Page 1 of 9 Om “Shree Durgaparameshwari Prasanna ”
VALIDITY OF TIMING EVENTS USING NATAL MOON By
Acharya V.KUMAR HONORARY FACULTY AIFAS, BANGALORE CHAPTER –II 1.
Introduction :
The timing of an event in the life of a native is a challenging task for any astrologer, be it a novice or an expert. The westerners use a combination of results due to the major and minor progressions as modified by various aspects of planets. In Vedic Vedic Astrology, Astrology, all practitio practitioners ners employ only the Dasa and transit transit method. The efficacy efficacy of the Dasa system which is unique to Vedic Astrology has been proved beyond doubt over so many centuries of its practice . In ‘Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra’, the most acclaimed classic on Vedic Astrology , 32 types of dasha systems have been prescribed for the purpose of timing events. Out of these , as as many as 13 Dasha systems systems are are based on on the positio position n of Moon at at birth in in the horoscope of the native. The following table is illustrative: Names of the Dasa systems Vimshottari, Ashtottari , Shodashottari, Dwadashottari, Panchottari ,Shatabdika , Chaturashiti-Sama , Dwisaptati-Sama, Shashti Hayani ,Shat-Trimsa –sama, Kalachakra , Yogini, & Tara dasas Kala dasa Chakra Dasa Chara, Sthira, Yogardha, & Kendradhi dasas Karaka-Kendradi, Karaka dasas Mandooka, Shoola, Trikona, Driga, Lagnadi-Rasi, Pinda-Amsa, Naisargika Naisargika , sandhya & Panchaka of Sandhya Dasas Ashtaka varga dasa Panchaswara dasa
Basis of the Dasa Total No of System(s) Dasas Natal Moon Thirteen
Birth time & Planets Birth time & Signs Sign based Planet based Based on different Bhavas
one one Four Two Nine
Ashtakavarga based Name based
one one
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It is clea clearr from from the the abov abovee tabl tablee that that the the most most wide widely ly used used Dash Dashaa syst systems ems in Parashara School such as Vimshottari, Ashtottari Ashtottari , Kalachakra , Yogini, Yogini, etc are all based on the natal natal position position of Moon Moon . Moon, althoug although h not consider considered ed as a planet planet in Astronomy Astronomy,, has been rightly assigned a pride place in Vedic Vedic Astrology Astrology with the V.I.P V.I.P status of a planet indicating the whole life events of a native. Now, some questions arise as to why only Moon is considered for the purpose and not other planets ? What could be the unique influence of natal Moon to qualify for such a priority treatment ? This article is the result of my efforts to find an answer to these questions . 2.
Important karakatwas karakat was of Moon:
According to Kalidasa’s Uttara Kalamrutha , (Khanda-V , Slokas- 25 to 29), the natural significations of Moon include the following: Disposition of mind, heart , Woman, good or bad, sleep, happiness, anything watery, travel, well, tank, mother, impartiality, consumption, salt, mind, ability, belly, nourishment , pleasure, splend splendor or,, quick quick in though thought, t, fame, fame, beauty beauty,, mendic mendicant ant,, middle middle world, life, middle age, eating, going to distant countries, Royal insignia, Good blood , vital energy, energy, etc . etc., These karakatwas of Moon (selected out of a lengthy list) bear a unique relationship with the physical existence of human life on Earth. Let us briefly examine some of these important aspects which render Moon as an unique planet singularly governing the whole life span of a native .
i) Moon , the t he Universal Mother: Moon plays a vital role in the process of procreation of all living beings on Earth. Its lead role in not only procreation but also nourishing and aiding the growth of siblings as well as their sustenance till their last breadth is indisputable. The following words from Brihat Jataka by Varahamihira Varahamihira ( Sloka 1 of Chapter Chapter 4 ) assert the role of moon in human procreation : “Kujendhu hethu Prathimaasa maarthavam Gathethu peedarksham anushna dheedhithou Atho’nyathaasthe Shubapungrahekshithe Narena Samyogamupaithi Kaamini”
ars and and Moo Moon are the cau cause for for month onthly ly mens mensees. When Moon Moon is in Meaning: Mars anupachaya rasis the menses for conception occurs. When the reverse is the case, and the masculine benefic aspects, the woman gets sexual union with man. (Translation by late Prof .B. Suryanarain Rao, Founder of the Astrological Astrological Magazine) .
