retrograde

Mercury retrograde predictions for 2021

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Mercury goes retrograde three times a year. In this year, 2021 he is going to be retrograde during these time periods,

  • 30th Jan – 21st Feb – Aquarius – Capricorn
  • 30th May – 23rd Jun – Gemini – Taurus
  • 27th Sep – 18th Oct – Libra – Virgo

During retrogrades there are two possibilities. One is that the planet can go reverse in the same sign, ie not cross over backwards into the earlier sign. Or he will go backwards into the earlier sign. (There are 8 movements of the planets, post here). This year Mercury will be using the second option. In each of these three retrograde periods he is crossing backwards into the earlier sign, intensifying his results. When this happens you will be forced to redo things. There will be a lot of confusion in everything you do. 

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Whatever Mercury stands for in your birth chart will see repeat, review, re-do, Reverse energy in action. eg this will mean you have to check out which house he is placed in and where do Gemini and Virgo sit in your birth chart. Then especially if you have your birth Moon in his signs, Gemini or Virgo, you will face the turbulence on your mental and emotional levels. And if your ascendant sign is the signs then your physical body will be more affected. And if your birth Moon is in the naksahtra linked to Mercury, Ashleysha, Jeyshtha or Revati then too you will feel his subtle effects during this period.  

Now let’s check out Mercury’s keywords to see how this Mercury retrograde affects you and everyone generally. 

Mercury is the mental processes, logic and rational thinking. So you might see yourself and the others around you thinking illogically and behaving irrationally. Mercury is also communication of all sorts. So expect to misunderstand and be misunderstood when he goes retrograde. If you are going to appear for exams or important interviews be careful, read/understand the questions asked before responding. Written and spoken words both can be twisted by the power of this Mercury, so try to be as clear as possible in your communications. If you intend to sign important contracts or legal papers, read everything again properly. During this time it will be difficult to concentrate, focus or think logically. So initiating new projects or activities can be an issue. In the office, your teammates may not cooperate with you. There might be delays in organising meetings, preparing presentations and important reports. 

On the family front, there might be issues with siblings, extended family and especially the maternal family members. There will be outbursts and arguments as everyone loses control over what they are thinking, understanding and speaking. Short journeys will be more tiring and these may not give you the results you had expected. Be careful while driving and performing other skilled activities where you use your hands. The choices available to you may not be appropriate and create more problems. You might take rash decisions and then hasty actions. Think before you speak and act, always. Finances will be affected, some of you might need to budget. Avoid taking risks in the financial markets during this time, invest in your tried and tested options. Medical issues can be triggered depending on the position of Mercury in your birth chart. Mercury controls memory, speech, skin, nerves etc, so if you get any issue of this sort during this period, do go to a doctor. (Post here)

For the remedy part of it, I have written on the Mantra and Daana in my earlier posts. Also on the behavioural aspects where you give this energy of Mercury a safe outlet. (Do use the index page or the search bar)

 

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Now let’s look at these 3 time periods in a little more depth. This is a very brief analysis, you are supposed to think more on the keywords and come to your own conclusions.

30th Jan – 21st Feb – Aquarius – Capricorn

Mercury will move backwards in Dhanistha and Shravan nakshatras. Dhanistha is linked to Mars and ruled by the deity Vasu. Shravan is linked to the Moon and ruled by the deity Vishnu. Here the energies are all about Saturn who owns the two signs Aquarius and Capricorn and Mercury who is retrograde in them. In this time period both Saturn and Mercury are combust so Sun dominates everything. This period is quite confusing as Sun is combusting several planets all at once in Capricorn (post here). Plus Saturn in Shravan with this typical effects (post here).

So we have the keywords, let’s put them together like this. This time might see fake news, fake journalists and rumours. Shravan means ‘to listen’. There will be fake news about the activities of the government including the budget. Things will be misinterpreted by few people with vested interests. They will try to create faulty perceptions and create conflict with the popularly elected government, Sun, and the society at large, Saturn, using illogical thought processes and immature actions, Mercury. Do not trust anyone during this period. The economy might go down. Dhanishtha means the ‘wealthy one’. On a personal level we all must do some household budgeting. Do not put your money in risky things, you will lose it. COVID 19 vaccinations might show some side-effects. General public health will be overall affected. Moon rules nature, nurture, nutrition and need. Students will face a difficult time as this is the exam season. Rest and comfort will be affected. 

30th May – 23rd Jun – Gemini – Taurus

Here the planets in charge are Mercury and Venus. Mercury will go backwards from Mruga to Rohini nakshatras. Mruga is linked to Mars and ruled by the deity Soma. Rohini is linked to Moon and ruled by Brahmadev. Mercury will be combust during this time, transiting close to the Sun. Rahu will be influencing him, there is a total solar eclipse during this period affecting the northern parts of the Earth.

So let’s put the keywords together. Creative aspect of things will be used in an irrational manner. This time too, we will see fake news and rumours being peddled with the intention to discredit national governments. Mass movements may not mobilise so much but there will be some violence. Border disputes with neighbouring nations can flare up. Economy will take a hit and personal finances too.  The stock markets especially will show negative effects. Those in business must take care, smaller business might be wiped out. Agriculture too may be affected. Groups fighting for the environment will create problems for the society. Monsoon may show some irregularity. Cheats and frauds might happen. Suspicions will be on a high, loneliness too. Misunderstandings and arguments with partners, close family and friends will be more likely. Everyone will have very fixed opinions and will be vocal about them. Take care of your personal health especially the food you eat. Mental exhaustion will happen for most of us. Long term health issues, if any, will be triggered. Public health too will show some minor issues. Short journeys and business travel will show more delays and frustrations, so be prepared. Achieving goals during this time will be difficult. 

