate and lame progress of Shani. If Shani is malefic and dominant for the horoscope, or if Simha Rashi has few Bindus in the Sarvashtakavarga scheme, the next couple of years can be pressing. People may say unjustified things and there may be character-assassination.

If Chandra in the radix is cursed, or in other words, afflicted by the conjunction and/ or Graha Drishti/ planetary aspect of two or more malefics, this transit can change the mental personality of the native. It will be a long period of changes and seemingly inexplicable events, which are all designed to expose the native’s short comings and the Achilles Heel, which the Jatak may have been overlooking to his final detriment. One may discover how it feels to have unpleasant things said callously and unreasonably in respect of one’s actions and intent. This can infuse caution and surrender, depending upon the astrological destiny and nature of the person in this incarnation. For those with Shani in Lagna, or Paka Lagna, these can be conspicuous and important lessons. After the seemingly interminable 7 ½ years, the native will emerge a new person.

For those with Kanya Lagna, if Shani Mahadasha in the Vimshottari Dasha scheme is running, sleep patterns and displacement from the place of residence might be focal areas. For Kanya Arudha Lagna people, this is not of too much consequence, save if such people have natal Shani in Simha Rashi. In such cases, if politics or a power-centric profession is the chosen calling, great success may accrue or beginnings made in this direction.

For those commencing their Sade-Sati with an afflicted Moon or a malefic or Marana Karaka Sthana Shani may remember to seek qualified opinion to better handle the challenges likely to come. This is specially so if Shani is the malefic lord of the Moola Mahadasha fructifying a curse. To discuss Shrapa is not to dwell fruitlessly on grey topics, but it is to look at the fundamental mechanics of rebirth and the suffering either felt or likely to be felt in this incarnation. It is to trace from the Shashtyamsha/ D-60 chart, the nature of the sum total of Karma to be experiences, the precise act that invited the curse and then its physical and manifest consequences in this life from the Rashi Chakra.

TULA RASHI (LIBRA):

For nativities with this zodiacal sign housing the radical Moon, the obstacles and problems in career and achievement in societal participation are about to come to an end with the change in sign placement of Shani. Likewise, for those with Tula Lagna rising who have found the will to put in quality work dissipating and a sense of despondency creeping in to their work ethics. All these things would be giving way to a lighter professional and societal environment. Since Chandra is the Karaka for the manifest world, the fundamental indications accruing to the Arudha Padas also apply in great measure to mental and societal constructs pertaining to Bhavas reckoned from the Moon. In other words, those with Tula Arudha Lagna and Chandra Rashi shall feel similar relief.

Shani moves to an Upachaya Bhava, the 11th, when reckoned from the Tula Rashi. This is a good placement for the hardworking and realistic Saturn. It will compel the native to pursue his desires with painstaking realism without looking for shortcuts. People with Tula Rashi occupying crucial astrological stations are more comfortable with the work and nature of Saturn and thus this transit can be encouraging for them, contingent on the strength of the horoscope and the prevailing Dashas at various levels. For mental, fiscal, and participatory derivations use the Vimshottari Dasha. For deterministic, fated and circumstantial moorings rely on the Narayan Dasha/ Padakrama Dasha. For the underlying truth of Karma manifesting, see the Moola Dasha: this is the most important Dasha. In fact, Varahamihira relied almost solely on this Dasha. It can give very clear insights into the underlying thematic of the unfolding Karma; thus, even while the mental realities may be auspicious, the native may be experiencing a Curse due to the Moola Dasha. Often we feel that another person is achieving great things at the societal level while at a real and private level he may be struggling to get past the day. The intelligent application of the various Dashas taught by the Rishis is a key to the correct analysis of the various Chakras of the horoscope and thus of life itself. Also remember the conditional Dashas of Parashara as given in the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. They must be applied prior to and along with the Vimshottari Dasha if the special conditions relating to their applicability are fulfilled in the horoscope.

VRISHCHIK RASHI (SCORPIO):

Where the relenting occurs, just adjacent to that the trials begin. For those with Vrishchik Lagna or Chandra Rashi, Shani shall transit the 10th house therefrom forming Kantak just as it did for Tula nativities till July 16. It might be best to take precautions as for this Lagna and Chandra Rashi, Shani does not assume a benign posture.

