1. Alan Annand_Stellar Astrology_Vol.1 & 2

STELLAR ASTROLOGY

by

ALAN ANNAND

VOL. 1 & 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Essays - Monday I had Friday on my mind - Do you, Jennifer, take this juniper? - The Moon also rises - Hitler's demon & Hillman's "Acorn Theory" Palmistry and the planets Vedic astrology & career selection

Celebrity watch - The tragic death of Mike Tyson's daughter - Tiger, Tiger, blushing bright in the media spotlight - Charlie Sheen: two and a half demons Naomi Campbell: model behavior Larry King: walkin' the talk Viparita Yoga: Alanis Morissette's jagged little pill Leonard Cohen: he's your man - Will & Kate look great! - Amy Winehouse: filthy-mouthed down-to-earth diva Whitney Houston: pop diva supreme - Welcome to the Demi-monde - Pattinson & Stewart: lovers in the twilight zone - Justin Bieber: little boy bad - Taylor Swift: teardrops on my guitar

• Lindsay Lohan: fully loaded Oscar Pistorius: blade running for his life Miley Cyrus & Pop Tarts Anonymous - Michael Schumacher: an accidental irony Robin Williams' divine spark of madness Lady Gaga rides a big snake Kanye West: the mouth that roared

Mundane matters - Frozen Warriors: Napoleon & Hitler in Russia - The Yorkshire Ripper: a study in stellar forensics - Osama bin Laden: from death to birth - Bombs in Boston and combust Mars - The Tsarnaev brothers and their malefics Britain on the butcher's block Edward Snowden: a deer hunted out of season - The "Charlie Hebdo" terror attacks

Personal - The Jyotish Starinterview - My practice of Vedic astrology

Appendices Birth data of individuals - Timing of mundane events

About the author

Alan Annand is a Canadian astrologer and palmist with an education spanning both eastern and western astrology. He has diplomas from the American College of Vedic As- trology, as well as the British Faculty of Astrological Studies for whom he was their North American correspondence tutor for several years. He is also a writer of crime fiction, including his NEW AGE NOIR series (Scorpio Rising, Felonious Monk, Soma County) featuring astrologer and palmist Axel Crowe, whom one reviewer has dubbed "Sherlock Holmes with a horoscope."

Websites: www.navamsa.com, www.sextile.com

Preface

When I picked up my first astrology book four decades ago, little did I know what effect it would have on my life. Almost immediately, after calculating my chart, I got a glimpse of my Self-realization - that I might become, not only the writer whose first tentative efforts were finding their way onto paper, but also an astrologer. Since then, I've pursued that tandem track throughout the rest of my life, even during and despite two decades of "corporate servitude" in the interests of all that is mundane in most people's lives - the need to provide income, housing, education and other ne- cessities for both myself and my family.

Astrology opened doors in so many ways for which I am grateful. I visited places I might never have gone except in the pursuit of my studies. I made valued and lasting friend- ships among my fellow students. I studied with remarkable teachers whose words en- lightened, inspired and guided me. Truly, jyotish is the science of light - one that illuminates both what lies within and what lies without. I thank my teachers for having shown me the way, my fellow students for joining me on the journey, and my clients for having shared so much of their experiences and confirmed the insights of astrology. Per ardua ad astra.

ESSAYS

Monday I had Friday on my mind

Most people never think about it, but every day of the week is associated with one of the seven visible planets. Our ancestors acknowledged their role in our lives, and named the days in their honor. Sunday, named for the Sun, is associated with power. It's the day to pursue ambitions, organize events, seek favor from authorities, extend reasonable loans, advance educa- tion, sign or register documents, and enter business partnerships related to administra- tion or government. Planning a coup? Make it a Sunday, when the President is sleeping in.

Monday, for the Moon, supports nurturing. It's a good day to socialize with women and youngsters, use intuition, pursue romance, make public speeches, travel by water, buy or sell food, household articles and ornaments, or start a business related to hotels or restaurants. Love your Mom? Buy her a new dishwasher on Monday. Tuesday (French: mardi), deferring to Mars, often entails conflict and cruelty. So it's the day to fix targets, take action, give orders, administer discipline, file lawsuits, declare war, purchase land, or start a business related to machinery, engineering, or heavy transport. Hate your siblings? On a Tuesday, file a lawsuit alleging mental cruelty. Wednesday (French: mercredi), honoring Mercury, invokes communications and com- merce. It's the day to write letters, sign documents, memorize things, gather new ideas, engage in commerce, study, make speeches, purchase lottery tickets, stocks or bonds, or start a media-related business. Writing a bestseller? Whip it off on a Wednesday. Thursday (French: jeudi), favoring Jupiter, is about luck and creativity. It's the day to ask for favors, pursue legal matters, religion, philosophy, invest in your future, create a child, travel, enter contracts including marriage, or start a business related to travel, education or publishing. Starting a new religion? Publish your manifesto on a Thursday. Friday (French: vendredi), in honor of Venus, favors arts and luxuries. It's the day to entertain, pursue romance, use charm to further your ambitions, be artistic and creative, purchase jewelry and ornaments, decorate, buy a vehicle, or start a business in fashion, art, cosmetics, or entertainment. Declaring your love? On a Friday, buy your sweetie a jewel-encrusted luxury vehicle. Saturday, on behalf of Saturn, brings aging, labor and the unpleasant realities of life. It's the day to assume responsibilities, take your time, expect delays, make long-range plans, or start a business related to mines and metals, insurance, agriculture, antiques, funeral homes. Digging for gold? Break ground on a Saturday. Seriously, how can you use such information in a practical way? A general rule is to take care of the "dirty work" on days of the malefic planets - Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday. But if you want to negotiate anything or ask for favors, choose a "communication" day of the benefic planets - Wednesday or Thursday. Or if you want to promote love or affec- tion, choose a "relational" day of the benefic planets - Monday or Friday.

This especially applies to weddings. Marriage is about love and affection, and the tradi- tional choice of Saturday is practically the worst day of the week, because Saturn is cold and distant, exactly the opposite of marriage's objectives - closeness and warmth. So if you want marriage to last, try to schedule the wedding for a Friday, the day of Venus rul- ing affection, love and sexuality. And don't forget the diamond-studded sports car.

Do you, Jennifer, take this juniper ...?

Jyotish, the science of light, otherwise known as Vedic Astrology, gives foresight, insight and hindsight into all affairs of mankind. It can also lead us into some alternative points of view, where problems and their solu- tions are seen in the light of a different model. It's not that jyotish controls life, but it has a unique way of interpreting it. An astrological birth chart is a map of your karma. It indicates inherent dispositions, what an ayurvedin (Vedic physician) would call prakruti, or essential nature - which for ayurveda's purpose is mostly physical, although related to personality. On quite another level, jyotish is often used to identify and assess the inherent dispo- sition - and progression - of the psyche that animates the physical body. Jyotish is particularly interested in what life experiences the spirit or soul seeks in order to feel ful- filled, and what fruit it plucks from the tree of life. We sometimes see in a birth chart that the 7th house of relationships is weak, meaning partnership and marriage will bring unhappiness. But just as there's a place in the chart to find the first marriage, there's another for the second or third marriage. And if that house is strong, it promises happiness. Suppose my client Jennifer is single but has a weak 7th house, meaning her first mar- riage will be unhappy. But she has a strong second house, meaning her following mar- riage would be happy. Hmm ... If marriage were like a series of meals, she could rush through one to get to the other. But marriage is a contract with another person, and in the real world, that relation- ship ends only in death or divorce. But Jennifer doesn't want to get divorced. Faced with such a dilemma, the jyotishi must devise a symbolic act. In the Vedic world, ritual is a living tradition. And although one half of the world might call this magic, the other half understands it is simply an attempt to influence something on another level. An upaye is a ritualistic act intended to satisfy logic at a causal rather than a phenomenal level. If we accept the premise that every action is preceded by a thought, we admit that thoughts can change the world. So when thought is accompanied by action and strengthened by intention, we really are causing a ripple. And sometimes that's all it takes.

2nd marriage 8th from 7H: 2H supported MO JU by 3 benefics

9 7 10 KE 6

1st marriage DO 7H afflicted by MA 11 5 SA every malefic 2

12 SU ME 4 1 RA 3 VE

3rd marriage 8th from 2H

Suppose the above is our client's hypothetical birth chart. Note the 7th house ham- mered by malefics - occupied by Sun and Rahu, Mercury made malefic by association, and all aspected by both Mars and Saturn. For icing on the cake, the 7th and 8th lords are in exchange. Granted, it's a mess, and so we expect the first marriage to result in unhappiness.

By contrast, note the 2nd house which, being 8th from the 7th, signifies the death of the first marriage and the birth of the second marriage. Jupiter is in its own sign, associated with a full moon, and aspected only by Venus. It's a dream come true! And so we expect the second marriage to bring happiness.

Seeing this, the jyotishi would like to facilitate a symbolic first marriage, see the death of it, and then let his client get on with her happy prospects as shown in the second marriage.

Thus inspired, he sets aside Jennifer's chart and goes to the nearest gardening centre. There he picks the runt from a litter of shrubs and at the next opportunity, introduces it to Jennifer. She pays for the shrub, and a brief courtship follows. On the next dark moon, the jyotishi performs a wedding. (Kids, don't try this at home. If you want a marriage to succeed, do it when the moon is relatively full, between first quarter and a day after the full moon. Remember, in Jennifer's case only, the jyotishi intentionally engineers a bad start to a marriage by conducting it on a new moon.)

After the wedding, Jennifer takes the shrub home and places it in her bedroom. She waters it, she talks to it, she reveals her naked body to it, she kisses it good night.

She waters the shrub for eight months, and then she waters it no more. The shrub begins to die - its limbs droop, its leaves wither. She cries the day she knows it's over. Jennifer is now a widow.

Jennifer cremates the remains of her "first husband" and enters a period of mourning. Then she starts dating again and, within a season, finds the love of her life - the "second

husband" who was promised by the strong second house in her birth chart.

And just in case that one doesn't stick, we can always look at Jennifer's ninth house for her third marriage. (Subsequent marriages are always seen eight houses away from the house that signifies the preceding marriage.) Now, in fact, I've described this in a light-hearted manner, all in the name of infotain- ment, but the practice is entirely real. In India, where modernity sleeps with the ancient without guilt, a number of Bollywood actresses over the past few years have had "doomed" first marriages arranged with peepul and banana trees, or clay urns, all of which were divorced or came to a sorry end, simply to make way for a better mate next time around. But does this work every time? Absolutely. One of my clients has invested in a nursery, and another now lives in the woods.

The Moon also rises

Is there anything more cursed in the life of an astrologer than a client without a birth time?

Granted, it's a splendid scapegoat that allows us to tell the client, "Gosh, without know- ing your ascendant, I can't really tell if you're ever going to get married," but for most of us who take our roles seriously, we'd actually prefer to offer some sort of prognosis and/ or counsel.

Certainly, specific issues like "Will I ever get married?" beg for the application of horary astrology, but that's not the topic du jour. Whether or not a horary chart will resolve the marital question, we'd still like to have something approximating the natal chart to get a reading on all the other spoken/unspoken themes in the life of that client. In western astrological practice, the traditional alternative is to prepare a "solar chart." Typically, this means calculating the birth chart for the time of local sunrise, which places the sun exactly on the ascendant. An alternate method is to calculate the birth chart for noon, ie, the half-way point of a calendar birthday that's measured from midnight to midnight. Then we manually rotate the chart to place the Sun in the position of the ascendant. The only real difference between these two options is that in the approximate six hours between "sunrise" and "noon", the Moon will move about three degrees of arc. That could move the Moon in or out of orb in certain aspects, but the rest of the planets will be little affected, and you'll have a reasonable proxy for an accurate birth chart. Vedic (Hindu) astrologers apply a different strategy, and one that western astrologers could as easily adopt. In Vedic astrology, the Moon sign is far more important than the Sun sign. Not only does the Moon drive the system of "planetary periods" unique to Hindu astrology, but it is seen as more descriptive than the Sun of the client's physi- cality, personality and psychology. The Moon represents our emotional mind, a sort of "operating system" that records and assesses all sensory input, and has a huge influ- ence on our likes/dislikes, our day-to-day personality, and our relationship with the world around us. By contrast, the Sun has more to do with our ego, ideals and projections on the world.

Furthermore, the Moon is a more potent individuating factor than the Sun. The reason we want a birth time in the first place is so we can launch our interpretation from the most dynamic, ie, fastest-moving, factor in the chart. The ascendant changes every two hours. Knowing it helps us make distinctions between people born on the same day. In the absence of knowing the ascendant, the next fastest-moving element in the chart is the Moon. Launching our interpretation from the Moon-as-ascendant helps us make meaningful distinctions between a dozen Aries-born spread over the period March 21st to April 20th. So how do we prepare a Moon-rising chart? If the client has some idea of birth-time,

say "sometime in the afternoon", then we can define afternoon as Noon to 6pm, split the difference and guesstimate the birth-time as 3pm. If the client doesn't have a clue whether his/her birth was morning, noon or night, then we calculate the chart for noon. In either event, once you calculate the chart, rotate it to treat the Moon as ascendant, and interpret from that perspective. Even when Vedic astrologers know the ascendant, they still routinely rotate the chart in their minds to treat the Moon as if it were rising. Why? Because this fresh perspective from the next-most-dynamic element of the chart often provides useful corroboration of some natal themes, and in some instances, functions as a tie-breaker in an inter- pretation that otherwise gets hung up on conflicting evidence from the ascendant-only perspective. As my yoga teacher used to tell me: "Why not stand on your head? The worst that can happen is you'll see the world in a different way."

Hitler's demon & Hillman's "Acorn Theory"

As astrologers, we're often cast in the role of oddballs, out on the fringe of society's "healing arts" professions. Unconsciously or not, this has given some of us a collective insecurity complex, such that we're frequently found clinging to the hem of the Estab- lishment's skirts, pleading for recognition like some little kid in need of a hug. Little wonder that, when the least evidence of our legitimacy comes to light, we embrace it with all the fervor of a re-born Christian who hears the Messiah is coming to town. The last time this happened was in the 70s, when the research of French statisticians Michel and Francoise Gauquelin turned up "significant" evidence that the angular positions of planets had a bearing on professions. Since then, however, we've wandered in the wilderness with little more than faith to keep us going.

James Hillman

Today there is, if not a Messiah, at least a kindred voice on the scene, in the person of James Hillman - Jungian psychologist, scholar, and author of twenty-plus books, one of which should be required reading for all astrologers. The Soul's Code: In Search of Character and Calling was first published in 1996, and since reprinted in a trade paper- back version. On the copyright page, its catalogue headings are listed as: (1) Individual- ity, (2) Individuality in children, (3) Fate and fatalism, and (4) Gifted persons. Hillman's central thesis, illustrated by several fine biographical sketches, is that "remark- able" people, ranging from serial killers to renowned artists, are born, not made. This flies in the face of conventional psychological wisdom which says that early childhood conditioning is the greatest determinant of what a person will make of themselves years down the road. To the contrary, Hillman asserts that it is "neither nature nor nurture" (neither genetics nor environment) that dictates the outcome of a life. Rather, it is an innate quality possessed by each person, the spark of individuality that, like a mas- ter code for a person's life, determines the direction in which he will pursue his destiny.

Hillman favors the Greek term daimon as a substitute for the complementary notions of "guardian angel", spirit, or soul, all of which imply an over-arching intelligence that pro- vides a road map for the life. This is the "soul's code." Thanks to the daimon, the adult's true fate is already known to the child, and it is this knowledge that guides the child unerringly, despite all the obstacles imposed by parental and societal norms, in the in- evitable direction of its fate.

Hillman calls this his "acorn theory", which proposes that each life is animated by a par- ticular image that calls it to its destiny. Plant an acorn in a corn field, it produces an oak, not a corn stalk. Let mother encourage or discourage, it makes no matter, the little child- soul knows where it's going and will have its way in time. The daimon is in the driver's seat.

Readers with an appreciation for astrology might well wonder whether the "soul's code",

this animating image conferred by fate, could be an academic euphemism for the as- trological birth chart. Although Hillman never gives his readers an explicit nod in this di- rection, his occasional references to astrology encourage us to believe that he is familiar with its basic principles and practices. He is perhaps even sympathetic when he says, "There is in each of us a longing to see beyond what our usual sight tells us. A revelation of the invisible in an intelligible form leads us to the astrologer."

Adolf Hitler

Hillman devotes a whole chapter to a discussion of Hitler, and how the major themes of the dictator's personal life epitomize the key features of a soul driven by its internal code to meet its fate. Hillman's exposure of Hitler's character, in a chapter called The Bad Seed, focuses upon several psychological elements that symbolize typical descriptions of evil, death and destruction - manifestations of the demonic.

Each of these themes is briefly summarized in the following sections. By standing on the shoulders of Hillman's thesis, I've attempted to link each of Hitler's demonic traits to its astrological correlate, thus demonstrating what all astrologers implicitly believe - that the soul's code is indeed locked in the chakra of the birth chart.

Adolf Hitler was born 20 April 1889, at 6:30 PM in Braunau, Austria. Birth data courtesy Astro-Databank. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zo- diac as per Vedic astrology.)

Me 03:21 Su 08:30 Ma 24:04 Ra 23.45 VeR 2423 MO 1419 6 Ju 15:56 9 AS 04 22 5

Sa 110g Ke ns

Adolf Hitler 18h30. 20 Apr 1889 10 4 Sa 21 09 Braunau, Austria Me 03 21

Ke 23 45 11 Su 0s.30 3 Ra 23:5 12 Ma 24-04 2 Ju 15:56 AS 04:22 VeR 242 MO 4:19

In Hitler's case, his particular daimon manifested via these vital signs:

The Cold Heart

In the paradigm of the demonic, the cold heart beats ... slow but sure. According to Dante, the pit of hell is a realm of ice inhabited by the arch-criminals of mankind. The Devil has an icy penis and cold semen. Hitler greatly admired Goering, who even in the toughest of times, remained ice-cold. In one of his last speeches, Hitler proclaimed that: "Come what may, my heart remains ice cold." Psychologically, an icy heart manifests as rigidity, an inability to change. Throughout his life, Hitler was obstinate in his opin-

ions, tastes, behaviors, and habits. He wore the same clothes until they disintegrated, watched the same movies over and over again, and followed his daily routines with a slavish consistency that bordered on the obsessive. Astrologically, the heart is seen in the 4th house. Its lord is Saturn, a cold and distant planet. From its vantage point in the 10th house, Saturn aspects the 4th house, the as- cendant lord Venus, and the Sun, karaka (significator) for the heart itself. In the navamsa (9th harmonic chart) where Saturn occupies its own sign, the ascendant and seven out of nine planets are in fixed signs. Hitler was also born on a Saturday.

Hellfire

Fire is a more common image of hell, one in which the demonic character revels. Hitler's career is backlit by flames - the Reichstag fire, the torch-lit night marches of the Brown- shirts, the ovens of the Holocaust, the firebombing of Dresden, even his own gasoline- charred body at the end. Fire was unleashed in all its destructive fury through the agency of his destiny. Astrologically, his chart glows with fire. In the rashi (birth) chart, seven out of nine planets reside in fire signs. His ascendant lord Venus is in Aries, the epitome of fire, along with the two warrior planets Sun and Mars, one exalted, the other in its own sign. Along with Mercury, all four planets in the 7th house aspect the ascendant. The Moon is also in fiery Sagittarius in association with its lord Jupiter. The planetary war between Mars and Venus takes place in Aries.

Wolf

If every spirit has its animal familiar, that of the demon is the wolf. In his early days, Hitler called himself Herr Wolf. "Adolf" itself was derived from Athalwolf, or noble wolf. His fa- vorite pets were Alsatians, also known as wolfshunde. He referred to the SS as his pack of wolves, and his U-boat wolf packs were the scourge of Allied shipping. In astrology, the bestial signs are Aries, Taurus, Leo, the second half of Sagittarius and the first half of Capricorn. In Hitler's rashi chart, six out of nine planets are placed in these sign zones. Both pets and military forces are seen in the 6th house, whose lord is Jupiter, associated with Ketu, the karaka for dogs, in the bestial half of Sagittarius.

Anality

In the realm of the demonic, the anus is the center of the erogenous universe. The Mar- quis de Sade relished anal eroticism. The devil's face was often depicted on his rear end in medieval woodcuts, and the interrogators of the Inquisition frequently coaxed con- fessions from devil worshippers via "the back door." As a vegetarian chocaholic, Hitler suffered from meteorism, a severe form of flatulence. He also gave himself enemas and was rumored to engage in coprophilia with his sexual partners. In the rashi chart, the anus is signified by the 8th house. The ascendant and 8th lord

Venus is, as noted earlier, severely afflicted in the 7th house, including a planetary war with Mars and aspect from Saturn, karaka for the anus. The 8th house is further hemmed by malefics. From the Chandralagna (moon = ascendant), karaka Saturn oc- cupies the 8th, wherein it is in mutual aspect with Mars.

Suicides of Women Caution: exposure to the demonic can be hazardous to your health. Hitler had few intimate relations with women, but almost every one of them paid a heavy price. Six of them either killed themselves or made desperate attempts to do so. Mimi Reiter, a teenage girl, tried to hang herself when the 37-year-old Hitler broke off their relationship. His niece Geli Raubal, reputedly the love of his life, killed herself. Eva Braun shot herself unsuccessfully in 1932, but recovered to die at his side in 1945. After loving the devil, was it all downhill after that?

In Hitler's rashi chart, the 7th house is powerfully afflicted. Although the 7th lord Mars is strong, it is afflicted by Sun and Saturn. It is also associated with dusthana (houses 6-8-12) lords Mercury and Venus, and receives the aspect of the other dusthana lord Jupiter. Venus as karaka for relationships is hammered by a trio of malefics, including Mars, to whom it loses the planetary war. Venus in the 7th house also constitutes a case of karako bhavo nashto (a planet which is both karaka and occupant of the house that signifies a person - in this case, spouse), thus spoiling relationships. From the Chan- dralagna, the Rahu/Ketu axis occupies the 1st and 7th houses, and the 7th lord Mer- cury comes under overpowering affliction from three malefics.

Freaks

The history of demonology depicts half-human figures, eg, gargoyles and the grotesque creations of Hieronymous Bosch, as menacing figures that threaten our normal world. For Hitler, however, they served as icons of a new world order. His two favorite movies were King Kong and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. His staff and entourage in- cluded a huge number of freaks. Within the upper Nazi echelon, Goebbels had a club foot, Bormann was an alcoholic, Hess was a paranoiac, Goering was a morphine addict, the commander of the labor camps had a speech defect, and the Brownshirt leader who succeeded Roehm was one-eyed. Further down the pecking order, his personal chauffeur was a midget, his press manager was one-armed, his assistant press chief was deaf, and his official photographer was an alcoholic with a deformed back. Mean- while, the whole country was drilled to perform weird goose-stepping and stiff-armed salutes.

Staff and subordinates are seen in the 6th house. Its lord Jupiter is in Sagittarius in the 3rd house with Moon and Ketu. Sagittarius, as noted earlier, is one of the half-human, half-bestial signs. Ketu represents the mleccha of society, the outcasts, the diseased and the deformed. If we take the 6th house as ascendant for Hitler's staff, we note four planets in Aries occupy the 2nd with multiple malefic influences, which suggests

substance abuse and defective speech or vision, as exemplified by his coterie of drug addicts, alcoholics, the one-eyed and the speech-impaired. From the 6th house, Venus becomes the severely damaged lord of the relative 3rd, which suggests upper limb and hearing problems, as exemplified by the one-armed and deaf.

Humorlessness The Devil takes himself seriously, and damned be those who don't accord him respect. As Jagger sings in Sympathy for the Devil: "If you meet me, have a little courtesy, have a little sympathy and a little taste. Use all your well-learned politesse, or I'll lay your soul to waste." Under the sway of his own particular daimon, Hitler had absolutely no sense of humor, for it was antithetical to his general bias for the grandiose. He scarcely ever enjoyed a hearty laugh, and forebade risqué jokes in his presence. Astrologically, humor or word-play is seen via Mercury, the 2nd house and the 5th house. In Hitler's chart, Mercury is severely afflicted in the 7th house. Among the malefics assaulting it are Mars and Saturn, lords of the 2nd and 5th respectively, who are themselves involved in mutual antagonism. From the Chandralagna, Saturn and Mars are again the lords of the relative 2nd and 5th, reinforcing the theme of suppres- sion. On a more esoteric note, the lords of all three lagnas are in fierce nakshatras (27 sub-signs of the zodiac) suggesting a further bias towards (deadly) seriousness.

Conclusion The Soul's Code is about one's calling, fate, character and innate image, notions encap- sulated in the term daimon. Hillman's "acorn theory" suggests that "each person bears a uniqueness that asks to be lived and that is already present before it can be lived." Doesn't this sound remarkably like prarabdha karma, that portion of our total karma that has ripened, and is ready for manifestation in this life? In Sanskrit, the planets are called grahas, those which have the power to seize. In the birth chart, the planets are forces for both the divine and the demonic, and their respec- tive conditions determine which way the balance tips. Hitler was seized by his daimon from an early age. Indeed, his whole life appeared to have been mapped out for him to such an extent that he himself commented: "I go the way Providence dictates for me with all the assurance of a sleepwalker." As Hillman notes, the old Greeks said of their gods: "They ask for little, only that they not be forgotten." And in practice, this is why many Vedic astrologers, prior to an astrological analysis or consultation, invoke the navagraha (the nine planets) via a brief mantra, thus honoring the planetary deities in the birth chart, within whose chakra we read the soul's heart and purpose. 3 Highlighters

Palmistry and the planets

"About astrology and palmistry: they are good because they make people vivid and full of possibilities. They are communism at its best. Everybody has a birthday and al- most everybody has a palm." ~ Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. In the western world, if you tell people you're an astrologer, they'll say, "Can you guess my sun sign?" In India, they'll more likely offer their palms for comment. So what's going on between these two cultures, and why are their perspectives so different? The West likes to separate things and categorize them, while the East likes to embrace things and find relationships. For a westerner, astrology is astronomy applied to the affairs of man. An astrological chart is a snapshot of where all the planets were - above and below the horizon - at the minute and place of your birth. The sign in which the sun is located within that snapshot is just one of many other factors in the birth chart. For residents of the Indian sub-continent and its largely Hindu culture, astrology is a pre- eminent tool in the hands of a seer whose considerable toolkit also includes palmistry, facial diagnosis, body markings, ayurveda, omens, sounds, numerology and myth. If you tell an Indian you're an astrologer, it's the equivalent of saying you're a seer. They expect you to have received from your guru a well-rounded education in all the ways and means by which a seer could "read" an individual. To say you can't read palms would be like a western doctor admitting he didn't know how to provide a basic physi- cal examination.

Astrologers in the west don't have a strong palmistry tradition, but many of them do practice tarot and I Ching (both forms of omenology), as well as numerology. This is a good thing, even if only because it helps the consultant become more than just a "one- trick pony" and thus allows a second perspective that can inform the consultant's coun- sel or prediction. Palmistry has long been associated with Gypsies, and it's generally accepted by histori- ans that they carried it from India to Europe. Because of the deep and intertwined roots of both astrology and palmistry in the Vedas - the sacred scriptures of Indian Vedic cul- ture - palmistry is intimately infused with astrological concepts, the knowledge of which can provide the trained consultant in recognizing patterns in the karma - the overall sheath of cause and effect that envelops the life. Jyotish, or Vedic astrology, is a vedanga, one of the six ancillary limbs of the Vedas. Jy- otish means 'science of light" and it simultaneously implies both the light of the planets as seen against the starry background of the skies, but also the inner light demanded of the seer to make sense of the patterns seen in those same planets and stars, and to in- terpret them in light of human affairs. Jyotish is in turn divided into several aspects: observational astronomy, celestial ge- ometry, natal (birth) astrology, horary (Q&A) astrology, elective (planning) astrology, and omens, or nimitta.

Nimitta itself is further divided into another eight types, one of which is anga, or the analysis of limbs, of which the hands are the most unique and individual. Palmistry itself is called Hasta Samudrika Shastra, which can be loosely interpreted as the knowledge of the ocean of signs and symbols found in the hand. A palmist approaches his subject in stages, moving from the gross to the subtle. With palmistry, one begins to analyze hands from across the room via shape of palm and length of fingers. As we come closer and touch the hand, we note skin texture, temper- ature, moisture, color, flexibility. We can then examine the palm itself for the length and shape of major and minor lines, and look closer still to study the nails and fingerprints ... The major elements of the hand are associated with astrology's main players - the planets that move across the zodiac in a unique passion play reflecting the life of man. In classical astrology, these are the Sun and Moon, the so-called luminaries, as well as the five visible planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Although telescopes of one kind or another have progressively revealed the presence of outer planets - Uranus, Neptune and Pluto - not to mention thousands of asteroids in our solar system, these do not play a role in classical astrology or palmistry.

Son Satarn Jupiter Mercury

Heart of Mars line. - . "yelain Hend ... line Mount of Mount Venus Life line t.Fate Moon

A quick glance at the hand schematic shown here will suffice to map out the major ele- ments of the hand that are in turn associated with the seven visible celestial bodies. My first encounter with palmistry occurred around age fifteen when I read lan Fleming's Casino Royale, in which James Bond in one scene examined the hand of a woman

he'd met, palpating her "mount of Venus" to assess her sexual vigor. From that point on, I was definitely intrigued, and it was thereafter an open question as to whether I'd become a spy or a palmist. Luckily for the world of international espionage, I chose the path I did, but I'm still as interested as ever in checking out the mount of Venus. Indeed, basic palmistry protocol suggests one should start with the thumb, indisputably the most important digit on the hand. Sir Isaac Newton was reputed to have remarked, "In the absence of any other proof, the thumb alone would convince me of God's existence." The function of the thumb, as opposing digit to the four others, gives it a unique and remarkable role in the hands of all primates and thus allows the use of tools without which mankind could never have evolved to such a degree. The mount of Venus is located in the large muscle within the palm at the base of the thumb, its limits defined by the "life line" that curves around that quadrant of the palm. As James Bond understood, it is indeed a measure of vitality, both in its literal sense of bodily vigor, but equally so in the sense of a vital personality, or a life of vitality. In astrology, Venus rules the signs of Taurus and Libra, which are associated respec- tively with the physical comforts of life such as money, food, clothing and all ornamen- tation, but also the less tangible comforts of life, in the form of family, personal and social relationships. In Sanskrit, Venus is called "Shukra" which sounds remarkably like "sucre", which is French for sugar. Just as a sweetener in food delights the taste buds, the gifts of Venus similarly reward an ordinary existence with pleasure, whether aesthetic or visceral.

Thus, the mount of Venus is a rough-and-ready measure of the individual's capacity to implement the principle of carpe diem - to seize the day and, by implication, the things that make us happy. A strong and fleshy mount implies primal and psychological energy, and the drive or passion to put it to work. Further along the thumb, the middle phalange represents logic, organization and planning, while the uppermost phalange of the thumb indicates the willpower to execute those plans. The index finger is associated with Jupiter. In Sanskrit, the name for Jupiter is "Guru", so this finger is very much associated with the primary functions of the guru - counsel and education. In classical astrology, Jupiter rules the two signs of Sagittarius and Pisces, associated respectively with teaching and philosophy, and with mysticism and devo- tional surrender. A long Jupiter finger may indicate a natural advisor or teacher, a person of self-aware- ness and self-confidence who has come to the role of dispensing advice naturally. On the other hand, a short index finger can suggest someone whose confidence has been eroded by the criticism of others - family, teachers, bosses - to the degree that they've become introspective and observant of the human condition, which in itself is a common precursor to socio-psychological studies that may ultimately lead to a career in social work or psychology.

As in astrology, so it is in palmistry - One swallow doth not a Spring make. We're al- ways looking for corroboration - multiple evidence of a formative theme in the birth chart and/or the hand. At the base of the index finger, in the fleshy pad of the palm immedi- ately adjacent that finger, is the "mount of Jupiter." Here we look for minor markings. A short diagonal on that mount, more or less parallel to the crease at the base of the finger, is called the "ring of Solomon." Taken from the Bible story wherein the wise man Solomon arbitrated the case of two women fighting over the same baby, it suggests insight, wisdom and counseling skills. Generically, it's the mark of a consultant in some area of expertise. But it's not the subject that matters so much as the process of listen- ing, digesting and then providing relevant advice within the context of some knowledge base (partially) shared by the client. Likewise, within that same mount, we look for fine lines that form squares or rectangles. These are called "teacher's squares." They suggest the individual's affinity for teaching and education. Sometimes this will take a mundane form, such as sales and marketing, but can just as likely indicate a teacher, professor or tutor. The middle finger is associated with Saturn. In classical astrology, Saturn rules the two signs of Capricorn and Aquarius, associated respectively with business, organizations, science, social order and the status quo. The middle finger provides the main structural axis of the hand, its length providing a benchmark against which the two adjacent fin- gers are judged long or short. A straight Saturn finger suggests a structured or disciplined lifestyle, while a bent middle finger is associated with some degree of deviance, either in pursuit of self-develop- ment or self-indulgence. Markings in the "mount of Saturn", in the fleshy pad of the palm immediate below the middle finger, may further indicate a Spartan or regimented existence. The ring finger is associated with the Sun. In astrology, the Sun rules Leo, the sign of royalty, command and control, self-expression and self-indulgence. A long Sun finger may indicate a person with a drive to express themselves - through sports, love affairs, artistic creativity or entrepreneurial pursuits. Given the right reinforcement, both in the "mount of the Sun" immediately below the ring finger, or in a lengthy and well-etched line that drops vertically from that finger down into the palm of the hand, we might anticipate a person with a sexual, artistic or gambling disposition. On the other hand, if the ring finger is short, the person is more likely to be conservative in all those same respect From a scientific perspective, new research has proven that measuring the respective lengths of children's index and ring fingers can predict their performance on SAT tests. Exposure to testosterone in the womb promotes aggression and risk-taking, as well as brain development associated with spatial and mathematical skills, while the physical gauge of all that is the length of the ring finger. Studies of top financial traders, who are aggressive and risk-taking number-crunchers, have now validated this hypothesis.

Similarly, exposure to estrogen in the womb strengthens areas of the brain associated with verbal facility, meanwhile lengthening the index finger. This confirms the long-ob- served phenomenon of the sexes - that women are generally more literate than men, who are themselves inclined to be more numerate. Future s e studies are planned to delve further into digital markers for other cognitive functions, including dyslexia and techno- phobia. The pinkie, or little finger, is related to Mercury. In astrology, Mercury rules the two signs of Gemini and Virgo, associated respectively with curiosity, ideas and communication, as well as discernment and analysis. A long Mercury finger may reflect a powerful cu- riosity that plays itself out in travel, sexual interests and intellectual pursuits. A short little finger may suggest some stunted behavior around the very same activities. A straight Mercury finger will imply forthrightness and honesty in sexual or intellectual matters, while a crooked finger could suggest some element of deviant behavior, for ex- ample, concealing from your lover the deep crush you have on a co-worker or neighbor, or a tendency to embellish the truth or fabricate stories of one kind or another. Needless to say, from a palmistry point of view, virtues can be evils, or vice versa, depending on context. I want my accountant to be honest and play it by the books, but I want my comedy co-writer to be wildly inventive, and off the wall. On the side of the hand opposite the thumb, what we might call the heel of the palm, is the "mount of the Moon", which takes up a good portion of that quadrant. In astrology, the Moon rules the sign of Cancer, which is associated with the unconscious mind, nurture, fluids of every kind, and the public. Commonly enough, the major "fate line" that descends vertically through the palm may veer over into the mount of the Moon. If so, we may well assume that the person's career could have something to do with public exposure - sales and marketing, teaching, social or health care, even a career in the arts. Alternatively, a fate line descending into this zone might also indicate the crossing of oceans, ie, distant travel.

On quite a different note, a minor horizontal line found centered in the mount of the Moon is called a "poison line." The name alone implies harmful nurture or bio-chemical pollution of the body, whether innocently and passively in the form of food sensitivities and allergies, or actively and willfully pursued as some form of substance abuse, ranging across a wide spectrum of tobacco, alcohol, recreational drugs and/or misuse of one's pharmaceutical prescriptions.

Further up the hand and running horizontally across the palm, in the space that lies between the two more-or-less horizontal lines of the upper "heart line" and the lower "head line", is the "plain of Mars." In astrology, Mars rules the signs of Aries and Scorpio, associated respectively with the courage and skill to fight or use weapons, whether in the crude form of police and militia who defend social order, or in the subtler forms of doctors and psychologists who use their skills to protect the physical or mental health of individuals.

Loops and whorls, similar to the skin ridge patterns of fingerprints themselves, can sometimes be found within the plain of Mars. When located near the (radial) side of the thumb, such patterns may indicate recuperative powers, fighting spirit and independent enterprise, while at the other end of that zone, the ulnar side of the palm, similar patterns may indicate a strong sexuality, an interest in martial arts, and thrill-seeking adventures that include travel. Both suggest a love of rhythm and percussion instruments. In practice, astrology and palmistry work hand-in-hand because they are both branches from the same tree of life. But if you want to get a quick handle on people you meet, or are looking for a few rules of thumb to assess personal behavior and its obvious effect on relationships or careers, palmistry is the place to start. It's relatively easy to learn compared to astrology, and a good book or course of instruction can soon provide all you need to start using this ancient art in a practical way.

Vedic astrology & career selection

As an astrologer, if you can address the major issues of relationship and career, your own career success is assured. In ancient times, choosing a career was simple, and in India it followed the lines of the caste system. If you were brahmin, you'd be a member of the intelligentsia, following a career in the arts, education, law or ministry. If you were kshatriya, you'd go into the civil service, police or military. If vaishya, you'd become a business person, if shudra, a tradesman or laborer. If mleccha, perhaps you wouldn't be employed at all. In modern times there's been an explosion of careers, and the choices now are literally mind-boggling. However, with a few simple techniques, it's still easy to identify some vi- able career options unique to each birth chart.

First & 10th houses

The basic method highlights planets in the kendras of the birth chart. So long as any planet is angular, it will thus either occupy or aspect the 1st or 10th house. Eg, a planet in the 4th aspects the 10th, while a planet in the 7th aspects the 1st. The 10th is an obvious point of focus, because it represents our career - the observable things we do, the karma we perform as per our inclinations, and our aspirations for so- cial recognition. But why the first house, so favored in South India? In practice, the lagna is the natural starting point to understand any client since it represents prakruti, the primal motive force, or basic intelligence. In other words, the ascendant represents the individual's instinctive role in life. And it's the influence of planets on the ascendant that determines our prakruti. Once we understand the client, we're better able to anticipate their likely career path. So planets in kendras are key, and one or more angular planets can immediately create a signature for certain career inclinations. So long as we understand the nature of the planets, we can follow their clues to the natural disposition (prakruti) of the client, and therefore their natural bias for career aptitudes and pursuits. The simplest use of this is to consider the planets as benefics and malefics. Natural benefics are the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter. Natural malefics are the Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. With a majority of benefics in kendras, the individual is drawn to the humanistic or "peo- ple" professions: arts, media, sales, marketing, teaching, consulting, etc. 3 Highlighters

With a majority of malefics angular, the individual favors the reality-based or scientific professions: the trades, biology, chemistry, computer applications, engineering, me- chanics and other physical sciences. We can also consider the caste of planets. Jupiter and Venus are brahmin. Sun and

Mars are kshatriya. Moon and Mercury are vaishya. Saturn is shudra. Rahu and Ketu are mleccha. By noting any caste dominance among angular planets, we might general- ize what the likely career orientation will be.

Signs are aligned with caste too: fire for kshatriya, earth for shudra, air for vaishya, water for brahmin. A preponderance of planets in one element may incline one to a certain station in life. But signs are never more than stage setting; the planets are the actors who perform the real drama. Adolf Hitler's chart below offers a good example of both planets and signs as caste indicators. The Sun and Mars in the 7th house are both kshatriya planets, and both are strong. This indicates a natural command-and-control instinct, a bias for administrative or management roles, in fields such as the police or military, or leadership in govern- ment. Further note he has seven out of nine planets in fire, the element associated with kshatriya. His karma was to rule and burn.

Me 03:21

Ma 2401 Ra 23 45 VeR 2423 MO 1419 8 6 Ju 15.56 AS 04 22

Sa 2109 Ke 2s

Adolf Hitler 18h30, 20 Apr 1889 10 4 Sa 21 09 Braunau, Austria Me 03 2 Su os 30 Ke 23 45 1 3 12 Ma 2404 Ra 23:4 2 JU I556 AS 04:22 VeR 2425 MO 14:19

Career themes by planet

Aside from caste stereotypes, however, a deeper understanding of planetary natures allows greater insight into career potential. Following is a table of professions with which each planet is associated. Again, if such a planet is in any of the angular houses, it lends a bias for that type of occupation.

Sun: Administration, leadership, classical professions, accounting, architecture, engineering, law, medicine

Moon: Arts & entertainment, domestic services, esthetics, hospitality industry, nurturing professions

Mars: Security, competitions (sports, litigation), combustion, construction, dis- mantling, skills based on strength

Mercury: Agency & brokering, business, analysis, calculation, communication Jupiter: Counseling, investments, ministry, oratory, teaching, wisdom, writing Venus: Art, adornment, beauty, culture, luxury, high-living products & services, pets, social pastimes, textiles, transportation

Saturn: Time, labor, land, manufacturing, tools & machines, recycling, guarded traditions, secret endeavors, old/dead/ancient/derelict pursuits, rock/stone/inert matter

Rahu/Ketu: Drugs, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, fuels, photography, computers, video games, new technologies, inventions, illusion, movies, buffoonery, fraud, occult, secrets, import/export, mysticism & metaphysics

Marilyn Monroe's chart below offers a good example. An angular Moon can incline to the arts and entertainment. Independently, Venus also encourages the arts and culture. Together they form a persuasive couple favoring beauty and glamour in the arts and entertainment field. And as we'll see in our next table, Monroe has a third combination (Moon, Venus & Saturn) that is a perfect fit for the entertainment field.

Ve 05-55 Me 13:57 Ra 25:20 Su 1737 Ra 25:26 5 5 3 6 AS 20:15 Su 1737

Ma 27:54 Me 13.s

JU 0400 AS 2015 Marilyn Monroe 09h30, 01 Jun 1926 Los Angeles. USA SaR 22:37 Ve osss 10 MO 2616

8 MO 26:16 12 11 Ke 25:20 SaR 28:37 9

Ke 25:26 Ma 27 54 JU 0100

Career themes via planetary combinations

Although a single planet might very well nudge the client into a certain occupation or ca- reer, in practice we expect more complexity. There are, after all, more careers to choose from than ever, and some of these are combinatorial in nature, eg, forensic accountant, prosthetic engineer, immigration lawyer.

If there are two or more angular planets, we may need to determine the relative strength of angular planets by applying certain criteria. For example, a planet is strong in its own or exalted sign, when it has dig bala (directional strength), when retrograde, or as a full Moon. It is weak when debilitated, combust, in a planetary war (conjunct another true planet within one degree), or as a new Moon. Once we determine the relative hierarchy of angular planets, it's often the strongest among them that will give the client a bias for a particular career.

The table below provides a list of possible careers when one or more planets occupy angular houses at the same time. The list does not account for one planet's dominance over another, as discussed above, although that's always something to keep in mind.

SU: Administration, organization, control, politics

SU/MA: Administration, medicine

SU/MA/JU: Politics SU/MA/SA: Medicine SU/JU: Healing, religion, spirituality MO/MA/SA: Sports MO/JU: Travel MO/VE: Arts, beautification, crafts, esthetics, food, beverage MO/VE/SA: Entertainment MA/ME: Computers MA/JU: Law MA/VE: Sex, scandal, primal charisma MA/SA: Construction, labor, police, military, competition, confrontation, technol- ogy, science, tools, machinery MA/SA/ME: Engineering, sports business, machinery, metal, electrical MA/SA/RA: Science ME/JU: Communication, media, acting, writing, advising, counseling, humanities ME/JU/VE: Education ME/SA: Business JU/VE: Counselor, advisor, stage acting JU/SA/RA: Occult VE: Arts SA: Heavy labor RA/KE: Unusual, different, illusion, innovation, new technology In Bill Gates' chart below, we find three planets in kendras. The Moon is almost full, Mars is ordinary and Mercury is exalted. The Moon and Mercury are both vaishya plan- ets, so we think of commerce. And because of its strength, our attention naturally lingers on Mercury. Not only is it lagnesh for this chart, but the Gemini lagna is also vaishya. Finally, if we check Table 2 above, we find the Mars-Mercury combination is one that favors computers. If we put all this together, we find a natural bias for the computer business.

MO 14:36 Ke 26 1) AS 25 46 Ke 26:13 4 2 JU 0432 5 AS 25:46

3 Bill Gates 21h15, 28 Oct 1955 Ma 16:51 3 12 MO 1436 Seattle, USA Me 23:19 JU 04 32 Su 11:46

SU 11:46 Ve 2657 , 7 11 8 10 Ra 26:13 Ve 26:57 Ma 1651 Sa 28c0

Sa 28:20 Me 23 19 Ra 26:13

In the absence of angular planets

For readers who've been following this thesis, and perhaps reviewing some charts in their files, questions naturally arise: What about charts which have no angular planets at all? Are those clients doomed to unemployment? In practice, the absence of angular planets doesn't make it impossible to identify a career, just a little more complicated. For instance, it's very common in Vedic astrology to rotate the chart in order to treat the Moon as the ascendant, and then look at planets in relative angles. And if this doesn't produce a signature planet, we can always rotate the chart again to treat the Sun as the ascendant. One way or another, we'll pick up a pointer to an appro- priate career.

CELEBRITY WATCH

The tragic death of Mike Tyson's daughter

(first published 28 May 2009)

Mike Tyson's 4-year-old daughter was taken off life support on 26 May 2009, after being accidentally strangled by a cord dangling from a treadmill machine. Former world heavyweight champion Tyson was born 30 June 1966 in Catskill, NY, but his birth time is unknown, thus denying astrologers the opportunity to calculate an accu- rate birth chart.

In the absence of a birth time, Western astrologers typically prepare a chart for noon or sunrise, the latter of which would place the Sun in the ascendant. Vedic astrologers, noting that the Moon moves faster than the Sun and is therefore a more potent individu- ating factor, prefer to rotate the birth chart until the Moon is in the first house. This produces a Chandralagna (Moon as ascendant) chart, in which the tragedy of Tyson's daughter's death can be clearly seen. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart po- sitions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Sa 06.12 Ra 29-41 Ve 11:53 Su 15.17 Ma 29 41 Ke 294! Ju 1339 AS 23-05 7

MO 23 11 Me 1100 Mike Tyson 8 30 June 1966 11 5 Catskill, NY. USA

Sa 06 12 Ve 1153

AS 2305 Ma 2941 4 Me nlo 1 3

MO 23 11 Ke 29:41 Ra 2941 Ju 13:39 Su 15 17

With the Moon as Scorpio ascendant, Saturn occupies the 5th house of children. The 5th lord is Jupiter, which is combust the Sun and placed in the 8th house, a dusthana, or destructive house.

Instead of progressions, Vedic astrology employs a unique system of planetary periods, a fixed cycle of karmic consequence dictated by the position of the Moon at birth. Tyson was in a dasha (major period) of the Sun, and the bhukti (minor period) of Jupiter. Natally, the two are conjunct in the 8th house of death, and Jupiter, which is not only the lord of the 5th but also the karaka (general significator) of children, is the one that suffers under the Sun's combustion.

Specifically, the second child of a parent is indicated by the 7th house (sibling to the first child). Here, the lord Venus is in its own sign, but is afflicted by the association of malefic Mars strong in its own nakshatra, and the aspect of malefic Saturn, also strong in its nakshatra.

At the time of death, transiting Saturn was in Leo, from whence its aspect upon natal Venus set the stage. Transiting Sun, considered a malefic, was exactly on Tyson's natal Venus, significator of his daughter. To cap it all off, transiting Moon was in the 8th house with natal Sun and Jupiter, the major and minor period lords.

Tiger, Tiger, blushing bright in the media spotlight (first published 7 December 2009)

When Tiger Woods ran over a fire hydrant with his Escalade 10 days ago, it quickly be- came clear that he had lost control of more than his vehicle. Not only was his marriage possibly off the rails, so was his near-perfect public image, that of the world's most at- tractive and wealthy product endorser.

Tiger Woods was born 30 December 1975, at 10:50 PM PST in Long Beach, California. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

JU 21:57 Ke 25:46 MaR 24:02 Ra 25.46

Ve 05:00 8 7

MO 2 5Y AS 00.53 4 SaRo

SaR 0735 Tiger Woods 6 22h50, 30 Dec 1975 9 3 Long Beach, CA. USA Su 15:26 12 Me 02 54

Me 02s,19 Ju 21:57 2 MaR: Ve 05 00 11 1 Su 15:26 MO 28 51 AS 00:53 Ke 25-46

In Vedic astrology, this gives him a Virgo ascendant with barely one degree rising, so early in the sign that we might worry whether an actual birth time of only five minutes earlier could have given him Leo rising. As a first test, let's consider the big picture. Fixed signs have a bias for holding onto relationships; mutable signs have an ambivalent atti- tude toward long-term commitment. In the case of the latter, they typically avoid or have issues with long-term commitments, and/or they pursue or attract relationships that are prone to instability. Need examples? How about John F. Kennedy, Hugh Hefner, Warren Beatty, Bill Clinton or David Duchovny, all of whom have a Virgo ascendant and a known predilection for a varied love life?

In other words, whether by conscious inclination or unconscious "fate" they find them- selves in situations that don't bode well for a long-term monogamous marriage the like of which society continues to hold up as a model of virtue. Tiger has Pisces in the 7th house. A dual sign indicates duality, suggesting ambivalent feelings, and the prospect of more than one partner. Jupiter's presence in the 7th simply amplifies that possibility. On the one hand, Jupiter's benefic status can bequeath marital good fortune, while on the other hand it may offer up a virtual smorgasbord of available partners. Facing a buffet table, who wants to stay on a diet? Tiger has been in the dasha (major period) of the Sun since 2004, and the bhukti (minor

period) of Venus since June 2009. The Sun occupies a nakshatra of Venus and there- fore gives its results in its period. Venus thus becomes central to understanding this pe- riod, both generally throughout the Sun dasha, and epitomized within the Venus bhukti. Venus sits in the 3rd house, which is associated with physical prowess in the form of athleticism, artistry and desire. The 3rd house is one of the three kama (desire) houses. His Venus is associated with the Moon, who owns the 11th, another kama house, and is aspected by powerful Jupiter, who owns and occupies the 7th, the primary kama house. 3 Highlighters

Venus is itself a karaka (significator) for pleasurable activities. It is associated with two key yogas: (1) the Parivartana Yoga wherein Venus and Mars exchange signs to provide fortunate adventures, (2) the Dhana Yoga wherein Venus and Moon combine to generate income via athletic prowess. By association, Venus also participates in the Chandra- Mangala Yoga wherein the Moon/Mars opposition generates heat, passion and raw energy.

At the time of Tiger's car crash (2:25 am, 27 November 2009, Windermere, Florida), Virgo was also rising, with Saturn in the ascendant tightly opposing Moon in the 7th house. When luxury car met fire hydrant, two worlds had already collided - the marital and the extra-marital.

MO 0 13 Ke 292t Ve 00/12 7 6 Su nu 8 Sa 08 42 AS 11:20 4 Ma 223

Ma 22 30 Me m

Tiger car crash 6 02h25, 27 Nov 2009 Windermere. FL, USA Ra 2928 9 3 Ke 292 12 Ju 2623

Ve 00 12 JU 2623 10 MO 08:13 22

Ra 2928 Sa 08 42 11

Me 23:22 AS 11 20

Given the astrological state of affairs, Tiger probably shouldn't expect any rapid rescue. Saturn's transit through anyone's ascendant typically takes the shine off the image, and generally reflects a lack-luster 2.5-year period. Transiting Saturn in Tiger's 1st house as- pects (a) his 7th house, (b) his 7th lord Jupiter, and (c) Venus the karaka of marriage.

Meanwhile, transiting 7th lord Jupiter won't be much help for awhile. At the moment, it's debilitated in Capricorn. Later in December it'll go into Aquarius and the litigious 6th house. Not until late May will it return to the Pisces 7th house, and perhaps his marriage can be buffed up a little with some hand-holding in the public spotlight. Long-term prognosis, not so good. If Tiger's birth time is accurate, this Sun-Venus period may break the back of his marriage, since both planets fall in the 8th house of his navamsa (marriage) chart. Moon dasha will follow immediately, and with a dark and

debilitated Moon in his natal chart, both friends and corporate sponsors may start to feel uneasy as his secret life emerges from the shadows. Since the Moon also occupies the negative 3rd house of the navamsa under stress from malefics, the next decade will probably not be a happy one for Tiger, at least as far as marriage is concerned.

Charlie Sheen: two and a half demons

(first published 28 February 2010)

Charlie Sheen checked himself into rehab last week, bringing a suitcase of personal effects, a pair of monkeys on his back and apparently a lot of unresolved issues. Despite being the most highly-paid actor in television today, the star of Two and Half Men still can't find what he's looking for.

Sheen was born September 3, 1965, at 10:48 PM in New York. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

AS 0833 JU 04 43 Ra 15:34 AS 08:33 12 Ra 15:H4 SaR 20 38 2 Chartie Sheen 22h48. 03 Sep 1965 Me 00:06 5 New York, USA SaR 20:38 Me 00.06 Su 17:59 8

Su 17:59 Ve 25 10 Ke 1534 10 7 9 MO 02 :. 36 Ke 15:34 Ma 16:02 Ve 25:10 Ma 16:02 MO 02:36

Sheen has Taurus rising with the nodal axis running through his 1st and 7th houses. Whereas Palin & McCain had to fake it for their run at Presidential Office, going rogue comes completely natural to Sheen, since the nodes suggest aberrant and rebellious behaviour. Becoming one of Hollywood's bad boys was no stretch for this actor.

Sheen's ascendant lord Venus is debilitated in the 5th house Virgo. Among other things, the 5th indicates the individual's state of mind, and Venus is a karaka (significator) for sex. Whereas Venus in the 5th can be romantic, a debilitated Venus can be downright randy. Interestingly, from a mythic point of view, Shukra (Venus) was the guru of the de- monic Asuras who revelled in intoxication and fornication.

In 1993 Sheen was named in the Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss scandal, after which he confessed to being a regular patron of her escort services. In 1997 he admitted once having five women in bed at the same time, and according to Maxim magazine, is re- puted to have had over 5,000 lovers!

Sheen's 7th lord Mars is in the 6th house, a dusthana or problematic house, while his Venus and Mars are in an inimical two/twelve relationship. Marital life has never been, and likely never will be, simple for him.

In 1990 he accidentally shot his fiancée Kelly Preston in the arm; they broke up soon after. He married Donna Peele in 1995 and separated 14 months later. In 2002 he mar- ried Denise Richards but divorced in 2006. He married Brooke Mueller in 2008 but on Christmas Day 2009 was arrested on a charge of domestic violence.

Both diet and substance abuse are seen through the 2nd house. Its lord Mercury is afflicted by two powerful malefics Sun and Saturn, whose natural enmity and opposition imply a self-destructive person giving the finger to a society that applauds his work ethic while still expecting him to grow up one of these days. Addictions are seen from the self-undoing of the 12th house. Its lord Mars is in the 6th, a dusthana, from which it aspects its own house, fueling a love of "pleasures of the bed" and "loss of consciousness." Eighth lord Jupiter also aspects its own house, further fan- ning the flames of sexual desire and indulging the senses via the Moon in the 8th. Sheen is currently running the dasha (planetary period) of Mars, whose placement in the 6th is problematic, while its ownership of the 7th (relationships) and 12th (addictions) makes these matters something of an ongoing battle. The bhukti (minor period) is Saturn, so it is indeed time to apply the brakes on this runaway locomotive. Saturn is strong in his chart, ruling both the 9th house of personal ethics, and 10th house of profession, so perhaps with the counsel of a mentor behind the scenes there's hope for him to curb his appetites. At the pinnacle of the TV moun- tain, now is not the time to blow it. Problem is, he's type-cast himself in the role of a weak character. Ascendant lord Venus is debilitated and 1st house occupant Rahu is debilitated. Furthermore, transiting Saturn is in sidereal Virgo for the rest of this year and next, weighing down on his libidinous and self-indulgent Venus. So let's pray for him in overcoming his demons, but don't be sur- prised to see him shuffling back and forth between rehab and a tenuous marriage for a few more years.

Naomi Campbell: model behavior (first published 31 March 2010)

Earlier this month, super-model Naomi Campbell was again involved in an attack on an employee when she allegedly slapped and punched her limo driver, one more in a series of over-the-top demonstrations of her temper, which Campbell blames on her "lingering resentment toward her father who abandoned her as a child." Yikes! With super-models like this, who needs Mike Tyson?

More allegations: In 2008 she assaulted a police officer and bad-mouthed British Airways cabin crew after one of her bags was lost. In 2007 her housekeeper required stitches after an attack for which Naomi later pleaded guilty to reckless assault. In 2006 she hammered a housekeeper with a jewel-encrusted mobile phone, and was named in another lawsuit by yet another housekeeper who called Campbell a "violent super- bigot." In 2005, she slapped an assistant and beat her around the head with a Black- Berry, and in 2000, assaulted another assistant with a telephone. Naomi Campbell was born 22 May 1970 at 1:00 AM in Streatham, England. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

MeR 1945 Su 0703 Ma 29:03 Ve os-5o Ra N42 Sa 21:06 11 12 AS os 42 MO 180

Ra 1422 Naomi Campbell 10 01h00. 22 May 1970 MeR 19.45 Streatham, England Sa 21:06 JUR 04.09 AS 05 42 Ke 1422 Su 0703 2 Ma 2g 6 3 S MO I0s JUR 04.09 Ve os:so Ke 12

Her mother was a ballet dancer who became pregnant at age 18 and was deserted by Campbell's father just months after her birth. Campbell has never met her father but has adopted several father figures throughout her life, including Quincy Jones and Nelson Mandela.

Campbell's chart is a good "anger management" case study. Both the Sun and Moon are afflicted by the aggressive Mars, but this only represents her tip-of-the-iceberg be- haviors. Lying at the heart of her discontent is a weak manas - the emotional mind that governs our perceptions of, and reactions to, the world around us. The manas is indicated by the 4th house - the seat of one's psychology. Problems are shown via (1) the presence or aspect of Saturn or Rahu on the 4th house, (2) weakness of the 4th lord, and (3) weakness of the Moon, the karaka or significator of the emotional mind.

In Campbell's chart, ascendant lord Saturn sits in the 4th house. Because Saturn is debilitated in Aries, this constitutes a fundamental source of angst and frustration for her. Saturn represents distance, denial, and potentially depression, and since it's associated with Mercury, the 9th lord indicating the father, therein lies one seed of her discontent. The 4th lord is Mars, and although it's not weak in any obvious way, it is sandhi, within the last degree of a sign, implying a transitory edginess. And when we consider the Moon, we see it's in mixed condition - both full and debilitated - but afflicted by aggres- sive Mars.

