Argala
QUESTION BY MR.GAURANGA DAS
I have read the chapter on Argala in the BPHS, but I couldn't understand anything. Could You please explain the principles of Argala to me?
9 ANSWER BY MR.SARAT CHANDER
Argala means intervention in the affairs of a sign (Rashi) or graha by another rashi or graha.
Argala can be of two types viz., (i) Shubhargala (good intervention) caused by benefic rasi/graha, and (ii) Papargala (bad intervention) caused by malefic rasi/graha.
However, such Argala is also obstructed by other rasi/graha.
The strength, effect and prevalence of the Argala or obstruction to the argala is determined from the strength of the rasi/graha (determined by the standard methods) causing the Argala and obstruction. The result of the stronger of the two causes it (Argala/obstruction) to prevail. The following rules explain the cause of Argala and the obstruction to it:
Cause of argala RULE - I The rasi or planet(s) in the 2nd, 4th and 11th houses from a rasi/graha intervene or cause ‘Argala’ in the affairs of the latter. (UPSJ: 1.1.4) RULE – II Malefic rasi/planet(s) in the 3rd from a rasi/graha also cause ‘Argala’ on the said rasi. (Note: A malefic/malefics in the 3rd not only cause obstruction of the Argala of the 11th rasi/graha, but they themselves cause Argala simultaneously.
RULE – III The rasi/graha in the 5th also cause secondary level ‘Argala’ on the said rasi.
Obstruction of argala
RULE – I The rasi/graha in the 3rd, 10th and 12th from a rasi/graha obstruct the Argala.
RULE – II The rasi/graha in the 9th obstructs the Argala caused by the rasi/graha in the 5th (Rule – III above).
Exception regarding Ketu
In the case of a sign occupied by Ketu, the reckoning of both Argala and Obstruction caused by the said rasi/Ketu is always done in the reverse direction (anti clockwise).
¾ FOLLOW-UP QUESTION BY MR.NARASIMHA RAO ON KETU EXCEPTION
You said, "EXCEPTION REGARDING KETU In the case of a sign occupied by Ketu, the reckoning of both Argala and Obstruction caused by the said rais/Ketu is always done in the reverse direction (anti clockwise)." Is it "caused by" or "caused on"? I have so far been under the impression that the exception applies when we find argala *on* the sign containing Ketu (not *by* the sign). Let us say Ketu is in Libra. When we find argalas on Cancer, Libra and Ketu cause argala being in the 4th from Cancer. But, when we find argalas *on* Libra, they are caused by 2nd, 4th and 11th counted in reverse, i.e. by Vi, Cn and Sg. This is the way I understood it and possibly it is wrong.
9 ANSWER BY PT.SANJAY RATH
Your understanding is correct. Argala means planetary or sign intervention and they are caused on signs and planets alike. The primary ones the 2nd, 4th & 11th and they are obstructed by the 12th, 10th and 3rd respectively. As regards Ketu, the reckoning is always in the reverse. Thus, for example, my AL is Sagittarius and has Ketu in it. Thus for Ketu the 2nd, 4th and 11th counted in the reverse is Scorpio, Virgo and Aquarius that cause Argala. The planets in these signs also cause Argala on Ketu.
However, the AL is Sagittarius and the Argala on the AL is reckoned in the regular order i.e the 2nd, 4th and 11th from Sagittarius or Capricorn, Pisces and Libra intervene in its affairs. Thus the presence of Saturn in the 2nd, Sun in the 8th and Ketu in AL causes Kemadruma (Poverty) Yoga which has resulted in taking up a service which can never make the two ends meet!! I guess all honest Govt. servants in India will be in such a predicament. Fortunately, the Mokshkaraka Ketu has Subha Argala in the 11th in Aquarius and due to my Ketu related activities I have received gifts and donations to improve my lot. Thus in Leo Dasa Aquarius Antardasa my elder brother gifted me a Car!! (We should also see the aspect of Aquarius on the A4 in Libra for this not ignoring its Argala on the 4th house as well.) Moon aspected by Venus can be a Dhana Yoga.
