Notes on Remedial Measures

 Some Notes on Remedial Measures

The ultimate consciousness is the sole true existence in this universe. Vedic scriptures declare: “सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म नेह नानास्ति किंचन” (Chhandogya Upanishad 3/14/1; also, Mundaka Upanishad 2/2/11), meaning, "All this is indeed Brahman; there is nothing other than Brahman anywhere." And, “एकोऽहम् बहुस्याम” (Chhandogya Upanishad, referencing the theme of One becoming many, e.g., 6/2/3), signifying, "I am One; may I become many." This ultimate reality is not merely one or many but rather beyond count or measure. Vedanta philosophy calls it Advaita – the non-dual Brahman. Perhaps it can be conceptualized as a conscious field within which all quantum fields reside. It permeates all living and non-living things in the universe. It manifests in varying degrees of awakened consciousness across all creatures and plants, being most pronounced in human beings, followed by other living creatures, and then plants.

The human body and mind are constructed from many types of elements and ingredients. Through various hormones and subtle energies, our mind, subconscious mind, bodily functions, and consciousness manifest accordingly. The adage, ‘यत् पिंडे तत् ब्रह्मांडे’ – "As is the microcosm (pinda), so is the macrocosm (brahmanda)" – implies that you are a universe within the universe. Thus, all the elements found in the cosmos are also present in the human body. Certain planets and stars are considered to have a predominance of specific elements and represent these same elements within the human body. The solar system in which we reside, along with certain groups of stars at particular angles and paths, significantly affects the Earth.

Consciousness is more sensitive than inert material, and fluid is more sensitive than solid. The effect of the moon's gravitational force can be seen in the sea's tides, but not so overtly in the mountains. The impact of a cruel person's malevolent gaze or intention might differ when directed at a child, a teenager, an adult, a woman, a plant, a tree, or a stone. It all depends on the sensitivity and level of development of the consciousness involved. All components of the world affect each other; the whole cosmos is intricately entangled.

Any disorder, excess, or deficiency in certain elements within the human body creates physical and mental disorders. Mental disorders can stimulate negative emotions and thoughts, leading to flawed decisions and subsequent failures in the external world.

Vedic astrology proposes various methods for balancing the elements in the body, which are signified by planets and stars. These methods are famously known as remedial measures. There are several ways to perform such actions:

1. Worship (Upasana)

The ultimate Brahman (God) pervades the universe. “ईशा वास्यमिदं सर्वं” (Isha Upanishad, Mantra 1) – "All this, whatsoever exists in this changing universe, is pervaded by the Supreme." Brahman itself is the universe (एकोऽहं बहुस्याम – "I am One, I became many").

a) Worship of Devatas (Deities):

Devas can be understood as representations or personifications of different kinds of elements and energies in living and non-living things. From a certain philosophical viewpoint, these sub-gods are mental constructs, created according to our needs and psychological inclinations. The Vedas (Taittiriya Samhita 1.2.3.1, part of Anuvaka 3, Mantra 2 in some recensions) state:

“ये देवा मनोजाता मनोयुजः सुदक्षा दक्षपितारस्ते नः पान्तु ते नोऽवन्तु तेभ्यो नमस्तेभ्यः स्वाहा।”

(ye devā manojātā mano-yujas sudakṣā dakṣa-pitāras te naḥ pāntu te no 'vantu tebhyo namas tebhyaḥ svāhā |)

Meaning: "May those Gods who are mind-born, mind-yoked (or mind-harnessed), highly skilled, and fathers of skill (or power), protect us and favor us. Salutations to them, offerings to them."

Thus, worship can be seen as a psychological practice designed to reform the devotee. This psychological practice also aids in enhancing the positive aspects associated with the object of worship. It can take the form of ritual worship (puja), prayer, or chanting a Mantra. Repeatedly remembering a deity and their positive traits is also a form of worship that can be effective.

