Delving into the Vedic technique of compatibility, severe blemishes will be discussed if time allows.

I remember hearing of the death of Natalie Wood when I was 12 years old.  I had always liked her and loved the movie, “Miracle on 34^th Street”.  She was doe-eyed, petite and beautiful.  At the time, there was talk of a love triangle and that she had always had a phobia of dark water.  Perhaps somewhere deep within her being, she knew that how the end would come.

I was surprised to learn that they are re-opening the investigation due to the captain’s statement.  It strikes one as rather odd that he is coming out with this after all of these years.  He said that he lied about the events that transpired that fateful night when Natalie drowned.  The question is, why now?  And was there really more to the story than Natalie trying to board a dingy, then slipping and falling into the water.  She had had too much wine and a barbiturate.  Lacking the dexterity to paddle in the freezing water is not a far-fetched idea given her state.  But is this what really happened?  Especially with her phobia of water?

For answers, let’s turn to Astrology, which can give us a lot of insight as to what really transpired on that fateful night.

Natalie Wood birth data:

7/20/1938 at 11:16 AM in San Francisco, CA

This birth time gets a AA Rodden rating as the birth time is taken directly from the Birth Certificate, therefore birth time is extremely reliable.

Natalie died on 11/29/1981 while she was running Mars/Venus.  According to the birth chart, Mars is a first rate maraka, i.e. death inflicting planet, due to its lordship of the 2^nd and 7^th houses and it is debilitated and combust in the birth chart.  Venus is lord of the 8^th house, the house of longevity and it is also debilitated in the Rasi and occupies the 12^th house, the house of loss.  Natalie died in Mars/Venus/Ketu/Venus/Saturn.

1.  Mars is a maraka (death inflicting planet, due to its lordship of the 2^nd and 7^th houses).  Mars is also debilitated in Cancer, the Sign of the Ocean.
2. Venus is lord of the 8^th house, the house of longevity, and it is debilitated in Virgo in the 12^th house of loss.
3. Ketu occupies the 8^th house of longevity.  Ketu will give the effects of Mars and Venus, its lord.  See #1 and #2.
4. Venus has been explained above.
5. Saturn, the planet of longevity, is also debilitated in the 7^th house, a maraka (death-inflicting) house.

According to Vimshottari dasa, her death can clearly be seen in the birth chart.  With the dasa of a debilitated maraka running, the antar-dasas of debilitated 8^th house rulers running and a debilitated karaka of longevity, Saturn, this horoscope is almost too easy to predict the end of life.  But is the currently accepted story what really happened?  Was it really an accident as reported or was it something more sinister?  To answer these questions, it is necessary to look at the Solar Return (Varshaphal) for answers.

Natalie Wood, Solar Return for age 43

Ascendant is Aquarius.  Progressed Ascendant (Muntha) is Taurus.  Muntha lord and Year Lord is Venus.  From the birth Ascendant, which is Libra, the Progressed Ascendant occupies the 8^th house.  The 8^th house is a house of longevity.  From the Solar Return Ascendant, the progressed Ascendant occupied the 4^th house and the year lord, Venus occupies the 7^thhouse, the house of the death of the body.  It is also the house of the spouse or love interest.  It was said that Natalie may or may not have been having an affair with her current co-star at the time, Christopher Walken, who was incidentally also on the yacht that fateful evening.

According to the narrative, Robert Wagner, Natalie’s husband, broke a wine bottle in a fit of rage over his suspicions of Christopher Walken’s attraction to his wife.  Natalie, mortified by the outburst, retired to her cabin with Robert following behind her.  According to the captain, a massive argument ensued and he turned up the music on the radio to drown out the yelling.  When he saw Robert Wagner next, the captain said he was sweating, disheveled and listless, relating that Natalie could not be found.  Again, according to the captain, there was a three hour wait to call the police to search for Natalie.

When the search finally did happen, they found Natalie floating face up in the water, her soul departed.

The fact that Natalie Wood died on November 29, 1981 can easily been seen in her natal chart and the Solar Return (Varshaphal) chart.  But was it an accident as has been reported or something more sinister.  Let’s turn to her Solar Return chart for age 43 to find out.

As mentioned above, death of the body could be indicated in the Solar Return chart for age 43 by the fact that the year lord occupies the 7^th house from the Solar Return Ascendant.  From the natal Ascendant in Libra, the Muntha or Progressed Ascendant occupies the 8^th house.

To acquire confirmation and confluence, the next place to look is the sahams.  ‘Sahams’ correspond to ‘Parts’ in Western Astrology.  There are several ‘parts’ in Tajika astrology.  Tajika is the origin of Varshaphal or the Indian solar return.  The Tajiks were an ancient Persian people who traded extensively with India and Greece.  They gave their system of Astrology to both places.  You will notice that the aspects and techniques used in Varshaphal look almost identical to Western Astrology.

Anyway, back to Sahams or Parts.  There are several parts and they are all within every Solar Return chart.  However, it is necessary to look at the focuses of the year and then analyze the corresponding  sahams.  We see that death could be a possibility due to the Muntha or progressed Ascendant, not to mention the dasa/bhuktis running at the time, so where is the death saham placed?  If it is to manifest, the death saham should occupy the progressed Ascendant (Taurus) or the same sign as the year lord, Venus (Leo) or be in the Ascendant of the Solar Return chart (Aquarius).  The death saham happens to occupy Taurus, the progressed Ascendant.  With many aspects of the charts and not only the Solar Return chart, but the Natal chart and the planetary periods running at the time, it is safe to say that her life may end during age 43.

But when during the year?  That is answered by a very accurate and reliable Saham technique.  There are three dasa systems within Varshaphal:

1.  Patyayini:  this is a dasa system used to time yogas, such as applying and separating yogas
2. Mudda:  this is the dasa system for timing when Sahams or Parts will manifest
3. Hadda:  this dasa system reveals how we interpret phenomena or the world around us and gives events based on planets in their own Hadda.

