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The Astrological Chart & Chakras.
The Astrological Chart & Chakras.
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Laura Barat has been practicing Vedic
Astrology and giving consultations for 12 years. She is a graduate of the American College of Vedic Astrology and a graduate and regional teacher of Dirah Academy International. She is also a member of the American Federation of Astrologers and has written numerous articles about Astrology. During her teens, she was very interested in Astronomy and that turned into an avid passion for Astrology. Metaphysical subjects have interested her since childhood. Laura studies under the brilliant Vedic Astrologer, Ernst Wilhelm. She uses the rather novel method of delineating horoscopes with the Tropical Zodiac instead of the Sidereal Zodiac while also using all Vedic techniques from Maharishis Parasara and Jaimini. Her website is: www.laurabarat.org.
profound link exists between an individuals 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
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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.
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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.
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extremes are always the same, 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 Who was it that said all our neuroses and the divine inspiration cannot be expressed outwardly when it is with Ketu. stem from the knowledge of our
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, the aspect of the persons life represented by said planet seems to disappear or, in the case of malefics, one will overly compensate. When a planet is combust, this fact contributes greatly to a planets Ishta/Kashta score, or rather its good/bad points.
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
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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.
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
Sun, Moon Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter
Chakra
Ajna or Third Eye Chakra Vissudha or Throat Chakra Anahata or Heart Chakra Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra Swadisthana or Sacral Plexus Chakra
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Signs
Leo, Cancer Gemini, Virgo Taurus, Libra Aries, Scorpio Sagittarius, Pisces
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Saturn
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 would 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 ones 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 ones attitude and happiness.
Why would 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.
The Chakras, Their Meaning, and Asanas to Purify Them Muladhara 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
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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.
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 shoulders. 2. Turn your left foot out, slowly bend to the left and take a firm hold of your left ankle 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 arms inner elbow. Join the palms of your hands together. Maintain your balance. Repeat with the other leg and arm.
Note: No pictorial diagrams are given as it is presumed that readers have minimum intermediate level knowledge of Yoga Asanas. If not kindly refer to the web for it.
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Svadisthana Chakra
Svadisthana can be translated as ones 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 ones 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.
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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 this 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 lo w in Manipura or overly compensating, so measures must be taken to balance the energy.
Yoga Asanas for Manipura Chakra 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.
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Anahata 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.
Publisher: This asana is an excellent asana for astrologers to increase their intuition.
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Vishuddha 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.
Ajna 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
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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 are afflicted, then the person does not listen to his/her intuition and will suffer because of it.
Yoga Asanas for the Ajna 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.
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