27th Sep – 18th Oct – Libra – Virgo

This time too the planets owning these signs are Mercury and Venus. Mercury will be transiting the Chitra and Hasta nakshatra. Chitra is linked to Mars and owned by Tvastra. Hasta is linked to Moon and ruled by Savitr. 

Let’s try to combine the keywords. In your team/group there will be a lack of trust and cooperation because there will be no clarity on the common Purpose. Wasting time, lethargy, sloth will increase. The work done will lack quality. You might be inclined to take risks as ego increases. There might be accidents and the physical body might suffer. You might engage in non-productive over-work so the mind will also get tired. Arguments stemming from criticism and aggression can happen. Tact and skills are lost for some time. There will be a tendency for selfishness and imbalance which will eventually cause frustration. At home, you might be required to do some costly repairs. In public again there will be a demonstration of breaking the laws. Everyone will be a little bit lonely. Negative karma will be more active during this period so best would be remain uninvolved and try to work in a positive manner. If you can do some spiritual activity to be more comfortable with yourself.

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And did you notice, the Nakshatra-s involved this time?

Mercury is retrograde in all the 3 nakshatra-s linked to his father Moon. Just like any teenager, Mercury is not comfortable with the Moon, so expect all the things linked to the Moon in your birth chart to take a hit when Mercury goes retrograde in Rohini, Hasta and Shravan. Pay special attention to your health, nutrition, comfort and rest.

And the other three nakshatra involved are linked to Mars, Mruga, Chitra and Dhanishtha. So when Mercury goes retrograde in them you will see inexplicable increase in irritation, misdirected rage, everyone including you being quick to anger and less willing to listen. Try to think before you act always. 

Then the deities, are also the more powerful ones, Brahmadev, Savitr and Vishnu are the primal energies responsible for creation, illumination and preservation of structure and order of you and this universe. the other three Soma is nourishment, Tvashtra is skilled creativity and Vasu are the elemental energies which actually make you and your universe. One simple way of navigating these upcoming 2021 Mercury retrogrades is worshipping these and invoking their energies within you.

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Stationary planets, Stambhit graha in transit and at birth

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There are 9 graha in Jyotish. There are the two luminaries, Sun and Moon. The two nodes, Rahu and Ketu are called astral planets, Chhaya-graha. Then the 5 ‘Tara-graha’, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The definition of ‘graha’ is completely astronomical and on the energy levels from the Surya-Siddhant written by Maya-danav.

The Tara-graha move in eight different motions, vikala, vakra, anuvakra, manda, mandatara, sama, chara and atichara. This is their apparent movement and occurs because they are revolving around the Sun but we are watching them from the Earth. Planets give their results as per their direction of movement and the speed of their moment. Most astrologers ignore this point. For example, the fastest Moon governs emotions which change the fastest. And Saturn governs work related to karmic rebalance which is the slowest thing. Do note the the direction and speed of the planets in your birth chart.

‘Vikala’ means no movement, the planet seems to be stationary. This can be for hours or upto a few days depending on the planet. e.g Saturn the slowest seems to stop / stambhit, for about 10 days before he changes his apparent direction of motion while the fastest Mercury is stationary/ stambhit for a few hours. So when a planet is about to turn from retrograde to forward he goes stationary for some time. And similarly when he is about to change direction from forward to retrograde he will be apparently still for some time. You will get very rare horoscopes which have stationary planets at birth. But these make for an interesting study so writing a bit about them.

First of all is the routine planet’s analysis from the birth chart which you have to do. You know it by now,

  • Which house/ sign is he placed in.
  • Is he exalted, debilitated, in friendly environments, has matured etc.
  • Which planet is aspecting or conjoint him.
  • Which houses/ signs/ planets is he aspecting.
  • Which houses does he rule over in that chart. ie where are the signs owned by him placed?
  • If you feel confident, check his Ashtakvarga scores. And check his sign in the Navamsha. This will add more to your reading on what this planet is responsible for in life. What aspects of life are linked to his energies. (If you find this complicated, drop it for now, do not confuse yourself)
  • After this, check if he is the ruler of the current Mahadasha /main-period or sub-period/ Antardasha as per the Vimshottari system. If so his influence on the person will be more.
  • Finally check if his current transit is favourable. You can use the Ashtakvarga chart for this if you know how to. Or you can use this general guideline that transit in 6/8  or 2/12 axis to the original position of the planet generally gives difficult results. And his transit to the 5/9 axis from his birth position generally gives favourable results.

Stationary planets, Stambhit graha in transit and at birth

Now that you know what all your planet in focus signifies, read on.

A stationary planet, with reference to the Earth, is not moving at all. It is still. All of his energies are converted from kinetic to potential. This planet, especially if he is Jupiter or Saturn, will be the strongest force in your chart. Its energies are very intense and the attributes and influence of the planet is highly pronounced. (Eg if you run along a muddy road, your feet will make light impressions in the mud. But if you stand still at one place, your feet make deep impressions at that one spot.)

This degree where the birth planet is stationary is hit by the planet’s energy very strongly. Here the planet is changing his way of expression from the outwardly directed to the inwardly directed or vice versa. This degree becomes very sensitive. It is like the planet is staring very fixedly at this point of the zodiac, pouring all his energy here. Note this degree and analyse your life events when other planets in transit cross it, you will definitely see a pattern emerging.

Such a big potential energy sitting in one of your houses can easily become a source of imbalance. His energies are amplified at that degree of the zodiac and he can confers extraordinary potential. If he is placed well and capable of giving auspicious results then its ok, you will use his massive potential at some point of time in your life. But if he is poised to give unfavourable results, then you will be denied the things linked to this planet, or you may not get opportunities to use his abilities or you may not have the confidence to act on his talents. So do analyse this point very carefully.

