CHAPTER 4
SIGNS OR RASHIS
Thus we have twelve Signs in the Zodiac and each one of them have been certain name under different languages or systems. Those are:
|
No. |
English Names |
Indian Names |
Sanskrit Names |
Symbols |
Sign lord |
|
1 |
Aries |
Mesha |
Kriya |
Ram |
+Mars |
|
2. |
Taurus |
Vrishabha |
Tavuri |
Bull |
+Venus |
|
3. |
Gemini |
Mithuna |
Jeetum |
Twins |
+Mercury |
|
4. |
Cancer |
Karka |
Kulir |
Crab |
Moon |
|
5. |
Leo |
Simha |
Ley |
Lion |
Sun |
|
6. |
Virgo |
Kanya |
Pathon |
Virgin |
-Mercury |
|
7. |
Libra |
Thula |
Juka |
Scales |
-Venus |
|
8. |
Scorpio |
Vrischika |
Tauvarya |
Scorpion |
–Mars/Pluto |
|
9. |
Sagittarius |
Dhanu |
Naukshik |
Centaur |
+Jupiter |
|
10. |
Capricorn |
Makara |
Akoker |
Goat/ Crocodile |
-Saturn |
|
11. |
Aquarius |
Kumbha |
Hradhyog |
Man carrying a pitcher |
+Saturn/ Hershel |
|
12. |
Pisces |
Meena |
Atvambha |
Two fishes |
-Jupiter/ Neptune |
THE ELEMENTS: (Tatwa) (Triplicities)
The twelve Signs of the Zodiac are divided in the four major elements. (Actually there are, in all, five elements viz. Fire – Agni, Earth – Prithvi, Air – Vayu, Water Jala and Ether – Akasha) But at this stage, we confine ourselves to the first four elements only. Thus:
|
Fire |
Earth |
Air |
Water |
|
Aries |
Taurus |
Gemini |
Cancer |
|
Leo |
Virgo |
Libra |
Scorpio |
|
Sagittarius |
Capricorn |
Aquarius |
Pisces |
Thus, the four elements divide the twelve Signs of the Zodiac into three or “triplicities” i.e. three Fire, three Earth, three Air and three Water Signs.
THE CHARACTERISTICS: (Swabhava) (Quadruplicity)
Again. The Signs are divided in three major characteristics. These are:
|
Movable (Chara) |
Fixed (Sthira) |
Common (Dwiswabhtava) |
|
|
Aries |
Taurus |
Gemini |
|
|
Cancer |
Leo |
Virgo |
|
|
Libra |
Scorpio |
Sagittarius |
|
|
Capricorn |
Aquarius |
Pisces |
|
Thus, the three characteristics divide the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac into fours or “quadruplicities” i.e. four Movable, four Fired and four Common Signs.
In Western texts, Movable Signs are often referred to as Cardinal Signs, while the Common Signs are also called as Mutable Signs. In Indian texts, Movable Signs are also called Dhatu or Mineral Signs, the fixed Signs as Moola or root and the dual Signs as jeeva or living.
NOTE: The Quadruplicities and the Triplicities are by far the most important basic structure, on which a major portion of astrological predictions is dependent. Hence, at a later stage, we shall devote some more time and attention to this subject.
MANNER OF RISING:
Just as a child may be born either head first, or legs first, or in case of Caesarean operations – both ways, so also, the Signs rise in the sky on the Eastern horizon in a similar fashion, Thus we have:
Sirshodaya (Rising with their heads): Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Aquarius
Prishthodaya (Rising from hind part): Aries Taurus Cancer Sagittarius Capricorn
Ubhayodaya (Rising both ways): Gemini Pisces
All Sirshodaya Signs are called Diurnal Signs, and are considered tobe powerful, if rising during day births. All Prishthodaya Signs and Gemini are referred to as Nocturnal Signs, and are powerful if rising during night births. Pisces is said tobe powerful, if rising during twilight.
ASCENSION OF THE SIGNS:
Although all Signs are normally considered as of equal length viz. 30 degrees each, some take more time to rise (ascend), while others take less time to rise. Thus wehave:
Signs of Long Ascension:
Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius
Signs of Short Ascension:
Aries, Taurus and Gemini. (First three)
Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces. (Last three)
NOTE: This order has to be reversed for places in the Southern Hemisphere.
SEX OF THE SIGNS:
Masculine or Odd Signs:
These are: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius. If most of the planets or points occupy these Signs, the native is more masculine in appearance and by nature, even though a female.
Feminine or Even Signs:
These are: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces. If majority of the planets or points occupy these Signs, the native is more gentle and feminine in appearance and by nature, even though a male.
The odd Signs are also called cruel or fierce Signs, while the even Signs are referred to as gentle or Saumya.