This approach also helps generate positive thinking in the desired direction and can increase confidence and endurance. This mechanism can be understood, in part, through psychological principles like the ‘Placebo effect’.

b) Worship of Living Creatures and Plants:

Divine consciousness is considered more actively manifest in living things, corresponding to the characteristics of consciousness. Each deity, representing certain elements and energies, is often associated with specific animals and trees that are rich in those elements or embody those energies. Worshipping or tending to these life forms, by connecting them with their associated deities, is believed to help assimilate these beneficial energies. Simultaneously, such acts can promote psychological well-being and a clearer conscience.

c) Worship of Non-Living Things:

Non-living things that are life-supporting, providing necessary elements and energy to the body, can also represent planets and Devatas. Paying attention to them with reverence and devotion can fill our minds with positivity. For instance, worship of water bodies like rivers helps balance watery elements in our bodies. Thus, Lord Shiva is considered more prominently manifest in rivers and natural water sources than in an idol, and the Sun god is perceived in fire, lamps, and any form of physical energy.

d) Devotion to Abstract Concepts:

Certain systems and principles necessary for leading a social and individual life also fall into this category. For example, the system of government can be a symbolic representation of the Sun; a school and teacher, Jupiter; a research or scientific institution, Mercury, etc. Reverence for these systems and their positive functioning can be a form of remedy.

2. Charity (Dana)

The underlying concept of charity is that what you offer returns to you positively, often manifold. Thus, giving can be seen as a spiritually "profitable" act. The Upanishads state: ‘तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथाः’ (Isha Upanishad, Mantra 1) – "By that renunciation, support yourself (or enjoy)." This dictum, suggesting that true enjoyment comes through sacrifice or giving, holds true in my personal experience.

According to Vedic astrology, every emotion and physical thing on Earth is signified by the nine planets, twelve signs, and twenty-seven Nakshatras. To pacify or minimize the ill effects of a certain planet, sign, or star, it is advised to donate non-living items associated with it or to serve/help its living significations. A general principle is to give away items and consciously release emotions signified by planets posited in challenging houses (e.g., 3rd, 6th, 8th, 12th) and to avoid accepting such items freely, while one may accept items related to planets well-placed in auspicious houses.

3. Medicine (Aushadhi)

This involves taking medicines (Ayurvedic or other appropriate systems) necessary to counteract the negative aspects of an elemental imbalance in the body (e.g., to balance related hormones) and to enhance its positive aspects.

4. Materials and Articles (Vastu / Mani)

"Gemstones" here is a symbolic term encompassing certain stones, metals, herbs, and colors that represent specific planets. Some of these are believed to work more predominantly than others and are prescribed as astrological remedies. Using or donating them, as per requirement, is thought to help in balancing certain elements in the body and mind.

First, one must determine the nature of a planet (whether auspicious or malefic) based on the natal horoscope. Here are some general guidelines:

• For every Ascendant, some planets are functionally auspicious, and some are inauspicious.
• The 3rd, 6th, 8th, and 12th houses and their lords are generally considered inauspicious.
• Lords of trinal houses (1st, 5th, 9th – Trikona) and Kendra houses (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th – Quadrants) are generally auspicious. The 1st house lord is particularly important.
• Lords of the 2nd and 7th houses are often considered neutral or can act as Marakas (death-inflictors), depending on other factors. Their nature is further decided by the other sign ruled by the planet if it owns two signs. (Note: The author's original phrasing, "equal, if they are the lords of only these houses, then they can also be Yoga Karaka," might refer to specific contexts not fully elaborated here; Yogakaraka status is usually for a planet ruling both a Kendra and a Trikona.)
• The Badhaka house (obstructing house, which varies for movable, fixed, and dual signs) and its lord can create hindrances.
• Kendradhipatya Dosha (flaw of Kendra lordship) occurs when natural benefics (Jupiter, Venus, well-associated Mercury, bright Moon) own Kendra houses (especially the 7th or 10th, or multiple Kendras) and are not otherwise fortified or involved in beneficial yogas, potentially reducing their beneficence or causing issues.
• Secondly, pay attention to the placement of planets in both Rasi (D1) and Navamsa (D9) charts – whether they are in auspicious or inauspicious houses.
• The nature of planets also changes to some extent due to conjunctions with and aspects from auspicious or inauspicious planets.
• Strong planets in benefic houses generally enhance auspiciousness. Weak planets may not yield good results in any house.
• Strong (but functionally malefic) planets in the 6th, 8th, or 12th houses can cause significant trouble and hindrances.
• Worshipping a deity associated with a planet that signifies the 6th, 8th, or 12th house may initially present hindrances in performing the rituals, but persistent, long-term effort can help pacify their negative effects. It is generally not recommended to prominently use colors, numbers, or gems associated with planets ruling or strongly occupying these challenging houses, especially if they are functionally malefic for the chart.
• If these planets (lords of 6, 8, 12th in 6, 8, 12) are strong and involved in specific yogas (like Viparita Raja Yoga), they may ultimately be helpful after causing initial obstacles.
• Using Ayurvedic herbs (e.g., for bathing or internal consumption as prescribed), worship involving prescribed herbs, and charity are often the best remedies for planets signifying the 6th, 8th, or 12th houses.
• Unafflicted strong planets in benefic houses generally provide good results. However, if such a planet also owns an "evil" house (e.g., 3rd, 6th, 8th, 12th), it may provide success only after many difficulties or yield partial success, unless it becomes a strong positive significator (Karak) for a benefic house by its placement in the Nakshatra or sign (in both Rasi and Navamsa) of a benefic house lord.
• The placement of lords of inauspicious houses (6th, 8th, 12th) in other inauspicious houses can form a beneficial Yoga (like Viparita Raja Yoga), but it may still harm the mundane significations of the houses involved.
• If a planet owns two signs, its results may be more predominantly influenced by the house where its odd sign falls if the planet is in an even sign, or vice versa. This principle can be useful in deciding the functional nature of a planet owning two houses.