Given this toxic stew of frustration and resentment, how is this likely to manifest in Campbell's life? Substance abuse is seen through the 2nd house. There we see the poisonous Rahu, while 2nd lord Saturn is debilitated. By her own admission, Naomi has been pushing the envelope with drugs and alcohol since her early twenties, when she started the dasha of Venus, the planet of bhog or self-indulgence. Although now approaching 40, Campbell has never married. Both ascendant lord Saturn and 7th lord Moon are debilitated, and in a 6/8 relative position to each other. The Moon is doubly afflicted by hot Sun and Mars, and no planet aspects the 7th house to soften its isolation. Finally, Venus, the karaka for relationship, sits in the 6th house, a dusthana, where it receives only aspects from retrograde Jupiter in the 10th and debili- tated Saturn in the 4th. Good for career, not so good for relationships. What lies ahead? Sun dasha starts in 2012. Sun is a multiple significator for the 8th house of dislocation, trauma and transformation. On a mundane level, danger from ac- cidents and/or surgeries gone wrong; on a personal and professional level, time to re- invent herself. Until then, let's hope she sticks with the (AA) program and learns to pull some of those punches.

Larry King: walkin' the talk (first published 30 April 2010)

Larry King, arguably the most famous mouth in modern America, has been around the block a few times. Often the butt of Methusaleh jokes on Leno and Letterman late-night shows, he has nonetheless strutted his stuff by marrying seven women eight times, and fathering five children. Never mind the Energizer bunny, this guy is still humming along.

But his life has been one big roller-coaster ride. A brother died just before he was born, and when he was 10, his father died of a heart attack. arry went from excellent stu- dent to troublemaker who spent all his time watching baseball and listening to radio talk shows, graduating high school by the skin of his teeth. He moved to Miami at age 23 for a menial job at a radio station, where he caught a lucky break to begin work as a disk jockey. He went on to do sports commentary and celebrity interviews at several radio and TV stations, and launched a writing career with Miami's biggest newspapers.

With good times came bad times. Sports was his passion, and sports betting his near downfall. By age 38, he was $352,000 in debt, and had to totally reorganize his life be- fore someone else did it for him in a brutal fashion. He suffered a heart attack in 1987, later had a quintuple bypass surgery, wrote two books about heart disease, and sub- sequently went on to become a major champion for the Heart Foundation and other charities.

Marriages came and went in quick succession: high-school sweetheart Freda Millar (1 year), Annette Kaye (briefly), Playboy bunny Alene Akins (2 years), Mary Sutphin (3 years), the bunny again (5 years), math teacher Sharon Lepore (7 years), business- woman Julie Alexander (3 years) and singer/TV host Shawn Southwick (12 years and counting).

Larry King was born Lawrence Zeiger on November 19, 1933, at 10:38 AM in Brooklyn, NY. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Sa 1751 Su 03 Số MO 01:35 MeR or 10 Ra 0os2 11 Ma 07.19 Ve 21:01 Ra 0052 AS 23:2 Larry King 9 10h38. 19 Nov 1933 12 6 Brooklyn. NY, USA Ju 21.45 3 Sa 1751 Ke 00 52

5 AS 23.42 Ke 00:52 Ve 21 01 MeR 02:22 2 4 Ma 02:19 JU 2145 MO 01:35 Su 03 56

Larry King's chart has several prominent yogas, none of them easy. Most obvious is the

Kala Sarpa Yoga, where the Rahu/Ketu axis in houses 3/9 divides the chart in two - all planets in one half, the other half empty. Kala Sarpa promises an up-and-down life. House placement of the nodes suggests one set of themes. His brother (3rd house) died just before Larry was born, and his father (9th house) died when he was still quite young. Other themes arise from the nodal dispositors: a strong Saturn in the 2nd house delivers oratory, money and substance abuse, while Sun in the 12th generates sexual heat and charity.

Papakartari Yoga forms with malefics in the 1st, 2nd and 12th houses, thus concen- trating a malign influence on the ascendant. This can bequeath a libidinous and self- destructive nature to the character, and impose a heavy weight (in the form of illness, ac- cidents and surgeries) for the physical body to bear. Although technically not a yoga, Larry King also has a nasty case of Kuja Dosha. This occurs when Mars is found in houses 1, 2, 4, 7, 8 or 12 from the ascendant, the Moon or Venus. In Larry's chart, Mars is in the 1st house relative to all three. Conventional wis- dom says, don't marry until after the age of 28; with a case like this, it's more like, good luck with marriage at all. Finally, a subtle but significant Viparita Yoga sits in the ascendant. Traditional definition says Viparita occurs when lords of trikasthanas (6th, 8th and 12th houses) are found within other trikasthanas, and when all three trik lords are found in such a configuration, a full mala occurs. A less well-known definition is when two or more trik lords are asso- ciated in a house which is neither occupied nor aspected by any other planet. In Larry King's case, we have the perfect example of a high-potency Viparita Yoga. Sixth lord Venus, 8th lord Moon and 12th lord Mars all converge in the ascendant. That ascendant contains nothing other than these three trik lords, nor receives the aspect of any other planet. It's the jyotishical equivalent of "three wrongs make a right." In Larry King's case, it gives him great charisma. First, he's a virile guy with Moon and Mars, lords of 8th and 12th houses, creating a passion combo of the first order in his ascendant. Second, he's a survivor of multiple trauma (8th lord Moon in the lagna) on several different levels, with Venus and Mars coming together to lay struggle (6th house) and surrender (12th house) on the rack of his human existence. But for a guy who's 77, he's looking pretty good. If that's the rack he's meant to be tor- tured on, he's getting it pretty much on his own terms!

Viparita Yoga: Alanis Morissette's jagged little pill

(first published 31 January 2011)

Alanis Morissette started acting at 10, had her own record company at 14, went plat- inum with her debut album at 17, and at 21 came out of nowhere (Ottawa, Canada) to sell 33 million albums worldwide with Jagged Little Pill.

Morissette was born June 1st, 1974, at 9:39 AM in Ottawa, Canada. Birth time courtesy of Astrotheme.com. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Ve 0757 Su 17.10 Me 10.27 Sa 11 07 Ke 26.23 Sa l107 Me 102y 5 Ma 01:56 3 Ke 2623 8 Ma 01:56 AS 12:52 Su 17:10 Ju 22.20 Alanis Morissette AS 12-52 09h39, 01 Jun 1974 Ottawa, Canada MO 07.50 7 Ve 07 57 10 0,

Ra 26:23 8 12 9 11 Ra 223 MO 07.50 JU 22:20

Alanis has the chart of an artist. Ascendant lord Moon is bright in a sign of Venus. Moon and Venus exactly oppose and mutually aspect each other in kendra/angular houses, the 4th and 10th. Aside from being a Dharma-Karma Yoga (ruling 1st and 4th houses), this is also a generic artist's yoga. In fact, the very tight opposition between Moon and Venus also means that the two will mutually stimulate each other in all of the amshas/ vargas, the harmonic charts unique to jyotish.

Her 5th lord (where the mind goes, drama, spiritual practice) is Mars, debilitated in the lagna/ascendant, from where it aspects ascendant lord Moon. Mars was activated right from birth because Alanis was born into the dasha (major period) of an exalted Rahu, one of whose functions is to do the work of its dispositor Mars. Thus was born a spiritual warrior.

Among the few yogas in her chart is a Viparita Yoga. Viparita is formed when all three trikasthana (6th-8th-12th) house lords also occupy trik houses. Alanis has a perfect example. Mercury and Saturn, the 8th and 12th lords, occupy the 12th house. The other trik lord Jupiter, ruling the 6th, sits in the 8th from where it also happens to aspect Mercury and Saturn. All three trik lords are in trik houses, and further linked by Jupiter's aspect.

Viparita Yoga tends to cause a sudden and unexpected rise in life, often as the result of a mishap. Viparita means inverted, contrary, reversed. It's the astrological equivalent of algebraic math, where multiplying two negative numbers produces a positive number.

Her Viparita Yoga involves all three trik lords: Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury, who just happen to follow each other in Vimshottari dasha sequence. That means that when her Jupiter dasha begins, its first three bhuktis (minor periods) will be Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury. And when the combined periods of those dasha and bhukti lords run, they will bring the results of their Viparita Yoga - sudden unexpected rise. When Rahu dasha ended and Jupiter dasha began, the Viparita Yoga was activated. Alanis was 16. Within the next four years, she wrote songs and performed and made two dance/ballad albums under the name Alanis. In 1995, when she was 21, Jagged Little Pill was released under her full name, selling 33 million units worldwide, the big- gest international debut album ever. Suddenly she was a major star. But what was the mishap out of which it grew? Alanis was mugged in 1993 during her JU-SA period but her reaction to it was delayed for more than a year, until Xmas 1994, after which she went through a long period of crying jags and fainting spells. Jupiter lord of the 6th brings confrontation and illness, while in the 8th, trauma. Saturn lord of the 8th in the 12th brings trauma, secret enemies, and loss, but also catharsis. And out of personal adversity came her fiercely creative reaction. In June 1995, just as she was shifting into Mercury bhukti, Jagged Little Pill was released. Mercury is the third trik lord of her Viparita Yoga, powerful in its own sign, and the strongest planet in her chart. During their bhuktis, both Saturn and Mercury do work for Rahu, because they occupy Ardra, one of Rahu's nakshatras. Rahu in the 5th will express itself with drama (Rahu can be flashy), anger (Mars is Rahu's dispositor) and angst (Rahu is deranged, and Mars is debilitated). Indeed, Jagged Little Pill summed up the anger and angst of adolescence. Since then, she's gone on to write many other albums, and continued her acting career, appearing off-Broadway, in TV se- ries like Nip/Tuck and Weeds, and in a number of films. She went into Saturn dasha in 2006, another of the trik lords that keep the Viparita Yoga going. Saturn as lord of the 7th house placed in the 12th is not a promising indicator of marital stability. Alanis was engaged for three years to actor Ryan Reynolds. Although they met late in Jupiter dasha, he broke it off early in Saturn dasha, in Saturn bhukti. It affected her deeply, and spurred more soul-searching and scathing songwriting. She's since married and had her first child in Mercury bhukti. Just as JU-ME delivered fame and fortune, SA-ME delivered happiness in her personal life. Indeed, success of some sort is exactly what we expect from the bhukti of a strong planet. During its pe- riod, Mercury participates in the "turnaround" results of Viparita Yoga. It also works for its nakshatra dispositor Rahu in the 5th, thus producing romance and a child. What lies ahead? For the balance of Saturn dasha, let's expect divorce and remarriage, and a continued career mix of music and acting. After age 51, in Mercury dasha, she'll become a philanthropist, take up foreign residency, write a book, and disappear from the limelight to embrace spiritual life. And what it all comes down to, is that everything's gonna be fine, fine, fine ...

Leonard Cohen: he's your man (first published 18 Feb 2011, expanded 15 Nov 2016)

Canada's most famous poet was a man of mystery, mysticism and mistresses. Over the course of his life he enjoyed a stellar career as poet, novelist, songwriter and performer. He rubbed shoulders with literati, generals, filmmakers, Zen masters and Hollywood ac- tresses. Did it get any more eclectic than this?

Cohen was born September 21, 1934, at 6:45 am in Montreal. His father ran a clothing store and upon his death left Cohen a trust fund that allowed him some financial inde- pendence. He first made his name on the Canadian literary scene as a poet and novelist, but when neither earned much money, he turned his talents to songwriting, where he found his niche.

Cohen has one classic Mahapurusha Yoga in his Vedic chart. Bhadra Yoga is created by Mercury in its own sign in the ascendant. In addition, Mercury is independently strengthened by gaining dig bala (directional strength) in the 1st. Bhadra Yoga exemplifies an archetype: Mercurial nature, brainy, observant, analytical, clever with words, but also ambivalent, calculating and detached. Calling him a word- smith is an understatement; essentially he was a man of ideas - spiritual, secular and sexual - using his pen as a mighty sword.

Aside from the classic rule of requiring angularity, some authors also allow that a true planet in its own sign can enjoy yoga status in a trinal house too. Under this looser definition, Sasha Yoga arises with Saturn in its own sign in the 5th house. It is further strengthened in being retrograde.

Ju 02:54 Ve 19-47 7 5 Ma 204 8 AS 04 59 Mo 110 Ke 1440 Me 2417 Ke 14:40

Leonard Cohen Ma 20:48 6 06h45, 21 Sep 1934 9 3 SaR 2933 Westmount, Canada 12

Ra 1440 Ve 1947 Ra 1410 Su 04:4 SaR 2963 11 2 1 Ju O4 AS 04 59 Me 24.17 Mo 11:03

Sasha Yoga offers a different archetype: a Saturnine nature, introspective, philosophical, spiritual, but also depressive and reclusive. Occurring in the 5th house, which rules both mind and spiritual nature, Saturn invokes a certain Spartan ethic. Indeed, Cohen spent several early years as a relative recluse in the Greek islands, and from the 1970s onward was deeply engaged in Zen Buddhism. Over the years Cohen was romantically linked with many famous women, eg, Joni

Mitchell, Janis Joplin, and Rebecca de Mornay, but he said cowardice and fear pre- vented him from marrying his longtime partner, artist Suzanne Elrod, with whom he had two children.

His prospects for longstanding primary relationships were not strong. The 7th house lord Jupiter is ordinary in the 2nd house, vith sign-to-sign squares from malefics Mars and Saturn. The 7th house itself is aspected by malefics Sun and Saturn. Venus, signifi- cator of love, is in the 12th house, a dusthana, a place of suffering and loss. He struggled with depression for most of his life. Saturn is powerful in its own sign in the 5th house (the mind), joined by the malefic (and deranging) Rahu, and opposed by a debilitated Mars. The Moon, a generic significator of the mind, is in the 6th house in a sign of Saturn.

Spirituality was a major theme. An observant Jew with priests among his ancestors, he consistently interwove spirituality into his writings, referring to many of his poems and songs as "prayers." One of his novels, Beautiful Losers, explored the themes of Mo- hawk Indian mysticism. Cohen became involved in Zen Buddhism in the 1970s, spent five years in a monastery in the 90s, and was ordained a Zen monk. In the powerful 5th house, Saturn associated with Rahu invokes both the minimalism and "foreign" aspect of Zen Buddhism. The 9th lord Venus is gone to the 12th, suggest- ing mentors and gurus encountered in retreats and/or foreign locales. The 12th lord Sun, itself a significator for the spirit, is exactly upon the ascendant. Saturn's 19-year dasha (major planetary period) began in 1962, marking an era of dedicated craftsmanship, often in seclusion, to his writing. During his Mercury bhukti (sub-period) in 1967 he moved to the USA to pursue his new profession as singer and songwriter. His stature grew throughout the 70s, a combination of influences including the use of his music in Hollywood films and his collaboration with other artists to develop a new sound for his music. The 17-year Mercury dasha began in 1981, a prolific period that extended through the 90s. He got more involved in film, and made increasing use of video clips as new media to promote his work. He segued into a new musical mode epitomized by the album I'm Your Man, and saw at least one aspect of his social conscience (Mercury also rules the 10th, ie, social status) materialize when some of his work was adopted as torch songs by the Polish Solidarity movement. He retreated to the Mount Baldy Zen Center near LA in 1994, during Jupiter bhukti, and in the following bhukti of his powerful Saturn, was ordained a Zen monk, adopting the name Jikan, meaning "silence." He remained in seclusion for five years, well into his Ketu dasha.

Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury dashas ran sequentially, and all delivered results for Mars, whose nakshatras they occupied. Debilitated Mars in the 11th house owns the 3rd and 8th houses - both dusthanas (places of misfortune) - thus characterizing the "mis-ad- ventures" correlated with his recurrent themes of infidelity and betrayal, depression, so-

cial injustice, war, and a lifelong predilection for the underdog, the "beautiful loser." The following 7-year dasha of moksha karaka Ketu (associated with Mars, aspected by Saturn in its nakshatra) saw a further extension of the same themes - creative work suffused with spirituality. Unfortunately, during the dasha of Ketu, aka "the headless one", Cohen also lost sight of some vital worldly matters. Immediately with the onset of his 20-year Venus dasha, Cohen discovered that his long- time former manager had misappropriated $5 million (97%) of his retirement fund. Note that Venus is lord of the 2nd gone to the 12th, a clear indicator of financial loss. Although Cohen fought and won a civil suit, and was awarded $9 million, his former manager refused to disclose her financial records, the end result being that Cohen was never able to collect the awarded amount.

To quote Cohen from one of his songs, "I've seen the future, brother, and it is murder."

After being financially devastated, Cohen was obliged to do what many another musi- cian has been forced to do - get back to work. Despite not having toured in 15 years, he launched a world tour in the spring of 2008 that lasted until late in 2010. In the fall of 2010, Sony put out another album, Songs From the Road, showcasing Cohen's recent live performances. Life on the road took its toll. In September 2009, with transiting Saturn just a few de- grees from his ascendant and natal Sun, he collapsed onstage in the middle of singing "Bird on a Wire." He was rushed to a hospital, reportedly diagnosed with food poisoning. In 2012 and 2013 he did another world tour, this time plagued with back problems. He put out another two albums in 2014 and 2016, the latter just three weeks before his

death. Cancer was a contributing factor in his demise, but it was precipitated by a fall on November 7th, 2016, and he died that night in his sleep. At the time, he was running Venus dasha, Jupiter bhukti. Venus is a maraka (death-pro- voking) planet because it owns the 2nd house. Since Venus occupies its own nakshatra, it powerfully acts on its own behalf, and its 12th-house placement is reflective of both loss and the end of things. Bhukti lord Jupiter is a double maraka because it occupies the 2nd and owns the 7th. It produces results for its star-lord Mars, a very problematic planet for Virgo rising since it rules both the troublesome 3rd house and the traumatic 8th house. Furthermore, Mars is debilitated, aligned on the Rahu-Ketu axis and bound in an opposition with its power- ful arch-enemy Saturn. He was laid to rest with a Jewish rite, in a simple pine casket next to his parents on a family plot in his hometown Montreal. Although physically departed, his spirit will never- theless live on through his music and poetry, as suggested perhaps by lyrics from his most revered composition: "I did my best, it wasn't much I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you And even though it all went wrong I'll stand before the lord of song With nothing on my tongue but hallelujah."

Will & Kate look great!

(first published 27 April 2011)

Thirty years ago, I appeared as a guest astrologer on Montreal's CBC-Radio to field questions from listeners and offer some predictions about current events of the day, one of them the forthcoming marriage of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer.

My prognosis was not good - the marriage would fall apart after about seven years. One listener expressed great outrage that I'd made such a prediction. But in due course, events proved me correct, with the fairytale romance coming apart at the seams after only five years, and by the late 80s Charles and Diana were living apart.

With my past record in hand, I approached the current Royal Wedding with some caution. Was I just a bad-news bear or did I see anything promising in this forthcoming union? What does Vedic astrology say?

William Windsor was born at 9:03 PM on June 21st, 1982, in Paddington, England. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Ve 02.03 SU 0629

Me 15:21 Mo 1121 Ra 2028 10 8 AS 03:52 Ke 20.28 JuR 06

Witlam Windsor 9 21h03, 21 Jun 1982 Sa 2153 12 6 Paddington, England 3 Ma 1535

Su 06:29 Mo 11 21 Ke 2021 Ma 1535 2

AS 03.52 JUR 06:52 Ve 02:03 Ra 20.28 4

Sa 2151 Me 15.21

Will has a Sagittarius ascendant, with both Sun and Moon in Gemini in the 7th house of marriage, and a strong Venus in 6th house Taurus.

Kate Middleton was born January 9th, 1982, in Reading, England but her birth time remains unknown to the public. Lacking a birth time, common practice in Vedic astrol- ogy is to calculate the planets' positions for noon and then rotate the chart to place the Moon in the first house. Alternatively, we can erect a chart for when the Moon rose at her birth locality, which is what I've done here, giving her a "hypothetical" birth time of 3:57 PM.

AS 23 11 MO 23 11 Ra 2907 4 AS : ll MO 23 11 Ra 2907

Kate Middleton Ma 1648 3 09 Jan 1982 12 VeR 13:40 Reading, England Sa 28:14 6 9

Me 1226

Ju 1339 SU 25:28 11 Ke 29-07 10

Su 25 2 JU 1339 Ma 1648 Ke 2907

Sa 214 VeR 13:40 Me 12:26

Therefore, since the Moon rose at 23 degrees Gemini on Kate's birthday, this degree point also becomes her ascendant. She has a Sagittarius Sun in the 7th house of mar- riage, and a strong (retrograde) Venus in 8th house Capricorn.

What does astrology say about their compatibility? According to the Dashkoota system used by pundits throughout the Hindu world, Will and Kate score an acceptable 22.5 points on a 36-point scale. Although not a stellar score, anything over 21 points lays the foundation for a workable marriage without need of remedial intervention.

A more detailed look at compatibility involves creating a 4x4 matrix comparing the relative sign positions of ascendant, Moon, Sun and Venus between Will and Kate. The ascendant indicates personality, behaviors, likes and dislikes. The Moon denotes per- ceptions, emotions and communications. The Sun reflects life mission, vision and val- ues. Last but not least, Venus implies physical affection and sexuality.

Will ASC MO SU VE

ASC 7/7 1/1 1/1 2/12

MC 7/7 1/1 1/1 2/12

Kate

SU 1/1 7/7 7/7 6/8

VE 2/1 6/8 6/8 5/9

In this 16-point matrix, we have 10 points good, only six bad - a decided bias in favor of marital happiness. More importantly, the four key factors are mutually well-disposed between the couple. Will and Kate's ascendants are opposites - Sagittarius and Gemini. Their Moon signs are the same - Gemini. Their Sun signs are opposites - Sagittarius and Gemini. And their Venus signs are both earthy - Taurus and Capricorn. This all points to compatibility in all four aspects of marital life.

Will is running Saturn dasha, Saturn bhukti. General principle says period lords deliver results of their nakshatra dispositors. Saturn is in Hasta, anakshatra of the Moon who occupies his 7th house. Saturn also aspects the 7th house. This year, transiting Saturn is back in Hasta, again via its star-lord Moon triggering 7th house matters for Will. On the wedding day itself, there is a great cluster of transiting planets in Pisces, three of which are in Revati, a nakshatra of Mercury, which owns Will's 7th house. Based on her hypothetical birth time, Kate is running Saturn dasha, Jupiter bhukti. Sat- urn is in Chitra, a nakshatra of Mars who aspects Kate's 7th house of marriage. Jupiter rules Kate's 7th house and is in Swati, a nakshatra of Rahu. Rahu delivers results for several planets - Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn. Chief among these are Sun and Jupiter, the occupant and lord of the 7th house. Thus marriage is seen in both their charts. But will it last?

Will's chart, being the accurate one, provides the better springboard for predictions. In principle, if the 7th house is focal for indicating marriage, then the 6th house (being 12th from the 7th) is critical for seeing marital separation. To see this happen, we need dasha/ bhukti lords in combination delivering results for Mercury and Venus who are the occu- pants and lord of the 6th. But by inspection of Will's chart, we see none of his planets are in Mercury nakshatras and only Ketu is in a Venus nakshatra. So the good news is, only in relatively brief Ketu bhuktis will there be friction in their marriage - during Saturn-Ketu, November 2015 to December 2016, and during Mer- cury-Ketu, July 2031 to July 2032. That makes for pretty clear sailing up to Ketu dasha in 2046-2053 when, rather than marital problems, there might instead be health prob- lems for Kate (age 64+). Until then, the western world's media can continue to indulge in a modern fairytale ro- mance. Per ardua ad astra - through adversity to the stars.

Amy Winehouse: filthy-mouthed down-to-earth diva

(first published 29 September 2011)

Newsweek magazine called her "a perfect storm of sex kitten, raw talent and poor impulse control." Born September 14, 1983, to British working class parents, Amy Wine- house entered the music world with a powerful one-two punch, and until her death on July 23, 2011, never stopped swinging.

Her 2003 debut album Frank received critical acclaim, and her 2006 follow-up album Back to Black scored a knockout punch at the Grammys, where she won five awards.

Both her talent and her style were over the top. Discovered at age 19 by a management agency, she was developed secretly by her record label until the release of her first album. With an unerring talent for self-promotion, she adopted Cleopatra-style makeup, an instantly recognizable beehive hairstyle and an attitude that threw discretion to the winds.

Writing most of her own songs for Back to Black, she was instantly recognized as an original musician and lyricist. "It's impossible not to be seduced by her originality," said one writer. Another quipped, however, that she was one of those "irresistible man traps who always seem to come to the same unfortunate end."

Despite her incredible talent as a musician, Winehouse was clearly a troubled soul and quickly developed a reputation for substance abuse and violence that ran the gamut from throwing punches in public to beating up her own spouse. Three major themes thus compete for attention in Winehouse's all-too-brief biography - originality, violence and self-destructiveness. All can be seen in her chart.

Winehouse was born September 14, 1983 at 10:25 PM BST in Enfield, England. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrol- ogy.)

AS 23:30 Ra 26 37 Ma 26-55 4 3 AS 2330

Ma 2655 VeR 295 Ra 26:37

Amy Winehouse VeR 2935 22h25, 14 Sep 1983 Su 27:51 2 5 11 Enfield. England SU 27.51 MeR 2924

MeR 29:24

6 JU 1041 10

MO 06:48 JU 1041 7 Ke 2037 9

Ke 2637 Sa 00:19 Sa 08:19 MO 06

Taurus is rising with debilitated Rahu close to the ascendant. Rahu is a chaya graha - a shadow planet - associated with sudden rises and falls in life. It signifies the rebel, inno-

vator and outsider. An afflicted Rahu can bequeath a magnetic quality but, just as likely, an addictive nature regarding substance abuse, thrill-seeking relationships or outright defiance of societal values.

"I march to the beat of my own drum," the rebel yells. Indeed, in the last year of her life, Amy was learning to play the drums! Ascendant lord Venus is in the 3rd house, associated with a debilitated Mars, aspected by Jupiter and Saturn. The 3rd house often looms large in the charts of performers, whether artistic or athletic. It's a house of desire, not necessarily for sex alone, but for adventure of all kinds.

Lagnesh Venus is in a mixed state - strong because retrograde, but weak in sandhi (last degree of a sign), furthermore gandanta, last degree of a water sign and a fire-earth-air- water cycle. (The cusp of a sign is like a fence the wandering planet must briefly straddle and, in that transition, is both unstable and vulnerable.) The ascendant and its lord are all associated with planets in a state of exaggeration. Rahu in the lagna is debilitated. Lagnesh Venus is retrograde and gandanta. Venus is furthermore associated with a debilitated Mars, and aspected by an exalted Saturn. Lagnesh Venus with debilitated Mars in the 3rd house invokes courage, fighting spirit, reckless prowess, lots of attitude and a mean right hook. Saturn's aspect on Venus adds more nastiness to the notion. Exalted Saturn in the 6th house is a mixed proposi- tion - potential mastery over the competition, but also a callous disregard for one's own health. A heavy smoker of both cigarettes and recreational drugs, Winehouse enjoyed only 70% of her lung capacity, despite warnings from her doctors she was on the road to bronchial disaster. Overheated Mars as lord of the 12th house (self-undoing) is associ- ated with addictions, and occupies the 3rd house (lungs). "They want to make me go to rehab, but I said no, no, no ... " The dispositor of lagnesh Venus is Moon in the 8th house. It is relatively bright and wax- ing, but aspected by Saturn in the 6th house. If we combine the notion of misadventure (3rd lord gone to the 8th house) and chronic competitiveness (Saturn in 6th house), we get a sense of Winehouse's gung-ho throw-down attitude to life.

Her ego was self-evident, both in the way she dressed and the wanton manner in which she attacked critics and fans alike. Sun in its own sign in the 4th house with Mercury forms one of the few yogas (Budhaditya) in this chart. She probably enjoyed a sense of comfort with herself, but felt a need everywhere she turned to push the envelope, or throw a punch at whoever annoyed her, as evidenced by her many arrests and lawsuits for assault. Winehouse catapulted into fame during the last two bhuktis (Mercury and Ketu) of her Venus dasha. Mercury as ruler of the 2nd and 5th houses is strong (retrograde) in the 4th house. Ketu is exalted in the 7th and associated with Jupiter.

Once her Sun dasha kicked in, however, her personal life eclipsed her career. Her vio- lence and her substance abuse became fodder for the tabloids. She died in Sun dasha, Mercury bhukti. Both Sun and Mercury are in Sun's nakshatra, so deliver 4th house re- sults, one of them being moksha or end-of-life.

In this case, perhaps, transits were more potent than planetary periods. The moon's nodes were exactly halfway through a cycle, the reverse of their natal positions, but aligned again on her ascendant. Transiting Sun was in a Saturn nakshatra while tran- siting Moon was in a Ketu nakshatra, which proxies for Mars in her natal chart. Both Saturn and Mars are exaggerated planets in dusthana (3rd-6th-8th-12th) houses of her natal chart, both afflicting her lagnesh Venus. The official autopsy could not determine the cause of her death, and judgment was deferred pending further toxicology tests and an inquest scheduled for October 26. In the end, however, we can already anticipate hearing what coroners have always said in such murky cases: Death by misadventure.

Whitney Houston: pop diva supreme (first published 28 February 2012)

With a voice that stood like a monument against the landscape of 20th century pop, Whitney Houston conquered every worldly ambition, yet succumbed in the end to the deep and personal wounds to her soul.

Whitney was born at 8:55 PM on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

JUR 26 08 MO 23 44 SaR 163g/ MO 23+ Ra 25:38 JUR 26,08 10 AS 15.04 Ke 25:30

AS 1504 Ve 1751

Whitney Houston SU 2321 11 20h55, 09 Aug 1963 2 8 5 SaR 26:39 Newark, NJ, USA Me 1654

Ra 25:38 3 4 Me 1654 6 Ke 25:30 Ma 15:09 Ve 17:51 Su 23:21 Ma 15:09

Her father was an Army serviceman and entertainment executive, her mother a gospel singer. Dionne Warwick was her aunt, Aretha Franklin her godmother. She was raised a Baptist and at the age of 11 began to perform as a gospel singer.

She has several prominent yogas in her chart: two Raja (power) Yogas with lagnesh (ascendant lord) Saturn opposing 4th and 9th lord Venus; another with Saturn and 7th lord Sun; yet another with 7th lord Sun and 9th lord Venus; a Chandra-Mangala (wealth) Yoga between Moon and Mars, and a powerful Kesari (popularity) Yoga with Moon and Jupiter.

She began singing backup at age 14 and, thanks to her natural beauty, also started working as a fashion model at age 17, breaking the color barrier on many magazine covers of the day. When she was 20 she attracted the attention of Clive Davis and was signed to Arista Records.

Whitney's chart reveals a powerful 2nd house, which governs family, wealth and voice. Jupiter is doubly strong in the 2nd, being in its own sign Pisces, and retrograde (bright). It is fortified by a bright Moon. Jupiter aspects both the 10th house and the 10th lord Mars.

When her debut album Whitney Houston was released, its songs scored three #1 Billboard hits, making it the best-selling debut album by a female artist. Ultimately, she became the most awarded female act of all time: two Emmys, six Grammys, 30 Bill- board awards, 22 American Music awards, for a total of 415 awards in her lifetime.

With her debut in February 1985 Whitney was running Venus dasha (major period), Mars bhukti (minor period). Mars gave results of its nakshatra dispositor Moon, granting her significant public appreciation. But when the bhukti shifted to Rahu, giving results of its sign dispositor Mercury in the 7th house, and nakshatra dispositor Jupiter in the 2nd house, the acclaim became official. Nominated for three Grammys in 1986, she won for Best Pop Vocal Performance. She won seven American Music Awards in 1986-87. At the 1988 Grammys, her followup album Whitney received two nominations and scored yet another win for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. "The Voice", as Whitney was sometimes called, was a mezzo-soprano whose range spanned two-and-a-half octaves, sometimes belting it out to almost three. Considered a pop diva, there was virtually no one - Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, nor Barbra Streisand - who could rival the fluidity and purity of her tone. Relationships, principally with husband Bobby Brown, were source of pain for Whit- ney. Every indicator for relationship is influenced by a dusthana (destructive) house. Her 7th house lord Sun is in the 6th, a dusthana, while the 7th is occupied by the lord of the 8th, also a dusthana. Venus the karaka (significator) of love is also in the 6th. Whitney's 2nd house is aspected by two malefics - a strong Saturn (retrograde in its own sign) from the 12th house, and Mars from the 8th. The 2nd house also repre- sents nourishment - food, drink, medications, etc - and the influence of malefics from dusthana houses reminds us that not everything ingested is good for us. An afflicted 2nd house suggests substance abuse, something Whitney admitted in later years. Whitney was a humanitarian, as befits her sensitive Moon with powerful Jupiter in Pisces. She supported Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement. She formed a foundation to raise funds for children around the world, was a spokesperson for youth leadership, and made large donations to the American Red Cross. Parallel with her stellar recording career, she received multiple movie offers, and starred in The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale, and The Preachers' Wife, all of which received popular acclaim and made her at the time the highest earning African American actress in Hollywood. She enjoyed stellar success throughout most of her Venus dasha: Rahu bhukti 1985-88, Jupiter 1988-91, Saturn 1991-94, Mercury 1994-97. Saturn bhukti (giving results of nakshatra dispositor, 10th lord Mars) was particularly potent, with The Body- guard soundtrack album selling a million copies during Christmas week of 1992, racking up 17x platinum sales, the best female showing in the world's Top Ten best-selling al- bums. In the 1994 Grammys, the album won three awards. Things began to unravel in her Sun dasha. The Sun is her 7th lord, ruling relationships both personal and public. Sitting in the 6th house, it is afflicted by its powerful enemy Saturn, a dusthana lord in its own sign, the 12th house of self-undoing. She started being late for interviews, photo shoots and rehearsals. She cancelled con-

certs and talk-show appearances. Rumors of drug abuse with Bobby Brown began to circulate. Although she signed a mammoth $100M contract in 2001, troubles continued to mount. Her father died, she lost weight, and she was embroiled in lawsuits.

Things went from bad to worse in Moon dasha. Bobby Brown starred in his own reality show with equal air time for Whitney, albeit in less-than-flattering circumstances. The Hollywood Reporter called it "the most disgusting series ever to ooze its way onto tele- vision." After Whitney said she wouldn't continue for a second season, the show was cancelled.

Houston and Brown separated in September 2006 during her Moon dasha, Rahu bhukti, initiating child custody and spousal support lawsuits. Moon is lord of the 6th house (undoing of marriage, and litigation) and gives results of nakshatra lord Mercury in the 7th house. Rahu gives results of its sign dispositor Mercury in the 7th house, and its nakshatra dispositor Jupiter in the 2nd, which is 8th (death) from the 7th house of marriage In the following years (bhuktis Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury) Whitney continued perform- ing to very mixed reviews, with disappointed fans walking out of some concerts. In May 2011 she enrolled in a rehab program for drug and alcohol problems, what her media rep called part of a "longstanding recovery process." Whitney Houston was found dead on February 11, 2012, in a suite of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, submerged in a bathtub. She was running Moon dasha, Ketu bhukti. Ketu gives results of planets aspecting it (Mars in the 8th house), sign dispositor (Jupiter as strong maraka, or death indicator in the 2nd house), and nakshatra dispositor Venus in the 6th house.

Transiting Sun was conjunct her natal Saturn in the 12th house. Transiting Moon was conjunct her natal Mars in the 8th house. The voice that had warmed the hearts of millions with songs like / Will Always Love You was now silent.

Welcome to the Demi-monde!

(first published 31 March 2012)

Demi-monde: the jet set; people who live hedonistic lifestyles in a conspicuous manner, seeking pleasure via drinking, drugs, gambling, promiscuity, and high spending on fash- ion, cars and houses. Did someone say, Hollywood?

Recent tabloid coverage on Demi Moore has her spiralling out of control like a water skier whose speedboat has cut her loose. Not that she was getting a free ride from Ash- ton Kutcher, but now he has horsepower to spare, and is recklessly making waves.

Demi Moore was born at 2:16 PM on November 11, 1962 in Roswell, New Mexico, a place made famous before her time by the purported crash of an alien space ship in the vicinity.

Demi Moore's birth time was acquired from Astrotheme.com. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Sa 12:20 MO 25 12 Ke 10:00 12 JU 09:47 10 MO 25 12 AS 2903 Ra 10:00 AS 29:03

JU 09:47 Demi Moore Ma 21:16 11 14h16, 11 Nov 1962 2 8 Sa 12:20 Roswell, NM, USA 5

Ke 10:00 VeR 21 3 Me 17:41 SU 25:40 6 SU 25.40 Me 1: Ra 10-00 VeR 27.12 Ma 21.16

Demi was born to teenage parents who divorced, and she attended 30 different schools in the course of 48 domestic moves. Her step-father committed suicide when she was 16.

Demi's 7th house lord Sun is debilitated in Libra in the 9th. This implies a fundamental weakness in relationships, perhaps an underlying issue regarding father figures. When the Sun, significator for the father, is found in the 9th house also signifying father, this creates bhavo karako nashto, roughly translated as "the significator of something in the house ruling the same thing destroys the thing itself." Although a step-father would technically be found in the 4th house (8th from the 9th), here we consider it simply as "fathers" of any kind.

Demi dropped out of school to start modelling, did a nude layout for OUI magazine, and played in the daytime soap "General Hospital." Venus in Libra in the 9th house forms Malavya Yoga, archetype for an artist. Although combust, Venus is strong via its retrogression. It participates in 'passion combos' with

Mars and Saturn who aspect it, while its angularity from both Moon and Sun increases its influence.

After a brief marriage to musician Freddy Moore, with a high life of drugs and booze followed by rehab, she was engaged to marry Emilio Estevez but cancelled at the last minute.

Lagnesh (ascendant lord) Saturn is in its own sign in the 12th house, opposed debili- tated Mars, and on the Rahu/Ketu axis. Saturn forms a Raja Yoga with Mars, but in a dusthana (house of destruction) its affliction threatens addictions, lawsuit and sexual entanglements.

In 1987 she married Bruce Willis with whom she had three daughters. Her film credits gradually increased, including the hit "Ghost" and the bomb "Striptease", for which latter Hollywood paid her a record $12.5M to strut her beautiful body. Demi was born on a full moon, giving charisma and public appeal. Moon and Mars are in Parivartana Yoga, an exchange of lords of 3rd and 6th houses. This suggests a dare- devil, a person of adventures and misadventures, who also succeeds in career, thanks to Mars' rulership of the 10th house.

After more than a decade of marriage, Demi and Bruce divorced, and she retreated from Hollywood to raise her daughters in Idaho. She enjoyed two years of stable relationship with a local martial arts instructor before meeting Ashton Kutcher, 15 years her junior. Demi's 7th house of relationships gets mixed reviews. Its lord Sun is debilitated, and influenced by many planets - strong benefics Moon and Venus versus malefics Mars and Saturn. The 7th house is itself aspected by Jupiter, and Venus, the strong relation- ship karaka, is afflicted by three malefics. Demi and Ashton married on September 24, 2005, but after rumors that he was seeing other women, she filed for divorce in mid-November 2011.

Ashton ASC MO SU VE

ASC 4/10 2/12 2/1 2/12

MO 2/12 4/10 4/10 4/10 Demi

SU 6/8 4/10 4/10 4/10

VE 6/8 4/10 4/10 4/10

Compatibility between the two is very difficult. Each ascendant (mundane habits) is square to the other. Each Moon (rapport) squares each other. Each Sun (values) is square, and each Venus (sexuality) square. In fact, all 16 points of comparison are nega- tive - a striking prognosis for failure.

Since the New Year, she's been reported as grief-stricken, depressed, drinking, in- dulging in drugs, and partying like a frat girl on spring break. On January 23, 2012, she was rushed to hospital after a severe reaction to an unnamed substance. She's been running Jupiter dasha since January 2006. Jupiter gives the results of its nakshatra dispositor Rahu, which occupies the 6th house with debilitated Mars. The main concern during this period (aside from relationships) is her health, and she could end up back in rehab in 2013. But Rahu also associates with the Mars/Saturn Raja Yoga, so watch for a career comeback in 2014-15.

Pattinson & Stewart: lovers in the twilight zone

(first published 30 July 2012)

Christian Fundamentalist parents all over America can rejoice this month, having re- ceived proof positive that vampire adulation will send you to hell - along with other devil worshippers - just as the good book said.

This is apparently what's happened to Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. Once regarded as one of Hollywood's most beautiful young romances, the couple have sud- denly fallen to earth and ended up in media hell, thanks to recent revelations that Stew- art had an affair with the director of her latest movie.

Both stars had shot to fame in 2008, when the first of the Twilight books by Stephenie Meyer emerged as a movie, in which Stewart, a normal girl named Bella, became smit- ten with Pattinson, the vampire Edward. The feeling was mutual, on and off the screen.

Birth data for both Stewart and Pattinson was confirmed through astro.com/astro- databank and astrotheme.com. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Kristen Stewart, 9 April 1990, 9:21 AM, Los Angeles, CA

Su 25-49 Me N4.H Ju 1002 JU 1002 Me 1434 AS 18:28 3 1 , 4 Ke 19:30 4 AS 18.28 12 Su 25 49

Ke 1930 2 Kristen Stewart 11 09h21.09 Apr 1990 Ve 0941 Ma 27:52 Los Angeles, USA Ra 1930 Ma 27:5 Sa o1 05 MO 20:46 6 10 Ra 1930 7 Sa oLos MO 20 46

Robert Pattinson, 13 May 1986, 8:32 AM, London, England

Ra 05.09 MO 16:22 Ve 2623 Me 1722 Ve 362 AS 19:55 4 2 MO 16:22 Su 28 35 Su 28:35

AS 19:55 Me 172 Ra os:os JU 23 50 3 Robert Pattinson 08h32, 13 May 1986 6 12 London, England

Ke 05.09 Ma 25:25 11 Ju 2350 8 10 Ma 25:25 SaR 13:49 Ke 0s.19 SaR 13:49

The immediate reason for the attraction isn't hard to see. Pattinson has an angular Mars, which is the ruler of Kristen's seventh house. His Venus (karaka for love attraction) is in Taurus, which is her ascendant.

But there is more than a little duality in their charts. Pattinson has his ascendant and Moon in Gemini, his Mars in Sagittarius. Stewart has Sun in Pisces, Moon in Virgo. The curse of dual signs is ambivalence.

Movable signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricom) and fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) are inclined to seek, secure and savor permanent relationships. The dual signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces), not so much Vacillating types won't commit to relationship at all. Or if they do, they often don't work at it, because they're frequently distracted by other diversions, of which life offers many. Other times, the ambivalent type appears to value constancy but seems to be unlucky in love, choosing people who are themselves uncommitted, and therefore not likely to hold up their end. Dig a little deeper into the compatibility prospects for Pattinson and Stewart, the pretty picture starts to fade. His Moon is in Gemini, hers in Virgo. These two minds challenge, perhaps provoke, each other. Mercury, dubbed the Trickster in Jungian psychology, rules both.

His Sun is in Aries, hers in Pisces. In terms of morals, ethics and values, the effect can be undermining. While he puts the pedal to the metal, she may swim in circles. And although he may be headstrong, at least he's upright, while she can get swept up in a dream that could become a nightmare.

His Venus is in Taurus, hers in Aquarius. He's a romantic, while she's got a touch of hedonism. Affection and sexual compatibility can prove to be a bit of a challenge, the more so as time goes by. Stewart is currently in the dasha (major period) of Rahu in the 9th house. Rahu always acts as a proxy, and in her case, invokes two powerful malefics in the 9th - Saturn in its own sign and exalted Mars. With three malefics thus acting in concert in the 9th house, this manifests as the undoing (12 houses away from the 10th) of her name and reputation.

She is in the bhukti (minor period) of Venus. Because Venus occupies a nakshatra of Rahu (6deg40-20deg00 Aquarius), it reiterates the effect of Rahu noted above. Mean- while, Venus also delivers its own results, focusing on the Self (ascendant lord) and the undoing of a relationship (6th house lord). Since Venus occupies the public space of the 10th house, wherein it is hemmed by malefics on either side, her shame has become tabloid fodder.

Pattinson is in the dasha of Saturn. Because Saturn occupies its own nakshatra (3deg20-16deg40 of Scorpio), it delivers its results full force. As lord of the 8th occupy- ing the 6th, it invokes double jeopardy, primarily via loss of relationship (Saturn in the 6th

is 12th from the 7th.)

He is in the bhukti of Mercury. Since Mercury occupies a nakshatra of Venus (13deg20-26deg40 Aries), it chiefly works for Venus, which both owns and occupies the 12th, thus making loss of love the primary consequence. Although Mercury covers its own interests, as lord of 1st and 4th in the 11th, the comfort of friends and sympathy of fans pales in comparison to the hurt and "loss of face." An interesting feature of Pattinson's chart is his powerful Viparita Yoga activated by dasha and bhukti. Viparita always involves two or more dusthana lords, and implies misfortunes followed by recovery, the proverbial cloud with a silver lining. A common form of Viparita involves dusthana lords exchanging places in other dusthana houses, the astrological equivalent of multiplying two negative numbers to get a positive, or figuratively "two wrongs make a right." A less common form of Viparita involves dusthana lords in a sambandha (relationship) via conjunction or mutual aspect, wherein it doesn't matter what houses they occupy, so long as they fight it out between or among each other without involving any posi- tive house lords. Rahu and Ketu are tolerated as bystanders because neither own any houses that could be harmed by collateral damage. In Pattinson's chart, Viparita is formed by 8th lord Saturn in the 6th, in mutual aspect with 12th lord Venus in the 12th. No other planet is involved. Venus is in its own sign and Saturn is retrograde, so this is a very powerful yoga. Furthermore, Pattinson's 7th lord Jupiter is transiting his 12th, from whence it influences the 8th and 12th, as well as both their lords, Saturn and Venus. Bottom line is, the honeymoon is over. Welcome to the twilight zone. These two may drift for a couple of years in search of the silver lining, but eventually they will find it. For Pattinson, his Viparita ripens in Saturn-Venus period (January 2014 - March 2017). Within that same period, Stewart will run Rahu-Mars (April 2015 - April 2016), thus in- voking a powerful impetus for marriage, since Mars rules both the 7th and the 12th. In 2015 transiting Jupiter will leave its exaltation sign Cancer and adventure into Leo. Maybe they'll pretend to be in love again, on or off the screen.

Justin Bieber: little boy bad

(first published 6 September 2012)

Justin Bieber, Canadian wunderkind of pop music, had a virtually squeaky-clean image up until two years ago, but in his Sade Sati period he's revealed a darker side.

Bieber was born March 1st 1994 at 12:56 AM in Stratford, Canada. Raised a devout Christian by his single mother, he taught himself to play guitar, piano, drums and trum- pet. After placing second in a local talent show at age 12, his mom posted his perfor- mance on YouTube, along with other videos of him singing R&B ballads. He was discov- ered by manager Scooter Braun, who introduced him to Usher, and the rest is history.

JuR 20.52 Ke 0410 MO 00:59 9 Ra 0410 Ve 27:03 MeR 219 6

Su 1638 AS oS:14 Sa 0ss Ma 01:20 Ma 01:20 Justin Bieber 00h56, 01 Mar 1994 Sa 09:s8 8 11 /5 Stratford, ON. Canada Su 1638 MeR 29 M Ve 27.03

12 Ke 04:50 4 Ra 0410 MO 00:50 3

AS os 14 JuR 2052

Bieber has a cluster of yogas in the 4th house. Lagnesh Mars combines with 4th lord Saturn, 7th lord Venus and 10th lord Sun for three Raja Yogas. Saturn in its own sign forms Sasha Yoga, giving a substantive fan base, property holdings and fascination with cars. Four planets in the 4th form Pravrajya Yoga, a source of spiritual strength in years 3 Highlighters to come.

Moon and Jupiter in the 12th form another three yogas - Raja Yoga, Dhana Yoga and Kesari Yoga, the latter explaining his popular appeal.

Bieber's first single appeared in July 2009, while his first album in March 2010 earned him the American Music Awards' Artist of the Year. This all happened in Rahu dasha, Venus bhukti.

Rahu is exalted in the lagna and gives results of Saturn aspecting it and Mars its dispos- itor. Saturn is powerful, and Mars/Saturn creates yoga. Venus has dig bala in the 4th, primarily giving results of nakshatra dispositor Jupiter and its multiple yogas.

In May 2012 during Rahu-Sun he bought a 10,000-square-foot mansion outside LA. Sun in the 4th sits in Rahu nakshatra, thus invoking both bhumi karaka Mars and Sat- urn, the lord and occupant of the 4th of property.

Bieber is reputed to have 54 million Twitter followers, second only to Katy Perry, and ahead of Barack Obama. For any artist, politician or commercial enterprise, the 4th 3 Highlighfers

house represents their fan, constituent or customer base. Bieber's strong 4th, with its own lord Saturn and several Raja Yogas, is a bastion of power. Romantically, Bieber has so far limited his public alliances to actress/singer Selena Gomez. Other than a bogus paternity suit dismissed in November 2011, he's thus far been scandal-free in the relationship department. But the prospects for becoming tabloid fodder increase as time goes by. The Rahu-Ketu axis runs through his 1st and 7th houses, with Ketu debilitated in the 7th and afflicted by Mars. This spells sudden and sometimes unwise attractions.

Seventh lord Venus (relationship karaka) in the 4th is afflicted by three malefics. This is a classic combination for hedonism, a turbo-charged engine whose tank is topped up with high-octane fuel, just waiting for the right driver(s) to turn on the ignition. Both the Moon and Bieber's 5th lord Jupiter indicate the mind, and their house position indicates where it's at. The 12th signifies pleasures of the bed, and his current age makes that a fascination. Once Jupiter dasha kicks in at age 21, his world may increas- ingly become a sexual playground. But the 12th is also the place of charitable works and spiritual retreat, and already he's active in several charities. With dharma lords of five and nine participating, his spirituality may become more evident after he runs Jupiter-Moon at age 32-33. Jupiter occupies its own nakshatra, and will thus favor the 12th house it occupies, and the 2nd and 5th it rules. Because the Moon's there too, the bias will be on the 12th house. Although Jupiter dasha could see a prolific period of songwriting, acting and other creative pursuits, at the end of the day the Bieb will also kick back and indulge himself, since Jupiter is itself the karaka for over-indulgence. Inevitably, some of that will spill over into the public eye. If we ever wondered what Sade Sati looks like in a celebrity life, Bieber's chart offers a good example. Although tradition suggests Sade Sati spans the 7.5 years it takes Saturn to transit the Moon sign and its two flanking signs, it's instructive to restrict the focus.

We can do that by examining the period (approximately 2.5 years) it takes Saturn to transit the Moon sign alone. In Bieber's case, Saturn entered Libra in November 2011, and will exit in November 2014.

We can further fine-tune our analysis by examining the dasha/bhukti sequence during that same time, especially bhukti lords that occupy or rule dusthanas. In Bieber's case, the sequence is Sun, Moon and Mars. Since the Sun neither occupies nor rules a dusthana, we'll ignore its bhukti and focus our attention on the Moon (in the 12th) and Mars (ruling the 6th). Bieber's Moon bhukti ran September 2012 to March 2014. Although up until then he'd enjoyed great popularity and a squeaky-clean image, things changed during the Moon bhukti.

January 2013, he and Selena Gomez broke up. March 2013, he fainted backstage at a London concert and cancelled a Lisbon show due to poor ticket sales. April 2013, social media analysis claimed 40% of his Twitter followers were bogus. May 2013, an Ameri- can opinion poll judged his image 20% positive, 54% negative. January 2014, he was charged with vandalizing a neighbor's house and arrested while DUI. Meanwhile, a quarter million people petitioned to have him deported. His Mars bhukti runs March 2014 to March 2015. Although the worst of Sade Sati should be over when Saturn leaves Libra November 2014, that still leaves six months of trouble.

June 2014, a video appeared of him singing a song using the N-word. September 2014, he was arrested for assault and dangerous driving, and followed that up a week later by stripping to his underwear amid boos from the crowd at a fashion show. By now his mom is probably holed up, not taking calls, and cursing the day she ever posted videos of him on YouTube for the world to discover.

Taylor Swift: teardrops on my guitar

(first published 26 November 2012)

Has Taylor Swift embraced an unstable love life just to inspire more "Teardrops-On-My- Guitar" songs? Is this art imitating life, or life imitating astrology?

In a recent interview, Swift admitted she falls in love quickly, but also insisted she was not in a hurry, at age 22, to get married and have kids. "I think every girl's dream is to find a bad boy at the right time, when he wants to not be bad anymore." Ironically, de- spite her tendency to leap before she looks, Swift isn't sure she's ever been in love.

Can astrology shed some light on these contradictions by analysing relationships in her birth chart?

Taylor Swift was born December 13th, 1989, at 8:46 PM in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. Birth data courtesy of astrotheme.com. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

JuR 13S3 MO 1704 MO 170% JUR upY 5 AS 21:26 3 2 AS 21:26 Ke 25:41

Taylor Swift Ke 21 4 20h46, 13 Dec 1989 7 Ra 2541 Wyomissing, PA, USA 10

Ve 0827 Ma 03 24 8 Ve 08 27 12 Sa 1947 Ma 03:24 Su my 9 Ra 25.41 11

Me Is s0 Su 2 19 Me 15:50 Sa 1947

Venus sits in Swift's 7th house of relationships, so you'd think that'd be a good thing. After all, Venus is the karaka (significator) of love and pleasure. And the 7th house is the home of "The Significant Other." One plus one makes two-getherness, right?

Nope. The classic texts of Vedic astrology call this karako bhavo nashto, a condition where in fact it's best not to have all your eggs in one basket, because one blow to that basket could break all your eggs.

So Venus in her 7th house - what seems to promise romantic bliss - is actually a set-up for a fall, because the Rahu/Ketu axis destabilizes both the planet and the house associ- ated with relationships.

When that happens to Swift, she finds catharsis by singing her heart out in music. It pains her, but it pays, because in an angular house, Venus can still deliver the good stuff.

Rahu in the 7th has dig bala, directional strength that makes it potent. Because of its power to cause eclipses, the Rahu/Ketu axis is associated with unusual and unpre- dictable people and circumstances. That can mean experimental, unconventional or

downright quirky alliances. Taylor's love life flickers bright and dark - people coming out of nowhere, and just as quickly returning to never-gonna-make-up-again land. Joe Jonas, Taylor Lautner, John Mayer, Jake Gyllenhaal ... Stop the boy-go-round, I wanna get off. Swift has Capricom in the 7th. Its lord Saturn is in the 6th, one of the dusthanas, or houses of destruction. (The others are the 8th and 12th, and mildly, the 3rd.) The 6th house is especially bad for relationships because it's in the 12th house - as counted from the 7th. That makes it misery-making for partnerships as well. Her ascendant lord Moon occupies the 12th house. This is another dusthana for her, implying self-undoing, and also one from the 7th house of the partner. Her Moon in the 12th enjoys a full-on aspect with 7th lord Saturn in the 6th. That initiates contact with potential mates, but involves relationships that can be confrontational and erosive. Her Gemini Moon is twitchy - emotionally and sexually. Its close association with a bright (retrograde) Jupiter gives her luck, abundance, generosity, a spiritual boost and wisdom with age. But Moon is afflicted by Saturn from the 6th and Mars from the 5th - and there's the itch that can't be scratched.

Moon afflicted by both Mars and Saturn is a 'passion player', someone who's amorous. The 12th house - pleasures of the bed - suggests the playing field. Venus afflicted by Rahu/Ketu can be very adventurous in relationships. 'Don't knock it until you've tried it' could be a song title. Will Swift ever settle down in a stable marriage? 2020's looking good, when Saturn will transit its own 7th house. Furthermore, from October 2020 to May 2022, she'll be in the bhukti (minor period) of ascendant lord Moon during the dasha (major period) of 7th lord Saturn. Aside from bringing together the Self and the Significant Other, via these two ruling planets that mutually aspect each other, this period will fully arouse her passions in a re- lationship that may well raise eyebrows. Since Moon is in a nakshatra of Rahu, the Moon bhukti will deliver the goods for Rahu. Passionate Rahu sits in the 7th with Venus, invoking love relationship, and probably mar- riage, albeit of an unusual character. Will that be the end of her "I-Knew-You-Were-Trouble" songs? Probably not. Venus in the 7th is karako bhavo nashto, after all, and it is still destabilized by Rahu, creating a combo that is both erratic and erotic. Beware the seven-year-itch.

Lindsay Lohan: fully loaded (first published 19 January 2013)

If anyone needed evidence of Rahu's power to turn an otherwise charmed life into a shit- storm of trouble, look no further than Lindsay Lohan. Lindsay (LiLo) Lohan was born July 2, 1986, at 9:50 PM in New York. Birth data cour- tesy of Astrotheme.com. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the side- real zodiac as per Vedic astrology.) Her mother was a singer/dancer, her father a Wall Street trader. She began a career as a child fashion model when she was three, and was acting in the soap opera Another World by the time she was ten. Aiming to become a triple threat - actor, singer and dancer - like her role model Marilyn Monroe, over the next 10 years she enjoyed an almost unbroken run of good fortune. She acted in several movies, including The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, Mean Girls and Herbie: Fully Loaded, all of which met with critical and box office success. With unconscious prescience, however, a critic of The Parent Trap remarked at the time that, "she is more adept than her predecessor [Hayley Mills] at creating two distinct personalities."

Then her car jumped the curb, literally and figuratively. Like every good drama, there was some fore-shadowing in 2006 when s n she started partying like a frat girl, and the first of many car accidents occurred. By the time 2007 rolled around, she'd fully morphed into her new-found persona of Good Girl Gone Bad, Really Bad. It's been a train wreck ever since: one car accident after another, DUI convictions, community service, in and out of rehab, drug possession, jail time, legal issues, industry doubts about her work ethic, man troubles, girl-on-girl action, probation violations, theft, more legal issues, disastrous box office and critical flops, assault charges, and more family drama than you can shake a stick at.

If you can bear to watch rampant self-destruction in action, this is one of the biggest movies in town, and it's live!

Ra 02:27 MO 02:03 Su ml JU 2902 MaR 26-10 11 12 AS 10:56 8 SaR 1

JU 2902 Me 10:59

Lindsay Lohan Ve 26:28 10 21h50, 02 July 1986 New York, USA Ra 02:27 Ke 02 27

AS 10 %

MO 0203 2 Me 1059 3 Ve 2628 5 MaR 2600 SaR 10:20 Ke 0227 Su 17:11

Lohan has a relatively unremarkable chart. She has two Raja Yogas - Moon/Saturn in the 5/11 axis, Mercury/Venus in the 7th. Her Moon/Jupiter in mutual kendras creates a Kesari Yoga (the schmoozer). Parivartana Yoga with Moon/Venus exchanging houses in the 5th and 7th can indicate a person whose mind is always on sex. There were hints of troubles to come. Venus in the 7th is karako bhavo nashto, indicat- ing relationship problems. Rahu/Ketu in the kendras can manifest as a rebel without a cause.

Most troubling are signs of a disturbed manas, her emotional mind. Destabilizing Rahu is in the 4th house; lord of the 4th, Mars, is afflicted in the 12th; Moon, significator of the manas, is afflicted by a powerful (retrograde) Saturn. These things aren't enough to put her in a mental institution, but they do encourage visits. But take an unremarkable chart and give it a good dasha sequence, you get a life like Lohan's.