¾ ANOTHER FOLLOW-UP QUESTION BY DINA-NATHA DAS
1.What does that mean that malefic(s) in 3rd cause Argala themselves simultaneously? 2.What is the secondary level Argala? I couldn't find any explanation about secondary level Argala in BPHS. What is the difference between primary and secondary Argala? Regarding Exception of Ketu, In BHPS ch. 31. Verses 2-9, Santhanam's translation, it is said: "As the nodes have retrograde motions, the Argalas and obstructions be also counted accordingly in a reverse manner."
Since Santhanam used plural for words node and motion, that would indicate that wants to say that we should use reverse counting for reckoning Argala for both nodes, Rahu and Ketu. Later in the notes on the same verse he is giving an example where he is counting in reverse order to reckon the Argala of Rahu which confirms the above verse from BPHS.
Also there is very important rule about Argala in the verse 10 of ch 31.: " The Argala caused by placement of a planet in the first one fourth part of the Rasi is countered by another placed in the 4th quarter of the respective obstructive Rasi. Similarly 2nd quarter's Argala is eliminated by the 3rd quarter placement."
Santhanam explains: "If the Argala causing planet is in the first quarter (or first 7 degrees 30 minutes of the sign), while the obstructing planet is in the 4th quarter (22degrees 30 minutes to 30 degrees), the obstruction indeed will come to pass... Likewise while the Argala planet is in the 2nd quarter of the sign (i.e. 7 degrees 30 minutes to 15 degrees), the obstruction (planet in 15degrees to 22 degrees 30 minutes i.e. 3rd quarter) will combat the Argala."
9 ANSWER BY PT.SANJAY RATH
Malefics in the third suo-moto cause Argala as they also simultaneously obstruct the Argala of the 11th house. Since the 11th is the house of Gains, the objective is not gained and the person has to use PARAKRAMA BALA to achieve the objective. Thus, the gain is initially denied and the native fights for it and gains it at a later stage.
As regards the Chaturthamsa usage for determining the efficacy of the Argala and its obstruction, this is Bhagya (fortune/Destiny) and we shall discuss this later. I have already explained earlier that the reverse counting is for Ketu ONLY and not for Rahu as along with the other planets Rahu is the cause of rebirth and the fruits. Ketu is the ONLY planet that is working like Ganapati (Tapasya) to take us to Narayana i.e. Moksha. Hence Ketu's Argala is in the reverse as it indicates the planets favouring or disfavouring the attaining of Moksha. For example, I have Ketu in the AL in Sagittarius with the Moon in Aquarius and no planet in Libra. Thus, the Moon in the 3rd from the AL shows the nature of death and this is unobstructed.
Moon is also in the 11th from Ketu counted in the reverse direction and helps in the gain of the objective of Moksha and this Argala is unobstructed. Thus on the one hand the Moon gives death, and on the other it aids Moksha which can be achieved, in the real sense after death.
I hope with this example it is amply clear that the reverse count is only for Ketu because it is the Moksha karaka.
ANOTHER FOLLOW-UP QUESTION BY MR.NARASIMHA ON THE ABOVE EXAMPLE.
This is a convenient example with Ketu in the arudha lagna. Because of Ketu is in AL, 3rd from AL and 11th from Ketu (in reverse) coincide and you have nice logic. This is not always true.
If someone has Ketu is in Sg, Moon in Li and AL in Le, he can say: "see - the 11th from Ketu (directly counted) has Moon and 3rd from AL also has Moon. So Moon gives death and helps in the gain of the objective of Moksha" and present a case for forward counting for Ketu also.
No, I am not questioning "vipareetam ketoh" exception. I accepted that argala caused *by* Ketu and his sign are counted in reverse, because Jaimini maharshi and you taught so. However, I still cannot see any logic behind this. I am referring to the concluding remark quoted above. I still can't see the relation between reverse counting for Ketu and Ketu being Moksha karaka.
