Two planets that are most prominently linked with spirituality in Vedic Astrology are Jupiter and Ketu. Jupiter, the guru of the Gods, is the harbinger of wisdom and all things auspicious. Ketu, the south node of the Moon, is the apostle of detachment and the prime significator of Moksha or liberation – much in contrast to Rahu, the north node, which represents unbridled desire and passion. It is common knowledge that the nodes are responsible for the solar and lunar eclipses, but their underlying implications for the human psyche are often not appreciated. Rahu eclipses the Sun, the astrological significator of the soul, and hence predisposes to soulless materialism. Ketu, on the contrary, eclipses the Moon, the significator of the mind, loosening the clutches of ignorance and paving the path to spiritual experience. In addition to these planetary significators, the royal planets (Sun and Moon) and the houses germane to spirituality must also be carefully examined for their strength and associations. Foremost among them are the trine houses, namely 1st, 5th, and 9th, with the 8th, 12th, 4th, and 6th houses also being relevant to specific aspects of one’s spiritual disposition.
In this piece, though, we steer clear of these common significators and focus some planetary combinations involving the rest of the natural malefic planets viz. Saturn, Rahu, and Mars. These are derived from a mix of my own personal experience as well as the prescriptions of some classical Vedic astrological texts. Held to be the strongest malefics of the planetary cabinet, these planets are typically linked, if anything, to spiritual insincerity, but can confer fantastic spiritual leanings in certain configurations:
- Shash Mahapurusha Yoga in both D1 (Lagna) and D9 (Navamsha) charts: Shash Mahapurusha Yoga is one of the five Mahapurusha yogas, formed by Saturn when it is placed in the angular (kendra) houses in its own or exaltation signs. Spiritual leanings are most likely when it occurs in the D9 Navamsha in addition to the Lagna chart. Saturn’s association with Ketu or Jupiter further bolsters spiritual proclivities.
- Saturn associated with a weak ascendant (1st house)/ascendant lord/Moon/lord of Moon sign has also been identified as a prime spur to material disillusionment following frustration and disappointments.
- Rahu placed in or aspecting the 12th house from Arudha Lagna has been stated in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra as one conferring spiritual knowledge, which is also borne out well in practical life examples. Akin to the 12th house of the birth chart, the 12th house from Lagna Arudha relates to spiritual tendencies and liberation, while Rahu’s association with it fuels a desire for spiritual meaning.
- Venus associated with multiple malefics, most prominently, an exalted Mars. It is important that Venus is not too negatively disposed, and the malefics concerned are in good dignity themselves. An exalted Mars signifies sensual discipline, while a positive Venus denotes good character. Here, the effect of multiple malefic associations is the dampening of Venus’ sensual significations, letting spiritual tendencies assume a stronger hold.
- A nullified Guru-Chandal Yoga: The dreaded Guru-Chandal Yoga forms when Jupiter is conjunct Rahu or is in the nakshatra of Rahu or Ketu, and is summarily nullified in situations where Jupiter or the 9th house/9th lord is strong, or Rahu/Ketu have strong benefic associations. Confers, at times, revolutionary spiritual wisdom and insight.
- Shakti Yoga (Jaimini astrology), particularly in the presence of other spiritually conducive combinations in the birth chart. This is formed by Rahu and Moon associating themselves with either the 5th or 9th houses either through conjunction or Rashi (sign) aspects. The pre-requisite is that this combination should have the company of other malefics (and not benefics). Confers the power to counter evil and kill ignorance, and its associations with other planets and houses in the horoscope can indicate whether the predominant disposition will be internal (destroying the evil within oneself) or external (destroying evil in the outer world).
Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author’s own.
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