The
Preferential Methodology of Divisional Charts
In Vedic astrology, the intricate tapestry of a birth chart is further refined by numerous
divisions (Vargas) of ascendants and planets. These divisions serve to pinpoint predictions with greater precision, differentiating individual nativities even when celestial bodies linger in a sign for extended periods, or when the ascendant holds sway for approximately two hours, encompassing multiple births. Through the subtle nuances of these divisional charts, each unique life can be distinguished.
Most of
these divisions are calculated through successive counting, wherein a sign is
equally portioned to align with the desired division. This process typically
commences from the sign Aries or the sign itself. However, a pervasive issue
arises from the multiplicity of calculation methods in vogue, each yielding
divergent conclusions.
Astrologers
often favor the inherent scientific nature of their discipline. The entire
astrological theme, its intricate mechanisms, and indeed, our boundless cosmos,
all operate within a regular and systematic order. Consequently, the methods
employed to calculate specific astrological figures must possess a foundation
in logic and proper sequential order. According to the "preferential
methodology," one simply multiplies the Rasi figure by the numerical digit
corresponding to the desired division, ensuring the resultant figure remains
within the range of the zodiac.
A divisional
chart predominantly elucidates the results associated with the house it
embodies. For instance, the Drekkana chart, being the third division of
a sign,
inherently carries the significance of the 3rd house. Similarly, the Hora, as
the second division, is intrinsically linked to wealth, reflecting the 2nd
house's domain. The Saptamsa, the seventh division, pertains to conception,
mirroring the 7th house's association with cohabitation. The Dasamsa,
representing the tenth division, governs occupation, aligning with the 10th
house. The Trimsamsa, the thirtieth division, is often associated with ill
health or misfortune; when a single degree (the thirtieth division of a sign)
is allotted to each house from the ascendant, it invariably falls within the
6th house, known for ailments. In like manner, the Shodashamsa governs
vehicles, and other divisions operate by adhering to this fundamental, natural
methodology.
Among these,
the Hora, Drekkana, and Trimsamsa divisions hold paramount importance. Yet,
ironically, they are often ensnared by the uncertainty stemming from a
confluence of disparate calculation methods.
Herein, I
wish to delve into the methodologies of the Hora, Drekkana, Dwadasamsa, and
Trimsamsa divisions.
Hora: The
Second Division
The greatest
authority of astrology is in confusion! This question does not stand before
such a great sage. We find many old scriptures of Vedic culture contaminated,
so we can say that astrological literature may also be a haphazard mixture
of the Yavanas' view and others.
Textual
Corruption
I believe
this might be a case of textual corruption or tampering. Every refined
writer has a distinct style, and as scholarly writers, we should not neglect
this. I am not perfect in Sanskrit, but I request that learned masters of the
language consider this matter with an open mind.
- Sloka Structure: Generally, a Sloka
(Sanskrit verse) is written in two lines, meaning two Slokas should have
only four lines. Here, there are five lines.
- Definition and Method Order: For all Slokas related to
divisional charts, the said divisional chart should be defined first, then
the method of calculating it. Here, it appears later as "rasherardham
bhaveddhora" (meaning "half of a sign becomes Hora").
If we consider the last two lines of the verse, it is complete with the
initial definition and the calculation method.
- Deity Names: The owner's deity names are
typically given in the last line for all remaining divisional charts, but
here they are given first.
Deity
Names and Hora Calculation
Secondly, I
think the deity's names are given twice, perhaps with synonyms or options,
according to some other view popular at the time of Parashar.
The first
Hora is ruled by the Sun or Pitar, and the second Hora is ruled by the Moon or
Deva. For odd signs and even signs, it is in reverse, without considering odd
or even signs falling in the Hora chart. The word reverse ("same
tadviparitakam", समे
तद्विपरीतकम) is used
only for owner deities and not for zodiac signs falling in the Hora. Therefore,
the second and third lines of the above-cited Sloka relate only to the owner
deity names, not to the method of calculating the Hora chart. The last two
lines describe the method and are complete in themselves.
I follow
this method, which is also supported by Sheshadri Ayer. Usually, we tend to
connect all odd zodiac signs to the Sun and even signs to the Moon. Thus, the
deity's name created confusion. If we replace the deity's name with Pitar
and Deva, instead of the Sun and Moon, there would be no confusion or
controversy.