Having the potential but not being able to use it is always problematic. If in your practice, you see a chart is good but its promise is not being fulfilled, do check if any of the planets are stationary. Events linked to this planet are often delayed, but when they do occur they hit like a ton of bricks. Maturity of the planet is an important consideration here. The planet will give drastically different results before and after his age of maturity. This placement gives very high spiritual ability in later life, but this is almost invariably triggered by extreme events.

Now for the outer planets, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, they go stationary when they are placed 120deg from the Sun (this is called a trine aspect or the trikon). So in the birth chart, one of the trikons will be affected by the Sun-stationary planet energy. The 1/5/9 axis is the Dharma trikon, the 2/6/10 axis is the Arth trikon, 3/7/11 axis makes up the Kama trikon and the 4/8/12 axis makes up the Moksh trikon. Whichever trikon this stationary planet and its trine-placed Sun occupies, life will be more intense for these aspects of life on the whole.

  • Stationary Mercury – He goes retrograde 3 times a year and when he apparently changes his direction of motion he goes stationary for a few hours to a day.
  • Stationary Venus – He goes retrograde every 1.6yrs for about 6 weeks, and when he apparently changes his direction of motion he goes stationary for upto 2-3 days.
  • Stationary Mars – He goes retrograde once in 2 yrs and for about 2-3 months. And when he apparently changes his direction he goes stationary for upto 3-4 days.
  • Stationary Jupiter – He goes retrograde for about 4 months every year. He goes stationary for upto 4-5 days each time he apparently changes his direction of movement.
  • Stationary Saturn – He goes retrograde every year for about 4-5 months. Every time he changes his apparent direction of movement, he can stay still for upto 5-6 days.

Stationary planets, Stambhit graha in transit and at birth

Stationary Mercury – I haven’t come across any charts where a stationary Mercury caused problems. This is partly because of Mercury’s impressionable nature and the things that he signifies. If aspected by benefics and capable of giving good results this placement is quite good. He is more capable of adapting to things and quite skilful. So generally his gifts are amplified, creative writing, acting, media, politics, are all his forte. Our current world belongs to Mercury, it is all about communications. So a stationary Mercury in my opinion gives good results unless he is heavily spoilt by bad placement or malefic aspects.

Stationary Venus – In the charts I have seen, a Stationary Venus too has given good results. He signifies balance, beauty, spiritual growth, wealth and relationships of every type. The personality is emphasised by Venusian traits and often excels in professions indicated by Venus, creative arts, singing, voice, banking, finance, business etc and even the personal life seems to be good. However these individuals tend to be attracted by sensual pleasures and worldly things especially so while young, later in life there may be an abrupt shift to the spiritual side of life if the placement allows it.

Now the outer planets, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. These, if stationary in a chart, have a more pronounced impact on the personality compared to stationary inner planets, Mercury and Venus.

Stationary Mars – Generally this shows repressed anger, an inability to express one’s aggression in a safe way. It can neither go outside to the outer world or can be channelised into the internal consciousnesses. Do analyse this Mars’s position very carefully. There is a sense of power around these individuals, aggression or assertiveness depending on the placement. There is almost always heightened sexual quality too. The person may be an active athletic type or into the occult or into the army or some place where he is seen as a pioneer. This Mars will give a highly prominent personality, it will be someone well-known in whichever field he takes up. But whichever profession he takes up, there should be scope for aggression or sexual activity. eg a politician who becomes a Defence minister perhaps, or a highly popular celebrity with a string of affairs or a psychologist who studies sexuality etc.

Stationary Jupiter – If this is in the birth chart, the person has a deeper link to the esoteric, occult, spiritual etc. The activities related to this house and the houses he aspects (5/9) will not progress, there will be suffocation and frustration. This is especially a concern as a Trikon will be affected in its entirety, thus disturbing the life as a whole. After Jupiter matures, he will be less attracted to material things. Jupiter linked abilities faith, benevolence, teaching, internal worlds etc will be more in focus. This may manifest as a religious vocation or as a more humanitarian and all-inclusive attitude in life.

Stationary Saturn – If he is able to give good results, or is a Yogkarak (Taurus and Libra ascendants), he grants more stability, structure and ability to work. His job is to ensure that your karmic targets for this life are met. So he does this with great intensity and focus. He matures late at the age of 36yrs so till then the personality suffers from restrictions. The person may seem older for his age, more serious, less able to take life easily. However later in life he can give significant social and professional success, an ability to stick to what was committed, a disciplined nature, willing to work and the ability to persevere.

Stationary planets in transit – The outer planets, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are especially important as they indicate events on a global scale. Extreme events like wars, natural disasters, heat waves, forest fires, industrial tragedies, bombings, assassinations of important people, political upsets are triggered. Jupiter especially will have his say in finance, gold prices, food production and general well-being of the planet Earth. Saturn going stationary in transit often triggers extreme events which are often linked to discipline or karmic retribution. eg important judgements in courts linked to justice, real and delivered.

Even if you do not have stationary planets in your birth chart, they will occur quite regularly in transit. It is always instructive to observe the planets going stationary in transit. Depending on where they occur in your chart in transit, life-changing events can be triggered. Especially so when its your ascendant lord or any of the outer planets. Or if your Mahadasha or Antardasha ruler planets. They will indicate a change in some area of your life. They might indicate job changes, changes in residence, disputes, career issues, health, rash behaviour, expenditures, losses, etc if they are adverse for your chart. Even if they are capable of giving positive results, they will first create such an emergent situation and then give you success in over coming it.

 

Stationary planets, Stambhit graha in transit and at birth

Exalted and debilitated planets, retrograde and forward

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In a horoscope you will often see planets which are debilitated/ neech-avastha or exalted/ uccha-avashta. The normal reaction is to feel worried if you have some neech planets and feel happy if you have some planets exalted. The general understanding is that the planet gives his perfect results when he is placed in his exalted sign and gives his worst results when he is situated in his sign of debilitation. But this is not the complete picture so if you have a few debilitated planets in your chart, there is no need to get stressed out.