Her Moon dasha ran 10 years, January 1990 to January 2000. The Moon mainly works for its nakshatra dispositor Sun. The Sun in the 6th (a malefic in an upachaya house) gives employment and tramples the competition. It doesn't hurt that the Moon is exalted in the 5th house and participates in two major yogas. Recall, this was the era of her child modelling and soap opera role. January 2000 to January 2007 marked her seven-year Mars dasha. Mars delivers results for its nakshatra dispositor Venus. Participating in two yogas, Venus in a kendra can deliver a public performance. But Mars' placement in the dusthana 12th acts out as self-undoing. Thus, a mixed period. Rahu took control in January 2007 and that's when the party turned ugly. Rahu rules all poisons - cigarettes, alcohol and drugs - and Lohan has them all in one purse. Rahu dasha will run January 2007 to January never-mind-what-year because she might not make it that far. It's 18 years, let her do the math. But can she handle 12 more years of what we've seen in the past six? They make me want to go to rehab but I say no, no, no ...? Rahu acts as a proxy for its associate, aspecting or dispositing planet(s). Rahu has no associates or aspecting planets, so it does all the dirty work for its dispositor Mars. With the 4th lord Mars in the 12th, that spells trouble for vehicles or state of mind. That could mean loss of a vehicle, or Lohan could become institutionalized - in hospital, rehab and jail. Stop the car, I want to take off my anklet. For confirmation, see Rahu's placement from Chandralagna - treating the Moon as if it were the ascendant. Thus, Rahu occupies the 12th from the Moon, indicating loss and incarceration. Rahu then acts as a proxy for Mars, lord of the 7th from the Moon, occu- pying the 8th from the Moon. Relationships, and public relations, could turn negative.

Chandralagna is hemmed by malefics in a Papakartari Yoga. Opposing the Moon is Saturn hemmed by malefics in a Papadhi Yoga. This pattern puts a terrible strain on the manas that functions as the body's operating system. Worst scenario, it may presage a nervous breakdown. Is there a way out of this?

Everyone deserves salvation, and we all like to see an underdog make a comeback. There's no better time than now for Lohan to make the effort. She runs Saturn bhukti from March 2012 to Jan 2015. Saturn owns two positive houses (1st = Self and 2nd = bankability) and occupies the 11th house, an upachaya (improvement) house where malefics do well.

Saturn occupies its own nakshatra and is exalted in the navamsa chart. The Saturn bhukti thus offers promise of renewal through the traditional Saturnine virtues - sobriety, deep self-reflection, and a disciplined lifestyle on both personal and professional levels. Come on, Lindsay, you can do it. Love yourself and save yourself.

Oscar Pistorius: blade running for his life (first published 12 March 2013)

Life is full of mysteries. One of them is, How did a guy like this end up in a mess like that?

Oscar Pistorius is affectionately known as the Blade Runner, thanks to the prosthetic "feet" with which he's propelled himself into the athletic spotlight over the past decade, into the hearts of South Africans in particular and the handicapped world in general. Pistorius was born with fibular hemimelia (congenital absence of the fibula) in both legs. At 11 months old, his legs were amputated halfway between knees and ankles. Despite this, as a schoolboy he participated in rugby, water polo, tennis and wrestling before ac- quiring the prosthetics that enabled him to compete in running events. Called "the fastest man on no legs", he's competed in three Summer Paralympics. In 2004 he won gold in the 200-meter category; in 2008, gold for 100m; in 2012, silver for 200m, gold for 400m, and gold for the 400m relay. He's been awarded BBC Sports Personality of the Year, made Time magazine's annual list of the world's most influential people, and received an honorary doctorate for his achievements. He's pulled in sponsorship deals from Nike and other corporations worth $2M a year.

He overcame incredible odds to enter the winner's circle of life - world-class athletic sta- tus, lucrative sponsorship deals, and a relationship with a beautiful and talented woman, model and lawyer Reeva Steenkamp. Yet in the early morning hours of February 14, 2013, Pistorius shot and killed Reeva, whom he allegedly mistook for an intruder in his home. The following day he was charged with murder, the next week in court while prosecution and defence attorneys presented preliminary evidence in his case. Pistorius was subsequently charged with pre-meditated murder but released on $113,000 bail. Pistorius was born 22 November 1986 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Family recollec- tion places his birth-time between 10:30-11:30 AM. For the purpose of this article, the author used 10:30 AM. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the side- real zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Ra 24:55 Ma 03.48 Ju 1937 9 Ra 2455 12 AS 19:07 Sa 17:04

Ju 19:37 Ma 03 48 MO 09.51 Oscar Pistorius 10 10h30. 22 Nov 1988 MeR 19:24 1 Johannesburg, S. Africa 4 VeR 11:30 AS 1907

MO 09:51 6 Ke 24.55 Su 00 .: 03 VeR 11 30 3 5

Sa 170 MeR 19:24 Ke 2455

Because the ascendant changes from Capricorn to Aquarius after 11:18 AM, we must ask ourselves, given the uncertainty of his recollected birth time, is this the right ascen- dant?

Pistorius was involved in a major boating accident on 21 February 2009 in which he almost died. He spent a week in hospital, undergoing surgery to repair broken facial bones including nose and jaw. Transiting lagnesh Saturn was in the 8th house, while transiting Mars was exactly on his 19-degree CP ascendant. Although this isn't definitive proof of the birth-time, it does reassure us the ascendant is almost certainly Capricorn. Pistorius has a strong chart, although it reminds one more of an artist than an athlete. A strong Venus, retrograde in its own sign in the 10th house, forms multiple yogas - Malavya Yoga on its own, Raja Yoga with Mercury, and Amala Yoga with the help of Mercury and Jupiter.

The Moon in its own sign in the 7th house, coupled with a strong Venus also in a kendra, is a common signature for an artist. Certainly his powerful Moon explains the public's love affair with him, not to mention a companion who commanded a certain limelight of her own.

He has a Mars-Saturn Parivartana Yoga involving the 2nd and 11th houses, effectively a Dhana Yoga for wealth, while a Shakata Yoga with Moon/Jupiter in a 6/8 relationship threatens his ability to hold onto it.

Although his public image was nearly impeccable, Pistorius had a darker side. Privately, he could be loud and abusive. He was edgy, constantly in motion and reckless. He wasn't a good loser, and often launched noisy protests against competing athletes and their prosthetics. He loved fast cars, speedboats and collecting guns. He was jealous and controlling in relationships, and threatened violence against a man over the affec- tions of a girlfriend. In 2009 he was charged with assault for slamming a door on a woman.

Saturn plays a strong role in his chart. It rules and aspects his ascendant, and is associ- ated with his Sun, the 8th lord of trauma. It is nakshatra dispositor of both his Sun and Moon, thus reflecting both inner self-doubts and burning ambitions.

At the time of the shooting, he was in Mercury dasha, Saturn bhukti. Mercury is lord of 6th and 9th in the 10th, wherein it served him well to compete for social status. But Mer- cury also delivers on behalf of its nakshatra dispositor Rahu. Rahu is a proxy for its sign dispositor Jupiter, ruling the 3rd and 12th, both dusthanas, and potentially the source of his undoing due to some uncontrollable desire. Saturn is lord of 1st and 2nd in the 11th, where it generates both wealth and a "voice" in his community. But Saturn also delivers for its nakshatra lord Mercury, whose rulership of the 6th and 9th brings him into conflict with the police and judiciary. He returns to court June 4th, and his Ketu dasha starts in August. Ketu, a malefic in the 9th, aspected only by another malefic Mars, doesn't look good for a man who is facing trial-by-judge. Ketu is also known as "the headless one", which generally evokes the notion of Ketu's spirit escaping the dictates of an ego. In this case it could also describe the judge, who must be more heartless than headless, divorcing him (or her) from the public opinion which, in a trial-by-jury system, would almost certainly have resulted in a hung jury and dismissal of the case against Pistorius. In November 2013, transiting Saturn will enter Vishakha nakshatra, whose lord Jupiter rules Pistorius' 12th house. Whatever the judgment, a period of incarceration seems likely, at least for the time it takes Saturn to transit the 11th and 12th houses.

Miley Cyrus & Pop Tarts Anonymous (first published 8 October 2013)

"Hi, my name is Miley and I'm a twerkaholic. Don't judge."

Ever since Miley Cyrus appeared with Robin Thicke on the Video Music Awards, 25 August 2013, the world has been reeling with the image of the tongue-twisting pop tart in flesh-colored short shorts doing the next-to-nasty on prime time network TV.

Shocking, perhaps, but isn't this what show biz has become in the 21st Century? As talent maven Simon Cowell has pointed out, "I want people to understand that, from the minute Lady Gaga arrived, she created a new set of rules. Being different is good; em- brace it."

So Miley isn't trying to shock so much as she's just trying to be different - apparently by dancing to the beat of her inner stripper. But what's the big deal? This is hardly ground- breaking behavior. She's just following in the footsteps of a much older shockmeister, Madonna, whose fondness for dancing in her underwear and simulating sex onstage came out during her Blond Ambition tour way back in 1990. Miley was only two years old then!

In any event, Miley Cyrus was born to be a rebel. It's written all over her chart. She was born 23 November 1992 at 6:37 AM in Franklin, Tennessee. (Note: all cuspal and plan- etary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Ke 2041 Ve 18:12 MeR 03:57 MO 26:55 9 Sa 1917 10 Su 07:43 7 6 AS 07:46 Ju 14H

Ma 03 39 Ra 28:41 Miley Cyrus 8 08h37, 23 Nov 1992 11 5 Franklin, TN. USA Sa 1917

MeR 03 57 12 Ke 2841 4 Ma D3 SU 0743 3 Ve 18:12 AS 0746 MO 2655 JU I4M Ra 2841

She has Scorpio rising with Sun, Mercury and Rahu in the first house. The Sun/Mercury combo gives a Budhaditya Yoga, amped up by the presence of an exalted Rahu, sug- gesting not only considerable cunning on board, but also the charisma to take it to the limit. 10th lord Sun with Rahu in the first makes for a Raja Yoga that gives ambition, cre- ativity and a strong desire for control. About Miley's post-VMA remark, saying she hadn't really thought about what she was doing up there onstage, don't buy it. It may have been bad judgment, but it was almost certainly calculated to shock and awe. Typically, the Scorpio-influenced individual isn't afraid of drama; they suck it up.

With the Rahu/Ketu axis running through her ascendant, we see the classic signature for an innovator and rebel. Such a person can be a ground-breaking genius or just a kook, or anything in between. Many people with this configuration just can't help doing things - consciously or unconsciously - that call attention to their differentness. The real chal- lenge is to do what delights, educates or inspires others. With Miley's ascendant lord Mars debilitated in the 9th, there's a theme of crookedness at work. Not illegal, but devious. Because of Mars' very irregular orbital motion, which astronomers were unable to mathematically rationalize until the modern era, it was long dubbed by Hindu astrologers as vakra, the crooked one. Obviously, there's a double meaning, and Martians can indeed be a little bent, moving in unconventional ways. Ironically, she may struggle with moral issues on a regular basis. However much her father appears to support her, in her chart every factor related to him is deficient or troubled, suggesting a profound clash of values at some level or another. Crooked Mars is debilitated in the 9th. The 9th lord Moon is dark in the 12th, aspected by malefics Mars and Saturn in mutual opposition. Karaka Sun scores low shad bala and lies on the Rahu/Ketu axis.

Miley is running Saturn dasha. Saturn is the strongest planet in her chart, and gives her prowess and courage in performance. Saturn dasha started in 2000, after which she began her acting career in 2001. Lagnesh Mars and Saturn (lords of 1st and 4th) form Raja Yoga. Given the mutual aspect between them, it could reflect a symbiosis of values between Miley (debilitated Mars) and her fan base (swaha Saturn). Saturn primarily gives the results of its nakshatra dispositor Moon in 12th house Libra. Wherever goes the Moon goes the mind. The 12th is all about moksha and one kind of letting go or another. The 12th reflects pleasures of the bed, so her sexual persona is bound to loom large in this era. Sex is, after all, just another form of liberation and letting go - which could also include image, health, money, soul .. Miley is running Mars bhukti. Because Mars is the ascendant lord, this reflects a signifi- cant period for both her image and health. But Mars is unstable - debilitated in Cancer and afflicted by aspect from natural enemy Saturn. Hence, the storm of protest in the wake of her VMA performance, first from the media, then the mothers of America, then her boyfriend Liam Hemsworth, finally even gay pop icon Sinead O'Connor. Is her image tarnished? Yes, to a degree. But she's following a road that's already been mapped by uber-iconoclast Madonna and fashionista Lady Gaga, both of whom have garnered mixed reviews for the various things they've done in the public eye. Miley's Mars primarily gives results for its nakshatra dispositor Saturn. So courage and prowess appear onstage again, ready for the next (mis-)adventure. Miley probably un- derstands that it's just a question of moving on to the next project. You can't shoot a moving target. Dasha lord Saturn transits Libra from November 2011 to November 2014. This outlines a three-year period of sade sati for Miley, when Saturn crosses her moon sign. It can

spell a period of mixed reviews, especially since the Moon is natally weak, and Saturn is strong, both natally in Capricorn and by transit in Libra. On the day of the VMA, bhukti lord Mars transited within a degree of its natal position, invoking a nasty case of debilitation redux. And from the 9th, Mars mutually aspected transiting Saturn in the 12th. This sambandha of traditional enemies echoed the mutual aspect of these two malefics across the 3rd/9th house axis in her natal chart. Bhukti lord Mars gives results for Saturn, promoting desire and courage and perhaps a bit of reckless behavior. But it's the combined aspect of Mars and Saturn on the Moon that creates a powerful combination for passion and the sexual behavior that inevitably follows.

What's next for Miley? Dasha lord Saturn occupies the 3rd house, a kama (desire for pleasure) house. It gives results for its nakshatra dispositor Moon in the 12th house, associated with loss and letting go. Having recently broken up with boyfriend Liam Hemsworth, a young girl's fancy turns to ... bed? Will a scandal result? Perhaps only if Miley and her publicist judge it worthy of revelation.

Michael Schumacher: an accidental irony

(first published 2 January 2014)

Michael Schumacher suffered severe head trauma during a skiing accident in the French Alps on December 29, 2013. As of this writing, he remains in stable but critical condition after doctors performed neurosurgery to relieve pressure from a blood clot in his brain. The irony is that Schumacher is a seven-time Formula One winner who has driven over 300 races, in any of which he could have died. He retired from racing in 2012. Schumacher was born January 3rd, 1969, at 1:43 PM in Hurth, Germany. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Sa 25.25 AS 0s:58 MO 16:56 MO 16:56 Ra 11:03 3 12 Sa 25:25 Ra 110 Ve 05.06 Michael Schumacher 2 13h43, 03 Jan 1969 5 11 Ve 0506 Hurth. Germany Me os 04 Ke 11 03 6 10 Me os:o Ke 1103 Ju 12.10 7 9 Su 1933 Ju 12 10 Ma 09:11 Su 19:33

His birth chart is neither remarkable nor ominous. His ascendant is aspected by Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. The Sun occupies the 8th house of accidents. The 8th lord Jupiter lies on the RA-KE axis in the 5th house.

Thus, accidents could be expected during periods of the Sun or Jupiter, or of Ketu with which Jupiter is associated. Even more potent would be the periods of planets who oc- cupy Sun or Jupiter nakshatras, of which Mercury is the only candidate.

The accident occurred at 11:07 AM in Meribel, France. (see chart below) Speed was apparently not a factor. Schumacher was crossing a zone between two slopes when he struck a rock hidden by a recent snowfall, was catapulted into the air, and struck some other rocks head-first. The helmet which probably saved his life was broken in two under the impact.

JuR 2224 VeR o3s Ke 10:20 12 10 Me 13s Ke 10:20 1 AS 10:07 Su 137 AS 1007 11 Schumacher ski accident 2 8 11h07, 29 Dec 2013 MO 01 27 5 Meribel, France VeR 0345

Sa 26:05 JuR 2223 4 6 Ra 1020 Me Dss Su 13-47 MO 01:27 Ra 10:20 Sa 2603 Ma 16:25 Ma 1625

Schumacher was running Mercury dasha, Venus bhukti. According to the KP Method (Krishnamurthi Paddhati), Mercury primarily gives the results of its star lord, Sun in the 8th (accidents). Venus favors results of its star lord, Mars in the 6th which also owns the trikasthana 12th (hospitalisation).

Likewise, as per the KP Method, it's typical to study the transits of Jupiter, Sun and Moon. Between them, they act as triggers on an annual, monthly or daily basis, respec- tively. In their transits, they deliver results on behalf of the lords of nakshatras they pass through.

At the time of the accident, transiting Jupiter and Moon were in Jupiter nakshatras. Both therefore "work" for Jupiter, the lord of the 8th house (accidents) in the natal 5th (sports and recreation). Transiting Sun was in a Venus nakshatra.

Aside from being the lord of the 6th house, Venus plays a less-obvious but no less sinister role in Schumacher's chart, where it is a chhidra graha. This can be one or more planets that own the exact 8th house cuspal point counted from either the ascendant or the Moon. Because of this association with the 8th house, chhidra grahas have the power to do harm

In Schumacher's chart, his ascendant is 05 Taurus 58. Therefore, the 8th cuspal point from the ascendant is 05 Sagittarius 58. The danger zone within which this degree is contained is called the 22nd drekkana, or the 64th navamsa.

D3 Dreshkana D9 Navamsha

Su Mo

Ke 12 Me Sa 10 3 1 Ra 4 As 12 1 9 Ma Ju As

11 22 5 11 Ve 2 Ve 5 8

Me Sa 10 3 7 Ra 6 7 9 Ke Ju 4 6

Mo Ma Su

It can be seen via the 8th house in the D3, or the 4th house in the D9 chart. The re- spective lords thus become chhidra grahas. In Schumacher's D3, the lord of the 8th is Jupiter. In his D9, the lord of the 4th is Venus. Similarly, Schumacher's Moon is 16 Gemini 56. Therefore, the 8th cuspal point from the Moon is 16 Capricorn 56. In Schumacher's D3, the lord of the 8th from the Moon is Venus. In his D9, the lord of the 4th from the Moon is Mercury. Thus, out of four possible planets, Venus is chhidra graha twice over. Although this may not be classic KP methodology, I suspect the Sun's transit though a Venus nakshatra was also contributory to this tragic accident. Let's all pray for his recovery.

Robin Williams' divine spark of madness (first published 14 August 2014)

Eclipses have an awesome capacity to plunge us into darkness, leaving us wondering what the hell happened. In the wake of Robin Williams' suicide, such is the collective state of mind of fans throughout the western world.

If there was one word to describe Robin Williams, it might have to be manic. As far as we saw, there was nothing nasty or threatening about it, but he possessed an irrepress- ible level of energy.

He was the toy wound up so tight that, once set loose, spun wildly out of control in ways that surprised and delighted us. He was the lovable child with ADHD who couldn't sit still, but was so entertaining that, after your stomach stopped aching from belly laughs, you just wanted to give him a big hug. Ultimately, he was the jack-in-the-box that sprang from our TVs to startle us with his physical antics, his motor-mouth delivery, and his off-the-wall quick-change persona that defied containment. Truly, once he was set loose in the media world, the genie was out of the bottle. Robin Williams was born July 21, 1951, at 1:34 CST PM in Chicago, Illinois Birth data courtesy AstroDataBank. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Ju 20 41 Ma is# Sa 0440 6 AS 1922 Ke Is Ra IM4 Su 05 02 MO 16.21 Robin Williams Me 2s 56 14h34, 21 Jul 1951 10 Me 28:56 Chicago, USA Ve 1702 1 Su 05:02 Ke 18:54 MO 162111 Ra is 12 3 Ma i3+ 2 AS 192 JU 2041

The Moon's nodes play a dominant and defining role in his chart. Rahu and Ketu, the north and south nodes, respectively, are associated with aberrant, iconoclastic, innova- tive, oddball, quirky, rebellious, strange and unconventional behavior. Williams' ascendant lord Venus lies directly on the Rahu/Ketu axis. So does his Moon, the secondary indicator of the Self in any person's chart. These two factors alone might have dictated a personality, a lifestyle or a career that eagerly embraced invention, nov- elty or unknown territory. Rahu itself is strong, occupying its own nakshatra and sitting in Aquarius, the moola-

trikona sign of Saturn. On a generic level, Rahu acts like Saturn and through its moola- trikona sign embraces that which lies beyond the pale, out on the fringe, beyond the norm.

Williams' ascendant and three of his planets (Moon, Mars and Rahu itself) occupy Rahu nakshatras. As if Rahu's influence on lagnesh Venus and Moon weren't enough, its quirky nature was also invoked every time Williams ran a Moon, Mars or Rahu bhukti. (As per Krishnamurti Paddhati, dasha and bhukti lords during their periods act on behalf of their star-lords). Williams shot to fame in September 1978 as the star of the sitcom Mork & Mindy. He was running SA-KE at the time. Although Saturn occupies the 12th house, it sits in a Sun nakshatra and therefore invoked Williams' Sun, lord of the 11th, in the 10th house with dig bala. Williams had three marriages. His 7th lord Mars sits in dual sign Gemini, aspected only by Saturn. Venus the karaka of love relationships sits on the Rahu/Ketu axis. Venus is debilitated in the navamsa and afflicted by both Mars and the Rahu/Ketu axis.

Mars also ruled his 2nd house of diet, which was eclectic to say the least, veering from alcohol and cocaine to strictly vegetarian, and then back again to accommodate his on- and-off-again struggles between sobriety and substance abuse.

The 2nd house also rules speech and verbal facility. Williams was a brilliant imitator, and in a single skit was capable of playing multiple roles in a dialog that ping-ponged back and forth between different voices, leaving his audience gasping for breath between laughs. Although mentally agile, verbally quick-witted and extremely engaging when he chose to be so, Williams also suffered ing and debilitating bouts of depression. In jyotish, the emotional state of mind can be judged via a consideration of the manas. Technically, this is the part of the mind that registers sense impressions and thus forms the basis of raga and dvesha (attraction and repulsion), and thereafter influences behavior through a pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. The 4th house is the seat of the emotional mind. Thus, we can examine it for stress by occupancy or aspect by Saturn or Rahu, the two grahas that seize and possess the mind with anxiety and dread. However, neither of them occupy or aspect the 4th house, so as far as that first phase of analysis is concerned, there's no problem. Saturn is the lord of the 4th but that's natural for anyone with a Libra or Scorpio ascen- dant. However, in Williams' case, Saturn has gone to the 12th house and that does pose a problem, figuratively suggesting that the mind is "at a loss", or "peace of mind" has gone missing. Although the 4th house and its lord are its primary significators, the karaka or generic indicator of the manas is the Moon. And there's the rub. Williams' Moon is in Aquarius, a sign ruled by Saturn, and in Satabhisha, a nakshatra ruled by Rahu. Furthermore, the Moon is in close conjunction with Rahu itself. Even in the navamsa, the Moon is in

Aquarius with its sign-lord Saturn. The oppressive influence of Saturn and Rahu on the Moon are destabilizing for the mind. This can result in anxiety disorders, depression, neuroses, paranoia and other psycho- logical problems. If we examine Williams' dasha sequence, we can see that he's had a lifetime of struggle with isolation and loss. He was born into Rahu dasha. Among other influences, Rahu acts as a proxy for its sign-lord Saturn positioned in the 12th house of loss. Next came Jupiter dasha, whose star-lord is Mercury, which rules the 12th house. As for Saturn dasha, the planet of loneliness itself occupies the 12th. As for Mercury dasha, Mercury owns the 12th. Only in Ketu dasha is there a departure from this consistent 12th-house trajectory. The nodes give results of planets with which they are associated, which aspect them, or rule the signs in which they are found. In the case of Ketu, its primary "client" is Venus, ruling both the 1st (the Self) and the 8th (trauma and death). Williams died during KE-ME. As noted above, Ketu dasha set the larger stage for trauma or death. But Mercury bhukti was a powerful driver for isolation, loss and surrender, be- cause Mercury is in its own nakshatra. Before we consider what might have precipitated Williams' suicide, we must first ask ourselves whether there was anything in his chart to suggest that possibility. Although there are many combinations for suicide, one of them involves mutual Mars/Saturn as- pects, typically across the 6/12 house axis. In Williams' case, we do have sambandha (bonding) between Mars and Saturn, cour- tesy their special aspects from the 9th and 12th houses, respectively. In this chart, Mars is a double maraka, or agent of death. Interestingly, it also occupies the nakshatra of Ardra, the vale of tears. With the stage set in KE-ME, and the main actors Mars and Saturn identified, there remained only the final combination of forces to align. The week of Williams' death, tran- siting Mars and Saturn were together in Libra, within a few degrees on either side of his ascendant. Mars was in Swati, the same Rahu-ruled nakshatra of Williams' ascendant. The evening of August 10th, the Moon re-entered its natal sign of Aquarius. During the hours between midnight and two AM, the local ascendant was in Taurus, the sign of Williams' 8th house. A combination of circumstance and emotions, kindling anxiety and despair, likely conspired to make Williams believe that now was as good a time as any to leave the world.

If only he'd asked, the world would have shouted, No, we need you - your genius, your spirit, your comic gift that made us laugh so hard we forgot ourselves, even if only for a few minutes.

But we will not forget you.

Lady Gaga rides a big snake

(first published 24 November 2014)

Even from her earliest days as a performance artist and musician, Lady Gaga was deemed to be too provocative and eccentric. Which only goes to show, if you just stick with what you're good at, you can make it work.

Lady Gaga recently revealed her birth time on her Twitter feed, so that means about 42 million people now know about it, even if only a few of us know what to make of it. So here's the scoop:

Lady Gaga was born 28 March 1986 at 9:53 AM in Manhattan, NY. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Su 1358 Ve 00:30 Ra 0734 AS 03:26 2 AS 03 26 Ra 07: 5 MeR 2424 Ve 00:30

Ju 1446 Lady Gaga 3 09h53, 28 Mar 1986 12 New York, USA Su ns

Ke 0734 7 Ma 06 34 11 MeR Mo m7r 8 Ma 0a 34 SaR 15:58 Ke 0734 10 JU 1446

MO 1748 SaR 1s58

Lady Gaga has Gemini rising, with retrograde Mercury strong in the 9th and supported by Jupiter. Her Mercury/Jupiter combo forms a pair of Raja Yogas. Although she never finished university, during art school she wrote essays and analytical papers on art, reli- gion, social issues and politics, including a thesis on pop artists.

Academia has since repaid her the favor. The University of South Carolina recently intro- duced a course titled "Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame." A new genus of ferns and two new species have been named after her.

Only Sun and Mars are angular. Third lord Sun with dig bala in the 10th speaks to her songwriting and performance skills. Mars as lord of the 6th and 11th represents both her fierce competitive streak and her earning potential.

Mars is a key planet for innovators. Admittedly, there's a shit-disturbing aspect to its character but Mars is also known as Vakra, the crooked one. That's because its orbital period appears so eccentric from a terrestrial point of view. Because of its perceived "crookedness", Mars is also a signature planet for inventors, iconoclasts and outlaws.

Sun/Mars angular is representative of the kshatriya caste, and although this doesn't speak to her artistic profession per se, it does reflect her bold public stance against bul- lying and homophobia, as well as her activism in numerous social causes to which she's

lent either financial or role model support. But the core of Gaga's identity is a Kala Sarpa Yoga that runs through her 5th and 11th houses. Some ancient texts describe Kala Sarpa as a major flaw in a birth chart, a yoga which foretells loss of everything, while others say it bestows the power of a king, as- suming the child who possesses it survives. It reminds us of that old saying, Beware of fire and water and Tantriks, for all three have the power to take your life. Lady Gaga's Kala Sarpa is not "pure" in the sense that a strict definition of the yoga requires the nodes to be alone in their respective houses, and all the other planets span- ning one side of their axis. But it is "clean" in the sense that, even though the Moon and Venus share signs with Ketu and Rahu, at least they're on the same side of the nodal axis as all the other planets. And this alignment with the nodes gives the Moon and Venus enormous stage presence. Moon and Venus in combinati is unofficially an "artist's yoga", where the Moon repre- sents both the personality and the public, while Venus is the art. Some critics like Camille Paglia have accused Gaga of being just a little too studied in her performance shock art, while others say she's sacrificed the substance of songwriting on the altar of the beat. Sell the sizzle, not the steak, marketing gurus advise. Maybe that's why she wears a meat dress. One of the best-selling musicians of all time, she continues to set records. Her Fame Ball tour in 2010-11 earned $227M, thus making it the highest grossing tour for a first-time headline artist. She's won five Grammys and 13 MTV awards. She's the first artist to gain over a billion viral views on YouTube. One of the characteristics of Kala Sarpa Yoga is that it can catapult people into sudden fame or notoriety. Gaga toiled for years in relative obscurity, honing her performance as a go-go dancer in Greenwich Village dives, as a member of avant-garde electro-pop bands and as a songwriter for Britney Spears, the New Kids on the Block, Fergie and The Pussycat Dolls. But ever since her Saturn dasha started in 2005, she's been on a tear. Saturn is swa- nakshatra, meaning it occupies its own star, so when its periods run, it serves itself. As a malefic in an upachaya house, especially the 6th which is the ultimate in competi- tiveness, she's become increasingly successful. She was signed to Def Jam records in 2006 (SA-SA), but seemed to suddenly come of out nowhere in 2009 (SA-ME) with her sleeper hit "Poker Face", after which came the Fame Ball tour in 2010-11 (SA-KE) that established her. Her Moon/Venus combo forms a strong Dhana Yoga, since the Moon is bright and both planets are in positive houses. Furthermore, their juice is amplified by the Kala Sarpa Yoga. This is a gift that keeps on giving. Out of nine planets in her chart, three occupy Ketu nakshatras, while three occupy Rahu nakshatras. When a bhukti runs, it tends to give primary results as per its nakshatra dispositor. That means that for two-thirds of all bhukti periods, her karma is dispensing the promise of Rahu and Ketu, especially since the two occupy each other's nakshatras.

Rahu occupies the 11th house of income and social action, where malefics do well. It acts as a proxy for Venus with which it's associated, Moon which aspects it, and its dis- positor Mars. As mentioned, the Moon/Venus combo generates money. Mars as lord of 6th and 11th is a competitor par excellence. Ketu occupies the creative 5th house of performance and showmanship. It acts as a proxy for the Moon with which it's associated, Jupiter which aspects it, and Venus twice over, once as aspecting planet and again as dispositor. Moon/Venus = money. Jupiter as lord of the 7th and 10th gives her both a strong relationship with her public (her "little monsters") and substantial influence as a public figure that goes far beyond the artistic persona she's cultivated. Camille Paglia may be right, but Lady Gaga is still more than just an artist, she's an archetype. And in that sense, she's every bit as big in her own time as David Bowie or Madonna, both of whom she's obviously studied, were in theirs. Hail Gaga!

Kanye West: the mouth that roared

(first published 24 February 2015)

In October 2002 Kanye West had a car accident that broke his jaw and obliged him to have his mouth wired shut for a few weeks. After the Grammy Awards earlier this month, many people are thinking it should be wired shut again.

At the last moment, Kanye seemed to pretend it was all a joke, and left the stage without tearing the Grammy out of Beck's hands. But later that evening he went on a rant, say- ing Beck should have shown some respect for true artistry and given his album-of-the- year award to Beyoncé.

Respect artistry? How about respecting the democratic process wherein a multitude of industry people vote for who should win these awards?

(The man must need very baggy pants to conceal the love he has for Beyonce. Why doesn't he leave other artists alone and kill Jay-Z to get what he wants?)

Kanye West was born 8 June 1977 in Atlanta, Georgia. According to Astrotheme.com, whose record for birth time accuracy is admittedly spotty, it was 8:45 AM. For the mo- ment let's see if that makes sense.

Ke 27.56 Ma 0s 14 Me 02

Ve os 29 Ju 21:03 AS 2427 Sa 11s Ju 2103 Me 0z +4 Su 2403 4 2 AS 24:27 Ve os 29 5 Ma os1 MO 22 53 Sa 1915 Kanye West 3 08h45, 08 Jun 1977 Atlanta, USA Ra 27:56 6 12 Ke 27:56

11 MO 225 10 CO Ra 27 56

Gemini rising. A mouth that won't quit? Check. But let's confirm a few other details ...

Lagnesh Mercury, which is also lord of the 4th, is in the 12th. Although Kanye won a scholarship to Chicago's American Academy of Art, he dropped out of college to pursue his musical career. Lord of the 4th gone to a dusthana is a common signature for incom- plete formal education.

Kanye first made his reputation as a producer, a behind-the-scenes (12th house) role that requires great attention to detail. With Mercury and Jupiter in association, this made him a perfectionist, and earned him huge respect in the industry. Sun and Jupiter are closely conjunct. Sun is karaka for ego, and Jupiter causes inflation, so inevitably an at- titude crept in.

Rahu and Ketu are the only angular planets. As such, they are instigators of innovation,

technological mastery and a talent for controversy. Kanye's father was a Black Panther whom his mother divorced when Kanye was three. It's a challenge to find a militant father in the Moon/Saturn exchange that exists between the 9th lord and occupant, but as we'll see later, that combination does provoke aggres- sive competition. Father-karaka Sun is in the 12th, suggesting an absent father. His mother was a university professor who took custody of him post-divorce and later took him to China for a year. Lord of the 4th is Mercury in the 12th (foreign residency), associated with Jupiter, karaka of higher education. They went to China in 1987. Kanye was running JU-RA. Jupiter gives results both for its star-lord the Moon in the 9th (Mom in academia) and itself in the 12th (foreign residency). Rahu gives results for the planets aspecting it (Jupiter & Saturn) and its dispositor (Mer- cury). Jupiter is thus a multiple driver of foreign travel since it rules the 7th (the other place, not here) and occupies the 12th (foreign locales). Based on his work for Jay-Z, Kanye was highly-respected as a producer but, frus- tratingly, not regarded by record labels as being a (street-)credible rapper because he lacked the gangsta image typical of the role. After a car accident in October 2002, while his mouth was wired shut, Kanye began work on the album that would catapult him into the winner's circle. The accident came in SA-MA. Saturn is 8th lord in the 2nd house, reflecting an injury to the mouth area. Mars and Saturn mutually aspect each other. Saturn also gives results for lagnesh Mercury (name, acclaim) while Mars gives results for Ketu in the 10th (career). After The College Dropout was released in February 2004, Kanye became a household name in the hip hop universe. The album went triple platinum in the USA, garnered 10 Grammy nominations and won Best Rap Album. Around this time, Kanye's penchant for outspoken remarks came to the fore. He stormed out of the 2004 American Music Awards when he failed to win Best New Artist. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he criticized the White House, saying George Bush didn't care about black people, a remark Bush later said was one of the most disgusting moments of his presidency. And at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, he snatched the microphone from Taylor Swift to declare that Beyonce should have won her award instead.

Saturn in the 2nd reflects "bad language", whether that comes in the form of swearing, fabricating or dissing. The aspect of 6th lord Mars just takes it to a whole new level of aggression, seeming to reflect little social awareness of the ramifications of such outbursts.

Kanye's mother, who gave up her academic career to be his personal manager (1st and 4th lord Mercury one and the same), died November 10, 2007, of heart failure in post- surgery complications. Kanye was running SA-JU. Saturn is karaka for death and, as occupant of the 2nd, is also a maraka planet. Jupiter is in the 12th of loss and gives re- sults for its star-lord Moon who, as lord of the 2nd, is another maraka planet.

Kanye fathered a child with Kim Kardashian on June 15, 2013 and married Kardashian on May 24, 2014. Both events occurred during ME-VE. The dasha of lagnesh typically spells a watershed era for the individual. The Venus bhukti gives results for its star-lord Ketu, which gains dig bala in the 10th (social status, among other things), while Ketu is turn gives results for its sign dispositor Jupiter, lord of the 7th (marriage). Speaking of Venus, it's in a state of planetary war with Mars, and it remains to be seen how this will play out. With graha yuddha, one or both of the planets (typically, the peo- ple they represent) will suffer. In fact, Venus is hammered from many points of view - the planetary war with swa Mars, hemmed between malefics Sun and Ketu, and aspected by Saturn. In Kanye's chart, Venus rules the 5th while Mars rules the 11th. Since he has no older siblings, the Mars portion is thus dispensed with. That leaves his daughter North. Some- where down the road, we might expect problems, either some issue of her own, or his relationship with her.

But if we think of Venus only as karaka for relationships, the problem becomes more general. Although Kanye espouses Christian values in much of his music, the guy carries a great load of hubris on his shoulders. Could this eventually challenge personal relation- ships to the same degree it has his social role? Since the 0845 birth time is unsubstantiated, it's useful now to consider the Chan- dralagna, always an option anyway, even if only for corroboration.

Ke 27:56

Ma 0s:14 12 10

Ve 08-29 MO 22:53

Me 02:44 11 Ju 21.03 2

Su 24:03 5

6

Sa 19:15 Ra 2756

Note the exchange between Moon and Saturn, now occurring between the 1st and the 6th. This reflects a competitive disposition, one that could almost be characterized as combative. This would seem to explain his insistence on being acknowledged as master of his domain and, by extension, the arbiter of taste in related domains, eg, why Bey- oncé should have won awards instead of Beck and Taylor Swift. Once we shift to Chandralagna, the Mars/Venus planetary war moves to the 3rd house. Here's a classic case of bhavo karako nashto, eliciting "no joy from siblings", which in this case is reflected in their absence. Now that Venus is 4th lord gone 12 away, mas-

sively hammered as noted above, it's also an obvious indicator for loss of mother. The 4th house also indicates one's supporters, constituency or fan base. Given graha yuddha involving the 4th lord from the Chandralagna, Kanye should consider the consequences of his behavior. He was withdrawn from the balance of the MTV Music Awards after the Taylor Swift incident. In response to the controversy, a tour with Lady Gaga was cancelled, and nominations for his fourth album in the subsequent Grammy Awards were notably tepid. The next nine months will be interesting. Sun bhukti runs March 2015 to January 2016. The Sun will give results for its star-lord Mars which, as lord of the 6th and 11th, pro- vokes further competition in the social arena. But Mars is in a mixed state, both swaha and in graha yuddha, and there lies the rub. These two hot planets can provoke further controversy. But as time goes by, his fans could become less forgiving. Let the hubris fall where it may.

MUNDANE MATTERS

Frozen Warriors: Napoleon & Hitler in Russia

(first published 28 January 2014)

On 23 June 1940, after the German army's swift conquest of France, Hitler made his first and only visit to Paris. He toured the City of Light, admiring its boulevards and archi- tecture, and paid a visit to Napoleon's tomb. There he vowed never to repeat the Little Corporal's mistakes. Exactly one year later, having apparently forgotten his promise, he invaded Russia.

There've been many comparisons between Hitler and Napoleon. Both stood under five foot nine. Both had photographic memories. Both were foreigners to the countries they ruled (Napoleon was Italian, Hitler was Austrian). Both planned but never launched inva- sions of England. Both invaded Russia within days of each other, there to suffer stagger- ing losses and humiliating defeat that spelled the demise of their respective empires.

A comparison of their birth charts reveals further similarities, both in their native disposi- tions, and in the timing of their attacks on Russia.

Napoleon Bonaparte was born on 15 August 1769, at 11:30 AM in Ajaccio, France. Birth data courtesy Astro-Databank. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Ke 00:09 Ve 16.23 8 6 Ra 0cs AS 15:43 Ma 21 2

Sa o5 15 JU 24 22 Su 0207

Napoleon Bonaparte Me 1531 7 MO 08:17 10 4 Me 1531 11h30. 15 Aug 1769 Ajaccio, France Su 0207 1 Sa os 15 MO 0# 17 Ma 21.25 3 Ve 16:23 11 12 2 Ra 00:09 AS 15:43 Ju 2422

Adolf Hitler was born 20 April 1889, at 6:30 PM in Braunau, Austria. Birth data courtesy Astro-Databank. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zo- diac as per Vedic astrology.)

Me 0321 Su os 30 Ma 2401 Ra 23 45 8 6 VeR 2423 Mo 1419 JU 15:56 AS 04 22

Sa 2109 Ke 2s

Adolf Hitler 10 Sa 21 09 18h30, 20 Apr 1889 Braunau, Austria

Me 03.21 Su os 30 3 Ra 23:45 12 Ma 2404 2 Ke 23:45 Ju 15:56 AS 0422 VeR 247 MO 1419

Both men have Libra ascendants, with its lord Venus in a male sign and a positive house. Both have Sun/Mars conjunctions in fire signs and positive houses. Both have Saturn in the 10th house.

The Sun/Mars conjunctions are particularly significant, because both planets are of the kshatriya (warrior) caste. In Napoleon's chart, the Sun is strong in Leo, and accompa- nied by Mars. In Hitler's chart, the Sun is exalted in Aries, while Mars is in its own sign Aries, albeit in a tight conjunction with Venus that spells graha yuddha (planetary war) and thus some erosion of Mars's essential dignity.

The power of these two warrior planets is echoed within and strengthened by their respective third harmonic charts. The drekkana is indicative of courage, desire and will to action, therefore important to athletes, fighters and competitors of every kind.

D3 Dreshkana : Napoleon Bonaparte D3 Dreshkana: Adolf Hiter

Mc

6 10 Ma 8 12 As g Ra 9 As 5 Ke Ma 1 VeR

7 11 Me 10 4 2 8 1 5

Me Mc Ke 7 Ve Ra 11 3 3 Su Ju Su Ju 4 6 12 2

Sa Sa

In Napoleon's D3 chart, the Sun is in its own sign Leo, Mars in its own sign Aries. In Hitler's D3, the Sun is exalted in Aries, while Mars in Sagittarius is in exchange with Jupiter in Aries, thus giving it power as well.

For warriors, we expect courage and the capacity for combat. These factors are seen through strong 3rd and 6th houses in the natal chart. Since both men had Libra rising, Jupiter becomes the lord of both their Sagittarius 3rd and Pisces 6th.

Napoleon had Jupiter in the ascendant and thus by virtue of its lordships, marked

his character with the courage/combat nature. Jupiter gets dig bala in the ascendant and occupies its own nakshatra. Rahu in the 3rd becomes a proxy for Jupiter, further strengthening courage. Hitler had Jupiter in its own sign in the 3rd, along with both Moon and Ketu. Since the Moon reflects essential temperament and Ketu acts like Mars, again we have courage in abundance. Indeed, Hitler was wounded and won the Iron Cross for bravery in WW1.

Personality characteristics aside, Napoleon and Hitler will also stand shoulder-to-shoul- der in history for having had the hubris to attack Russia. Remarkably, they did so within mere calendar days of each other.

The Russian Campaign

Napoleon's formal invasion of Russia was on 24 June 1812. His Grande Armée had massed on the west side of the River Niemen. That morning Napoleon rode out on his horse to survey the best location to cross the river. As he approached the river, his horse stumbled and threw Napoleon to the ground. Some of his staff exchanged looks of hor- ror. It was a bad omen, and if Napoleon had been a Roman Caesar, he would have im- mediately returned to France. But that night at 10 PM, he sent three companies of the 13th Light Infantry in boats to cross the river and secure the opposite bank. An engineering brigade raised pontoon bridges and the army followed the next morning. The game was on!

Su 11.49 Me 2719 Ma 2143 Ke 10:39 SaR 133s

Ju 2:11 Mo m211 11 AS 07:29 Ke 1039 Ve 21 39 The Russian Campaign 10 22h00, 24 Jun 1812 Kaunas. Lithuania A AS 07.29 Ra 10:39

Me 27:19 2 Ve 21:39 6 SaR 133s 3 5

Mo 1214 Su 11:49 Ma 21.43 Ra 1039 JU 23 11

The invasion chart was not promising. Although Sun and Mars are appropriately (for a launch of hostilities) conjunct in the 6th, they're opposed by ascendant lord Saturn in the 12th. Ominously, the Moon is exactly conjunct this retrograde Saturn in the 12th. If ever there was a formula for defeat by attrition, this was it.

At the time, Napoleon was running Jupiter dasha, Ketu bhukti, Venus antaradasa. As discussed above, Jupiter dasha is already a powerful driver of combat because it is swa nakshatra and owns both the 3rd and 6th. Ketu bhukti acts as proxy for its associate Venus, its aspecting planet Jupiter and its sign dispositor Mercury. Of these, Jupiter is strongest, and thus repeats the courage/

combat theme.

Napoleon was in Venus antaradasa. Venus occupies a Rahu nakshatra, which again invokes the Jupiter effect, but it also acts on its own behalf. Unfortunately, ascendant lord Venus also owns the 8th, and therein lies the seed of Napoleon's defeat.

One of the most famous graphs ever produced (courtesy Charles Joseph Minard) shows the size of the Grande Armée on its way to Moscow and back. Out of an original force of 615,000, only 110,000 frostbitten and half-starved survivors stumbled back into France. The Russian campaign was the decisive turning-point of the Napoleonic Wars, and ulti- mately led to Napoleon's defeat and exile.

Operation Barbarossa Although he had vowed when he visited Napoleon's tomb in Paris in June 1940 not to repeat France's mistakes, Hitler was already making plans to attack Russia. A year later, he launched his invasion, just two days before the anniversary of Napoleon's ill-fated Russian campaign 129 years earlier. Operation Barbarossa began 22 June 1941 at 03h15 with a German aerial bombard- ment of Russian-held cities in Poland, and a blitzkrieg of men and machines across the broadest land front in military history. Within six months the Wehrmacht was at the city limits of Leningrad, Moscow and Stalingrad. But from that winter on, it was tough sledding. Although the Germans killed or captured and systematically starved millions of Russian soldiers, the one thing the Russians had were lots of men and women. They recruited half a million a month, trained them in haste and hurled them at the Germans. The 'superior race' was no match for the Soviets' superior numbers.

Ke N.01 Sa 0r23 AS 03 19 Su 07:08 Su 0708

Mo os 43 MeR 22:27 Ma 0051 MeR 22.27 Ju 13o Ve 2407 Ve 24.07 Sa 00 :. 23 3 AS 03:19 Ke 04:01 MO 05:43 Ma oos Ju 13.0 Operation Barbarossa 2 03h15. 22 Jun 1941 5 11 Brest, Belarus 8

Ra 0401 10 1 9 Ra 001

Coincidentally enough, Operation Barbarossa was also launched under a Moon/Saturn conjunction. Here it occurs rising in a fixed sign Taurus, perhaps symptomatic of how stubbornly Hitler stuck to this wrong strategy for three long years while Russia brutally bled and froze his armies in their tracks.

In Napoleon's Russian campaign, the launch date had Sun and Mars conjunct in dual sign Gemini, which hinted at the wavering (dualistic) sustainability of combat operations (Sun/Mars). In Operation Barbarossa, Sun and Mars were both in dual signs too, but here Mars aspected the Sun unilaterally, which suggests the fighting spirit (Mars) was off the leash, doing something that actually undermined self-preservation (Sun).

Both attacks featured an exaggerated Moon. For the French, it was a full moon, for the Germans a very dark moon in its exalted sign, a combination for very mixed prospects. The Moon in both charts was also influenced by Jupiter and Saturn. Certainly it takes optimism to make such a leap, and similarly it takes reality to bring an emperor down off his high horse.

At the time of Barbarossa, Hitler was running Rahu dasha, Ketu bhukti, Venus an- taradasa. Rahu gives the results of its associates (none), aspecting planets (Moon & Jupiter) and sign dispositor Mercury. Of these, Jupiter in its own sign is strongest.

Like Napoleon, Hitler's Libra ascendant meant his Jupiter became lord of the 3rd and 6th, houses of courage and combat. So war was natural in Rahu dasha.

Ketu bhukti gives results of its associates (Moon & Jupiter), aspecting planets (none) and sign dispositor Jupiter. Of these, Jupiter in its own sign is strongest. So Ketu mostly does Jupiter's job, and goes to war.

Hitler was in Venus antaradasa. Since Venus is swa nakshatra, Venus works for itself alone. But its lordship of the 1st and 8th puts it in a complex role, seeking self-hood and trauma at the same time. Furthermore, Venus is in planetary war with Mars.

Operation Barbarossa opened up the Eastern Front, the site of some of the largest bat- tles, deadliest atrocities, highest casualties, and most horrific conditions for Soviets and Germans alike. Estimates vary, but many place the death toll at over 5 million German and 10 million Russian soldiers. The Eastern Front accounted for 95% of all German ca-

sualties from 1941 to 1944.

Although not as distinct as the Minard pictograph, the one produced by Matthew Humphrey (Univ. Waikato, NZ) similarly depicts the grinding down of Hitler's armies on the Russian Front and, thus, the end of the Third Reich. Thus we are reminded of the words of the 19th century philosopher George Santayana: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

The Yorkshire Ripper: a study in stellar forensics (first published 31 December 2014)

Peter Sutcliffe, aka The Yorkshire Ripper, terrorized the north of England in and around the cities of Leeds and Manchester from 1975 until 1980. The case received sensational press coverage in its day and was both a burden and embarrassment for the British police services which, in the pre-computer era, had at one point dedicated over 300 offi- cers to the pursuit of the serial killer.

Sutcliffe was a truck driver, married but out and about, especially on weekends when he liked to drive around with a rope, a hammer and a knife in search of adventure. In the early years prostitutes were his targets but later he became a free-range hunter, and or- dinary women fell to his attentions. During his six-year rampage of assault and murder he enjoyed significant luck in escap- ing detection and was interviewed by the police nine times without being singled out as the man they were looking for.

Criminal data

There were 23 incidents in total attributed to the Yorkshire Ripper, 13 of which resulted in murder, 10 of which were non-fatal. Thanks to Wikipedia for Peter Sutcliffe's biography, plus specifics regarding his 13 murder victims - their names, as well as the date and location of their murders. http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter Sutcliffe

Another site provided the approximate timing of all 23 assaults (fatal and non-fatal) by Sutcliffe. These times were based on witness or victim testimony, police speculation, or Sutcliffe's own confession. http://www.execulink.com/~kbrannen/index.htm#map01

A retrospective look at the "time signatures" of these assaults sheds light on the astro- logical timing of Sutcliffe's activities.

Peter Sutcliffe's birth chart 2 June 1946, 8:30 PM GMT, Bingley, England (sidereal zodiac, Lahiri ayanamsa) (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrol- ogy.)

Su 1831 Ve 1331 Me 21 25 Sa 2922 Ra 28 16 MO 2937 9 1 AS 09:15 10 6 JuR 24 Ke 28:16 Ma 27:11 Peter Sutcliffe 8 20h30, 02 Jun 1946 11 5 Bingley, England 2

Su 1831 12 Me 21:25 4 Ma 27:1 AS 09:15 3 JuR 24 33 Ra 28:16 Ke 28:16 Mo 2937 Sa 29:22 Ve 18.31

Chart analysis

The salient features of Sutcliffe's chart are as follows:

(1) He has Scorpio ascendant with a powerful (exalted) Ketu in the first house. Ketu occupies Jyeshta, a tikshna star. Ketu acts like Mars much of the time anyway but in this case it also happens to be proxy for its sign-lord Mars.

(2) Ascendant lord Mars is in an aggravated state, debilitated in 9th house Cancer. Mars occupies Ashlesha, a krura star. (3) Moon is dark (weak) in 8th house Gemini, last degree (sandhi), very tightly conjunct Saturn, and hemmed between malefics Sun/Rahu and Mars.

(4) Thus both significators of the manas (emotional mind), Saturn and the Moon, are sandhi in the last degree of Gemini and hemmed. (5) Yogas are few: Budhaditya (Su/Me in 7th), Kesari (Mo/Ju in mutual kendras), weak Neechabhanga for Mars, Parivartana with Me/Ve in 7th/8th houses, Durudhara (Mo flanked by weak malefics).

(6) Conventional morality is in the trash bin. 4th lord Saturn is in the last degree of a dual sign in the 8th house. 9th is occupied by debilitated Mars. 9th lord Moon has gone 12 away in the 8th, where it is sandhi in exact conjunction with Saturn.

Highly-activated 8th house

Sutcliffe's 8th house is highly activated. It contains a dark Moon in exact conjunction with Saturn, and flanked on either side by other malefics - Sun and debilitated Rahu in the 7th, debilitated Mars in the 9th.

This moon is the dispositor of lagnesh Mars. Since both are weak, this is a poor progno- sis for an upstanding life. The 9th house in particular is dharma, but with only occupant Mars and lord Moon contributing to its condition, this is a prescription for immorality. Sutcliffe has Parivartana Yoga between Venus and Mercury, lords of the 7th and 8th houses respectively. This creates a sambandha between other people in his life and some element of violence, whether sexual assault or murder.

If we complete the exchange in our mind's eye, this would place Venus with Sun and Rahu in the 7th, a pretty certain recipe for sexual irregularities of some kind. Venus is karaka for relationships, but placing it in the 7th would also simulate karako bhavo nashto, in which relationships with others is spoiled or, in this case, literally killed.

KP theory There is a derivative of Vedic astrology called KP, an abbreviation for Krishnamurti Pad- dhati, meaning the Krishnamurti method.

It uses the sidereal zodiac with the Krishnamurti ayanamsa, advancing all zodiacal posi- tions in the chart roughly six minutes of arc beyond those of a Lahiri ayanamsa. The KP system uses an unequal house system, Placidus, where houses can be more or less than 30 degrees, and where some signs may not appear on a house cusp, eg, when a 30-degree sign is fully enclosed in an unequal house of 40-degree arc, while other signs straddle two cusps.

Shown below is Peter Sutcliffe's KP chart, where the numbers within the double-lined outer border indicate the house cusps.

Krishnamurti chart 13Sa.40 09Scoll

9 7 10 AS 09:21 29Chp15 6 Ke 28:23

8 11 5 JuR 24:39 2

Su 18:37 12 Me 2131 4

Ra 28:23 MO 29:43 Sa 29-28 Ma 27:17 06An15

Ve 1saz 24Aa17 09Tau21 13Gem40

Once we shift from equal- to unequal-house systems, planets can shift houses. Be- cause cusps have changed, planets may now also rule different houses. For example, in Sutcliffe's chart Mars shifts from 9th house (equal) to 8th house (Placidus). And it now owns three houses - the 1st, the 5th and the 6th. Other lordships will have shifted as well.

Planets do not change signs, however, and their aspects remain as in traditional jyotish, as can be more readily noted in the rashi chart.

As regards the prediction of events, KP postulates that the effect of any house will become evident only when the planets having a say in its outcome find an opportunity to exert their effects, ie, during their dasha (major period), bhukti (minor period) and an- taradasa (sub-period), invoking circumstances as follows:

(a) Occupant(s) of a house will be significator(s) for, or give results related to, that house. (b) Planets in the nakshatra (star) of that occupant will be even stronger significators for that house.

Not all houses are occupied, so we must also examine the house lord and any planets in its star:

(a) The lord of a house will be a significator for, or give results related to, that house.

(b) Planets in the nakshatra (star) of that lord will be even stronger significators. This raises a typical question: Why is the occupant or the lord of a house less effective than a planet who occupies its nakshatra? For an answer, an analogy: Consider a businessman. If he has employees (people in his shop), they do his work. If he has no one in his shop, he alone can do the work. The same logic holds, whether the businessman is the owner/operator of the enterprise, or the landlord of the property.

Signs of murder

Murder is a crime against dharma. The chief dharma house is the 9th. The destruction of anything is 12 houses away. Thus, the 8th is anti-dharma. So during crimes of any kind, where dharma (right action) is violated, there must be evidence from the planets that the 8th house of the perpetrator is active. Murder is the end of things - the end of another's life, but also a kind of self-inflicted suicide of the soul, because once one starts down that path, the trail grows ever darker. So again, where sex and violence end in death, there must be evidence that the perpe- trator's 12th house is active.

So rape and murder should occur during the periods (dasha, bhukti, antaradasa) of planets that signify the 8th and the 12th, ie, their occupants and lords, and planets oc- cupying the nakshatras of those occupants and lords. In Sutcliffe's life, these planets would be: 8th house occupant(s):

-- Venus: since no planets occupy a VE-star, Venus must do its own work

-- Saturn: since no planets occupy a SA-star, Saturn must do its own work

-- Moon: since both Sun and Mercury occupy a MO-star, they can assist in its work -- Mars: since both Rahu and Jupiter occupy a MA-star, they can assist in its work 8th house lord:

-- Mercury: since both Mars and Ketu occupy a ME-star, they can assist in its work 12th house occupant(s):

-- None

12th house lord:

-- Venus: since no planets occupy a VE-star, Venus must do its own work

Aside from the visible planets, we also assess the eligibility of the moon's nodes to act as significators for the 8th or 12th houses. Consider Rahu:

-- Rahu associates with both Sun and Mercury, thus a significator for the 8th house (as in table above)

-- Rahu is aspected by Jupiter, thus a significator for the 8th house (as in table above)

-- Rahu is disposed by its sign-lord Venus, who occupies the 8th and rules the 12th, thus becoming a dual significator

-- Rahu is also governed by its star-lord Mars, thus a significator for the 8th house (as in table above)

And consider Ketu:

-- Ketu is not associated with any planet -- Ketu is aspected by Sun and Mercury, thus a significator for the 8th house (as in table above)

-- Ketu is disposed by Mars, thus a significator for the 8th house (as in table above) -- Ketu is also governed by its star-lord Mercury, thus a significator for the 8th house (as in table above)

Dasha/bhukti of planets in exchange During the period of the assaults and murders confessed by Sutcliffe, he was running Mercury dasha. Aside from the Budhaditya Yoga of intelligence, Mercury's significance in this chart rests on its Parivartana Yoga, where as 8th lord it exchanges signs with the 7th lord Venus

Herein lie the seeds of violence culminating in rape and murder. Note further that Mer- cury is afflicted doubly by the Sun and debilitated Rahu, despite some relief from Jupiter, which perhaps explains why he was able to elude capture for a good five years. With the onset of Sutcliffe's Mercury dasha, conditions were ripe for escalating violence. Mercury is a dual significator for his 8th house: (1) it owns the 8th and, more importantly (2) it's in the nakshatra of the Moon which occupies the 8th.

The stakes were raised once more when his 12th house was activated. This is only possible in two periods - that of Venus and Rahu. The 12th house has no occupants, therefore much depends on its lord. Venus has no planets occupying any of its naksha- tras, therefore only two planets can do its work: Venus itself, or Rahu which occupies its sign. ME-VE ran from April 1973 to February 1976. During this 3-year period the significators of 8th and 12th set the scene for criminal action. In reviewing his history, authorities have since speculated that Sutcliffe had likely been involved in assaults on prostitutes dating back as far as 1969, the year his Mercury

dasha began. It was only after 1975, when his assaults became murders, and his vic- tims also began to include ordinary women, that public and police interest in his crimes escalated as a result of a media frenzy.

The Yorkshire Ripper

8 7

6 5 Attacks4 Murder

3 2

1

0 SA- ME- ME- ME- ME- ME JU ME KE ME- ME VE SU MO MA RA Dasa-bhukti sequence

From a brief inspection of this activity we see that:

(1) Sutcliffe began to get busy during ME-VE, the dasha/bhukti of the very two planets that comprised his Parivartana Yoga.

(2) The most vicious of his periods was during ME-MO, the bhukti lord being the Moon, both weak and afflicted, the 9th lord fallen in the 8th.

(3) The other aggressive period, during which he was ultimately captured, was that of ME-RA, wherein the bhukti lord Rahu is debilitated and afflicting the dasha lord Mercury. Note also that in the broad dasha sequence, Mercury, Venus and Moon are the 3rd, 5th, and 7th period lords, whose dashas and/or bhuktis are traditionally supposed to be bad for the native in question. Within the Mercury dasha, this would make ME-VE and ME-MO particularly bad. Indeed these are the periods in which he committed the most attacks.

Of the 23 assaults, 43% occurred (*) when the Moon was in a Venus nakshatra. Venus participates in the exchange between 7th and 8th lords, the very combination that sug- gests violent assaults of every kind. In the 8th house, Venus is associated with Saturn and a dark (malefic) Moon, and is hemmed by Sun/Rahu on one side and Mars on the other.