Since we will be using the saham technique to illustrate the timing of the end of life, we will be using the Mudda dasa system.  To use Mudda dasa for timing, we need to look at the shashtiamsa, which is the 60^th varga.  A varga is a harmonic chart in Western Astrology.  The 60^th varga is the most precise varga and is like another natal chart.  This chart can change every two minutes and in some cases every 10 seconds.  Parasara says this varga gives ‘entire effects’ meaning you read it like you would a natal chart or in addition to the Natal chart.

When we look at Natalie’s shashtiamsa (D60) for age 43, we see that the death Part falls in Taurus, just like it does in the Solar Return Chart for age 43.  For the saham to manifest, the dasa of the ruler of the saham must be running or the lord of the ruler or the lord of the pertinent house.  In the D60 for Natalie Wood, those planets would be Venus (because the death saham falls within Taurus as it does in the Solar Return chart), or Mercury or Mars.  It turns out that on 11/29/1981, Natalie was running Venus in the Mudda dasa for age 43.  That means that Venus was going to manifest the death saham between 10/19 and 12/14.

It is quite clear from the birth chart and the solar return chart that her life would likely end when it did.  But how did it end?  Was there something more sinister than the official story?

Murder is the 8^th house.  Wounds and enemies are the 6^th house.  In Natalie’s Solar Return chart, there are two planets that signify the husband, Jupiter and the Sun;  the Sun as 7^th lord and Jupiter as the natural karaka or producer of the husband.  The  Sun is placed in the 6^thhouse of enemies along with Mars (violence) and Mercury (the 8^th lord).

In the Navamsa for this Solar Return, Jupiter is the 7^th lord also places within the 6^th house.  It is quite clear from these charts, the husband is the enemy.  Mars is debilitated in the Solar Return and debilitated in the Navamsa, but Mars has strength, over 12 points, which gives Mars power to produce, but in a very negative way.

Jupiter, the signifacator or the husband and Saturn, the significator of Natalie (Saturn is the Ascendant lord in the SolarReturn Chart representing the person) are together in the 9^thhouse.  Since they are in the same sign, according to the Tajika system, they are enemies. Saturn is the 12^th lord also representing illicit affairs or extramarital affairs.

Conclusion:

Was Natalie Wood murdered?  In my opinion based on the astrological chart, she suffered from malefic intent from her husband.  Did he intend to murder her?  I believe he intended to do her harm but to actually kill her is still speculative.  I do not believe she fell in the water by accident as the official story suggests and I think her husband has something to do with her ending up in the cold, dark water that she had such a phobia of.  You will also notice that in Natalie’s birth chart, the Moon occupies the 8^th house. The Moon and the sign of Cancer specifically rule the ocean.  The 8^th house can show the manner of death.  There is a specific yoga mentioned in Parasara that states:  If the Moon is in the 8th there is danger from water.

 A profound link exists between an individual’s astrological chart or Rasi and his/her chakras.  The macrocosm of the solar system is present within the microcosm of the individual human body.  Remedies for afflictions in the chart are numerous and some examples are:  wearing of gems, chanting of Mantras, Flower Essences, Pujas and Fasting.  These are all valid and work very well in alleviating negative karmas.  However, there is one Remedy that needs more attention and that is the practice of Hatha Yoga Asanas.  Since the Chakras are ruled by the Planets and Signs, their direct link to the horoscope presents them as energy centers to be improved upon and purified through physical Yoga postures.  The physical aspect of Hatha Yoga will also, as a remedy, appeal to those who are more athletically inclined and who are very in tune with their bodies.

While doing Yoga Asanas for certain Signs, it must be kept in mind that one is doing the Asana for the Sign in all the varga charts, therefore improving every aspect of life.  The evidence that Hatha Yoga works to improve inner and outer karma is evidenced many times over by regular practitioners of Hatha Yoga.  They are filled with grace, poise and composure.  If one were to ask such a person if he saw any improvement in his outer life, the answer would be a resounding ‘yes’!  It is already very apparent that Hatha Yoga works wonders for the emotional/psychological well-being of the person.  It goes without saying that the outer will reflect the inner.  There is, indeed, no doubt that Yoga Asanas working to balance the Chakra energy will also improve outer circumstances as they improve inner circumstances.

This Article will be in two parts.  The first part will focus on what actually causes affliction in a chart and needs to be remedied.  The second part will focus on the Chakras and their corresponding Yoga Asanas to balance them.

Part 1 – Affliction of Planets and Signs

The planets are the pure forces that manifest their qualities as karakas or producers.  They are considered divine and incarnations of God.  As such they have consciousness.  The Rasis or Signs are also manifestations of God but do not have consciousness; that is why, for the most part, they are represented by Earthly creatures.  The Signs or Rasis express the masculine and feminine energies of each planet, except for the Sun and the Moon which rule Leo and Cancer, respectively.  The planets, according to Parasara, were formed to “reward the fruits of the Karma of the Jivas (Living Beings)”.  Because their existence relies upon Cause and Effect, and in fact, they are the beginning of cause and effect, they are causal and their power extends to the causal plane.  This is also evidenced by their ability to produce everything that is.  The planets are the substance and the Rasis are the form.  As a consequence of giving the things produced by the planets form, the Rasis are astral and reach up to the astral plane.  The Signs and how the Grahas operate through them provide the emotional and psychological tone of all phenomena.  The Houses or Bhavas bring the Signs and Grahas into direct contact with the Earth via the Ascendant/Descendant axis and the Midheaven/IC axis.  A direct result of the Houses being dependent upon the location of birth is the Houses marry Heaven and Earth, so to speak.    Thus, the Houses are physical and relate to concrete, physical karmas that will be experienced during the lifetime of the person.