A symbolic thorn might prick the foot of the Scorpion and the experience of the sting is always testing. This is not a perverted phenomenon but it is cosmically designed to slow down certain aspects while speeding up certain others. This Gochar is a reality check, pause and take stock as Shani is not a planet of choice in any case. The distinctions between the varying impacts for Scorpio Lagna, Arudha Lagna and Chandra Rashi shall be similar to those details for Simha above as the 10th House would be the focus. It would be less intense for those with Simha as here only Shani’s Latta/ the 10th House kick is being felt, onerous though it is, while for Simha it is the stark and palpable presence of the Dharmaraja himself. Be meticulous in your appreciation of and adherence to reality constraints, else Shani shall ask questions and explanation relating to Karmic transgressions. Those questions might be harshly posed as for the life of us we cannot believe what could give the human being the right, power and authority to speak to us in that manner, either literally or symbolically.

If we come down to the brass tacks, it is a puppet show when it comes to Saturn as the Graha is not willing to oblige, take bribes, accede to requests, being moved by tears, pain, suffering etc. Remedial measures will allow easier breathing and some lightening up. One is immensely grateful that Shani listens to prayers and will respond, though perhaps not in the way and not to the extent we would ideally prefer. Discard those precious preferences that cause so much suffering: ask the Mind to give them up or at least to view them in a newer light.

DHANU RASHI (SAGITTARIUS):

Dhanu Rashi has also been undergoing the Kantak Shani while Saturn has been transiting in Karka Rashi, which tenets the 8th Bhava therefrom. Sudden obstacles and impediments in work have been assailing the natives with this Rashi. With Shani moving to the 9th House, the Kantak Gochar shall abate and things that had appeared so challenging and unmovable shall abate and relent now. Use this time wisely to reflect on the challenges and slights encountered and tolerated and pave the way for sounder and more secure future courses of action.

MAKAR RASHI (CAPRICORN):

The natives of Makar Rashi and those with Arudha Lagna in this sign shall experience the Kantak Shani as the Karmic planet will transit their 8th House. Much of what the natives of Dhanu Rashi had been experiencing till now will come to pass. For those with Makar Lagna and Shani Mahadasha in the Vimshottari Dasha scheme running, this could be a time to ensure caution as far as health is concerned. Come chronic ailments may either be precipitated or may crop up again if they have been symptomatic hitherto. If Makar houses the Arudha Lagna, Shani as a natural malefic is not welcome in the 8th House. This may not prove to be auspicious for finances and social success. Remedial measures should be procured and performed if the going should get tough.

KUMBHA RASHI (AQUARIUS):

Shani will transit through the 7th House from the Lagna, Chandra Rashi or the Arudha Lagna. This is not a very conspicuous Gochar for Shani save if the Upapada Lagna is afflicted and the native has Kumbha Lagna. This too if the native is on the first Upapada Lagna. In such a scenario, the marital scenario can show signs of stress. Otherwise, this Gochar must be coupled with other Yogas etc in order for its import to be understood fully.

MEENA RASHI (PISCES):

For those with Meena Chandra Rashi and Arudha Lagna this transit shall be a golden period as Shani will be in the 6th House. Shani gives good results in Upachaya Bhavas. Here it has Amrita Drishti on the 8th House. This can be a time to surmount any opposition whatsoever and applies especially to those with Arudha Lagna in this sign. The enemies shall be soundly thrashed and this would be especially so if the Shatru Arudha is conjunct Simha Rashi, irrespective of which Rashi or Lagna or Arudha Lagna the native has. The Meena Lagna or Rashi natives, as too those with Meena Arudha Lagna can anticipate a time of material success and worldly sating.

MESHA RASHI (ARIES):

Creative thought and progeny could be areas under scrutiny especially if the Mantra Pada/ A5 or the Naisargika Karaka for children, Guru is afflicted or Cursed in the radix. This applies most to Mesha Lagna natives. If the Putra Bhava is housed by natural malefics, Shani in Gochar could precipitate trials in that area.

For those who are in powerful positions, close to ministers or occupying ministerial berths, this is again a time of care and due attention to decision making.

VRISHABH RASHI (TAURUS):

This is not an adverse Gochar like Kantak Shani but cannot be considered totally free of trials. Some impediments in happiness can accrue as the Graha shall be over the Sukha Bhava. It will also aspect the 10th House with its 7th aspect. Unless Shani is natally placed alone in a Dusthana for this Lagna where it is causative of Vipreeta Raja Yoga, (yes, despite not being a Dusthana Lord, and even being a Yogakaraka) and it is afflicted, as the Badhak it can precipitate troubles at home in its Vimshottari Dasha. This is a hypothetical instance cited as otherwise, the Gochar is not overly conspicuous.