(* Given average distribution, Sutcliffe's attacks should have occurred in a Venus nakshatra only (23/9=) 2.5 times. But since 10 of the events happened with Moon in a Venus nakshatra, this is highly significant, chances of it being random only 0.6 in 10,000.)

Even post-exchange, Venus becomes combust and associated with Rahu. As 7th lord and karaka for relationships, it is one of the most tortured planets in Sutcliffe's chart.

Of the 23 events, 52% occurred ( ** ) when the Moon was in a krura nakshatra, a selec- tion of asterisms ruled by Venus, Ketu or Jupiter. Krura means cruel, fierce and severe, and is associated with destructive deeds. ( ** Average distribution would predict 4.2 events, but there were 12. Again, this is very significant, the chances of this being random only 3.4 in 10,000.)

Sub-lord activation

As discussed earlier, a basic principle of KP says that a planet in its period serves the needs of its star-lord, ie, the planet that owns the nakshatra occupied. In other words, the period lord will promote the themes governed by its nakshatra dispositor. An extension of that same principle says that such a period lord also produces results - good, bad or indifferent - in accordance with the sub-lord of the nakshatra in which it is found. So, just as every dasha is divided into nine bhuktis of unequal time-spans, so too is every nakshatra divided into nine subs of unequal degree-span. Although we could go through every point in Sutcliffe's chart to identify each sub-lord and comment upon its significance, let's concentrate on a few salient observations: -- his Lagna sub-lord is Venus, located in the 8th house. This creates for Sutcliffe an affinity for anti-dharma, eg, abuse, violence. -- the Moon's sub-lord is the Moon itself, located in the 8th house.

-- Mercury's sub-lord is Venus, located in the 8th house.

-- Venus's sub-lord is the Moon, located in the 8th house. - Rahu's sub-lord is Saturn, located in the 8th house. Sutcliffe's killing spree occurred during his Mercury dasha, which is strongly linked - by house ownership, star-lord occupation, and sub-lord occupation - with the 8th house. Furthermore, his three most-violent bhuktis were those of Venus, the Moon and Rahu. All three are linked via their respective sub-lords to the 8th house.

Saturn return

As noted above, Sutcliffe's ME-VE period set the stage for violence. Onto this stage walked Saturn. Not just any Saturn, but Sutcliffe's Saturn return, which occurred on July 18, 1975 at 16h28. If we drill down another level of time, we see that at the time he was running ME-VE-ME (dasha/bhukti/antaradasa) - all three significators linked to the 8th or 12th houses. This Saturn return marks a pivotal place. In the rashi chart, Saturn is lord of the 4th, the manas - the emotional mind that registers perceptions, likes and dislikes, the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. Located in the 8th house, this is destabilizing for the mind. The Moon is a secondary indicator for the mind. Natally, it is dark in the 8th with Saturn. Both are sandhi - unsta-

ble in the last degree of a dual sign.

Ra 04:33 Ju 29.59 Ma i41 Ke o3 Me 155 Sa 2922 MO 07:33 8 AS 28:09 Ve 1228

Peter Sutcliffe Su 01:52

(Satum retum chart) 16h28, 18 July 1975 10 Su 01:s2 Bingley, England Ve 12:28

Sa 2922 11 Ma 181 3 Ra 0433 12 2 Me 165

MO 07 33 AS 21.09 JU 29-59 Ke 04 33

In Sutcliffe's Saturn return, Saturn is combust within 02deg30. The Moon is in Scorpio conjunct an exalted Rahu within 03deg00, an indicator for mental derangement. Moon and Rahu are transiting a Saturn nakshatra, contributing to further derangement.

Sutcliffe's condition had been ripe for over two years. Within two months of his Saturn return, he violently assaulted two women. Within six months he had killed two women. And now his path was struck.

The following bhukti periods - Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu and Jupiter were all supportive of ongoing violence because each of them was a significator of the 8th house.

Transits and triggers

KP theory says that violent acts like rape and murder unfold as per a hierarchy of causes: (1) dasha, bhukti and antaradasa periods of planets who are significators of the 8th and/or 12th houses.

(2) transits of Jupiter, the Sun and the Moon through the nakshatras of planets who are significators of the 8th and 12th houses. Just as period lords will work for the lord whose nakshatra they occupy in the birth chart, so too will transiting planets work for the lord whose nakshatra they pass through. (It's like the game of Monopoly: If you occupy my space in passing, you must pay me rent or penalties.)

If we analyze the transits of Jupiter during these 23 acts of violence (13 murders, 10 assaults), the nakshatras most frequently transited were those of Mars. Although the number of incidents is too low to be statistically significant, Mars is key for many reasons - ascendant lord, debilitated, occupant of the 8th house, and in the star of Mercury the occupant and lord of the 8th lord. It is therefore a powerful significator for the 8th house. Thus, when Jupiter passes through a Mars-star, it works on behalf of Mars. When we examine the Sun during these same acts of violence, the most common

nakshatras transited were those of Sun and Rahu. The Sun is a significator of the 8th as noted earlier. Rahu is a significator of both the 8th and the 12th. Finally, as noted earlier, during an assault the most common nakshatras transited by the Moon were those of Venus. Note that Venus is the only planet other than Rahu which is a significator of both the 8th and 12th houses. Venus occupies the 8th and rules the 12th. Therefore Venus is a very powerful karaka for murder in Sutcliffe's chart.

Capture, confession and compensation Sutcliffe was stopped by police in January 1981 (ME-RA) and arrested for having false license plates on his car. He had a prostitute with him, and the next day the police dis- covered a knife, hammer and rope he'd discarded at the scene. After two days of ques- tioning, he confessed to 13 murders and multiple assaults. At his trial, the judge rejected a plea of diminished responsibility due to mental illness. Sutcliffe was sentenced to 30 years without probation. While in prison, he was attacked several times by other inmates seeking to maim or kill him. One of these attacks cost him his left eye, and severely damaged his right. Subsequently, Sutcliffe was awarded almost £200,000 in compensation. This incident occurred in March 1997 when Sutcliffe was running VE-VE. Venus is the karaka for vision. As 12th lord, Venus specifically rules the left eye. Venus is in the 8th with Saturn (loss) and Moon, the karaka for the left eye. Venus in the 8th also represents windfall monies, which Sutcliffe received as a result of his vision loss.

Osama bin Laden: from death to birth

(first published 31 May 2011)

As in birth there is the seed of death, so in death there is the seed of birth. With the killing of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011, at the hands of Navy SEALs, it became pos- sible to determine an ascendant for the hitherto-unknown birth chart of the world's most famous terrorist.

Bin Laden in an interview gave March 10, 1957, as his birth date. He was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to a wealthy family with Royal connections and a billion-dollar real estate empire. Shown here is a chart for noon, which coincidentally produces a Chan- dralagna chart! (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zo- diac as per Vedic astrology.)

Ke 2# Ma 02 .: 00 MO 0727 Ma 02:00 AS 07 36 4 2 5 MO 07:27 Ke 294g SU 26 16 AS 07:36 Ve 1721 Me 16:58 Osama bin Laden 3 (noon) 10 Mar 1957 JuR 04 34 6 12 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Su 26:10 Ra 29:49 11 Ve 172L 8 10 Me 165 Sa 20:53 Ra 2949 JuR 0434 Sa 20:53

Some Vedic astrologers have already discussed bin Laden's life and death using the Chandralagna chart shown here. As you'll recall from Jyotish 101, when we don't know the birth time, we rotate the chart to treat the Moon as the ascendant.

But this is a backup plan, when we don't know the birth time. However, what if we could figure out the ascendant based upon the time of bin Laden's death?

On May 2, 2011, approx 0130 local time, Bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan, by a team of US Navy SEALs. The death chart shown here has Capricorn rising, Sun and Moon waning in Aries, and a cluster of four planets in Pisces. But the Moon is key.

Ma 28:50 Ju 21:28 MO 01.14

Ve 18:54 Su 17-06 Ke 01:53 Ra 01-53 Me 21:39 Ve 11:54 11 9 Me 21 39 12 8 Ju 28 28 AS 22:32 Ma 2s 5p

Operation Neptune Spear MO 01:14 10 01h30, 02 May 2011 1 Abbottabad, Pakistan Su 17.06 4 AS 22:32

6 SaRI 3 5 Ra 01:53 SaR 17:50 Ke 01:53

The Moon is in Ketu nakshatra and Venus sub. Ketu is in Gemini, and therefore delivers results for its dispositor Mercury. Ketu also delivers for Mars and Saturn, both of whom aspect it.

Venus is in Pisces, in a Mercury nakshatra, as are three other planets in the same nakshatra. This means a lot of planets working to deliver Mercury results at the time of bin Laden's death.

Bin Laden's birth chart has Mercury and Venus in planetary war. This is a potent combo. Astronomically, the two planets crowd each other's space within one degree and astro- logically, both were activated when he died. Therefore, they should indicate death in his birth chart.

What's a death indication? Let's start with 8th and 12th house combinations. Specifi- cally, Mercury and Venus in 8/12 combos ...

Starting with bin Laden's Chandralagna, Gemini, we see the Mercury-Venus graha yuddha (planetary war) occurs in the 9th house. Mercury is lord of 1st and 4th. Venus is lord of 9th and 12th. Both are in the nakshatra of Rahu in the 5th. No connection with the 8th.

Ma 02-05 MO 09:11 Mo 0:11 Ke 299 5 3 JuR anP AS 17-02 2 Ma 020 SU 26:23 Ve 1730 AS 17.02 Me 17.11 Osama bin Laden 14h59. 10 Mar 1957 Ra 2949 1 Ke 2949 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 10

Sa 20:53 12 9 11 Sa 2053 Ra 29:49 JUR M33 Su 26:23 Ve 17:30 Me 171!

We move on to Cancer rising. Here the Mercury-Venus war is in the 8th. Bingo! Mercury now rules 3rd and 12th houses. Both Mercury and Venus are in Rahu nakshatra. Rahu

sits in the 4th but does proxy work for his dispositor, Venus in the 8th. Another score. So with this ascendant, we get Mercury and Venus generating 8th and 12th house results, eg, death. Despite the rest of the zodiac to test, Cancer already looks very good as a hypothetical ascendant. Ascendant lord Moon in the 12th house suggests a life in exile, which was bin Laden's reality from age 22 to his death. Over these 32 years he lived in Afghanistan, Sudan (where his Saudi citizenship was revoked), Bosnia and Pakistan. Within Cancer, we have 2.5 nakshatras, one of which is Ashlesha, associated with im- mense ambition, cunning and manipulation, sedition and secrecy. In 1967, bin Laden's father died in a plane crash. Bin Laden was running Rahu-Venus. Rahu gives results of sign dispositor Venus in the 8th, and also of its nakshatra disposi- tor Jupiter, lord of 9th. Bhukti lord Venus in the 8th is 12th from the 9th, ie, loss of father. During the latter part of his Jupiter dasha, bin Laden got educated and married four wives. Jupiter is in Sun nakshatra, and Sun owns the 2nd, governing education and family.

Upon the outset of his Saturn dasha, age 31, bin Laden created al Qaeda. Natal Saturn in the 5th is the deep dark mind of an ideologue. Saturn rules the 7th house of outright war, and the 8th house of death. When a dasha runs, its lord delivers results for its nakshatra dispositor. Thus Saturn during its dasha did work for its star lord Mercury, who is in the 8th and owns the 12th. Thus, Saturn can deliver violence and death.

In 1988, bin Laden's eldest brother died in a plane crash. Bin Laden was running Sat- urn-Saturn, delivering double results for Mercury, lord of the 3rd (siblings) in the 8th. Every bhukti lord to follow had some connection with the 8th or 12th houses. Through- out Saturn dasha, bin Laden increased the scope of his activities - helping the mu- jahideen drive the Soviets from Afghanistan, executing hotel attacks in Aden and Luxor, US embassy attacks in Africa, the attack on the destroyer USS Cole, the 9/11 attack, and subsequent bombings in Bali, Madrid and London. During Saturn dasha, Bin Laden managed to dodge an attack of cruise missiles on his base camp, a drone missile in his vehicle, and a SEALs assault in Tora Bora, Afghanistan. His very luck in evading capture or death must have convinced both him and his followers that Allah really was on his side. Then Mercury dasha kicked in. Remember, this Mercury is a virulent planet. It owns the 12th house and is locked in graha yuddha with Venus in the 8th. During Barack Obama's election campaign, he vowed that under his administration the USA would capture or kill bin Laden. Criminal charges from around the world had already been laid against bin Laden during his Saturn dasha. But under Obama's man- date, the CIA's special activities division stepped up their search. The SEALs raid on May 2, 2011, came during bin Laden's Mercury dasha, Venus

bhukti, and Venus antaradasa. Both planets carry the weight of 8th and 12th house as- sociations. In addition, Venus is also the bhadaka (killer) planet for a Cancer ascendant. Transits that day (see Chart 2) further propelled bin Laden's fate toward death. Four planets in Pisces (Mercury star) gave results of bin Laden's Mercury, his occupant of 8th and owner of 12th. Sun was in Aries (Venus star), giving results of bin Laden's Venus, his bhadaka in the 8th house. To recap, we started by looking at the Moon's nakshatra and sub at the time of bin Laden's death, and worked backwards to construct a birth chart wherein Mercury and Venus played the role of killers in their conjoined periods. Admittedly, this is hindsight, but that's no less a reason to learn from it.

Bombs in Boston and combust Mars

(first published 15 April 2013)

Bombs went off today at the finishing line of the annual Boston Marathon - at 2:50 PM EDT, 15 April 2013. As of this writing, two are dead and 23 injured. New York and Washington have increased security measures. Organizers of the London Marathon are in close contact with Boston authorities, because their own marathon is scheduled to be run on Sunday. The heat is now on investigators to find those responsi- ble.

Can astrology provide clues? For this purpose, let's closely examine the event chart. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

SU 0154 Me 03:26 Ma 02:24 Ve 06:32 Ju 2025 MO 0201 Ke 23:59 SaR 15o Ra 23:59 AS 09:07 MO 020

Boston Marathon bombing N 14h50, 15 Apr 2013 JU 2025 Boston, USA AS 0907 Ke 23 59 Ve 06:32 Ma 02:24 SaR 15.06 10 12 Su 01:54 Ra 23 59 Me 09:26

In this chart, ascendant lord Sun and Mars are combust in the 9th house. These already-hot planets are further amplified in Aries where they're respectively exalted/own- ers. They're joined in the 9th by Ketu, also considered a hot planet because of its affinity with Mars.

Three inflammatory planets in the 9th house spell religious fanaticism and social disorder through holy war.

Sun, Mars and Ketu make a victim of Venus in the 9th, the object of their direct and collateral damage. As lord of the 3rd, Venus represents athletes and their neighbors. As 10th lord, Venus is both society and its governance.

All four planets are in Aries ruled by owner/dispositor Mars. Sun, Mars and Venus are all in Ketu nakshatra. Thus, there is a powerful inter-weaving of Mars/Ketu themes in the ninth - fanaticism and jihad.

Transiting Moon, the barometer of the day, is in Mars nakshatra and Ketu sub. The Mars/Ketu combination is already volatile, and the Sun's presence fuels it further. Even the ascendant is in Ketu star.

Following are several clues to the identity of those responsible. (As is typical in Vedic

astrology, I write this boldly as if it were truth, when in fact I am simply noting relevant points in line with astrological theory.) The ascendant lord Sun in the Aries 9th represents the perpetrator(s). This is likely a mature man (Sun), probably assisted by a younger man (Mars). The notion of two collab- orators is reinforced by Moon in Gemini (dual sign) and Moon's dispositor in Pisces (dual sign). One or both of the perpetrators will be a university student, possibly in an Engineering (Sun conjunct Mars in 9th) or physics (Sun opposite Saturn in 3rd) program. They have likely been influenced by a zealot (Ketu in Aries 9th) who lives elsewhere than Boston. They will be found living in close proximity to some garage, machine shop, factory or place where mechanical work is done or machinery is kept. The colors red or burnt or- ange will be visible on their persons, or their vehicle, or within their immediate surround- ings, eg, door, wall, curtains, carpet, etc. Aside from using traditional astrology as above, we can also draw information via other techniques. For instance, a local space chart maps 360 degrees of horizon surrounding an event. In this system, the positions of the various planets as seen from this location are projected onto the horizon using the coordinates of azimuth and altitude. This gives us a sort of "flat earth" perspective. Converting the Boston bombing chart to a local space map gives us the relative posi- tions of the planets as seen from Boston, radiating out around the world, conceptually identifying zones of cause and effect.

Note the two tightly-grouped red lines emanating NE and SW from Boston. These are Sun and Mars tightly combust at the time of the twin explosions. Although it may later prove relevant, let's ignore for now the SW track of these two planets down the Eastern seaboard, exiting the USA via the Florida panhandle. Instead, see the NE track that arcs over the Atlantic Ocean to England, crosses Eastern Europe and Turkey, and passes through Syria, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait and the Gulf States of the eastern Arabian Peninsula. These are the likely origins of the Boston Marathon

bombers.

Syria

Iraq

Iran

UAE

Oman

Admittedly, the local space projection of Sun/Mars delineates a broad swath, but it also lights up some decidedly hot zones. This is all the more compelling when you follow its continued track around the world and note that the vast majority of it projects across un- populated oceans. Will the perpetrators be caught? Combustion never ends well. Total combustion of Mars occurs Wednesday night (April 17) at 8:20 PM EDT, at which time there may be some sort of break in the case. The Moon enters Cancer (12th house of the event chart) just three hours later at 11:23 PM, at which time an arrest may be made.

The Tsarnaev brothers and their malefics (first published 16 May 2013)

Is there anything more problematic for an astrologer than a client or famous person with- out a birth time? The Tsarnaev brothers, perpetrators of the April 15th Boston Marathon bombings that killed three and injured 264 others, provide an ideal opportunity to analyze charts from the viewpoint of Chandralagna, a simple concept from Vedic astrology. Chandralagna is a composite Sanskrit term - Chandra meaning Moon, and lagna meaning tie-down point (between heaven and earth), aka the ascendant. So Chan- dralagna means "viewing the Moon as the ascendant." If we lack a birth time to calculate the ascendant, this is the next best thing. The Moon is the chart's fastest-moving celestial body, therefore its next most potent individuating factor.

AstroDataBank and AstroTheme provided birth data for the two brothers: Tamerlan, 21 October 1986, time unknown, Grozny, Chechnya; Dzhokar, 22 July 1993, time un- known, Grozny, Chechnya. Without a birth time, many western astrologers typically calculate a chart for noon. This usefully captures the mean positions of the planets that day, albeit roughly for the Moon, which moves 12+ degrees in a day. Other western astrologers calculate the chart for sunrise, or rotate the noon chart to place the Sun at the ascendant, either way creating a symbolic "sunrise" chart. However, Vedic astrology considers the faster-moving Moon to be a stronger individuat- ing factor than the Sun. Therefore, we rotate the noon chart to place the Moon in the first house, thus giving us a Chandralagna chart. Before we examine these two brothers, what do we expect to find in the charts of anar- chists, assassins, bombers, jihadi, murderers? Round up the usual suspects - the malefics - in the form of Mars for violence, Saturn for death and anti-social behaviour, Rahu for aberrant behaviour, and the Sun for cru- elty. (Note: Uranus, Neptune and Pluto aren't used in Vedic astrology, so traditional sign rulership applies.) (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Ra 20:30 AS 17.45 MO 17:45 3 AS 17:45 12 Ra 26 3 MO 17:45 JuR 1949 2 Tamerlan Tsamaev 21 Oct 1986 5 JuR 19.49 Groznyi, Russia 8 Ma 13:34

Ke 26:36 .6 Sa 1335 10 Ma D333 Su 0417 7 9 Sa 13:35 VeR 20:00 Ke 26:36 Su 04.17 VeR 36:00 Me 2835 Me 28:35

In Tamerlan's chart, at moon-rise the Moon is 18 degrees Taurus. No matter what the actual birth time, the Moon remains in Taurus, because in 12 hours it can only move six degrees in either direction. So Chandralagna is definitely Taurus.

Now study the disposition of planets relative to the Moon. Saturn is directly opposite, almost to the degree. (Note: in Vedic astrology, two planets need only be in opposite signs, regardless of degree or orb, to mutually aspect each other.)

Saturn in Scorpio versus Mars in Capricorn are in Parivartana Yoga (mutual reception). This means we hold the option to make these planets exchange signs in our mind's eye, thus placing Mars opposite the Moon.

Now both prime malefics - Saturn and Mars - influence the Moon, fulfilling our astrolog- ical expectations for a perpetrator of violence.

Treating Taurus as Chandralagna, ascendant ruler Venus goes to Libra in the 6th house. Venus is doubly strong - retrograde and in its own sign. Strong planets in the 6th house are associated with martial arts (Tamerlan was a boxer), police and military activities (he tried to join resistance fighters in Chechnya), and combative behavior.

Ke 15:56 JU 1435 Su o5 38 Ve 2403 MeR 24:59 6 AS 12:39 MO 12:39 3 MeR Ma 23:20 SaR 05:12 SU 05:38 5 Dzhokar Tsamaev Ve 2403 22 July 1993 Ra 15:56 2 Groznyi, Russia AS 12:39 11 Ke 15:56 MO 12:39 Ma 23:20 9 SaR 0S:12 10 12 Ra 15:56 JU H3s

In Dzhokar's chart, at moon-rise his Moon is 13 degrees Leo. Again, no matter what the birth time, the Moon remains in sign, so Chandralagna is definitely Leo.

The influence of Mars and Saturn is obvious. Mars is in Leo. (No matter the orb, two

planets in the same sign influence each other like two people in the same room.) Simi- larly, Saturn opposes the Moon in mutual aspect. Here, we have in addition the nodes in the angles. Rahu acts likes Saturn, Ketu like Mars. Rahu is exalted in Scorpio, Ketu debilitated in Taurus, thus contributing to their vir- ulence and instability. Treating Leo as Chandralagna, ascendant lord Sun goes to Cancer in the 12th house, implying sacrifice, self-undoing, suicide and incarceration. These charts show that adopting the Chandralagna perspective immediately sheds light on the character and destiny of these two brothers.

When analyzing a chart whose birth time is known, Vedic astrologers naturally devote most of their attention to planets in houses defined vis-a-vis the true ascendant. But many also take a second step, rotating the chart to make the Moon the ascendant, ana- lyzing the chart a second time. This serves a dual purpose: to corroborate and reinforce themes identified earlier, or to resolve any contradictions or uncertainties that arose.

Britain on the butcher's block

(first published 29 May 2013)

No more hiding down the block when a bomb goes off. Now it's up close and personal, with blood on their hands. And when the dirty work is done, the perpetrators explain themselves to witnesses.

British soldier Lee Rigby was murdered last week, Wednesday May 22, 2013, in the Woolwich district of London. According to news reports, the first 911 call came in at 2:20 PM. The attack itself would have occurred at least one or two minutes earlier.

While returning to his nearby barracks, Rigby was run down by a car. Witnesses first thought it was an accident. But then two attackers got out of their car and began hack- ing at Rigby. One early witness thought they'd gone to help the victim, until he saw their cleavers. By now, someone would be calling 911, but at least a minute would have passed.

Therefore, for this event chart, I've chosen to use 2:19pm, although it could be even earlier. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.)

Ke 22:03 Su 07:33 Me 20:02 Ma 29.44 Ve 21 49 JU 23 -: 05 MO 01 2s6 A SaR 122 AS 29:53 3 Ra 220

Lee Rigby murder Ju 2805 5 14h19, 22 May 2013 2 Ve 21.49 Woolwich, England Me x0 AS 2953 SU 07:33

9 Ma 293 MO 01:25 10 12 Ke 2205 SaR 12.25 Ra 2203

The ascendant, its lord and the Moon represent the attackers. The 7th house and its lord represent the victim.

The last degree of Leo rises. The Sun, considered a krura (cruel) planet of the kshatriya (warrior) caste has dig bala (directional strength) in the 10th house. The ascendant is in a nakshatra of the Sun. Even the Sun is in its own nakshatra, further fanning this flame.

Mars is a warrior planet in its own sign. Ketu also acts like Mars in general, but more especially when associated with Mars, and taking strength in Aries. Together in the 9th they reflect, for the attackers, inflammatory philosophies like jihad, thus a signature for fanaticism and zealotry, especially with Saturn at the other end of the nodal axis.

Mars, the karaka (significator) of weapons mutually aspects exalted Saturn, the karaka of death. Mars rules the 4th house and their vehicle, which was used first as a weapon.

Mars also rules cutting instruments, like knives and cleavers, with which they attacked the victim. Mars mutually aspects the Moon, ruling the 12th house of hospitalization, im- prisonment and death.

If we look at the chart from the Chandralagna, treating the Moon as if it were the ascen- dant, we get Moon, Mars and Saturn all aligned with the crazy-making Rahu/Ketu axis. A double-strength (exalted and retrograde) Saturn occupies the first house, opposing strong Mars and Ketu in the 7th. From Chandralagna the 11th lord Sun, reflecting desired goals, goes to the 8th where it joins the three trik lords - 6th lord Jupiter (combat), 8th lord Venus (trauma) and 12th lord Mercury (death). The attackers' intention was clearly to wreak violence. This all occurred during a two-week period of Kala Sarpa, which is a yoga (planetary combination) wherein the Rahu/Ketu axis identifies a line, and all planets lie on either one side of that line or the other.

Different texts offer different definitions of Kala Sarpa. A strict definition requires that Rahu and Ketu be alone in the signs they occupy, while the seven visible planets are dis- tributed among the signs between. A more liberal definition allows other planets in the same sign as Rahu or Ketu, but none must disperse across the line of opposing degrees laid down by the Rahu/Ketu axis. This event chart is an example of that. The current Kala Sarpa pattern has been in effect since May 12, when Mars crossed the degree of Ketu and all planets went to one side of the Rahu/Ketu axis. This continues intermittently now for roughly four months, until September 18th, when Venus will over- take Rahu's degree position and end up on the other side of the Rahu/Ketu line. During this period, Kala Sarpa will be like an electrical circuit. When the Moon is on the opposite side of the Rahu/Ketu line from the other planets, two weeks at a time, the switch is off. But when the Moon crosses Ketu to join the other planets on the same side of the nodal axis, the switch turns on. Kala Sarpa is alive! This could spell a violent season. Although it didn't meet the definition of a Kala Sarpa Yoga, the Boston Marathon bombing also had Mars and Saturn sitting in strength at op- posite ends of the nodal axis, giving these four malefics a rare concentration of power. Although Mars has now left Aries, the presence of Saturn on the nodal axis leaves its stamp on the intermittent Kala Sarpa Yogas that appear over the next four months. We might reasonably expect, however much we'd rather not, that other such incidents will bloody the front pages of the media. Terrorism's face is changing. A Canadian think tank called The Mackenzie Institute has long claimed that, because of greatly-heightened security in America, Europe and else- where, we'll probably never again see an act of terrorism on the scale of 9/11's Twin Towers. Rather, the Mackenzie Institute expects jihadi world-wide to engage in small- scale acts of opportunity terrorism, the fundamentalist equivalent of Think globally, act

locally. It's awful to think that your next trip to the movies could be a real-life horror film, but let's face it, for someone of the mind to use a weapon or two, the daily opportunities are too numerous to count, too horrific to dwell on. Small successes like Boston and Woolwich inspire zealots everywhere. They don't need to bypass security and hijack a plane. All they need is a human target and a weapon and a few witnesses to record it for the evening news, and it's out there for the world to see. Last month in Boston, it was America's tragedy. Last week in London, it was Britain's. Who's next ...? As one of the Woolwich attackers said, "We will never leave you alone." So maybe we don't want to go to the movies this summer. Maybe we should just curl up with a good book. Before it comes to a theater near you ...

Edward Snowden: a deer hunted out of season

(first published 30 June 2013)

Like whistle-blowers Julian Assange and Bradley Manning before him, Edward Snowden by proxy wielded a pen against the sword of the current US Administration on June 6, 2013.

That day his leaked story, as scooped by Glenn Greenwald, appeared in both The Guardian and The Washington Post. In it, Snowden revealed the breadth and depth of systemic surveillance by the National Security Agency (NSA) through programs such as PRISM that routinely spied on Google, Microsoft and Yahoo user activity - world-wide.

The following week, US federal prosecutors charged Edward Snowden with two counts under the Espionage Act: disclosing national defence information and sharing classified intelligence.We show and tell in grade school, Edward, but when we work for the NSA we operate under the cone of silence. Snowden would have signed an agreement to that effect, but obviously he had a change of conscience.

Edward Snowden was born June 21, 1983, at 4:42 AM in Elizabeth City, NC. This data was first made public by Eric Francis of PlanetWaves, courtesy of North Carolina's birth registry. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.) When we look at Snowden's chart, three distinct planetary complexes are immediately evident:

Me 1641 Ma 01:00 Ma 01 00 Ra 01 09 AS 18:37 Ra 01:09 SU O5 4$ Su os 4a 3 Ve 21.04 4 Me 1641 12 AS 18:37 Ve 21 04 Edward Snowden 2 04h42, 21 Jun 1983 5 11 Elizabeth City, NC. USA

JuR 09.31 10 SaR ol 1 9 Ke ot09 JUR 09:31 MO 1947 SaR w:ni MO 1947 Ke 01:09

First, the kendras are occupied only by two benefics - a strong Mercury with dig bala in the 1st, and retrograde Jupiter in the 7th. They mutually aspect each other, and are not disturbed by the aspect of any other planet, let alone a malefic.

This joins combines intelligence and judgment, Mercury being logical and clever, Jupiter possessing knowledge and wanting to share. There's no doubt that Snowden is a very bright 30-year-old.

Secondly, the two kshatriya planets - Sun and Mars - sit on the nodal axis that runs

through the 2nd and 8th houses. It's an all-malefic party in these two houses, with no benefics invited. Sun and Mars are warriors. Rahu amplifies the fire and the drumbeat. Since the 2nd rules knowledge and speech, this malefic cluster reflects Snowden's understanding of science and technology, but also his willingness to be the bearer of bad news. Malefics in the 2nd can mean "bad speech e someone who swears, lies, or tells inconvenient truths.

Thirdly, there is a Parivartana (exchange) Yoga between the 3rd and 6th houses. It involves lagnesh Venus and the Moon, the two planets that represent Snowden himself. Both planets are influenced by an exalted Saturn, which casts it in a Spartan light.

The exchange between the 3rd and 6th lords invokes themes around their upachaya nature, for struggle and success. The 3rd is a kama house, expressing a desire to do something, to summon courage and demonstrate prowess. The 6th is associated with service and employment but also the competitive spirit that is necessary to succeed in whatever kshetra is required - athletic field, courtroom or battlefield. Snowden is running Saturn dasha, Rahu bhukti. When the period of a planet runs, it of course plays out its own significations, but primarily it does work for its star lord, the planet in whose nakshatra it is found. Saturn sits in Chitra, a Mars nakshatra, so it will serve the purposes of a warrior-like Mars in the 2nd house, speaking harsh truths. Because Mars rules both the 7th and the 12th, Snowden was willing to step out of his comfort zone and cross to the other side (7th), apparently even to accept the consequences of imprisonment or exile (12th). Saturn plays out its own interests by invoking legal action and debate (occupying the 6th) while simultaneously following his own dharma (ruling the 9th) even at the cost of subverting the existing social order as epitomized by the US administration (ruling the 10th). A node acts in a different way. Rather than look to its nakshatra dispositor for direction as a visible planet does, the node will first act as a proxy for any planet with which it is associated by sign, then for any planet that aspects it, and finally for its rashi dispositor. Thus, the action of the nodes can be multi-faceted, complex and potentially contradic- tory. Rahu is associated with both Mars and Sun. So in its period it will serve the purpose of Mars, as outlined a few paragraphs above, and that of the Sun. In the case of the latter, where the Sun occupies the 2nd and rules the 4th, we can construe that Snowden speaks (2nd) for the people (4th). Rahu is aspected by no planet, but is disposited by its sign-lord Mercury. Mercury occu- pies the 1st while ruling the 2nd and the 5th. The notion of authorship comes to mind, so it would be no stretch of the imagination to expect something more than a newspa- per article from all of this. This very idea of "speaking out against the government" almost certainly started a year

ago, during Snowden's Mars bhukti, which ran from April 1, 2012, to May 11, 2013. Because Mars sits within its own nakshatra Mrigashirsha, when its period ran it would have acted doubly on its own account, the only planet in his chart with the authority to do so.

The current transits are also very provocative. Snowden experiences his Saturn return and sade sati at the same time, which in turn echoes the influence of natal Saturn on lagnesh Venus and his Moon. Saturn is transiting Swati, a Rahu nakshatra, which in- vokes the Sun/Mars combo with which natal Rahu is associated. Jupiter transits Mrigashirsha, a Mars nakshatra, again arousing the warrior's battle-cry. Just two days after the story broke in The Guardian and The Washington Post, both transiting Sun and the new Moon entered Mrigashirsha as well, and Snowden's whistle- blowing reverberated around the world via editorial comment and public outrage. With three primary transit triggers (Jupiter = yearly, Sun = monthly, Moon = daily) all in a Mars nakshatra, the full import of Snowden's Mars placement came out in spades - his diatribe to arouse public discourse (2nd), his association with foreign powers (7th) and his flight into exile (12th). What's next on Snowden's agenda? For the duration of Rahu bhukti (May 2013 - March 2016), we can probably expect continued exile. Rahu delivers the goods for 12th lord Mars, but their conjunction in mutable Gemini implies a man on the move rather than one in prison. Mrigashirsha itself is associated with the flight of a hunted deer, its moves and journeys along roads and paths in search of safety, always looking over its shoulder.

The "Charlie Hebdo" terror attacks

(first published 16 January 2015)

The terrorist attacks in Paris plunged France, as well as the western world, into a state of shock, jitters and defiance. From the opening salvos of this strike, security analysts have now begrudgingly acknowledged that this terrorist cell, however small, acted with the coordinated precision of a trained tactical unit. It began at 11:30 AM Paris time on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. (Note: all cuspal and planetary chart positions are in the sidereal zodiac as per Vedic astrology.) At that time, two gunmen armed with pistols and AK-47 automatic rifles gained entrance into the editorial offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. There they shot and killed the editor, the magazine's principal cartoonists and several support staff, leaving 12 victims in their wake.

Ke 203t Ve 10:42 Ke 2031 Me 0932 12 Ma 02 01 9 AS 28 23 MO 17.47 AS 2823 SU 224

Ma 02 01 Charie Hebdo attack JuR 2709 11 11h30, 07 Jan 2015 2 8 Sa 07:25 Ve 1042 Paris, France Me 09:32 3 6 SU 2243 Sa 07:25 Ra 2031 MO 17:47 JuR 2709 Ra 2031

The chart for the attack reveals only two planets angular: Mars rising in Aquarius, and Saturn in the 10th house Scorpio. These two malefic planets are in exchange, or mutual reception, wherein each occupies the sign of the other. They are thus strengthened, since post-exchange they symbolically assume positions of power in their respective signs of ownership.

Mars is the planet of brothers, weapons, combatants and war. Saturn is the planet of discipline, organization and destruction. Acting in concert, they reflect a disciplined bat- tle plan.

The attackers were identified several hours later as brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi. Their parents had been immigrants from Algeria but the two brothers had been born and raised in Paris, speaking perfect French.

Mars occupies Dhanishta, one of its own nakshatras, and is just a few degrees away from its yoga tara (primary star) Beta Aquarii at 29CP32. One of the primary themes of Dhanishta is the stranger-in-a-strange-land syndrome, wherein the individual may feel like an immigrant even if they were born in that country.

Saturn occupies Anuradha, one of its own nakshatras, and is barely a degree away from its yoga tara, Delta Scorpii, at 08SC42. Some of the primary themes of Anuradha are:

Shows great determination, no-nonsense willpower, and total focus on attainment of goals, but breaks out in wrath if goals aren't attained. * Pursues success above all else, willing to sacrifice oneself and others to get the job done. May adopt a last-person-standing attitude, like a caricature of an action figure, determined to have the last word. * Prepared to lose battles, but determined to eventually return in triumph, ultimately clinging to one's reputation by saying "I'll be back." In this chart, the 1st house represents the attackers, the 7th house their targets. Note that Mars stands alone and unafflicted in the 1st house while Saturn the lord of the as- cendant occupies the 10th house supported by the aspect of a powerful Jupiter from the 6th. Both Mars and Saturn, like weapons in the hands of the attackers, aspect the 7th.

The 6th represents combat and destruction of opponents because it is the 12th house from the 7th. Moon is in its own sign, Jupiter exalted. With strong benefics in the 6th, this might ensure dramatic initial success which is not sustainable. For ultimate victory, a general would rather have strong malefics in the 6th house of the attack chart. Moon and Jupiter together constitute a potent combination for jihad. Moon represents the emotional fervor, while Jupiter represents the prophet, the religion or the principle of the matter. With the Moon there, the 6th house represents the kshetra, in this case the field of battle. The Moon in the 6th occupies the nakshatra of Mercury. Therefore, the mood of the moment was in service of Mercury, which occupies the 12th and owns the 8th. The dusthanas are typically activated during violent crime. The 6th is the undoing of the vic- tim (12th away from the 7th), the 8th is the general undoing of dharma (12th away from the 9th), and the 12th is ultimately the undoing of the Self. In an 11th-hour statement to the media one of the bro hers, Cherif Kouachi, claimed he'd been recruited by Anwar Awlaki and assigned by Al-Qaeda's Yemeni branch to avenge the Prophet Mohammed for cartoons published by the magazine Charlie Hebdo. Toward the end of the 54-hour terror siege, the terrorist organization AQAP (AI- Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) claimed joint responsibility for the carnage.

Didlystok

Aigegrad

satanca Cochar Chardaa

.Tabul

Jrddah

Bamako Aden

Although local space maps are a facet of western astrology, it's sometimes interesting to follow their leads to identify lines of influence. Taking the local event chart as a starting point, we see that Mars is located in the East-South-East of the locale. Following that line, we see it leaves Europe, crosses the Mediterranean, and runs down the Red Sea and through Aden, the major port of Yemen and former bastion of the British colonial empire in the Gulf. When we examine the timeline of the several events that transpired during the 54 hours of this terror campaign, we see correlations with the principles of Krishnamurti Paddhati. One of the major tenets of the KP system says that events will correspond to the nature of planets ruling the star (nakshatra) through which the Moon is transiting. Starting from the initial attack, let's cluster events according to the star the Moon was transiting. * January 7th, 11:30 AM, gunmen attack Charlie Hebdo * January 8th, 4:00 AM, police name suspects Cherif and Said Kouachi * January 8th, 7:00 AM, Amedy Coulibaly kills a female police officer * January 8th, 10:15 AM, the Kouachi brothers hold up a service station, rekindling a more intense police pursuit During those four events, the transiting Moon was in a Mercury nakshatra (16CN40-30CN00). In the initial event chart, Mercury occupies the 12th and rules the 8th, thus promoting violent crime and effectively "getting lost", ie, disappearing and elud- ing authority. For the next 24 hours, up to 90,000 police and military personnel were engaged in hunting the fugitives, a cat-and-mouse drama that gripped the attention of France, if not the world. The next key events: * January 9th, late morning, the police located and surrounded the Kouachi brothers

who had holed up with a hostage in an industrial area near Charles de Gaulle airport. * January 9th, 12:30 PM, Amedy Coulibaly killed four people and took multiple hostages in a kosher supermarket, demanding the police allow the Kouachi brothers to escape. In this phase, transiting Moon was in a Ketu nakshatra (00LE00-13LE20). Referring back to the initial event chart, Ketu delivers results on behalf of Jupiter which aspects and dis- posits it. Jupiter here indicates the holy warrior, his moral stance and philosophy. During this phase both Cherif Kouachi and Amedy Coulibaly spoke to the media and tried to justify their actions in the name of Islam. For the next few hours there was a standoff between the police surrounding the Kouachi brothers with a lone hostage in an industrial site, and Coulibaly with multiple hostages at the supermarket. Then in short order it came to an end: January 9th, 4:55 PM, the Kouachi brothers broke out of their hiding place, guns blazing like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, to die like warriors (and martyrs as was their declared intention) in a hail of police bullets. Their sole hostage had been re- leased unharmed. * January 9th, 5:18 PM, in similar fashion Coulibaly emerged from the supermarket firing his weapon and was immediately cut down by police gunfire. Dozens of remaining hostages fled the supermarket. In this phase, the transiting Moon was in a Venus nakshatra (13LE20-26LE40). Again referring back to the initial event chart, Venus occupies the 12th while ruling the 4th and 9th. Whereas the 4th and 9th have in common the themes of ethics and moral principle, the 12th is clearly the end of things ... for now. Following the Charlie Hebdo attack, birth data for the Kouachi brothers quickly ap- peared on the AstroDataBank pages of Astro.com. Although the birth dates for both Amedy Coulibaly and his partner Hayat Boumeddiene (now the subject of an interna- tional manhunt) are also available through police records, for the moment the Kouachi brothers are the only two perpetrators for whom we have birth times. Said Kouachi was born September 7, 1980, at 1:40 AM in Paris. He has lagnesh Mer- cury exalted with Saturn in the 4th, these sole angular planets forming a Raja Yoga. Sun is strong in the 3rd, indicating courage. The Moon is in a mixed state, being in its own sign but very dark at the tail end of its waning phase.

Ve os:37 AS 1756 MO 23 43 Ra 2504 2 SU 20:55 4

Ve 05-37 Ju 25:46 5 5 AS 17.56

Mo 20 Said Kouachi 3 01h40, 07 Sep 1980 Ra 2500 Me 01:07 12 Paris. France Su 20:55 Sa 0437 9 Ke 250 Ju 25:46

Ma 12:09 11 10 Ma 1209 Me 01.07 8

Sa 0437 Ke 25:04

If we were to speculate about the mental state of a martyr, we'd do well to examine the manas, the emotional mind. We're on the lookout for signs of weakness in the 4th house, its lord and the Moon, especially under influence by Saturn or Rahu, both of which are agents of derangement.

In Said's chart, the 4th is occupied by Saturn (one demerit point). The 4th lord Mercury is exalted (one credit) but conjunct Saturn (another demerit). The karaka for the manas is the Moon. It's in its own sign (one credit), but extremely dark (one demerit) and conjunct Rahu (one demerit).

Overall, the prognosis is somewhat troubling. Add to that the fact that Saturn powerfully influences both the ascendant and its lord Mercury. Plus which, the Sun/Jupiter combo reflects something of the zealot.

Said was running Venus dasha. Venus gives the results of its nakshatra lord Saturn, which occupies the 4th and rules the 8th and 9th. Venus also does its own work, as occupant of the 2nd, lord of the 5th and 12th. Recall earlier that criminal acts of violence are usually triggered by planetary periods that invoke the dusthanas, especially the 8th and 12th. Venus dasha thus invoked both.

He was running Ketu bhukti. Ketu gives the results of planets with which it is associated (none), which aspect it (Moon, Mars, Venus), and its dispositor (Saturn). Moon is occu- pant and lord of the 2nd. Mars occupies the 5th, rules the 6th and 11th. Venus is oc- cupant of the 2nd, lord of 5th and 12th. Saturn occupies the 4th, rules the 8th and 9th. Thus here too, Ketu bhukti pulls in the effects of dusthanas, the 8th and 12th. Younger brother Cherif was born November 29, 1982, at 10:20 PM in Paris. He has only two planets angular - an almost-full Moon in Aries, and an exalted Saturn, which to- gether form a Raja Yoga.

Mo 2217 Ra 11:50 Ra 1156 5 3 6 AS 23 29 2

AS 23:29 Cherif Kouachi 4 22h20, 29 Nov 1982 Sa 06 26 7 Mo 217 Paris, France 10

JU 00:50 Su 13:43 8 42 Me 19 22 Ma x21 Ju 00-50 Ve 200g 9 SU 13:43 Ke 11 56 Me 1922 Sa 06:26 Ke i1 so Ve 20:06 Ma 28 21

If we were to perform a similar litmus test on his manas, it is moderately troubling. The 4th is occupied by a powerful Saturn (one demerit). The lord of the 4th, Venus, is in plan- etary war with Mercury (another demerit). Although full (one credit), the karaka Moon is aspected by that powerful Saturn (another demerit).

Cherif was running Rahu dasha. Rahu gives the results of planets with which it is as- sociated (none), which aspect it (Mars), and its dispositor (Mercury). Mars occupies the 6th, rules the 5th and 10th. Mercury occupies the 5th, rules the 3rd and 12th. Here, two dusthanas of 6th and 12th are invoked.

Cherif was running Mercury bhukti. Mercury is swa nakshatra, occupying its own star, and therefore delivers its significations twice over. Since Mercury occupies the 5th and rules the 3rd and 12th, we get a strong 12th-house theme in these conjoined periods of Rahu and Mercury.

If we look for commonalities between hese two brothers we ee that both had Saturn in the 4th house (a factor in a disturbed manas). From this position Saturn aspects both the ascendant and the ascendant lord in each case. Although one would hesitate to call this a death-wish, it does suggest a cavalier attitude toward brutality, fatality and mortality.

Both brothers also had Sun/Jupiter in association. This can suggest a certain identifica- tion of personal ego with religious principles, and is one of the hallmarks of the zealot.

Whether these two features in tandem might constitute a signature for terrorists is a the- sis for both astrologers and security agencies the world over to investigate.

PERSONAL

The Jyotish Star interview Interview (12 April 2014) conducted by Juliana Swanson for the May 2014 issue of Jyotish Star emagazine.

Juliana Swanson: Is Annand your real name? And are there any other astrologers in your family? Alan Annand: In my social circles -jyotish, ayurveda and hasta - a lot of people ask about my name because it sounds so much like the Sanskrit suffix (meaning bliss, or joy) frequently added to the names of paramagurus like Shivananda, Yogananda and others. But Annand is also a Scottish surname with origins in Annandale bordering Scotland and England. Story has it, my ancestors were kicked out of the UK for stealing the King's sheep. So there are no astrologers in my family tree, just a few night-shift entrepreneurs lurking under it. JS: Where did you grow up, and what brought you to astrology? AA: I grew up in small-town New Brunswick, a part of Atlantic Canada much like Maine. Right after graduating from university I discovered Jess Stearn's A Time for Astrology, which covered chart calculation and basic interpretation. I was hooked on the spot, mostly because my chart said I might be a writer. JS: Were you a writer at the time or was this an aspiration? AA: A dabbler with literary ambitions, but definitely not "pukka" [Hindi, "cooked, ripe, fully formed]. JS: Okay, so from Jess Stearn, what was your next step? AA: In the absence of local classes, I sought a correspondence course. The British Fac- ulty of Astrological Studies (FAS) offered a rigorous curriculum. I did two years of distant learning and spent a third year in England, meeting weekly with my British tutor, writing assignments and prepping for 16 hours of Diploma exams. JS: What year did you complete your exams? AA: That was 1980. Afterward, I returned to Canada and moved to Montreal, where I began teaching two classes a week. After a few years our Montreal group teamed up with Ottawa and Toronto to host three-city tours for big name western astrologers, like Jim Lewis, Liz Greene and Noel Tyl.

I accepted an offer from the FAS to be their North American tutor for correspondence students in Canada, USA and Mexico. Meanwhile I was building my practice, doing local radio and TV, speaking at conferences. But despite this level of activity, for a year or two I'd been thinking, western astrology doesn't work as well as I'd expected. JS: How so? AA: I thought it reasonably capable of delineating character, even though I later found that jyotish was more thorough. But where it really fell short of my expectations was in

prediction. Progressions and transits just didn't deliver the goods. Only later did I realize how well Vedic astrology's planetary periods set the stage for the triggering effect of transits, and thus enabled predictions that would otherwise have been unthinkable using western techniques alone. JS: At what point did you find yourself interested in Vedic astrology? AA: I browsed a book on Hindu astrology while in England, but it seemed impenetrable at the time. On my birthday a year later I was given James Braha's Ancient Hindu As- trology for the Modern Western Astrologer. Intrigued, I used my western software to calculate my sidereal chart with whole-sign houses.

When my ascendant changed from Leo to Cancer, and my Moon from Sagittarius to Scorpio, I was appalled. My western chart was mostly fire, and I identified so strongly with the element that I hated the idea of slipping into the waters. I set the book aside. JS: How did you eventually did make that shift? AA: Months later I returned to it. As a western astrologer I'd always been interested in technical components, especially the less-common techniques. I quickly found myself fascinated by Vedic astrology's different aspects, its yogas and planetary periods. I attended an ACVA conference in San Diego, returning home with Parashara's Light software and a suitcase full of books. At the conference someone had said, as a Cana- dian I must know Hart de Fouw. When I got home I located him in Toronto and sched- uled a consultation. After that, I was on the path. Sensing jyotish was more capable than western astrology, I immersed myself in its study. JS: I'm curious how you managed to change from seeing yourself as a fire person in western astrology to a water person in Vedic astrology. What did you have to adjust in regard to your understanding about the elements, or even perhaps in regard to your self- image? AA: Well, in all fairness, I didn't have to give up too much. In western astrology I had the ascendant and six out of nine planets in fire, whereas in the sidereal zodiac I have the ascendant and Moon in water, but still five planets in fire. But for the most part I'm an in- trovert, so to have both lagna and lagnesh in water makes a lot of sense. JS: And how did you transition professionally? AA: For a year I prepped twice for every client - a Faculty-trained western analysis, and a self-taught pro forma with jyotish. After attending a workshop with Hart, I told him I was interested in more. Apparently I wasn't alone. A year later, he launched his trilogy of foundation, intermediate and advanced courses, which I attended in Albuquerque. Later, I attended most of his specialty courses in San Francisco. Along the way I also got my level two certification from ACVA.

JS: Have you always been an astrologer, or did you have any former profession? AA: During university, I lacked direction but was committed to finishing what I started. I ended up getting a BA in English Literature and a BSc in Math & Physics. I started writ-

ing novels in my mid-twenties and worked sporadically in the mining industry to support myself. I sold my first novel at age 29. I got married the following year and became a father five years later. Then I had to get serious and get a real job, which turned out to be a technical writing contract with Canadian National Railway. That turned into a human resources career and 16 years in the corporate world. But at the end of the 20th century I quit and went bungee-jumping with my career, intent on being a full-time hyphenate: astrologer-writer.

JS: What teacher(s) inspired you, mentored you, or have been your strongest support along the way? AA: I was very fortunate to study with Hart de Fouw, a remarkable teacher and practi- tioner with a full Vedic toolkit. Attending his classes was like being taught by a Ph.D. in jyotish, hasta, ayurveda, nimitta and vastu. But everything Hart taught had real-world application, grounded by his "common sense shastra." If my house ever caught fire, after rescuing my wife and dogs, I'd go back for my note- books from Hart's classes, the most valuable things in my library. You can buy books, but you can't find books with this much useful information in them. Outside of class, Hart's also been a great sounding board and critic for things I've written, including the first thesis ever submitted for ACVA Level II certification, and various articles. JS: Are there any other teachers you would like to mention? AA: While still living in Montreal, in 2002 I started doing monthly readings in Toronto, where I found Hart's guru, Mantriji, giving satsang at a yoga studio. From then on, I saw him every time I visited, and eventually he encouraged my move to Toronto. For seven years I attended satsangs, became his frequent chauffeur and enjoyed much discussion of jyotish, especially KP, of which he was a brilliant practitioner. He's since returned to India, but I was blessed to spend that time with him. JS: What advice would you give to students of Vedic astrology? AA: Find a good teacher. Smart as you might be, it's impossible to resolve the complex- ities of jyotish without someone who really knows it. Even if there's no one qualified in your area, find a distance tutor if necessary to help develop a solid pro forma for chart analysis.

Re-read the best books. Take notes, because writing things down embeds key princi- ples in memory. And do lots of charts, especially people with distinguishing characteris- tics, whether beauty or poor health, wealth or poverty, artistic talent or criminal behavior. Observe people and the world becomes your classroom. Become an astrologer and you'll never want to retire. JS: Please tell us a little bit about your writing/books. AA: In high school, I wrote poetry and songs. In university, I wrote student journalism under my byline and weird stories under the first of many pseudonyms. After college I started writing terrible novels to burn. I got through many Canadian winters that way.

Eventually I wrote one good enough for New York, and was published at age 29. JS: I understand you're a prolific author. AA: So far, I've published nine novels. I have a Martian streak, so it's mostly crime fiction. Aries plays out in action and adventure, Scorpio in mysteries and the occult, for which I've always had a great fascination. JS: I am a personal fan of your New Age Noir series. AA: That series is very dear to my heart, written for my tribe of astrologers, palmists, New Age readers of every kind, and mystery-lovers. The series hero, Axel Crowe, is an homage to Hart de Fouw if he were a private investigator, with the added bonus that he can drive a car and play guitar. Scorpio Rising came out in 2011; Felonious Monk in April 2014; and Soma County will come in 2015. At one point, I became concerned about the rightness of writing fiction, and asked Mantriji, Was it proper work? He said it was good, because it was god-like, an act of creation, like Shiva giving birth to the multiple worlds. Okay, I said, you had me at god- like ... JS: Can you tell us about your other writing. AA: I also write about jyotish, usually a monthly article for my website. I'm writing a book on Parivartana Yoga, expanding on the ACVA thesis I wrote years ago. I'm also writing a book on serial killers, using KP to identify periods of violence. The FBI hasn't yet offered me a job in their Behavioral Analysis Unit but, according to my bhukti sequence, I might join Criminal Minds in 2015. JS: What is it in your natal chart that reflects writing as well as your wonderful sense of humor? AA: I have at least a few of the signatures for a writer: lagnesh in the 5th house; a strong 2nd house lord in the 10th; Mercury and Jupiter in kendras; and the lords of the 1 st, the 5th and 10th in Mercury nakshatras. The rest of it we'll have to blame on tricky genes and an enlarged funny bone. JS: Are you also in private practice as an astrological consultant and/or tutor/teacher? AA: I've been doing readings for over 30 years and consider it an art, a science, a duty and an ongoing dialog with humanity. I get great feedback so I guess it's a win/win thing. I also give classes in astrology and palmistry, and tutoring in jyotish. I'd like to do more conferences but overall, I'm pretty happy with my practice. JS: How do you keep everything you do in balance? AA: Astrology has made me a more balanced person than I otherwise might have been. Whereas writers are often isolated, astrologers must tune into people. I'm grateful to the many clients I've met, especially those who've also become friends. This balance is reflected in my days. My mornings are for writing, my afternoons for astrology, and evenings for music. At this rate, I'll never retire. JS: And the world will be a better place for that! Thank you, Alan, for sharing such wisdom.

My Practice of Vedic Astrology This article first appeared in the May 2014 edition of Jyotish Star.

Thanks to Juliana Swanson for encouragement and guidance, and Christina Collins for publishing. Thanks also to my teachers, Hart de Fouw and his guru Mantrji, without whom I'd never have seen the light of the jyotir vidya.

My jyotish practice I remember my first reading from a Vedic astrologer. He said I had the chart of an as- trologer but not a classic jyotishi. I think it was a bit of a backhand comment, but I didn't mind. I've always been a straddler.

I discovered western astrology at age 25 and began studies with the British Faculty of Astrological Studies when I was 27. Three years later I started giving readings, and teaching classes. Western astrology served me well for almost 15 years, until I started doubting its ability to deliver. I thought I was smart, had earned professional accredita- tion, and put great energy into my work. Why couldn't I predict more accurately? Shortly thereafter, I discovered Vedic astrology. I repeated the learning cycle - a few years studying on my own, more than a decade with Hart de Fouw, and ACVA accredi- tation. Finally I had new skills to offer my clients, sharper readings and better predictions. Over the years, I've developed a routine that works for me:

Calculate the birth chart and rectify as required

I rectify every chart whose birth time appears approximate. I use major life events, eg, immigration, marriage, house purchase, birth of children, death of parents, etc, to see if planetary periods and transits make sense. I may ask the client for numbers, eg, 1-12 for an ascendant, 1-108 for the navamsha lagna, or 1-249 for the KP sub of an ascendant. Or I pick up a book to note the first page number I see, then expunge multiples of 12, 108 or 249 to get into the range I need.

Occasionally, I pluck random numbers from the ether. This doesn't require extraterres- trial intelligence, just an internet connection. Random.org has a module that generates random numbers from atmospheric noise. For an astrologer, what could be more appropriate? Often I use Krishnamurti's system of ruling planets, comparing a prashna with the hypo- thetical birth chart to determine the rising sign, star or sub.

Numerology Using a system of correspondence that translates each letter into a single-digit number, I convert the client's name to a single-digit number. In some cases, I'll find it corroborates

a rectified chart. Other times, it simply highlights a planet that I may choose to consider topical in the client's reading.

Analyse the chart from a static point of view I note all planetary strengths and weaknesses. I review a few dozen yogas in my head and note those present. I look for themes that emerge by way of house lordships and positions. I use one set of techniques to assess relationship patterns, and another set to determine career direction. If I can successfully address these two issues, I'll typically satisfy 80% of my clients.

Although the rashi chart is my benchmark, I also use KP's unequal house system (Placidus), with which many western astrologers are familiar. As house cusps shift, the KP chart sometimes reveals themes different from the rashi.

Analyse the chart from a dynamic point of view I note the dasha sequence to see what yogas are activated. I examine whether dasha lords figure prominently in any major chart themes. Generally, this gives me the broad swoop of the client's life. I study the current bhukti and those following for at least seven years. I follow Jupiter and Saturn transits to identify success or difficulty in various life departments over the same time span. Again, the major focus for dasha/bhukti analysis is the rashi chart, but I often compare the KP chart to see if it corroborates or says something different.

Analyse secondary charts I use about a dozen amshas to drill down into whatever departments of life the client's expressed an interest in, or I think pertinent to their stage in life. I do a lot of compatibility work, and often prepare the chart of a "significant other" in the client's life. Often I don't have their birth time, maybe not even their birth place. In that case, I apply local time and place to their birth dates. Although this might seem like serendipity, I trust in nature's willingness to cough up useful information. Some of my most insightful "quickie" readings have been based on this technique.

Answer the client's questions Prior to their reading I solicit issues of concern, or specific questions the client wants addressed. In the preparation phase, I use various techniques to develop answers. This entails both static and dynamic assessment. Questions regarding marriage or having children, for example, are really two-fold. At the static level, the answer is yes or no. At the dynamic level, it's a question of predicting when it may happen.

Although I've been lucky, I'm not perfect. I try to get it right within a year or so by using bhukti analysis, or when transits seem to line up, sometimes within a month or less. My teacher's guru used to say, Predicting a person's future is God's work, and He guards his work jealously. If it were easy, everybody would be doing it.

Prepare a prashna chart

Before the client arrives, I prepare a prashna chart for the appointment time and note the Moon's star-lord. I examine that same planet in the client's chart. Whatever it signi- fies, the client will have that subject in mind.

A second step in this same technique involves the Moon's sub-lord in the prashna chart. I likewise study that planet too for its significations in the client's chart. Overlaps in par- ticular offer clues to what's topical.

Attitude

Before the reading, I take a few minutes to get into an appropriate mental state. De- pending on how much time is available, that may involve deep breathing, giving thanks to my teachers, saying a mantra and/or meditating.

Physiognomy When the client arrives, I give them a few minutes to settle in as we have an introductory chat. I try to assess their ayurvedic type, whether vata, pitta or kapha. Although I already have an opinion of their primary doshas based on their chart, this is my reality check. I observe body language. I note what part of their body they might touch first, or frequently. Every part of the body, or face for that matter, correlates to a sign, perhaps triggering an association with lifelong or topical issues.