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Mars rules heat and biliousness while Moon rules not only motherhood but also ‘all that is is watery’. watery’. The The Blood Blood formed out of the interac interaction tion of of bilious bilious Mars Mars with watery watery Moon is said to cause the menses in women. According to Saravali ,chapter 8 sloka no.2 , every month when moon is transitin transiting g in anupachaya anupachaya rasis (1,2,4,5,7,8, (1,2,4,5,7,8,9,12 9,12 rasis)from janma lagna and is aspected by mars then the menses suitable suitable for conception occurs occurs in the woma woman. n. For For actu actual al conc concep epti tion on to take take plac place, e, aspe aspect ct of bene benefi ficc Guru Guru on the the abov abovee combination is essential as only then she would unite willingly with her husband .Also, according to chapter 4 sloka 4 of Hora Makarand by Gunakar, if sun, Moon, Venus and Mars are located in their own navamsha in upachaya houses ( 3,6,10,11)from natal moon of a man or or woman or or if guru is is in lagna lagna or 5 th or 9th house , the pregnancy is predicted. Similar information is obtaining in various other classics like Jatakadeshmarga, Hora sara , etc. Here, we must observe that Moon represents the female principle (Prakruthi ,as Mother) and Mars represents the male principle (Purusha ,as father) the union of which is paving way for procreation. It is a commonly known biological fact that in the seminal Fluid sperm is engulfed in a liquid medium which facilitates the actual fertilization of the ovum. Even the ovum contains a protective protective sheath within which which matter is present in liquid form and only in this liquid the foetus is formed after fertilization which ultimately grows in to the child . Although the role of other panchabhutas like fire, Air , space and matter are indisputably significant significant in the process of procreation procreation ,it is the role of the Jala tatwa that is predominant being the facilitative medium of the whole activity activity . Thus, the planet Moon happens to be one of the two most important planets which rule not only the physical physical manifestatio manifestation n of the soul of man but also its very beginning beginning in any particular birth. ii) Moon as Water, ater, the nourishment for growth and sustenance of life :
In Vedic Astrology, Moon has been epitomized as the symbol of Mother not merely as the the vehicle for procreation procreation of life life but also for its its multiple multiple roles in nursing and aiding aiding the growth growth of the physica physicall form of all living living things things in nature. nature. Moon, Moon, as the significator of water and other potable liquids, undoubtedly influences each and every activity of man on this earth. In mantra 89 of 4 th sukta of 18 th Kanda of Atharvana Veda, Moon is described with the words “ chandrama chandrama Apsu antara antara Suparnou…” . This means that the Moon is having a watery core and is the great nourisher that brings us up. Also, in chapter15 chapter15 ( sloka 13 ) of Bhagavad Bhagavad Gita , it is is stated as follows: “ Pushnaameecha Pushnaameecha oushdhi Sarvaa Somo Boothvaa Rasaathmaka Rasaathmaka ”
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Meaning: I nourish all the herbs having become the juicy Moon. (This directly alludes to the fact that Moon is watery and is the essence or juice of all plants). But , in actuality, actuality, water is essential essential for the whole whole Flora and Fauna on the Earth.. In the absence of water no plant ever grows. The yield of crops depends on the quantum of water it received. If seasonal rains are good, then only the yield of crops is aplenty. Any amount of reinforcements like manure ,etc for increasing the yield would be a waste if the supply of water is insufficient. As , we , human beings are mainly dependent on seasonal crops and and other other plants plants for our food , unless unless their yield yield is sufficien sufficient, t, our day to day day life itself would be at stake . That is why almost all civilizations in the past have developed around the fertile river water basins of the world, be it the Indus valley around the five rivers or the Egyptian civilization around the river Nile , and so on. Water is an inseparable ingredient of even the modern man . A life without water is unthinkable . Almost every sphere of our life is dependent on water. A thirsty man feels truly its importance importance more than anybody else . Of course, not merely merely for drinking! drinking! All the household chores like Cooking , Washing , Cleaning, etc depend