Every planet gives his results, in whatever condition he is in, he will express his energies. This expression may be on your physical level, mental state, material level, spiritual level, etc. It might be sadness, happiness, despair, ecstasy, neutral plain-ness. It may promote outgoing behaviour, social engagements, business sense, spiritual inclination, seclusion, desire for learning, etc. Every placement in the chart was chosen by you at your moment of birth. This was your higher self choosing, so the chart is the best possible alignment for you to potentially work off your karma. What you make of this potential is your free will and conscious choice.

On to exalted and debilitated planets, a quick re-cap,

Graha

Exalted

Debilitated

Sun

Aries 10th deg

Libra 10th deg

Moon

Taurus 3rd deg

Scorpio 3rd deg

Mercury

Virgo 15th deg

Pisces 15th deg

Venus

Pisces 27th deg

Virgo 27th deg

Mars

Capricorn 28th deg

Cancer 28th deg

Jupiter

Cancer 5th deg

Capricorn 5th deg

Saturn

Libra 20th deg

Aries 20th deg

Rahu

Taurus 20th deg

Scorpio 20th deg

Ketu

Scorpio 20th deg

Taurus 20th deg

(I follow B.V. Raman/Parashara)

Now the finer detail, on exaltation. Eg Jupiter is exalted at the precise 5th deg of Cancer. ie from 4.01 deg to 5 deg. So if in your chart he is,

  • Eg at 3rd deg Cancer in the forward motion. He is moving towards his exact exaltation point. He is in a state of pleasurable anticipation, optimistic, thus gives better visible results. The things connected to Cancer, the house in which Cancer is placed in and the houses/signs owned by Jupiter, are all viewed positively because of Jupiter’s upbeat mood. You can thus expect auspicious results.
  • Eg at 3rd deg Cancer in retrograde motion. Here Jupiter is moving in an apparent backward motion. Now he feels bad. He had his sights on the point of exaltation but as he has become retrograde he could not achieve his goal. He is moving away from the goal, retracing his steps. He knows he will be re-attempting his goal again when he enters his forward motion. This state of the planet is rather demotivated, he does not give his full results despite being in his sign of exaltation Cancer. Something like a mountaineer who has to turn back, when touching distance of the summit he desires.
  • Exact 5th deg in forward motion. He is exalted delighted satisfied. This is the top of the zodiac for Jupiter, from 4.01deg to 5deg, he has achieved everything. The visible results of this placement will be excellent!
  • Exact 5th degree and in retrograde movement. He is happy at the summit, that does not change. But when he is retrograde he will apparently move backward, then again start forward and cross his exhalation degree again. Thus the happiness is colored with this knowledge. He knows there will be a brief going downwards but he will get one more opportunity to be at the top. So good results.
  • Eg in the 10th deg in forward movement. Jupiter has crossed his highest point, it is behind him now. The state of remembered happiness does exist, so he is willing to give good results. But this quantum will be less than the happiness of the exaltation point as he is on his way down from his personal top. So slightly less exuberant results.
  • Eg in the 10th deg and retrograde. He has reversed his motion and is going back towards his point of exaltation. He will give quite good results, as he is again optimistic. There is a shade of seriousness now, the planet seems to be more intent about his work. This is his second attempt at the summit and he is determined to make the most of it. Good results.

In general, when a planet is approaching his exact point of exhalation, his results are optimistic. This phase is called the Aroha phase, he is ascending. When he is moving away from the exaltation point, ie in Avaroha phase, the quantum of optimism reduces changing the results that he is capable of delivering. I consider a 15deg section before the high point as the Aroha section as the planet is preparing himself for the climb, is optimistic. So for Jupiter this would be 20-30deg Gemini and 0-5deg Cancer. And similarly a 15deg section after the high point as the section where he descends as the Avaroha section. For Jupiter this would be 5-20 deg Cancer. See the topmost point is only 1deg, very short, it is rather unstable, as every way from here is down. So if you are born with such a highly exalted planet, make sure that you use its energies sensibly with your conscience as your guide. Do some spiritual practice so that you create some asset which will be useful in your next lives too.

Exalted and debilitated planets, retrograde and forward

Now about debilitation. Again eg Jupiter, who is debilitated deepest at 5th deg Capricorn, ie 4.01-5 deg.

  • Eg If he is at 3rd deg Capricorn in forward motion. He knows that he is falling into his deepest point of the zodiac. There is desperation and intense dejection, so the results are not auspicious.
  • Eg if he is at 3rd deg Capricorn in retrograde motion, here it is like he has been saved at the last minute from falling into the abyss. His results will be better than expected. He was descending, falling to his deepest neech-point, but the change of apparent motion has helped him, now he is climbing away. This puts him in a good mood. He knows that debilitation will come later but at present he is relieved and able to give reasonably good results. The mindset would be wary for the future but reasonably well-settled for the present.
  • Eg if he is in 5th deg Capricorn in forward motion. He is in the exact point of highest debilitation. Highly pessimistic, depressed, dejected etc. But as the motion is forward, he knows that he is moving out of the depths. However the mind-set has to be trained to remain patient and endure as this is just 1 deg, after this, the only way is up.
  • Eg if he is in 5th deg Capricorn in retrograde motion. This is again the deepest nadir, so the dejection depression etc will exist. As he will move in the apparent backward position and climb up there will be improvement. The mind should be trained to remain patient. But the planet will fall again as soon as he regains his forward motion. So overall this position gives a very pessimistic mindset.
  • Eg If he is at 10th deg Capricorn in forward motion. Here Jupiter would be very happy to have come out of the nadir point and is moving away from it. He has suffered, there is more seriousness and maturity but he is getting back up. The mindset would be eager, but with a wary eye on possible problems.
  • Eg if he is at 10th deg Capricorn in retrograde motion. Here the hopelessness is the maximum as the planet has already experienced his full Neech-state and is falling back again. The planet will give quite inauspicious results.