MITHUN RASHI (GEMINI):

If the upcoming Gochar of Shani was not conspicuous for the Jatak with Vrishabh Rashi or this Rashi tenanting Lagna or Arudha Lagna, it is exactly the positive opposite for natives with Mithun Rashi occupying one of the reference points highlighted in this advisory instruction. Those with Mithun Chandra Rashi are going to come out of a life-altering phase imposed by the Sade-Sati of Shani. The dark experiences of the mind, the humiliations and slights imposed by even near and dear ones would be a thing of the past and much humbled you are now ready to embrace the world anew. It is akin to a psychological rebirth. Those who have got overwhelmed and developed phobias, fears, doubts and superstitions in this fearsome phase should develop an attitude of positive surrender to the Cosmic Will and participate in the Mayik drama with vigour and directed intent.

Strive to recall and remember the forced lessons taught by Shani who has exposed the secrets of Kala/ Time to you. It is clear to you that many things are just the way they are and no matter what you may have tried in these 7 ½ years nothing would have shaken the conventional trauma experienced. Failure is only one side of the coin and it is now time to experience the light world of success, frothy and quick. If Shani does not transit your Arudha Lagna or Lagna or some crucial Arudha Padas and you run good Dashas in a potent nativity, then this is the time to give the nectar to the world churned out of the poison of your Karma you have drunk over these seven years and more. Forgive your enemies for the terrible things they may have said and done to you, and even more importantly view the friends who may have broken your hearts and robbed you of your faith and trust as mere mouthpieces and puppets chosen by your Karma; after all what is the hurt inflicted by a stranger compared to that inflicted by someone close to the heart and soul. Shani chooses to make you suffer now, so that you may not have to visit unsavory Talas later. Move ahead with such positive thoughts having been now freed by Shani.

KARKA RASHI (CANCER):

This sign is entering the final phase of the Sade-Sati of Lord Shani. This will stress the Artha Trikona or the Trinal Bhavas pertaining to material striving and achievement. Movable assets, food, home and speech should be watched. Daily work should be carefully and religiously undertaken and enmity shunned. The professional and Karmic profile will also be tested as the matters related to the 2nd, 6th and 10th Houses shall come under the scrutiny of Shani. Keep the sentiment ‘This too shall pass’ uppermost in the mind and avail of the authentic remedial measures from the Shastra without succumbing to Tamasic remedies culled from a book of this colour or that. Graha Mantra if it has been lightly recommended should be discontinued as it can be disastrous of it is not suitable for the horoscope at hand. Likewise for the Tantric Mantra.

POST SCRIPT ON SHANI IN THE RADIX:

By way of a note on the radical placements for Shani, it is stated that Lagna Shuddhi is usually a good idea if Shani occupies the Lagna in the Rashi Chakra for anyone. This is done to control the coldness in the body and the vulnerability to disease. Shani is in Marana Karaka Sthana here and will adversely impact the Bhavas lorded in the Rashi Chakra. In the Bhavas (s) are afflicted then stressful results might come to pass in those realms. If Shani is joined the Chandra Lagna, then Sattwic Kalika worship is a good idea. If Chandra Lagna happens to be in the 4th, 10th or 11th House from the Lagna, this will create a Rajayoga that shall fructify after great initial suffering and hardship. If Shani afflicts the Darapada/ A7 badly or is involved in a Shrapa there, then for better and more tolerable relationships this ought to be addressed. Likewise for the 7th Bhava. In the 10th Shani can impose requirements of severe hard work and the native is said to plummet from great professional heights. Seek remedial measures if this is the case in your chart. In case, Shani is in Rajyapada, the native works slavishly but is never recognised for his labour. One ought to try and be appreciated for genuine work.

THE TRANSIT (GOCHAR) OF JUPITER (GURU) IN 2007-2008

Guru/ Jupiter is the greatest benefic planet in the zodiac and in any nativity represents the presence of divinity. While the phenomenon of Gochar of various planets is stated to be studied from the position of the Moon/ Chandra in the radix, there are very useful principles that should be applied from the Lagna as well as the Arudha Lagna. The transits from the natal Moon are advised static and well-recorded results and function according to the mitigating and countering effects of Vedha/ obstruction of various other planets in transit. These can be studied from any standard text on the subject.