entirely on water. The hygiene of an individual which has a direct bearing on his health and longevity depends on the availability of enough water for all his needs. Water Water is essentially required in almost all industries . The works like building construction, manufacture of medicines, chemical engineering, textile textile dyeing, etc which cater to the daily needs needs of human beings cannot cannot be done without without water water.. In short, man would be dead without without water and this earth earth would become lifeless. Not only that. that. 80% of human body and two thirds thirds of the earth are filled with water. water. Each plant and animal is having its own characteristic essence called as Rasa . The essence is invariably extracted only with use of water in liquid form. The best use of these rasas is well established in the Indian system of Medicine i.e., Ayurveda. The quantity of rasa depends on the amount water content in them . Thus, Moon as the significator significator of water is directly responsible for the birth , growth and the nourishment of all the living and and non-living things things on the earth. iii) Moon as the ruler of Physical Manifestation , the Body :
Sun is the universal soul ( Atmanam Jagat ) and Moon is the ruler of every physical incarnation of all human beings. We know that Consequent on impregnation, the physical body of any offspring offspring is created and nursed nursed fully inside the body body of the Mother Mother until its delivery to the external world. Thus, the planet Moon being the significator for mother directly rules the physical body of the native also.
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E.H.Bailey in his popular Book titled- “The Pre-natal Epoch ” has propounded a theory which is outlined in chapter1 ( Book III) in “ The manual of Astrology” by Sepharial and also dealt with by many other other authors on Western Western Astrology in their books. ( Refer “ A to Z Horoscope maker and Delineator” by Llewelyn George.). According to this ‘Prenatal Epoch Theory’, at or near the time of conception the Moon must be posited in natal Ascendan Ascendantt or descendant descendant and the Ascendant Ascendant at or near the time of conception conception th must be the Janma Rasi or the 7 Rasi from it . Accordingly , a chart for the time of conception is also prepared which which is used for rectification rectification of birth time. Sepharial , the noted author on Western Western Astrology, Astrology, names the chart calculated for f or the time of conception based on prenatal epoch theory as ‘The Lunar Horoscope’ and writes the following words in his book titled “ The influence of Sun in Horoscopes” : “ The Lunar Horoscope is therefore seen to hold definite astronomical relations to the horoscope of birth. It is referred to the point of time at which the Psychoplasm or astral eidolon .” He also contends that “… the forms a link with the physical basis of life or germ-cell .” birth horoscope is that of heredity and environment. The Lunar horoscope is that of tradition and inherent faculty. To the Lunar horoscope , therefore, we must refer for the potential of the unit of life .” These words clearly explain the Moon’s influence on human destiny. The methodology of calculating calculating the chart for the time of conception conception is based on the natal positions of Sun , Moon and Lagna. Readers interested in the actual method of calculation may refer to the sources indicated above as the subject matter of this article does not warrant any further elaboration on the concept. This reference is made here only to impress upon the fact that Moon happens happens to be the sole planet planet signifying signifying a particular particular physical incarnation ( birth/life) of any individual. This This Prenata Prenatall epoch epoch theory theory is also also adopte adopted d by Prof.K Prof.K.S .S Krishn Krishnamu amurth rthy y while while devising the technique of Ruling Planets and it is employed in Birth time Rectification as well in KP system. The above facts establish the intimate relationship of the planet Moon with the life and destiny (physical manifestation) of any individual. iv) Moon , the Mind , as a Karmic agent ,:
In Astrology, while Moon is the karaka for mind ( chandrama manaso jatah) , the body is signified by lagna. The body works due to the presence presence of Atma Atma (soul) (soul) in it. But, without the co-operation of the mind , the body cannot work . It is the mind that initiates all actions actions and reaction reactions. s. The tendenci tendencies es of the mind ( Eg. Likes and dislik dislikes, es, hunger hunger,, anger anger greed, greed, satisf satisfact action ion , conten contentme tment, nt, etc, etc, etc) etc) are contro controlle lled d by the soul’ soul’ss karmic karmic influences . The ability to comprehend the external world is shrouded with the karmic veil
