jyotisha-shala

The main purpose of creating this blog is to provide material and guidance to the students of Vedanga Jyotisha who are appearing for BA as well as MA level examinations of Kavi Kulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University. I hope this effort will be welcomed by all the students of the Vedanga Jyotish and this effort will be useful to them. Dewavrat Buit dewavrat2000@yahoo.com

Monday, July 10, 2006

BA PART II : PAPER 1.6

Glossary of Astrology A


ARA SAURI YOGA
Planetary combination between Saturn and Mars. It produces serious
afflictions.
ARDHA-CHANDRA YOGA
A planetary combination under which all planets occupy consecutive houses
leaving the intervening cardinal houses vacant. The individual under this
combination is happy, handsome, and is provided with much ornaments, gems
and jewels.
ARDHA-NARISHWARA
[(Ardha = half) + (nari = female) + Ushwara = God)]. A concept suggesting
polarization of primeval unity into active (male) and passive (female)
energy forms and their mutual interaction in togetherness. This stage of
cosmic manifestation is described in many ways in ancient religious
literature. Mahadeva, the Supreme Lord, also known as Shiva (q.v.), is
represented as half male and half female, denoting masculine and feminine
energies to be functioning together. The Puranic stories refer to Brahma,
as splitting himself into Brahma-Viraj (male) and Vach-Viraj (female)
whose mutual interaction began human generation. Swastika represents the
union of male and female I together in action producing motion. Sankhya
philosophy postulates Purusha (Spirit) and Prakriti (Nature) together,
resulting in over lasting manifestation in action. The cosmic evolution
from the primeval subjective state to the gross terrestrial manifestation
results from the inter-action of polarized energy forms represented as
Ardhanarishwara. It is analogous to Jungian psychology of balanced
personality; i.e., a harmonious blending of male and female principles in
an individual.
Astrologically, the zodiacal belt is divided between male and female signs
[as under Hora (q.v.) division]. Planets are also paired together, such as
Sun-Moon, Mars-Saturn and Venus-Jupiter, while Mercury is the
interconnecting link between subjective and objective groups of planets.
ARDHAPRAHARA
An invisible satellite of Mercury. It is theoretically worked out as
follows: Assuming the duration of a day is 30 ghatis (q.v.), Ardhaprahara
rises after 14 ghatis on Sunday, 10 ghatis on Monday, 6 on Tuesday, 2 on
Wednesday, 26 on Thursday, 22 on Friday, and 18 ghatis on Saturday. This
period is proportionately changed if the duration of daytime differs.
During nighttime, this satellite rises after 26, 22, 18, 14, 10, 6, and 2
ghatis, respectively, on these days.
ARGALA
Meaning a latch, a bar, or a bolt used for fastening a door or the cover
of a vessel. Figuratively, it refers to some-thing intervening as an
obstruction. In Jaimini astrology (q.v.), it is used to describe the
obstructing effect of an intervening planet. It assumes that planets and
signs of the zodiac affect other planets and signs by their aspects. These
influences can be nullified by the presence of certain planets at certain
places relative to these planets and signs. Such obstructing planets are
known as Argalas.
ARGHA
Respectable oblation to a god. A small boat-shaped vessel often used for
an oblation of water. In mystic literature, the word is also used for the
Ark or the womb of nature, the crescent moon, or a life-saving ship.
ARHAT
The worthy one deserving divine honors. A title given to fourth degree
initiates" who have attained Nirvana (q.v.). An Arhat is one who has
entered the highest path (of return) and is emancipated from the bondage
of involuntary rebirth.
ARIDRA
Meaning green, fresh, soft, moist. The 6th asterism extending from 660 44’
to 800 00' of the zodiac. Its presiding deity is Rudra, the planetary
ruler is Rahu and its primary motivation comes from Kama, passion. Its
basic attribute is Rajas (q.v.). It is symbolized by a human head. The
asterism represents the thinking capacity in man.