OCCUPATIONS/ TRADE OF SIGNS:
Cancer – Scorpio – Pisces are: Brahmins/Priests. (Water)
Aries- Leo – Sagittarius are: Kshtriyas/Warriors. (Fire)
Gemini -Libra –Aquarius are: Sudras/Scavengers. (Air)
Taurus -Virgo – Capricorn are: Vaisyas/traders. (Earth)
Forms of Signs
Quadrupeds/ Animal signs (Four-legged): Aries, Taurus, Leo, the latter half of Sagittarius and Capricorn are quadruped Signs.
Biped or Human Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Libra, the first half of Sagittarius and Aquarius are Human Signs.
Keeta (reptile) Signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are considered as Keeta Rasis. However, in actual practice, only Scorpio should be considered as truly a Keeta Rasi.
PART OF THE BOBY:
The twelve Signs of the Zodiac also represent the various parts of the body of the Kalpurusha, the eternal man. Thus.
Aries: Head and Face.
Taurus: Throat and Neck.
Gemini: Shoulders, Arms & Hands.
Cancer: Chest and Breasts.
Leo: Heart, Soul, Back and Spinal Cord.
Virgo: Stomach and Intestines.
Libra: Navel & External Organs of Generation.
Scorpio: Internal Organs of Generation.
Sagittarius: Thighs.
Capricorn: Knees.
Aquarius: Legs.
Pisces: Feet, Ankle and Toes.
It may be pointed out that these parts of the body are highly generalized. In fact a detailed study of Medical Astrology will reveal that each bone, muscle, sinew, nerve, skin layers, the minutest tissues, each of the 33 vertebrae, etc. are scientifically dissected and ascribed different Signs of the Zodiac.
COLOURS ASCRIBED TO SIGNS:
Different colors are signified by the twelve Signs of the Zodiac. This is an area, which is rather controversial and highly debatable, as various authorities differ on the subject and the student is likely to be baffled by the different opinions prevailing. Yet, the details below are culled out from Brihat Jataka, the most ancient text by Varaha Mihira on Hindu Astrology. Thus,
|
Aries |
Red |
Cancer |
Pink |
Libra |
Variegated |
Capricorn |
Brown |
|
Taurus |
White |
Leo |
Golden |
Scorpio |
Black |
Aquarius |
Variegated |
|
Gemini |
Green |
Virgo |
Grey |
Sagittarius |
Yellow |
Pisces |
Dark brown |
ABODES OF THE SIGNS:
Aries: Forests.
Taurus: Fields and Meadows.
Gemini: Bedroom, Village.
Cancer: Pond or small pit with water.
Leo: Mountain Cave.
Virgo: Land with water & Vegetation.
Libra: Market Place.
Scorpio: Small hole and crevices.
Sagittarius: Battlefield.
Capricorn: Forest with plenty of water.
Aquarius: Place frequented by potters.
Pisces: Water.
MONTHS RELATED TO RASIS:
|
Rasis |
Solar Months (western Astrology) |
||
|
Aries |
21 March |
To |
20 April |
|
Taurus |
21 April |
To |
20 May |
|
Gemini |
21 May |
To |
20 June |
|
Cancer |
21 June |
To |
20 July |
|
Leo |
21 July |
To |
20 August |
|
Virgo |
21 August |
To |
20 September |
|
Libra |
21 September |
To |
20 October |
|
Scorpio |
21 October |
To |
20 November |
|
Sagittarius |
21 November |
To |
20 December |
|
Capricorn |
21 December |
To |
20 January |
|
Aquarius |
21 January |
To |
20 February |
|
Pisces |
21 February |
To |
20 March |
The above table is an approximate indication. The dates indicate the approximate time during which the Sayana (Western) Sun enters and remains in the Sayana Rasi. The Sun takes about 30/31 days to traverse a Sign, while the lunar month takes generally 27 to 29 days to transit through the twelve Signs of the Zodiac. Hence the two should not be confused.
|
Rasis |
Solar Months (Indian Astrology) |
||
|
Aries |
13 April |
To |
13 May |
|
Taurus |
14 May |
To |
13 June |
|
Gemini |
14 June |
To |
15 July |
|
Cancer |
16 July |
To |
15 August |
|
Leo |
16 August |
To |
15 September |
|
Virgo |
16 September |
To |
15 October |
|
Libra |
17 October |
To |
15 November |
|
Scorpio |
16 November |
To |
14 December |
|
Sagittarius |
15 December |
To |
14 January |
|
Capricorn |
14 January |
To |
11 February |
|
Aquarius |
12 February |
To |
13 March |
|
Pisces |
14 March |
To |
12 April |
SIGNS AND PLANETS AND INTER-RELATIONSHIPS
We have taken a fairly clear idea of the Signs and the planets individually. Thus, both the Rashis as well as the planets have their own independent and individualistic traits and characteristics. These, however, undergo substantial changes requiring certain modifications when they intermingle. Thus, when a sign is all-alone, by itself, it portrays certain trails. Yet, when a planet is posited in that sign, these traits will stand modified to a certain extent. Similarly, a planet by itself has certain characteristics, yet when it occupies a particular sign, these get modified to some extent. We shall now proceed to study these in some detail.