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as a result of which the mind tends to ‘see what it wants to see or what its prejudice makes it to see’ depending on the individual’s upbringing and exposure to various aspects of life in a particular incarnation. That is why our ancestors have said : “Buddhi Karmaanusaarini ” meaning that our mind works as per the dictates of our karma. The upanishadic lore is full of such allusions. They go to the extent of saying that whatever is created or understood by the mind is only an illusion while the truth is far beyond the Body- Mind- intellectual frames of reference. In the physical frame of existence, all the major activities of the human body being directly directly related related to the state of the mind , each and every every activity activity of an individual individual can be controlled fully and and effectively by by the mind . It is is the experience of hundreds of yogis of of our country country that the various exercises exercises advocated advocated in the yoga sashtra sashtra are nothing but the measures for effectively controlling the mind which which ensures control over our our activities activities . The human perception of the physical world is through the panchendriyas. It is the mind that absorbs the signals input by the panchendriyas and creates the effect of sensing (Mano-matram jagat ; Mano-kalpitam jagat ). ) . Without the role of mind no sensing is possible. possible. In the words words of Sri Adi Adi Shankaracha Shankaracharyarya- “ Mano Maatram Idam sarvam” – meaning , everything is this world is projected by the Mind and Mind only ( Sloka 28 of Sadachara ) . Thus, identifying all names and forms and understanding them through the intellect intellect is facilitat facilitated ed by Mind only without without which which even if the indriyas sense them their comprehension would be impossible. Thus, the the mind mind works works as an agent agent of karma karma the latter latter being being the primary cause for for the very reincarnation reincarnation of the soul of the individual. individual. Moon, as a karmic agent ensures ensures that we reap our karmic fruits by controlling not only our perception of the world but also our response to any stimulus from it. v) Moon , the planet of Wealth :
According According to to Jataka Jataka Parijata Parijata ( Ch.2, Ch.2, Sl.49) Sl.49) “Sampathkara Chandrama” meaning Moon stands for abundance of wealth.As already discussed above, Moon is the ruler of the material facets of all the incarnations of the soul of a native . A perusal of various combin combinati ations ons of Yoga Yogass discusse discussed d in Astrol Astrology ogy like like Gajake Gajakesar sari, i, Sunaph Sunapha, a, Anap Anapha, ha, Dhurdhura, Dhurdhura, Chandr ChandraMang aMangala ala and AdhiY AdhiYogas clearly clearly indic indicate ate that that if these these yogas are are unafflicted in a horoscope , they are capable of conferring a high degree of wealth and othe otherr mate materi rial al comf comfor orts ts to the the nati native ve when when they they oper operat atee . The The bene benefi ficc yoga yogass like like Vasumathi, asumathi, Amala, Amala, Pushkala, Pushkala, Kusuma , Indra, Indra, Garuda, Garuda, Gola, Bhaskara Bhaskara , Marud, Marud, etc are effective by the influence of Moon as well , apart from lagna and other planetary or Bhava influences. Generally , the yogas caused by Moon are said to be conferring wealth and material comforts while that of Sun are capable of conferring mainly Power or Authority , Status, etc to the native. Also, Sakata Yoga and Kemadruma Yogas which cause loss of
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wealth and abject poverty and miseries are directly linked to the placements of planets from Moon. It is also worthy to note that when Moon gets hemmed between malefics or is in conjunction with or aspected by natural malefics early loss of Mother results. Here, it is relevant relevant to point point out that in the Hora Chart Chart used for delineati delineation on of the wealth of a native only Moon and Sun are taken as the lords governing the wealth. Natural benefics when posited in Moon’s Hora and natural malefics when posited in Sun’s Hora confer good wealth to the native. Thus, Moon undoubtedly signifies the wealth and material comforts of an individual in his material plane of existence. 3.