Now let us consider the material, living, and abstract things related to certain planets, useful in remedies:

Sun (Surya)

• Deities: Sun God (Surya Narayana), Lord Vishnu. Offer prayers.
• People: Father, Guardian, Paternal Uncle. Obey them, show proper respect, and offer care. King, Government officials. Follow laws and order. Ascetics, renunciates (Sanyasis). Donate to and help them.
• Creatures/Plants: Horse. Feed them. Lion. Protect them or support conservation projects. Wheat. Donate it. Bael tree (Aegle marmelos). Its root can be used as a substitute for Ruby (Manikya); plant and water this tree. Fruits with solid covers (e.g., Coconut). Offer to deities and respected elders. Red Sandalwood, Bandhooka flower. Use in worship.
• Objects/Concepts: Forest, Wood. Protect them and never harm them unnecessarily. Government Tax. Pay appropriate taxes and bills punctually. Medical department. Provide medical help to needy persons. Copper or Gold. Use or donate according to your horoscope’s requirements. Fire, Heat, and Electric energy. Do not waste; save energy, prevent misuse, and do not steal electricity. Light, Lamp. Avoid prohibited actions in their presence; do not light them unnecessarily. Heart, Bones, Right eye. Donate to charitable hospitals serving these. Ruby stone, Crimson/Orange color. Use if the Sun is benefic for you; otherwise, donate items of this nature. Religious places. Protect them, help clean them, and assist in arrangements.
• Other: Square shape, Summer season, East direction, Sunday. Use for rituals to propitiate Lord Sun. Self-consciousness, the soul.

Moon (Chandra)

• Deities: Goddess (Parvati/Lakshmi if in a female sign with female planet influence), Lord Shiva (if in a male sign with male planet influence). Offer prayers.
• People: Mother, Maternal Aunt, Respected females. Respect and help them.
• Creatures/Plants: Cow. Feed them and donate to cow shelters (Goshalas). Rice, Milk, Curd. Donate to needy females. (If the Moon is in an unfavorable house, consider avoiding personal consumption of these items at night). Salt. Consume moderately. Milky plants (plants exuding milky sap). Protect them. Khirni tree (Manilkara hexandra). Use its root as a substitute for Pearl.
• Objects/Concepts: Liquid state, Watery places (canals, rivers, ponds, oceans). Save and donate water; install water faucets in needy areas or near temples/public waiting areas. Do not pollute water sources. Give up consuming alcohol (as it can be seen as polluting the body's "waters"). Lord Shiva is fond of water; to please Him, save water and care for water bodies. Take occasional baths in holy rivers. Aquatic creatures. Donate to save them; consider giving up eating aquatic animals. Irrigation department. Donate to projects managed by it. Silver, Conch shell, Pearl, White color. Use or donate to needy females. Mind, Emotions. Donate to institutions supporting mental health (e.g., "lunatic hospitals" is an outdated term; prefer "mental health facilities"); give up ill emotions.
• Other: Left eye, North-West (Vayavya) direction, Rainy Season, Monday.