In the instant essay, the transit of Guru shall be briefly judged from the Lagna and the Arudha Lagna. Some ways of judging this transit shall be stated hereinbelow. Guru transits in Vrishchik/ Scorpio Rashi till November 22, 2007 and shall move to Dhanu/ Sagittarius Rashi at about 4:14 AM on that date. In this Rashi and the next Guru would be in friendly and own/ Moolatrikona Rashi respectively.

If Scorpio should house your Arudha Lagna, this transit can elevate the image but only after revealing the Satya/ truth of the image as it exists. This means that the vulnerabilities and pitfalls associated with the image as it exists at the present time shall be exposed and then Guru shall become auspicious for the manifest existence and the way the native is perceived. One of the most important fallouts of the transit of the benefic Jupiter is that of judging its impact on the Upapada Lagna. This latter is gleaned to determine the manifest features of the marriage. Whenever Guru has Rashi Drishti on the 2nd House from the Upapada Lagna, and/ or on the 2nd Lord from the Upapada Lagna it can be a very good time to tie the knot. So, for those with the Upapada Lagna in Tula Rashi this is an auspicious time to tie the knot before Guru moves to Dhanu. Likewise for those with the Upapada Lagna in Meena Rashi as Guru aspects Mesha/ Aries with Rashi Drishti.

Even the Graha Drishti of the Guru to the said places is sufficient provided Jupiter is strongly placed in the natal chart. Graha Drishti embodies the desire/ Ichcha Shakti of the Graha while Rashi Drishti shows manifest circumstances. The transit principle of Jupiter is used like a yearly Muhurta principle for isolating the most auspicious year for marriage, having already considered the Naisargika Dasha suitability along with the more standard tools like Vimshottari Dasha in Rashi Chakra and Navamsha Chakra and Narayan Dasha in the two charts for both the prospective groom and the bride.

If Guru Mahadasha in the Vimshottari Dasha scheme is running for a native with Vrishchik Arudha Lagna and the Mahadasha is auspicious for the rising Lagna, the Gochar in the Arudha Lagna can pave the way for rise in society and the manner in which the native is perceived. Similarly, predictions of a positive nature can be made for other Arudha Padas.

For instance, if the Rajyapada/ A10 were to be in Vrishchik, ceteris paribus one might say, that the research potentials of the tangible features of work would rise, or perhaps occult insights would deepen, only after having exposed the weaker aspects of the same. The Lagna taken from any reference is a Kendra/ Quadrant and especially from Arudha Padas Guru gives very fine results in these places. The principle of the transit in the 9th House from the Arudha Lagna, and other Arudha Padas, does not apply to Guru. Guru is an exception. This should be understood carefully as explained below.

The 9th House from the Arudha Lagna is a Tamasic or destructive house despite the fact that the 9th from Lagna is the most auspicious house in the Rashi Chakra. Having said that, it ought to be noted the 9th House from the Arudha Lagna will yield the greatest material upliftment for the image and visible reality. It is destructive only in the sense that it makes the native try to compete and benefit itself. The gentle and selfless Guru does not give good results here only in Gochar. Natally, it will still lift the image of the Jatak through Sattwic means.

For Vrishchik Lagna, Guru is an outright functional benefic and if it is the Dashanath in the Vimshottari Dasha scheme or in any other conditional Dasha of Parashar, its transit in the Lagna can be good, especially of Guru is powerful in the nativity. Similar results can be had for natives with Simha Lagna, as Guru is the 5th and 8th Lord. If it is the Dashanath and the results of its 5th House lordship dominate in the Rashi Chakra, either by placement in the 5th house itself or being placed in an even Rashi in the horoscope, the transit can be favourable in the 4th House.

It will impart greater impulse to the domestic environment, immovable assets, family life, vehicles and learning. For Mesha Lagna natives, Guru is the 9th and 12th Lord and is benefic. In Gochar in the 8th House it can give gains from speculation and investment as too from worthy occult and spiritual circles. Even if Guru is not a functional benefic for the rising Lagna, say for Vrishabh/ Taurus Lagna, it is still the greatest natural benefic and in the 7th House can help matters marital and those to do with personal interaction and partnership.