Horoscope afflictions and how they relate to chakras are mainly produced through planets in Signs, so remedies performed upon the chakras will firstly improve the emotional/psychological well-being of the person.  But just as a remedy done for an afflicted planet in a Sign will improve the planet, it will also improve that Sign and correspondingly its house placement.  If the remedy improves the house, then it also improves the concrete physical Karmas and not only the emotional/ psychological issues.

What Constitutes Affliction?

1. Sign Placement of Saturn
2. Sign Placement of Rahu and Ketu
3. Combustion of Planets
4. Planets in Debilitation, Great Enemy’s and Enemy’s Signs
5. Low Shad bala score, especially the balas of Sthana bala and Cheshta bala.
6. Planets affected by Krura Grahas (Cruel or Malefic Planets)

 Now we will discuss how planets become afflicted as karakas, but not as house lords, since we are focusing on the Sign placement of planets which correspond directly to the Chakras.  We will also discuss how Signs become afflicted and therefore certain houses, which leads us to our first point which is…

Saturn

Where Saturn is placed in a chart shows us where we hold our fear and psychological/emotional pain as well as physical pain.  Saturn, in Greek Mythology, is Kronos or Time, so he gives us knowledge of Time and therefore death.  Saturn shows us where our limitations are and points to events and situations that are beyond our control.  But mainly, the core issues are fear and knowledge of the passage of time, which is our longevity.  Who was it that said ‘all our neuroses stem from the knowledge of our impending death.’?  Well, this is Saturn.  Even if Saturn is strong in a chart as a karaka, meaning if Saturn has high Ishta and low Kashta, then the person will be able to weather difficult situations more gracefully, however, Saturn still shows the major psychological issues at hand within the mind of the person.  Saturn rules all kinds of fears that are known, as opposed to Rahu which rules fear of the unknown.  Saturn rules the feeling of lack, need and thirst.  Where Saturn is or what he touches, we are lacking, needing, thirsting, because we are ultimately aware of Time touching it, or of its eventual demise and temporal quality.  What sign Saturn occupies and especially which planets it influences will show where there is need, fear and separation and an awareness of temporality.

Rahu & Ketu

Of the two nodes, Rahu is the most unsettling, especially to the Moon, which is our individual self, our ego and our perception.  Rahu and Ketu are the intersection of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun with the Moon’s orbit around the Earth.  In other words, they are points on the ecliptic where total eclipses occur.  Since Rahu and Ketu are an intersection, they are much like a Lagna or Ascendant/ Descendant axis, as the Lagna is an intersection of the horizontal plane with the surface of the Earth.  The Lagna or Ascendant determines the 1^st house and thus the beginning of life and the body.  This is where the Sun rises and a new day begins.  The descendant or 7^th house determines the end of the body, i.e., death and the Sun sets here, marking a day’s end.  Similarly, Rahu is the North Node of the Moon and represents the rising of the mind, or that which brings the Mind or Jiva into experience.  Ketu or the South Node of the Moon, represents the setting of the Mind, or the death of the mind which can only mean one thing – Liberation.  This is why Ketu is the significator of Liberation and the death of the Mind, because the Mind can only die when the Soul is free from it.  Because Rahu is that which brings the Mind into experience, according to Vedic thought, Rahu is what is in the ether that pulls the Jiva into the womb, or the newly formed zygote, Rahu is the reason we incarnate.  Rahu represents the sub-conscious desires that we have come here on this Earth Plane to experience.  He signifies those situation that are unknown and unfamiliar, but those that we are thrust into time and time again.  Rahu represents compulsion, so the Sign placement of Rahu will show those psychological and emotional fears of the unknown and specifically, WHAT is unknown to the person.

Ketu means ‘the flag’, and the flag is what is put into the ground when we have conquered a territory.  But because Ketu is ultimately exactly the same as Rahu, as 2 opposites at their extremes are always the same, the Ketu also represents areas of life that must be experienced for the final evolution of consciousness to occur.  Ketu represents those areas of life that are all too familiar and where we highly scrutinize everything.  Ketu is where we internalize energy and demand perfection.  Where Ketu resides and what it touches, there is much talent, however the person is not content with that talent and often is compelled to perfect it.  Where Ketu is, there is a search for the ultimate Truth.  Since ultimate Truth does not exist within categories, which is exactly what Signs are, so Ketu also signifies what aspect of life we experience as God and also where we have divine discontent.  So in effect, the divine discontent drives us to experience ultimate Truth.  Ketu is particularly troubling to the Sun.  The Sun is the divine inspiration and the purely masculine, dynamic force.  As such, it does not do well having its energy internalized and the divine inspiration cannot be expressed outwardly when it is with Ketu.

Combust Planets

When a planet is combust, it is said to be ‘kopi’ or angry.  Frustrated is also a very appropriate term to describe the feeling of a planet when it is combust.  A planet is angry and frustrated when it cannot be seen from Earth.  This is exactly what combustion is as the planet is too close to the Sun and its Rays are diminished.  Combustion also gives something called low “Cheshta Bala” which means “movement strength”. When speaking of combust planets, it must be kept in mind that Venus and Mercury are not combust when they are retrograde, as at that time they are between the Earth and the Sun, the closest to the Earth they are going to get in their orbit, and therefore they are extremely powerful.  When a planet is combust, the person does not have any confidence while wielding that planet.  Therefore, that aspect of themselves the planet represents seems to disappear or they overly compensate in the case of malefics.  When a planet is combust, this fact contributes greatly to a planet’s Ishta/Kashta score, or rather its good/bad points.

Planets in Debilitation, Great Enemy’s and Enemy’s Rasis

When a planet is debilitated it is said to be in an alarmed state.  It is also in a depressed state.  Under these conditions, a debilitated planet cannot function properly and not take care of its significations.  Such a planet is in very bad shape and in need of help.  When a planet is in a Great Enemy’s Rasi, it is said to be ‘Khala’ or cruel, so it suffers greatly as any person would not desire to be in their great enemy’s house.  When a planet is in an enemy’s Rasi, then the planet is said to be miserable and is in need of help.