The
following table of the Hora division will clarify my intention.
If this is
not the case, perhaps the other hidden meaning of this line is the same as the
next sloka. First, observe the Hora table of signs of both views together.
Brackets indicate the view of Varah as per the first Sloka.
Sign
degrees
|
Aries
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
0-15
|
1(5)
|
3(4)
|
5(5)
|
7(4)
|
9(5)
|
11(4)
|
1(5)
|
3(4)
|
5(5)
|
7(4)
|
9(5)
|
11(4)
|
15-30
|
2(4)
|
4(5)
|
6(4)
|
8(5)
|
10(4)
|
12(5)
|
2(4)
|
4(5)
|
6(4)
|
8(5)
|
10(4)
|
12(5)
|
Now, observe
the signs involved in the Hora of the Vedic method in the Sun and Moon Hora, as
per the Varaha method of Hora.
Moon Hora
Signs:
Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, Aquarius
Owners:
Venus, Mercury, and Saturn. These planets are mutual friends and become mutual
Yogakaraka in the ascendant ruled by each other. All of them are either female
or hermaphrodite planets.
Sun Hora
Signs:
Aries, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Pisces
Owners:
Mars, the Sun, the Moon, and Jupiter. All are mutual friends. All of them are
male planets except the Moon.
Perhaps
Maharishi Parashar categorized these signs by a single name of Sun and Moon,
creating two groups of planets in a literary way, but this was misunderstood
later. Here, we must consider their signs and not planets, since divisions are
only possible for signs, not for a planet.
There is
another controversy that arises when we ignore Hora signs: the theory of
obtaining 'Parijatadi Sanjya' in Shada Vargas (group of six divisions) or Dasa
Vargas (group of ten divisions) becomes defunct because we have ignored an
important division of Hora. This is also a strong argument against the popular
division of Trimsamsa (D-30).
Now, observe
some examples taken from a write-up, 'Decoding Parasara`s Hora' in the Modern
Astrology of July 2013.
Here, we
must keep in mind that we should ignore the idea of calculating Vimshottari
Dasa based on the Moon's longitude in divisional charts. This would be too
complex, as there are several divisional charts and so many Ayanamsas.
Secondly, the interpretation of Dasa also depends upon the lordship of houses
besides the placement of planets in particular houses. However, lordship of
houses is not recommended in divisional charts except for the divisional
ascendant. Methods of calculating houses are only possible in the Rasi chart.
While we can take divisions of each house, like the ascendant, this method
cannot include all twelve signs in a divisional chart. Adopting the equal house
division method would render other methods of calculating houses and the
concept of the Chalit chart obsolete. It also ignores the longitude of the
mid-heaven, which is an important factor. Therefore, we cannot accept the idea
of equal house division.
So, observe
the impact of Dasa (based on Rasi Moon) of a planet in the Hora chart only
through its placement in a particular house, within other influences.
The peak of
his wealth graph came during 1999-2002, when Microsoft stock was at its apex.
He was under the influence of the period of Mercury and Ketu, within the major
period of Venus.
According to
the system of Varah, Venus is well-positioned with its sign depositor, the
Moon, in the Hora ascendant. However, the sub-period lords, Mercury and Ketu,
in the 2nd house are not well-placed due to affliction, creating a 2-12
relationship with the major Dasa lord, Venus. This placement is considered
good, but not extraordinarily good.
According to
the Vedic scheme of Hora, the Hora ascendant, Virgo, is under the aspect of its
lord, Mercury, which is subject to Neecha Bhanga status (cancellation of
debility). The major Dasa lord, Venus, is well-posited in the 9th house in its
own sign. The lord of the sub-period, Mercury, is the Hora lord and is in the
7th house, and Ketu is in the 11th house. This configuration is significantly
more powerful than the Hora of Varah.
The
following second example further proves Vedic Hora's supremacy over Varah Hora.
He rose from
1965 to 1981, under the influence of Rahu Dasa. His successful venture,
Reliance Textiles, was founded in 1966 during the Rahu-Rahu sub-period.
According to
Varah Hora, Rahu is posited in the 12th house, afflicted by Mars in debility,
Saturn, and the waning Moon. This configuration would not typically indicate
grand success.