I am not satisfied by the explanation you gave and will wait for more explanation later.
RELATED QUESTION BY MR.DINAKARAN
Two malefic planets occupied in each two bhava 5th and 9th . 9th bhava obstructs the argala. The same number of planets occupied in each house now is the obstruction removed or not removed. How does it conclude? Does any remedy to remove the obstruction? Please clarify with need example.
Have any rules to cancel " The Karaka bhava nasa" ?
9 ANSWER BY PT.SANJAY RATH
Nice question. If the Argala and its obstruction are equally strong, it constitutes a bandhana Yoga (Bondage). If malefics alone are involved, and if this is in the 2-12 or 5-9 houses, then this can cause actual physical bondage like kidnapping or jail. Rahu and Saturn involved gives being beaten with chains or other forms of torture while Gulika afflicting shows the use of poisonous substances. This world can be very evil for some people depending on their karma. That is why I always look for natural benefics in these places.
NOTHER RELATED QUESTION ON ARGALA BY MR.SATISH
Appreciate if someone can answer the questions on argala. I don't think I understand argala. i.e. What is a good argala and what is bad argala. Does it depend on the planet causing the argala.
9 ANSWER BY MR.NARASIMHA RAO
Yes. Think of this question: What is a good aspect and what is a bad aspect?
Argalas by malefics are bad and argalas by benefics are good. Let me give an example.
Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi's D-10 has lagna and Venus in Gemini, Sun in Cancer and Saturn and Mercury in Aries. Lagna in D-10 shows one's true nature when moving in society (i.e. in career). Let us take the argalas on lagna. Sun casts an argala and so do Mercury and Saturn. What are the results?
Mercury's argala shows that he may be intellectual in nature. Saturn's argala on lagna can make him humble. Sun's argala may make him forceful and authoritative. How can one be humble and authoritative? Well, you can see both these qualities in him depending on dasa and transit influences. But the dominating influence will be Sun's, because Saturn is debilitated and weak.
Why did I say Saturn's argala gives humility, which is a word with a positive spin on it? Why not introvert nature, inhibition, servile behavior etc, which have a negative spin? Similarly, why did I say Sun's argala on dasamsa lagna makes him forceful and authoritative in his movement in the society (which is somewhat negative)? Why can't it make him a charming and charismatic leader (which is positive)? The answer has to do with benefic/malefic argalas.
Each planet's influence on each house can have a positive spin as well as negative spin. A positive influence, consistent with the nature of the planet, can be exerted when it has a benefic argala. A negative influence, consistent with the nature of the planet, can be exerted when it has a malefic argala.
Here Saturn owns 8th and 9th from lagna and he is a functional benefic. So his argala on lagna can give humble nature (positive) and not servile, introvert and inhibited nature (negative). Sun, OTOH, is a functional malefic as he owns 3rd house and he gives a forceful and authoritative nature (negative) and not a charismatic and charming personality (positive).
[Note: To find functional benefics and malefics for a lagna, follow Parasara and not modern day savants! What Parasara taught is perfect. If it doesn't make sense to you or if it doesn't work for you, it must be that you misunderstood him! While on the topic of strict adherence of Parasari principles of functional nature of planets, look for my article on "Kendradhipati dosha" (the malice of a benefic's ownership of a quadrant) in Surya Prakash memorial issue of "The Astrological Magazine" - Sept 1999.]
Another example: Madonna's D-10 has ghati lagna and Venus in Taurus and Saturn causes argala on ghati lagna from Pisces. With Saturn being a yogakaraka (owner of 9th and 10th) from Taurus, his argala is benefic. What does it give her? Humility?
In the previous example, we were dealing with lagna. Lagna shows true nature, arudha lagna shows perceptions and ghati lagna shows power and authority. When we consider planets and houses, we have to choose what they stand for based on the varga (divisional chart) at hand and the reference point at hand (lagna, arudha lagna, ghati lagna etc). This is why classics give many qualities for the same planet. In the case of lagna, the positive quality Saturn gives is humility. In the case of ghati lagna (fame, power and authority), Saturn signifies popularity among masses. So yogakaraka Saturn's benefic argala on ghati lagna made her popular among masses.