Mars (Mangala/Kuja)

• Deities: Lord Kartikeya (Skanda/Murugan), Lord Hanuman. Worship them.
• People: Brother(s), Soldiers. Respect and help them accordingly. Military. Donate to military welfare funds.
• Creatures/Plants: Mongoose. Never harm such creatures. Anantamul vine (Hemidesmus indicus - Indian Sarsaparilla). Use its root to strengthen a weak Mars; plant it.
• Objects/Concepts: Ego, Arrogance. Give these up. Blood. Donate blood – this is considered a strong remedy against accidental possibilities and can also help reduce ‘Manglik Dosha’ effectively. Courage. Use courage and fight for righteous purposes, supporting the weak. Weapons. Avoid misuse. Habit of stealing. Give this up to enhance Mars' positive side. Copper, Coral, Red color. Use or donate. Fire, Fiery places. Show due respect to fire; donate related items to the poor (e.g., sparklers to poor children on Diwali, cooking gas to needy families). Earth (land, clay). Never pollute the earth; do not unlawfully grab land.
• Other: Head, Anus, Bone Marrow, Spicy food items, Trident shape, South Direction, Summer, Tuesday.

Mercury (Budha)

• Deities: Lord Vishnu, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Chitragupta. Worship them.
• People: Maternal uncle, Friends. Cultivate honest relationships. Writers, Speakers, Orators, Intellectuals, Students. People with knowledge of Mathematics and analytical skills. Science and Math teachers, Philosophers, Curious individuals. Respect, help, and donate to them. Support research scholars and institutions.
• Creatures/Plants: Birds, Parrots. Feed them; never cage parrots. Vidhara vine (Argyreia nervosa - Elephant Creeper), Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera - Prickly Chaff Flower). Use their roots to provide strength; plant and water them. Garden. Never harm gardens; do not pollute them.
• Objects/Concepts: Books, Notebooks, Pens, Pencils. Donate to students. Rumors. Do not be a part of spreading ill rumors, as it increases Mercury's negative side. Neck, Intestines, Respiratory system. Avoid consuming items harmful to these organs (e.g., smoking). Intersex individuals or Kinnars (transgender community, traditionally associated with the arts). Do not mock them; offer help and respect.
• Other: Shapes like a Mace (Gadaa) or spherical, Emerald, Parrot green color, Earth element, North direction, Wednesday.

Jupiter (Brihaspati/Guru)

• Deities: Lord Dattatreya, Lord Dakshinamurthy, or timely manifestations of Shiva or Vishnu. Worship them.
• People: Guru, Teachers. Respect and help them. Virtuous and pure people. Donate religious books, yellow clothes, and fruits to them.
• Creatures/Plants: Banana tree, Bhringaraj plant (Eclipta prostrata - false daisy). Wearing their roots can increase Jupiter's strength; plant and water them. Papaya fruit. Donate to needy or pure-hearted people.
• Objects/Concepts: Knowledge of books and Scriptures. Donate such books to the needy and virtuous; give up pride in one's knowledge. Schools/Colleges. Donate to educational institutions. Son(s). Maintain balanced behavior in parenting; excessive pampering can increase Jupiter's negative potential, just as pride in knowledge or fear of losing reputation can diminish its positive influence. Memory. Avoid dwelling on negative incidents or others' ill behavior, as this can increase Jupiter's negative traits; remembering people's righteousness enhances its positive side. Reputation, Liver, Thighs, Body Fat. Sky element.
• Other: Elephant (especially white), Spheroid shape, Yellow color, Yellow Sapphire, Gold (use or donate as per horoscope), North-East direction, Thursday.

Venus (Shukra)

• Deities: Goddess Lakshmi. Assume other forms of the Goddess based on signs/influences (e.g., Goddess Kali if in a Saturnine sign or with Saturn). Adapt to regional culture and prevalent deities that resonate with Venus's nature. This principle applies to all planets.
• People: Females of all ages and social circles. Donate items of adornment like clothes, jewels, cosmetics, vehicles, etc. Support shelters for vulnerable women (e.g., "shelter prostitutes" can be rephrased as "support for sex workers or vulnerable women"). Wife, Sex partners. Treat them with love and respect; never cheat.
• Creatures/Plants: Cow, Frog. Feed and protect them. Pomegranate, Sarponkha plant (Tephrosia purpurea), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera - Indian Ginseng/Winter Cherry). Use their roots as a substitute for Diamond; plant and water them (Pomegranates are considered good only in the South-East direction at home, as per some Vastu beliefs).
• Objects/Concepts: Art and Music. Donate to develop art institutions or support emerging artists. Luxury items, Clothes, Ornaments, Perfume, Flowers, Vehicles. Donate to females. Sex. Do not commit adultery. Eyes. Bear the expenditure of eye treatment for the poor; pledge to donate eyes posthumously; never stare at young females with bad intentions. Cheeks, Face, Tip of the nose. Keep them clean. Kidneys. Avoid food that harms the kidneys. Genital organs, Semen.
• Other: Diamond, Opal, Silver (donate or use). Oval shape, White and Mixed colors, Spring Season, South-East direction, Friday.