Palmistry

I examine the client's hands and spend half an hour discussing what palmistry says about them. This is when I really make contact with the client, literally and psychologi- cally. Although I don't consider palmistry my forte, I'm constantly surprised by the pos- itive feedback from clients. Thus the hand becomes a benchmark to which I may refer later in the consultation, whether discussing relationships, career, health or other issues.

The chart reading In the next half hour, I provide a static interpretation of the client's chart, covering what- ever's dominant, interesting, topical or suitable to discuss. On the latter note, I never speculate on anyone's death unless specifically requested, and then only if there are very good reasons to do so. My focus is typically relationships and career, and then gen- eral health, family, finances, and creative or spiritual pursuits as relevant.

In the last half hour, I cover the dynamic aspect of the chart. I describe how dashas and bhuktis set the stage for certain trends to develop, and how Jupiter and Saturn provide triggers for events. Here's where I use more KP, looking for activation of things through dasha, bhukti and transits, right down to Sun and Moon if I feel emboldened to get that specific.

Q&A wrap-up In whatever time remains, or I choose to take, I tie up loose ends. If I haven't already answered the client's questions, I'll cover them now, or deal with questions just arising.

Many questions aren't easy to answer via the birth chart or its amshas. In such cases, l'll use the prashna chart to provide answers. If the client has many questions, and I have time to indulge, I may play spin-the-chart. For example, when they ask a question, I ask for a number. Whatever they give me, I expunge multiples of 12 and reduce it to the zodiacal range. So if they say 32, I can toss off 24 and call it 8.

I then rotate the prashna chart to place Scorpio in the ascendant and answer their ques- tion based on that resulting chart. And so on.

The five-trick pony

As a western astrologer, I practiced only astrology. But in Hart's many classes - on jyotish, hasta, ayurveda, vastu, etc - I often heard him say, "Don't be a one-trick pony," by which he meant, don't depend on one technique alone. So I've taken that advice to heart, and try to apply it in all of my client readings. Perhaps someday I'll be a five-trick pony.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Birth data of individuals (Except where noted, all birth data courtesy Astrodatabank)

Bieber, Justin. 00h56 EST, 01 March 1994. Stratford, ON, Canada. Bin Laden, Osama. Time unknown, 10 March 1975. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Bonaparte, Napoleon. 11h30 LMT, 15 August 1769. Ajaccio, France. Campbell, Naomi. 01h00 BST, 22 May 1970. Streatham, England. Cohen, Leonard. 06h45 EDST, 21 September 1934. Westmount, QC, Canada. Cyrus, Miley. 06h37 EST, 23 November 1992. Franklin, TN, USA. Gaga, Lady. 09h53 EST, 28 March 1986. New York, NY, USA. Gates, Bill. 21h15 PST, 28 October 1955. Seattle, WA, USA. Hitler, Adolf. 18h30 LMT, 20 April 1889. Braunau, Austria. Houston, Whitney. 20h55 EDST, 09 August 1963. Newark, NJ, USA. King, Larry. 10h38 EST, 19 November 1933. Brooklyn, NY, USA. Kouachi, Cherif. 22h20 CET, 29 November 1982. Paris, France. Kouachi, Said. 01h40 CEDT, 07 September 1980. Paris, France. Lohan, Lindsay. 21h50 EDST, 02 July 1986. New York, NY, USA. Middleton, Kate. Time unknown, 09 January 1982. Reading, England. Monroe, Marilyn. 09h30 PST, 01 June 1926. Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Moore, Demi. 14h16 MST, 11 November 1962. Roswell, NM, USA. Morissette, Alanis. 09h39 EDST, 01 June 1974. Ottawa, ON, Canada. Pattinson, Robert. 08h32 BST, 13 May 1986. London, England. Pistorius, Oscar. 10h30 EET, 22 November 1986. Johannesburg, South Africa. Schumacher, Michael. 13h43 MET, 03 January 1969. Hurth, Germany. Sheen, Charlie. 22h48 EDST, 03 September 1965. New York, NY, USA. Snowden, Edward. 04h42 EDST, 21 June 1983. Elizabeth City, NC, USA. Stewart, Kristen. 09h21 PDST, 09 April 1990. Los Angeles, CA, USA. Sutcliffe, Peter. 20h30 BST, 02 June 1946. Bingley, England. Swift, Taylor. 20h46 EST, 13 December 1989. Wyomissing, PA, USA. Tsarnaev, Dzhokar. Time unknown, 22 July 1993. Groznyi, Russia. Tsarnaev, Tamerlan. Time unknown, 21 October 1986. Groznyi, Russia. Tyson, Mike. Time unknown, 30 June 1966. Catskill, NY, USA. West, Kanye. 08h45 EDST, 08 June 1977. Atlanta, GA, USA. Williams, Robin. 14h34 CDST, 21 July 1951. Chicago, IL, USA. Windsor, William. 21h03 BST, 21 June 1982. Paddington, England. Winehouse, Amy. 22h25 BST, 14 September 1983. Enfield, England. Woods, Tiger. 22h50 PST, 30 December 1975. Long Beach, CA, USA. Appendix 2: Timing of mundane events

Attack, Charlie Hebdo offices. 11h30 CET, 07 January 2015. Paris, France. Bombing, Boston Marathon. 14h50 EDST, 15 April 2013. Boston, MA, USA. Car crash, Tiger Woods. 02h25 EST, 27 November 2009. Windermere, FL, USA. Murder, Lee Rigby. 14h19 BST, 22 May 2013. Woolwich, England. Operation Barbarossa, Adolf Hitler. 03h15 EEW, 22 June 1941. Brest-Litovsk, Belarus. Operation Neptune Spear, Osama bin Laden. 01h30 PKT, 02 May 2011. Abbottabad, Pakistan. Russian Campaign, Napoleon Bonaparte. 22h00 LMT, 24 June 1812. Kaunas, Lithua- nia. Satum return, Peter Sutcliffe. 16h28 BST, 18 July 1975. Bingley, England. Ski accident, Michael Schumacher. 11h07 MET, 29 December 2013. Meribel, France.

STELLAR ASTROLOGY VOLUME 2

by

ALAN ANNAND

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

BIOGRAPHIES Indira Gandhi: Parivartana power Nikola Tesla: Child of the storm Three film directors: Lights, action, Parivartana Yoga Muhammad Ali: Noble warrior Carrie Fisher: Postcards from the edge of the galaxy

CRIME Helter Skelter: Malefics unbound in the Manson Family The Beltway Sniper: Malefics in the crosshairs

MUNDANE The Ashley-Madison affair: Venus & Mars are not alright tonight Disasters and Mercury Retrograde

MUSICIANS Club 27 rock stars: Hope I die before I get old David Bowie: The starman who fell to earth Prince: Are we gonna let de-elevator bring us down? Keith Richards & Jimmy Page: Mutually in tune

PALMISTRY Penis size: Comparing index/ring finger ratios Donald Trump: Short-fingered vulgarian at the gates Researchers finger top financial traders

POLITICS Bernie Sanders: Not-for-sale maverick Justin Trudeau: Canada's knockout Prime Minister Donald Trump: The man who would be kingmaker

SPIRITUALITY Swami Prabhupada: A choice of ascendants Tamil Goswami: Pretender to the throne Karma: Dridha vs adridha

TECHNICAL Viparita Raja Yoga: Going under to cross over Mathematics of Yogas, part 1: Pancha Mahapurusha, Chandra Mangala, Maha Bhagya Mathematics of yogas, part 2: Budhaditya, Kesari, Kujadosha Mathematics of yogas, part 3: Parivartana Yoga Mathematics of yogas, part 4: Raja Yoga Mathematics of yogas, part 5: Dhana Yoga Mathematics of yogas, part 6: Viparita Yoga Kala Sarpa: Yoga or dosha?

APPENDICES Appendix 1: Birth data of individuals Appendix 2: Timing of mundane events Appendix 3: List of graphs & tables

About the author

BIOGRAPHIES

Indira Gandhi: Parivartana power

Indira Gandhi was a remarkable woman on two scores. On a mundane level, she is India's only female prime minister to date. On a stellar level, she has three Parivartana Yogas in her chart. How rare is that? Although 43% of the general population has one Parivartana Yoga, only 3% has two, and only 0.03% has three such yogas. That's only three people in 10,000!

Indira Gandhi: the mini-biography Indira Gandhi was India's Prime Minister during 1966-77 and 1980-84. Daughter of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, she received an excellent education, study- ing history at Oxford and speaking perfect French. During university, she was plagued with ill-health and constantly attended by doctors. Against her father's wishes she married a man who turned out to be an alcoholic and womanizer.

As Prime Minister, Gandhi was politically ruthless in centralizing her power. Although charged with electoral malpractice, jailed and banned from office, she staged a come- back. During India's state of emergency she allowed her son Sanjay to create what was effectively a police state. She was an advocate of equal pay for equal work. She presided over the nationalization of India's banking, coal, steel, copper, refining, textile and insurance industries, largely to protect employment and the interests of organized labor. She also orchestrated mass redistribution of land to assist the lower classes. Gandhi unleashed a powerful military offensive in the 1970s, waging wars against Pak- istan and East Pakistan, resulting in the partition of Bangladesh. She formed an alliance with Russia to the chagrin of America. She was assassinated by two Sikh bodyguards whose loyalties changed after she used the army to dislodge militants from a Sikh holy site.

Indira Gandhi: her chart

Indira Gandhi was born 19 November 1917 at 23h11 in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Her chart contains several significant yogas. As a woman born at night with the Sun, Moon and ascendant all in even signs, her Maha Bhagya Yoga qualifies her as some- thing of a female "lord of the earth", ie, a political leader.

JuR 1500 Ke 10 33 Ma 16:22 Ke 10 33 5 Sa 21:47 3 6 2 JuR 16 Sa 21 47 AS 27 22

Indira Gandhi AS 27 22 4 23h11, 19 Nov 1917 Allahabad, India 10 MO 05 35 Ma 16 22 Su 04.07 8 MO 05 35 12 Ve 21 00 Su 04 07 Me 13x 9 11

Ra 10 33 Me 1313 Ra 10:33 Ve 21:00

A Budhaditya Yoga with Sun and Mercury in the 5th makes her astute and intellectually capable. The mutual aspect of Moon and Saturn, lords of 1st and 7th houses, forms Dharma Karma Adhipati Yoga, wielding power over the masses. The mutual aspect of Sun and Jupiter, lords of 2nd and 9th, forms Dhana Yoga. On the negative side, Pa- pakartari Yoga is formed with Mars and Ketu flanking Saturn in the ascendant, a harbin- ger of her many troubles in life.

In addition to the above, the presence of three Parivartana Yogas looms above all else, and is worthy of a discussion all on its own.

Parivartana Yoga: a definition

The word parivartana has many meanings. The Monier-Williams' Sanskrit-English Dictionary gives us: "turning or whirling around; rolling about, moving to and fro; invert- ing, putting in a reverse order; barter, exchange, return."

In essence, parivartana connotes mobility and movement, but only in the sense that the planets are symbolically mobile. A Parivartana Yoga has nothing to do with travel per se, but by implication, a Parivartana Yoga is dynamic, because the two planets are linked in a manner that allows transposition by sign and, therefore, by house.

The exchange of lords invokes the cooperation of their respective houses, but the nature of houses varies significantly. Broadly speaking, we can divide houses into two distinct groups:

• Positive houses include the kendras (1-4-7-10), the trikonas (5-9) and the so- called neutral houses (2-11).

• Negative houses include the dusthanas (3-6-8-12).

Of the latter, we can make further distinctions between "serious" dusthanas, ie, the trikasthanas (6-8-12), and the "mild" dusthana of the 3rd house. Trik houses are gener- ally problematic, and considered undesirable locations for any planet. Somewhat better is the 3rd house, an upachaya bhava representing difficulties at the outset, but improve- ment over time.

The various exchanges of house lords can thus be grouped into three distinct categories

of yoga, each with a more specific designation:

Maha Parivartana Yoga Maha means "dignified, exalted, glorious, majestic, nobly born." A Maha Parivartana Yoga therefore implies a touch of divine fortune. The yoga involves the mutual exchange of any two positive house lords, ie, the lords of houses 1-2-4-5-7-9-10-11. Mantreswara said of this yoga: "The native born with a Maha Yoga in his birth chart will be endowed with the blessings of the Goddess Shri, will have enormous wealth, will have garments of variegated colors, wear gold ornaments, will be richly rewarded by the sovereign with gifts and administrative authority, and possess vehicles, wealth and children." (Phala Deepika 6:34) There are two Maha Parivartana Yogas in Gandhi's chart. The first yoga:

Saturn in 1st house Cancer exchanges with the Moon in 7th house Capricorn to form a Maha Parivartana Yoga. Saturn is in ordinary condition, although the Moon could be considered weak since it lies within six tithis (roughly 72 degrees) of the Sun. The Moon/Saturn pair also forms a Dharma Karma Adhipati Yoga, being lords of 1/7 in mutual aspect. Post-exchange, Saturn gains dig bala. Pre- or post-exchange, the planet in the 7th receives an aspect from Jupiter. First house themes emerged via her considerable charisma by which she was able, de- spite being a woman, to attain unprecedented power - as a cabinet minister, Congress Party leader and the longest-serving Prime Minister of India. But the negative side of 1st house meanings also manifested in her many personal health issues, especially in her school years.

Seventh house themes included a very mixed review of "relationship" issues: a difficult marriage, one-sided political partnerships, and a somewhat volatile foreign relations policy that saw India siding with Russia, irking America, and precipitating wars with both Pakistan and China.

The second yoga:

Mars in 2nd house Leo exchanges with Sun in 5th house Scorpio to form a second Maha Parivartana Yoga. Both planets are ordinary, although the Sun forms a Dhana Yoga with Jupiter, and a Budhaditya Yoga with Mercury. Post-exchange, Mars in the 5th would, as 10th lord, form a Dharma Karma Adhipati Yoga via its mutual aspect with Jupiter the lord of the 9th. Second house themes emerged via her "Nehru Dynasty" family, wherein both her father Jawaharlal Nehru and her son Rajiv were prime ministers. Economics issues plagued her stewardship of India, but as PM she doggedly presided over three 5-year plans, two of which met their targets. Fifth house themes included challenging and successful ministerial roles, but also diffi-

culty in studies, where at university she was a somewhat mediocre student. Her sorrows with respect to her children are well known: her younger son and heir-apparent Sanjay died in a flying accident; her elder son Rajiv, urged into politics to become PM, was later assassinated.

Khala Parivartana Yoga Note: there is no Khala Parivartana Yoga in Gandhi's chart, but for the sake of discus- sion, it is briefly defined and described here. Khala means "abusive, contentious, mischievous, quarrelsome, villainous, wicked." A Khala Parivartana Yoga therefore implies something of a troublemaker. The yoga in- volves the mutual exchange of the 3rd house lord with any one of the positive house lords, ie, houses 1-2-4-5-7-9-10-11. Here again, Mantreswara says: "The native born with a Khala Yoga in his birth chart is sometimes haughty and at times very gentle and polite. His life is dotted with both success and failures. At times he has God's plenty and at another he is in distress, poverty, misery and the like." (Phala Deepika 6:33)

Dainya Parivartana Yoga Dainya means "affliction, depression, misery, wretchedness." A Dainya Parivartana Yoga thus implies difficulties and misfortunes. The yoga involves the mutual exchange of any trik lords, ie, the lords of houses 6-8-12, among themselves or with any lord of the remaining houses, ie, 1-2-3-4-5-7-9-10-11. Again, in Mantreswara's words: "The native born with a Dainya Yoga in his birth chart is a fool, speaks ill of others, always acting sinfully, tormented by his enemies, always hurts the feelings of others by his speech and is of unstable mind. Whatever he ven- tures, it is full of hurdles." (Phala Deepika 6:33) There is one Dainya Parivartana Yoga in Gandhi's chart: Venus in 6th house Sagittarius exchanges with Jupiter in 11th house Taurus to form Dainya Parivartana Yoga. Jupiter is retrograde, therefore strong, and involved in a Dhana Yoga via its mutual aspect with the Sun.

Post-exchange, neither Jupiter nor Venus forms any constructive yoga. Sixth house themes are evidenced in Gandhi's strong-arm tactics, rule by decree, and her brutal exercise of police and military might during India's state of emergency 1975-1977. This theme can also be seen in the "Indira Doctrine" that sought to unite various bordering states under India's rule. Meanwhile, however, her sympathy for orga- nized labor and the rural masses also worked its way through legislation in the form of land distribution, equal pay for equal work, and the nationalization of industry. Eleventh house issues were exemplified in her extensive social reforms, and political astuteness both home and abroad. But the blending of 6/11 themes also played out in

her fluctuating political fortunes, wherein friends and allies of today became opponents of tomorrow, and vice versa, and back and forth between jail and positions of power. The phenomenon was significant enough in her case to say that she was literally sur- rounded by "frenemies" of whose allegiances she could never be quite assured. This morphing of friends into enemies, and the reversal of fortunes that could accompany it, was perhaps epitomized by her death at the hands of her own Sikh bodyguards. Thus, throughout the whole of her life, irrespective of other yogas in her chart, we can see much evidence of these three Parivartana Yogas in action, especially the last. As Indira once observed, "All my games were political games; I was like Joan of Arc, per- petually being burned at the stake."

Note: To learn more about these powerful planetary combinations based on mutual reception (sign exchange), look for my book - Parivartana Yoga - available at all online retailers.

Nikola Tesla: Child of the storm

Once, when asked by someone what it felt like to be the smartest man in the world, Al- bert Einstein said, "I don't know. You should ask Nikola Tesla."

Tesla, an electrical engineer and physicist renowned for his showmanship in demon- strating his inventions, was something of a mad scientist. Over the course of his career he amassed an intellectual property of almost 300 patents, primarily in the field of elec- tricity, chief among which was his invention of the alternating current (AC) power supply system.

He was a tireless worker, often putting in 18 hours a day at his laboratory, getting by on only two or three hours of sleep. Although attractive and charming and much sought- after by the high-society salons of the day, he was a lifelong bachelor, having declared that a relationship would only distract him from his life's work. Tesla was born during a thunderstorm at midnight between the 9th and 10th of July, 1856 in Smiljan, modern-day Croatia. When the midwife handed him over to his mother, she called him "a child of the storm." Tesla's father was a priest with a talent for mechan- ical devices. His mother had a photographic memory and a similar talent for gadgets.

Ra 28.12 Me 06 16 Sa 13 42 Ra 28: 12 JU 15 44 AS 11 27 Ve 22 59 Su 25 57 Me 06 16 Ju 1844 Sa 13.42 3 2 Ve 22:59 AS 11 27 11 Su 25 5

Nikola Tesla 00h01. 10 July 1858 10 Smiljian, Croatia

MO 22 10 5 9 6 8 Ma 27 05 Mo 22.10 Ke 28 12 Ma 27 05 Ke 28 12

Tesla's chart is remarkable in that every single planet is in a dual sign and cadent (apok- lima) houses. Although some say that a complete absence of angular planets will leave the person with no capacity for mundane influence, Tesla's sheer intellectual brilliance was such that he was more than capable of overcoming this impediment.

Mercury and Jupiter, the two intellectual planets, are both in their own signs. From both Chandralagna and Suryalagna, Mercury thus forms Bhadra Yoga, while Jupiter forms Hamsa Yoga. However, Mercury's influence is far more pervasive. Mercury is the dis- positor of seven planets, including lagnesh Mars, the Moon and the Sun, thus achieving the status of a control planet with respect to both character and career. With Mercury powerful in its own sign, Tesla was the quintessential Gemini. An om- nivorous reader who could memorize whole books, he was a polyglot, speaking eight languages. He went through technical school and university at an accelerated rate but

also paid the price through periodic nervous exhaustion from studying so much. He loved to play cards and at one point became so addicted to gambling that he lost an entire year's tuition, but then returned to cards with a vengeance and won it all back. He was also a good chess player and in later years became an excellent billiard player. His chart contains multiple Raja Yogas (success in life) via the combination of dharma- karma lordship pairs: Moon-Mars, Moon-Jupiter, Mars-Jupiter, Sun-Venus and Sun-Sat- urn. Except for a brief period of time, he was always employed, enjoyed the patronage of wealthy financiers and industrialists, and was much sought after in New York social circles.

He has two Dhana Yogas (wealth) formed via Sun-Venus and Sun-Saturn. He was a millionaire by the age of 40 and lived on a steady stream of revenues from his many patents. Sun-Mercury forms Budhaditya Yoga, giving him intellectual brilliance. Moon-Mars gives Chandra Mangala Yoga, which accounts for his tireless work ethic. Moon-Jupiter gives Kesari Yoga, granting him a natural charm that made him the target for many a New York matron hoping to marry off a daughter. Tesla's chart also has a Kala Sarpa Yoga, with Rahu/Ketu in the 6th/12th axis controlled by those same two dignified intellectual planets, Mercury and Jupiter. Kala Sarpa always poses the prospect of a mixed blessing - great power but simultaneous risk of destruc- tion from forces too large to handle - which sounds very much like electricity itself. In the end, it was Tesla's Pravrajya Yoga in the third house that spelled out his destiny. The yoga is formed within the defined parameters - four planets or more, not counting the nodes, in one house - and thus grants a combination that spells concentration to some inordinate degree. Found in houses like the 9th or 12th, it inclines toward spiritual pursuits, but even in other houses there can be an element of zeal bordering on religious fervor. In Tesla's case, it was physics, which is a field associated with the third house of science.

As for traditional relationships, this same Pravrajya Yoga strikes a death knell. Here, Mercury in its own sign disposits its two friends Venus and Saturn, along with the Sun. Although Mercury, Venus and Saturn are all kama lords of the 3rd, 7th and 11th houses, Mercury is considered incapable of romantic relationship because it is "juvenile." Thus, the entire bias of this kama pattern is skewed away from the notion of sexual intercourse in favor of intellectual discourse. With both lagnesh Mars and 7th lord Venus in Mercury ruled-signs, not to mention being in unfriendly (square) disposition to each other, romantic relationship was never on Tesla's radar. Although he enjoyed a close friendship with one of his benefactor's wives, their relationship was purely intellectual. In fact, his greatest declaration of love was for a white pigeon that he fed and cared for, once spending a fortune (in that era) to create a prosthesis for its broken wing. When it eventually died, he was broken-hearted. "I loved that pigeon as a man loves a woman,

and she loved me. As long as I had her, there was a purpose to my life." Note that Sat- urn, coupled with his 7th lord Venus, is often associated with birds, all the more so if lo- cated in air signs.

Tesla was an archetype of Mercury - a human calculator of profound capacity. During technical school and university he was capable of mentally solving equations and prob- lems so readily that he was suspected of cheating. He was able to "build" prototypes in his mind, set them in motion and observe these imaginary models long enough to antic- ipate where machine fatigue or electrical burnout would occur. But his Mercurial nature had its downside as well. Aside from his blinding flashes of insight, he also suffered auditory and visual "hallucinations" that frightened him. Today he would probably have been diagnosed with OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He had a germ phobia and couldn't bear to shake hands. He hated most jewelry on women, especially pearls, but was fascinated by jewels because of their geometric facets.

He counted his steps everywhere he walked and enjoyed little of dining except the intellectual exercise of calculating the volumes of his soup or dinner plate. In his personal space, he required three of everything - napkins, towels, blankets - and the numbers of most everything he owned and worked with had to be divisible by three. Interestingly enough, Mercury is itself associated with triangles. His life story was like the alternating current for which he was famous - one step forward, one step back, and often out of phase with others. His older brother died at the tail end of his Mars dasha, plunging Tesla into a morbid period. Rahu dasha, giving results for 9th lord Jupiter, was largely devoted to his studies. During Rahu-Mercury, he became so ill that his family feared his death, but it was all because his father wanted him to become a priest rather than a scientist. As soon as his father relented, Tesla made a miraculous recovery and returned to university in Austria. His whole Jupiter dasha brought a string of good fortune and remarkable accomplish- ments. Note, this swa Jupiter is in a Mercury nakshatra, while Mercury itself is the dis- positor of seven planets, lord of the 3rd house of technical sciences, and ruling the 6th house of competition.

At the outset of his Jupiter dasha, Tesla moved to Paris and worked briefly as an elec- trical engineer for the Edison company before sailing to New York. After a few on-and- off jobs, he hit a low point in his Jupiter-Saturn period during which time the 28-year-old engineer dug ditches for $2 a day. In Jupiter-Mercury he was granted 30 patents, one of which was for the now-ubiquitous AC power system.

In Jupiter-Ketu he met George Westinghouse who gave him $1 million (in 1889) for the right to use his AC patent for multiple electrical utility projects, most notably the contract to harness the Niagara Falls to provide power to the Buffalo area. Sadly, during Jupiter- Mars, his New York laboratory caught fire and burned, destroying all of his equipment and scientific notes. At the outset of Saturn dasha, Tesla left New York and moved to Colorado where he established a research facility to e xperiment with wireless con unications and the har- nessing of artificial lightning that generated 135-foot bolts of electricity with discharges of a million volts and more. During one of these experiments, he accidentally blew out the local power generating station. Having overstayed his welcome, he closed his lab and moved back to New York. Shortly thereafter, in Saturn-Mercury, he met the industri- alist J.P. Morgan who became the sponsor for his ongoing work. Mercury dasha saw Tesla further retreat into the eccentric manners and lifestyle of the mad scientist, a brilliant but celibate hermit. He took up residence in the Hotel New Yorker, and dined alone every evening at 8:10 PM, alternating between two exclusive restaurants to which he would phone in advance his dinner order. Every day he would go to the New York Public Library to feed pigeons. And he walked everywhere. Although 6 foot 2, he weighed 142 pounds throughout his life, never saw a doctor and became a vegetarian in his later years. Although the Nobel Prize eluded him, during Mercury-Mercury he was awarded the Edison Prize in acknowledgement of his profound contribution to the science of electric- ity. Ironically, Edison was the inventor of the DC power mode with whose system Tesla had competed for acceptance over the span of two decades, and whom he intensely disliked every since Edison had reneged on a promised financial bonus for services Tesla had provided in his early days. Tesla died of coronary thrombosis, alone in his hotel room on 7 January 1943, a Do Not Disturb sign hung on his door. He was running Venus-Venus. Venus occupies the stellium in the 3rd house (12th from the 4th, which represents the heart) containing both malefics Sun and Saturn. Furthermore, Venus is a double maraka, owning both the 2nd and 7th houses. Finally, Venus occupied a nakshatra of Jupiter in the 12th, spelling the end of things. Although his work fell into obscurity after his death, there has been a resurgence of interest in Nikola Tesla in popular culture since the 1990s. Handsome, magnetic and el- egantly tragic, he has become the unsung hero of the electrical age.

Three film directors: Lights, action, Parivartana Yoga

Mutual reception & career

Last year, while researching a book on Parivartana Yoga, I discovered several famous people with identical mutual receptions pursuing the same profession. One such stellar pair, guitarists Keith Richards and Jimmy Page, I've also discussed in another article in a later section (Musicians) of this book.

What caught my eye in the present case were not two, but three, famous directors with a Parivartana Yoga between 3rd and 4th lords. Upon closer inspection, I found many more common factors. Aside from all three being Italian, their lives exhibited several sim- ilarities, courtesy of their common astrological attributes.

Federico Fellini

Fellini was born 20 January 1920 at 9 PM in Rimini, Italy. Although his name is virtually synonymous with avant-garde filmmaking, he began his career as a magazine and gag writer rather than a director. His career enjoyed many successes alternating with disap- pointments, his most famous films being 81/2, La Dolce Vita and Amarcord. In a career spanning 50 years, he received 12 Academy Award nominations and won four Oscars. He had one long-term marriage, lost his only child shortly after birth, suffered depression and underwent psychotherapy. Revered in Italy, his memorial ceremony was attended by 70,000 mourners.

Ke 28 35 JuR 22 09

Ma 02 507 6 SaR 18:12 4

Ra 28.38 AS 23.02 JuR 22.09 Federico Fellini 5 21h00, 20 Jan 1920 Ve 26:49 8 2 SU 06 44 Rimini, Italy SaR 18 12 MO 02 18 AS 23 02 Me 26.23

Me 26 23 Ve 26 49 Ma 02 50 10 12 Ke 28 3

Ra 20 35 MO 02 16 Su 06 44

Francis Ford Coppola

Coppola was born 7 April 1939 at 1:38 AM in Detroit, Michigan. He came from an accomplished artistic and musical family, suffered polio as a child, and was such a nerd his friends called him "Science." His father wanted him to be an engineer, but he won a screenwriting scholarship to UCLA and thus embarked on a movie career, initially as a writer. His film career was successful but turbulent, earning multiple Oscars against a backdrop of recurring financial problems. His most famous films were The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Sa 27:25 MO 03:05 Su 23 32 Ke 18 48 MeR 1632 Ve 15:0911 10 8 AS 14:23 Ra 16:4 Ju 29 35 Ma 18.12 Ju 29 35 Ve 15 09 Francis Ford Coppota MeR 16:32 9 01h38, 07 Apr 1939 Su 23.32 12 6 Detroit, USA Sa 27:25 3

Ke 16.46 2 4 Ma 16 12 AS 14 23 MO 03.05 Ra 16 48

Martin Scorsese

Scorsese was born 17 November 1942 at 00:24 AM in Flushing, New York. He had asthma as a child and was unable to play sports so his part-time actor parents often took him to the movies. His career started modestly but grew steadily, and he's now regarded one of the finest directors of the era. His best-known films are Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The Last Temptation of Christ, many of which express themes of violence and spirituality. He has had longstanding working relationships with fellow Italians Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio.

SaR 17 09 JuR 02.08

Ma 17.157 6 AS 03 37 3 Me 23:06 Ra 08 49 MO 24 49 Ke 06 49 JuR 02 08 Martin Scorsese 5 00h24, 17 Nov 1942 Su 01 08 2 Flushing, NY, USA Ve 01 18 SaR 17 09 AS 03 37 Ra 06 49 Ke 06:49 9 Su 01 08 Ma 17 16 10 MO 24 49 12

Ve 01 18 Me 23 08

The astrological analysis

Aside from ancestry and career, however, these three directors share a remarkable number of astrological factors that are reflected in their personal and professional lives:

Ascendants on fire

By virtue of their role, directors must control every aspect of a film. Fellini had Leo, Cop- pola Sagittarius, and Scorsese Leo rising. Fire is a controlling element, as exemplified by its association with the kshatriya (ruling) caste. Leo in particular is also known for its commanding performance.

Compromised Moon

You have to be crazy to risk your life in the cinema. Fellini has a dark (new) Moon in the 6th, in a Saturn sign, where it is afflicted by Mars. For a time, he suffered from clinical depression. Coppola has a debilitated Moon in the 12th, a Mars sign, but seems not to have suffered any depression. It helped, perhaps, that he's owned a Napa vineyard for decades, and planets in the 12th can indicate inebriation. Scorsese's Moon is in the 7th in a Saturn sign, afflicted by Saturn and Ketu. After burning out on cocaine, he fell into a depression, rescued only by friend Robert De Niro who insisted they make another movie together.

Angular Saturn You've got to be in it for the long haul, and overcome all kinds of obstacles. Fellini's Sat- urn occupies his first house. He started at the bottom and worked his way up the ladder, suffering almost as many setbacks as successes. Coppola's Saturn occupies his 4th house. He got a good education and enjoyed early success (The Godfather at age 32) but he suffered under studio rule and often felt on the verge of being fired. Scorsese's Saturn occupies his 10th house. He's been very productive, enjoying far more hits than flops, and his reputation looms larger as the years go by.

Sun/Saturn sambandha If the Sun reflects the ego, Saturn is the reality that the ego must face. Fellini has Sun/ Saturn in mutual reception across the 1st and 6th houses. His health wasn't great (res- piratory and heart problems) but he had a competitive spirit. Coppola has Sun/Saturn conjunct in the 4th. He came from an accomplished artistic family, received an excellent education in film, suffered major financial setbacks, but accumulated much in the form of real estate. Scorsese has Sun/Saturn opposed in the 4th and 10th. He's taken on so many projects he seems to be a workaholic, but keeps getting better as he gets older.

Mars/Saturn sambandha

Mars evokes passion and violence, while Saturn reflects loss and sorrow. Fellini's Saturn aspects his Mars in the 3rd, reflecting his respiratory problems. Coppola's Mars and Saturn, traditional enemies, antagonize each other by aspect. Coppola wrote scripts for three war movies: /s Paris Burning?, Patton and Apocalypse Now. And as lords of the 12th and 2nd, loss and money, respectively, they invoked his two bankruptcies. Scors- ese's Mars/Saturn are in a 6/8 relationship. His most important films reflect his fascina- tion with violence and criminal elements of the underworld.

Conflicted 5th house The 5th reflects the creative mind, children and drama. Fellini's 5th lord Jupiter is exalted and retrograde in the 12th house, where it's afflicted by the Sun and a dark Moon. His only son died of encephalitis a month after birth. Coppola's 5th is occupied by a strong Ketu, while its lord Mars is afflicted by Saturn. Coppola's oldest son died in a

bizarre boating accident. Scorsese's 5th lord Jupiter is exalted and retrograde in the 12th house, where it's aspected by Satumn. He has three daughters, two of whom are actresses.

Parivartana Yoga between 3rd and 4th lords

Such a configuration allows for interpretations on many themes - mother, education, property, and the heart. In reality, with the 4th lord having moved 12 houses away, this potentially poses problems for all of the above. In virtual post-exchange, however, this can likewise benefit many of the same, since both the 3rd and 4th lords will occupy their own signs after exchange. The lords' association with, and aspects from, other planets helps to determine the outcomes. The "migration" between 3rd and 4th lords can also reflect changes of residence, property and/or schools. * Fellini had Parivartana Yoga between Mars and Venus. The 4th lord Mars is afflicted by both Rahu and Saturn. He suffered a bad heart. He also had to relo- cate from his birthplace Rimini to Rome in order to find work, his career and ulti- mate success. * Coppola has Parivartana Yoga between Jupiter and Saturn. The Sun and debilitated Mercury compromise the 4th house to some degree, while Venus in the 3rd provides stability. His mother (4th) was an accomplished singer, his sister (3rd) an actor, his older brother (11th) was a writer, whose son (3rd) is actor Nico- las Cage. Coppola attended 23 different schools in the course of his education, and he owns a great deal of property - two estates in California, and resorts in Belize, Guatemala, Argentina and Italy. * Scorsese has Parivartana Yoga between Mars and Venus. His 4th house is moderately afflicted by the Sun and Saturn. His mother was a bit actor and died with Alzheimer's. [Note: To learn more about these powerful planetary combinations based on mutual reception (sign exchange), look for my book - Parivartana Yoga - available on all on- line retailers.]

Nodal signatures To succeed in any art, the artist must first master the medium, but second, challenge and overthrow its conventions. Scorsese once identified the four roles of a director: storyteller, illusionist, smuggler and iconoclast - with a talent, respectively, for narrative, imagery, symbolic meaning, and breaking the rules. Of those, both illusion and revolu- tion are strongly associated with the nodes. * Fellini had the nodal axis in the 3rd and 9th houses, signs of Venus and Mars. Pre- and post-exchange, Venus and Mars alternate positions to join Rahu in the 3rd, a house reflecting honed artistic talent. Many of Fellini's films contain ele- ments of surrealism, and the meanings of some images have been debated by cineastes for decades. Ketu in the 9th house twice invokes philosophy and spir- ituality - first, because it's the 9th, and second, because it's Ketu, "the headless

One" which implies surrender, or absence of ego. Ketu is at home in Aries, with whose lord Mars it shares some affinities. Fellini underwent Freudian analysis after his bout with depression and later became interested in Jungian symbolism, which likely informed his use of surreal imagery. At one time he became friends with Carlos Castaneda, hoping to do a movie about a spiritual hero, the yaqui sorcerer Don Juan of Castaneda's series. * Coppola has a Kala Sarpa Yoga that bisects his chart through the 5th and 11th houses, in signs of Mars and Venus. Themes of children and creativity, group work and income are likely. Ketu, a malefic, is strong in the 5th. Coppola's oldest son died in a bizarre boating accident caused by Ryan O'Neal's son. Ketu's dis- positor Mars and Saturn mutually aspect each other. Their struggle invokes war of a kind, a prime example of which is Apocalypse Now with its cocktail of ad- venture, psychological parable, and surrealism in the jungle. Another form of war (with society) is organized crime, on which the Godfather series dwells. Nodes in the 11th, aside from reflecting an eclectic social circle, also indicate irregularities in income. * Scorsese has the nodal axis running across the horizon, with Rahu closely con- junct the ascendant, and Ketu with the Moon in the 7th. Aside from his passion- ate embrace of violent themes, Scorsese's innovative style includes lots of slow- motion, freeze frames and long tracking shots. The Moon and Ketu are doubly affected by Saturn, which both disposits and aspects them. The ephemeral Moon and the Mars-like Ketu in the 7th is a poor prognosis for marital tranquility; Scorsese has been married five times. The Rahuvian-type individual is notoriously reluctant to be reined into conventional relationships.

Venus and the 3rd house Venus is a general significator for artistry, while the 3rd house represents among other things both physical performance and mastery of literary or musical technique. In all three directors' charts, Venus plays a dynamic role in the 3rd house.

• Fellini's Venus exchanges with Mars to occupy its own sign in the 3rd. When he was young, Fellini loved to sketch, perform puppet shows, and draw caricatures. In the early part of his career, he wrote for a humor magazine and contributed jokes for comedies before turning his hand to writing his own screenplays. * Coppola's Venus occupies the 3rd in a friendly sign, supported by benefic Jupiter. Coppola too was involved in puppet theatre, and learned to play the tuba so well that he won a scholarship to a military academy. He studied scriptwriting at university, wrote several screenplays and one of his three Oscars was awarded for his role as screenwriter. * Scorsese's Venus exchanges with Mars to occupy its own sign in the 3rd. Although Scorsese has been single-mindedly focused on film as his metier, a review of his work reveals a great appreciation for music: he shot the Michael Jackson video Bad; his movie The Last Waltz was about The Band; he shot a 7- part TV documentary on The Blues; No Direction Home was a documentary on the life of Bob Dylan; Shine a Light covered the tail end of a Rolling Stones tour; and Living in the Material World was a documentary about the life of George Harrison.

Summary To recap, these three directors share several common astrological factors, most important of which is the exchange between 3rd and 4th lords that results, one way or another, in Venus playing a role in the 3rd. This relationship to film is captured in the words of Martin Scorsese: "Cinema began with a physical relationship between celluloid and the artists who handled it, and came to know it the way a lover knows every inch of his beloved's body. No matter where the cinema goes, we can't afford to lose sight of its beginnings."

Muhammad Ali: Noble warrior

"I'd like to be remembered as a man who won the heavyweight title three times, who was humorous, and who treated everyone right," Ali wrote before his death. "As a man who never looked down on those who looked up to him. As a man who tried to unite hu- mankind through faith and love." For a boxer, a heavyweight fighter in the most brutal of sports, this last statement seems ironic, and yet Ali's life was full of ironies. It was perhaps his genius that he transcended so many of them, for both our entertainment and enlightenment.

Muhammad Ali was born 17 January 1942, at 6:35 PM in Louisville, Kentucky, as Cassius Clay. The elder of two sons, he was raised as a Baptist in a middle-class neigh- borhood, his father a mural painter, his mother a domestic, his great-grandfather an Irishman who'd married a black girl. School never interested him, but when his bicycle was stolen, a policeman taught him how to box to defend what was his, and Ali found his destiny.

Ma 10.00 SaR 28:38 JuR 1854 Ra 22:53 5 3 AS 28.29 /2 JuR ta Ke 22.53 AS 26 29 Muhammad Ali 4

VeR 27 37 18h35, 17 Jan 1942 SaR 28:36

Me 20 28 Louisville, Kentucky 10 Ma 10.00 Mo 19 23 Ra 22.53 SU 04.14 Su 04 14 MO 1923 12 9 Me 20.28 11 VeR 2737 Ke 22.53

His chart reveals multiple yogas, chief of which is Ruchaka Yoga formed by Mars in Aries in the 10th, where it also gains dig bala. This is a classic signature of a fighter or warrior of the kshatriya class.

The Moon/Venus conjunction in the 7th forms Raja Yoga via 1st and 4th lords, and Dhana Yoga via 1st and 11th lords. However, Ali's lagnesh Moon is dark and therefore weak. Although Ali had a massive public following and generated major earnings as a prizefighter, for several years he was vilified for his political views, and stripped of his boxing license in his peak earning years.

The Mars/Saturn conjunction in the 10th forms Raja Yoga via 5th and 7th lords. Saturn is retrograde, but its debilitation complicates the yoga. Although Ali won the heavyweight boxing title, he was subsequently stripped of it, and later obliged to win it back. The Moon/Sun conjunction forms another Dhana Yoga via 1st and 2nd lords, again di- minished somewhat by the weak Moon. The Sun/Mercury conjunction forms Budhaditya Yoga. Although Ali did poorly in school

and later confessed he should have applied himself more, he had a native wit and a facil- ity for "trash talk" that delighted his fans and infuriated his opponents. Four planets - Sun, Moon, Mercury and Venus - form Pravrajya Yoga. Typically consid- ered a spiritual yoga, its 7th house cluster is perhaps what made Ali an emissary - of America, of Islam, of boxing itself. His fully-qualified Neecha Bhanga Raja Yoga defies the odds. Many a debilitated planet finds relief through one or more stabilizing factors, but rarely do we see all four sources of relief come to its rescue: (1) The debilitated planet (Saturn) must be associated with or aspected by its dispositor (Mars.) Check: Mars is in Aries with Saturn. (2) The dispositor (Mars) of the debilitated planet (Saturn) must occupy a kendra. Check: Mars is in the 10th. (3) For the sign (Aries) in which the planet (Saturn) is debilitated, the planet (Sun) that gets exalted in that same sign (Aries) should be in a kendra. Check: the Sun occupies the 7th. (4) For the sign (Libra) in which the debilitated planet (Saturn) is exalted, its lord (Venus) must be in a kendra. Check: Venus is in the 7th. Reinforcing the strength of that Neecha Bhanga Raja Yoga, note that all four conditions above occur from both the lagna and chandralagna! Much of Ali's life is mirrored in the strengths and weaknesses of his chart. First, he was a fighter. His powerful Mars in the 10th aspects both the ascendant (body & persona), and its own sign Scorpio in the 5th (mental qualities, showmanship). It's also in kendras from both the Sun and Moon. As a boxer, he was known for his superior hand speed, superb reflexes and constant movement. He was in perpetual motion, doing the "Ali shuffle" and dancing around the ring, making his opponents look like fools as they ran after him, throwing wild punches in hopes of connecting. Former heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson said, "It's very hard to hit a moving target, and [Ali] moved all the time, with such grace, three minutes of every round for 15 rounds. He never stopped. It was extraordinary." Yet when he stood his ground, his fists seemed to come out of nowhere with blinding speed, often in a killer combination, of which he had several. Holding his hands low, he'd lash out with a quick, cutting left jab from an unpredictable angle, sometimes three to five rapid-fire jabs at his opponents' eyes to create a blur in his face so he wouldn't see the right hand coming behind it. No matter what his opponents heard about Ali, they didn't realize how fast he was until they got in the ring with him. And then they never forgot it. His punches produced ap- proximately 1,000 pounds of force. As one fighter said, "You didn't realize how much they hurt you until it was too late." His Mars/Saturn conjunction is itself a symbol of brute-force physics: momentum versus inertia. Ali was able to take incredible punishment, and he could deal it out, sometimes

accused of inflicting cruelty upon his opponents. In the Rumble in the Jungle fight with George Foreman, Ali violated all conventional boxing wisdom by retreating to the ropes - the now-infamous "Dope-a-Rope" strategy - and allowed his opponent to pummel him at will, meanwhile covering up, clinching and counter-punching as he verbally taunted Foreman. Reflecting on the fight, Foreman later said, "I thought Ali was just one more knockout victim until, about the seventh round, I hit him hard to the jaw and he held me and whispered in my ear: 'That all you got, George?' I realized then that this ain't what I thought it was." In the Thrilla in Manila fight with Joe Frazier, Ali again used the Rope-a-Dope strategy, absorbing relentless punishment from Frazier for the first 11 rounds, after which he went on the attack and conducted "target practice" on Frazier's head. After the 14th round, Frazier's coach refused to let his half-blinded fighter continue, and Ali was declared win- ner by technical knockout. Later, Frazier said of the fight, "Man, I hit him with punches that would bring down the walls of a city." And Ali, who'd also been on the verge of throwing in the towel, conceded, "It was like death. The closest thing to dying that I know.'

Doesn't that sound like a Mars/Saturn conjunction? Nobody wins that war.

Aside from his fists, Ali also had a wicked mouth, and developed a highly-aggressive form of "trash talk" to goad and humiliate his opponents. Sonny Liston, whom he chal- lenged for his first heavyweight championship, had a criminal past and mob connec- tions, but Ali dubbed him "the big ugly bear". Ali said, "Liston even smells like a bear. After I beat him I'm going to donate him to the zoo." Ernie Terrell annoyed Ali by calling him Cassius Clay, which Ali considered his "slave name." In the ring he taunted Terrell with every punch, saying, "What's my name, Uncle Tom? What's my name?" Having admitted pre-fight that he wanted to torture Terrell, that a clean knockout was too good for him, Ali made good on his threat. Despite dominat- ing the fight for the second half, he dragged it out to the full 15 rounds. One sportscaster later said, "It was a wonderful demonstration of boxing skill and a barbarous display of cruelty." When he fought Joe Frazier, Ali called him the son of a sharecropper, and a "dumb tool of the white establishment." He said, "Frazier is too ugly, and too dumb, to be champ." He called him a gorilla, and brandished a rubber ape in his face. In one pre-fight inter- view, Ali threw so many taunts at Frazier that the other fighter jumped him on camera and wrestled him to the floor. Although Ali went on to defeat Frazier in Manila, sports analysts said the fight was so brutal that it ruined both men. Frazier would forever talk thereafter with pride about how he'd contributed to Ali's Parkinson's Disease, and he probably did. Although a born fighter, Ali was also an admirable proponent of his adopted Islamic faith, a true jihadist. The gross (shtoola) form of jihad is war with others; the subtle (sook- shma) form is war with the demons inside oneself. Although he became a face of Amer-

ica in the world, he knew all too well that America had its own demons.

The Pravrajya Yoga has an influence here; the yoga is spiritual but the 7th house invokes confrontation and cooperation. He became an ambassador of three things - American civil rights, boxing, and Islam - to all of which he did credit. The Mars/Saturn conjunction also plays a role in this war of principles. The powerful Mars works for its star-lord Ketu, unaspected in the 8th house. Here Ketu in turn acts for its star-lord Saturn, and we are back to this on-and-off (MA/SA) counterpunching with respect to the 10th house of career, and the 8th of trauma and reversal. These became themes in Ali's life. Although debilitated, retrograde Saturn aspects its own house, the 7th, place of relation- ships - sexual, social, business and war. Thus it played out in conflicted marriages, prize fights and a form of international diplomacy. Saturn is in the nakshatra of the Sun, for whom it works. The Sun is atma, the soul. Saturn is sadhana, the self-sacrifice and duty. Sun in the 7th invokes Dhana, Budha- ditya and Pravrajya yogas, giving wealth, intelligence and a spiritual soul. Spiritual aspects of Ali's life included his Baptist upbringing, his early (age 18) conversion to Islam, his friendship with spiritual and political mentor Malcolm X, and his affiliation with Elijah Muhamnmad, leader of America's Nation of Islam. Marriage was also a battlefield for Ali. Four planets in the 7th house, four marriages. The 7th lord Saturn is debilitated and associated with a powerful Mars. Ali had a cavalier atti- tude toward women and believed they should be punished if they disobeyed. Saturn's aspect on both the Moon and Venus are "passion combos," as Hart de Fouw calls them, the libidinous nature of Shani pressing upon the manas and the senses, the aesthetics and the urge to merge. Venus in the 7th is karako bhavo nashto, a situation when the karaka of a thing is found in the house of that same thing. Venus associates with Mercury and is aspected by Jupiter. It also associates with the Sun and the dark Moon (malefic in this phase), and is aspected by Saturn. So, this is shaky rather than steady. In the dasha sequence, we must always note the star-lords of the period lords, for the latter are just employees working for the boss who owns the nakshatra. Ali was born in Moon dasha. The Moon is swa nakshatra (its own star), so it works for itself. Lagnesh Moon in the 7th invokes outreach, travel, conflict and relationships. But Ali saw only the last three years of Moon dasha. Then came Mars dasha, age three to 10. Mars is strong and works for Ketu, who provokes crises and reversals and frustration. Meanwhile Mars also labors on his own behalf - commanding center stage in the 10th, stimulating the body and the persona, cultivating an aggressive showmanship. Rahu dasha (1952-1970, age 10-28) works for its sign-lord the Sun, who occupies the 7th. Rahu also works for its star-lord Venus, retrograde in the 7th. The Sun and Venus

are both involved in several yogas from the 7th. This focuses an 18-year dasha on 7th house themes of relationships and "war". Ali began learning to box at age 12, in Rahu-Rahu. He had his professional debut in Rahu-Mercury. As bhukti lord, Mercury works for the Moon in the 7th, while Mercury itself is in the 7th. He converted to Islam in the same bhukti. Mercury's not considered a spiritual planet, yet in Ali's chart it's associated with or aspected by all three sattvic plan- ets - Sun, Moon and Jupiter. At age 22, during Rahu-Venus, Ali fought Sonny Liston for the heavyweight title. In the same bhukti, they fought a rematch, and Ali won both times. During its bhukti, Venus works for its star-lord Mars. Mars is the karaka of the warrior, and the strongest planet in the chart.

By the mid-Sixties, the Vietnam War was at its peak. Previously deferred from the draft, Ali was called up but refused to go, declaring himself a conscientious objector. Not only that, he used his sound bite to protest the entire plight of blacks in America. "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong," he famously said. "They never called me nigger, never lynched me, didn't put no dogs on me, didn't rob me of my nationality, rape and kill my mother and father." He was running Rahu-Sun. The Sun in its own nakshatra works for itself alone. The Sun is the atma, or soul. It is also a kshatriya planet posited in a kendra where it manifests as leadership. It can also indicate a man of principles. Ali was the most explicitly black athlete of the last 60 years, and the most political, and it remains astounding. He surrendered three years in the prime of his career and risked imprisonment over what he believed was an unjust war. He risked life as the biggest athlete on earth to tell the US government that Vietnam was an atrocity, and so was America's treatment of its black people. [Bruce Arthur, The Toronto Star, 4 June 2016] Ali was fined and sentenced, released on bail, but stripped of his passport, boxing titles and license. He did not fight from March 1967 to October 1970, more than three years in the very prime of his physical life. This banishment ran all of Rahu-Moon and Rahu- Mars.

The lagnesh Moon is swa nakshatra, and here we have Ali's dark night of the soul, where he has lost contact with the public, and indeed a part of himself. Mars works for Ketu, who occupies the 8th of reversals and represents Saturn blocking Mars in the 10th Jupiter dasha (1970-1986, age 28-44) works for its star-lord the Moon, who also occu- pies the 7th. Jupiter also acts for itself, retrograde in the 11th. Jupiter's aspect on the Moon produces stability in this 16-year dasha. In Jupiter-Jupiter, a federal court ruling ordered Ali's boxing license reinstated. Aside from its benefic nature, Jupiter rules the 9th of the judiciary and occupies the 11th house

of income, which resumed as he started fighting again. Ali fought Joe Frazier in March 1971, and Frazier handed him his first professional defeat. This was just a month before Ali's Saturn return to that same obstructive place in the 10th.

In Jupiter-Saturn, Ali lost again to Ken Norton, who broke his jaw. Briefly considering retirement, Ali came back to beat Norton, and then went on to win his second fight with Frazier.

In Jupiter-Mercury, Ali was back in top form. He beat George Foreman to win the heavy- weight championship, then fought another grudge match with Joe Frazier. The three fights between Ali and Frazier are considered the most brutal series in boxing history. In Jupiter-Ketu, Ali's star began to fade, the result perhaps of too many punches to the head. His long-time doctor resigned when Ali refused to retire. In Jupiter-Venus, Ali lost his title to Leon Spinks, fought him again to win it back, then announced his retirement. Around this time he began to struggle with vocal stutters and trembling hands.

He lost to Larry Holmes in Jupiter-Sun, a fight that some commentators called an "autopsy," and almost certainly contributed to Ali's Parkinson's. One more loss to Trevor Berbick in Jupiter-Moon, and Ali hung up his gloves for good. Saturn dasha (1986-2005, age 44-63) works for its star-lord the Sun occupying the 7th. Saturn labors for itself in the 10th. Traditional enemies in mutual kendras spell hard times, physically in this case, since both malefics afflict the lagnesh Moon. Now in obvious decline, Ali's diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease was made public. But he made a shift and became an unofficial ambassador of peace, traveling around America and the world for religious, charitable and political campaigns. He aligned himself with Michael J. Fox to raise awareness and fund research into a cure for Parkinson's, and marched in protest to support Native American rights. He negotiated the release of hostages from Iraq, convinced Kenya to boycott the Moscow Olympics, and talked a suicidal man off a 9th-floor ledge. Mercury dasha (2005- ) works for the Moon in the 7th. It also works for itself in the 7th. As 7th house occupants, that makes them both maraka planets. Although the Moon is lagnesh, it's dark and afflicted, and this can manifest as a disturbed manas, the operat- ing system of the body. To judge the manas, examine three factors: lord of the 4th, the 4th house, and the manas-karaka Moon. Problems arise under influences from Saturn or Rahu. (1) Lord of the 4th is Venus, influenced equally by benefics and malefics. Among them is the aspect from Saturn, who also disposits Venus. Two strikes against the manas. (2) The 4th house itself is unoccupied, but aspected by two malefics, one of which is Saturn. Another strike against.

(3) The Moon is very dark, both aspected and disposited by Saturn. Three strikes against the manas. Overall, this is not dire, but the fact that the Moon is also lagnesh aggravates the whole prognosis for health. If we examine the nakshatra lords of the navagraha, we see the Moon is the star-lord for three different planets - the Moon itself, Jupiter and Mercury. So when the periods of Moon, Jupiter and Mercury run, they all give results for that Moon. This means that for 30 years of his life, Ali was primarily manifesting the qualities and attributes of his Moon.

This places great focus on the Moon, and begs we examine its nakshatra - Shravana - one of three ruled by the Moon. The themes that reflect most brightly from the facets of this jeweled star are: * Studied physical movements (the Ali Shuffle, the lightning combination punches), "Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee." * A sharp intellect (critical of the Vietnam War and American civil rights), "I've been in jail for 400 years." * The gift of gab, (he could speak better than any athlete before or since), "I am America, the part you won't recognize, but get used to me: black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own." * Gossip and trash talk (he verbally provoked all of his opponents), "Liston smells like a bear, and after I beat him I'Il donate him to the zoo." * A disciple of Vishnu the Preserver (he asked to be remembered as a man who tried to unite humankind), "I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be who I want." Ali was free to do what he wanted and, against physical, legal and political obstacles, he made of himself a man the whole world came to admire. He was a fighter of multiple dimensions. Nelson Mandela considered Ali his hero. We all should. The principles he stood for, 50 years ago, are even more important and praiseworthy than ever.

Carrie Fisher: Postcards from the edge of the galaxy

When Carrie Fisher entered the public consciousness like a shooting star, playing Princess Leia in the first Star Wars movie, she was already a showbiz veteran. At age 13, she'd shared a nightclub act with her mother Debbie Reynolds, was in the chorus of a musical when she was 15, and by age 19 had made her movie debut as a nymphet in Shampoo. Although she went on to reprise her Princess Leia role in several more movies in the Star Wars series, Fisher also appeared in another 40 films. And yet she is perhaps more highly regarded as a writer - publicly, for her autobiographical novels, eg, Postcards from the Edge, and within the Hollywood film industry as a "script doctor.'

Fisher and her brother Todd were born to famous parents - actress Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher. But her parents divorced when she was two years old, Eddie Fisher leaving Debbie Reynolds for Elizabeth Taylor. Carrie retreated into a world of liter- ature and became known within her family as "the bookworm."

By her 20s, because/despite of her Star Wars fame, her life was in perpetual crisis. She had a serious drug problem from age 22 to 28, and ended up in rehab after an over- dose. Following her recovery, she plunged into writing, and for relaxation indulged com- pulsively in shopping and traveling. To her great credit, she publicly acknowledged her addictions, her battle with bipolar disorder, and her obsessive-compulsive behaviors. She became a poster child of trans- parency, whether through her writing or public appearances, meanwhile being a de- voted single mother until her death by cardiac arrest at age 60. Carrie Fisher was born on October 21, 1956, at 12:49 pm in Burbank, California.

MO 01 48 Ke 07 13 Ma 20:44 11 9 12 AS 04:00 8 Sa 07.5 Ra 07.1 Ma 20 44 Carrie Fisher 10 12h49, 21 Oct 1956 Burbank, Califomnia Su 05:10

AS 04 00 Ve 24 56 JU 28 42 MO 01 482 6 Me 21d Ra 07 13 Ke ar 3 5

Sa 07 53 Su 05 10 Me 21.01 JU 28 42 Ve 2456

Upon inspection, one of the most notable features of Fisher's chart is that it contains two Parivartana Yogas, something found in only 3% of all charts.

The first occurs between Mars in Aquarius in the 2nd house, and Saturn in Scorpio in the 11th house. This is a category called Maha Parivartana Yoga, involving the sign ex- change, or mutual reception, of two positive house lords. (The positive houses: 1st, 2nd,

4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th.) This particular combination of house lords - 2nd and 11th - typically bequeaths positive outcomes re family status, nurture, education, wealth and powers of speech. However, since the 2nd lord Saturn falls exactly (40' partile) on the nodal axis, some of these very themes are derailed by the disruptive nature of Rahu and Ketu. Thus we see seeds of misfortune within the family, as played out in parental divorce, and the ever- after financial problems for her mother. Here too we see the potential for the substance abuse that dogged Fisher's life.

For any two planets in exchange, we can try to identify a control planet, the one most empowered to swing outcomes in its favor. While Mars is ordinary and aspected by two benefics (Jupiter and Venus), Saturn is ordinary and influenced by benefic Moon and the malefic nodes. Therefore, Mars is better placed, and will thus bend life in favor of its oc- cupancy and rulerships, ie, through powers of expression, accomplished mother, prop- erty, and income. The second of these exchange patterns occurs between Venus in Leo in the 8th house, and the Sun in Libra in the 10th house. This is a category called Dainya Parivartana Yoga, involving mutual reception between a trikasthana lord (6th, 8th, or 12th) with any other house lord. Typically, this particular exchange of house lords - 8th and 10th - creates irregularities in one's social status or career, but also public crises, traumas and transformations.

In this case, the control planet is not readily obvious. Venus is ordinary, associated with benefic Jupiter but aspected by malefics Mars and Saturn. The Sun is in mixed condition, debilitated but with dig bala, and under no influence from any other planet. Because the Sun enjoys no other yogas, while Venus participates in a Dharma-Karma Adhipati Yoga with Mars (5th and 4th lords, respectively), we might grant marginal con- trol to Venus. Therefore, it skews life in favor of its occupancy and rulerships, ie, through crises and traumas, but fulfilled through creative work and social activism. Other yogas reinforce some of these themes. The DKA Yoga of lagnesh Saturn and exalted kendra lord Moon in mutual opposition across the 5/11 axis supports creative work and financial reward. The Raja Yoga formed by 7th lord Moon joined with Ketu in a trikona is suggestive of creative consulting. Fisher was involved in several high-profile romances during her life: Harrison Ford during the filming of the first Star Wars movie; Dan Akroyd of Saturday Night Live, whom she almost married; singer/songwriter Paul Simon to whom she was married only a year but remained friends thereafter; and the father of her only daughter, who left her for another man.

