The sidereal zodiac stands out as a system that aligns with the constellations in the sky, dividing the zodiac into 12 equal parts or houses. Each house corresponds to a specific constellation, making this system a fascinating blend of astronomy and astrology.
The 12 houses are represented in an astrology chart, a unique visual of karmic influence. There are several types of charts -- square, circular, and diamond, each carrying its own significance depending on the type of astrology being used. The two most common charts used in Vedic Astrology are the North Indian Chart and the South Indian Chart, which serve as practical tools for understanding karmic influences.
The North Indian Chart, influenced by the planet Venus, is a unique combination of a diamond shape over a square, creating 12 divisions for each house. The top diamond represents the 1st house, the Ascendant, the sign rising on the eastern horizon when a chart is cast, or a new birth occurs. The remaining signs fill each house using the zodiac's natural order and in a counterclockwise direction, offering a comprehensive view of the astrological landscape.
In the North Indian chart, the houses are static, while the sign or rashi is dynamic depending on the time of day. Let's take an example to understand this better. Suppose the constellation of Aries is rising from the eastern horizon at the time of birth. In that case, Aries will occupy the first house, the Ascendant, Taurus will represent the 2nd house, Gemini in the third, and so on, until the final sign of Pisces will complete the chart, occupying the 12th house. On the contrary, if Libra was rising at the time of birth, then Libra would occupy the 1st house, Scorpio the 2nd, Sagittarius the 3rd, and so on. This would make the Lagna Venus. There are 12 possible Ascendants, depending on which sign was rising at birth.
Each Rashi is ruled or lorded by one of the 7 planets, or Grahas, in our solar system. Those planets are Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Sun, and Moon. To keep with our previous example, Aries is ruled by Mars. The graha ruling the first house is known as the Lagna. Each graha lords over two rashis except the Moon, ruling Cancer, and the Sun, ruling Leo. The other rulerships are as follows: Mars rules Aries and Scorpio, Venus rules Taurus and Libra, Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Pisces, Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius. Synthesizing the rulerships and graha placement in sign and house will give incredible insights into the affecting karmas.
The planets are posited in a particular house depending on where they were in the cosmos at birth. Because each sign is represented as 30 degrees, each house will also be 30 degrees, and one whole sign. This is known as the whole house system. Some branches of astrology use cusps. The degree of each planet in a sign is essential to analyze when reading a chart. Read like an age; the first and last degrees are considered unreliable, to young or old, and can be interpreted as such when accessing a planet's strength to produce results. However, planets in the middle of the 30-degree spectrum are considered awake and active. They will be ready to produce the pending karmas and should be accessed with other factors to gain a deeper understanding.
In addition to signs, planets, and houses, there are other aspects to consider, quite literally! The relationship spacially between these elements reveals very nuanced meanings. Oppositions, conjunctions, and angles are different relationships between planets and signs. Grahas as house rulers in signs and houses are combinations written about in ancient texts, described as yogas. These combinations are activated through transits and Dasha cycles.
Analyzing a birth chart can be simple and complex, depending on the level of detail and depth you want to explore. At its core, Astrology is a powerful tool that offers insights into our lives and the world around us. It gives us a unique perspective on our personalities, relationships, and life's purpose. By studying the positions of the planets and stars at the moment of our birth, Astrology helps us gain a deeper understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, and potential challenges. It can help us find meaning and purpose in our lives, connect with our highest selves, and live a more fulfilling and authentic existence.
Ultimately, Astrology is a tool to help the soul navigate the physical experience on Earth. By exploring our birth chart, we can gain greater self-awareness and learn how to navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease, grace, and confidence.
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