Influence of Moon on the flora and fauna on the Earth :
The physical physical proximity proximity of Moon to the Earth has rendered rendered it the most influential influential planet on Earth. It is a scientifically proven fact that Moon is responsible for the ebb and flow of tides. All Life on Earth has a direct correspondence with the different phases of moon. It is proved beyond doubt doubt that the abnormal activity of lunatics is on the the rise during the days days near near about about Poornima Poornima and Amavas Amavasya. ya. The occurren occurrence ce of eclips eclipses es have a far reaching impact on almost all the the global phenomena and and affect the human beings in every sphere of life ranging from changes in personal environment ( such as health, financial gains /losses, afflictions to family life, etc) and changes in mundane matters (such as variation in prices prices of commodities, changes in in governments, wars between nations, nations, & so on ) to the nature as a whole causing devastating earth quakes or other natural calamities like cyclones, floods, etc, . Thus , moon exercises a vicegerent control over the day to day affairs of not only the human beings on the Earth but also the whole flora and fauna on it.
4.
Role of other planets in shaping human destiny :
Before arriving at a conclusion on the validity of moon in timing the events, let us examine the role of other Planets in shaping human destiny. destiny. Sun , as the the significato significatorr of the universa universall soul in its infinit infinitee form, induces induces life or Jeeva in to every animate or inanimate thing physically manifest in the universe.. The human beings , are no exception and are necessarily under Sun’s control at the subtler level. At the physical level, Sun as Arogya karaka, is responsible for the physical health of the body (Sthoola Deha ). Sun works as the dormant spirit of the body ( Atma Saakshi) maintaining the subtle subtle link of universal universal Soul with individual individual Jeeva ( ruled by Jupiter) and facilitates the completion of the physical activities initiated by Moon. Hence, it cannot be considered to be governing all the karmic activities of the individual in his incarnation.
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The planet planet Mars signif signifies ies physica physicall energ energy y, prowes prowesss , courag courage, e, etc needed needed for execution execution of the thought thought generated generated by the influence influence of Moon and is not a party to the decisions decisions taken taken by the the mind ruled ruled by Moon. Moon. Although Although Mars Mars is a constituen constituentt factor factor in causing the very conception of an offspring in the female , it only works in unison with Moon Moon and not in isolat isolation ion while while activa activatin ting g the sexual sexual impuls impulsee respon responsib sible le for such such procreative activity. Here also, it is moon that plays upon the mind and facilitates the fruitful completion of the activity. Thus , Mars is not related to the karmic facets of physical manifestation. Mercury Mercury , signifyin signifying g the Buddhi Buddhi or or intellect intellect and worldly worldly knowled knowledge ge partakes partakes in the decision taking process process of the individual but but seldom creates a thought . It only induces the mind either to go ahead with the activity or not rather than providing the initial pulse which is responsible for the very commencement of the activity which is provided by the Moon owing to its Karmic link. Budha rules the intelligence and knowledge gained in this life . Gaining such knowledge is only through the Mind. Budha handles the thoughts after their generation while Moon rules the Mind , the very seat of generation of thought. Hence, Moon takes precedence over Mercury. Jupiter is the planet signifying the metaphysical wisdom needed for the fruition of the karma. It signifies the individual’s life force (Jeeva). Although it does not play any causative role, it deputises deputises the universal soul in the form of Divine Divine Grace. It either boosts boosts or retards the activity activity depending depending on the karmic karmic influence influence of the individual individual which we call generally as Luck or or Providence . Jupiter indirectly influences the the day to day activities activities of the individual individual dependin depending g on one’s one’s Prarabda. Prarabda... It, in fact, fact, guides guides the the mind mind towards towards the karmic goal. As such , cannot be taken as a direct timer of events in life. Sukr Sukraa , ruli ruling ng the the sens sensua uall comf comfor orts ts,, is conn connec ecte ted d to the the mate materi rial al face facett of the the individual’s existence in as much as it activates the Pitru Rina through the realisation of Artha and Kama Purusharthas out of the chaturvida purusharthas. Its role is limited and any excess indulgence would only create Agami Karma which would work as the seed for future births of the individual. As such, it has a limited role in activating the karmic influence and hence cannot be taken as the timer of all events in one’s life. Sani is the ‘Pay Master’ Master’ working working purely purely for the fruition fruition of the Prarabda Prarabda karma of the individual the choice of which is made by Moon at birth. Although Sani describes the ways and means of fruition of the chosen karma , it by itself is in no way responsible for the the choi choice ce made made by the the mind mind rule ruled d by Moon Moon.. Sani Sani , akin akin to the the divi divine ne acco accoun unta tant nt Chitragupta , keeps an account of the quantum of karmic influence either endured or added in present incarnation. Hence, it doesnot qualify to be considered as the sole timer of events in one’s life.