According to
the Vedic scheme, the Hora lord Sun is in the Hora ascendant, aspected by
Jupiter, which is very auspicious. The Dasa lord Rahu is posited in the 6th
house with a planet in exaltation, and is further aspected by a benefic. The
2nd, 6th, and 11th houses signify monetary gain in a horoscope. The 6th house
also represents loans, and the selling of shares can be considered a modern
form of this, where loans accrue interest and shares yield profit. Rahu in the
6th house of the Hora chart effectively explains these financial dynamics.
Try
following these tips with the Vedic Hora chart using Lahiri Ayanamsa:
This
divisional chart is also a victim of uncertainty arising from a mixture of
calculation methods. We will discuss only the two mentioned in Parashar Hora.
Sloka six
suggests three parts of a sign, counting continuously from Aries and repeating
every sign three times to complete the Drekkana table for all twelve signs.
This is a valid Vedic method. However, the subsequent Sloka introduces a second
method, suggesting three parts of a sign, counting from the sign itself, and
then jumping to the fifth sign for the next part. This method is supported by
Varah Mihir and has had a significant impact on Vedic astrology, overshadowing
the Vedic method of Drekkana divisions.
Serial/Sign |
Aries |
Taurus |
Gemini |
Cancer |
Leo |
Virgo |
Libra |
Scorpio |
Sagittarius |
Capricorn |
Aquarius |
Pisces |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
2 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
According to the Vedic system-
Serial/Sign |
Aries |
Taurus |
Gemini |
Cancer |
Leo |
Virgo |
Libra |
Scorpio |
Sagittarius |
Capricorn |
Aquarius |
Pisces |
1 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
10 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
10 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
10 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
8 |
11 |
2 |
5 |
8 |
11 |
2 |
5 |
8 |
11 |
3 |
3 |
6 |
9 |
12 |
3 |
6 |
9 |
12 |
3 |
6 |
9 |
12 |
In the
second Sloka, Maharishi Parashar may be expressing the same concept as the
previous Sloka, but in a literary manner. He needed to mention the owners of
the Drekkanas, so he included this line along with the mention of the
Drekkanas' owners.
Observe the
word "Swa-Panch-Nav." This word describes the nature of the
signs falling in the first, fifth, and ninth positions from the sign Aries. The
first sign ("Swa") is a Movable sign, the fifth ("Panch")
is a Fixed sign, and the ninth ("Nav") is a Dual sign. He also states
in the same line, "Rashinam Krimshashch te," implying
continuous counting.
Therefore,
the First Drekkana for all signs should be in a Movable sign, the Second
Drekkana in a Fixed sign, and the Third Drekkana in Dual signs. Adopting this
meaning with continuous reckoning from Aries will produce the Drekkana table
shown above the Vedic Drekkana table. Either this is the proper meaning of the
underlined line, or it was added later by someone.
Controversies
in Varah's System
There are
some other controversies in the system of Varah. Let us observe them:
1.
The
first Drekkana of every sign always becomes Vargottama.
2.
It
always falls on a friendly sign. This is an anomaly. Neighbors and siblings,
for whom the Drekkana chart is known, may also be unfavorable. It is also known
for the 'fruit of action' (Karma Phal), which is not generally so auspicious.
3.
It
always falls in trine houses, the most beneficial houses of a horoscope. The
result of Drekkana is not always so auspicious. Secondly, we cannot examine a
planet just like the Navamsa chart as equal to the eighth Navamsa from the
ascendant or the planet itself.
4.
A
male sign has all three Drekkanas in a male sign, and a female sign has all
three Drekkanas in a female sign. So, what is the need to calculate the
Drekkana sign to determine the sex of a concerned person?
The author
suggests taking trine signs (तत् सुत तपः 1st, 5th, 9th) from the Drekkana sign
of the Sun or Moon. According to Varah's scheme, drawing Drekkana signs of the
Sun or Moon is unnecessary because Drekkana signs are always trine. Taking a
trine sign from there would result in signs of the same odd or even nature. It
is inconceivable that the author of the Prashna Marg is unaware of this;
therefore, they must be referring to the Drekkana of the Vedic view.
Most
predictive tools are developed within the context of Varah Drekkana. However,
some support only the Vedic scheme of Drekkana.