Regarding the role Guru plays in the Kendradhipati Dosha for Mithun and Kanya Lagna, the Dosha will manifest only if Guru is afflicted. If it is placed in the 7th House itself, such natives rise after marriage and Hamsa Yoga is formed. If there is gross affliction then as the Badhak Graha carrying the blemish of the Kendradhipati Dosha can give very bad results. For Kanya Lagna, if natal Guru is placed in Vrishchik and if it is the Mahadasha lord, this Gochar can be troublesome as Guru in the radix would be in the Marana Karaka Sthana and will give adverse results for marital prospects and partnership. For Karka/ Cancer Lagna, this is a good transit for an auspicious planet and progeny, accruals from the investment portfolio and association with the highly placed can happen.

For Tula Lagna, Guru does not play a good role according to Parashar as it lords the malefic 3rd and 6th Houses. Its Gochar in the 2nd House can further interaction with Jyotishis and those who deal with the future as the 2nd is a Panaphara Bhava. For those with Dhanu Lagna, the Gochar post November, 2007 would be far more fruitful as the Lagna Lord would be in Gochar in Lagna. This would specifically take care of overall life issues if Guru is activated in Mahadasha or Antardasha in some Dasha scheme.

For Kumbha Lagna, Guru plays a role akin to Kubera, the lord of wealth, despite the fact that it is a functional malefic being the 11th Lord for the chart. In the 11th House, it can augment gains while after November, 2007 it can fuel expenditure on Sattwic matters, investments to elevate wealth, spending on spiritual or religious items and ceremonies. For Meena Lagna, as Guru is the Lagna Lord in the 9th House in Gochar, many people have been found to be performing Havans and generally coming closer to their spiritual roots. Even when Guru transits to Sagittarius, it would be strongly placed in the 10th House and for those with Amala Yoga, the working skills would be sharply honed.

After November 22, 2007 Guru will transit in Dhanu Rashi which is its Moolatrikona Rashi. Guru is at work here. Lawyers, judges, astrologers, priests, spiritualists, religious thinkers and philosophers can attain special success. For nativities running Guru Dasha or having a prominent Guru placed in Narayan Dasha Rashi or in Kendra therefrom, this can be a prominent Gochar. All the functional and active attributes of the planet can undergo deep renewal in the chart. For natives with Guru in Dhanu Rashi itself, prominently placed, Guru will be transiting over its natal position. This is a highly auspicious transit and can bring the Grace of God and the divine nectar of immortal Jnana. If the Mantra Pada/ A5/ the Arudha Pada of the 5th House is associated with benefic planets then the native may receive Mantra from a Shiksha or Diksha Guru if transit Guru aspects the A5 with Rashi Drishti or conjoins the same in Gochar.

For such natives, they may come to important metaphysical understandings about themselves and the world around them through subjects and musings of their choice even if they are not particularly inclined to avail of the spiritual gems of India. Guru indicates the highest flights of human thought and the most elevated thinking: great philosophical insights in Vedanta or those relating to the world as one large family (Vasudaiva Kutumbakam) with huge differences and yet a fundamental unity can accrue.

As mentioned elsewhere on this website, when the Gochar of planets is being evaluated to see which natal Yogas and Dashas shall crystallize to yield what influences, the knowledge from the esoteric Chandra Kala Nadi must be utilized. The transit Moon and Sun either atop Arudha Padas or in the 7th House or in Trikona from them shall fructify matters related to them. For example, for events pertaining to the actual vehicle, or home see the above stated Gochar from the Matri Arudha/ A4.

For developments relating to work, see the Gochar from the Rajyapada/ A10. The other matters are to be similarly seen from other Arudha Padas. If other features such as the ending of highly malefic Moola Dashas involved with Curses in the chart and with the 8th House of the Nija Dosha are ending, then this benefic Gochar of Guru into Dhanu Rashi can portend a reaping of the rich harvest of Sattwa, patience and burning away the old bad Karma. Jupiter gives without being asked and as the Karaka for the imperceptible Akash Tattwa or ethereal element it is never perceived while it is doing the job of enriching life, both materially and spiritually.

For Agni Tattwa Rashis like Mesha, Simha and Dhanu the Gochar of Guru in Dhanu/ Sagittarius shall be quite auspicious. For Karka/ Cancer Lagna, it can appease inimical tendencies in life if the natal 6th House is afflicted but not in an extreme fashion. For the Prithvi Tattwa Rashis, the Gochar is not adverse but will open avenues for spiritual abundance, home and foreign travel or visits to the Ashram of the Guru respectively for Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn Lagnas.