The 15deg section before the low point is the Avaroha-descending section. The planet is falling into the abyss. So for Jupiter this would be 20-30deg Sagittarius and 0-5deg Capricorn. But Sagittarius is his own sign so the effect of the impending debilitation will not be much here. And similarly a 15deg section after the high point as the section where he climbs out of the depth is the Aroha section. For Jupiter this would be 5-20 deg Capricorn. Results will always be better in a climbing up placement rather than in the falling down placement.

The depth of debilitation is just one degree, the falling in and climbing out is longer. As in life, the climbing up/down parts are longer for the planets too, the extreme point is just one degree. So if you are born with a debilitated planet know that you have to act. Act with intention and a desire to achieve.The energies are stilled at this point, if you can manage to move them even a bit, you will be going up. The tremendous potential of this position can be best diverted into the sub-conscious for internal growth. There will be disappointments but use the energy of the external negativity to search for permanent happiness within. With this placement you can actually find it within you. The route will not be easy, but you are aiming for the greatest prize, naturally the difficulties will be the hardest. Start a regular spiritual practice, this is the crutch you will use on your way.

Exalted and debilitated planets, retrograde and forward

The speed of planets, the nature and direction of their movement is a very important criterion in analysing horoscopes. There are eight types of movements of the planets (Post), and the faster planets give quick results. Especially for Saturn, Jupiter and to some extent Mars, this factor is quite important. Venus and Mercury also go retrograde/ fast/ slow etc but the time periods are shorter for them.

Another way of looking at this is, suppose Jupiter always gives 100 units of results. These will expressed in the conscious and the sub-conscious in different ratios. These 100 units as per your chart are then divided into various types of results, eg 20% for material riches, 30% for wisdom, 20% for spirituality and 30% for religiousness. In his best exalted state he will give expression to all these results in your conscious life. The full % of each type of result will be given to you. You will see and feel these effects of Jupiter in your life. There will be satisfaction and pleasure in achievements. Involved more in these Jupiter things, you will want more of these. (On the sub-conscious levels, you are using up the accumulated luck/merit/benefit of your past lives. So remember to do some merit-giving activities so that you have something for your next life.)

In his worst debilitated state however, he will be unable to give the full 100 units in the conscious state. His expression here will be less maybe just 20 units will be given depending on your chart. You will consciously be made aware of the decrease in satisfaction, the ephemeral nature of the material. There will be a movement away from the external show of Jupiter-things a desperate search for pleasure. This is a crucial point. If your moral compass is weak or you are willing to be satisfied by temporary measures, you might take the wrong path in life, eg drugs, addictions etc. This is a slippery slope and most of the debilitations cause such problems. In fact addictive behaviour with its very temporary ‘high’, is actually a desire for the permanent ‘high’ that you get during your spiritual practice.

But see, Jupiter has to give 100 units, it is compulsory. The remaining 80 units are ‘locked’ due to debilitation. If you can divert your mind or do some astrological remedies, or do some mantras, you can use their power to unlock the remaining 80units, which will be then used in giving you spiritual satisfaction. For the rare few, who can divert this desire for satisfaction, this energy to the correct direction, the spiritual results will be unimaginably high. Your sub-conscious mind will be pulling in these energies and Jupiter will give his results more internally. You will be made aware of the higher divinity within you. (If the pull of the debilitated planet is very strong and the person intends to find his real self, then such people can actually renounce the society and take sanyas.)

If there are several debilitated planets in your chart first analyse them in depth. Then try to shift your mindset consciously. Try to focus on the higher spiritual. Do some regular spiritual practice, try to be patient, keep your intention strong. They will benefit. Every planet gives his full results, only their style and direction of expression varies.

 

Exalted and debilitated planets, retrograde and forward

 

Rahu Ketu Experience of gain and loss

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The orbit of the Earth around the Sun and the orbit of the Moon around the Earth intersect at two points, Rahu and Ketu. Astronomically these are just points where two curves intersect twice, but astrally these are huge chunks of conscious energies. Thus these satisfy the condition of being a ‘graha‘, a force and are called ‘planets’ in astrology. These are highly significant points representing how energy is pulled in into your psyche and then again released out from your psyche.

They represent the flow of your Experience.

You and me, all are part of the Ultimate Consciousness/Parabrahma.We are here to ‘experience’, the ‘one who experiences’ has priority. My experience is different from yours.

Rahu Ketu Experience of gain and loss

Rahu represents the inward pull of energy. Depending on his placement, you will want to experience the matters of his house, house owner, sign and conjunct/aspecting planets. Your sub-conscious self wants, desires, the energy of these experience. This energy is needed to balance out the karmic agenda you have decided on at your birth. Rahu represents all the aspects of life experience which you have ignored in your past lives. You are required to go through these aspects now. These have gained importance and urgency in this life, you have procrastinated long enough. And with Rahu pulling you, these events will satisfy you in a way nothing else will. Accept the energy. Maximum potential for growth exists in these areas of your life and if you sensibly use your Rahu, you will benefit.

The trick is to be aware of how much experience is experience enough. For e.g, You love your bike, the vehicle of your dreams, it can go upto 240 kmph, but would you drive so fast? No, it would create stress for you and would be dangerous too! A spectacular ride culminating in a disaster. You know you are a good driver and 120 kmph is your safe limit. It is logical that you drive safely and enjoy yourself during your drive, so you stick to 120 kmph. It is the same with Rahu, he has unlimited energy which he pulls into your inner self, but you are required to know your limits, so that you can be safe and enjoy the ride with Rahu.

