Elements of Astrology

The earth's daily rotation on its axis, taking 24 hours, dictates our day and night. Simultaneously, our planet journeys around the sun, a complete revolution defining a year. The moon, our celestial neighbor, orbits the earth, a lunar cycle from new moon to new moon spanning approximately one month.

Earth's path around the sun is termed the ecliptic. Imagine a belt encompassing the ecliptic, extending 8 degrees on either side – this is the zodiac. Within this zodiac lies the Lagnam, a crucial point in the ecliptic, angled to the equator and determined by latitude and longitude. Your birth Lagnam represents the precise moment of your arrival, unique to both time and place. Even locations sharing latitude or longitude will have different Lagnams at the same moment.

While astrology considers various planetary positions, the moon's sign and house hold particular significance. The moon, in essence, embodies the collective energies of the entire zodiac, acting as a representative of its entirety and governing all twelve signs.

When considering the life and prosperity of a building, astrological principles focus on planetary positions within specific signs relative to an individual's Lagna and the precise moment construction begins. With twelve Lagnas occurring within a single day, each lasting approximately two hours, timing becomes a critical factor in astrological considerations for construction and property.

Understanding Key Concepts in Vedic Astrology

In Vedic astrology, two fundamental terms are Lagna and Rasi. Lagna refers to the rising sign on the eastern horizon at the precise moment of your birth. It's also known as the ascendant and is a critical point in your birth chart. Rasi, on the other hand, denotes the zodiac sign where the Moon is placed at the time of your birth. These two elements, Lagna and Rasi, form the foundation for interpreting an individual's astrological chart.

Vedic astrology utilizes nine primary planets, each known by two names: their common name and their Sanskrit name. These are:

• Sun (Surya or Ravi)
• Moon (Chandra)
• Mars (Kuja)
• Mercury (Budha)
• Jupiter (Guru or Brihaspati)
• Venus (Sukra)
• Saturn (Sani)
• Ascending Node (Rahu)
• Descending Node (Ketu)

It's important to note that Rahu and Ketu are not planets in the traditional sense, but rather shadow entities representing the points where the Moon's orbit intersects the ecliptic. Often referred to as the Dragon's Head and Dragon's Tail, they move in a retrograde motion, opposite to the direct movement of the other planets.

Hindu cosmology beautifully integrates these celestial bodies into a concept of the universe as the body of Vishnu, the Supreme Lord. This is eloquently expressed in the Vishnu Sahasranama, where different parts of Vishnu's body are associated with cosmic elements:

• Feet: Earth
• Navel: Sky
• Breath: Wind
• Eyes: Sun and Moon
• Ears: Cardinal Points (directions)
• Head: Heaven
• Face: Fire
• Residence: Ocean
• Stomach: The world, encompassing Devas (gods), Asuras (demons), Gandharvas (celestial musicians), humans, birds, cattle, and all living beings.

The Zodiac: A Journey Through Ancient Indian Astronomy

Long ago, the Indian astronomer Badarayana ingeniously divided the sun's annual journey across the zodiac into twelve sections, envisioning them as parts of a divine celestial body. This concept beautifully intertwines astronomy with a sense of cosmic reverence.

These twelve divisions are what we know as the signs of the zodiac. Each sign carries its own unique characteristics and is associated with specific imagery and symbolism. Here they are, with both their English and Sanskrit names:

1. Aries (Mesha) - The Ram, symbolizing new beginnings and assertive energy.
2. Taurus (Vrishabha) - The Bull, representing stability, determination, and appreciation for beauty.
3. Gemini (Mithuna) - The Twins, embodying communication, duality, and adaptability.
4. Cancer (Kataka) - The Crab, signifying nurturing, emotional depth, and a strong connection to home.
5. Leo (Simha) - The Lion, representing courage, leadership, and a generous spirit.
6. Virgo (Kanni) - The Maiden, symbolizing analytical skills, attention to detail, and a practical approach.
7. Libra (Thula) - The Scales, embodying balance, harmony, and a love for justice.
8. Scorpio (Vrischika) - The Scorpion, representing transformation, intensity, and passion.
9. Sagittarius (Dhanus) - The Archer, signifying optimism, exploration, and a quest for knowledge.
10. Capricorn (Makara) - The Goat, embodying discipline, ambition, and a strong work ethic.
11. Aquarius (Kumbha) - The Water Bearer, representing innovation, independence, and humanitarianism.
12. Pisces (Meena) - The Fish, symbolizing intuition, compassion, and a deep connection to the spiritual realm.

These twelve signs, in their circular arrangement, form the complete wheel of the zodiac. This circular representation captures the cyclical nature of time and the continuous journey of the sun through the heavens.

The ancient Indian understanding of the cosmos beautifully intertwines with daily life, even influencing the design of homes and villages. The sun's annual journey through the zodiac, visualized as a traversal of the Divine Body, is a central concept. Each month, as the sun moves through a different sign, it is symbolically passing through a specific part of Vishnu's cosmic form:

• Mesha (Aries): Head
• Vrishabha (Taurus): Face
• Mithuna (Gemini): Chest
• Kataka (Cancer): Heart
• Simha (Leo): Stomach
• Kanya (Virgo): Rib
• Tula (Libra): Belly
• Vrischika (Scorpio): Membrane
• Dhanus (Sagittarius): Thighs
• Makara (Capricorn): Knees
• Kumbha (Aquarius): Legs
• Meena (Pisces): Feet

This same principle extends beyond the grand scale of the cosmos, influencing the layout of villages, temples, and even individual houses. The human form serves as the template, the ideal form to be emulated in design, reflecting the inherent connection between humanity and the universe.