ARIES
The zodiacal sign extending from 00 00' to 300 00" of the zodiac. Mars
rules over the sign, the Sun is exalted at 100 and Saturn is debilitated
at 200. Aries is considered male by sex, a quadruped by species, and blood
red in color. Its other characteristics are moving, fiery, barren or very
few children, bilious in bodily humor, austere and sullied in appearance,
rises from the hind part. Its abode is the surface of the earth containing
precious stones and gems; it rules over minerals. The sign represents the
first stirrings of cosmic ideation. It stands for the beginning of every
creative impulse. In Vedantic philosophy, Aries stands for initial action,
or Avarana Shakti, the veiling process. Its impulse is unsullied, noumenal
in its original innocence containing within it all forms of evolutionary
potential.
Aries is primordial dynamic energy, the eternal fire inherent in every
form of creation in its latency. It is capable of acting in destructive as
well as constructive manner. It shows the primeval polarization of cosmic
unity.
The Puranic stories describe Brahma, the cosmic creator, born under this
sign.
Aries imparts activity, eagerness to venture in new directions and
undertake new explorations, experience happiness in creative activities
and take greater interest in action than in results.
The sign is supremely suited for asceticism, yogic practices and
austerities. It arouses great urge for renunciation of material wealth. It
exerts strong spiritual influence and often inspires the persons born
under the sign to enter into religious discipleship. These persons are
well meaning in their intentions, yet are extremely difficult to live
with. Their social relationships are boorish, their married life strained,
and professional career rough. Aries-born individuals are never satisfied.
They desire to reach insurmountable peaks and feel independent. The sign
produces radical changes and makes social behavior unpredictable. Aries
produces too many contradictions in life.
Syn: Mesha (ram.), Vishwa (the universe), Kriya (physical action), Tamboor
(a kind of musical instrument), Adyam (beginning), Vasta (goat, an abode),
Pratham (primeval), Kshetram (sacred spot), Riksha (bear), Bhavam (an
abode), Bha (delusion).
ARISTHAM
Meaning misfortune; unlucky omen. A planetary combination that produces
unfavourable results and obstructs the fructification of auspicious ones.
It accentuates illness, poverty, fatal accidents, and may even cause
death.
ARISTHA BHANGA
Mitigation of unfavorable results expected by Aristha Yogas (q.v.). Three
such alleviating combinations are (a) Mercury, Jupiter or Venus in a
quadrant; (b) a strong Jupiter in ascendant, and (c) a strong ascendant
lord in a cardinal house.
ARISTHA YOGAS
Planetary combinations producing misfortune. These combinations nullify
auspicious results and produce hardships. Some of these combinations are
listed below:
(i) Malefic (q.v.) associated with the 6th, 8th and 12th houses or their
lords; (ii) Malefic aspects on a weak Moon; (iii) Sun, Mars, and Saturn in
the 5th house; (iv) Mars, Saturn, or Sun in the 8th house; (v) malefic
aspect on weak ascendant lord, Sun or at Moon; (vi) Sun, Mars, Rahu and
Saturn in ascendant; (vii) exchange of signs between Jupiter and Mars;
(viii) Mars and Saturn in the 2nd house while Rahu occupies the 3rd; (ix)
Rahu in the 4th, and Moon in the 6th or 8th house; W Mars in the 7th,
Venus in the 8th and Sun in the 9th house; (xi) Malefic in the 7th and
12th houses; (xii) Jupiter, Sun, Rahu and Mars occupy signs of malefic
Planets while Venus is in the 7th house; (xiii) lord of ascendant
associated with a malefic or flanked by two malefic, and a malefic
positioned in the 7th house (it produces suicidal tendencies); (xiv)
Saturn in the 8th house, Moon in ascendant, or alter-natively, Venus and
Moon in the 6th or 8th House (it leads to stomach disorder or maimed
limbs); and (xv) Moon and Mercury in the 6th or 8th house.
ARJUNA
Meaning white, the bright or silvery color. The third Pandu Prince born,
supposedly, of the radiance of Indra, hence he is also called Aindra,
meaning, born of Indra.