1.
Birth with a cord (Naal) like a snake:
When the
Moon is in the Drekkana of Mars, and the ascendant belongs to a malefic while a
benefic is in the second and eleventh houses, it results in birth with a cord
('Naal') like a snake. There is another Sloka with the same meaning in the 3rd
chapter, verse 38 of Jatak Parijat.
I have some
charts to discuss within this context of birth with a cord (Naal) like a snake.
The Moon is
in the Drekkana of Mars in the Vedic Drekkana chart, while it attains the
Drekkana of Jupiter under the scheme of Varah Drekkana. In both types of
Drekkana charts, a malefic is in the 2nd house; however, a benefic in the 11th
house is present only in the Vedic Drekkana chart. This combination is relevant
only to the Vedic Drekkana chart.
I am
examining only the position of the Moon in the next cases; otherwise, the
write-up will exceed its scope.
Chart 2:
Female
Born January
25, 1956, at approximately 17h.45m at 77E13, 28N36 (New Delhi). Ayanamsa:
Lahiri.
Ascendant:
Cancer (3s-10°14), Moon: Gemini (2s-11°41).
The Drekkana
of the Moon, as per Varah, is Libra, but according to the Vedic scheme of
Drekkana, it is Scorpio, as desired by the authors of Jatak Tatvam and Jatak
Parijat.
Chart 3:
Female
Born October
3, 2007, at 22h.15m at 78E43, 23N08 (Near Gadarwara, M.P.). Ayanamsa: Lahiri.
Ascendant:
Taurus (1s-29°09), Moon: Gemini (2s-19°36).
The Drekkana
of the Moon as per Varah is Libra, but according to the Vedic scheme of
Drekkana, it is Scorpio. Here, neither the ascendant nor the Moon is in the
Drekkana of Mars according to the scheme of Varah.
Let us
observe the planetary situation for a birth with a cord, according to my
experience with the Vedic view of Drekkana:
a. The Moon
is generally found in the Drekkana of Mars, but not necessarily.
This
situation holds only with the Drekkana of the Vedic scheme.
c. The 2nd
house of the Drekkana chart should be posited by Rahu or Saturn, and the 11th
or 12th house posited by any planet.
d.
Generally, at least one luminary falls in the square houses from the Vedic
Drekkana chart.
Therefore,
we must accept the Vedic scheme of Drekkana without hesitation.
Rajyoga
and Drekkana
The greatest
example of Rajyoga in the modern age is that of Indira Gandhi, but the
above-cited combination is fulfilled in both types of Drekkana charts.
Therefore, I am not discussing it. Let us consider the example of George W.
Bush, who became President of the USA two times. His horoscope is undisputed,
so I will discuss it.
Chart 4: George W Bush: Born July 6, 1946, at 7h.26m. at 72W56, 41N18 (New Haven,
CT, Connecticut, USA), Time Zone- west 5h 00m, No DST in 1946,
Saturn occupies the Ascendant; the Navamsa ascendant is within the aspect of Saturn, and the Vedic Drekkana ascendant is also within the 3rd aspect of Saturn, while Varah Drekkana is not in the aspect of Saturn. So, the Vedic Drekkana scheme is valid only. We must discard the scheme of Varah.
The word
'TESHAM' (तेषाम्), which suggests the sign itself for
counting Dwadasamsa, could potentially be 'MESHAM' (मेषम्), referring to
the sign Aries. However, this is merely a personal hypothesis. There are other
arguments supporting counting from Aries:
a. The first
Dwadasamsa for all signs invariably becomes Vargottama, thus making it strong.
This presents a controversy. While not entirely avoidable, efforts should be
made to reduce such probabilities. This might be acceptable for some signs, but
not for all twelve.
b. The Prashna
Marg, a text focused on practical results, supports counting from the sign
Aries to determine the Dwadasamsa sign. Dwadasamsa is extensively utilized by
various authorities for pre-natal horoscopy, but Prashna Marg employs it
correctly. Observe the Sloka:
If the Sun
and Moon are posited in a trine or quadrant, and if that sign happens to be a
feminine sign, then the subject of the query will be female. On the other hand,
if they occupy a male sign, the subject of the query will be a male person.
No comments:
Post a Comment