Continuation…
Dr. Shanker Adawal
Part
3
In Vedic astrology, a
given planet is described as having two kinds of attributes. It is either
strong/weak (a quantitative attribute) or benefic/malefic (a qualitative
attribute). One need not block ones mind by getting hung up on the terms. Many
astrologers refer to these two attributes interchangeably, sometimes out of
carelessness. On the other hand there also exist in traditional texts
references to planets which are cruel, Kruras – the Sun for instance – but
which are not necessarily malefic; somewhat akin to having a strict father or
teacher! It is important to understand that gemstones are only capable of strengthening
weak planets. They must not be used when the planet is a malefic. As a
ready-reckoner, when a planet is in exaltation, in its own sign, in its special
sign (Moolatrikona), placed in the sign of a friend, in an angle or trine or in
its angle or Kendra of power (e.g., Jupiter, Mercury in 1st, Venus,
the Moon in 4th, Saturn in 7th and Mars, the Sun in 10th),
then it is strong. A similar brief consideration for determining a malefic
planet would be: if it rules the 6th, 8th or 12th
houses or if it rules the obstructive or Badhaka house (11th, 7th
or 9th signs from the ascendant if the latter is in a cardinal,
mutable or fixed sign, respectively), etc. Evidently there is more to these
attribute determinations than this. This has practical implications. For
example, if the lord of the 6th house is weak (the Moon for an
Aquarius horoscope), we must not recommend that the person wear pearls! On the
other hand, if the Sun is in Libra in the same horoscope, wearing a ruby (Sun’s
gemstone) would improve matters pertaining to the 7th house!
While weak benefics can be
strengthened by gemstones, malefics can be propitiated by other forms of
remedies, including fasting, performing good deeds or giving charity, immersing
oneself into specific Mantras and other devotional acts. A malefic planet indicates
a karmic factor that may be amenable to correction or pacification (Shanti),
hence the importance of penance or voluntary suffering! It must also be noted
that though Mantras can be utilized for strengthening weak planets as well;
however, they are generally very specialized and require appropriate Rituals in
order to be effective. Merely chanting them after reading them off a text or a
web page might not do the trick! It is safe to say that listening to properly
recorded chants does induce some benefits, though.
A perfect astrologer would
prefer to view a birth chart as a map of the earthly manifestation and
allocation of the cosmic energy, the breath of life primarily for the current
lifetime. The horoscopic houses are the 12 corridors of human experience that are
illuminated by the 7 planetary candles, all of which are manifestations of the
Prime Energy Source from which the more you take, the same remains behind. Each
planet finds certain corridors that are harmoniously and brightly lit by its
light. These represent the strong positions for the given planet. There are
also those corridors that would not be well lit by the same planet’s presence
there (the planetary energy is not fully expressed). In such a case, one may
resort to boosting the light, by using the lenses or reflectors in the form of
gemstones or herbs. Of the 7 candles, some candles have a clean flame
(benefic), while others also produce smoke (malefic)! A candle might produce an
intensely bright and blinding light with plumes of smoke (a strong malefic) or
it might produce a smokeless dim light (weak benefic). Think of it this way, if
gemstones are reflectors or condenser lenses, then penance and Mantra are like
HEPA filter air purifiers in this analogy!
A gemstone may be worn to
fortify a benefic planet that is weak in the natal chart at any time, or it may
be worn when its planetary period, such as Vimshottari Dasha or sub-dasha (a
method of lunar progression) is operational. In the case of slower moving
planets, if they are weak in transit while one is experiencing their Dashas at
an important phase in life, gemstones often help. Since, in these situations,
the planet is the source of the effect or the motivation factor, we would like
it to be as strong as is possible. If the planet is weak and malefic, then we
would leave it untouched! Doesn’t this make a weak malefic sound like a karmic
windfall?
Continue…
Dr. Shanker Adawal
Profile: www.connectingmind.com
Research work and articles on Bhrigu Nadi astrology: www.shankerstudy.com
www.shankarsastro.com
Published articles on Articlesbase.com
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Published articles on Newspapers: http://tinyurl.com/2wyxtfk
Research work and articles on Bhrigu Nadi astrology: www.shankerstudy.com
www.shankarsastro.com
Published articles on Articlesbase.com
http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/shanker-adawal/149926
or search keyword "shanker adawal" in google search for published articles
Join my Facebook Group for free Astro Queries: www.facebook.com/adawal
Published articles on Newspapers: http://tinyurl.com/2wyxtfk
