Lesson 2

In the second step we need to learn about the planets, after reading their nature we should visualise them using our imagination, and try to develop our faith about each planet as they are described without being judgemental. Faith allows the windows of intuition to open, and their is no other course ( path ) available for enhancing our knowledge and intuition.

The nine planets in twelve houses give a combination of 108 possibilities-and as the entire universe can be seen through the hundred and few natural chemical elements - we can learn a great deal of information through these combinations.

The classic texts give vast information about the nature of each planet- but for a beginner we can read Phaldeepika and the precise information a very strong stepping stone.

I re-iterate my request to read various available texts about the nature of planets ( just planets, it is too early to reflect on each planet in different house ).

Waiting for your questions.

Lesson 1

Lesson 1

Astrology is divided in two major divisions- Calculative astrology and predictive/ interpretive astrology. Most of the softwares take away the necessity of learning calculative astrology for the beginners, though one has better learn and master it, for only then one will know if we are looking at an accurate chart. I prefer starting with interpretive astrology, so that it should become interesting, and then it inspires the pupils to learn more after seeing the amazing results of accurate prediction. If you are interested " Elements of Astronomy and astrological calculations " by V.P. Jain provides an easy and almost exhaustive ( for a beginner ) teaching of calculation for astrology.

The entire horoscope is built on the foundation of two beings, planets, and houses. Lagna represents the physical being of a person, Sun lagna, the soul; and Moon lagna , the mind. As all our affairs reflect in the material world, so we need to see the Lagna as the reference point for all affairs.

So the most important lesson to learn in the first step in predictive / interpretive astrology is the meaning of each lagna. The effect of Lagna in Aries, in Taurus , in Gemini and so on has to be learnt in the very first place. Lagna's nature as airy , fiery, watery and earthy has a dominant effect on people's lives. One's imagination, intuition and experience should be used to get the meaning of Lagna.

The bookish, and simple interpretation of every Lagna is provided by Bepin Behari in " Planets in the Signs & Houses ", but its explanation and theoretical reflection, which is quite satisfying is provided in " The A to Z of Astrology " by Mahan Vir Tulli. Bepin Behari very lucidly describes lagna in two sentences in different places. It goes like " The assessment of a life in all its variety can be done effectively only on the basis of the total horoscope, but the First house reflects the entirety of the individual's life within a small compass. ...the astrological texts describe the first house as representing the physical appearance of a person, his temperament, personality an environment , the early years of life's journey and the vitality with which he meets the challenges of life.

I encourage you to read various texts about the lagna and then give yourself some time according to your temperament to reflect, (can be a day or a week ), also links to ancient books sites, and then get back to me with your questions. For it is the question and answer session which is like the rowing of a ship, pushing the learner forward, and not the waters around ( symbol of the ocean of knowledge present in the world ).