Low Spashta (Shad) bala score, especially the balas of Sthana bala and Cheshta bala

A score is considered low if the planet meets less than 100% of its required bala.  Most astrological softwares calculate Shad Bala and the method to do so will not be related here.  The Spashta bala shows the raw strength of a planet based mostly, but not entirely, on astronomical factors.  The most important balas are the Sthana bala and Cheshta balas.  The Spashta (or Shad) bala of planets show the strength with which the person uses their planetary energies in specific situations.  They are not indicative of positive or negative karmas in store for the native.  Those are seen through the dignities and bhava placements of planets as karakas and house lords.  Sthana means “stance” and the Sthana bala is ruled by Mercury.  In this instance, Mercury is the manager.  This bala represents how an individual uses each planet to manage their life.  When a planet is low or does not meet the required Sthana bala, the person is at a loss to use that planet effectively in the management of their affairs.  Cheshta bala is ‘motion strength’.  As mentioned previously, this bala has to do with retrograde motion and combustion. When a planet is closest to the Earth it gains tremendous strength, and therefore tremendous confidence.  Cheshta bala is the confidence with which we utilize a planet.  When a planet does not meet the required Cheshta bala, the Signs it rules and their corresponding Chakra will suffer.

Planets affected by Krura Grahas and the Ishta/Kashta Factor

1. Grahas are harmed when they are conjoined with Krura grahas.
2. Grahas are harmed when they are planetary aspected by Krura Grahas.  For planetary aspects, exact calculations must be used and not the full house aspect.
3. Grahas are harmed when Krura Grahas are in the 4^th, 6^th, or 8^th from the Graha itself.

Ishta means ‘desired’ and Kashta means ‘ill’.  A score between 0 and 60 relates a planet’s beneficial or malevolent influence.  Gentle planets or Saumya Grahas spread their good points to the planets they influence and keep their negative points to themselves.  Cruel Planets or Krura Grahas spread their malevolent points to planets they influence and keep their good points to themselves.  Thus, if a planet is joined with a Cruel Planet, i.e, Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu, waning Moon or Sun, then if the Cruel Planet’s Kashta or bad points outweigh the other planet’s good points, then the Cruel Planet destroys the planet it is influencing.

Summing Up the Afflictions

The Sign and therefore the House suffers when Saturn, Rahu, or Ketu, are placed within it.  The Sign also suffers when it contains a planet in debilitation, in a great enemy’s or enemy’s sign.  The Planet suffers when it is conjoined with a malefic, when it’s Spashta Bala is less than 100%, when it is combust, or when it is in debilitation, great enemy’s sign or enemy’s sign.

 The Chakras and Remedial Measures for the Horoscope utilizing Hatha Yoga

 The Planets, Signs and Chakras

Each Planet rules a Chakra through the Signs, except for the Sun and the Moon which rule one Chakra.  The following is a list of the Planets, Signs and the Chakras they rule:

Planet                          Chakra                                                            Signs

Sun, Moon                  Ajna or Third Eye Chakra                       Leo, Cancer

Mercury                      Vissudha or Throat Chakra                   Gemini, Virgo

Venus                          Anahata or Heart Chakra                     Taurus, Libra

Mars                            Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra      Aries, Scorpio

Jupiter                         Swadisthana or Sacral Plexus Chakra Sagittarius, Pisces

Saturn                         Muladhara or  Coccygeal Plexus Chakra Capricorn, Aquarius

Hatha Yoga is a branch of yoga that leads to Enlightenment.  Kundalini Yoga is the culmination of Hatha Yoga in which one purifies the Nadis and raises the Kundalini through the Chakras via the Sushumna Nadi to unite with the Crown Chakra at the top of the head.  Hatha yogis do various exercises to purify and balance their chakras and nadis.  Hatha yogis use their bodies to do what other yogis do through other disciplines such as Raja Yoga, Laya Yoga, Mantra Yoga and others.  Why is the body and its purification act as a vehicle for realization?  It is because the mind, emotions and the physical body are intricately linked through the various Chakras and Nadis.  In addition, negative emotions and habits can be released through practice of Hatha yoga.  And since Hatha yoga works on the Chakras and the Chakras are linked to the horoscope, by looking at one’s horoscope and finding the major afflictions, one can deduce the Asanas that will be most helpful in bringing about release of negativity and self-realization or just improving one’s attitude and happiness.

Self-Realization before God-Realization

This is a standard mantra propounded on various spiritual paths.  What that means is that we must come to terms with ourselves and accept ourselves before God steps in and accepts us.  That entails working through and releasing all neuroses and emotional traumas.  These things reside in the Chakras and they can be seen in the Astrological Chart.  This concept is deftly explained through the Signs of Aquarius and Pisces.  Pisces is the Sign of Liberation and Enlightenment.  It corresponds to the 12^th House which has the same meaning among other things.  Pisces has to do with the obliteration of the ego and complete surrender.  That is why its symbol are two fish swimming in different directions.  The fish is footless and cannot takes itself where it wants to go, it is swept about by the current of the water.  So in essence, Pisces must symbolically surrender.  The 11^th Sign of Aquarius has to do with the process of complete individualization and how that manifests within the group.  Put a different way, Aquarius finally accepts himself and has worked through all the psychological issues represented by the other Signs.  Aquarius is the Sign of Self-Realization and there is just one step left to God-Realization.  So it has taken a journey through the whole zodiac to reach the point of Self-Realization in the 11^th Sign.