Passion combinations are pronounced in her chart. Carnal Mars aspects both the Moon and Venus. Lustful Saturn aspects both the Moon and Venus. The 7th lord Moon on the nodal axis invites unusual partnerships. The relationship karaka Venus in the 8th house challenges conventional expectations.

Substance abuse is usually seen through the 2nd house. It is occupied by malefic Mars, in Parivartana with 2nd lord Saturn, which is exactly conjunct Rahu associated with drugs and poisons. Although the 2nd house is aspected by Jupiter and Venus, Jupiter itself is an indication of excess, while its lordship of the 12th is a significator of self- undoing

Fisher's drug problems began shortly after the onset of her Rahu dasha in 1977. The nodes are powerful proxies for planets with whom they associate, or by whom they are aspected or disposited. In Fisher's case, Rahu is associated with Saturn, aspected by the Moon and disposited by Mars. If we look for common ground among those three, we're back to the Parivartana Yoga discussed above, with all the attendant ramifica- tions.

It's public knowledge that Fisher suffered mental illness. In 1997, she had a psychotic break, tied to her long battle with bi-polar disorder and a change of meds that threw her into an allergic reaction. After ranting and hallucinating for a week, she spent half a year in outpatient recovery. Her mental state deteriorated following the onset of her Jupiter dasha. In its periods, Jupiter gives results for its star-lord the Sun, debilitated in Parivartana with Venus as mentioned earlier. With the Sun weak and both primary benefics in the 8th house, rever- sals and traumas unfolded, with one step back for every two steps forward. In the D-6 Shashtamsha (reflecting health), Jupiter is ordinary in the 12th house, a dusthana. In the D-8 Ashtamsha (reflecting trauma), Jupiter is exalted but in the dusthana 3rd, aspected by the nodes. Mental illness of one kind or another is often attributed to a disturbance of the manas, that part of our "primitive" mind responsible for sense perception, glandular function, moods and sensitivities. The manas is in turn linked astrologically to the 4th house, its lord, and the Moon. The influences upon them from Saturn, with its anxiety, depression and isolation, and/or Rahu, with its disruption and crazy-making quality, are the two key variables.

Fisher's 4th house is unoccupied, but the 4th lord Mars is in Aquarius ruled by Saturn. In addition, peculiar to this chart, Mars is in Parivartana with Saturn, which accentuates their linkage. Furthermore, once we allow Mars to exchange signs in our mind's eye, it now occupies the same sign as Rahu, which has a destabilizing effect. The Moon, al- though both exalted and full, is aspected by Saturn and lies on the nodal axis where it is further destabilized by Rahu. Despite these issues, Fisher was a consummate writer. The 2nd house of "voice" (some- thing to say) is highly energized by its Parivartana Yoga and benefic aspects. The 5th house of creativity is occupied by a full exalted Moon, its power magnified by the nodal

axis. And Mercury is exalted in the 9th house of publishing and media work.

As per KP theory, dasha and bhukti lords primarily deliver results for their nakshatra lords. It's worth noting that a third of Fisher's planets occupy a Sun nakshatra. There- fore, within the cycle of bhuktis, this star-lord influence of a debilitated Sun puts the ego under stress roughly a third of the time. Since the Sun is also involved in a second Pari- vartana with Venus, this provokes an oscillation between professional success and self- doubt, resulting in crises, mental trauma and repeated breakdowns. Fisher also suffered obsessive-compu lsive disorder (OCD), an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions). At the heart of OCD is some sort of fixation. Fisher's chart contains seven planets in fixed signs. From the Chandralagna point of view, we can analyse the manas again. The 4th house (from the Moon) is occupied by Jupiter and Venus, but aspected by fearful Saturn. The 4th lord Sun is debilitated in the dusthana 6th (from the Moon). And the Moon, as we saw earlier, is under attack from both Saturn and Rahu, the two major contributors to mental malaise.

Fisher died on December 27, 2016, while she was running Saturn-Mercury-Saturn. As owner of the 2nd house, dasha lord Saturn is a full maraka. As the occupant (or owner) of the 11th house from a moveable ascendant, it is also a badhaka - a tormentor, or source of obstacles and distress. And since Saturn is swa nakshatra, it works only to manifest its own significations and results. Bhukti lord Mercury acts primarily on behalf of its star-lord the Moon, which as lord of the 7th is also a maraka for this chart. Thus both dasha and bhukti serve to activate the marakas for this chart, which are in mutual aspect on the nodal axis, reflecting the pos- sibility of abrupt reversals for which the nodes are notorious. A remarkable instance of synchronicity by transit was also evident at the time of Fisher's death. Saturn had completed its second return, while Mars was on the verge of com- pleting its 32nd. Both planets were back in Scorpio and Aquarius, respectively, and therefore both were in Parivartana again. And since both Mars and Saturn are marakas for this chart, their recurring mutual reception was an echo of their natal configuration. Whereas natal Saturn had been conjunct Rahu within less than a degree, transiting Mars and Ketu were conjunct within a quarter of a degree. It was as if the two marakas had dived into a death star and come out the other side. But as Yoda said in one of the Star Wars movies, "Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force."

CRIME

Helter Skelter: Malefics unbound in the Manson Family

The Manson Family murders in the summer of '69 seared a hole in the American psyche. The Family was a cult of hippie nihilists led by Charles Manson, a frustrated singer- songwriter on the fringe of the LA music industry. In what was to become one of the first acts of social-class terrorism to date, Manson and his followers committed a series of nine murders, including that of actress Sharon Tate, at four locations over a period of five weeks.

Manson believed the murders would help precipitate an impending apocalyptic race war, which he described in his own version of the lyrics to the Beatles' song "Helter Skelter." The seven-member Family comprised three men (Charles Manson, Bobby Beausoleil, and Charles "Tex" Watson) as well as four women (Susan Atkins, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Leslie Van Houten.)

Malefics at large In Vedic astrology, planets can be classed as natural benefics with the power to do good, or natural malefics with the power to do harm. Although there are caveats, the benefics are the Moon, Mercury, Jupiter and Venus. The malefics are the Sun, Mars, Saturn and the two nodes.

Malefic signatures are stamped on every member of the Manson Family, several of whom share common themes. Before we look at those patterns, let's quickly review the malefics and their nature: * The Sun is the least of the malefics, considered cruel, with a capacity to burn, but also to command, even at the behest of a twisted ego. * Mars is aggressive and violent, with the fierce temperament of a warrior, and a capacity to turn rage into criminal action. * Saturn is regarded as the prime malefic, in that it reflects depression and fear, morbidity and sociopathy, imprisonment and death. * Rahu is Saturn-like, associated with alienation, strangeness, anti-social tenden- cies and a lust for forbidden experience. * Ketu is Mars-like, and is considered "the headless one" lacking reason, restraint or an instinct for self-preservation.

It's a Family affair When we analyze the charts of the Manson Family, several astrological themes emerge among its members:

Table 1: Key astrological factors in Manson Family members

Astrological factor Members affected

A debilitated Sun 3

Kala Sarpa Yoga (Rahu & Ketu) 3

A destabilized Moon (often at hands of Saturn) 4

Dominance of kshatriya planets (Sun & Mars) 3

An aggravated Mars 7

As we'll see, no single factor influences every member of the group. And yet the com- posite influence of malefics is strikingly common.

Charles Manson, 12 November 1934, 16:40 EST, Cincinnati, Ohio.

AS 12:17 2 12 AS 1217

Ke 11.53 Sa 28 48 1 1 Charles Manson Sa 29 48 16h40. 12 Nov 1934 Ke 11.53 10 Ra 11:53 Cincinnati, Ohio 7 MO 11:03 Ra 11.53 Ma 21:52 Me 10:02 MO 11:03 Ju 14:09 9 Me 10 02 Ma 21 525 Ve 25 21 8 Ju 14 09 Ve 25 21 Su 28 52 Su 28 52

Bobby Beausoleil, 6 November 1947, 07:21 PST, Santa Barbara, California.

Su 20 14 Ra 00:37 Ke 00 37 MeR 1838 9 AS o1 14 6

Ma 26 22 Ve 06.53 JU 09 44 Bobby Beausoleil Sa 28 50 8 07h21, 06 Nov 1947 11 5 MO 02:26 Santa Barbara, CA 2 MO 02 26

Ra 00.37 Sa 28:5 Ke 00 37 3 Ma 26: AS 01 14 MeR 18 38 1

Ve 08 53 Ju 09 44 SU 20:14

Charles "Tex" Watson, 2 December 1945, 21:05 CST, Dallas, Texas.

Ra 07 54 Ra 07.54 5 SaR 01:09 3 JU 27.27 6 AS 09 00 2 SaR 01 09 AS 09 00 Ma 10 08

4 Charles "Tex" Watson Ma 10 06 21h05, 02 Dec 1945 MO 29 48 7 Dallas, Texas 10

Ve 03.00 12 Ve 0300 SU 17:30 8 11 Ke 07 54 SU 17 30 MO 29 4B JU 27 27 MeR 27:14 9

MeR 27 14 Ke 07 54

Susan Atkins, 7 May 1948, 01:03 PDT, San Gabriel, California.

Mo 02 11 Ra 20:58 Me 03 02 Ve 06 51 JuR 05 04

11 9 SU 23:31 AS 08 11 8

Sa 22 59 Susan Atkins MO 02.11 10 01h03, 07 May 1948 Ra 20 56 Ke 20.56 San Gabriel, California AS ce 11 Ma 02 30 Su 23 31 4

Me 03 022 Sa 22.59 3 5 JuR 0504 Ke 20.56 Ve 06 51 Ma 02 30

Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, 22 October 1948, 05:37 PDT, Santa Monica, California.

MeR 00 24 Ve 25.18 Ra 12 02 MO 27 38 Su 05 52 Ke 12 02 Sa 1023 7 Ma 10.39° AS 16:38

Lynette Fromme 05h37, 22 Oct 1948 Ju 02.19 9 3 Santa Monica, Califomnia Sa 10:23 12

Ve 25.18 10 2 MO 273 MeR 00 24 11 1 Ju 02.19 Ma 10 39 Su 05 52 AS 16 38 Ra 12 02 Ke 12 02

Patricia Krenwinkel, 3 December 1947, 04:41 PST, Los Angeles, California.

Me 00:56 Ra 20 12 Ju 15.42 Su 17:22 8 AS 21.30 6 Ve 10 25 9 5 Ma 073 MO 27 31 Ke 29 12

Patricia Krenwinkel Sa 29 32 7 10 4 Sa 29.32 04h41, 03 Dec 1947 Los Angeles, Califomia 1 MO 27:31 Ma 07.35

11 Me 00 56 Ra 29 12 3 12 2 Ve 10.25 JU 15 42 AS 21 30

Su 17 22 Ke 29 12

Leslie Van Houten, 23 August 1949, 05:51 PST, Los Angeles, California.

Ve 10:30 Ra 2552 Ma 27 31 Ke 25.52 Su 06:55 MO 28.50

AS 12 31 7 3 Ma 273 Sa 15:10 MO 28 50 Me 29 50 Leske Van Houten 5 05h51, 23 Aug 1949 8 2 Los Angeles, Califomia Su os 55 JuR 00 15 AS 12 31 Sa 15.10 Me 29 50 9 Ve 10:30 10 12

Ke 25 52 JuR 00.15 Ra 25.52

The Sun also falls

Out of the seven members of the Manson Family, three have the Sun debilitated in Libra. There's a one-in-12 chance to have a debilitated Sun, so in a group of seven people we'd expect no more than one, yet here are three:

• Charles Manson was the instigator who came up with the plans and sent his followers to do the killing. Although his Sun in the 7th house is strengthened by the presence of Jupiter, Mercury and a strong Venus, it is also aspected by a strong Saturn in Capricorn

• Bobby Beausoleil committed one murder and participated in others. His Sun is in the 12th house and aspected by a debilitated Mars in Cancer.

• Although Squeaky Fromme participated in none of the Family murders, she was a devotee of the Manson cult and, years later, made an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate President Gerald Ford. Her 2nd house Sun is associated with Ketu, and aspected by Saturn.

All three find their debilitated Suns further destabilized by the association or aspect of malefics Mars, Saturn or Ketu. This suggests almost half of the group, their leader included, suffered from some sort of ego deficiency that justified violence as a form of compensation.

The demonic nodes

The Moon's nodes are described as chaya graha (shadow planets) because they denote the literal points across which shadows cast eclipses. Mythologically, they are two portions of the same body, that of an asura who crashed a party thrown by the devas. When the demon tried to drink the soma (nectar of immortality) being served, Lord Vishnu chopped it in two, but because it had already ingested some of the nectar, the two nodes Rahu and Ketu gained immortality to torment the Sun and Moon with eclipses ever after.

Four of the Manson family have angular nodes: Manson, Beausoleil, Atkins and Kren- winkel. The nodes can only be angular, succedent or cadent, so in a family of seven we'd expect two with angular nodes, yet here there are four. Far more remarkably, three of the family (all of the men) have a Kala Sarpa Yoga. Kala Sarpa occurs when all seven of the visible planets are contained within seven signs or less, effectively restricted to one half of the chart as delineated by the opposing axis of the moon's nodes. Watson has a relatively "pure" example of a Kala Sarpa, since all of his other planets are truly contained within the nodal axis. Manson and Beausoleil deviate from this high standard since certain of their planets exceed the node's degree without leaving the sign occupied. * Manson's Kala Sarpa has all of his planets on the west side of the chart, from Cancer in the 4th to Capricorn in the 10th. This places emphasis on the nodal dispositors Moon and Saturn. Satum is powerful in its own sign where it teams up with malefic Rahu to severely destabilize the Moon. Thus Manson, both un- happy and deranged, sought fulfillment by wreaking death on those he perceived to be part of the establishment * Beausoleil's Kala Sarpa has all of his planets in the south half of the chart, from Taurus in the 7th to Scorpio in the 1st. This highlights nodal dispositors Venus and Mars. Venus sits on an exaggerated nodal axis (Rahu is debilitated in Taurus, Ketu exalted in Scorpio). Mars is debilitated and associated with Saturn. Charm was Beausoleil's laissez-passer but his propensity for violence was on a short leash. * Watson's Kala Sarpa has all of his planets in the northeast portion of the chart, from Gemini in the 12th to Sagittarius in the 6th. Mercury and Jupiter thus be- come the control planets for the nodal axis. Mercury is afflicted only by the Sun, while Jupiter is aspected by Saturn. He committed five murders and directly par- ticipated in several others. In short, a Kala Sarpa Yoga can reflect an extreme form of personality, with a tendency for bigotry, conspiracy theories, fanaticism and revolution as a cure for what ails society. This was essentially Manson's message: start a race war that would transform America. Beausoleil and Watson were his willing dupes and, with all three men in agreement, it fa- cilitated getting the women of the Family aligned toward the same goal.

The dark side of the Moon

The Moon represents the emotional mind, the part of our limbic system that "thinks" like an animal, with its instincts, primal desires and antipathies. In six of the Family mem- bers, the Moon is afflicted by Mars, Saturn or the nodes. Four of them are particularly destabilized: * Manson's waxing Moon in the 10th is associated with a strong Saturn and Rahu. The north node is generally Saturn-like with the potential to take on other influences; Ketu is Mars-like with options. Both nodes function like lawyers, tak- ing on clients by whom they are conjoined aspected or disposited. If there are multiple clients, the lawyer favors the most powerful. In Manson's case, Saturn in its own sign is strong so effectively Rahu also wields Saturn's power. This creates a situation where the Moon is put under pressure from the worst two malefics. * Atkins's waning Moon is dark in the 4th house, just two days away from a solar eclipse. This Moon is notable in being under attack from every malefic in the chart. It conjoins an exalted Sun. Alternatively, if we exercise the option to transpose the Sun and Mars in our mind's eye, since these two are in mutual re- ception, we'd see the Moon afflicted by Mars in its own sign. Saturn from the 7th house aspects the Moon. Last but not least, the Moon sits on the nodal axis. She directly participated in eight of the Family murders. * Fromme's Moon is just past full in the 9th house, and exalted in Taurus. But it's aspected by a powerful Mars in its own sign, which gives an aggressive per- sonality. And it's aspected by Saturn from the 12th, which gives an attitude of there's-nothing-to-lose. * Krenwinkel's Moon is waning but in its own sign Cancer in the 10th. There it's closely conjoined with Saturn, with all its attendant negativity. She committed one murder and directly participated in several others. The Moon is only one element in any analysis of the manas, or emotional mind of an individual. Its stability is a general indicator of mental health, while its instability reflects at least neurosis if not some form of "crazy thinking."

The Kshatriya are prepared to kill

In the Hindu caste system there are essentially five classes of society. The Brahmin, represented by Venus and Jupiter, promote culture via law, religion, education and art. The Kshatriya, posts held by the Sun and Mars, protect society in the form of the government, military and police. The Vaishya, circulating as the Moon and Mercury, are promoters of trade and commerce. The Shudra, weighed down with Saturn, offer basic services, trades and labor. The Mleccha, outcastes Rahu and Ketu, are the foreigners, sick and criminal element.

The Kshatriya planets Mars and the Sun are considered armed, as are their personnel - guards, police and soldiers. Being armed, they can kill. Thus, combinations involving the Sun and Mars reflect a strong-armed approach, with all possible ramifications. In the Manson Family, three out of the seven have a strong Sun/Mars connection in their

charts: * Manson has Aries rising ruled by Mars. Mars is in the 5th house Leo, the Sun's sign. The Sun and Mars are in a friendly 3/11 relationship. Mars is unafflicted in a friendly sign. The Sun aspects the Aries ascendant. Mars is in the "cognitive" 5th house, where it dwells on violence but doesn't necessarily act on it. The weak ego of the debilitated Sun can only work through others - the 7th house. * Atkins has the Sun in 4th house Aries, in mutual reception with Mars in Leo in the 8th. This exchange of 4th and 8th house lords is a bad sign for the mother, domestic stability and peace of mind. At the Sun's end of the exchange, the 4th house is damaged by the presence of a dark Moon and Rahu, and the aspect of Saturn. The influence of prime malefics Saturn and Rahu on the 4th house or the Moon (here, both apply) is a classic signature for some form of neurosis or sociopathy. * Remarkably, Krenwinkel too has a mutual reception between the Sun and Mars, although in her chart it's from Leo in the 11th to Scorpio in the 2nd. Mars is clearly dominant since it aspects the Sun. She committed one murder and di- rectly participated in several others. Since the Sun and Mars form powerful interactions in these members' charts, there's an impulse to command and control. Organizational leadership is reflected in the Sun, but it takes Mars to use the knife or pull the trigger.

Caution: contents under pressure Of all the planets, Mars is the most aggressive and violent. A person with a damaged Mars, eg, debilitated or combust, is a candidate for uncontrolled rage. This usually comes courtesy of some neurosis, bad chemicals, or a shitty childhood, and can have negative effects on health, relationships and employment. Everyone in the Manson Family had a dominant Mars: * Manson's Mars is his Aries ascendant lord, well-placed in the 5th house, unafflicted by any other planet. The lord of his rising nakshatra is Ketu, which is Mars-like. * Beausoleil's Mars is lord of his Scorpio ascendant. It's debilitated in the Cancer 9th, associated with Saturn. In the Shadbala system of planetary weights, Mars is his strongest planet. The lord of his rising nakshatra is Jupiter, in Mars-ruled Scorpio, and in the 1st house with Mars-like Ketu. * Watson's debilitated Mars occupies his ascendant. In the Shadbala system,

Mars is his strongest planet. The lord of his rising nakshatra is Saturn, associated with Mars. * Atkins's Mars is in the 8th house, exchanging with the Sun to access its own sign Aries. As per Shadbala, Mars is her strongest planet. The lord of her rising nakshatra is the Sun in mutual reception with Mars. * Fromme's Mars occupies its own sign Scorpio in the 3rd house. In the Shad- bala system, Mars is her second strongest planet. The lord of her rising naksha- tra is the Moon, in mutual aspect with that strong Mars. * Krenwinkel's Mars is in the 11th house, exchanging with the Sun into its own sign Scorpio. As per Shadbala, Mars is her strongest planet. The lord of her ris- ing nakshatra is Jupiter in Mars-ruled Scorpio, and aspected by Mars. * Van Houten's Mars is in the 11th house Gemini, the most elevated visible planet in the chart. In the Shadbala system, Mars is her strongest planet. The lord of her rising nakshatra is Mars-like Ketu, also aspected by Mars. Technically, she com- mitted no murders but participated in some. To sum up, every one of the Manson family has a dominant Mars by virtue of its involve- ment with the shtoola lagna - the rising sign and its lord - or the sookshma lagna, the rising nakshatra and its lord.

The end of the summer of love The "Summer of Love" was a social phenomenon that occurred during the summer of 1967, when as many as 100,000 young people sporting hippie fashions of dress and behavior converged in San Francisco. Ironically, this was also where Charles Manson got his start, living in the Haight-Ashbury district where he gathered adoring women around him by giving out LSD. Soon he was also attracting young men to his group by promising sex with his "young loves." Thus, a cult was born. Two years later, things had begun to unravel. Brian Jones drowned in his swimming pool, and the Rolling Stones' Altamount concert unleashed an orgy of violence. The first victim of AIDS died. The Chappaquiddick incident exposed Ted Kennedy's adultery. The My Lai massacre in Vietnam outraged Americans and mobilized the anti-war movement. The "Helter Skelter" murders by the Manson Family in Los Angeles were just further ev- idence that it was the end of an era. Indeed, many media outlets dubbed 1969 as "the end of the Sixties."

The malefics were loose again.

The Beltway Sniper: Malefics in the crosshairs

For 23 days in October 2002, the Beltway Sniper held the citizens of the Washington, DC, area terrorized in his sights. Ten people were shot and killed over the space of three weeks, another three people critically wounded. The shootings had no obvious motive, the victims seemingly targeted at random as they went about their daily business. The identity of the shooter, firing unseen from a distance with a high-powered rifle and tele- scope, remained a mystery to frustrated authorities. In the end, diligent police work tracked him down. Fingerprints from a robbery scene identified a recent immigrant, Lee Boyd Malvo, who was a known associate of John Allen Muhammad. That latter name in turn led to a vehicle registration, and the police broadcast a lookout for the car in question. It was soon after spotted at a highway rest stop and the two men arrested.

The triggerman's plan The mastermind and triggerman of the shooting spree was John Allen Muhammad, a 41-year-old former Army Sergeant who had earned an Expert Rifleman's Badge during his 17 years of military service. Twice-divorced with four children, he had led a restless life ever since the Gulf War and his honorable discharge from the Army. His 17-year-old accomplice, Lee Boyd Malvo, who'd at first claimed he'd done most of the shooting, later recanted and admitted Muhammad had been the marksman. Their relationship was that of surrogate father and son. Malvo's testimony eventually revealed that Muhammad's escapade of terror had been meticulously planned to unfold in three phases: (1) Phase One consisted of planning, mapping and practicing multiple shootings throughout the Washington and Baltimore area. The goal: kill six white people a day for 30 days (180 planned victims). (2) Phase Two would involve killing a pregnant woman with a shot to the ab- domen. Then to kill a Baltimore City policeman and, at the officer's subsequent funeral, detonate several improvised explosive devices to kill as many attending officers as possible. (3) Phase Three would extort millions of dollars from the government as a price to end the terror campaign. Muhammad would move to Canada, recruit homeless boys from orphanages and set up a training camp. There he would instruct the boys in the use of weapons, later turning them loose to carry out mass shootings in cities throughout the USA. However crazy he might have been, Muhammad thought big. His birth chart offers an intriguing combination of ambition, intelligence and violence. He was born December 31, 1960, at 6:12 am (Rodden rating AA) in New Orleans.

MO 00 38 MaR 15.00 AS 05.12

Ve 01 2411 10 Me 13.19 8

Ke 16 03 Ke 16 02 Su 16:31 JU 20 39 Ve 01 24 John Allen Muhammad Sa 2812 06h12. 31 Dec 1960 12 6 New Orleans, Louisiana 3 Ra 16:03 MO 00:38 Sa 20 12 Ju 20 39 MaR 15.00 5 Ra 180 2 4 Su 18 31 Me 13.19 As D5.12

Chart analysis His chart is brimming with yogas. Jupiter in the ascendant in its own sign gives Hamsa Yoga. Between kendra lords Jupiter and Mercury, and trikona lords Sun and Mars, these four planets form ten Raja Yogas. The Moon and Mars form Chandra Mangala Yoga, Moon and Jupiter form Kesari Yoga.

Intelligence abounds. Jupiter is swarashi, while both Jupiter and Mercury enjoy dig bala, thus giving them enough collective strength to call this Saraswati Yoga. The Sun and Mercury form Budhaditya Yoga. Despite the intelligence, the dark side is evident. Mars influences all three ascendants - udayalagna, suryalagna and chandralagna. So too does Saturn. And both malefics like- wise influence lagnesh Jupiter. The lord of the rising nakshatra is Ketu, a Mars-like malefic in the sign of Saturn. The sub-lord of the lagna is Mars itself. The Moon is in a Mars nakshatra. Mars is retrograde and strong. Mars's recurring influence is the mark of a fighter, a killer, a warrior. The Beltway Sniper's killing spree ran from October 2nd to 22nd, 2002. For those interested in such details, the times, dates and locations for each shooting, fatal and otherwise, are given on the Astrodatabank page for Muhammad (www.astro.com/astro- databank/Muhammad,_John_Allen) Muhammad's entire killing spree occurred during his Saturn dasha, Mercury bhukti, Rahu sub-period. As we'll see, all three of these period lords invoked violence through the agency of the trikasthanas in Muhammad's chart. The trikasthanas are always involved in violence against another, whether via theft or rape or the ultimate crime, murder. * Murder takes the life of another person. Since "the other" is seen through the 7th house, that person's death is seen in the 6th, because the demise of any- thing is 12 houses away from the subject at hand. Thus, murder of another is re- flected in 6th-house activity of the perpetrator. * Murder is a crime against dharma. The chief dharma house is the 9th. The 8th, because it is 12 houses away, is anti-dharma. So during crimes of any kind

where dharma or right action is violated, there'll usually be evidence from the planets that the perpetrator's 8th house is active. * Murder is the end of things - not only another's life, but also a kind of self- inflicted suicide of the soul, because once one starts down that path, the trail grows ever darker. Again, where one's own actions result in a death, there's often evidence the perpetrator's 12th house is active. So rape and murder should occur during the periods (dasha, bhukti, antara) of planets that signify the 6th, 8th and 12th, ie, their occupants and lords, and planets occupying the nakshatras of those occupants and lords.

KP Theory Krishnamurti Paddhati says that events are driven by the period lords of planets which signify key houses. Those significations arise via occupancy and rulership of key houses, and even more importantly, by a planet's placement in the nakshatras of planets which occupy and own those key houses. For example, the trikasthanas are activated during periods of (a) planets that occupy and own them, and (b) planets that occupy the nakshatras of those occupants and owners. In Muhammad's chart, the key significators for the trik houses can be teased out as follows: * 6th house has no occupant. Lord of the 6th is Venus. Her agents are the Sun, Jupiter, Saturn and Rahu, because they occupy Venus nakshatras. Since the nodes represent any planet with whom they have a relationship, Rahu and Ketu act as Venus's proxies. Including Venus, six planets can deliver 6th-house results.

• 8th house has no occupant. Lord of the 8th is the Moon. She has no occupants in her nakshatras, so she alone can deliver 8th-house results. * 12th house has no occupant. Lord of the 12th is Mars. His agents are the Moon and Venus because they occupy Mars nakshatras. Because the nodes repre- sent any planet with whom they have a relationship, both Rahu and Ketu act as Venus's proxy. Including Mars, five planets can deliver 12th-house results. In summary, the significators for trik activity are: * 6th house: VE, SU, JU, SA, RA, KE * 8th house: MO * 12th house: MA, MO, VE, RA, KE

Analysis of events Now let's examine the astrological circumstances in October 2002 when John Allen

Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo went on their shooting spree. From the perspective of planetary periods, this occurred during Muhammad's SA-ME-RA period. * Saturn is a significator of the 6th. It is also a maraka for this chart. Finally, it is the karaka for death. * Mercury is not a significator for any trikasthana. But it is both maraka and bad- haka for this ascendant, and thus represents misfortunes. * Rahu is a significator for both the 6th and 12th houses, and is therefore one of the most powerful planets to have a hand in crimes committed. The transits at the time of the Beltway Sniper's shooting spree can also be viewed through the lens of KP theory. The first shooting occurred with both lagnesh Jupiter and the Moon transiting the 8th house. Both were in a Mercury nakshatra, which invoked the maraka and badhaka for this ascendant. Saturn was at 05GE08, exactly on the descendant, within five degrees of the Moon, and opposing the Sun, thereby influencing all three lagnas. Saturn in the nakshatra of Mars invoked the 12th house ruled by Mars. Mars itself was in the midheaven at 27LE56, which is both Sun sign and Sun nakshatra. The Sun is a significator for the 6th. This is a well-documented case, insofar as most of the shootings are timed to the minute. Therefore we can and should examine the transiting Moon. KP theory says these transits should trigger, via nakshatra- or sub-lord, the significators of the trikasthanas. Out of 13 events (10 fatalities, 3 injuries) the Moon was in Ketu nakshatra six times, ie, almost half the time. This is about four times more frequent than would be expected. Note that Ketu is a significator for both the 6th and 12th houses. In these same 13 events, the transiting Moon was in the Moon's sub of a nakshatra, also six times, and likewise far more frequent than expected. Note that the Moon (as a planet being triggered) is the sole significator for the 8th house, and therefore a necessary in- gredient in crimes of this magnitude.

Execution

John Allen Muhammad was executed by lethal injection at 9:06 pm EST on November 10, 2009, in Jarratt, Virginia. At the time of his death, he was running the conjoined periods of Saturn-Moon-Saturn. As we saw earlier, Saturn is a maraka for his chart, as well as the karaka of death. The Moon is a maraka as well, but also a significator for two trikasathanas - the 8th and the 12th. Eventually, even our own worst planets show up to settle their scores.

MUNDANE

The Ashley Madison affair: Venus and Mars are not alright tonight

In1975 Paul McCartney sang, "A good friend of mine follows the stars: Venus and Mars are alright tonight." But as of this week when a hacker group made public the customer database for the Ashley Madison website, Venus and Mars are not alright. In fact, they've been up all night fighting ... For those who live in Amish country, Ashley Madison is a Canadian website for adulter- ers. Their marketing line is, "Life is short, have an affair." On that slogan, they've built an online cheating empire. And you thought Canadians were boring. Back on July 11, 2015, a group known as the Impact Team hacked into the website's database, thus accessing millions of user accounts, complete with names, emails, phone numbers, addresses and the credit card numbers used to sign up for subscrip- tions to the cheating website. Ten days later, on July 21, Impact Team told Avid Life Media, the Canadian company that owns Ashley Madison, that they'd been hacked. Acting as judge, jury and execu- tioner on a social morality issue, they threatened to make the database public unless ALM shut down its site. The company sought to downplay the incident, assuring users their personal data was safe, meanwhile tightening up their security. Otherwise, busi- ness as usual ...

A month later, on Tuesday, August 18, Impact Team made good on their threat and released the entire database to the world. Appearing first on the dark web where it could only be seen with a special browser, the massive database (10 GB in compressed for- mat) has since been opened up by third parties. Websites are now springing up in the public domain, allowing laypeople to type in a name, an email, a phone number, etc, to see whether their wife, pastor, schoolteacher or senator is secretly a member of the world's largest organized cheater's club. In all fairness, thousands of these member profiles are likely fake. Many are reputed to be phony accounts of available women acting as lures for the many married men who might be trolling the site to see whether it's worth signing up. Other names, eg, Tony Blair, may have been enrolled as pranks or in smearing campaigns. Others may have been legitimate singles when they first signed up a decade ago, and their names have never been expunged. But the data dump, which has now been verified as genuine, is reported to contain 37 million or more records. Even if only half of these are "legitimate" (please excuse the unintentional irony), that's still a whole lot of folks who'll be popping a serious sweat this summer of our discontent. "Honey, is there something we need to talk about ...? " Yes, but not about us. You know I love you. Let's talk about the astrological phenomenon of this whole mess.

Although we don't know the time this elephantine database was released, we know it appeared on the dark web on Tuesday, August 18, 2015. Because it's a Toronto-based company, I've used that location, and calculated the chart for noon, since monkey busi- ness, in the corporate world at least, is often scheduled under, "Let's do lunch." ( ... at a local hotel). When we don't actually have a timed event, however, I often simply rotate that noon- calculated chart to place the moon in the ascendant - giving us a Chandralagna chart. It should come as no surprise that this chart reflects so much of what's going on in the larger social context.

₹ 23.36 บ 08 41 4 07:29 O 01.19

2 04 25 86 08 41 FR 26 48 0 12 10 3 15.32 12.10

Ashley Madison "leak" 9H 26 48 Noon, 18 Aug 2015 Toronto. Canada 01 19 2 07 28 ¢ 23.38 8 08:41 2 04 25 56 00 41 3 15 32

Let's start with Virgo lagna. The dual signs are notoriously twitchy with respect to marital fidelity. Warren Beatty, Bill Clinton, David Duchovny, Hugh Hefner, Jack Kennedy, and Tiger Woods spring immediately to mind without even reaching into my database. Barely three days into the lunar cycle, this Moon in Virgo is a dark moon. On the Rahu- Ketu axis, the mind is adulterated with addictive desires, craving hedonism and sensu- ality, and inclined for out-of-the-ordinary experience. Much of this is fueled by fantasy within the online environment, where the internet's capacity to create a world of smoke and mirrors is like nothing else in our modern experience. Might as well write it as an equation, Web = Maya. The lords of the 1st and the 7th, Mercury and Jupiter signifying the Self and the Other, are together in the secretive 12th house, the place for "pleasures of the bed." Their only companion is a powerful Sun in its own sign. If we recall that the Sun is a cruel planet and a karaka for the ego, we understand what drives these secret lovers. In the cold harsh light of its aftermath, anyone who's ever had an affair knows at heart that they were guilty of being terribly selfish, of serving their own ego at the cost of their partner's well-being.

Malefics occupy each of the kama houses (3-7-11), lending a libidinous quality to the nature of the relationships sought. Duh. Mars itself is a karaka for the sexual impulse and in this chart is lord of two dusthanas, the 3rd of desire and adventure, and the 8th of reversal and trauma, therefore something

of an instigator for misadventures. Since it's debilitated in the 11th house, we imme- diately see its capacity for wrecking friendships, social networks, and indeed, the very hopes and ambitions for many a normal person. Morality is under great strain. Jupiter is a karaka for same, and as 4th lord carries that additional meaning. In the 12th house it suffers under the affliction of both the Sun and Saturn. The ethics of a 9th lord Venus is also under duress from that malefic and debili- tated rogue Mars. And there's the rub ... the itch that can't be scratched. Venus has been retrograde since July 26, and will remain so until September 6th. And although it's not immediately obvious from this chart, where the Sun and Venus occupy adjacent signs, between August 11-20 Venus was actually combust. Although in Vedic astrology, we have no inclination to regard a retrograde Venus in the same light as western astrologers see retrograde Mercury, the very timing of this data dump on Tuesday, August 18, obliges us to sit up and take notice. Tuesday is Mars' day, but Mars is debilitated. Some people in the social media world have dubbed Impact Team's action as "cybervigilantism" - taking the law into their own hands and wreaking retribution as they see fit. But the collateral damage will be huge. Never mind the class action suits that Avid Life Media will undoubtedly face for failing to keep their users' personal data secure and confidential. The ripple effects go far beyond mere financial considerations. Venus is a karaka for love and marriage, but in this chart it is also a significator for family (2nd house lord), as well as ethics and justice (9th house lord). Its association with a de- bilitated Mars can only sully its reputation.

The Impact Team is well-named, for its data dump will certainly have an impact on Ashley Madison's users. Within most personal profiles are fairly explicit checklists of the member's sexual preferences as well as the desired characteristics of their liaison part- ners. "Frustrated professor seeks schoolgirl type to act out detention fantasies" could be the least of your worries. Approximately 15,000 email addresses are linked to .gov and .mil domains, which could be the Waterloo for many a general, since philandering is considered grounds for dis- missal in the military. These revelations, as they continue to spill out like a million gallons of oil from a stricken oil rig, have the potential to kill public civic careers for decades to come.

In the coming two weeks, as the database becomes more and more accessible to the public, there'll be journalists, muckrakers, troublemakers and suspicious spouses dumpster-diving 24/7 to come up with something. By the next full moon, the stories will be coming out faster than the National Enquirers of the world can keep up with them. Adultery is a trauma for every couple that goes through it. If they're very lucky, it might remain a dark and dirty secret shared by only three or four people. But this atomic bomb has the potential to create a million clones of Hillary Clinton, who had to live with the en- tire world knowing about Bill and Monica. Not everyone has that much courage to face the world. Many normal folk will reach for a bottle, a gun or the yellow pages in search of a divorce lawyer. Nothing will ever be the same again. As they used to say in The X-Files, "The truth is out there." And if it's on the internet, it will come back to haunt you ...

Disasters and Mercury Retrograde

There's a commonly-accepted notion in Western astrology that when Mercury goes retrograde, as happens three times a year for roughly three weeks at a time, things go terribly wrong for people. But if that's really true, shouldn't it be reflected in events when hundreds - perhaps thousands, or even hundreds of thousands - of people had a really bad day, so bad they died? Not knowing what I'd find, I examined the worst disasters of the last 100 years to see if there were any common astrological factors, especially whether Mercury was retrograde at the time of the event. And by "worst" I mean those with significant death tolls within each category of disaster.

Disasters and their data

Concerning disasters, there are four major types: (1) Natural disasters, involving earthquakes, typhoons, floods and tsunamis. These are the most deadly natural phenomena, and in the top ten disasters of the last century, they've claimed 138,000 to 3.7 million victims per event. (2) Maritime disasters, involving loss of passenger ships and ferries. The Titanic is only the most famous, not the most deadly, of such tragedies. The top ten maritime disasters have drowned 1,000 to 4,386 people per sinking. (3) Rail disasters, typically involving the derailment of passenger trains, or their head-on collision with another train. In the last 100 years, these major mishaps have killed anywhere from 375 to 1,700 people per train wreck. (4) Air disasters, typically involving the downing of commercial airliners. These have all occurred within the past 45 years during which the size of aircraft has placed larger numbers of passengers at risk. These have killed anywhere from 270 to 583 travelers per crash. For more information on disasters, including dates and times, see: * wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_natural_disasters_by_death_toll * wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_accidents_and_disasters_by_death_toll)

Methodology & analysis After preparing charts for the top ten (ranked by death toll) disasters within each of these four categories, I compared the common astrological features for each event (n=40). I used sidereal positions, but my analysis involved only aspects and retrogression, which are independent of zodiacal sign. Following is a graph that illustrates the most salient features found among these 40 disasters - natural, maritime, rail and air.

Graph 1: Planetary patterns in 40 disasters

Planetary patterns in 40 disasters: natural, rail, aviation, maritime

25

20 Mercury Rx

15

10

5

MO/J SU/SA MO/SU MO/RA SU/MA SU/RJ SU/RA SA/RA MO/MA MO/SA MA/SA MA/RA JU/SA ME-Rx JU/RA

This graph shows the frequency of occurrence for 16 different astrological factors across these 40 disasters. Mercury retrograde is just one of those factors. The others are the "hard" aspects between the Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and the nodes. Hard aspects involve conjunctions, squares or oppositions. Most astrologers agree that "soft" aspects - sextiles and trines - correlate with benign conditions and cir- cumstances, whereas hard aspects typically accompany difficulties of some kind, eg, disasters. Why didn't I include Mercury and Venus in this catalog of aspects? It's because Mercury and Venus are both "inferior" planets whose orbits are closest to the Sun. From our perspective on Earth, they're always in the vicinity of the Sun, therefore not the best can- didates to reflect "independent" aspects. In this study, I didn't look for exact aspects within orbs, but general sign-to-sign aspects as used in both Hellenistic and Vedic astrology. So if the Sun and Moon are both in Aries, no matter their respective degrees, they're considered to be associated, ie, "con- junct." Or if the Sun is in any degree of Aries while the Moon is in any degree of Libra, they're considered "opposed." And so on.

Observations The first thing we should note from this graph is that Mercury retrograde is one of the least-frequently-occurring of the 16 astrological factors present at the time of a disaster. But how "infrequent" is that? As it turns out, Mercury was retrograde during 10 of these 40 disasters. This is a small sample, but is it more or less what we'd expect due to chance alone? We can apply simple math to figure that out. On average, Mercury goes retrograde three times a year. Each period runs about 21 days. That means Mercury is retrograde about 63 days of the year. That's just over one- sixth (63/365) of a year, or roughly 17% of the time.

Therefore, in 40 disasters, we'd expect to see Mercury retrograde in about seven of them (40 @ 17% = 6.8). But here we have ten accidents, or 25% of the total. That's certainly more than expected, but with such a small sample we can't attribute much sta- tistical significance to it. What we can do, however, is attribute some relative significance to it. For instance, consider how less frequent is Mercury retrograde when compared to other astrological factors.

In the graph above, we see the most common (n=22) feature in disasters is a hard aspect - conjunction, square or opposition - between the Moon and Jupiter. In other words, this pattern was present in 55% of these disasters. However, we should note that the Moon forms hard aspects with Jupiter (or any other planet) from four signs out of 12, or 33% of its lunar cycle. Needless to say, it's not real- istic to avoid traveling just because the Moon forms a hard aspect with Jupiter. But if we look a little further along that graph, we see that the next most common (n=21) feature in disasters is a hard aspect between the Sun and Saturn, a pattern that was present in 52.5% of these disasters. Again we should note that, in the course of a year, the Sun will form hard aspects with Saturn (or any other relatively-stationary point) 33% of the time.

Nonetheless, the Sun/Saturn aspect ranks high in the frequency of aspects, and occurs a month at a time. And if any planet be associated with disaster, it must be Saturn - prime malefic, significator of loss in general and death in particular.

The Bangladesh cyclone A classic example of configurations occurred in the Bangladesh cyclone of 1991. Al- though one of the lowest death tolls (only 138,866) in the Top Ten of natural disasters, it packed a mighty punch. After forming in the Bay of Bengal, the cyclone made landfall on Monday evening, 29 April 1991, in the Chittagong district in southeastern Bangladesh. Winds of 155 mph forced a 20-foot storm surge over a wide inland area that killed 139,000 people and left as many as 10 million homeless.

24 17 O 1458 $2525

86 29.06 ASC 13.49 3 22.11 2 11 10 Bangladesh cyclone 18h09. 29 Apr 1991 12:50 2 11:10 Chittagong, BGD 3, 2 12 50

29 06 14 58 6 20:44 S6 29 06 4C 13 49 3 22 11 9 24:17 9 25:25

A full moon was rising, the Sun and Jupiter were exalted, and Saturn was in its own sign - all four of them in mutual hard aspects across the angles. Mars lay on the nodal axis.

The sinking of the Doña Paz

On 20 December 1987, the Philippine passenger ferry Doña Paz collided with an oil tanker carrying a cargo of gasoline. Seriously overcrowded, the ferry had no radio, and its life jackets were all locked up. Upon collision, the tanker's cargo ignited and spread to the ferry, which sank within two hours.

Passengers were forced to leap into shark-infested waters, struggling to stay afloat in a sea of dead bodies and burning gasoline. With an estimated death toll of 4,386 people and only 24 survivors, it was the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster in history.

2 28 07 8804 04 56 04.04

0 23.41 ASC 14 40

Sinking of Dona Paz 22h30. 20 Dec 1987 Boac, Phillipines 90415 ASC 14 40 2 00:26 3 02:13 004 28 $ 02.56 02 58 0 04 28 302.13 0 23 41 850404 2 00 20 904 15 2 28 07 86 04 04

The Sun, Moon, and Saturn were in the same sign, all square to Jupiter (in its own sign) and the nodes.

The Ciurea rail disaster

On 13 January 1917, during World War One, "The Courier" was transporting Romanian troops on leave, and evacuating civilians from areas recently bombed by German air- planes. The train was dangerously overcrowded, and some passengers rode on the roofs of converted boxcars in harsh winter weather.

While descending a steep slope into Ciurea, the brakes failed and the train derailed in the station at 60 mph, colliding with several fuel tanks and a parked train carrying tar. This triggered an explosion and fire, with the entire train burning like a torch within two hours. It's estimated that 800 passengers died.

ASC 17 49 227 00 8 27 00 2 03 39 4 03.39 3 2R 04.47 ASC 17.49

"The Courier" derailment

9R 11 57 13h20, 13 Jan 1917 3 25.57 Clurea, Romania 0 10 23 3 25.57 9R 11.57 00 02 O 10.23

S6 27 00 0 00 02 S6 27 00 04 50 9 01.50

The Sun, exalted Mars, Jupiter and Saturn were all in hard aspect by sign. Mercury was retrograde, but sharing all those hard aspects.

Japan Airlines Flight 123

On 12 August 1985, on a domestic flight from Tokyo to Osaka, an explosive decom- pression on a Boeing 747 ripped off a large portion of its tail. The plane lost its hydraulic controls and crashed, killing 520 people on board.

The accident was attributed to a faulty repair performed by Boeing after a tail-strike incident during a landing seven years earlier. It is the deadliest single-aircraft incident in history, and the second-deadliest aviation accident, behind the 1977 Tenerife disaster when PanAm and KLM airliners collided on the airport runway.

56 20 15 40513 ASC 10:00 2.R 18.46 O 11 00 3 21.28 15:25 Japan Airlines 123 2 27.51 3 2128 18h24, 01 Aug 1985 20 15 20:15 3/ Tokyo, Japan 28 18:48 9R 0051 ASC 10:09 11 00 O 15:25 บ 20 15 2 27 51 905-13 PR 00.51

The crash chart features a full moon, a debilitated Mars and Jupiter, and an exalted Sat- urn, all in mutual hard aspect with the Sun and the nodes. Mercury is also retrograde.

Conclusions

Although Mercury retrograde appears 25% of the time in disasters, hard aspects be- tween certain planets are twice (50-55%) as evident. To judge by the graph, disasters tend to occur more during hard aspects between the Sun, Moon, Jupiter and Saturn. This allows us to imagine a "disaster clock" in which there are four hands - Saturn, Jupiter, Sun and Moon. When the hands align, oppose or square each other, shit happens. Jupiter and Saturn are in hard aspect for a year at a time. Within that year, the Sun will be in hard aspect with both Jupiter and Saturn every three months - for a month at a time. Within any of those months, the Moon will be in hard aspect with all three - Sun, Jupiter, Saturn - for a couple of days each week. You've been warned.

MUSICIANS

Club 27 rock stars: Hope I die before I get old

"I hope I die before I get old." - Pete Townshend, The Who Sadly, half of people don't get what they want, and the other half don't want what they get. Death is like that for some. They flirt with it, dance with it, lie down with it at night, and sometimes they just don't wake up. Club 27 is about the archetypes of modern music, huge talents for the most part, some- times joined at the hip in pain and revelry, all heading at breakneck speed toward an exit they didn't know would open quite so soon. Although many musicians died at age 27, these six were world-renowned, and shared astrological signatures marking them for study: * Brian Jones, Rolling Stone, born 28 February 1942, drowned in his swimming pool 3rd July 1969. * Jimi Hendrix, guitar virtuoso, born 27 November 1942, choked on his vomit 18th September 1970. * Janis Joplin, soulful R&B vocalist, born 19 January 1943, heroin overdose 4th October 1970. * Jim Morrison, iconic vocalist of The Doors, heroin overdose 3rd July 1971. * Kurt Cobain, spokesperson of grunge, born 20 February 1967, committed sui- cide 5th April 1994.

• Amy Winehouse, eclectic R&B vocalist, born 14 September 1983, alcohol poi- soning 23rd July 2011.

27 is the deadliest number For these six superstars, their average lifespan was 27.6 years, a number suggesting key cycles at work. The synodic period of the Moon, the time it takes to circle the zodiac, is 27.5 days. If the natal Moon is badly placed, eg, 8th or 12th house, then the Moon by secondary pro- gression is back where it started in 27.5 years. For the moon's nodes, the cycle is 18.6 years. Add a half-cycle and you get 27.9 years, at which the time the nodes have reversed positions. If the natal nodes were poised to do harm, eg, on the ascendant or luminaries, in 27.9 years the transiting nodes would again line up on the original affliction. Why the Moon and the nodes? Why not Saturn, to which death is more typically attrib- uted? As we'll see, Saturn contributes, just not as obviously as the Moon and its nodes.

The Moon as emotional mind In Vedic astrology, the Moon represents both personality and manas, the unconscious

mind that regulates our perceptions, primary desires of attraction and aversion, and our body's life-preserving autonomic functions.

A strong Moon denotes a vivid personality, a creative mind and a healthy body. Strength comes via sign (at home in Cancer, exalted in Taurus), phase (full moon) and dig bala (directional strength in the 4th house). Weakness lies in debilitation (Scorpio) or darkness (new moon).

Four of these musicians had strong Moons, while three had the Moon in difficult places, ie, the trikasthana (6th, 8th, 12th) houses of conflict, trauma and dissolution.

Table 2: Status of Moon, Saturn & Rahu in "Club 27" charts

Name Moon's Moon's Rahu's Rahu's Satum's Satum's condition house condition house condition house

Jones Own, full 12 1 Debilitated 9

Hendrix Own 8 9 Rx 6

Joplin Full 5 Dig bala 7 Rx

Morrison Full, dig bala 4 Dig bala 7 Rx 6

Cobain 11 9 8

Winehouse 8 Debil 1 Exatted 6

Rahu/Ketu and the devouring serpent

In one of the Vedic myths, the great snake Sarpa crashes a party of the gods and tries to drink the soma they're brewing. But Vishnu throws his discus to cut the serpent in two, dooming Rahu the head and Ketu the tail to eternal separation. Ever after, the nodes have been enemies of the Sun and Moon, eclipsing them whenever they can.

In a birth chart, Rahu/Ketu on the ascendant or the Moon suggests irregular behavior - irrational, lawless, rebellious and unpredictable. Aside from potentially destabilizing the body's vital systems, it's often an indicator of aberrant mental and emotional behavior.

The nodes push the envelope in physical, moral, social and legal ways, often with a streak of creativity, insofar as originality represents departing from the norm. These artists were largely ground-breaking pioneers in their fields. Four had prominent place- ments of Rahu/Ketu:

• Jones and Winehouse had Rahu in the 1st house.

• Joplin and Morrison had Rahu in the 7th house.

• All four had the nodal axis within 3deg30 of the ascendant.

• Three of them died when transiting nodes opposed their natal positions. Aside from being considered natural malefics, Rahu and Ketu by occupation of the 7th house in four of these charts also made them marakas, or death-dealing planets.

Maraka planets

Maraka planets have the power to summon death. Conceptually, the origin of this prin- ciple lies in the notion that the soul's death is initiated by two base desires - money as indicated by the 2nd house, and sex as indicated by the 7th.

In practice, Vedic astrologers thus regard any planet that owns or occupies the 2nd or 7th houses as offering potential ruin. The time for such misfortune, especially death, arises during major or minor periods of such planets, especially conjoined periods, eg, dasha of one maraka, bhukti of another.

Saturn as grim reaper

Saturn is Chronos the timekeeper. Although a distant and slow-moving planet, we can- not outrun him. If we've been reckless in our trajectory, sometimes our orbit crosses his, and then his cold reality is forced upon us.

Saturn is a karaka or general significator of longevity. It's strong in its own or exalted signs, when retrograde, r gaining dig bala in the 7th house. It's weak by debilitation and combustion. Strong or weak ts role becomes exaggerated.

Five of these artists had an exaggerated Saturn. This isn't remarkable in itself, but add Saturn's association with the trikasthana houses (6th, 8th, 12th) and its aspects upon those house lords, and you get an ominous prognosis.

Brian Jones

Jones was born 28 February 1942 at 7:00 PM in Cheltenham, England. Jones's natal Moon occupies the 12th house, to which position his progressed Moon had almost exactly returned upon his death. Rahu conjoins his ascendant within one degree and, in the last 17 months prior to his death, had been transiting his 8th house.

Sa 29 48 Ma 03 05 MO 19 01 Ju 19 14 4 6 AS 20.01 3 Ke 20 41 Ra 20.41

Su 1628 MO 19 01 Brian Jones 5 19h00. 28 Feb 1942 Ju 19.14 8 2 Me 20 31 Cheltenham, England AS 20 01 11 Ma 03 05

Ve 1303 Ra 20 41 Su 18 28 Ke 20 41 Sa 29-4 10 12 Ve 13 03 Me 20:31

He has a debilitated natal Saturn in the 9th which, by transit, had been back in Aries for approximately a year prior to his death.

At the time of his death he was running VE-MA-JU. Dasha lord Venus occupies the 6th

house and is in the star of 12th house occupant/lord Moon. Bhukti lord Mars gives re- sults for its star-lord Sun, a maraka for this chart. Antaradasa lord Jupiter rules the 8th and occupies the star of 12th house occupant/lord Moon.

Jimi Hendrix

Hendrix was born 27 November 1942 at 10:15 AM (war time) in Seattle, Washington. Hendrix has natal Moon in the 8th, which natal position his progressed Moon had crossed about six months before his death. The Rahu/Ketu axis doesn't afflict his as- cendant or luminaries, but their dispositors Sun and Saturn occupy the 12th and 6th houses. After a nodal cycle and a half, the transiting nodes exchanged signs to invoke the same badly-placed dispositors.

Ve 14 32 SaR 16 18 Su 11 48 Me 09:53 10 8 Ke 08 1811 AS 01:36 Ma 242 Ke 08 16 JuR 01 48

Jimi Hendrix MO 05 01 9 10h15, 27 Nov 1942 12 Seattie. USA 3 Ra 03 18

Me 09 53 5 Ra 06 1 2 4 AS 01 38 SU 11 48 Ma 24 28 Ve 14.32 SaR 16.18 MO 05.01 JuR 01-48

From the 6th, natal Saturn aspects both the 8th house and its lord, the Moon. By the time of his death, transiting Saturn had circled the chart to late degrees in debilitated Aries.

In Hendrix's case, the period lords (ME-RA-VE) all conspired in his death. Dasha lord Mercury occupies the 12th, and is in the star of Saturn occupying the 6th. Bhukti lord Rahu acts as a proxy for its dispositor Sun in the 12th. Antaradasa lord Venus occupies the 12th, and is in the star of Saturn occupying the 6th.

Janis Joplin

Joplin was born 19 January 1943 at 9:45 AM in Port Arthur, Texas. Joplin's natal Moon occupies the 5th house, which natal position her progressed Moon had passed some five months before her death. Ketu conjoins her ascendant within one degree and, after a nodal cycle and a half, was within a few degrees of conjoining natal Rahu on the descendant.

Ve 20 58 SaR 12 49 MO 15 45 MeR 16 25 JuR 2601 Su 06 36 12 AS 02.28 10 9 Ma 01: Ke 03 2B Ke 03 20 AS 02 20 Janis Joplin 11 09h45, 19 Jan 1943 SaR 1249 2 8 Ve 20 58 Port Arthur, Texas 5 MeR 16 25 Ra 03 28 Su 05 38 MO 16 453 JuR 2y01 4 Ra 03 28 Ma 01 M4

Her natal retrograde Saturn in the 4th aspects her ascendant. By the time of her death, transiting Saturn had circled the chart to the 3rd house, from which debilitated position it aspected five of her planets.

She was running SA-KE-SU at the time of her death. Dasha lord Saturn occupies the star of 6th lord Moon. Bhukti lord Ketu gives results for its sign dispositor Saturn (12th lord) and Jupiter (another maraka lord) that aspects it. Antaradasa lord Sun occupies the 12th and is also a maraka for this chart.

Jim Morrison

Morrison was born 8 December 1943 at 11:55 AM in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Mor- rison's natal Moon occupies the 4th house, which natal position his progressed Moon had passed some four months before his death. Ketu conjoins his ascendant within 3.5 degrees and, after a nodal cycle and a half, had transited to within 6.5 degrees of natal Rahu on the descendant.

Me 07 48 MO 16 08 MaR 18 35 SaR 00 40 11 Ke 16 21 9 8 Su 22:3 AS 19:50 Ra 16 21 Jim Morrison 10 11h55, 08 Dec 1943 MO 16:08 Ve 07 18 AS 19 50 Melbourne Beach, FL

Ke 18:21 Ju 03 56

MaR 1856 Ra 1621 6 5 Me 07 48 Su 22 37 Ve 07.18 SaR 00:40 Ju 03:56

His natal retrograde Saturn is in the 6th. By the time of his death, transiting Saturn had circled the chart to the 5th house, from which position it opposed his Sun.

At the time of his death he was running MO-SA-JU. Dasha lord Moon is a maraka for this chart. Bhukti lord Saturn occupies the 6th, while antaradasa lord Jupiter occupies

the 8th.

Kurt Cobain

Cobain was born 20 February 1967 at 7:20 PM in Aberdeen, Washington. Cobain's natal Moon occupies the 11th house, to which position his progressed Moon would have returned a few months after his death. The Rahu/Ketu axis doesn't afflict his as- cendant or luminaries, but their dispositors Mars and Venus both occupy dusthanas.

Sa 05 19 MO 19 49 Ve 03 08 Ra 17 13 JuR 02 17 4 Ma 0B 247 e AS 26:36 3 Mo 19 Me 25 03 Ke 17.12/ Su 03:24 JUR 02 17 Kurt Cobain 5 19h20, 20 Feb 1967 8 Aberdeen, WA, USA 11 AS 26 36

Su 08 24 9 Ma 03:24 Me 25 03 12 Ra 17.1 10 Sa os:19 Ke 17 13 Ve 03 o8

His natal Saturn occupies the 8th house. By the time of his death, transiting Saturn had circled the chart to the 7th house, thus afflicting lagnesh Sun and Mercury, both of which are maraka lords for this chart.

He was running SA-SU-VE at the time of his death. Dasha lord Saturn (a maraka for this chart) occupies its own star and is therefore a very powerful instigator of death, since it both rules the 6th and occupies the 8th. Bhukti lord Sun is also a maraka. Antaradasa lord Venus occupies the 8th and is in the star of Jupiter, which occupies the 12th.

Amy Winehouse

Winehouse was born 14 September 1983 at 10:25 PM in Enfield, England. Winehouse's natal Moon occupies the 8th house, to which natal position her progressed Moon re- turned about six months before her death. Debilitated Rahu conjoins her ascendant within three degrees, and after a nodal cycle and a half, transiting Ketu was within a de- gree of her ascendant.

AS 23 30 Ra 26 37 Ma 26.56 AS 23 30 12 Ma 28 55 VeR 235 Ra 26 37

Amy Winehouse VeR 29 35 22h25, 14 Sep 1985 Su 27:51 5 .11 Enfield, Engtand Su 27:51 MeR 29 24 8

MeR 29 24 6 JU 10 41 10 9 Ju 10 41 7 Ke 23 37 MO 06 48 Ke 25 37 Sa 08 19 Sa 08:19 MO 03.48

She has a powerful natal Saturn exalted in the 6th from where it aspects her Moon in the 8th, her 12th house and its lord Mars. By the time of her death, transiting Saturn had circled the chart to her 5th house, from which position it made no significant aspects on any key planets except 8th lord Jupiter.