Arjuna was brave as the bravest, a highly skilled archer, proficient
musician, aristocratic in temperament, generous, tenderhearted, and
chivalrous. His extraordinary skill in archery has identified him with the
astrological sign of Sagittarius. He was taught military science by
Dronacharya, the greatest teacher of ethics, royal manners, as well as in
military science during the Mahabharata period. Arjuna won Draupadi, a
daughter of the Panchal king Draupada, in an archery contest and thus
married her at her swayamvar.* Fraternal feud led to Arjuna's exile and
during this period, he received further instructions in the use of arms
from Parasurama, the sixth avatara (q.v.) of Vishnu. During the period of
exile, he married Ulupi, a Naga princess and by her he had a son named
Iravat. He also married Chitrangada, a daughter of the king of Manipur,
and from her he had a son named Babruvahan. He visited Krishna at Dwaraka
and there he married Subhadra, the sister of Krishna. By her he had a son,
named Abhimanyu. Later on, he obtained the bow 'Gandiva' from Agni (q.v.).
He journeyed to the heavenly world, where he, on resisting the advances of
Urvashi, the most beautiful celestial nymph, was cursed with (temporary)
impotence.
When his eldest brother, Yudhishthir, lost the kingdom in gambling, the
five brothers went into exile for 13 years, including a year of incognito
residence. During this period, Arjuna went on a pilgrimage to the
Himalayas to propitiate gods and to obtain from them celestial weapons for
use in the anticipated war against the Kauravas. On this occasion, he
fought with Shiva (q.v.) who appeared before him in the guise of a
mountaineer, but Arjuna having found out the true character of his
adversary, worshipped him, and obtained from him the Pashupata, one of the
most powerful weapons. Indra carried Arjuna to his capital Amaravati where
Arjuna spent some time improving his military skill and use of weapons. At
the instance of Indra, he went to fight against the daityas (q.v.) of the
sea and vanquished them. On his return, Indra presented him 'with a chain
of gold and diadem and with a war shell, which sounded like thunder.'
During the thirteenth year of exile, when he was expected to live
incognito, he entered into the service of the king Virata, disguised as a
eunuch (the nemesis of Urvasi's curse), and acted as a music teacher to
Virata's daughter Uttara. Towards the concluding period of his incognito
residence, he took a leading part in an assault on the side of King Virata
and defeated his enemies, thus winning the lasting friendship of the king,
which proved very useful in the course of his fight with the Kauravas.
When the Kauravas, at the end of the Pandavas' exile, refused to return
their kingdom, preparations for the Mahabharata war began and Arjuna
secured the personal assistance of Lord Krishna as his charioteer. Before
the actual battle began, Arjuna became despondent at the futility of the
impending bloodshed. Krishna, then, related the famous Shrimad Bhagvada
Gita to Arjuna in the battlefield in the presence of both the armies of
Kauravas and the Pandavas.
The Mahabharata war lasted 18 days. On the tenth day, Arjuna wounded
Bhishma mortally. He killed many of his adversaries, including Jayadratha
and others. On the seventeenth day, he was stung by some reproaches of his
eldest brother Yudhishthir and he would have killed him had not Krishna
interposed; on the same day he miraculously escaped being killed by Karna
(Arjuna's mother's son from the Sun-god before her marriage to his father
Pandu) but an accident to Karna's chariot gave Arjuna the opportunity of
killing him. After the victory following Yudhishthir's Ashwamedha horse,
Arjuna, besides fighting and conquering many kings, also had an encounter
with his own son Babhruvahana at the city of Manipur; there he was killed
by his son but was restored to life by a Naga-charm supplied by his wife
Ulupi. Arjuna was subsequently called to Dwaraka amid the internecine
struggles of the Yadavas, the descendants of Krishna. There Arjuna
performed the funeral rites of Vasudeva, the father of Krishna, and of
Krishna himself. While he was escorting the wives of Krishna to their
abode, he was humiliated and defeated by wayside marauders, which proved
to be not only a great disappointment for him but also an eye-opener. He
realized that all his powers, which were given to him by Lord Krishna, no
longer existed after Lord Krishna's death. He was now a commonplace
entity. Soon afterwards, he retired from the world to the Himalayas, where
he perished in the snow along with his brothers and Draupadi.
(*Swayamvar is an ancient ceremony where marriageable maidens,
brides-to-be, stipulated certain conditions, and any individual who could
fulfill and accomplish them, could marry the girl as a result.)
ARKA
Meaning, a ray of light, a flash of lightning. Sun; Sunday.
ARTHA
Meaning, to strive, obtain, desire. The word means 'significance'
specially of attaining worldly objects, such as riches, prosperity, etc.