Houses, particularly those facing East, are seen as microcosms of this cosmic being. The entrance becomes the "face" of the house, welcoming energy and life. Small niches on either side of the entrance act as "eyes," often used to hold lamps at night, illuminating the space. Windows flanking the doorway become the "nostrils," allowing the house to breathe and air to circulate. The courtyard within, open to the sky, is likened to the "lungs," providing a space for fresh air and natural light. The length of the house exceeding its breadth further emphasizes this anthropomorphic connection, reflecting the proportions of the human body.

Even timekeeping is woven into this cosmic tapestry. The Hindu calendar months are named after these zodiac signs, anchoring the passage of time to the sun's celestial journey. The new year begins when the sun enters Mesha (Aries), marking the start of its annual cycle. Moving at a rate of approximately one degree per day, the sun spends a month in each sign. Thus, the second month begins when the sun enters the first degree of Vrishabha (Taurus), and so on.

This holistic approach, where the macrocosm mirrors the microcosm, reveals a deep understanding of interconnectedness. The human body becomes a sacred template, reflecting the divine order of the universe in the design of the spaces we inhabit and the way we measure time itself.

The 27 Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) of Vedic Astrology

The ancient Indian system of lunar mansions, known as Nakshatras, divides the ecliptic into 27 equal segments. These Nakshatras are crucial in Vedic astrology, each associated with specific deities, qualities, and symbolic meanings. Here is a comprehensive list, combining the previous 17 with the remaining 10:

1. Aswini (Arieties): Associated with the Ashwini Kumaras, celestial physicians. Represents healing, energy, and new beginnings.

2. Bharani (Arieties & Musca): Ruled by Yama, the god of death. Signifies transformation, sacrifice, and purification.

3. Krithika (Tauri, Alcyone): Its presiding deity is Agni, the fire god. Represents brilliance, purification, and transformative power.

4. Rohini (Tauri, Aldebaran): Associated with Brahma, the creator. Signifies growth, fertility, and material prosperity.

5. Mrigasirisha (Orionis): Governed by Soma, the moon god. Represents sensitivity, intelligence, and a love for the arts.

6. Arudhra (Thiruvadirai) (Orionis): Ruled by Rudra, a fierce form of Shiva. Signifies intensity, transformation, and overcoming challenges.

7. Punarvasya (Punarpoosam) (Gemini, Pollux): Its deity is Aditi, the mother of the gods. Represents renewal, abundance, and spiritual growth.

8. Pusya (Poosam) (Cancri): Ruled by Brihaspati, the guru of the gods. Signifies auspiciousness, wisdom, and spiritual guidance.

9. Aslesha (Ayilyam) (Hydrae): Associated with the Nagas, serpent deities. Represents mystery, hidden knowledge, and transformative energy.

10. Magha (Lenois, Regulus): Ruled by the Pitris, ancestral spirits. Signifies tradition, lineage, and honoring one's ancestors.

11. Purva Phalguni (Pooram) (Leonis): Its deity is Bhaga, representing prosperity and happiness. Signifies comfort, enjoyment, and good fortune.

12. Uttara Phalguni (Uthiram) (Leonis): Governed by Aryaman, representing leadership and nobility. Signifies refinement, social skills, and good fortune.

13. Hastha (Coris): Associated with Savitar, the sun god associated with creation and inspiration. Represents skill, craftsmanship, and practicality.

14. Chitra (Virginis, Spica): Ruled by Vishwakarma, the divine architect. Signifies beauty, artistry, and creative expression.

15. Swati (Bootis, Arcturus): Its deity is Vayu, the wind god. Represents independence, adaptability, and change.

16. Vishakha (Librae): Governed by Indra and Agni, representing power and transformative fire. Signifies balance, partnership, and achieving goals.

17. Anuradha (Anusham) (Scorpionis): Associated with Mitra, representing friendship and cooperation. Signifies diplomacy, harmony, and success through collaboration.

18. Jyeshtha (Kettai) (Scorpionis, Antares): Ruled by Indra, the king of the gods. Signifies power, intensity, and facing challenges.

19. Moola (Scorpionis): Its deity is Nirriti, representing destruction and chaos. Signifies endings, transformation, and laying new foundations.

20. Purvashada (Pooradam) (Sagittari): Governed by Apah, the water goddess. Signifies purification, adaptability, and finding one's way.

21. Uttarashada (Uthiradam) (Sagittari): Associated with the Vishvadevas, representing universal forces. Signifies victory, accomplishment, and lasting success.

22. Sravana (Thiruvonam) (Aquilae, Altair): Ruled by Vishnu, the preserver. Signifies wisdom, learning, and spiritual growth.

23. Sravishta (Avittam) (Delphini): Its deity is the Vasus, representing cosmic energies. Signifies abundance, prosperity, and good fortune.

24. Sathabisha (Sadayam) (Aquarii): Governed by Varuna, the god of the cosmic ocean. Signifies healing, purification, and mystical experiences.

25. Purvabhadrapada (Poorattathi) (Pegasi): Associated with Aja Ekapada, a form of Rudra. Represents transformation, purification, and spiritual insight.

26. Uttarabhadrapada (Uthirattathi) (Pegasi & Andromeda): Ruled by Ahir Budhny, a serpent deity associated with the depths. Signifies wisdom, stability, and spiritual growth.

27. Revathi (Piscium): Its deity is Pushan, representing nourishment and travel. Signifies completion, fulfillment, and spiritual liberation.