Rahu is energy, how you use it is your decision. This decision requires a favourable placement of the other planets who are linked with Rahu’s matters. If he is aspected by benefics, benevolent planets, caring and loving energies, you are able to manage his desires more effectively. In a strong horoscope Rahu can take you to the heights of glory, both spiritual and material. This is a misconception that Rahu is a material planet, he is not! He is just the power of ‘desire’. Your entire horoscope, i.e. your mind-set and your conscious Will, these will indicate where this power of ‘desire’ is to be channelised. The power to manifest is always yours, You choose what you want.

The challenge that Rahu presents is this, you have extraordinary power of being able to ‘experience’ within you. How you open and channelise it is upto you. But it is essential that you immerse yourself in the ‘experience’, without getting attached to it. This is also the secret of Tantra. Immerse yourself completely in the experience so that you can transcend it. If you have experienced it all, the object loses its power to attract. Once you are satisfied, your stomach is full, you cannot eat even one more piece of your favourite sweets/mithai, you push the dish away. The desire has ended, the experience is complete. This is the challenge that Rahu puts forward before you.

Rahu Ketu Experience of gain and loss

Ketu is the other node – point of intersection, 180 degrees away from Rahu. Here you release the energies which are of no use to you. You have experienced these to your fill in your past lives so much so that they are of no consequence. You are apathetic to them now.

There is a hidden challenge here too, and because it is Ketu you are indifferent to his disinterested challenge. These patterns represented by Ketu are in-built, comfortable routines, which you unconsciously replay all the time. You are unaware of these patterns, but if you pay attention to your self you will notice them. And if you rely too much on these patterns you will not be able to gainfully leverage the new experiences of Rahu. See, Rahu/Ketu are always 180 degrees away from each other, the houses they occupy will be in the mirror image, fill-in-the-blanks format, seventh from each other. Rahu is offering you a load of experience, so the house he is in will experience rapid and spectacular changes. But to make sense of these changes, the house occupied by Ketu cannot remain inert! These two houses, the 180 degrees axis is linked very deeply to each other. To take control of Rahu, you have to become aware of the diffuse headless Ketu.

e.g Rahu in the 11th will desire the experience of gain, like-minded groups, luck, etc. And Ketu in the 5th will ensure that you remain apathetic to your personal self-ego, self-creativity, self-confidence etc. But if the self of the 5th house remains apathetic to the gains of the 11th, you wont know where to stop! You will continue being pushed by Rahu’s energies till you fall off! In the nebulous, market-place, environment of the 11th, the self-personality has to assert itself else you won’t even realise were you might end up. Thus this is the hidden challenge presented by Ketu which very few individuals comprehend in life.

If you have Ketu conjunct with other planets or if he is in your rising sign/1st house, know that in your past lives you have completed a large chunk of your desire for experience. These events were linked to these planets and in your past lives have changed your understanding of your self on very fundamental levels. You have transcended the experiences that these planets signify. And you have those learnings, these gift’s of experience with you on deeper levels. These gifts are often unusual, e.g. a highly developed intuition or an ability to roam in the astral dimensions. Ketu lessons are very necessary for you to progress on the spiritual level. Thus Ketu’s role as a Moksh-karak, agent of the Ultimate realization.

Ketu is linked to ‘loss’, thus you experience this astral energy of loss in this life too. Loss of relationships, loss of love, loss of parents, loss of security, loss of wealth, loss of home, etc depending on his position in your chart. It is also a challenge here. Can you accept this loss on the material, emotional, spiritual level? Will you fight to keep this energy from moving out? The experience of these losses starts early in life and continues till you become conscious of them. e.g. If Ketu indicates a ‘loss of maternal love’, try as you might, you will not be able to experience it in this life. You may search for it, you may try to hold on to it, or try to get it from others, but they cannot give it and neither can you receive it.  Realistically, you cannot stop Ketu. Sometimes you have to let go of some things so that you make space for the new (Rahu) experiences entering your life.

But for the lesson to be complete, you have to be aware of what is happening, you have to be conscious of their experience-energy dynamics. Unless you register what is happening to you on the experience (Rahu/Ketu front), you will be made to repeat these again and again. Thus their perpetual retrograde motion. The movement of the nodes is quite erratic, so is averaged out and this is called as a ‘Mean Node’

Rarely I get a horoscope where the person seems to processes his experiences in a fundamentally different way. So I check out the mathematically correct nodes (True nodes) for this chart. In these cases, the nodes move in the direct motion. Direct motion occurs when eclipses occur, and eclipses are very important events creating an explosion of energy. If the birth occurs around an eclipse, there are undercurrents of different energies in the chart, which is linked to the direct nodes. These individuals can progress faster if they turn their attention to the spiritual and metaphysical.

So if you feel like it, do open your own horoscope (Vedic software). Look at the positions of Rahu/Ketu and the aspects of your life that they influence. If you have major planets conjunct with them e.g the ascendant lord, Moon, Sun or if they are located in the ascendant sign. Analyse yourself in terms of your life experience. It will be a very personal and instructive exercise which will help you know your innermost motivations and life path experiences.

 

Rahu Ketu Experience of gain and loss

Analysing Rahu Mahadasha

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If your birth moon Nakshatra/Lunar mansion is Ardra, Swati or Shatataraka (also called Shatabhisha) then you will have your Rahu mahadasha going on at your birth. The balance of the planet’s dasha period remaining at birth is calculated using the location (degree/minute/second) of Moon in his nakshatra at birth. If you get this birth time wrong your starting point will be wrong thus your entire life-time’s calculation will go wrong. Rahu’s mahadasha is a long period and goes on for 18yrs, a lot of things can occur in 18yrs!