Artha is also one of the four ends of human life, the other three being
Dharma (righteousness), Kama (passion, sexual urge, intense attachment),
and Moksha (liberation from the cycle of births and deaths, Nirvana
(q.v.), release). Artha is the primary motivational impulse of Bharani,
Punarvasu, Makkha, Swati, Jyestha, Shravana and Purva Bhadrapada
asterisms.
ARUDHA
Ascended. (See Arudha Lagna)
ARUDHALAGNA
Arudha refers to the relative distance of a sign as the lord of the sign
is from the sign it owns. Arudha lagna is also known as Pada lagna, a term
frequently used in Jaimini astrology. It is worked out by counting the
same number of signs from the ascendant lord as it (the ascendant lord) is
from the ascendant. For example, if the ascendant is Leo and the Sun is
placed in Scorpio, four houses away from the ascendant sign Leo, Arudha
lagna will be four houses away from Scorpio where the Sun is placed. In
this case Arudha lagna will be Aquarius.
ARUNA
Rosy red, the morning hue; the color of dawn. The dawn is personified as
the charioteer of the Sun. While driving the chariot, Aruna sits facing
the Sun rather than the horses. Aruna is of a later origin than the Vedic
Usha. He is said to be a son of the Sage Kashyapa and Kadru.
ARYA VASU
One of the 7 rays of the Sun which, according to the Kurma Purana,
nourishes Jupiter.
ARYAMAN
The presiding deity over the twelfth asterism, Uttara Phalguni. A Vedic
deity whose interaction with Varuna, Mitra, and Bhaga enables a seeker to
reach one indivisible light. Before a human being attains this position,
he needs mighty strength, perfectly guided happy inner upsurgings, and
constant endurance to reach his goal. Aryaman has the function of
strengthening the endurance of the seeker. In all human endeavors, there
is stress and strain of efforts, there is struggle. The resolution of
conflicts on the path enables the individual to transcend narrowness (an
aspect of Varuna) and establish harmony (Mitra). It requires intense
austerity, penance, and mastery' over one's psychic reactions. It is
through Aryaman's guidance and assistance that success in efforts is
accomplished. Aryaman is the embodiment of endurance. The physical body,
i.e., the jar, requires thorough baking before the nectar of immortality
can be poured in it. This baking is done by the heat and austerity of
Aryaman. Aurobindo states that Aryaman sums up in himself the whole
aspiration and movement of man in continual self-enlargement and
self-transcendence to his divine perfection. Dowson considers Aryaman as
'a bosom friend'. According to him, Aryaman appears in religious
literature as the chief of the Pitris (q.v.); one of the Adityas, and one
of the Vishwadevas. The Puranic stories make him to be an offspring of
Aditi (q.v.).
ARYA SIDDHANTA
The system of astronomy founded by Aryabhatta in his work bearing his
name. Aryabhatta is considered as the inventor of algebra; two of his
works, viz., the Dasagiti Sutra and Aryashtasata published now under the
title Aryabhattiya were extensively known throughout the contemporary
world. Aryabhatta was born at Kusumapura (Patna) in A.D. 476, and his
first astronomical work was composed at the age of twenty-three.
ARYAVARTA
The land of the Aryans, synonymous with India. But more specifically it is
the tract of land between the Himalayas and the Vindhya range and from the
eastern to the western seas.
ASAT
[(a = non) + (sat = truth; the immutable, eternal, the one real banes)]. A
metaphysical concept referring to 'non-being' rather ‘nonbe- ness'; the
incomprehensible nothing-ness. A synonym of matter, Prakriti (q.v.). The
unreal or the objective nature is regarded as illusion, nature, or the
illusive shadow of its one-true-essence.
ASCENDANT
Lagnam (sk.). Meaning, an auspicious moment; decisive moment; time of
action. The point on ecliptic (q.v.) rising at the eastern horizon at the
time of birth or occurrence of an event. The zodiacal sign at the time of
birth.
In a horoscope, an ascendant represents general personality, opportunities
in life, and the basic impulse motivating the individual. It indicates the
physical appearance, general health, early years of one's life and the
inborn vitality with which the individual meets life's challenges.
Jaimini astrology considers 6 kinds of ascendants, viz., Arudha or Pada;
Bhava; Hora; Varnada; Ghatika; and Nisheka. All these are worked out
differently and are intended to describe different aspects of the
individual.