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The shadow planets Rahu and ketu are no doubt karmic determinants determinants being placed in the common intersection plane of the orbit of Moon and eclicptic. But, they are mathematically calculated points of sensitive energies. Their roles in everybody’s life are also predetermined at birth by their cosmic link with Sun and Moon. They lack the originality and dynamism of either the Moon or any other planet. Hence, they donot qualify as timers of the whole life span of the individual although they are at times capable of inflicting lasting karmic injuries or gracing the native with superlative benefits . 5.
Moon as the timer of human destiny:
In the foregoing discussion we have seen that the planet Moon rules the destiny of man right from the moment of conception itself. It not only Governs the very physical exis existe tenc ncee but but also also faci facili lita tate tess the the fruit fruitio ion n of man’ man’ss karmi karmicc infl influe uenc ncee in any any chose chosen n incarnation/birth. It is the Moon that exercises the freewill of the discrete mind to operate one’s one’s karma while all other planets planets create an environment environment that is conducive conducive for reaping reaping the fruits of one’s one’s past actions during the present lifetime . Hence, to facilitate a smooth interlink of Moon with other planets , Moon is said to have NO enemy among the planets. Therefore, Moon being the ruler of the physical plane of existence and responsible for creation, creation, nourishment, nourishment, length length of life, material material wealth, mind and and decision-making decision-making and above all the fruition of karma , its role as the planet responsible responsible for timing all the events that are to be experienced with the co-ordination of other planets during an individual’s lifetime is undoubtedly valid. The division of Zodiac in to 27 Stars or Lunar Mansions , the concept concept of Janma Janma Nakshatr Nakshatra, a, the Sequen Sequence ce of Dasa/B Dasa/Bukt ukthi hi and the techniq technique ue of interpreting the influence of transits of planets provide the foundation for interpreting the roles of other planets in the destiny of the native. The natal Moon position signifying the beginning point of the present manifestation is rightly taken as the basis for defining the starting point of nakshatra based dasa systems in vedic Astrology. Astrology. Finally, the fact that Moon itself forms the basis for understanding the very concept of time right from times immemorial and the extensive use of Lunar calendar by a vast majority of the people of this country adds to the validity of Moon as the timer of events in one’s life. Shubamasthu! ** ** ** * ** Written by:
), Acharya V. KUMAR ( Revathi Vee Kumar Kum ar ), B.Sc., M.A.(Astrology), PDG(Journalism), [ M.A.(Philosophy&Religion)] Jyotish Visharad , Jyothishya Kaladhara , Jyothir Marthanda, Acharya in Astrology & Vaasthu Vaasthu
Honorary Faculty , AIFAS BANGALORE CHAPTER II, No.315/1, “Shree Meru”, 4th Main, 3rd Phase, Manjunatha Nagar, WCR Ist stage, BANGALORE – 560 010 Phone: 080- 23382021.