RULERSHIP
Each Rashis is allotted a particular planet, which is said to rule over that sign. Thus:
|
Rasi / Signs |
Ruling planets |
Rasi / Signs |
Ruling planets |
|
Aries |
+Mars |
Libra |
-Venus |
|
Taurus |
+Venus |
Scorpio |
– Mars /Pluto |
|
Gemini |
+Mercury |
Sagittarius |
+Jupiter |
|
Cancer |
Moon |
Capricorn |
-Saturn |
|
Leo |
Sun |
Aquarius |
+Saturn/ Hershel |
|
Virgo |
-Mercury |
Pisces |
-Jupiter/ Neptune |
The Ruler (Planet) is also often referred to as the Lord of that sign. Thus, if Mars is in the sign Aries, it is said to be in its own positive sign and is, therefore, also referred to as being “SWAGRAHI”.
EXALTATION:
Again, when a planet is in a particular sign, it is said to be “Exalted” or is also referred to as being “Uchha”. Thus:
|
Planet |
Sign of Exaltation |
|
Sun |
Aries 10 degrees |
|
Moon |
Taurus 3 degrees |
|
Mars |
Capricorn 28 degrees |
|
Mercury |
Virgo 15 degrees |
|
Jupiter |
Cancer 5 degrees |
|
Saturn |
Libra 20 degrees |
|
Venus |
Pisces 27 degrees |
The degrees given here refer to the point of maximum exaltation of the planet concerned. Thus, the maximum point of exaltation of Sun is at 10 degrees of Aries, where it is considered as “Param Uchha”.
By virtue of being exalted, the power of the planet is magnified several fold, for better or for worse, depending whether it is a benefic or a malefic.
DEBILITATION:
A planet when placed in the sign exactly opposite to the sign of its exaltation. is said to be debilated or “Neecha”. Thus:
|
Planet |
Sign of Debilitation |
|
Sun |
Libra 10 degrees |
|
Moon |
Scorpio 3 degrees |
|
Mars |
Cancer 28 degrees |
|
Mercury |
Pisces 15 degrees |
|
Jupiter |
Capricorn 5 degrees |
|
Saturn |
Aries 20 degrees |
|
Venus |
Virgo 27 degrees |
Again, the degrees here denote the maximum point of debilitation of the planet, being exactly 180 degrees away from the point of maximum exaltation, where it is considered as being “Param Neecha”.
NOTE: About Rahu and Ketu, there does not seem to be any consensus amongst the astrologers. Some opine that Rahu is exalted in Taurus and Ketu in Scorpio, while some others feel that Rahu is exalted in Gemini and Ketu in Sagittarius.
When a planet is debilitated, the power of the planet is reduced considerably.
MOOL-TRIKONA:
This is a concept, which is only found in the Indian (Niryana) System. This is an area of strength for a planet, which lies somewhere in between the Swagrahi and exaltation points of the planets Thus:
|
Planet |
Mool Trikona |
|
Sun |
Leo |
|
Moon |
Taurus |
|
Mars |
Aries |
|
Mercury |
Virgo |
|
Jupiter |
Sagittarius |
|
Saturn |
Libra |
|
Venus |
Aquarius |
Keeping aside the Sun and the Moon (who are luminaries), except (or Mercury. the Mool-Trikona Signs of the other planets are their respective odd (male) Signs.
GENERAL:
The students would have observed that the same sign is allotted to the same planet as being Swagrahi. Mool-Trikona and Exaltation and this are likely to create confusion in the minds of the student. We must emphasis that only certain areas are specifically taken into account in such cases. The matter will perhaps be better appreciated by studying the following table:
|
Planet |
Sign Owned |
Sign of Mool- Trikona |
Sign of Exaltation |
Sign of Debilitation |
|
SUN |
Leo-last10 degrees |
Leo-first 20 degrees |
Aries-upto10 degrees |
Libra up to 10 degrees |
|
MOON |
Cancer |
Taurus-last 27 degrees |
Taurus-first 3 degrees |
Scorpio first 3 degrees |
|
MARS |
Aries-last 18 degrees, full Scorpio |
Aries-first 12 degrees |
Capricorn-up to 28 degrees |
Cancer up to 28 degrees |
|
MERCURY |
Full Gemini, +Virgo last 5 degrees |
Virgo 15 degrees-25 degrees |
Virgo first 15 degrees |
Pisces first 15 degrees |
|
JUPITER |
Sagittarius last 10 deg, +full Pisces |
Sagittarius first 20 |
Cancer first 5 degrees |
Capricorn first 5 degrees |
|
VENUS |
Full Taurus + Libra – first 20 deg. |
Libra-first 20 degrees |
Pisces first 27 degrees |
Virgo first 27 degrees |
|
SATURN |
Full Capricorn + Aquarius – last 10 deg. |
Aquarius First 20 degrees |
Libra first 20 degrees |
Aries first 20 degrees |
The inter-relationship of sign and planets is a rather important matter and the students are required to be totally familiar with this data.