And then, Rahu’s mahadasha and his sub-periods in the other planets Mahadashas do occur at any point of life. Check out which Mahadasha/Antardasha you are on using any Vedic astrology software. Vimshottari dasha, is the most popular dasha system used for timing events and is quite accurate too, beginners should start with this to get an idea of how planets interact to create an event. So to analyse Rahu Mahadasha, follow these steps, take your time over it.

Analysing Rahu Mahadasha

Step 1 is to know the aspects of life Rahu represents and the power he has to deliver his results. This is the basic minimum. You should know what he is going to give you, then predicting the timing will make sense!

  1. Rahu in your birth chart (divisional chart 1/D-1).
    • He is placed in which house and in which sign? Thus which parts of your life is he controlling?
    • The ruler of this sign, is he a friend/neutral/enemy planet for Rahu? How is this planet placed? Is he strong/weak etc, as Rahu will take on his powers and ability to give results.
    • Is Rahu exalted/debilitated?
    • Which planets is he conjoint/aspected by? Thus which other aspects of the personality is he influencing directly and indirectly.
    • Has he matured?
    • Which lunar mansion/nakshatra is he placed in? He will be influenced by the ruler of this nakshatra and its characteristics too.
    • And finally is there any planet placed in Nakshatra owned by Rahu? He can be influenced by these too!
  2. Repeat this same analysis from the birth Moon sign, to know how you will ‘feel’ in Rahu’s Mahadasha. Your emotional levels and mental comfort is seen from the birth Moon. These aspects of life can be completely different from what is happening on the physical level.
    • E.g. If Rahu is placed in your 11th house from the ascendant, then he will give gains of every sort on the physical levels. But if he is placed 6th from the birth Moon, you will not find emotional fulfilment in those gains, emotionally/mentally you will be in turmoil.
  3. And this same analysis using the divisional chart 9, Navamsha chart will give a perspective on the sub-conscious expectations and the sum total of Rahu’s potential. The subconscious desire, suppressed within your astral self, which will erupt now. (Do this part whenever you feel more confident, else might end up confusing yourself)

Step 2  Smaller sub-periods within the main period/Mahadasha are called successively Antar-dasha, Pratyantar-dasha, Sookshma-dasha and Pran-dasha. The logic on how to analyse these even smaller units of time remains the same for each planetary owner of the sub/sub periods.

  1. Find out the power of the sub-period/antardasha planetary lord and the aspects of your life that he controls just like you did for Rahu above.
  2. Then analyse the relationship between Rahu and the sub-period owner planet. Are they friends, enemies or neutral? How are they placed in the chart? e.g. If they are in the 6/8 or 2/12 uncomfortable aspects, then that sub-lord’s sub-period will not be comfortable, unless the other planet is very strong.

Step 3 is the routine planetary transits/gochar. These can modify results to some extent. So draw your birth chart on a paper and superimpose the current planetary positions on it. Use a different pen so that you can make sense of the composite chart you are drawing.

Analysing Rahu Mahadasha

Rahu is the desires that you have, things that pull your soul. Rahu is perpetually in retrograde motion so his lessons are repetitive and always on the inner psychological levls. In Rahu’s periods expect situations which will test you on the mind/body levels. You may achieve a lot of things but there will always be unexpected things/reversals/gains which will keep you on your toes. He desires privileges, social recognition, ambitions and entry into the elite. Rahu can obscure divine intelligence and basic common sense, so you are carried away with a desire to possess. Things of glamour, thrills, opportunities, secrets, scandals, unusual, foreign, risks, fascinations, surprises will enter your life. You might cheat and use non conventional means to achieve your desires. Rahu is not straightforward. If Rahu in your chart is strongly placed these results last beyond his periods else as his Mahadasha ends these gains can also be taken away.

Rahu takes on the characteristics of the planets he is associated with, so you will need to pay special attention to these influences on him. Most importantly the karakatva of the sub-period/antardasha ruler planet is extremely important. Rahu will amplify all that this planet stands for (karakatva) in your horoscope. If the lord of the sub-period is benefic or poised to give good results in your chart, this Rahu Mahadasha can bring them as Rahu will amplify. e.g. Marriage is also possible in this period as desires and passions are on a high. If the sub-period planet is associated with partnerships and/or romances then love affairs/marriages can occur.

Then Rahu’s periods can also cause physical death, he is quite capable of bringing physical death by himself. Especially so if he occupies the 2nd or 7th house. Or if his sign owner is an Marak, owner of the 2nd or 7th house. Or his sign ruler is placed in the 2nd or 7th house. Or if the sub-period owner is the Marak (but predicting physical death requires in-depth analysis, so don’t scare yourself).

Analysing Rahu Mahadasha

Now to analyse the sub-periods of Rahu’s main period/mahadasha. This is just a starting point for you to base your own analysis on.