For the other Jala Tattwa Lagnas like Vrishchik and Meena, the Gochar is auspicious for family, wealth and movable goods (Scorpio) and for Meena (self and self specifically from the viewpoint of work).

For Vayu Tattwa Lagnas, Mithun may realize how lucky they are to have the spouse they do, while Kumbha/ Aquarius will see an upsurge in the quality of friends and gains. The fulfillment of desires and an overall optimism may also infuse proceedings. For Tula Lagna, it is a more ordinary Gochar of Guru in Dhanu as the Graha feels uncomfortable with the matrix of desire in Marana Karaka Sthana in the 3rd Bhava from the Lagna.

The divine grace of Guru can also offset some of the pressures of evil transits of Rahu and the pressures of Shani though not necessarily in the same areas that are afflicted by the latter malefics. Though Guru will never ask us, let us pay our regards and prayers to this great Graha, an unassuming but tremendous and unconditional boon to mankind.

GETTING PAST CONCEPTUAL DOUBTS AND FEARS IN PERSONAL JOURNEYS

|Om Shreenivasaya Namah|

Doubt and fear are the Naisargika Karakattwa/ natural significations of the planet Saturn/ Shani. Suppose one has been chosen by existence to transmute the base matter of the personality into Alchemists’ Gold, and suppose further that Jyotish/ Hindu Esoteric Astrology is the means to effect such a transformation, then base matter (Shani) feels many strenuous pushes and pulls while the great transformation occurs.

These pushes and pulls, stresses and life-threatening experiences can be generalized into doubts, fears and superstitions for the purposes at hand. Some of my thoughts on these aspects are recorded in my research paper ‘Traversing the Monomyth With Vedic Astrology’, put up elsewhere on this site for the benefit of readers and consulters.

The points is whether the stresses visit through a phenomenon like the Sade-Sati or through a pressing Mahadasha in the Vimshottari Dasha scheme, the mind (Moon) and intellect (Dhi Shakti, seen from the Rashi placement of the Lagna Lord, also called the Paka Lagna), the end result is the process of churning where the mind succumbs to fear, doubt, anxiety and superstition. One can be so scared that in order to effectively counter the severe conventional negativities that are visiting the impressionable mind and the personal intellect, one devises irrational means such as avoiding certain colours or people, or not doing important works on certain days.

Doubtlessly, these irrationalities are very much a part of Jyotish but the validity or otherwise of these practices depend entirely on whether they are sanctioned by the Shastra or whether they make astrological sense. In the periods overwhelmed by Saturn, these can take on unreasonable proportions. The most commonly confused aspect is that of colours: people eschew certain colours, especially those associated with Saturn and the Nodes in such times.
These colours need not be bad for the person. The source justification and significance of colours is manifold. One way to understand them is through the preferred shades of the Grahas, animate energies, and often indicating people. Therefore, isolating the colours a Graha likes can appease that planet. On the other hand, Rashis are also associated with colours and if one is to tap into inanimate source pools for one’s benefits, this aspect could be worked on.

As is always the case, the requirements of colours must always be tested against the situation obtaining from the Arudha Lagna. Just validity or want of it when seen from the Lagna will not suffice. Shade selection can work has heightening auspicious energies in the chart. In one’s own view this can be of special relevance when the chart is not labouring under an active Curse and the Yogas and Grahas are capable of yielding the results that they are capable of in the chart.

Astrological metaphysics and philosophy can become focal while dealing with such aspects for only through education and instruction stemming from this wisdom pool can one know what is legitimate and beneficial and can justifiably be strengthened without damaging health, longevity and burning out seemingly lavish resources too fast.

Specific opinion can be sought on this important aspect while availing of major consultancy and if the chart conditions permit these colour selections, devoid of needless phobia can trigger Rajayoga and other auspicious tidings in the horoscope.

Gochar:Understanding & Evaluating Transits

The transits of the slow moving planets: Shani/ Saturn, Guru/ Jupiter and Rahu-Ketu, the North and South Nodes respectively of the Moon are important in the application of Gochar. Gochar is to be combined with the Dashas or planetary periodicities in the radix to arrive at a clearer understanding of what is happening in the chart. In this sense, the transiting planets are seen as delivery boys or postmen, who bring to fruition what is promised in the natal chart. The transit of Chandra/ Moon can be used to narrow down the day (s) on which an event comes to pass.