The Chakras, Their Meaning, and Asanas to Purify Them

 Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra)

This is the base chakra at the coccyx and represents from the bottom of the feet to the beginning of the spine.  The Signs are Capricorn and Aquarius, ruled by Saturn.  The Muladhara chakra is the manifestation of our survival instinct and our feeling of having a firm foundation.  When planets are afflicted in Capricorn and Aquarius, they bring their particular type of afflicted energy into this Chakra and affect our fear and worry.  Worry is a minor form of fear, and depending upon the planet, our worries and fear will revolve around that issue. Afflictions to Saturn will also cause this Chakra to have energy imbalances.  The feeling of groundedness will not be present within the individual and it will be difficult for them to concentrate, focus and persevere.  Because their very survival will always feel threatened, they will always be changing, never solidifying a firm foundation.  To bring this chakra into energetic balance and robust health, there are a number of Hatha Yoga Asanas that can be performed.  Any exercise that strengthens the legs, such as squats, will go a long way in balancing the Muladhara Chakra.

Yoga Asanas for Muladhara (Root Chakra)

 Virabhadrasana (Warrior)

1. Stand with your feet about 3 ft. apart.  Turn your right foot to the right, and bend your right knee until it is in line with your ankle.
2. Keeping your back straight, stretch both arms above your head, bringing the palms of your hand together.  Repeat on the other side.

Trikonasana (Triangle)

1. Stand with you legs wider than your shoulders, making an equilateral triangle with the floor.  Raise both arms to your sides, level with your sholders.
2. Turn your left foot out, slowly bend to the left and take a firm hold of your left andkle with your left hand.  Your neck should be relaxed, with your head falling sideways.  Your right arm should be stretched over your head, parallel with the floor.  Repeat on the other side.

Garudasana (Eagle)

1. Stand upright with your feet together and your hands at your sides.  Bend your right knee, bringing it over the left knee and tucking the right foot behind the left calf.  Balance.
2. Now bend your elbows in front of you and entwine your arms, so that the right elbow rests on the front of the left arm’s inner elbow.  Join the palms of your hands together.  Maintain your balance.  Repeat with the other leg and arm.

Svadisthana Chakra (Sexual Center Chakra)

‘Svadisthana’ can be translated as ‘one’s own special place’.  It is the Chakra of the creative force and the Signs of Sagittarius and Pisces are here.  It is ruled by Jupiter.  If there are afflicted planets in these signs, then the energies of these afflicted planets will adversely affect one’s healthy, creative expression, sexuality and emotional traumas.  Also, afflictions to Jupiter will cause problems and inhibited energy flow to this Chakra.  Jupiter, according to Parasara, is joy and wisdom that comes from joy.  Women seem to hold a lot of their emotional pain in this center and some men as well.  When Yoga Asanas are done to balance the energy in this Chakra, one may find him or herself crying or feel very sad.  However, the Asana is a healthy form of release.  Done regularly, the individual will be able to express their creativity to fullest form.

Yoga Asanas for Svadisthana (Sexual Center Chakra)

 Parivritta Trikonasana  (Twisting Triangle)

This Asana is much like the previous Triangle Asana for the Muladhara Chakra.  However, there is a twisting motion involved that will massage and invigorate the Svadisthana Chakra.

1. Stand with your feet about 3 ft. apart.  Turn your right foot 90 degrees to the right, so that your body faces right, with your left foot only slightly turned to act as a strong base.  Rotate your body toward your right leg, reaching down to the ankle or to the floor with your left hand beyond your right foot (for an advanced position).
2. Stretch your right arm straight up until it is in a direct line with the left arm.  Repeat on the other side.

Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Lateral Angle Pose)

1. Stand with your feet together and your arms stretched above your head.  Jump your feet about 5 ft. apart.  Raise your arms sideways to shoulder level.  Turn your left foot sideways 90 degrees to the left, keeping your right leg stretched and tight at the knee.  Bend your left knee to form a 90-degree angle.
2. Place your left palm on the floor by your left foot.  Stretch your right arm over your right ear.  Look up to the ceiling.  Stretch your spine and the side of your body.  Repeat on the other side.

Hastha Padasana (Leg  & Arm Stretching)

1. Sit on the floor and spread your legs as wide as is comfortably possible.  Exhale and bend forward, waling your hands along the floor until both leg and sping read their maximum stretch.  This is a great exercise for stretching the groin area and releasing the pent up emotional traumas and disappointments, to get the Svadisthana purified and the energy within it flowing properly.

Manipura Chakra

 The Signs residing here are Aries and Scorpio and it is ruled by Mars.  This Chakra is the motivator and the will to power, not to mention a tremendous storehouse of energy.  The Manipura Chakra rules over the digestive system; so symbolically it takes metabolic energy and converts it into action.   When planets are afflicted in Aries and Scorpio, then through those things that that particular planet signifies, the will power of the native will be hindered.  Just as a good digestive system, which the Manipura Chakra regulates, will give a person robust health and a strong body, a psychologically healthy Mars and Manipura Chakra will give the vitality and power necessary to satisfy the desires of the individual.  When Mars is afflicted, the energy is low in Manipura or overly compensating, so measures must be taken to balance the energy.

Yoga Asanas for Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus)

 Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting Spinal Twist)

1. Sit on the floor.  Bend your right knee and sit on the foot.  Then bend your left knee and lift it over your right thigh, placing the foot flat on the floor.
2. Turn your body 90 degrees to the left and bring your right armpit over your left knee.  Lock the arm over the knee, then move your left arm behind your waist, so that your left hand catches your right hand.  Turn your neck to face left, looking over your left shoulder.  Repeat on the other side.

Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

1. Kneel on the floor with your buttocks raised off your feet.  Gently lean backward, placing your right hand on your right heel and your left hand on your left heel.
2. Push on your feet with your hands and, taking your head back, curver your spine upward, pushing it up until your thighs are in line with your knees and the front of your body is straight.  Relax into the position.

Stomach Crunches can also be done to strength our core, which is the Manipura Chakra and main source of our bodily strength.

Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra)

The Venus ruled Signs of Taurus and Libra are located here.  Compassion and the giving and receiving of love are the domains of the Anahata Chakra.  Opening up to what the world has to offer and being receptive to what life brings, also making good choices are all things that are ruled by the Anahata Chakra.  When there are afflicted planets in Taurus and Libra, the person will have specific problems according to the nature of the afflicted planet, in sharing and in making good choices for their well-being.  They will also be miserly with affection and can appear aloof or they may be a loner and very distrustful of others.  Afflictions to Venus will also cause the same problems only in a more general sense.  For specifics, look for which planets are afflicted in Taurus and Libra, if there are any.  To regulate and balance the proper flow of energy through this Chakra, the following Yoga Asanas are very helpful.

Bhujangasana (Cobra)

1. Lie flat on the floor, with your chin resting down.  Place your hands flat on the floor under your shoulders, with your fingers pointing forward.
2. Gently raise your body to a comfortable height as you curve your back backward.  Keep your pubis in contact with the floor – do not lift your body right off the floor. Your arms do not have to be straight; you may bend your elbows.  Flexibility of your spine will develop with practice.

Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

1. Easy posture: lie on the floor with you legs stretched straight out.  Place your hands or elbows on the floor to support you, then arch your back and place the top of your head gently on the floor, keeping your chest raised.
2. Advanced posture:  sit with your legs crossed in full lotus position and, on an exhalation, lie backward, supporting yourself on your elbows, until the top of your head just rests on the floor.  Bring your hands to rest on your feet.

Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra)

Parasara describes Mercury as ‘the consciousness spoken’.  The phrase is an apt one to describe the Vishuddha Chakra as well because Sound in all forms is the energizing factor of this Chakra as its element is ether.  The first chakra is our very being, our survival in the physical world, the second chakra is our creations and our emotional and psychological environment, the third chakra takes our creations and emotions and projects those into the world and uses them to sustain us, the fourth chakra takes the will and our sustenance and uses it for relating to others, and the fifth chakra, the Vishuddha Chakra, takes all of these experiences and communicates them through Sound.  Even if the person is mute, they can write and others will ‘hear’ him through his words on paper.  The Vishuddha Chakra governs over the thyroid gland and regulates the release of these hormones.  Weight issues surround the unbalanced energy of the Vishuddha Chakra.  This Chakra is also our ability to listen.  If the Signs of Mercury, Gemini and Virgo, are afflicted, then the person has much frustration in communicating their thoughts to others and they also feel very misunderstood and like they are not being heard.  Depending on the planet afflicting Gemini or Virgo, this will reveal the energy that is blocking the communication and the ability to listen and gain from listening.  If Mercury is afflicted, then the energy of the chakra will be generally low and will be in need of remedies.

Yoga Asanas for Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra)

 Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)

1. Lie down on the floor with your legs together and your hands, palms down, by your sides.Push down on your hand and raise your legs straight up above you.  Lift your hips off the floor and bring your legs up, over and beyond your head.  Bend your arms and place your hands in the small of the back.  Your chin should be pressing into your neck and the rest of your body should be in a vertical line with the weight resting on the shoulders.

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

1. Lie on your front, with your face down.  Reach back, bending your knees and holding your ankles.  Keep your knees together throughout the asa.
2. Pulling on your ankles, slowly and cautiously raise your trunk and legs as high as possible.  Stretch your neck.  Hold the position.

Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra)

The Sun and the Moon rule the Ajna Chakra, which is the seat of consciousness and the doorway into the Astral World.  The Sun and the Moon rule the Soul and the Mind. The Soul and the Mind create everything that exists in the material world.  That is why the elements follow in the descending Chakras.  Leo and Cancer are the Signs here.  Leo is the masculine force of the Third Eye or Ajna Chakra.  What does the masculine force do here?  It is Inspiration and Truth.  When Leo is well-disposed in a chart, the person acts on their inspiration and projects that energy into the world.  When there are afflictions to Leo and the Sun, then the person has trouble expressing his Inspiration and following his Inspiration.  The Sign of Cancer is the Feminine force of the Ajna Chakra.  What is the feminine force here?  It is the perception and the Intuition.  If Cancer and the Moon are robust, then the person follows their Intuition into happiness and they perceive with clarity.  If the Moon and/or Cancer is afflicted, then the person does not listen to their intuition and they will suffer because of it.

Yoga Asanas for the Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra)

 Adho Mukha Avanasana (Downward Dog) 

1. Kneel on all fours, then walk you hands farther forward, with your palms flat on the floor.
2. Raise your trunk, straightening your legs and keeping your feet flat on the floor.  Pull in your abdomen.  Your head should relax down in line with your arms and body.  The shape of this asana is an inverted V.

Yoga Mudra in Padmasana

1.Sit with your legs crossed in the full lotus posture.  Clasp your hands behind your back, locking your fingers together.

2.On an exhalation, bend forward and touch the top of your head to the floor (or as near as possible).  Simultaneously raise your arms straight up behind your back Hold for as long as possible without breathing.

Copyright 2011 Laura Barat

 This is not an article about the effects of the natural characteristics of the Signs on Venus.  A planet, in addition to being influenced by the Sign it is place within, will ALSO give the effects of the number of houses counted from it’s Moolatrikona sign and the number of houses counted from the planet to its feminine sign.  This is the initiative/receptive dynamic within the planet.  The masculine or Moolatrikona sign initiates the energy and the feminine sign receives the energy.

Venus is the ruler of the natural 2^nd and 7^th houses, Taurus and Libra.  The 2^nd house is worth and the 7^th house is desire.  The ultimate desire being for “the other” or for a romantic partner.  Thus, Venus rules desire and the choices we make to obtain our desires.  Venus also rules weighing what is more worthwhile in order to obtain what is desired.  Libra, the moolatrikona sign of Venus, is represented by the Scales.  When Venus is afflicted in a chart, the person makes poor decisions that take them down a path they do not want to go, and where the amount they must give up is not worth what they would receive.