At the time of her death she was running SU-ME-JU. Although her dasha lord Sun made no contribution at her death, her bhukti lord Mercury is a maraka for this chart, as is an- taradasa lord Jupiter occupying the 7th. Sex and drugs and rock 'n' roll

Taken as a group, these six artists shared two or more of the "Club 27" signatures: (1) exaggerated Moon in a difficult house, (2) Rahu/Ketu on the ascendant, and (3) exagger- ated Saturn in a difficult house.

Given the role of both the Moon and its nodes in their respective charts, this triggered an underlying disposition for conflict, trauma and dissolution in their 27th years. This timeframe coincided with progressed Moon returns (often to difficult houses) and transit- ing nodal re-alignments with ascendants (in most of these cases).

Given the association of the nodes with toxins, their conjunction with the ascendant in four of these cases is virtually a formula for sudden disaster. In all six, substance abuse was part of the lifestyle, therefore a contributing factor in their early demise. In Vedic as- trology, food and drink and "consumption" of every kind is ruled by the 2nd house, giv- ing it additional potency as a marakasthana.

In reality, the nodes have always eclipsed the luminaries. As Amy Winehouse said, "Life's short. Anything could happen, and it usually does."

David Bowie: The starman who fell to earth

"There's a starman waiting in the sky, he'd like to come and meet us, but he thinks he'd blow our minds."

From the moment he first appeared as Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie was the beautiful alien we fell in love with. In one swoop he made extraterrestrial life seem not only pos- sible but desirable: wearing costumes and makeup with orange hair, commanding the spotlight in outrageous stage performances, embracing both sexes, creating a cult almost overnight ... If he'd said he really did have a spaceship, his fans would have queued right across the country to beam up with him, to see if there really was life on Mars.

Bowie was a born entertainer. From the time he first heard Elvis Presley, seeing the effect his music had on girls, he was determined he too would be a star. (They share a birthday, 12 years apart.) While in Cub Scouts he used to entertain his friends with wild imitations of Little Richard and Chuck Berry, performances that were "mesmerizing, like someone from another planet."

His father gave him a plastic saxophone when he was 12, and he started taking music lessons, moving on to piano and guitar and several other instruments. He developed a voice with considerable range and tone, and over the course of his career wrote over 700 songs, issued 27 studio albums and gave over 5000 live performances. Meanwhile reinventing himself every few years ...

"If you think you're gonna make it, you better hang onto yourself." When many another artist would have found his niche in the albums defined by The Man Who Sold the World, Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, Bowie refused to become a commodity, a predictable producer of the same old tried-and-true music that his record companies wanted him to be. He wasn't interested in pleasing the suits. He wanted to be his own hero.

Su 24 08 Ra 16 38 Ma 23.37 Me 15:05 11 9 AS 13:24 8 Ke 16.3

MO 10 48 Ve 09-02

David Bowie SaR 1344 10 09h08. 08 Jan 1947 Brixton, Engtand Ju 28.30 A AS 13 24

Su 24.08 Ra 18:382 MO 10:48 6

Ma 23 37 Ve 09 02 3 SaR 13:44 5

Ke 16 38 Ju 28:30 Me 15 05

Bowie was born 8th of January 1947 at approximately 9 AM in his parents' home in Brixton, a London suburb. Although many biographers quote his parents for the 9 AM

time, and Bowie himself thought it was more like 9:30, I've used 9:08 because it ap- pears to satisfy a number of life events. In any case, there's no doubt he had Capricorn rising. His chart contains few yogas, but some of them are powerful, invoked time and again by the particular disposition of his planets and their dasha sequence. The most dominant of these is the Raja Yoga formed by Saturn and the Moon in Cancer in the 7th house. Saturn, retrograde with dig bala in the 7th, functions as a double- strength dharma (trinal/trikona) lord. Meanwhile the Moon, also double strength when full in its own sign, functions as a powerful karma (angular/kendra) lord. Whereas as- cendant lord Saturn represents Bowie, the Moon among other things represents the masses, his public, his fans, indeed his relationship with the world. "Hey man, I gotta straighten my face. This mellow-thighed chick just put my spine out of place." The two planets in the 7th also reflect upon his two marriages. Moon, lord of the 7th, represents his first wife Angela Barnett. Since the Moon is influenced by Saturn, this gave her character both a libidinous and business-like quality. She was a competitive free spirit, an ambitious actress and musician whose bisexual lifestyle inspired some aspects of the Ziggy Stardust glam rock persona. They married in Mercury dasha, Sat- urn bhukti, and divorced at the very outset of his Venus dasha. Second marriages are indicated by the 2nd house. By sheer coincidence this brings us back to the Moon/Saturn pair in the 7th house. Here, Iman is represented by 2nd lord Saturn, whose double strength implies her accomplishment and stature. Gratuitously, she just happens to be black, the color of Saturn. Whereas Angela was the Moon influenced by malefic Saturn, Iman is Saturn influenced by a benefic Moon. While Bowie's first wife was predominantly a career influence, his second was more of an emotional touchstone. Indeed, it was love at first sight for Bowie, who said from the moment he met Iman that he was already wondering what to name their children. They were married in his Venus dasha, Saturn bhukti. Both marriages occurred in Saturn bhukti, which offers a classic example of Krishna- murti Paddhati (KP) at work. Primarily, marriage is promised in the period of any planet occupying the 7th, or in the nakshatra of a 7th-house occupant. Here, Saturn occupies the 7th in its own nakshatra, fitting the bill twice. "Fame puts you there where things are hollow." Saturn is the pivotal planet in Bowie's chart. For starters, it's his lagnesh, or ascendant lord. It enjoys double strength through dig bala and retrogression. It aspects back into its own sign in the ascendant, fortifying his prospects for name and fame. And since it occupies one of its own nakshatras, Pushya, it works for itself during its own periods. In fact, many planets work on Saturn's behalf. KP principle says that, when a planetary period runs, that planet will first and foremost deliver results for its nakshatra lord. If

we inspect Bowie's chart, note the ranges of 03deg20-16deg40 in water signs for the nakshatras owned by Saturn. Here we find four planets - Moon, Saturn, Venus and Ketu - in nakshatras of Saturn. Thus, when any of their periods (dasha or bhukti) run, they will strive to deliver results for Saturn. And because Saturn is Bowie's 1st and 2nd lord, these periods (Moon, Saturn, Venus, Ketu) will promote his name and fame, his words and wealth, in addition to 7th house relationships as noted earlier. While we're on this topic of nakshatra lordship, see also the cluster of planets in Bowie's Sagittarius 12th house. Sun, Mars and Mercury all fall within the range of 13deg20-26deg40 of a fire sign, a Venus nakshatra. Thus, when any of these period lords (Sun, Mars, Mercury) operate, they deliver results on behalf of Venus. Bowie's Venus is lord of the 5th (creativity) and the 10th (worldly status), and is found in the 11th (revenue from career) where it is amplified by a powerful node, since Ketu is considered exalted in Scorpio. To summarize, four planets in their periods will operate to serve Saturn (name, fame, wealth, relationships) while three other planets in their periods will operate to serve Venus (creativity, status, income). In other words, seven out of nine planets are driving his fame and wealth.

Or to put it another way, Venus and Saturn are "karmic control" planets. It doesn't hurt that Venus and Saturn are natural friends. Venus rules the arts (Bowie was a connoisseur of many) while Saturn gives form and substance. Saturn sits right on the descendant, scoring maximum dig bala points, while Venus is only degrees from the midheaven. "I'Il give you a man who wants to rule the world." Bowie had a phenomenal impact on the music world, if not indeed western culture itself. He is generally acknowledged as perhaps the most innovative artist our generation has seen. His net worth was estimated at approximately $250 million. Understandably, he is one of the most instantly-recognized icons of our era. One facet of Bowie's unique look was his left eye in which the pupil is permanently dilated (a condition called anisocoria). In 1962, during a fight over a girl, Bowie was punched in the face by a friend, at which time his eye was irrevocably damaged. In the physiognomic scheme of Vedic astrology, the 12th house governs the left eye. In Bowie's chart, the Sun (itself a karaka for vision) and a combust Mars (combat) occupy the 12th. At the time of the injury, Sun bhukti was likely running. In Bowie's hands, his palms are relatively broad, his fingers distinctly long and elegant. Typical for an Air-type hand, he is adept at concepts, communication, ideas and novelty His ring fingers are extraordinarily long - almost as long as his middle fingers. The ring finger is ruled by the Sun, and when dominant invokes creativity, hedonism and risk-tak- ing. In the hands of an artist, it can indicate prodigious output and the ability to push the limits of creativity, taking risks with his oeuvre and his reputation, much as did Picasso,

whom Bowie greatly admired. "There's a terror in knowing what the world is about." Bowie reportedly died of liver cancer. In Vedic astrology, both Mars and Jupiter rule the liver. In Bowie's chart, Mars is in a terrible state - totally combust within a degree of the Sun in the 12th house. The liver is also indicated by the 5th house whose lord is Venus. Both the house and its lord are afflicted by the Rahu/Ketu axis - chaya graha - the shadow planets that are agents of cancer and other wasting diseases. Bowie also had heart problems, unknown to the public but dating back several years. Some reports said that he suffered six heart attacks in the past decade. The Aries 4th house is the place of the heart, and its lord is that afflicted Mars. In addition to combus- tion in a trikasthana, Mars also suffers the misfortune of being with two trik lords - 6th lord Mercury and 8th lord Sun. Even the Sun as karaka for the heart is afflicted. Mars and Mercury, however, do form two yogas. A Raja Yoga utilizes Mars as lord of the 4th (effort), Mercury as lord of the 9th (luck). A Dhana Yoga employs Mercury as lord of the 9th (luck) and Mars as lord of the 11th (money). Bowie also has a relatively uncommon Amala Yoga, formed by benefic Jupiter un- afflicted in the 10th house, which invokes a certain admiration and respect in society. This same Jupiter also forms Kesari Yoga with the Moon in the 7th house. The angular- ity of both planets combines to grant him a natural talent for marketing and promotion. Note as well that this same Jupiter in the 10th is lord of both the 3rd and 12th houses. Connections between the 3rd and the 10th are one of the most common signatures for performing artists, whether actors or musicians. Although Bowie was never that happy with the roles offered him by the film world - "raging queens, drug addicts or aliens," he said - he was nevertheless one of the most filmed musician/actors. "It's not the side effects of the cocaine, I'm thinking that it must be love." As for drugs, 12th house afflictions are indicative of the self-destructive urges that lie unconscious at the root of many addictions. "I know how to borrow a cigarette in every language," Bowie once quipped. But he was a heavy user of cocaine for many years and even experimented with heroin during his Ketu-Rahu period, a time when he admitted being pretty much off his rocker. Bowie's 12th house configuration also played out in foreign exposure and spirituality. The 4th lord Mars in the 12th is a signature for the expatriate, and Bowie has lived and owned property in several countries - Switzerland, Germany, the USA, the Caribbean and Australia. For a time he was very interested in Buddhism, and actively studied under a notable rinpoche, who allegedly advised him he'd be better off to pursue music. His creative output was both prodigious and innovative. In addition to music and film, he produced approximately 5000 pieces of artwork, the vast majority of which has yet to be seen by the public. He is acknowledged as a master of the music video over the entire history of its genre. Indeed, one might even say that his whole life has been executed as

a piece of living art, to which his swan song video Lazarus gives poignant testimony. Bowie's 5th house is occupied by the iconoclastic and innovative Rahu, which en- couraged experimentation, not only in his multiple stage personae, eg, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, and the Thin White Duke, but in the many abrupt shifts in his musical direction. His 5th lord Venus is also on the Rahu/Ketu axis, where its association with a powerful Ketu in the 11th amplified his creative risk-taking nature, and ultimately re- warded him with a largely-loyal fan base and the financial rewards that went along with it.

"We can be heroes, just for one day." Borrowing a technique from William Burroughs, he experimented with cut-up techniques to create non-sequitur lyrics that were both puzzling and pleasing. He played around with other cut-up concepts, borrowing a melody or a chord progression from some ear- lier song, only to reverse it and sing/play it backwards to create something totally off the wall and unanticipated. He was an ouroboros, the serpent eating its own tail, constantly recreating itself in a cycle of destruction and renewal, Bowie was born into a Saturn dasha. From age eight to 25, he ran Mercury dasha. Its association with the Sun/Mars pair invoked fights (in grade school he developed a reputation as a defiant brawler), sexual experimentation, and spiritual inquiry. As noted above, Mercury in its periods will deliver results for its star-lord Venus, which invoked his musical and theatrical creativity. During this period he learned how to play several instru- ments and began writing music. He studied with mime artist Lindsay Kemp and began experimenting with stage performances. The Man Who Sold the World was released at the very end of this period. He ran Ketu dasha from age 25 to 32. During its period, a node typically acts as proxy for any planet with which it is associated or aspected, plus its sign or nakshatra dispos- itors. Here, Ketu gave results for its associate Venus, its sign-lord Mars and its star-lord Saturn. This period was highly innovative for Bowie, in which he produced his seminal album, Ziggy Stardust, followed by the equally iconic Aladdin Sane, both built upon their respective personae, a blurring of life-and-art that Bowie subsequently admitted was an omnipresent threat to his sanity. He formed lasting friendships with John Lennon and Iggy Pop, and collaborated with Brian Eno, Lou Reed and others. "Cha-cha-cha-changes, turn and face the strange changes." Just when he could have settled down into a groove, he released Diamond Dogs with its Orwellian stage production, then switched to the "white soul" music of Young Ameri- cans. Then shifted gears again, introducing the new persona of The Thin White Duke to launch Station to Station, and then moved on to his "Berlin Trilogy" of Low, Heroes, and Lodger. In these seven years, he released nine studio albums across no less than three distinct musical styles! Venus dasha ran from age 32 to 52, during which time he met and married Iman, and released another nine studio albums. Although Venus is only a karaka (generic indicator)

for relationships, as opposed to a prime significator, note that its placement on the nodal axis hints of foreign romantic partners. During Venus dasha Moon bhukti, Bowie's older brother Terry, who'd been in and out of mental institutions for many years, killed himself. The elder sibling is seen from the 11th house. The 11th lord Mars is combust in the 12th house of loss. The presence of Ketu (surrender) in the 11th is destabilizing, and Venus there too functions as the 12th lord from that place of elder siblings. On the income front, Bowie became an innovator of yet another kind in 1997 with the introduction of the "Bowie Bond." This was a whole new concept in financing, and the first of many "celebrity bonds." Under this scheme, Bowie sold the future rights (a 10- year term) to all royalty income from albums produced before 1990. The entire issue of $55 million was bought by Prudential Insurance, and Bowie used the money to buy back the rights to songs owned by his previous manager. In 2007 the bonds were liquidated on schedule and the royalty rights reverted to Bowie. Also during Venus dasha, Bowie was at the leading edge of social media and internet commerce when he became the first artist to offer a download of his new song "Telling Lies" directly from his own website on ISP Bowienet. Both Bowie bonds and BowieNet were made available during Mercury bhukti. Bowie was also inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of fame during Mercury bhukti. Although he'd previously refused an Order of the British Empire and other awards, he didn't refuse this one. As noted earlier, Mercury delivers the goods for its star-lord Venus in the 11th. "Still don't know what I was waiting for, and my time was running wild." Bowie's Sun dasha ran from 1999 to 2005. These were not good years for Bowie's health, which began to suffer. In 2004, coming offstage from a show in Germany, he collapsed and was rushed to hospital for an emergency angioplasty. This was the first in a series of obvious heart ailments and attacks. The Sun is a general karaka for both the heart and vitality. In Bowie's chart the Sun is the 8th lord of longevity, trauma and surgery. Sun and Mars afflict each other in the 12th, and they both afflict Mercury the lord of Bowie's 6th. We can assume a pitta (Sun & Mars) aggravation lay at the root of it all. Bowie ran his Moon dasha from 2005 to 2015. In February 2006 (Moon bhukti) he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. This was the culmination of Bowie's 39-year relationship with his public, the world. Otherwise, this was a reflective time for him, and he produced only one studio album in the decade. Quite likely, his thoughts were on the end of his life, as we'd expect for a Moon embraced by Saturn. His mind now faced the reality of its own extinction. Not that Bowie had never contemplated death. "Confront a corpse at least once," Bowie had said in an interview. "The absolute absence of life is the most disturbing and chal-

lenging confrontation you will ever have." His acute awareness of it was woven through- out his music, in these examples and more: "Time can change me, but I can't change time." Acknowledging that time could bring a young man growth and maturity, but he'd always be subject to its law. "Time takes a cigarette, puts it in your mouth." Like a line from a gangster movie, where a thin white dude scores some smack in Berlin. "Time is waiting in the wings, he speaks of sense- less things, his script is you and me, boy." Life may sometimes seem like a surrealist movie, but in the end everybody dies. "I thought you died alone, a long long time ago." Picture Major Tom adrift in space, staring out at the Milky Way, realizing he's seen all this before in a previous life. With Saturn a dominant planet in Bowie's chart, its major transits marked his watershed years. His first Saturn return, in 1976, saw the release of Station to Station, the vehicle for his last great persona, The Thin White Duke, and a marked departure in musical style from anything that had preceded it. While Saturn transited his 7th house, Bowie took up residence in Berlin and began work on what would become his Berlin Trilogy of Low, Heroes, and Lodger. Saturn crossed Bowie's ascendant in January 1992. Four months later, he married Iman. He experienced his second Saturn return in 2005, by which time his health was now under duress. Saturn, after all, is a full maraka (death-dealing) planet, being both lord of the 2nd house and occupant of the 7th. "Look up here, I'm in heaven, I've got scars that can't be seen." Bowie died 10th January 2016, two days after his 69th birthday. He was running Mars dasha, Rahu bhukti. Mars is karaka for liver, combust in the 12th. Rahu is a cancer agent, afflicting the 5th house liver. Mars as lord of the 4th also indicates the heart. Transiting Venus and Saturn, his two "karmic control" planets, were together in the 11th conjunct his natal Ketu. This strong Ketu is mokshakaraka, the doorway to liberation. From start to finish his life was as much a work of art as were his music, videos and other creations.

David Bowie: from ashes to ashes, the prettiest star, a cracked actor, our rebel rebel ... In both his life and art he became something more than human - an avatar of Shiva - a god of creation, destruction and renewal. In Station to Station he sang, "I think I must be one in a million." He got that wrong. He was a singularity - one in seven billion. We salute you, Major Tom. Bon voyage. And may God's love be with you.

Prince: Are we gonna let de-elevator bring us down?

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today 2 get through this thing called life."

Prince was hailed as an innovator, and known for his flamboyant stage presence, vocal range and guitar virtuosity. His music integrated a wide variety of styles that included rock, R&B, funk, soul, psychedelia and pop. He was a singer, songwriter, record pro- ducer and multi-instrumentalist. If anyone was capable of carrying a whole career on his shoulders, he had the chops for every aspect of it.

He sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. He won seven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was ranked by Rolling Stone at #27 of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Prince was born as Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7th, 1958, at 6:17 PM in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ma 07.13 Ke 05 44 Me 10 48 SaR 29.35 JuR 28 39 Ve 14.33 Su 23.23 8 Ra 05.44 6 5 AS 23:25 MO 08 42 Prince 18h17, 07 Jun 1958 10 4 Minneapolis, USA

MO 08 42 Ke 05 44 3 Ve 14:33 SaR 29 35 Ra os 44 12 2

AS 23 25 JuR 28 39 Ma 07.13 Su 23.23 Me 10 48

His chart presents something of an enigma, because it seems to have few of the ele- ments that we typically expect for a performing artist of such stature. Nonetheless, there are a few positive yogas that promise success:

• Venus, his ascendant lord (functioning here as a trinal lord) associates with a strong Ketu in the 7th house to form Raja Yoga. Since Venus is the only true planet in kendras, its association with the arts is obvious, while the nodal axis in- vokes the innovation for which he was famous.

• Saturn and Mercury, lords of the 4th and 9th houses, mutually aspect each other to form Dharma Karma Adhipati Yoga. * Saturn and the Sun, lords of the 5th and 11th houses, mutually aspect each other to form Dhana Yoga.

• Mercury and the Sun, lords of the 9th and 11th houses, associate to form yet another Dhana Yoga.

And yet, there are also a couple of yogas that presage difficulties in life:

• Papadhi Yoga is formed with three malefics - Mars, Ketu and the Sun - in a mala across the 6th, 7th and 8th houses. This concentrates negative energy in the 7th to aspect the ascendant, and can cause health problems. * Shakata Yoga is formed with the Moon and Jupiter in a 6/8 relationship, thus invoking a bumpy ride with ups and downs in life. With Jupiter, the karaka of children in the 12th, and the Moon in the 5th, one of the problem areas would be children. His parents were both African-American with musical backgrounds - his father a pianist and songwriter, his mother a jazz singer. His parents separated when Prince was 10 and, after being shuffled back and forth between parents and relatives, he was later brought up by a neighbor's family. As a child he was subject to fits of epilepsy, probably symptomatic of the nodal axis run- ning through his ascendant, but he mysteriously out-grew the condition. Since 2005 he was a candidate for double hip replacement, but it's not entirely clear if he had the surgery or, as a Jehovah's Witness, refused the operation on religious grounds because it would have required a blood transfusion. In any case, he was appar- ently often in pain in his later years, and allegedly taking Percocet for relief. The hips are ruled by the 9th house. Its lord Mercury is in the 8th, afflicted by both the Sun and Saturn. Meanwhile, Jupiter, the generic ruler of the hips, is afflicted in the 12th. Although slight of build and shy (both perhaps courtesy of that Papadhi Yoga), Prince played basketball in high school. He also began writing songs and performing in local bands in the mid-70s. This was the onset of his Jupiter dasha. In its period, Jupiter gives results for its star-lord (nakshatra dispositor) Mars in the Pisces 6th, whose sign Jupiter both owns and aspects. This 6th-house emphasis invoked Prince's competitive streak, and the entire dasha was pretty much an unbroken string of successes. He signed a recording contract with Warner Brothers during Jupiter-Saturn and released his first album, on which he played all 27 instruments. He released his second album Prince in Jupiter-Mercury, double album 1999 in Jupiter-Venus, and Purple Rain in Jupiter-Sun. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score (Purple Rain) in Jupiter-Moon. Note that Moon is his 10th lord and, through its star-lord Rahu also in- vokes the support of both Venus (fame) and Mars (earning power). With the shift into Saturn dasha, things got bumpy. There were internal problems with band dynamics and financial losses on tours with too-elaborate stage sets. He was forced by Warner to sign away publishing rights for other considerations. He accelerated his production schedule in order to finish his obligations to his recording company, with some inevitable losses of quality. He changed his name to further distance himself from his history with Warner. Interestingly, the unpronounceable symbol that he chose for his moniker was based on the western astrology glyphs for Venus and Mars, and was sometimes referred to as The Love Symbol. As it turns out, both Venus and Mars aspect his ascendant, and both

planets are invoked by the presence of the nodal axis through his ascendant. He married for the first time in Saturn-Ketu. Ketu occupies the 7th house. Unfortunately, so does Venus, and thus forms karako bhavo nashto, a problem for marriage when Venus is afflicted, as it certainly is in this case, sitting on the nodal axis and being flanked by Mars and the Sun. Mars as 7th lord in the 6th is also a spoiler of marriage. A son was born in Saturn-Venus, only to die one week later. 5th lord Saturn is retrograde albeit afflicted by the Sun. The Moon in the 5th is ordinary and unaspected by any planet. The karaka for children, Jupiter, is afflicted in the 12th, His first divorce came in Saturn-Sun. Sun gives results for its star-lord Mars which, as 7th lord in the 6th, threatens disruptions to any marital regime. He married again in Saturn-Moon. Moon gives results for Rahu, which invokes Venus in the 7th and Mars in the 6th, both the making and unmaking of relationship. He divorced in Saturn-Jupiter. Jupiter gives results for its star-lord Mars (occupant of the 6th) and it- self (lord of the 6th), something of a double-whammy against marriage Although Prince was romantically linked with many celebrities, including Apollonia, Car- men Electra, Kim Basinger, Madonna, Sheila E., Sherilyn Fenn and Vanity, monogamy was never really in the stars for him. As his first wife put it, Prince preferred relationships in which he was able to relate without any hint of "bondage." Throughout his career, Prince was a fierce litigator against any unauthorized use of his music or videos. Mars in the 6th is all the evidence we need for his occasional temper tantrums, his competitive streak and a legal team at his beck and call to take down any videos that appeared on YouTube or fan sites. On April 21, 2016, Prince was found dead in an elevator in his Paisley Park compound outside Minneapolis. He was running Mercury-Moon-Jupiter. Dasha lord Mercury occu- pies the 8th and owns the 12th. Bhukti lord Moon gives results for Rahu, which in turn invokes 8th lord Venus and Mars occupying the 6th. In addition, Mars is a double maraka owning the 2nd and the 7th, while Venus is a single maraka occupying the 7th. Antara lord Jupiter gives results for its star-lord Mars as above, and also for itself, as an occupant of the 12th and lord of the 6th. Transits at the time of death fulfilled many expectations of KP analysis. Transiting Jupiter was in a Venus nakshatra; Venus is a maraka. Transiting Sun was in a Ketu nakshatra; Ketu is a maraka, acting for its dispositor Mars and its associate Venus, both marakas. Transiting Moon was in a Mars nakshatra; Mars is a maraka. The transiting lagna was in Rahu nakshatra; Rahu is proxy for Mars and Venus, both marakas. As Prince once sang in his song Let's Go Crazy, "In this life, things are much harder than in the afterworld. In this life, you're on your own."

Keith Richards & Jimmy Page: Mutually in tune

What do Keith Richards and Jimmy Page have in common?

They're both British-born and 73 years old. Both are renowned guitarists steeped in the blues, founding members of world-class rock bands. Both are songwriters and innova- tors - Richards in 5-string open tuning, Page in technical virtuosity. Both are avid read- ers - Richards of WW2 history, Page of the occult. Both have large guitar collections - 3000 for Richards, 1500 for Page. And for a time, both were heroin addicts.

These two fabled rock guitarists were born in England within three weeks of each other - Richards on 18th December 1943, Page on 9th January 1944. Since both were born in the early morning, Page at 4am, Richards at 6am, they both have Libra, a sign of long ascension, rising.

Keith Richards

MaR 15 19 SaR 29 53 SU 02 19 9 8 6 Ve 18 11 s MO 143 Me 21,27 AS 26 52 JuR o3 Ra 15 50 Keith Richards 7 08h00, 18 Dec 1943 Ke 15 50 10 4 Ra 15 50 Dartford. England JUR 03-57 Ke 15 50 MO 14 38 3 2 Me 21 27 Ve 18 11 12 SaR 29.63 Su 02 19 AS 28 52 MaR 1519

Jimmy Page

MaR 1147 SaR 28 11 MO 10 07 Ve 13:59 8 6 MeR 24g5 AS 20 32 6 JuR 0z Su 24 39 Ra 1441 Jimmy Page 04h00. 09 Jan 1944 Ke 14 41 10 4 Ra 14.41 Heston, England Ke 1m1 JuR 02 53

11 3 MO 100 12 2 Su 24 39 SaR 28 11 MeR 24 05 Ve 13.59 AS 20 32 MaR 11 47

Richards' ascendant lord Venus is in his first house, Libra. Born three weeks later, Page's Venus has moved to his second house, Scorpio.

In those three weeks the Moon, which was in Richards' 11th house Leo, has gone three-quarters of the way around the zodiac to occupy Page's 9th house Gemini.

Except for the Moon and Venus, every other planet is in the same sign. The Sun has advanced 22 degrees. Mercury went retrograde after Richards was born, so Page has it both combust and retrograde.

Otherwise, everything else in their charts is the same sign and house - Mars and Saturn both retrograde in the 8th, Jupiter retrograde ir the 11th, Rahu/Ketu in the 10th/4th house axis.

Both guitarists have a Parivartana Yoga between the Sun in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Leo. Since they have the same ascendant, this mutual reception creates for both a pow- erful link between the 3rd and 11th houses.

Among other things, an exchange of lords between the 3rd and 11th can create pow- erful artistry including musicianship. This is because the 3rd is associated with physical prowess, manifesting as athletic skill or artistic craft, while the 11th is associated with realized talents, particularly within the context of a group effort. Here's how I described some of this effect in my book, Parivartana Yoga: The native has the courage to address large assemblies, and may act as a spokesperson for an association or society. He is talented in entertaining large groups of people, through speaking or performing. He takes part in a group adventure, and is a member of a musical group or performing arts troupe. He may be ambidextrous, and has a good musical ear. Although this wasn't written with musicians in mind (I looked for case studies after I wrote the effects of each exchange), this does apply to both Richards and Page, who share the mutual reception between 3rd and 11th house lords. Here's how it manifested in Richards' life: 3rd house themes are revealed through his guitar prowess, songwriting talent and love of books. Note that the 3rd/11th exchange involves the two houses that rule the right and left hands, respectively. The 11th house theme has played out in "group work", a huge income, an iconic social profile as a rock star, ongoing dedication to fellow musicians, and a collec- tion of guitars that numbers over 3000 This describes Page too, except he owns fewer guitars than Richards. But what distin- guishes Page is a second Parivartana Yoga in his chart, elevating him to a select group - only 3% of the public - who have two mutual receptions. Page's second mutual reception lies in the 2nd and 8th houses, where their lords Mars and Venus have effectively exchanged signs to occupy each other's sign. From there, each planet looks directly across the chart into the sign it rules, protecting the affairs of the house it owns.

Among other things, an exchange between the 2nd and 8th houses facilitates the ex- change of money and/or knowledge between the native and other people. Here's what I said about this in my book, Parivartana Yoga:

Because the lords of money for the Self vs the Other are in mutual recep- tion, the notion of currency or financial exchange is obvious. This could manifest positively, eg, via a banker or investment broker who manages other people's money, or negatively, as a thief or swindler. We could also view the exchange in light of knowledge. Acquired education may be spe- cialized, or transmitted via an oral tradition, eg, mysticism, occult, or the alternative healing arts. This could appear in the chart of a scholar, linguist, or occultist.

Although you might think that sounds more like JP Morgan or Aleister Crowley, it's surprising how well it applies to Page. Here's what I observed about his 2nd/8th mutual reception, with the added influence of Saturn on the exchange axis. The negative association of a strong Satum on this exchange axis skewed Page into dark territory - his heroin addiction, his fascination with the oc- cult, and some unsubstantiated rumors about sex with juvenile girls. On the plus side, however, he was well-educated and soft-spoken, and cre- ated a massive transfer of wealth from rock fans into the bank accounts of Led Zeppelin. Equally positive, he later turned his own significant wealth back into several charities. Aside from their Moon positions and the shifted Venus that creates Page's second Pari- vartana Yoga, the two musicians' charts are still strikingly similar. Most notably, malefics Mars and Saturn both occupy their 8th houses. Anyone familiar with the current sidereal transits will note that transiting Mars and Saturn will be in Scorpio for seven months this year, from mid-February to mid-September, ex- cept for a brief retrograde foray into sidereal Libra late June and early July. Transiting Mars and Satumn will form an exact conjunction at 15SC47 sidereal on 24th August 2016, opposite the natal Mars/Saturn pair in the 8th house Taurus of both gui- tarists' charts. It may be morbid, but it's inevitable that the average astrologer will give at least some passing thought to the possibility of accident or death during this transit. It's almost in- evitable in the case of Richards, our generation's walking zombie: Long defying Top 10 lists of who'll die next, Richards is an archetypal rock star. One journalist compared him to Lord Byron - "mad, bad, and dan- gerous to know." Another called him "a capering streak of living gristle who ought to be exhibited as a warning to youth of what drugs can do to you even if you're lucky enough not to choke on your own vomit." [Parivartana Yoga, p.113] Both Richards and Page were heroin addicts. Although Richards was relatively public about his blood-cleansing holidays in Swiss clinics, Page's treatment was more discreet. However, both fought the battle and emerged victorious. But however good the vitality and the prospects for longevity, eventually the sand runs out of one's clock ...

So what of that powerful pair of malefics in the 8th house? Are they a pair of killers? And now that they're directly opposed by transit from their natal positions, does this intimate a crisis, the beginning of the end?

4 3 4 3

5 Su 2 Su 2 5

Ra Ra SPR JUR . Ra MOAR WUR MaR 6 MaR M6

Richards Mo 6 1 Page 23 Aug 2018 24 Aug 2016

Ve 07:28:00 07:26:00

7 A 12 7 As 12 Ve Su Me Ke Kè MGR Ke Ke

8 11 8 11

9 10 9 10

Although most Vedic astrologers would now turn to a consideration of dashas and bhuktis for guidance, let's try instead to examine this strictly on the basis of transits to see what we might distinguish vis-à-vis a prognosis for either of these two 72-year-olds.

Note that the transiting conjunction of Mars and Saturn occurs at 15SC47. Mars is strong in its own sign, Saturn is ordinary.

In Richards' chart, this transiting conjunction forms a very tight opposition (00deg28) to his natal Mars. Mars is lord of his 2nd and 7th houses. Since the 2nd rules family (among other things) and the 7th rules the spouse, one possible outcome is some problem re- garding his wife Patti Hansen.

The transiting Mars/Saturn conjunction also forms a tight square (01deg11) with Richards' natal Moon. Since the Moon rules his 10th house, this could affect his career, reputation and/or social status. But since the 10th is the 4th from the 7th, it could also spell problems for Patti's mother.

Having seen this much, we could now hypothesize that, assuming she's still alive, Patti Hansen's mother suffers illness or death this summer. This would be a blow to Keith's spouse (the 7th), his mother-in-law (the 10th), and indeed his whole family (the 2nd).

But he's not sick or dying, because there's no affliction to either the ascendant or the ascendant lord. His natal Venus is strong in its own sign!

In Page's chart, the transiting Mars/Saturn conjunction also opposes his natal Mars, albeit here with a larger orb of 04deg00. Again, we could turn our attention to family (2nd lord) or spouse (7th lord) but let's continue our analysis before jumping to conclusions.

In Page's case, transiting Mars/Saturn also scores a direct hit (01deg48) by conjunction on his natal Venus, which rules his 1st and 8th houses. The 1st represents health and vi- tality (among other things), while the 8th invokes physical trauma and longevity.

Note that the transiting Mars/Saturn conjunction in Page's chart makes close aspects to both natal Mars and Venus, the two planets involved in his Parivartana Yoga between 2nd and 8th house lords. And the malefic nature of that transiting pair is likely to have a negative effect. Of what sort? Two possibilities come to mind.

The first is physical. Venus is Page's ascendant lord. Natal Mars/Saturn both oppose natal Venus; now transiting Mars/Saturn both conjoin natal Venus. Natal Mars/Saturn occupy the 8th house of the (hidden) sexual organs. Venus is representative of the re- productive system. Since transiting Mars/Saturn affects both natal Mars and Venus, we could hypothesize a prostate problem. Will we ever know? Not likely. The second possibility is financial. Page's natal Mars and Venus, both closely aspected by the Mars/Saturn transit, are lords of the 2nd and 8th houses. Led Zeppelin is currently the subject of a lawsuit alleging their famous song Stairway to Heaven represents a copyright infringement. Dubious or not, it's gone to court. Given the nature of the mutual reception involving the 2nd and 8th houses, eg, implying an exchange of money, this could mean Led Zeppelin is liable for damages. But since both planets are in fixed signs, and Saturn acts as a brake on such transactions, any settlement will likely be trivial. I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it.

Note: To learn more about these powerful planetary combinations based on mutual reception (sign exchange), look for my book - Parivartana Yoga - available on all on- line retailers.

PALMISTRY

Penis size: Comparing index/ring finger ratios

Girls, if your friends have ever questioned the value of your studying the esoteric arts, your moment of validation has arrived. Korean researchers have determined that, com- pared to the index finger, the longer the ring finger, the longer the penis. Several other scientific studies had previously already discovered a correlation between finger lengths and prenatal exposure to sex hormones. It's this simple: the greater pre- natal exposure to estrogen, the longer the index finger; the greater exposure to testos- terone, the longer the ring finger. In palmistry, the index finger is associated with Jupiter, and correlates with good judg- ment, ethics, literacy and teaching, to name but a few attributes. On the other hand (no palmistry pun intended), the ring finger is associated with the Sun, and correlates with demonstration of prowess (eg, athleticism and sexual vigor), numer- acy and risk-taking.

Longer ring finger = preater "manhood" Shorter ring finger = lesser "manhood"

In the average woman's hand, index and ring fingers are equal in length. In the average man's hand, the ring finger is marginally longer, reflecting the greater presence of testos- terone. The greater the ratio between ring finger and index finger length, the greater the "manhood."

Researchers from UC Berkeley created a stir in 2000 when they reported that lesbians tended to have a ring/index ratio more typical of men. Unfortunately, no such bias exists to differentiate straight/gay men. For help with that, ignore the fingers and check out the nails. Or the shoes ... As in all matters related to astrology and palmistry, single indicators of a condition suggest only a bias. Additional evidence is sometimes required to, um, fully flesh out the thesis.

Carpe penem.

Donald Trump: Short-fingered vulgarian at the gates

While most of the civilized world recoils in horror at the thought of Trump as President, let's take a sober moment to examine The Donald's most notable physical characteristic - his stubby fingers. Now imagine them poised over the big red button that could launch a nuclear attack on some perceived threat ... Scared yet? If not, maybe you're among the great mass of uneducated who stand like a mob of barbarians behind this modern-day Mussolini in a business suit. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the last time we had someone in America go on such an extended rant about win- ning, it was Charlie Sheen. But he was just an actor, not a toxic pufferfish running for the highest political office in the world. For those who don't know the whole story, here's a quick bit of history regarding Trump's prickly defense of his fingers, something that's now replayed every time he takes the stage in the Republican presidential nominee debates. Back in 1988, SPY magazine ran an article on Trump, calling him a "short-fingered vul- garian." Although that was a quarter-century ago, ever since then Trump's been mailing then-editor Graydon Carter photos of himself, circling his hands in these photos, and pointing out that they're not short fingers at all.

TRUMP

Like most folks, The Donald knew the old folk aphorism that says: small hands, small penis. And he can hardly ignore it now, since Marco Rubio brings it up every time they debate. But let's leave the man's penis out of the debate, and focus instead on what short fingers say about his thinking. As psychologist Carl Jung observed, "Thinking is difficult, that's why most people judge." But in the world of palmistry, it's simple. The shorter the fingers, the less inclined the person is to do much thinking. Such a man doesn't want to analyze anything, since he'd rather just make snap judgments. He doesn't have the time (ie, inclination) to absorb a

whole lot of information. Facts just get in his way, and slow down the pace of his per- sonal action movie. Rather, he fancies himself a trouble-shooter. Just give me the big picture and I'll take it from here. But as former President John F. Kennedy once said, "Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." If faced with a complex problem, the short-fingered man will call on experts to do his thinking for him - to study the matter and present him with a one-page executive sum- mary. But all he really wants from this are a few bullet points, something to load his gun before he goes out shooting from the hip. His fingers are also reflective of how he perceives time. The short-fingered man un- consciously fears time is slipping away from him. Carpe diem, dude. Life is short, and there's no time to waste. As a consequence, he becomes a grabber, eager to snatch advantage or power at every opportunity. Ask for permission or forgiveness? Forget about it, I got no time for either. On the flip side, the longer the fingers, the more comfortable that person is with gath- ering, digesting and synthesizing information. He wants to learn and to make informed decisions.

Whereas the short-fingered man is impatient to get his education over and done with ("I love the uneducated!"), the long-fingered man is keen to pursue education to the highest level he can achieve. That's why The Donald, as soon as he had a BA in Economics, went straight into business. In contrast, long-fingered Barack Obama got a BA in Polit- ical Science, then a law degree from Harvard, and taught constitutional law at the Uni- versity of Chicago for 12 years. Yes, long fingers can have their disadvantages too, insofar as they don't like to jump to conclusions without fully understanding the situation. We're all familiar with the term, paralysis by analysis. This explains in part Obama's reluctance to plunge into the Syrian

conflict, repeatedly saying it was too complex a situation to solve simply with airstrikes, boots on the ground or a coup d'état to remove Assad from office. But maybe he was right. Only a man who thought about it might have seen the writing on the wall. Ask yourself, if you were having a loud party and your neighbors called the cops because of the noise, who do you want to show up (armed with a club, pepper spray, Taser and Glock pistol) - Donald Trump or Barack Obama? Who do you want to negoti- ate with?

Think about it. Take all the time you need. Meanwhile, consider the words of Isaac Asimov: "There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, a strain of anti-intellectualism nurturing the false notion that democracy means my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge." So let's join hands and take a minute to pray - for America and the rest of the world - because we're in this together. God protect us all from the short-fingered, short-sighted, short-fused man who just wants to grab power now and figure out later what to do with it.

Sorry, dude, but I want my leaders to think about their words, their actions, and the consequences of both. So in response to your appeal of Give me a hand in getting elected, my answer is no, I won't give you my hand. But I will give you my longest finger.

Researchers finger top financial traders

A longer ring finger than an index finger denotes a more successful financial trader, British researchers said in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Acad- emy of Sciences. Previous research found that the length ratio between the index finger and the ring finger, termed 2D:4D, is a measure of prenatal exposure to androgens (male hormones) that can affect the developing brain giving it increased confidence and reaction times. [Just to be clear, the ring finger is a marker for male hormones (androgens) such as testosterone. On the other hand - no, just kidding, on the same hand - the index finger marks the female hormone estrogen. Males typically have longer ring fingers than women because they were exposed to more testosterone in the womb. But even among men we can observe different hormonal levels, ie, some men can be more masculine or feminine than others. This applies in many departments of life, with career being just one facet.] University of Cambridge researcher and chief author of the study John Coates said an- drogens improve the concentration and reflexes needed in high-end financial trading. In their study, researchers measured the fingers of 44 male traders in the City of London who were engaged in trading that involved rapid decision-making and quick physical reactions.

Long ring finger = "winner" Short ring finger = "loser"

Note: "winner" and "loser" in the hands above are relative terms not intended to be taken literally, but simply to suggest the bias for financial performance revealed in the specific study.

They then correlated finger length ratio to the traders' profits and losses during the preceding 20 months, concluding that a lower 2D:4D ratio predicted higher long-term profitability and longer careers in the business. [In other words, the longer the 4D ring finger in comparison to the 2D index finger, the more testosterone, and the greater financial success.]

"The success and persistence of traders exposed to high levels of prenatal androgens suggests that financial markets may be influenced by traders' biological traits," the re- searchers said in the study.

POLITICS

Bernie Sanders: Not-for-sale maverick

Billionaires and astrologers dislike Bernie Sanders for very different reasons. The very rich consider him a threat to redistribute America's wealth into the hands of the 99%. Astrologers regard him as an enigma because his birth time is unknown, spoiling their prospects for predicting his political future. Astro-databank's brief biography on Sanders (http://www.astro.com/astro-databank/ Sanders,_Bernie) indicates in the Source Notes that no written birth record is available. One story has it that an astrology enthusiast campaigning with Sanders 35 years ago claimed Bernie "recalled" a time of 12:27 PM EDT.

Since then, Israeli astrologer Isaac Starkman rectified his birth time as 1:43:40 AM EDT, giving a tropical ascendant of 16SC39 (sidereal 23LI35), while German astrologer Rolf Liefield rectified to 12:59 PM EDT, for a tropical ascendant of 01SG31 (sidereal 08SC28).

Whereas the above two are Western tropical astrologers, Edith Hathaway and I both left that system years ago in favor of Jyotish. She has rectified Sanders' birth time to 1:05 AM EDT, giving a sidereal ascendant of 16GE43 Although I hold her analytic skills in the highest regard, I don't find a Gemini ascendant compelling, nor the sidereal Libra ascendant of Starkman's rectification. I'm unaware of Liefield's reasoning, but by some coincidence, we've both opted for sidereal Scorpio rising.

Anyone who's done their share of rectifications v will acknowledge, however, that an out- come typically emerges only after a compromise. That's because there's rarely a perfect chart that passes every test of yoga, amsha, dasha-bhukti period and transit. If Edith and I beg to differ, it's only because we've already wrestled with ourselves, sometimes halfway around the zodiac, in order to find the ascendant "that works for us." I started with the 12:27 PM birth time reputedly recalled by Sanders himself those many years ago. How accurate could this be for a man whose own mother and father died when he was 18 and 21 years old, respectively? We may never know, but we should ex- amine the chart and put his life to the test. Bernie Sanders, 8 September 1941 @ 12:33:10 PM in Brooklyn Heights, New York. (Note: I've added 06m10s to his reputed birth time for reasons explained later in this article.)

MO 28 25 MaR 00 39 Sa 05 30 Ju 28 48 9 7 10 AS 03.20 6 Ve 29 1 Me 09.5 Ke 23 51 Bemie Sanders 8 12h33, 08 Sep 1941 Ke 29 51 11 5 Ra 29.51 Brooklyn Heights, USA Su 22 34 2 Su 22:34

Ra 29 51 MO 26 253 Sa 05:30

AS 03 20 Me 00 39 Ju 26 48 3

Ve 29:18 MaR 00 39

Upon first sight, this chart felt right to me. With Scorpio rising, his powerful lagnesh Mars (swa and retrograde) in the 6th house aspects right back into the ascendant. This corroborates several things that we know about him: his love of sports (basketball and track) during high school, his civil rights activism dating from his university years, his fierce independence in voting according to his conscience rather than party affiliation, and his growing reputation as a maverick in the finest sense of the word, ie, fed up with the status quo, and not for sale at any price.

He has two Raja yogas: 4th lord Saturn and 5th lord Jupiter combine in the 7th house to aspect his lagna; 9th lord Moon and 7th lord Venus mutually aspect each other across the 5th/11th house axis. He has one Dhana Yoga: 9th lord Moon opposed 11th lord Mercury.

Sanders' lack of wealth is seemingly a symptom of his I'm-not-in-it-for-the-money shtick. Later that may become a liability when Trump starts calling him a loser because he's never owned a yacht. But Bernie doesn't care. His currency is ethics, and that's a check you can cash anywhere.

Surely it's not hard to imagine a modest guru with a Dhana Yoga. Because he has no wealth, do we think the yoga strikes a dumb note? Maybe. That depends on the avasthas. Sanders' Dhana Yoga has an exalted Mercury in the 11th mutually aspecting a full(ish) Moon in a Mercury nakshatra. Since Mercury controls this yoga, the buddhi, or intellect, will control the manas, the lower mind/emotions ruled by the Moon.

For much of his pre-legislative career, he was a carpenter, writer, documentary film- maker and sometime performer (music and film). His Mercury/Venus opposite the Moon in the 5th give evidence of both an intellectual and artistic creativity.

Government service is typically invoked on the strength of three key houses: the 5th for ministry of portfolio, the 9th for legislation, and the 10th for administration and power, all the more so if any of their lords or occupants combine among themselves or link to the ascendant.

The 5th lord Jupiter forms a Raja Yoga with a strong Saturn (dig bala) in the 7th house, from which it aspects the ascendant. The 9th lord Moon is bright (just days past full) and occupies the 5th house from where it forms Raja Yoga with Venus in the 11th. The 10th

lord Sun is very strong in the 10th (swa and dig bala) where its power is amplified by Rahu.

All three of these lords (Sun, Moon, Jupiter) are considered sattvic. All three are natural friends. All three occupy positive houses. Moral code and ethics are seen in the 4th and 9th houses. The 4th lord Saturn is strong (dig bala), stable (associated with Jupiter the karaka for ethics) and aspects back into its own house. The 9th lord Moon is full(ish) and aspected only by benefics Mercury and Venus.

Sanders' mother died during his Venus dasha, Mars bhukti. Venus is a debilitated 12th lord. Mars primarily gives results for its star-lord Ketu. Malefic Ketu occupies the 4th and itself gives results for both the Sun and Saturn, both malefics aspecting it. The Sun is a powerful maraka for the mother, and Saturn rules the 3rd house, which is 12th from the mother.

His father died during Venus-Rahu. Both 12th lord Venus and 8th lord Mercury aspect his 9th lord Moon. Rahu acts as a proxy for the Sun, which is a powerful maraka for the father. If we care to treat the Sun as a karaka for the father, then it's afflicted by its enemy Rahu.

Sanders received a BA in Political Science during Venus-Jupiter. Both planets occupy positive houses, associate with or aspect a strong Mercury, and associate with or as- pect lords of education houses 4th and 9th (Saturn, Moon). He was married during Venus-Jupiter, divorced 18 months later in Venus-Saturn. Venus is lord of the 7th. Jupiter is the benefic lord of positive houses (2nd and 5th), while the stronger malefic Saturn is a lord of mixed houses (3rd and 4th). His only son was born during Venus-Saturn-Jupiter. Venus merely aspects the 5th. Saturn strikes a dumb note. Jupiter rules the 5th. (Note: this is one of those events that doesn't work as elegantly as we would wish.) Meanwhile, transiting Jupiter in the 11th house was aspecting its own sign in the 5th. He was married again during Moon-Venus-Saturn, and this one has lasted. The Moon gives results for its star-lord Mercury, exalted in the 11th. Venus rules the 7th. Saturn oc- cupies the 7th. At this point I felt compelled to tweak his ascendant, advancing his reputed birth time by six minutes 10 seconds to 12:33:10 PM. My rationale: to shift the four major/minor pe- riod lords (Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn) of his marriages from negative houses 3rd/8th in his navamsha to positive houses 2nd/7th. (See D9 in the pair of amsha charts below.) Although small time adjustments invariably adjust the start dates of dasha/bhukti pe- riods, their more immediate consequences may be seen in the amshas. For instance, using this adjusted birth time will offer a new dasamsha via which we can assess his ca- reer by dasha sequence. (See D10 in the pair of amsha charts below.)

D9 Navamsha D10 Dashamsha

Ju Ve Ju Mo

6 6 4 Su 7 As 3 Ke 7 As Me 3

5 5 8 2 Ke 8 .2 Ra 11 11

Ra 9 Sa Mo 1 MaR 9 Ve Sa 1 MaR 10 12 10 12

Me Su

Note: the following brief career analysis via the D10 uses techniques taught by Hart de Fouw. Those unfamiliar with these principles are encouraged to read New Techniques of Prediction, Volumes 1 & 2, by Seshadri lyer.

• The Sun is in the 8th house of the D10, aspected by Jupiter but flanked by Mars/Saturn. Lacklustre.

• The Moon is in the 12th, aspected by a strong Mars, but swa and participating in a Shubha Sankhya Yoga (benefics flanking a line of symmetry along the 1 st/7th axis.) Good.

• Mars is in the 9th, swa, and aspected by a strong Saturn. Good.

• Rahu is in the 10th, debilitated but aspected by Jupiter. Rahu acts for its rashi dispositor. Venus in the 7th forms a Mishra Sankhya Yoga (benefic/malefic mixed) with Mercury (dig bala) and Saturn (swa, dig bala). Overall, good. * Jupiter is in the 2nd, ordinary, aspected by its "sole enemy" (an lyer term) the Sun, but that's superseded via its participation in the Shubha Sankhya Yoga with a strong Moon and Mercury. Good.

• Saturn is in the 7th, swa and dig bala, in Mishra Sankhya Yoga with two benefics. Excellent.

• Mercury is in the 1st, dig bala, participating in both Shubha Sankhya Yoga and Mishra Sankhya Yoga. Very good.

• Ketu is in the 4th, exalted, aspected by strong malefics Mars and Saturn. Its dispositor Mars is strong and well-placed. Good.

• Venus is in the 7th, ordinary, participating in Mishra Sankhya Yoga. Good.

Now back to his rashi chart, independent of the amshas ...

During his Sun dasha, Sanders became involved in politics but failed several times to gain office. Although the Sun itself is powerful (albeit afflicted), during its periods it will primarily serve its nakshatra lord Venus, who is debilitated.

He won his first election as mayor of Burlington, Vermont, during Moon-Rahu. Recall the three houses for government: 5th, 9th, 10th. The 9th lord Moon occupies the 5th.

Rahu gives results for that powerful Sun, his 10th lord. (Note: a period lord works for its dispositor, but the buck stops there, and we don't continue to look for the dispositor of the dispositor.)

He was elected to Congress during Mars-Jupiter. Mars, like the Sun, is a kshatriya planet with command-and-control instincts, and their combined strengths give him a firebrand character. Sun is swa and dig bala, while Mars is swa and retrograde. Mars in the 6th for a Scorpio ascendant is a fighter. And although Sanders filed as a conscien- tious objector against serving in the Vietnam War, he has been a lifelong proponent for veterans' affairs. The 5th lord Jupiter is a minister, and this period ushered in the first of his many committee appointments. Sanders was elected to the Senate during Rahu-Ketu. Since Rahu and Ketu act as pow- erful proxies for planets that associate with, aspect or disposit them, the pair of them acted in concert to deliver the goods for that very powerful Sun. He announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination during Jupiter- Jupiter. Since Jupiter primarily promotes the affairs of Mars, we get the sense of a major battle to defeat all comers, whether as Presidential nominee, or the job of Supreme Commander itself.

Is Sanders Presidential material? The kshatriya planets Sun and Mars are both extremely powerful. The lords of government houses (5th, 9th, 10th) are all strong, well-placed or involved in Raja yogas. The kendras are occupied by three karakas of career (Sun, Jupiter, Saturn) while the fourth karaka of career is an exalted Mercury in the 11th. Can Sanders win the Democratic National Convention? During July 25-28, he'll be run- ning Jupiter-Saturn-Saturn. Jupiter/Saturn form Raja Yoga. Since Jupiter invokes Mars through nakshatra dispositorship, he will likely never concede, and take the contest to its legal limits. Saturn gives results for its star-lord Sun, which commands the chart.

Transits on July 25 look good. Lagnesh Mars will be right on his Scorpio ascendant. Jupiter will be in his 10th house, in a Sun-ruled nakshatra, adding fuel to his status, since transiting planets generate results for their star-lords. The Sun will be in the 9th house, in a Saturn-ruled nakshatra. The Moon will be in Pisces in a Mercury-ruled nakshatra. Thus all three lords of "government" houses (5th, 9th, 10th) will be transiting those same pivotal houses. Could Sanders win the Presidency? On November 8th, he'll be running Jupiter-Saturn- Mercury. As noted above for the dates of the DNC, Jupiter and Saturn work for Mars and the Sun, respectively. That leaves Mercury, which is exalted in the 11th, aspected by every other benefic, and working for its star-lord the Sun, also strong. By transit, Saturn will be in Jyestha, activating Mercury. Jupiter will have moved into Virgo and Hasta, activating his Moon both by aspect and by nakshatra dispositorship. His lagnesh Mars will be transiting Uttara Ashadha, exalted in Capricorn, and work- ing to promote its star-lord, Sanders' Sun. The Sun will be in Vishakha, enlivening his Jupiter. For the first part of election day, transiting Moon will be in Dhanishta working for Sanders' Mars, and the rest of the day in Satabhisha to give results for Rahu, which is proxy for one planet only - Sanders' powerful Sun in the 10th. If Sanders' recollection of his birth time is correct, this Scorpio-rising chart suggests he is capable of beating the odds to become the 45th President of the United States. [Note: Although this article was first published on my website Navamsa.com on 25th March 2016, I have not edited it to conceal my wrong prediction. Many people now acknowledge that the Democratic presidential nomination was rigged to favor Hillary Clinton. That doesn't make me right but, on the other hand, the outcome doesn't deny the logic of my analysis. You win some, you lose some.]

Justin Trudeau: Canada's knockout Prime Minister

In October 2015, Justin Trudeau scored a knockout punch in the Canadian political arena, leading his Liberal party to a majority government with a record sweep of the polls. After the longest election run-up in Canadian history, Trudeau capped off the 11- week campaign by winning 184 seats in Parliament, up from 36 seats, the largest in- crease ever seen in Canadian politics. Many said that Trudeau won, not so much because of the Liberals' platform of broad reform, but because Stephen Harper of the incumbent Conservative party was hated so much. But now, 100 days after taking office, a recent poll among Canadians shows Trudeau basking in the glow of 70% approval ratings. Pundits suggest this is more than just the honeymoon effect, and that Canadians are indeed happy with the direction this government is taking. Key items in the Liberals' to-do list include: judicious withdrawal of Canadian armed forces from active combat roles in the Middle East, massive spending on infrastructure improvements over the next 10 years, national legalization of marijuana, a more active role in climate change initiatives, the immigration of 25,000 Syrian refugees, sex and race parity for ministers in government, and a long-overdue truth and reconciliation pro- gram regarding government management of indigenous communities. For the moment, Trudeau seems no less than a knight in shining armor for these trou- bled times, not only in Canada, but as the leader of a G8 country in a world beset with more troubles than most politicians can only shake a fist at. Although at times his youth (age 44) seems to betray him in unscripted comments to the media, there's no disputing his undiluted enthusiasm for the hard political road ahead. Trudeau was born on Christmas Day, 25 December 1971, at 9:27 pm in Ottawa, Canada. His father Pierre Trudeau was Canada's prime minister, his mother Margaret from a renowned British Columbian political family. In that era, fathers were forbidden to be in the delivery room, and it was only because Pierre Trudeau was PM that the hospi- tal allowed him to witness his son's birth.

MO 23 49 Ma 08 08 SaR 07 17 Ke 13.28

AS 10 07 3

Ke 13 28 5 Justin Trudeau 21h27, 25 Dec 1971 Me 19 16 2 Ra 13 28 Ottawa. Canada Ju 27-33 SaR 07:17

Ve 10 01 AS 10 07

Su 10 11

Su 10 11 Me 19 18 10 12 Ju 27 33 Ve 1001 MO 23 49 Ra 13 28 Ma 00 08

Justin Trudeau has Leo rising with the Sun in 5th house Sagittarius. He earned degrees in literature and education, and for many years prior to his political involvement was a schoolteacher. He also had a great passion for acting, although it was used against him when the opposition played footage of his acting in campaign attack ads to lampoon his lack of experience.

Trudeau has one Raja Yoga wherein 5th lord Jupiter and 7th lord Saturn oppose each other from the 4th and 10th house. This reflects his huge popularity in engaging the youth vote in his successful bid for office. He also has a pair of Dhana Yogas, courtesy of Jupiter's association with Mercury, which is lord of both money houses, the 2nd and 11th. Trudeau's father came from a wealthy family of Scottish and French-Canadian origins. Trudeau has a Chandra Mangala Yoga formed by Moon and Mars in 8th house Pisces. Most objective observers readi acknowledge his youthful charisma, but also credit him with compassion. He put on his political agenda the plight of Canada's underdogs - its First Nations population - whether investigating sexual abuses in northern residential schools, or the decades-long spate nurdered i digenous women in Canada's west- ern provinces.

He is relatively unique in having two Parivartana Yogas, something seen in only 3% of the general population. The first involves Mars and Jupiter exchanging signs in the 4th and 8th houses. The most obvious connection here is with Trudeau's mother, who in her later years suffered bi-polar disorder. 4th lord Mars and the Moon, karaka for the mother, are both in the 8th.

Although his parents were separated by almost 30 years of age, it was Margaret Trudeau's free-wheeling hippie-lifestyle of the mid- to late 70s that may have strained their marriage to the point of divorce. In the day, she was known to smoke pot, hang out with the Rolling Stones and party at Studio 54, much to the consternation of the PM's Office.

But Pierre Trudeau was himself no buttoned-down conformist. 9th lord Mars is in the Pisces 8th, father-karaka Sun in Sagittarius, both dual signs. His father entered Cana- dian politics with considerable panache, wearing fedoras and capes with a rose always pinned to his lapel. He wasn't shy about swearing in public and was once spotted by the press sliding down the banister of Buckingham Palace when the Queen's back was turned.