Gochar cannot be used independently, rather should not be used in this manner for it can lead to a lopsided and unrealistic picture, a result we are all keen to avoid, as students, clients and consultants.

The Gochar of the Dasha Nath, the ruling planet of the Major Period/ the Mahadasha can be judged to judge the health of the person during the said transit in the sign/ Rashi. The judgment is based on the relationship the Graha carries with the Rashi. Likewise, the Gochar of the Antardasha planet can be seen to understand the sleep patterns of the native during the transit of the planet in a given sign. Such transits can be coupled with the delineation of the Tithi Pravesha Chakra for the year.

However, the main focus of the instant paper is on the transits of the major and slow moving planets at the present time. Shani has moved into Simha Rashi/ Leo and will stay there till early January, 2007 at which point it will retrograde back into Karka/ Cancer. This has several implications. The people undergoing Sade-Sati, especially Mithun Rashi might feel some relief in the interim as the Sade-Sati has temporarily abated; however, the trials will only end in July, 2007. For Karka Rashi, the relief comes from the fact that the white-hot phase of the Shani Gochar over the Chandra Lagna. However, Kutumba and finances will continue to be stressed and also which Bhava Simha and Karka Rashis tenant in the Rashi Chakra.

For Simha Rashi, the two months period will give an insight into the kind of psychological reorientation Saturn will command after July, 2007 as the Karmic planet is directly atop the natal Moon. Also, for Kanya Rashi natives/ Jatak, these two months till January, 2007 will bring a pointer as to what sort of new, pressured and heavy realities await during the course of the Sade-Sati. All these are Karmic and destined events and the native should understand that the reluctance, separation and pressures are only devices to help her outgrow the emotional constructs that are no longer needed in the life-journey. In the same vein, new emotional tools and maturity will be acquired during the time Saturn moves over the Bhava/ house preceding the Moon, tenanted by the Moon and succeeding the Moon.

The thing to note is that if the people undergoing or beginning the Sade-Sati are also beset by onerous transit placements of Shani from the Lagna and/or the Arudha Lagna, then it can be quite stressing for health, decision-making, Dhi-Shakti and financial realities. In such a scenario, remedial measures will become quite important to aid the native in getting along safely.

Jupiter/ Guru, the most benefic planet in any chart shows the blessings of God. This planet has moved into Vrishchik Rashi/ Scorpio on October 27, 2006. The best benefits can be had if this transit is in the Kendra to the Arudha Lagna. A rider is that if Guru is in the Arudha Lagna itself in the Gochar, then the benefits will only come after bringing to light the real truth about social and financial realities of the native, Guru standing for Satya in the life of the Jatak. This transit can offset and mitigate some of the adversity coming from Sade-Sati and Kantak Shani. Therefore, for the Jatak having Arudha Lagna in Vrishchik, Kumbha/ Aquarius, Simha and Vrishabh/Taurus, this is a good transit for Jupiter. Another important aspect relating to freewill is regarding those natives who are awaiting marriage. If Jupiter aspects the 2nd House from the natal Upapada Lagna in the Rashi Chakra, it will provide a lot of binding support to the marriage. This becomes especially important if the features in the chart relating to marriage show affliction. This Gochar of Guru is like pouring Ganga Jal over the said area and goes a long way in safeguarding the alliance.

The transits of Rahu and Ketu are to be judged as one would Saturn and Mars respectively. Rahu is currently strongly placed in its own sign Kumbha and Ketu is in Simha. If Rahu happens to be in the Arudha Lagna or the trines to the Arudha Lagna and the native is running auspicious Dashas tending to Rajayoga, then this can be the transit which shall yield the Rajayoga. Conversely, the Gochar of Ketu in the Trikona to the Arudha Lagna can deprive one of the Rajayoga as Ketu inherently does not signify worldly things.

These instructions can be profitably applied to the other Arudha Padas. For example, Shani atop or in Trikona to the Rajyapada/ A10 can bring work-related challenges and obstacles at office. Jupiter atop an Arudha Padas or in Quadrants to the same can bring auspiciousness and gains to the matters signified by the Arudha Padas under scrutiny.

If a positive event appears likely, then the transit of the Moon in the trines or in the 12th House to the Arudha Padas relating to the event can help fructify the event. Other transit positions of the Moon can help time the more challenging events, if the same should be indicated by other reference-points in the horoscope.

Anurag Sharma
Vedic Astrologer, India.