ASCENDANTS, TABLE OF
A table giving longitudes of different zodiacal signs rising at the
ascendant corresponding to each sidereal time (q.v.).
ASCENSION, RIGHT
Visuvamsa (sk). A coordinate to locate a celestial body. It represents the
arc of the celestial equator (q.v.) measured eastward from the vernal
equinox to the foot of the great circle passing through the celestial
poles and the given object on the celestial sphere expressed in degrees,
hours, etc.
ASHADA, PURVA
The 20th asterism extending from 2520 20' to 2660 40' of the zodiac. It is
ruled by Venus, its presiding deity is Aapas, the water god, and its
primary attribute is Sattwa (q.v.) and the basic motivation comes from
Moksha, liberation. It is considered Brahmin by caste, monkey by species,
man by temperament. It represents the eastern direction. It is an
auspicious asterism producing God's grace, pride and suitable conditions
for spiritual growth. (See also MSK pp. 229-31.)
ASHADA, UTTARA
The 21st asterism, which extends from 2660 40' to 2800 00' of the zodiac,
is an extension of the previous one, viz., Purva Ashada, and both together
form the complete unit, yet there are subtle differences between them.
Uttara Ashada is ruled by Sun, and Vishwadeva is its Vedic deity. Its
primary attribute is Sattwa, and basic motivational impulse is also
Moksha, liberation (the same as the previous asterism). It is, however,
categorized as a warrior by caste, mongoose by species, but man (the same
as the earlier one) by temperament. It represents the southern direction.
It is a spiritualizing influence: it arouses humility, self-centeredness
and deep-rooted sensitivity to cosmic unity.
ASHLESHA
The 9th asterism containing 5 stars symbolizing a serpent extends from
1060 40' to 1200 00' of the zodiac. It is one of the most mysterious
asterisms capable of imparting highly spiritualizing influence as well as
the most depraved mentality. The asterism is ruled by Mercury. Its
presiding deity are the Nagas (q.v.), the serpent custodians of spiritual
wisdom. Its primary attribute is Rajas (q.v.) and the basic impulse is
spiritual magnetism.
As the Moon is related to human psyche and the changes within it, and
Mercury is concerned with intelligence, so are these planets closely
related with this asterism; they endow it with great potential for mental
development. Ashlesha imparts intellectual and mental development enabling
those whom it affects to very much change their perception of life. These
changes occur in the most unexpected ways which make the individual
experience radical transformation in its thinking and relationships.
ASHUBHA
Meaning Krura, cruel, or a malefic planet such as Saturn and Rahu.
ASHRAM
Hermitage of a sage, or a monastery for ascetic contemplation. One of the
four stages in the life of an individ-ual as divided under the law of
Manu, specially so in the case of a Brahman. These four ashrams or stages
are (i) Brahmacharya, when the individual spends his time as a student
under a spiritual preceptor, (ii) Grihastha, in which he is married and
spends the life of a householder, (iii) Vanaprastha, the anchoret or the
dweller of the woods who, having discharged his duties as 'a man of the
world', retires to the forest to devote himself to self-denial and
religious meditation, and (iv) Sanyasa, the religious mendicant who
wanders about and lives with complete indifference to the mundane world
and intent upon humanitarian work and final absorption, Moksha.
ASHWIN/ASHWINAU/ ASHWINI KUMAR
The 1st asterism extending over 130 20' of the zodiac. It is related with
the Sun in many ways: the two ascetics represented by the asterism are
said to be born of the Sun and his estranged wife Tvastri, when they had
assumed the form of a horse and a mare. The various appellations, e.g.,
Abdijan (ocean-born), Pushakara-srajan (wreathed with lotus), Badav-eyan
(sons of the submarine fire) indicate their mystic character.
The Ashwini Kumars are said to be born of the Sun and the sky and are
known as Dasra (the destroyer) and Nasatya (untruth). They are drawn in a
three-wheeled chariot and the charioteer's seat is -divided in three
sections. In the Vedas, they are described as two deities, very young and
handsome in appearance, bright and of golden brilliance, agile, swift as
falcons, possessed of many forms, riding in a golden car drawn by horses
or birds, as harbingers of Usha, dawn. They are the earliest bringers of
light in the morning sky. They are hymned as the physicians of heaven who
restored the sage Chyavan to youth and had prolonged his life when he had
become old and decrepit. In the Mahabharata, they are described as the
parents of the Pandu princes, Nakula and Sahadeva.