  1. Rahu antardasha
    • This period continues from the Mars Mahadasha and compared to the physical movement and single pointed conquest of Mars, your horizons suddenly seem to widen. Desires increase, but it is a diffuse desire that you feel for several objects at once. These desires will depend on Rahu’s karakatva which you have analysed above.
    • This period can disorienting, Mars and Rahu are both passionate planets so actively bring about things. Changing from one to the other will not be a smooth transition, at least the first 6mths will be full of rapid change.
    • Rahu-Rahu results will be as per Rahu’s nature in your chart which you have evaluated above. This is pure Rahu giving whatever he is capable of giving in your chart.
    • You might have to face misunderstandings, rebellions, upheavals, extremes of passions, obsessions, entry of foreign elements. Try to keep an intellectual rein on yourself during this period, do not over-step limits.
  2. Jupiter antardasha
    • Jupiter generally allows Rahu full permission to express himself. You will get all the opportunities to follow your desires. There will be few restrictions, the environment is gentle, generous, benevolent, cheerful and you tend to be successful in your endeavours.
    • You might be required to perform some guidance or elder type of roles depending on the mutual relationship between Rahu and Jupiter in your chart. You might gain students/children or a new teacher/higher education. You might also gain insights into the occult if your chart permits.
    • Do not get carried away in this period, use your wisdom to rein in Rahu’s more wild antics because karma is judging.
  3. Saturn antardasha
    • Now the restrictions and rules begin, also the repercussions of the permissive Rahu-Rahu and Rahu-Jupiter sub-periods. It can be severely disappointing period with physical/emotional etc stresses often illnesses, as the physical frame of the body is under stress.
    • This a difficult period as Saturn restricts Rahu’s desires and allows just the legally permissible stuff to happen. Karma. So here try to accommodate and accept whatever is coming at you. Try to remain neutral to events unfolding around you. Shani is completely materialistic, so there might be restrictions on your personality/environment and also on your spiritual growth. Conversely if Shani and Rahu are mutually well placed you can actually benefit and gain material pleasures.
    • Evaluate Saturn’s karakatva, potential to give results minutely before coming to a conclusion about this Rahu-Saturn sub-period. If he is connected to the 6th especially be prepared (and to some extent the 3rd, 8th and 12th). Both Rahu and Shani are airy planets, fierce and related to Karma. In all cases, be careful.
  4. Mercury antardasha –
    • Rahu and Mercury are normally friends, so material benefits can be available. Depending on the karakatva of Mercury you can gain money, fame, courage, defeat your enemies, stay healthy and out of debt, act decisively and resolve karma.
    • However generally this period will be quite dynamic, you will be at the center of your group, your contributions will be recognised both in the office and family, and you might get a promotion too. You might learn new skills, make new contacts.
    • But if your impressionable adolescent Mercury is not strong enough to resist Rahu’s enticements, he can also grant addictions and psychiatric problems.
    • Analysing Rahu Mahadasha
  5. Ketu antardasha –
    • There will be minimum free will and scope to actively change things. The Karmic axis will operate as per its own cryptic mechanisms. Try to remain calm and engage in some spiritual activity to maintain yourself.
    • There may be occult, paranormal experiences, or even people behaving in strange ways, situations may not pan put as normally expected.
    • Loss of control over self is possible so try to use your intellect to control yourself and your activities/behaviour at least.
    • This period will be full of activity, either on the physical, mental, emotional or astral planes as karmic rebalance is accelerated. If either of these are connected to Marak functions, physical death can occur.
    • There may be gains as per their karakatva but the underlying theme of distress will exist.
  6. Venus antardasha –
    • Venus and Rahu are generally on good terms so can grant material pleasures, with the family, children, wife and money.
    • If your Venus is spiritually inclined he can grant progress in your spiritual practice, tantra and the occult.
    • Rahu’s periods are intense and obsessive, and Venus has the habit of putting his seekers to the tests of the ‘material pleasures’. So try to maintain a larger perspective. Before you commit yourself to any relationship think twice. Marriages often occur in Rahu’s periods but after his influence stops, these often seem to be mistakes.
  7. Sun antardasha –
    • Here finally intelligence has the chance to pair up with desire. You should make the most of this period to rationally advance only those desires which are legitimate and have a possibility of giving lasting gains.
    • You might get opportunities for higher education, stage performances, creative outlets, use them intelligently.
    • But if you have let your Rahu loose in the previous sub-periods you might find your self regretting and also losing those unlawful gains.
  8. Moon antardasha –
    • Moon is related to nurture, nourishment and security. So during his sub-period he can grant socially prominent positions related to parenting, army/police, schools, promotions, responsibilities, housing, farming, animal husbandry etc.
    • All these desires linked to Moon’s keywords will be amplified, emotional relationships, care-giving, a fulfilling routine, staying closer to loved ones, astral experiences, occult.
    • If you can access your spiritual self during this period and work with your astral expectations and desires, there is a good chance that you might create something solid and gainful for yourself.
  9. Mars antardasha –
    • this is the chidra-dasha, the cutting off period. (detailed post here)
    • this generally concludes a 18yr period of social etc. accomplishments. No new foundations for public recognition are laid now, it is a wrap-up.
    • As both Mars and Rahu are energetic and passionate there will be unexpected twists at the very end of Rahu Mahadasha.
    • The next Mahadasha belongs to Jupiter so the personality will now change from uncontrolled desires to contemplative philosophy.

Analysing Rahu Mahadasha

Everyone who wants to learn astrology should analyse their own horoscope first. It is quite easy to predict major events and with practice you can predict minor events too. Get into the habit of pulling out your own chart for a detailed analysis every 6 months, take a couple of days over this in-depth analysis. Look at the Dasha periods and transits that will happen over the next 6 months, try to predict what may happen. Tally these predictions 6 months later. Evaluate for yourself how accurate you are getting with practice.

  • It would help if you do jaap of Rahu’s beej mantra regularly during his main-period. ‘Om bhrang bhreeng bhroung sah Rahave namah (once, thrice, 108 times as per your wish) Om’.
  • If you feel that Rahu is capable of giving malefic results, you can do charity of the things associated with him, food, colors, flowers or anything else.

Rahu’s period is quite long at 18yrs and his sub-periods in the other planet’s mahadashas will also carry his ‘flavour’. He works for 18yrs so there will be long periods of comparative inactivity interspersed with sudden bursts of quick actions. Lot of things occur in 18yrs, and Rahu grants them all, overall it is a good period for material gains, but always use your intelligence and sense of fair play during this period for lasting gains. And it is one half of your karmic push-pull axis. So be prepared for karma overdrive whenever his times come up in your life.

Analysing Rahu Mahadasha