There is more than one name given for Venus in the classical texts.  Shukra is the most common and it means “bright white”.  Another name for Venus iskamawhich means desire.  Venus is also “Kritajna” or “knowledgeable in conduct”.  Thus Venus rules manners and politeness.  Manners are necessary to navigate the world of others and have one’s desires fulfilled.  “Dinavegya” means “offering to the miserable” and is another name for Venus.  Whatever is offered to the miserable is to make them more comfortable, thus Venus rules all comforts, nursing and therapy.  Venus also rules upayes or remedies for afflictions in the chart.

Keep all that Venus represents in mind while evaluating its effects in the Signs.  The Signs in which Venus is deposited, in addition to its position in regards to the Moolatikona will color and control all the effects of Venus within the horoscope.

Venus is Aries

In addition to the natural indications of Aries, Venus here will give the effects of a 2^nd and 7^th house Venus.  Aries is 7 houses away from Libra, the Moolatrikona sign of Venus and counting from Venus, Taurus is the 2^nd Sign from Aries.  For Taurus, the feminine sign ruled by Venus, we always start counting from Venus first, because the feminine sign receives the energy and the masculine sign initiates the energy.  Venus in Aries people enjoy the give and take of relationships and are almost always in one.  They are sensitive and respectful of their partners and highly sensual.  They have beautiful manners when dealing with others.  The 2^nd house Venus connotations will give make these natives be receptive to romantic partners with beautiful faces. Comfort and decoram play a major part in their lives.  They react strongly to beautiful words and speech and can appreciate good food.  These natives find much value in the beauty of their surroundings and have an eye for fine art.  A man with Venus in Aries will have a wife or girlfriend who has problems with subservient workers, servants, maids and physical labor (Saturn is debilitated in Aries).  He will also have a wife or girlfriend who has great luck with her bosses, the government, politicians and benefits greatly from her father (the Sun is exalted in Aries).

Venus in Taurus

Venus in Taurus gives 8^th and 1^st house connotations in addition to the natural effects of Taurus.  8^th house connotations because Taurus is the 8^th Sign from Libra, Venus’ Moolatrikona sign and 1^st house connotations because Venus is in Taurus is in its own feminine sign.  Venus in Taurus will initiate romance in a secretive, hidden fashion.  They will be attracted to romantic partners who are also secretive and mysterious.  They will find much value in the hidden, occult side of life.  They often find that they transform themselves through relationships.  They are naturally able to benefit from their partner’s resources.  Relationships often have abrupt endings.  These natives are well-groomed and take care of their appearance.  They are on the receiving end of much nurturing and comforting within relationships.  Receiving love and the results of their choices directly affects their self-esteem. A man with Venus in Taurus will have a wife or girlfriend who benefits greatly from her mother and has a wonderful relationship with her mother (the Moon is exalted in Taurus).

Venus in Gemini

This Venus has 9^th and 12^th house connotations.  Venus in Gemini will initiate romance, nurturing and decision-making through a philosophical or religious platform (9^th house).  They are also very attracted to and desiring of these qualities.  When they make a choice, it is often after considering how it will benefit their higher learning and wisdom.  These natives may also incur expenses while being on the receptive end of a relationship.  The consequences of their decisions will cause them to incur expense also and they more often than not will have to give something up to receive in their relationships.  Venus in Gemini people will often find that foreigners are attracted to them.  Sometimes their love interests are kept secret or hidden away.  There is an inclination towards clandestine affairs but Venus would have to be very afflicted by aspect or low in Sthana bala or Cheshta bala for the illicit nature to manifest.

Venus in Cancer

Venus in Cancer carries 10^th and 11^th house connotations in addition to the natural characteristics of Cancer.  This placement of Venus will initiate romance, nurturing and decision making based upon duty.  The 10^th house is the house of karma or action and these natives often initiate their romances instead of being on the receiving end of someone’s affections.  Venus in Cancer will make a career out of helming the relationship and of nurturing the partner.  They are often on the receiving end of friendship oriented crushes from others.  Because the interested party always presents themselves as a friend, the Venus in Cancer person is obliged to initiate the relationship.  The 11^th house connotations on the receiving end of the Venus in Cancer person will cause this native to be drawn to nurturing friends.  The friends will also be consulted on a regular basis in important decisions by this native.  Social life is of immense value to this person as well.  Often, the results of decisions are financial or material gain.  A man with Venus in Cancer will have a wife who has had abusive or anger-prone siblings and trouble with real-estate (Mars debilitated in Cancer) but at the same time, she will also have a very good husband (the native himself and Jupiter is exalted in Cancer) and that she has very good fortune when it comes to the realm of higher learning, philosophy, religion and teachers.  She is also generally happy and philosophical if Venus is not afflicted.

Venus in Leo

Venus in Leo natives initiate relationships and decisions based upon what they have to gain from it.  Venus in Leo often find that their partners have a lot to bring to the table either in wealth, resources, beauty or knowledge.  The Venus in Leo person is inherently attracted to these types of people, people who stand out in some way.  These natives will utilize friendship and social interaction as their main force when beginning and sustaining relationships.  The inherent value of the relationship will be based upon the friendly feelings between the two people and the ability of the couple to social climb and be recognized in social circles.  Venus in Leo natives will find that they are often showered with love and devotion that they very much enjoy unless Venus is afflicted.  This is because Taurus is 10 Signs away from Leo and they are on the receiving end of romance in a 10^th house fashion.  Their partners will make a “career” out of the relationship and nurturing the relationship

Venus in Virgo

Venus is Virgo has 12^th and 9^th house connotations.  Virgo is the debilitation sign of Venus.  Venus in Virgo natives will initiate their decision-making process in a vague, hidden manner.  They are often unaware of why they made a certain choice.  Loss is the catalyst for entering into relationships and they often enter them just for sexual gratification (12^th house).  When they initiate a decision, they must almost always give up something before they can obtain what they desire.  In addition to this, the idea of self-negation drives them in their choice of mate.  This is why Venus is debilitated in this sign.  Venus has to do with worth and if you are coming from a place of loss or thinking of devaluing yourself (12^th house) in order to have a relationship, then you are going against the very nature of Venus as a karaka.  Venus in Virgo natives are often the object of desire for philosophical, religious types and also their mentors and teachers.  The consequences of their decisions will affect their higher knowledge, their philosophy of life, and their spirituality.  A man with Venus in Virgo will have a wife or girlfriend who benefits greatly from her friends and who has many skills.  She will also be very articulate.  (Mercury is exalted in Virgo).