Ashwins, as an asterism, consist-ing of 3 stars, are symbolised in the
form of a horse. The zodiacal sign Aries in which it occurs, is ruled by
Mars but the asterism itself is ruled by Ketu. Its presiding deities are
the two Ashwini Kumars. Its primary attribute is Rajas, and its basic
motivating impulse is Dhanna, righteousness. It is classified as a
merchant by caste, horse by species, and a god by temperament. It
represents the south direction. The asterism imparts regenerative
potential, leadership and 'thirst for sensation. The Sun is exalted in
this asterism.
Blavatsky sums up the characteristic of the Aswinis -by describing them as
the two Vedic deities, the twin sons of the Sun and the sky, the bright
harbingers of the dawn, who prepare the way for the brilliant dawn for
those who patiently wait through the night. They are the physicians of the
heaven world inasmuch as they heal every pain and suffering and cure all
diseases. They are the ocean-born, or Abdijan, crowned with lotuses. The
Aswinis represent the transition from darkness to light, cosmically and
metaphysically.
ASPECT
Meaning Drishti (sk), sight. Transference of planetary influences to
another planet or house division as a result of their situation in
relation to each other. Every planet casts direct aspect on planets
located seventh from itself. Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn possess additional
aspects, too. Jupiter aspects 5th and 9th additionally; Mars aspects 4th
as well as 8th; and Saturn aspects 3rd and 10th besides their usual 7th
aspect. These are full aspects; planets have three-quarters, half and a
quarter aspects, too. These determine the strength of the impulse produced
by their location. Full aspect produces 100 per cent result,
three-quarters 75 per cent and a quarter aspect produces only 25 per cent
of the inherent results of the planet aspecting.
Usually the aspects cover the entire house division on which the planet
casts its aspect, yet the concentrated impact is restricted to a narrow
range which differs for different planets. The range of concentration is
known as Deeptamsa which is ±100 for the Sun; - ± 50 for Moon; ± 30 30'
for Mercury; ±30 for Venus; ±40 for mars, ±40 30' for Jupiter and ±40 30'
for Saturn.
Nodes do not have any aspect but some authorities assign them full aspect
on the 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th houses, 3/4 aspect on 2nd , and 10th and 1/2
aspect on 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 8th houses.
Table 1 shows aspects of various planets. Jaimini astrology considers
aspects based on the relationship between different signs. Planets located
in any sign acquire the aspect assigned to them.
ASSOCIATION
A relationship produced by the position of two or more planets in the same
sign or house. (Also see Asthamana.)
Aspects of Different Planets


ASHTAKAVARGA
Meaning eightfold categorization. It depicts eightfold strength of planets
excluding the nodes of the Moon but including the ascendant. It is worked
out according to certain well-established rules for measuring the
planetary strength. The strength of each planet depends upon the location
of other planets and the ascendant in relation to it.
Eight full points are assigned to each planet. They can obtain strength
varying from zero to 8 points which, plotted on different signs in a
chart, determine the possibility of a transiting planet in inducing
auspicious or otherwise effects during its sojourn in a particular sign.
Four or more benefic points lead to the fructification of benefic results
and elimination of any malefic effect of the planet's transit in that
sign.
ASTERISMS
Also known as Nakshatras (sk) and lunar mansions. A portion of the
zodiacal circle of 3600, beginning with 0' Off of fixed signs (q.v.)
divided into 27 divisions, each of which division measures 130 20',
represents one asterism, or Nakshatra. An additional asterism, viz.,
Abhijit, is sometimes added in between the 21st and 22nd ones, which
alters the magnitude of some of these asterisms. The asterisms are
powerful centers of radiation. Moon has special relationship with them.
Its position in an asterism determines the ruler ship of planets over
different periods in an individual's life. (See Dasa system)
ASHTA DISHA
Kashta = eight) + (disha = direction)]. Eight cardinal points; the
eight-faced space. An imaginary division of space represented as an
octagon (and at other times as a dodecahedron though it is not technically
correct to do so).

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