Final example: Sanjay's D-24 (chart of knowledge) has a benefic argala of Saturn on lagna and benefic argala of Sun on ghati lagna. In matters of knowledge, he is a humble person because of Saturn's benefic argala on lagna (despite Saturn's debilitation). In matters of knowledge, he is popular among politicians and powerful men, because of Sun's argala on ghati lagna. As far as matters related to ghati lagna (fame and power) are concerned, Saturn signifies mass following and Sun signifies following in the ruling class.
As I keep trying to show you again and again, different divisional charts and different lagnas cover different dimensions of human life. Attempting to cover all those with one lagna and one chart results in ambiguity and eventually loss of confidence in classics. Parasara wasn't fooling around when he defined special lagnas and divisional charts. They have specific purposes. Also he did not mention argalas for fun. They too have a purpose.
Hope you have learnt something from these freewheeling thoughts....
Rasi Drishti
QUESTION BY MR.SARAJIT
Can You please tell me something about the rasi dristi?
9 ANSWER BY MR.SARAT CHANDER
I don't know if Narasimha has already replied to this as I have not followed the mails closely. However, here it is. Rasi Drishti is called sign aspects.
The basic rule is
(1) All Chara (Moveable signs) Rasis aspect the Sthira (Fixed signs) except the one adjacent.
Example: Aries (Chara Rasi) aspects Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius - all the three being Sthira Rasis and does not aspect Taurus (also a Sthira Rasi) as it is adjacent to Aries.
(2) All Sthira Rasis aspect the Chara Rasis except the one adjacent to it. Example: Taurus (Sthira Rasi) aspects Cancer, Libra and Capricorn - all the three being Chara Rasis and does not aspect Aries (also a Chara Rasi) as it is adjacent to it.
(3) All the Dwiswabhava (Dual signs) Rasis aspect each other. Example: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces aspect each other.
Rasi dirshtis are more permanent in nature while the graha drishti indicates only the desire for the significance. Good or bad aspects of a Rashi dirshti are bound to fructify while those of graha drishti only indicate a possibility.
Rashi drishti can be said to be akin to two houses opposite each other (or even as stated in points (1) (2) and (3) above) in the neighbourhood and the grahas in such rasis can be compared with the people living in the houses. The positive and negative influences of the people living in the opposite house is bound to influence the very living of ours.
Assume a very pious and dharmic person (say Jupiter) living in the opposite house. His pious and peaceful disposition is certainly going to influence everybody in the neighbourhood. Similarly, if a bad element (say Rahu) were to live in the opposite house the negative influence is bound to take place disturbing the peace and harmony of all.
Thus, the grahas occupying the rasis casting rasi drishti are bound to give the results (good or bad) during their periods, while the grahas in graha drishti need not necessarily give such results even though indicative of the same.
I hope you get the idea know.
QUESTION BY Mr. NICHOLAY
When, at the analysis of a horoscope, apply Argala, when graha dristi, when rasi dristi?
9 ANSWER BY PT.SANYAY RATH
Argala is an intervention of outside influences on a house or significator. These are normally inanimate like a beneficial Ketu argala on Jupiter can give assets like aeroplanes! (This is an extreme position and experience is the best teacher in handling argala). Graha's are animate or movable objects like men and Graha dristi indicates desire of individuals or the native himself. Rasi dristi are permanent aspects of the signs. Both Rasi and Graha dristi are to be applied simultaneously. Rasi dristi is a permanent aspect while Graha dristi only moulds the desire of the object. For example, Saturn's aspect brings sorrow. If Saturn aspects the second, this could be with regard to family
and so on. These are very qualitative as the sorrow always comes due to an incorrect perception or desire.