Saturn (Shani)

• Deities: Lord Shiva, Shani Dev himself, God of Death (Yamraaj), Lord Chitragupta. Worship them.
• People: Servants, Poor people. Help them and never ill-treat them. Lame, Old-aged people. Help and donate to them. People in sorrow. Help them. Eunuchs/Kinnars. Do not mock them; offer help.
• Creatures/Plants: Buffalo, Black Elephant, Donkey (Ass). Feed them on Saturday, but, as per some traditions, avoid seeing them at the start of an auspicious event. Scorpion grass (Bichua booti - possibly Tragia involucrata or Girardinia diversifolia - Burn Nettle). Use its root instead of Blue Sapphire. Shami tree (Prosopis cineraria). Plant and care for it. Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa - Sacred Fig). Watering, touching, cleaning the nearby area, and offering an oil lamp at dusk on Saturday is a strong remedy to ward off Saturn's ill effects.
• Objects/Concepts: Austerity. Do not be harsh or miserly towards poor people. False statements (Lies). Avoid them. Detachment. Cultivate detachment from excessive material wants. Service, Hard Work. Do not plagiarize; work honestly. Control. Control vices and greed. Impediments. Do not obstruct others' progress. Blankets, Sesame seeds (Til), Oil. Donate to the poor. Agriculture. Help poor farmers. Leather, Blue Sapphire, Iron. Use or donate to poor laborers. Shoes. Keep them clean and organized.
• Other: Black and navy-blue colors (avoid for auspicious occasions if Saturn is malefic). Knee, Legs, Nervous System, Autumn/Late Winter (Shishir) season, West direction, Saturday.

Rahu (North Lunar Node)

• Deities: Goddess Durga, Goddess Chhinnamasta. (I do not suggest worship of deities with inherently harsh or cruel natures, and I also reject any form of ‘left-hand path’ discipline, as God/Divine responds in kind to the nature of the offering/approach).
• People: Grandfather (paternal). Respect and serve him.
• Creatures/Plants: Snake. Avoid killing them as much as possible. White Sandalwood. Use sandalwood items in worship and apply its paste (Tilak) on yourself.
• Objects/Concepts: Lies, Sin, Fraud, Gambling. Avoid such habits to increase Rahu's positive potential. Incantations (Spells for harmful purposes). Reject them entirely to attain long-term positive favor from Rahu. Mixed metal (Panchadhatu or similar alloys), Hessonite Garnet (Gomed). Use or donate. Chhatra (sacred canopy/hood). Donate to a temple. Magic (illusion/deception). Filthy Places and Clothes. Keep your home and clothes clean; try to keep nearby areas clean.
• Other: Umbrella, Nest, Wheel, South-West direction, Chocolate-brown/Smoky color. Other significations can be like Saturn.

Ketu (South Lunar Node)

• Deities: Lord Ganesh, Lord Dattatreya. Worship them.
• People: Individuals following the path of self-realization and salvation (Moksha). Respect and serve them.
• Creatures/Plants: Dog (especially street dogs). Feed them. Cock. Consider avoiding chicken consumption if seeking to appease Ketu. Banyan tree.
• Objects/Concepts: Flag. Offer in a temple and hoist one at home (if appropriate). Obstacles. Do not create obstacles in others' paths. Lahsuniya (Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl). Donate or use. Detachment.
• Other: Gray (Dhumravarna - smoky) color, Red Sandalwood (sometimes associated), North-East direction (often considered opposite to Rahu's general direction), and other significations can be like Mars.

In this way, worship is not the only solution for planetary appeasement, especially in a busy life schedule. You can also make your planets more favorable by adopting other positive habits and actions in life. Inculcating such habits in your children from childhood can prove very beneficial for them; planets can become considerably more favorable to them by the time they grow up.

Many curses and astrological defects (Doshas) are mentioned in astrology books, such as Pitra Shrapa (ancestral curses), Matri Shrapa (maternal curses), etc., and nowadays, the so-called Kalasarpa Dosha is also very popular. For their pacification, good results are often obtained by adopting remedies for Rahu and Ketu along with the remedies for the afflicted Karaka (significator) planet. For example, for Pitra Dosha, one might adopt remedies for Rahu and Ketu, along with those for the Sun (significator of father and ancestry).

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Raghavendra Khare

Courtesy: Modern Astrology May 2024 Bangalore