Venus in Libra

These natives have characteristics of the 1^st and 8^th houses.  Venus in Libra will initiate its Venusian energy (partnership, relation, making choices and comforting, nurturing) through their body language and personal charisma.  The native is polite, charming and well-mannered, gives good advice and has a soothing, comforting demeanor.  The native will receive romance, nurturing and the consequences of their decisions through 8^th house venues.  This means through mysterious, hidden and taboo channels.  They will often become caught up in secret trysts.  The resources and wealth of the partner serve to nurture and comfort this native.  A man with Venus in Libra will often get a wife or girlfriend who has a less than stellar relationship with her father (the Sun is debilitated in Libra) but very good luck with servants, tenants, and/or subservient workers.  A woman with Venus in Libra will often get caught up in romances that are very long-term (Saturn exalted in Libra) but that lack stability and consistency (the Sun debilitated in Libra).

Venus in Scorpio

The native with this placement initiates relationships, decisions and comfort producing activities through the agent of their wealth.  This person likes to feel stable within their own self-worth and financial situation and uses this to choose their partners and romantic interests.  When they are trying to decide if something is worthwhile, the Venus in Scorpio person will calculate how it will add to their value.  They are attracted to partners will beautiful faces.  These people receive Venusian energy from partners that are highly sexual (7^th house).  When the partner wants to nurture and comfort the Venus in Scorpio person, they do it through sex.  The consequences of the decisions made by the Venus in Scorpio natives will often lead them into relationships and/or dealing with business partners.  The consequences of their choices will also have a wide ranging effect on the people in their lives.  A man with Venus in Scorpio will have a wife or girlfriend that was abused by her mother either emotionally or physically or had a mother that was not present.  The woman with Venus in Scorpio will have romances that are full of heavy emotionality and some paranoia.

Venus in Sagittarius

These natives have a Venus with 3^rd and 6^th house connotations.  Venus in Sagittarius will initiate relationships out of a curiosity.  They will be playful and love to go on adventures with their partner.  When they make decisions and weigh the worth of something, they look to how much excitement it will bring them.  The 3^rd house is all about communication so these natives enjoy picking partners that they will be able to effectively communicate with.  They are often on the receiving end of love interests that enjoy argument and sparing.  Venus in Sagittarius is not the most auspicious place for Venus because the 6^th house is the house of divorce.  Many times, these natives will attract partners that turn out to be their enemies and do not have their best interests at heart.  The consequences of their decisions often wind them up in debt.  But they can benefit a lot from their decisions through the agency of their health.

Venus in Capricorn

The native with Venus in Capricorn will have 4^th and 5^th house characteristics to his/her Venus.  This Venus will initiate relationships to find happiness and from deep emotional need.  Nurturing others and making worthwhile decisions are an integral ingredient to their happiness.  The 4^th house is also a hidden house, so when the person is interested in someone romantically, they will show their interest very subtly and the object of their affection must be tuned in to their emotions.  The Venus in Capricorn person receives love from others in a grand, romantic fashion (5^th house).  The partner of the Venus in Capricorn person will be very creative in the way they express their devotion.  The consequences of decisions made by Venus in Capricorn people will often lead them into some kind of creativity and the opportunity to express their creativity will weigh heavily on the decisions they make.  Also, if they have children, these children will always be taken into consideration when making decisions.  A man with Venus in Capricorn will have a wife or girlfriend that has ill luck with teachers, mentors, philosophy and/or religion, and money.  (Jupiter is debilitated in Capricorn)

Venus in Aquarius

Venus in Aquarius gives 5^th and 4^th house effects, exactly like Venus in Capricorn, however the initiative/receptive dynamic is reversed.  Venus in Aquarius will initiate relationships and maintain them very creatively, and in an over-the-top romantic way.  Before making decisions, they weigh how it will improve their creativity.  Partners that are attracted to the Venus in Aquarius person will show their affections clandestinely, deeply emotionally.  This native naturally attracts very nurturing partners.  There are no planets that are exalted or debilitated in Aquarius, so reading some life experiences of the wife or girlfriend for the man with Venus in Aquarius does not apply.

Venus in Pisces

This is Venus’ exalted position.  This is odd because Venus will give 6^th and 3^rd house effects here.  Interestingly, such characteristics reveal the naturally cruel nature of Venus.  After all, the avatar for Venus is Parasurama, an avatar that is known for his killing.  And Venus is the guru of the demons.  Venus in Pisces people will initiate relationships from an inimical standpoint, meaning they will love to challenge their partner.  Verbal sparring will be their method of amorous fraternizing.  Venus in Pisces people will attract partners who are interested in adventure and are very curious about them.  There will be much indecisiveness when making a decision for these natives.  The enemies of a Venus in Pisces native will have much to do with the choices this native makes.  And he or she often finds that the consequences of such choices will lead them into their own hobbies, travel and self-expression. The man with Venus in Pisces will have a wife or girlfriend that has trouble and ill luck with her friends and has issues with communication (Mercury debilitated in Pisces).

Paul McCartney just married Nancy Shevell, a trucking heir from New Jersey, on October 9, 2011. This video demonstrates the accuracy of the Varshaphal or Solar Return technique and sahams (parts). This technique uses Lord of the Year, Muntha or Progressed Ascendant, Muntha Lord, Sahams or Parts and Vargas or Harmonic charts.

Varshaphal is the single most accurate technique for prediction that I have ever encountered in my astrological career which has spanned almost two decades. Predicting with Jaimini Sutras and Vimshottari dasa is a close second.