9 ANOTHER RELATED ANSWER BY PT.SANJAY RATH
Imagine two houses facing each other in the opposite sides of a street. Let us call one Aries and the other Scorpio as these houses aspect each other. Now, the planets stationed in these signs are like people staying in the houses. What happens if these people are friendly to each other, like a priest Jupiter in Aries, the Mantras he says in the morning is going to be beneficial for the house in front as well. As the house and its occupants also benefit from the association with their front door neighbour.
What happens if someone tells you that a Criminal has come to live in the house opposite yours? You have not met the criminal, yet there is going to be an apprehension. This is the effect of Rasi Dristi. These are permanent aspects caused due to the signs. They decide your reaction to information and other inputs from the Nature.
Application of Rasi Dristi is vital in Jyotish. For example, you will recall how I had explained the Sarpa Yoga and the war in Yogoslavia. It ended as expected when Jupiter entered Aries and broke the sarpa yoga. Now, when Mars moved into Scorpio, it has dristi in its own house and the reconstruction of the place has begun as Mars favours its sign.
Argala means intervention while Dristi means aspect. Argala may have dristi, while the vice-versa is not assured.
QUESTION BY Mr.GAURANGA DAS
I have read the chapter on planetary and sign aspects in BPHS. One surprising thing is that Varaha Mihira mentions only the planetary aspects. And usually we consider opposition and the special full aspects by Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and the nodes and on other aspects. Does this mean that these are the most important or strong aspects? Another thing is that Parasara not always gives a full aspect to a planet on the opposing sign. He says that Mars aspects the 7th with one foot, Jupiter with two feet and Saturn with three feet, while other planets give a full aspect on the 7th. (I deduct one foot meaning 1/4 aspect, 2 feet as 1/2 aspect etc.) Please guide me, how should I use the aspects, because I'm confused.
9 ANSWER BY PT.SANJAY RATH
A very valid point has been put forth by you. What comes first "the chicken or the egg". The sign aspects are permanent aspects and do not change with time. They are to understood as two buildings standing in front of each other. These are the inanimate aspects indicating the fructification of the desires in the forms of physical or material changes on the universe. Planetary aspects are like the desire of the planets/ people they represent. Thus, if we say that the aspect of Jupiter is good, it is because the DESIRES of Jupiter are good.
Your point about the quantum of aspect is very Vital. All planets aspect the seventh, but the outer planets Mars, Saturn & Jupiter have special aspects. These special aspects are FULL 4pada or 100%. The lower aspects show that the aspect/ desire is very low.
WHAT IS SEVENTH HOUSE ASPECT?
This is the seventh or KAMA Iccha or the desire for having union with the opposite sex etc. Mars is akin to Hanumanji the Brahmachari who has very little desire (25%) for these things, Jupiter has slightly more (50%) desire while Saturn has 75% desire. All the other planets have 100% desire. thus all planets (representing people can be said to be perverts to some degree or the other. The only exception is KETU, who does not have a head and hence cannot aspect the 7th house. Thus Ketu becomes a perfect Brahmachari and strives for Moksha. Thus, Ketu is always punishing people so they become perfect Brahmachari, renounce their wrong desires and attain Jagannatha. Even Bill Clinton was punished during Jupiter dasa-Ketu Antardasa for his affair with Monica Lewinsky.
ANOTHER RELATED QUESTION BY MR.YASOMATINANDANA DAS
Could you explain the difference between Argala and Rashi-drishti?
9 ANSWER BY Mr.SARAT CHANDER
I will attempt the reply to rashi drishti. Imagine the two rasis as two opposite houses, which look at each other and the planets, disposited in these rasis as people living in the opposite house and yourself living in the other. Obviously, a good neigbour in the opposite house will be most welcome to you, as will have good neighbourly relations and the vibrations of such a relationship will have a good effect. Eg., imagine Jupiter living in the opposite house. Obviously the pious qualities of the neighbour will spell good effects on you too. On the other hand, if a dacoit or Rahu were to live there, you will live fearing the worst constantly. But at the same time you cannot escape seeing or ignoring this house or the people living in it as it happens to be just opposite in the immediate neighbourhood. This is the effect of Rashi Drishti. Hope this explains.
¾ FOLLOW UP QUESTION BY Mr.YASOMATINANDANA DAS
You were discussing about 7th graha aspects with Sanjay Prabhu. Recently while rereading BPHS bumped against a seeming contradiction. At the end of the Rashi Dristi chapter Parasara does discuss the 1, 2, and 3 pada 7th aspects for Mars, Jupiter and Saturn respectively. But in the beginning of the Graha Dristi chapter Parasara says that it is a well-known fact that all planets have full 7th aspect. Can you help understand in which circumstances are those statements should be applied to avoid seeming contradiction.
9 ANSWER BY PT.SANJAY RATH
I have mentioned this thing about desires earlier. This applies to the second part of the quote i.e. about the pada's of dristi while the first part applies to the ability to see things or "have knowledge of". Thus all planets aspect the seventh or they have the knowledge of the happenings of the house in the seventh from their station. To what extent they desire these things in the seventh house is seen from the "Dristi Pada". Maharshi Jaimini has also expressed a similar opinion when he assigns the seventh from Lagna and the Moon for Hridaya (Not physical heart, but emotional desires).
Let us say you have Saturn in the ninth house. So, Saturn aspects the 11th (income), third and sixth houses. Since Saturn can give very strong desires due to depriving the person from the items it aspects, these houses will also show the strong desires the person will have and that these desires will be the cause of sorrow (Saturn's aspect). the aspect on the 3rd house is full in the sense that Saturn knows all that happens out there and that it can fully influence the third house, but this is not the priority of Saturn. Its aspect on the sixth gives rise to enemies and desires to win in conflicts (10th aspect-Upachaya aspect is top priority with Saturn the Labourer). Its aspect on the gains (third aspect -another Upachaya and desire to show Parakrama is next priority with saturn) reduces gains and brings misfortunes...etc. Thus, in the ninth Sani is bad both by placement and graha dristi as well.
Argala
QUESTION BY MS.LAKSHMI DEVI
Someone please answer this question. I saw the posts regarding rashi dristi.However this is a little different.This is probably basic/ stuff that I missed somewhere but please answer My question is- can the SIGN in question be influenced by the SIGNS on either side of it ?
For example- my lagna is Gemini- so do the qualities of cancer , and taurus help make up/influence the Gemini lagnas nature? Mithuna is supposed to have weakness for romance.Is this not only because Venus rules house of romance 5th,12thbed pleasuresbut also because TAURUS itself, is on one SIDE.Cancer is on the other?
So really regardless of where Gemini is,-is its very nature influenced by the signs on either side of it namely cancer/taurus. So to understand Libra we see they are influenced by scorpio/virgo influence in general-of course to be modified by house placement and planets,etc
ANSWER BY PT.SANJAY RATH
"NO BODY, WHETHER PLANET OR SIGN, CAN ASPECT THE SIGNS NEXT TO IT, EXCEPT THE GREAT CAUSE OF REBIRTH I.E. RAHU". Rahu represents the Various desires and other evils which have eclipsed our Dharma (Sun) from the very time our Atma had an independant existance from the Paramatma. This causes rebirth again and again as RAHU HAS A SPECIAL ASPECT ON THE 12TH HOUSE
RECKONED IN THE REVERSE AS RAHU IS RETROGRADE. thus counted directly this is the 2nd house. The 12th house has to do with Moksha and the ONLY real obstruction to all of us getting Moksha is Rahu.
The influence on the 2nd/12th is by way of ARGALA and this is planetary/sign intervention. If a Car is standing right in front of your Car, almost touching it (like the signs next to each other touch each other), it is difficult to go ahead by ignoring its intervention. If there is another Car Behind, then you cannot back out also. In this manner try to visualise the influence of the argala in real life. When you try to visualise, then the PARAMJYOTI awakens and you shall have the power to see the past present and future or to see Bhagavan where ever He wishes to reveal Himself.