And yet his father invoked martial law during the October Crisis of 1970 when domestic terrorists murdered a Quebec labor minister and kidnapped a British trade consul. The army was called in, curfew was established, and tanks occupied major intersections throughout Montreal, a necessary heavy-handedness for which the PM was later much criticized.

Justin Trudeau's other Parivartana Yoga involves the exchange of Venus and Saturn across the 6th and 10th houses. Since these are upachaya houses, the implication is

that he'll succeed in his political objectives by dint of hard work and disciplined manage- ment. This, despite powerful opposition, some from foreign quarters, as suggested by the lunar nodes afflicting his Venus. He had two younger brothers - Alexandre also born on a Christmas Day, 25 December 1973, and Michel born 2 October 1975. All three boys were avid outdoors people - skiing, canoeing and camping. His youngest brother Michel died 13 November 1998, buried by an avalanche while skiing in British Columbia back country. Brother-karaka Mars occupies the 8th. Justin was running Venus-Jupiter at the time. Venus occupies a trikasthana, and is in the nakshatra of the Moon, which occupies another trikasthana. 5th lord Jupiter, signifi- cator of second-youngest sibling, is in the 4th, 12 houses removed. Jupiter occupies the nakshatra of Mercury, also 12th from the 5th. His father died two years later, 28 September 2000, receiving a state funeral at which Justin gave the eulogy. Trudeau was then running Venus-Saturn. Venus is in a nakshatra of the Moon, which occupies the 8th, 12 away from the 9th of the father. Saturn's oc- cupation of a Sun nakshatra invoked both the status of the father as well as the ascen- dancy of Justin Trudeau himself, whose eulogy prompted many to think of him for the first time as the logical heir apparent to his father's political legacy. Not that this hadn't been considered before. In 1972, when Pierre Trudeau was a guest of Richard Nixon at the White House, Nixon had toasted the four-month-old Justin, re- ferring to him then as a future prime minister of Canada. Was this just diplomatic flattery, or was Nixon prescient? Trudeau first ran for political office as a Member of Parliament for the Montreal riding of Hochelaga, winning his seat in the national election of 14 October 2008. He was running Sun-Rahu at the time. The dasha of lagnesh Sun brought him into the national spotlight. Rahu, via its association with Venus, invoked the Parivartana Yoga that promised social advancement through competition, eg, elections. On 31 March 2012, Trudeau participated in a charity boxing match, pitted against Marc Brazeau, a scrappy and contentious First Nations appointee to the Senate. Counter to all expectations, the skinny Trudeau won the match against the bulkier Brazeau, wrap-

ping it up in the third round. Trudeau was running Sun-Venus. Despite Venus being in a nakshatra of the Moon, both occupant and lord of trikasthanas, Parivartana power pre- vailed. Trudeau credited his win to coaching, training and dogged determination to beat the odds.

He was elected as leader of the national Liberal party on 14 April 2013, thus taking on the difficult stewardship of a political party that held only 36 out of 338 Parliamentary seats. He was then running Moon-Moon. Aside from invoking the energy of his Chandra Mangala Yoga, the Moon through its nakshatra lord Mercury is connected to his angular Raja Yoga. He quickly began rebuilding the party, criss-crossing the country with a cam- paign of inclusiveness, in stark contrast to the almost-dictatorial style of his opponent Stephen Harper, who in August 2015 called for a general election. Trudeau pulled out all the stops in a campaign that was, despite frequent polls, too close to call in a three-party race to form a new government. Most pundits said, the best any- one could hope for was a minority government. But on 19 October 2015, Trudeau and his Liberals swept to victory in a landslide. He was running Moon-Jupiter. Both planets are involved, directly or by association, with the Parivartana Yoga of 4th and 8th lords, which demonstrates perhaps the power of the people (the 4th) to effect transformation (the 8th). Both planets occupy a nakshatra of Mercury, a positive house lord associated in turn with the Raja Yoga formed by the Jupiter/Saturn pair in the kendras. Trudeau now faces the challenge of completing a lengthy to-do list within the five-year mandate awarded to a Prime Minister. Canadians are hopeful he can effect un grand vi- rage (a big shift) in Canada's status without breaking the bank. Despite massive challenges and hard work ahead, Trudeau reflects the optimism of a Leo ascendant. He is pro-choice, pro-feminist and gay-friendly. His office announced recently that he will participate in this summer's Gay Pride festivities in Toronto, a first for a Canadian Prime Minister. And as he kept pointing out during last fall's election cam- paign, he sees the light at the end of the tunnel: "Sunny ways, my friends, sunny ways."

Donald Trump: The man who would be kingmaker

Donald Trump is like an anteater whose tongue is capable of extending so deep into the American psyche that it can stir up entire nests of cherished beliefs, fantasies and pho- bias. Although most rational people dismiss him as a serious contender for the highest political office in the world, his current lead in the Republican candidate polling obliges everyone to sit up and take notice. But isn't this a perverse aspect of our human nature? We know in our hearts that an elephant can't ride a unicycle up a staircase. At some point, we know he's going to lose his balance. We're watching, in horror, yes, that something so circus-like could unfold in the world's greatest democracy, but we're also watching in anticipation of a delightfully giant SPLAT at the end of this. High drama and high comedy can go hand in hand, and apparently this is what The Donald, albeit unconsciously, seems to do best. For anyone who's been living in a Tibetan cave for the past 40 years, here's all you need to know about Donald Trump. His father was a New York real estate mogul, whose business Trump took control of in 1971. He made his fortune in Manhattan real estate in the 70s and 80s, then lost most of it in the 90s, forcing a fire sale of assets that brought him to the brink of personal bankruptcy. But he bounced back in the late 90s with more real estate projects and went on to even greater heights, relentlessly building the Trump brand.

Aside from forays into sports franchises, beauty pageants and other diversions, his gen- uine fame came in 2003 with his reality show The Apprentice and its now-famous tag- line, "You're fired!" All along, however, like a child with ADHD and never quite enough toys, he's flirted with politics. He floated the idea of running for president in 1988, 2004, and 2012, and for governor of New York in 2006 and 2014, but never entered any of those races. Now, however, he seems to have sensed the time is right for him to fulfill the American dream. And inadvertently, everyone else's nightmare. Trump for President in 2016! Step right up, folks, get your tickets, see the elephant ride a unicycle up the staircase. It reminds one of that George Carlin line: "When you're born you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America, you get a front row seat."

As for Trump, he was born at 10:54 AM on June 14, 1946, Jamaica, within the Queens borough of New York.

Ra 27 39 Me 1545 JuR 2429 Ve 02 38 Su 29 49 Sa 00 42 Ma 03 40 3 Me 15 Sa 00 42 AS 08 51

Donald Trump Ve 02:38 5 10h54. 14 Jun 1946 Ke 27:39 Su 29 49 8 2 Jamaica, NY, USA Ma 03 40 MO 28.05 11 Ra 27.39

As 08 51 9 Ke 27 39 10 12

MO 2805 JuR 24 20

His chart has few yogas, and none that we would expect (eg, Dharma Karma Adhipati, Dhana, Chandra Mangala, Lakshmi) for a man of such influence and wealth. In fact, he has only four yogas of any consequence: * Raja Yoga is formed when a trikona lord joins a node in a kendra, or a kendra lord joins a node in a trikona house. Here, lagnesh Sun functioning as a trikona lord joins Rahu in the 10th. The Sun has dig bala and Rahu is debilitated, while both are aspected by Jupiter. * Neecha Bhanga Raja Yoga arises from a debilitated Moon in the 4th. Its first source of relief: Moon is aspected by its dispositor Mars. Second source of relief: its dispositor Mars is in a kendra. Third source of (arguable) relief: the Moon is associated with angular Ketu exalted in Scorpio. The fourth source of relief is un- available: Venus, lord of the Moon's exaltation sign Taurus, is in the 12th. So this is a watered-down yoga, functioning at perhaps 2/3 strength.

• Subha Veshi Yoga requires a strong benefic in the 2nd house from the Sun. Here, Mercury is swa in the 11th and free of aspect. This, as much as anything, could be construed as the source of Trump's ability to craft multi-million-dollar deals.

• Kala Sarpa Yoga is formed when the Rahu/Ketu axis forms a dividing line through the chart, and all of the planets are on one side or the other of that nodal axis. This yoga is the elephant-in-the-room for Trump's chart, and is of such magnitude that it deserves an entire analysis all on its own.

Kala Sarpa is not discussed in classical shastra. It arises from an oral tradition, probably Tantrik, and is subject to significant differences in interpretation. Some describe Kala Sarpa as a major flaw in a birth chart, a dosha that foretells loss of everything. Oth- ers say it functions as a yoga to bestow the power of a king, assuming the child who possesses it survives. It reminds us of that old saying, Beware of fire and water and Tantriks, for all three have the power to take your life. Kala Sarpa exists in four descending varieties of potency: (1) A "perfect" yoga is when (a) Rahu and Ketu have no association with any other planet; (b) the sapta grahas lie (exclusively) within the RA/KE axis and all

seven occupy the 150-degree zone of the five signs between lunar nodes; and (c) each of the signs holds at least one of the seven planets. This full-fledged yoga is rarely found. (2) A "potent" yoga requires both (a) and (b) above, but not (c), so that, among the intervening five signs between nodes, one or more may be vacant. (3) A "partial" yoga is when the seven planets gather exclusively on one side of the RA/KE axis but at least one planet is on the RA/KE axis in one or both of the signs occupied by the nodes. (4) A "potential" yoga is when the seven planets fail to gather exclusively within the axis, but all seven planets occupy the seven signs counted exclusively in ei- ther direction from the RA/KE axis. The latter case of #4 describes Trump's Kala Sarpa. It narrowly fails to meet the criteria for #3 because his Moon lies just 26 minutes of arc outside the nodal axis. (Note: Although it doesn't matter in Trump's case, the reader is cautioned to use "mean node" settings on astrological programs, because "true node" can differ by 1deg30min or more, and thus "move the fence" in one direction or another, potentially transferring a nearby planet in or out of the zone.) Now that we know Trump has a "potential" Kala Sarpa, or something of a low-grade version of the full-fledged yoga, let's return to the consideration of effect. Is it a blessing or a curse? Traditional jyotishis have always recognized its capacity to go either way. Kala Sarpa can be a yoga, indicating supreme attainment, but it can also be a dosha, indicating supreme blemish. To determine which it is in Trump's case, we must conduct yoga vichara, an analysis that examines the credits and debits of any individual Kala Sarpa. (1) Does it occur under an eclipse? Yes. Trump was born less than four hours before a total lunar eclipse. Since he was born in "a troubling time" this blemish deflects our qualitative needle from yoga to dosha. (2) Are the Sun and Moon associated with the nodes? Yes. And because the nodes are the enemies of the luminaries, and vice versa, this is another blemish, further qualifying it as a dosha. (3) Does Jupiter aspect either of the nodes? Yes. Although Rahu is debilitated, the aspect of a strong retrograde Jupiter stabilizes the configuration, giving it yoga status. (4) Do Mars or Saturn aspect the nodes? Yes. Although Saturn is out of play, Mars both aspects and disposits Ketu. Although the angularity of Ketu's disposi- tor is a positive factor, its aspect is nonetheless malefic, so we're obliged to con- sider this more of a dosha. (5) Is there a stellium through which a transiting node might stir up trouble? No.

(6) Are there any exaggerated grahas in the chart? Yes, six of them. The Sun and Moon both have dig bala. The Moon is also full and debilitated. Mercury is swa. Jupiter is retrograde. Rahu is debilitated, Ketu exalted. (7) What type of Kala Sarpa is it? When all of the planets move toward Rahu (the serpent's head), the anuloma type is seen as more troublesome. When all of the planets are moving toward Ketu (the tail), as it is here, the viloma type can bring prosperity, but problems nonetheless. (Note: in Trump's chart, his Moon has just barely escaped from the grip of Ketu.) We can also benefit by examining the condition of the nodes' dispositors, both by sign and nakshatra: * Rahu's sign dispositor is Venus in the 12th associated with Saturn. Negative. * Rahu's nakshatra dispositor is Mars alone in the ascendant. Positive.

• Ketu's sign dispositor is Mars alone in the ascendant. Positive. * Ketu's nakshatra dispositor is swa Mercury alone in the 11th. Very positive. * Net effect, a combination of executive power, money-making smarts, and loss of face, therefore, a mixed bag.

There's no easy way to summarize this, but Trump's Kala Sarpa has qualities of both yoga and dosha. Perhaps critical to the tipping point is his Moon. It's in a highly exagger- ated condition, on the positive side being full and having dig bala, while on the negative side being debilitated and eclipsed. A debilitated Moon is one indication of a disturbed manas. Being eclipsed on the Rahu/ Ketu axis aggravates it. Senator John McCain recently admonished Trump to tone down his campaign rhetoric, for fear of "stirring up all the crazies." But maybe it's too late, and one of the big ones is already loose. As noted above, Trump's Moon has just barely escaped the Rahu/Ketu axis, and therefore suggests something of a tipping-point factor in the evolution of his destiny. The Moon is the 12th lord in the 4th house. This calls to mind some B-grade movie in which a chain gang is being transported by bus to work in the fields, but one of the prisoners overpowers the guards and takes control of the bus. Once he's got his hands on the wheel, however, it's hardly in Trump's character to let go. Consider his kendras. Sun and Mars are both kshatriya planets, with a strong bias for command and control. Ketu is Mars-like, which brings more of the same, since all three are considered hot planets. Toss in the Moon, whose only influences are the two ksha- triya grahas and the iconoclastic nodal axis, and you have the recipe for a demagogue, an agent provocateur, a rabble-rouser So where's all this headed? To anticipate the future, let's try to understand the past. Trump inherited the family business in 1971, the last quarter of his Venus dasha. Venus primarily gives results for that strong Jupiter in the 2nd. So he got his education and started making money.

The Sun and Moon dashas were good for Trump. The Sun forms Raja Yoga and gives results for its nakshatra dispositor, bhumikaraka Mars, which occupies the ascendant and owns two positive houses, the 4th (real estate) and the 9th. The Moon gives results for its star-lord Mercury, strong in the 11th and owning both of the money houses, 2nd and 11th.

Mars dasha was not good. Things went downhill in the early 90s, right to the edge of personal bankruptcy, plus an expensive divorce from Ivana. Mars gives results for star- lord Ketu, which in turn draws fuel from Sun and Mars and Moon, the latter being per- haps the most potent and complex planet in his chart. And the Moon rules the 12th house of loss. Rahu dasha brought him back up again. The node's association with lagnesh Sun grants it Raja Yoga status. Rahu finds a public through that full Moon, and it's the only planet in the chart that receives Jupiter's aspect. Since April 2014, Trump has been running Rahu-Moon. Little wonder that in this time he's emerged as a wild (!) card in the campaign for the Republican presidential nomina- tions, making one incendiary comment after another, embarrassing half of his Party to the applause of the other half, refusing to backtrack or apologize for anything, shedding business alliances like a moulting phoenix. Some pundits suggest that Trump has no serious intent to, even if the Republican Party lets him, stay the course until election day on November 8, 2016. They say he's only doing this to further build his brand. Trump already reckons he's worth about $10 Billion, half of which is real assets, the other half his (perceived) value of the Trump name. Back to the bhuktis, recall that the Moon is an out-rider, having narrowly escaped the perimeter fence drawn by the nodal axis. While the Moon bhukti runs, Trump is likely to continue his self-designated role of political agitator. But after the Mars bhukti kicks in, from November 2015 onwards, we may well see a change of posture for Trump. A Trump presidency could be an unmitigated foreign affairs disaster for the USA. Trump is a blow-hard commander-in-chief wannabe. The Sun, Mars and Ketu provide just too much unregulated heat in the Trump persona, and the Moon is a faulty thermostat. His finger on the trigger of an American arsenal would be the equivalent of a teenager with a machinegun blowing his feet off the first time he goes out on the firing range. Meanwhile, Venus, the karaka for diplomacy, and 7th lord Saturn are both in the 12th, which bodes poorly for international relations. (Already, he is Senor Piñata in Mexico.) Between the "I'm-the-greatest" and "you're-fired" aspects of his personality, there's barely enough room for a little logic to squeeze in and play devil's advocate.

After Mars bhukti kicks in, Trump will probably see enough writing on the wall to realize that he'd be better off playing "kingmaker" than actually becoming king. Let's face it, be- coming President would kill him. The last three guys were all relatively young when they were sworn in - Clinton 46, Bush 54, Obama 47 - and the White House made them grey-haired men. Trump will be 70 next year. Who wants a President with a grey toupee? But thanks to his energetic rants - basically talking out loud without thinking too much of the consequences - Trump has exposed a deep seam of hate, prejudice and fear among Republicans and, by extension, a sizable swath of the American electorate. Given his surprise showing in the early polls, he's already increased his brand strength. Now, through a combination of back room deals and public forums, he can still use his influence to shape America's political future and, quite possibly, feather his own king- size bed in Trump Tower too. His transits suggest a grand exercise in brinkmanship. Saturn will remain in Scorpio up to and including election day, but its presence in the same sign as the Moon spells Sadhe Sati, so there's likely to be some deflation at the end of the cycle. Transiting Rahu is in Virgo these days, but in February 2016 it will enter Leo. If Trump stays in play that long, it's likely his rhetoric will become even more inflammatory, but to his political detriment. Finally, we have Jupiter currently in his Leo ascendant, where it inflates The Donald's ego to the size of a Macy's Parade dirigible, before returning to its natal sign Virgo next year, and he can go back to building his financial empire. In a way, he's like a wide receiver that's caught the ball, got a little confused out there in mid-field, and is now running pell-mell for his own end-zone, meanwhile ignoring all his teammates yelling at him to stop and go the other way. But if he can just keep running around out there, making a spectacle of himself for sure, but meanwhile retain control of the ball, he'll still have the option to hand it off to another player. Then he can step off to the sidelines, saying he knew all along what he was doing, he just wanted to add a little excitement to the game. And people will speak of him forever after in tones of shock and awe, how he almost lost the Super Bowl but, at the last minute, came to his senses and did what was right for the team, the Party and the country. Hail Donald! Long may he prosper! [Note: Although this article was first published on my website Navamsa.com on 24th July 2015, I have not edited it to conceal my wrong prediction. Most of what I've writ- ten here still stands.]

SPIRITUALITY

Swami Prabhupada: A choice of ascendants

Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was a guru and the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the "Hare Krishna Movement." His mission was to propagate Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a school of Hinduism taught by his guru, throughout the world. A charismatic leader, he emerged as a major figure of the Western counter-culture, find- ing early acceptance in San Francisco of the Sixties. He translated into English over 60 volumes of classic Vedic scriptures, praised by academics and well-received by spiritual devotees world-wide. In subsequent translation into 80 other languages, over half a bil- lion of his books have been distributed. After his death in 1977, ISKCON continued to grow, and is respected in India, though there have been disputes about leadership among his followers. Over the years, there has been rumor-fueled speculation as to whether Prabhupada was poisoned in his later years, so as to facilitate a change of leadership. This past year, a devotee client of mine asked whether I might try to determine Prab- hupada's correct chart. He was especially interested to know if the chart would cor- roborate the poisoning theory. He provided me with certain information - major events in Prabhupada's life, anecdotes about the inner workings of ISKCON, and astrological analyses by two other devotee astrologers.

The most vocal of these pundits says only a Sagittarius ascendant can explain Prabhu- pada's mass appeal and prolific authorship. I suspect this is based in part on the notion that Sagittarius must be more "spiritual" than Capricorn. But certainly, a Dhanus lagna is attractive, in that it puts lagnesh Jupiter in the spiritual 9th with Ketu and a strong Sun in Leo. An exalted Mercury is in the 10th, an exalted Saturn in the 11th, and it's these two strengths that the same pundit offers as prime evidence of Prabhupada the author. Interestingly, Prabhupada himself apparently identified with a Capricorn ascendant corresponding to the 4 PM time at which he believed he was born. Yet, half an hour ear- lier, Sagittarius was rising, and there began the speculation. After examining the salient events in his life in light of dashas, bhuktis and transits, I've tentatively settled on a time of 15h54 (1 Sept 1896, Calcutta), which produces an as- cendant of 06CP16. Although we can rarely make a chart account for an entire life, fol- lowing are my arguments for a Capricorn ascendant.

Ma 16 58 Ra 01.09 MO 28.02 11 12 AS 08.16

Ra 01 09 Swami Prabhupada 10 15h54, 01 Sep 1890 1 Sa 21 47 Calcutta, India Ke 01 09 4 AS 08.18 Ju 02 01 Su 17.00 Ma 16 562 6 Me 11.0 MO 28 pr 3 5 Ve ot 4 Sa 21 47 Ve 01 48 Me 11 06 Su 17:00 Ju 02-01 Ke 01 09

Authorship

The two houses most generally associated with authorship are the 2nd and the 5th, while the 3rd is execution of craft or trade, relating more to writing skill itself. The 2nd reflects someone who has "something to say", while the 5th reflects the work of the crit- ical and/or creative mind.

2nd lord Saturn is exalted in the 10th. This suggests someone whose career is related to speaking, teaching and writing. Saturn is also lagnesh, and being exalted in a kendra, generates a Mahapurusha Yoga. This Sasha Yoga might be considered something of an archetypal renunciate, for such is Saturn's nature.

5th lord Venus is debilitated in the 9th, where debilitation is cancelled by the presence of the 9th lord Mercury. With Venus representing the critical/creative mind, its field of play is the 9th of publishing. Furthermore, ME/VE together generate Raja Yoga (lords of 9th and 10th conjoined).

The 5th is occupied by an exalted Moon with Mars. This constitutes a strong Chandra Mangala Yoga, one of the fundamental wealth yogas, and in the 5th reflects a high level of mental energy and productivity.

Fame

Lagnesh Saturn is exalted in the 10th and free of affliction. The Moon is exalted and forms yoga with Mars. The Sun is in its own sign with gurukaraka Jupiter.

And as we'll see below, the back-to-back dashas of two exalted planets - Saturn and Mercury - in his maturity gave Prabhupada the opportunity to make his mark in the world.

Spiritual signatures Sasha Yoga is alone sufficient cause for a renunciate and spiritual life. Prabhupada also has the makings of Srikanta Yoga (lagnesh, Sun and Moon strong in good houses) but the Sun is badly placed. Likewise for Srinatha Yoga (9th lord, Mercury and Venus strong in good houses) but Venus is debilitated.

Betrayal by acolytes/disciples/staff For a Capricorn ascendant, Saturn is Prabhupada's key significator. His acolytes/disci- ples/students are found via the 5th, their significator the 5th lord Venus. Note Venus lies in the 12th (place of secret enemies) from Saturn. Similarly, staff/underlings are found via the 6th, so their significator is 6th lord Mercury. Mercury also lies in the 12th from Saturn.

Poisoning Malefics in the 2nd reflect "bad food". Rahu occupies the 2nd and is itself the karaka for poisons. Rahu is aspected only by 8th lord Sun and 12th lord Jupiter, both trik lords and therefore functionally malefic for Prabhupada. One could even make an argument that from the 7th, that strong Sun is now the food possessed (or administered) by the Other.

Major periods/events in life Prabhupada married in 1918, Rahu dasha Mars bhukti. Houses typically activated for marriage are 2nd (family), 7th (relationship), 11th (wishes fulfilled). * Rahu occupies the 2nd * Mars is in nakshatra of Moon who rules the 7th * Mars rules the 11th. Jupiter dasha ran 1919-1935. During this period, there was both traction and slippage (JU in 8th) in his pharmaceutical career (Jupiter on Rahu/Ketu axis). He began his tenta- tive involvement in spiritual movements. Saturn dasha ran 1935-1954. Prabhupada's real "life work" began (SA in 10th). Instructed by his guru to build temples, publish books and introduce Krishna conscious- ness to the West, he started Godhead magazine, retired from family life, and initiated his first disciple. Mercury dasha ran 1954-1971. Prabhupada totally embraced spiritual life (exalted ME in 9th) via vanaprastha and sannyasa orders. He published his first book, traveled to America and established the spiritual organization ISKCON. His Bhagavad Gita transla- tion with commentary was published by Macmillan. * became sannyasin Sept 1959, during ME-VE * published first book, during ME-VE (or ME-SU) * traveled to USA, during ME-RA * established ISKCON, during ME-JU Ketu dasha ran 1971-1978. This was a complex period with both positives and nega- tives, due to (1) Ketu's essential nature, (2) Ketu's placement, and (3) Ketu's influences.

This period saw massive expansion of the ISKCON franchise through book distribution, but also Prabhupada's death. * although Ketu sometimes manifests as worldly wealth, its essential nature is that of "the headless one", ie, without ego, and is therefore associated with spiri- tuality. In fact, Ketu is the prime mokshakaraka. * Ketu is associated with the powerful 8th lord Sun. Thus, it can transform, give access to others' money and/or bring accident/death. * Ketu is associated with 3rd/12th lord Jupiter. Thus, it can bring extensive trav- els, as well as surrender, moksha and death.

• Ketu is aspected by 4th/11th lord Mars. Thus it can create supporters and gen- erate income.

Prabhupada died 14 Nov 1977. If he was born at 15h54, this means he died in Ketu dasha Mercury bhukti Rahu antara. * Dasha lord Ketu occupies the 8th and gives results predominantly for the pow- erful 8th lord Sun with which it is associated. * Ketu additionally gives results for Jupiter, lord of 3rd and 12th, with which it is associated, and Mars, lord of 4th and 11th, aspecting it. (Thus, all three moksha lords - Sun, Mars, Jupiter - are invoked during Ketu period.) * Bhukti lord Mercury gives results for Moon, a maraka (death-dealing) planet because it owns the 7th.

• Mercury also functions on its own behalf, as lord of 6th and 9th. * Antara lord Rahu predominantly gives results for Sun and Jupiter (trik lords of 8th and 12th) who aspect it

• Rahu also acts for Saturn, karaka for death, and functions separately as a maraka planet because it occupies the 2nd. At the time of death, certain transits are meaningful: * Lagnesh Saturn was in the 8th, exactly conjunct the chhidra point (the heart of the 8th) at 06LE17. * Moon was in the 12th.

Summary I believe Prabhupada had Capricorn rather than Sagittarius rising. A Capricorn ascen- dant supports his significant authorship and the major phases of his life, including fame and death. Although his rumored death by poisoning may be contentious and unable to prove, if it were indeed so, the Capricorn-rising chart also accounts for his poisoning, perhaps at the hands of those entrusted to his care.

Tamil Goswami: Pretender to the throne

Tamil Goswami was the successor to Swami Prabhupada, guru and founder of the In- ternational Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the "Hare Krishna Movement." As mentioned in the previous article, a devotee client was keenly interested to know Prabhupada's astrological chart. After my analysis on that was com- plete, it was only natural to turn my attention to that of his successor.

However, without even an approximate birth time to begin with, or a variety of life events to use as corroboration, determining Goswami's ascendant was a huge exercise in speculation. I decided to sidestep that whole problem by going straight to a Chan- dralagna configuration, effectively advancing the clock within Goswami's birthday (18 June 1946) until the Moon was exactly rising, ie, on the ascendant.

Ra 27 25 Su 04 08 Me 2347 MO 2257 8 Ke 27 2 Sa of:14 AS z25/

Tamil Goswami Ve 07.50 10 Moonrise, 18 Jun 1946 AS 22.57 Harlem, USA MO 22 57 Ma 06 12

Ra 27.25 2 Sa 01:14 Ve 07.59 6 JU 24 22 3 5 Ke 27 25 Ju 24 22 Su 04-08 Me 23.47 Ma 06.12

Interestingly enough, this gives him a Capricorn ascendant too (because his Moon is in Capricorn). Question is, does the resulting chart reflect an ambitious, competitive, self- seeking individual capable of betraying his own guru? Goswami has a Papadhi Yoga formed by the presence of three malefics (Sun, Saturn and Mars) spread across houses 6-7-8. This yoga has the effect of concentrating its negative energy in the middle point (Saturn) of these three malefics, from which the en- ergy is then directed across the chart to the Moon. Since the Moon represents the per- ceptions and personality, this is at least some indication of a disturbed temperament.

Moon/Saturn are in exchange, forming a Parivartana Yoga, which reflects the capacity for forming alliances and partnerships, a combination often seen in politicians and other professional networkers. The three kendra planets (Moon, Venus, Saturn) form four Dharma Karma Adhipati Yogas, associated with the ability to wield power. Although not a yoga per se, the Sun and a strong Mercury in the 6th show great com- petitive spirit. Under this assumption, when Prabhupada died, Goswami would have been running Jupiter dasha, Mercury bhukti. Jupiter is karaka for guru and occupies the 9th house of

the guru. During its dasha, Jupiter delivers results for its star-lord Mars which occupies the 8th and thus reflects the undoing (death) of the guru.

Bhukti lord Mercury owns both the 6th and the 9th, thus reflecting a cross-current of competition with the guru. Mercury is a strong trik lord and in its period works to pro- duce results for its star-lord Jupiter, which is also a trik lord (ruling 12th and 3rd).

Goswami himself died 15 March 2002 which, under this scheme, would have been Sat- urn dasha, Rahu bhukti.

As both occupant of the 7th and lord of the 2nd, Saturn is a powerful maraka. Saturn also gives results for its nakshatra dispositor Jupiter, lord of the 12th.

Rahu bhukti gives the results only of Jupiter which aspects it and Venus which is its sign lord. Jupiter is lord of the 12th, and Venus as occupant of the 7th is another maraka.

Alternate ascendant: Cancer

After a period of reflection, I decided to revisit the matter of Goswami's ascendant. I used the KP method of rectification, which involves casting a prashna regarding the cor- rect lagna.

There are five ruling planets for every chart: nakshatra-lord and sign-lord of the ascen- dant, nakshatra-lord and sign lord of the Moon, and the day lord.

In my prashna the Moon was a ruling planet three times, Saturn twice. This indicated Goswami's lagna should be within a Moon sign and a Saturn nakshatra, or a Saturn sign and a Moon nakshatra. Pushya (3CN20-16CN40) is a Saturn-ruled nakshatra in the Moon's sign Cancer.

Of the two Saturn-ruled signs, only Capricorn contains a Moon-ruled nakshatra - Shra- vana at 10CP00-23CP20. These are my choices. By coincidence, the moon-rise chart I'd used at the outset for Goswami's tentative chart has already been analysed.

Ra 21.27 Su 03 32 Ma 05.51 Me 22-44 Me 22.44 5 Sa 01:10 Sų 03.32

Sa 01 10 JU 2422 8 Ve 07 15 2 Ra 27 2

Ve 07 15 AS 11 02

Tamal Goswami 08h27. 18 Jun 1946 AS 11 02 4

Hartem, USA 10 MO 15 12 Ma 0551

Ke 27 27 8 MO 15 12 12 9 11 Ke 27 27 Ju 24 22

In the Pushya/Cancer rising chart, we see a Papakartari Yoga with SU-SA-MA on the lagna. The Parivartana Yoga between Moon and Saturn, reflecting Goswami's role as Prabupada's ambassador, seemingly reinforces either of these two ascendants as

proper choices. The things we know about Goswami's life are: His parents divorced when he was seven. For this ascendant, it would have been early Mars dasha. In the 2nd, Mars disturbs the house of family. His mother died in 2013. Mercury dasha had just begun. Mercury is the lord of the 3rd, the undoing of the mother. Mercury is in a star of Jupiter, the occupant of the 3rd, which reinforces loss of mother. He met Prabhupada in 1967. It was Rahu dasha, Saturn bhukti. Rahu works for Jupiter who aspects it, and for its dispositor Venus. Jupiter is lord of 9th house, guru. Venus is lord of 11th, fulfillment. Saturn also works for its star-lord Jupiter, invoking the 9th again. For itself, Saturn as lord of 7/8 brings major relationship and transformation. He was initiated in 1968, during Rahu-Mercury. Mercury serves its star-lord Jupiter, which again invokes the 9th. Mercury also works for itself, which in its own sign in the 12th, is a strong indicator for renunciation. Goswami went to Paris and then to Mumbai to promote Prabhupada's books. This was Rahu dasha, Ketu bhukti. Ketu gives results only for Mars which both aspects and dis- posits it. Mars is in the 2nd of books, owns the 5th of spiritual purpose, and owns the 10th of karma in the world. Early in 1971, Goswami took a spiritual wife. This was in Rahu-Venus. Venus gives re- sults for its star-lord Saturn who rules the 7th. A year later, he took sannyasa, still in Venus bhukti, now in Rahu antara. Again we're returned to a 9th house focus. In the spring of 1976, Prabhupada criticized Goswami in public, who felt unjustly chas- tised and humiliated. This was in Rahu-Moon. With the Moon in its own star, this could have represented a radical reversal in Goswami's public image and, therefore, his self-

esteem.

That summer, Prabhupada visited the New York temple where Goswami presided. Within two weeks, Prabhupada's health deteriorated. This was in Goswami's Rahu- Mars. Recall now that Mars participates in a Papakartari Yoga and occupies the 2nd house of food and drink and drugs. Mars works for its star-lord Ketu, who reciprocates, and we are struck by the notion of someone wielding "food" as a weapon. Prabhupada returned to India and Goswami followed in order to "help take care of him." Within a year and a half, Prabhupada was dead. For Goswami it was the beginning of Jupiter dasha. Jupiter works for its star-lord Mars, who rules the 10th of ambition, while Jupiter itself rules the 6th (conquest of enemies) and the 9th of spiritual quest. For the rest of the dasha, Goswami remained in charge of ISKCON. Goswami enrolled in university in 1995. It was the beginning of Saturn dasha. Saturn works for its star-lord Jupiter, who rules the 9th of higher education. He graduated with a BA in Religious Studies in the following bhukti of Mercury and went to Cambridge for his doctorate.

After having returned to India for a festival, Goswami died in a car accident in March 2002. He was running Saturn-Venus. Saturn rules the 8th but also works for Jupiter in the 3rd of local travel (and undoing of vehicle.) Venus rules the 4th of vehicles yet works for its star-lord Saturn owning the 8th of accidents and death.

Summary I favor the Pushya/Cancer chart to correspond to Goswami's. I believe he was capable of cruelty, courtesy of the Papakartari Yoga and, between ambition and perceived insult, sought to depose his guru and take his place.

Karma: Dridha vs adridha

As astrologers we often grapple with notions of fate versus free will. The very premise of astrological prediction implies we're capable of reading something in a client's chart that says: this will happen, this won't. Whether we call that fate, destiny or karma is just semantics. The tacit understanding of Jyotish is that your life is to some degree predes- tined and, if a seer is capable of reading your chart, then you too can know your future. In the West, we're less inclined to say que sera sera and blithely accept the cards we're dealt. Rather we think, if I want it badly and work hard enough, my dream will come true - not because it's written in the stars, but because I shaped my life according to my will. The truth for most people lies somewhere in between, but probably closer to the notion of fate than the strong-willed would like to believe. Karma is complicated, which is why Gandhi said, "After God created karma, He retired." In fact, karma comes in several forms. Sanchita karma is the accumulated store of all actions, good and bad, performed by your reincarnating soul through all of its multiple lifetimes. Prarabdha karma is that which has matured and is now ready to be experienced in this individual life. Agama karma is merely thinking about doing something. Kriyamana karma is actually doing something. Individual charts are incredibly diverse. Where one person's chart may say they will never experience a happy relationship, no matter how beautiful, wealthy or smart they might be, another's chart may promise undying love in this lifetime, never mind how unattractive or poor they might be.

कर्म Good Karma

When all signs in the chart point to success in a matter, the person is buoyed along by a current that carries him to its natural destination. When all signs point to failure, the per- son swims against a current that will never allow him to reach his destination. Consider three men of equal physique standing on the bank of a wide river. On the other side lies a jetty giving access to a town where all of life's prizes are available for the tak-

ing - relationship, career, wealth, fame, and so on. One man steps into the water. For him, the current is negligible, and he swims straight across the river, mounts the jetty and enters the village in casual triumph to take his choice of the available prizes.

The second man dives into the river. For him, the current is brisk, but he aims for a point on the opposite shore well upstream of the jetty. Despite the river's downstream pull, his steady efforts transport him as well to the jetty on the opposite shore. Exhausted but dogged, he staggers into town to claim what prizes remain. The third man plunges into the river. For him, the current is a tidal force, and it's all he can do to keep his head above water, never mind keep the jetty in sight. Between his unplanned trajectory and the river's powerful drag, his violent thrashing only succeeds in helping him reach the safety of the opposite bank, but a mile downstream of the town. There are no prizes for him. We are all destined to be swimmers, but we all face different rivers. In fact, we all face multiple rivers. For one, the river of relationship is calm, that of career is strong, that of children is dry, that of health conceals a whirlpool. For another person, river conditions could be all good, all bad, or haphazard. Our physical body (including its mental and spiritual attributes) and the river we face is our prarabdha karma. Our plan on how to cross the river is agama karma. Our execu- tion of that crossing is kriyamana karma. When the bias is strong for success or failure, we call that dridha (fixed) karma. So if you have a robust physique and the river is calm, crossing it is a sure thing; if you're weak and the river is raging, you'll drown. When there is no bias for either success or failure, we call that adridha (un-fixed) karma. So if you have a robust physique and the river is wild, the bookies give you even odds; likewise, if you're weak and the river is calm. Every house in every chart has a pro-forma test for success or failure. Is the lord of that house strong, well-placed and supported by benefics, or is it weak, poorly-placed and afflicted by malefics? Is the house itself occupied or aspected by its own lord, by benefics or malefics? Is the karaka for that house strong or weak, well- or poorly-placed, influenced by benefics or malefics? Some charts have everything going for them; some have nothing. More often than not, there's a mix, and then we call it dridha/adridha, or fixed/unfixed karma. In some rivers, things go swimmingly without much thought or effort. In other rivers, you need to think before you jump in, which, incidentally, even includes the option of not jumping in at all. Now that's real free will.

TECHNICAL

Viparita Raja Yoga: Going under to cross over

At some point in our mathematical education, we learned that two negatives can make a positive. For example, if we multiply two negative numbers, the product is positive. Logically, it doesn't make sense, but mathematicians who know better say it does. Who are we to argue? The phenomenon of Viparita Raja Yoga demands a similar leap of faith, something along the lines of, if you can just counter-balance the right amount of misfortune in your chart, you'll come out ahead. That doesn't make sense either, but we're a lot happier to buy into it than we were back in high school, doubting the utility of negative numbers in general.

Viparita Raja Yoga Most practitioners of jyotish are familiar with the broad definition of Viparita Raja Yoga: that when a trik lord (a bad thing) goes to a trikasthana (a bad place), it creates a net benefit for the owner of that chart. This is analogous to the way society approves when we put a criminal in prison, a virally contagious person in a hospital isolation ward, or a psycho in a mental institution. Many students apply this quite liberally, citing the creation of Viparita Raja Yoga whenever the above occurs. But a careful reading of Parasara, Phaladeepika and Ut- tarakalamitra reveals a more stringent set of conditions for the formation of Viparita Raja Yoga: * Type A: The lord of a trikasthana must go to another trikasthana. Having a trik lord in its own house doesn't qualify. Therefore, this requires one or more of the following: 6th lord in the 8th or 12th, and/or the 8th lord in the 6th or 12th, and/or the 12th lord in the 6th or 8th. * Type B: Alternatively, instead of trik lords moving to other trikasthanas, Viparita Raja Yoga can also be formed when any two or three trik lords form sambandha via association, mutual aspect or Parivartana Yoga between trik lords - and this can occur in any houses. * Strength: In both of the two types described above, the participating planets must have strength. In particular, at least one of the yoga-forming planets should have a first-class dignity, by which we mean swa rashi (own sign), exalted, retro- grade, dig bala, or swa nakshatra. In either type, there must be no involvement via association or aspect with any other (non-trik) planets, else there will be collateral damage. On the other hand, the associa- tion of any participating planet with the Rahu/Ketu axis is not a spoiler, since the nodes don't own any houses via which to spread any misfortune.

Type A examples

Albert Einstein is a perfect example of the Type A formation. For a Gemini ascendant, the trik lords are Mars, Saturn and Venus. In his chart, 6th lord Mars is in the 8th with Rahu. Mars is exalted, so it has the necessary strength to qualify for Viparita Raja Yoga status. And the fact that Mars shares the 8th with Rahu doesn't alter the nature of the yoga.

Einstein won the Nobel Prize for Physics when running Moon-Mars. He fled Nazi Ger- many and came to the USA during his Mars dasha, which proved to be both a prudent and lucrative move. Although he immediately secured a teaching position at Princeton, he also became the proverbial "stranger in a strange land."

Ve 24 48 Sa 12 00 Me 10 58 AS 18 28 Ke 09 18 4 2 Su 01 20 AS 19:28

Ju 05 18 Ke 09 18 Ve 24:48 Albert Einstein 3 Sa 12 00 11h30, 14 Mar 1879 12 Ra 09 18 Ulm, Germany 9 Me 10 58 Su o1 29 Ma 04 44 11 JU 05 18 8 10 MO 22 21 MO 22:21 Ra 09 18 Ma 04:44

Lee lacocca is another example of the Type A formation. For a Pisces ascendant, the trik lords are Sun, Venus and Saturn. In his chart, 8th lord Venus is in the 6th, while 12th lord Saturn is in the 8th.

Although Venus is in swa nakshatra, granting it the necessary strength to generate yoga, it is aspected by Mars, which shatters its yoga potential. On the other hand, Saturn in the 8th is exalted and is in contact with no other planet, so its yoga power remains intact.

After a major clash with Henry Ford at the end of his Jupiter dasha, lacocca was fired from his job. But in his Saturn dasha he was courted by Chrysler and went on to com- pletely rebuild the failing company, pioneering the mini-van concept, earning Presidential recognition and writing a popular biography.

AS 22 10 MO 04.29 Ma 08.02 11 MO 0$ 292 AS 22 10 10 Ke 28:5

Ma 06 02 Ra 26 54 12 Lee lacocca 17h00, 15 Oct 1924 3 9 Allentown, USA 6 Ke 26 54 Ve 16 34

Ra 26:54 Me 22.17 8 JU 23:58 5 Su 29 27 7 Ju 23.56 Sa 10 47 Me 22 17 Su 29 27 Ve 18.34 Sa 10 47

Type B examples

At first glance, Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis also appears to have a Type A combination. For a Libra ascendant, the trik lords are Jupiter, Venus and Mercury. In her chart, 6th lord Jupiter is in the 8th with 8th lord Venus. And this combination is "clean" in that no other planet enters into the picture, neither by association nor by aspect.

When we review the rules, however, we note that a trik lord in its own trikasthana doesn't qualify, so that means Venus in this case can't produce Viparita Raja Yoga. And when we examine Jupiter, we see that it has no strength. Therefore, neither of these planets on its own produces yoga. But if we consider these two trik lords as acting in concert, the combination qualifies as a Type B version of Viparita Raja Yoga. Here we have two trik lords, at least one of which is strong, and they are joined by association. As it happens, they're both in the 8th house, but that isn't what grants them the yoga-generating power. Because they are trik lords joining forces, they could have done so in any house.

The 8th comes into play when we consider two broad themes in her life. She married into the wealth of the Kennedy family with her first marriage, and into even more massive wealth in her second marriage to Aristotle Onassis. And her life was marked by tragedy - the assassination of both her husband John Kennedy and her brother-in-law Robert Kennedy. Jackie's debutante ball, her entrance into "high-society," came in Venus- Jupiter period.

MO 02 44 Ju 16 42 Ra 24.20 Ve 28.53 8 SaR o1 Ke 24.20 6 5 Ma 215 Me 09 31 AS 25:05

Jackie Kennedy-Onassis Su 12-17 7 14h30. 28 Jul 1929 10 4 Su 12:17 Southampton, USA 1 Me 09 31 Ma 21 57

11 MO 02:44 3 12 Ra 24:20 2 SaR 01 48 Ke 24:20 AS 25 05 Ve 28.53 JU 16:42

Woody Allen provides a simpler and less ambiguous example of the Type B Viparita Raja Yoga. For a Leo ascendant, the trik lords are Saturn, Jupiter, and the Moon. In his chart, 6th lord Saturn joins 12th lord Moon in the 7th house.

The combination involves no other planet in association or aspect with this pair, so there's no collateral damage. Also note that at least one of the pair is strong. In this case, Saturn is doubly dignified, being in its own sign and gaining dig bala in the 7th, easily qualifying it the power to generate yoga. As almost everyone knows, the source of Woody Allen's stress is relationships. He's

been married three times, and involved in long-term relationships with Diane Keaton and Mia Farrow. The one with Farrow ended disastrously after she discovered his relation- ship with her adopted daughter Soon Yi, whom Allen subsequently married.

His Saturn dasha ran 1972-91 and the 70s were particularly good for him. Annie Hall, the movie that perfectly dramatized his angst over relationships, and really established him as a bankable director, came out in 1977.

Ke 21 31 Ve 29 56 6 AS 08 44 3 Ke 21.3 Sa 11.03 MO 01 08 Woody Allen Me 11:32 5 22h55, 01 Dec 1935 Ju 12:09 8 2 Brooklyn, USA 11 Ma 03.08 AS 08 44 Su 18 04

Ra 21:31 9 MO 01:08 Me 11:32 10 Sa 11.03 12 Ra 21.31 Ju 12 09 Ve 20 56 Su 16 04 Ma 03.08

Lana Turner's chart is an unusual example of a Type B pattern in that it has three planets forming Viparita Raja Yoga. For a Gemini ascendant, the trik lords are Mars, Saturn and Venus. In her chart, the three aren't all in one sign, but in sambandha via association and mutual aspect across opposite signs.

No other planets are linked by association or aspect to this trio in 4th and 10th houses. Furthermore, all three participants are dignified. Saturn is retrograde, Mars has dig bala in the 10th, and Venus is exalted in Pisces. This gives the yoga all the potency it needs to deliver results.

Turner was discovered at age 16 and acted in over 50 films, often projecting an aura of promiscuous sensuality. Her personal life was a mess - always in and out of sexual escapades, married eight times, her father murdered when she was nine, while her own daughter stabbed one of Lana's lovers to death. But she enjoyed the status of a serious actress and in her Saturn-Saturn period she received an Academy nomination for Pey- ton Place.

Ve 13 33 Ma 03.54 Ke 06 11 AS 05 33 4 2 2 JuR 24 13 AS 05 33 1 Ke 081 Me 12.51 3 MO 05-57 Lana Tumer 3 12h30. 08 Feb 1921 SaR 00.57 6 12 Ve 13:33 Wallace, Idaho 9 Ma 03 54 Su 26 48 JuR 24 10

Ra 08 11 7 Me 12 8 10 MO 05! Ra 08 11 SaR 00 57 SU 26 48

Conclusion

Thus, in these five charts we've seen examples of both Type A and Type B patterns. Whereas Type A needs only a trik lord in another trikasthana, Type B requires two or more trik lords in any house. But both types require that one or more of the participating planets have strength, and be free of influence from other planets.

Although these Type B examples didn't explore all possible permutations, we should note that, if a pair of yoga-making planets is of mixed dignity, eg, one exalted, the other debilitated, the stellar qualities of the yoga are likely to be diluted. In such a case, the native might yet suffer the consequences of a weak participant, while only partially en- joying the benefits promised by a strong one. Yoga vichara is vital. Scrutiny and evaluation separate the wheat from the chaff, and thus provide the discriminating jyotishi the critical judgment by which to offer interpreta- tions or predictions that rise above the superficial.

Mathematics of yogas, part 1: Pancha Mahapurusha, Chandra Man- gala, Maha Bhagya

As astrologers, we routinely scan astrological charts looking for yogas. If we're obser- vant, we'll notice that some yogas turn up frequently, while others turn up only rarely. And if we're scientifically-inclined, some of us might ask ourselves, what are the odds of seeing this or that yoga? But if you're not inclined to engage in that kind of analysis, then sit back and relax, because I've done the heavy lifting for you.

Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga There are lots of yogas we could look at, but to whet your appetite for this, we'll start with the simplest, which involves only one planet. The Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga is formed when one of the true planets occupies: (1) the sign of its ownership or exaltation, and (2) a kendra.

2nd 12th

3rd House 11th

1oth

5th 9th

6th 8th

The true planets are Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. Each planet rules two signs, and each planet has one sign in which it is exalted. That means there are three signs where each of these planets can qualify for a Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga, except for Mercury, which has only two signs to make the grade, since Virgo is the sign of both its ownership and its exaltation. * The odds of Mars being in Aries, Scorpio or Capricorn are 3/12. * The odds of Mercury being in Gemini or Virgo are 2/12. * The odds of Jupiter being in Cancer, Sagittarius or Pisces are 3/12. * The odds of Venus being in Taurus, Libra or Pisces are 3/12. * The odds of Saturn being in Libra, Capricorn or Aquarius are 3/12. * The odds of any planet being in a kendra are 4/12. The following table summarizes the odds for such yogas to appear:

Table 3: Odds of any of the five true planets forming Mahapurusha Yoga

Planet (yoga) Sign odds Angular Total odds Simple Percent odds (SxA) odds

Mars (Ruchaka) 3/12 4/12 12/144 1/12 8.33%

Mercury (Bhadra) 2/12 4/12 8/144 /18 5.55%

Jupiter (Hamsa) 3/12 4/12 12/144 1/12 8.33%

Venus (Malavya) 3/12 4/12 12/144 1/12 8.33%

Satumn (Sasha) 3/12 4/12 12/144 1/12 8.33%

So the next time you see a Bhadra Yoga, take note, because now you know it's more rare than any of the other Pancha Mahapurusha Yogas.

Chandra Mangala Yoga

Next let's examine the simplest of the two-planet yogas. A Chandra Mangala Yoga is formed when the Moon and Mars are either in the same or opposite signs. What are the odds?

• The odds of Moon and Mars being in the same or opposite sign are 2/12.

Therefore, the odds of finding a Chandra Mangala Yoga are 2/12 = 1/6, or 16.67%. In other words, one out of six charts will have one.

In the case of Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga, the qualification was two-fold: the planet had to be strong by sign (own or exalted) and it had to be well-placed (kendra).

But in the case of the Chandra Mangala Yoga, the threshold for its formation is set very low - the planets need only associate or mutually aspect each other. But what if we de- manded that the yoga be strong in some way or other, such as having Mars or the Moon strong by sign?

• The odds of Moon being in Taurus or Cancer are 2/12.

• The odds of Mars being in Aries, Scorpio or Capricorn are 3/12.

In fact, we can now use these two examples to create a powerful Chandra Mangala Yoga:

• Moon in Taurus (1/12) and Mars in Scorpio (1/12) = 1/144, or 0.69%

• Moon in Cancer (1/12) and Mars in Capricorn (1/12) = 1/144, or 0.69%

From this, we can see that, whereas the formation of a basic Chandra Mangala Yoga is relatively common (16.67%), the appearance of one in which both planets are strong by sign is quite rare (0.69%).

Maha Bhagya Yoga

For a change of pace, let's now consider a yoga that involves something in addition to the planets. Maha Bhagya Yoga is formed under two scenarios:

(1) a man is born during the day with the Ascendant, Sun and Moon in one of the male signs (fire or air) (2) a woman is born during the night with the Ascendant, Sun and Moon in one of the female signs (earth or water) What are the odds? * The odds of being a man (or a woman) are 1/2. * The odds of being born in the day (or night) are 1/2. * The odds of the lagna in a male (or female) sign are 6/12, or 1/2. * The odds of the Sun in a male (or female) sign are 6/12, or 1/2. * The odds of the Moon in a male (or female) sign are 6/12, or 1/2. Therefore, the odds of being a man born in the day with ascendant, Sun and Moon in one of the male signs are: 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 = 1/32, or 3.13%. Similarly, for a woman born at night with female signs. So the next time you see a Maha Bhagya Yoga in a chart, remind yourself that only three people in a hundred will have one.

Mathematics of yogas, part 2: Budhaditya, Kesari, Kujadosha

Budhaditya Yoga Budhaditya Yoga, deemed the signature of an intellect capable of analysis, communica- tion and discrimination, is found frequently ... Or less so, depending on our definition. The basic requirement is that the Sun and Mercury be in the same sign. Since Mercury is an "inferior" planet whose orbit lies within Earth's, it is never more than 28 degrees from the Sun.

No matter what sign the Sun is, we'll see Mercury in the same sign, the one before, or the one after. In other words, regarding the Sun's proximity, Mercury can only be in three signs out of 12, ie, 1/4, or 25% of the time. A more rigorous definition of Budhaditya Yoga demands one of the following three con- ditions in addition: (1) The Sun/Mercury pair occupies or aspects the 1st or 5th house. The 1st is the atma, or Self; the 5th house is the buddhi, or intellect. The Sun/Mercury pair can only occupy or aspect the 1st or 5th house from four houses - the 1st, 5th, 7th or 11th. Four houses out of 12 qualify, so 1/3, ie, 33% of the time. (2) The Sun rules the 1st or 5th house. If the ascendant is Leo (Sun-ruled) then the Sun/Mercury pair can occupy any house. If the ascendant is Aries, the 5th house (Leo) is ruled by the Sun, and again the Sun/Mercury pair can be any- where. This happens two times out of 12, or 1/6, ie, 16.7% of the time. (3) Mercury rules the 1st or 5th house. This comes easier because Mercury owns two signs. If Gemini or Virgo rises, Mercury rules the ascendant. If Aquarius or Taurus rises, Mercury rules the 5th house (Gemini or Virgo, respectively). This happens four times out of 12, or 1/3, ie, 33% of the time.

2nd 12th

3rd House 11th

4th 10th

5ti 7th 9th

6th 8th

So what are the final odds of forming Budhaditya Yoga under the more demanding definition?

• For Sun/Mercury together, while occupying or aspecting a key house, odds are:

1/4 x 1/3 = 1/12, or 8.3% of the time.

• For Sun/Mercury together, while the Sun rules a key house, odds are: 1/4 x 1/6 = 1/24, or 4.2% of the time.

• For Sun/Mercury together, while Mercury rules a key house, odds are: 1/4 x 1/3 = 1/12, or 8.3% of the time.

Since each of these is an independent condition, the chance of one or the other forming is the sum of their odds: 8.3 + 4.2 + 8.3 = 20.8%. In other words, one in five people has a "qualified" Budhaditya Yoga.

Kesari Yoga

Phaladeepika defines Kesari Yoga as any situation where the Moon and Jupiter are in kendra to each other. This is relatively common. Imagine Jupiter occupies a movable sign. Now as the Moon circles the zodiac, it will become angular to Jupiter four times - in each of the movable signs. Similarly, if Jupiter is in fixed signs, the Moon will form Kesari Yoga when in fixed signs. And so on for dual signs. Thus the Moon has four op- portunities in 12, or a 33% chance, to be kendra to Jupiter. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra defines a more demanding version - the Gaja Kesari Yoga - in requiring that Jupiter be in an angle from the ascendant or the Moon, and be conjoined with or aspected by benefics without being debilitated, combust, or in an enemy's sign. But as Hart de Fouw says in Light on Life, it's still important for Jupiter and the Moon to be in good houses from the ascendant, ie, not in dusthana. How often does a planet oc- cupy a bad house? Since there are four dusthanas (3rd, 6th, 8th, 12th) then a planet is poorly placed one-third of the time, therefore in a positive house two-thirds of the time. So for Moon to be kendra to Jupiter and in a positive house, we can calculate the odds: 1/3 x 2/3 = 2/9, or 22.2%.

We might also suggest that, for the yoga to be strong, Jupiter and/or the Moon should be in good signs. Moon occupies Cancer or Taurus two times out of 12. So for the Moon to be kendra to Jupiter, in a positive house and in a good sign, the odds are: 1/3 x 2/3 x 1/6 = 2/54, or 3.7%.

Jupiter occupies its signs of dignity - Cancer, Sagittarius and Pisces - three times out of 12. So for the Jupiter to be kendra to the Moon, in a positive house and in a good sign, the odds are: 1/3 x 2/3 x 1/4 = 2/36, or 5.5%.

Although there are other sources of strength to consider, eg, full Moon, retrograde Jupiter, and dig bala for either planet, this brief analysis gives you an idea of relative frequency. The entry level Kesari Yoga occurs in a third of all charts, but a strong planet well-placed in that yoga will be seen on only one chart out of 20, or 5% of the time. If you find a strong Kesari Yoga in a chart, chances are the individual will manifest some guru-like qualities, similar to what we'd find in any good teacher or advisor. These are

optimism, self-knowledge, comfort in social situations, the ability to gain rapport with others, and a capacity to educate or counsel people.

Kujadosha Whereas an astrological "yoga" is a pattern typically denoting some benefit, a "dosha" is one that indicates a blemish or defect. Kujadosha or mangaladosha (manglik) is a pattern wherein Mars afflicts the houses of family or relationship, and thus creates marital discord. This happens with Mars in houses 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, or 12 - from whence it will either occupy or aspect the 2nd or 7th houses. This condition can be aggravated from the perspective of either the ascendant, the Moon or Venus. The ascendant represents the Self, the Moon is the manas or emotional mind, and Venus represents the affections. To have one or the other agitated by Mars is common enough, but to have all three disturbed is potentially the sign of a difficult love life.

What are the odds?

Since Mars can create kujadosha in six out of 12 houses, then the chances are 50/50 from the perspective of the ascendant. Likewise from the Moon, and the same again from Venus. But for kujadosha to occur from all three, the odds are 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 = 1/8, or 12.5%. A weak Mars would make such a condition even worse. Mars is debilitated in Cancer, but that is only one sign out of 12. So for a person to have triple kujadosha with a weak Mars, the odds would be 1/8 x 1/12 = 1/96, or just 1%. Some pundits say an active kujadosha can only be matched with another kujadosha. For a couple to each have triple kujadosha in their charts, irrespective of Mars' condi- tion, the odds would be 1/8 x 1/8 = 1/64, or 1.5%. This could make for a rare couple - although perhaps rare in that they might scarcely get any peace from each other. As in, man who fight all day get no piece at night ...

Mathematics of yogas, part 3: Parivartana Yoga

Parivartana Yoga Parivartana Yoga is formed when two planets simultaneously occupy a sign ruled by the other, eg, with Saturn in Cancer and Moon in Capricorn, or Mars in Leo with the Sun in Scorpio, and so on. The two houses thus occupied and ruled become the focus of a symbiotic relationship rich for interpretation. In western astrology, this pattern is called mutual reception, or planetary exchange.

JuR 15.00 Ke 10 33 Ma 16 22 Ke 10:33 3 5 Sa 21 47 3

Sa 21 47 AS 27 22 2 JUR 15

Indira Gandhi AS 27 22 23h11, 19 Nov 1917 7 Allahabad, India 10 MO 05 35 Ma 16 22 Su 04 07 8 Me 1318 9 MO 05 35 12 Ve 21 00 Su 04 07 11 Ra 10 33 Me 13 13 Ra 10 33 Ve 21:00

Mutual reception is not an equal-opportunity game. The true planets (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Satum) have the greatest opportunity for exchange because they each own two signs. The Sun and Moon have the least opportunity because they own only one sign apiece.

In theory, mutual reception allows for the exchange of 12 house lords in 66 combina- tions. In practice, however, only 57 are possible for any given ascendant. Of the nine excluded, examination of any chart will reveal five by virtue of dual rulership, and four due to astronomical limitation:

• Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn each own two houses in every chart. By definition, none can exchange places with itself. For an Aries ascendant, there's no exchange between the 1st and 8th houses because Mars rules both. Likewise, the 3rd/6th are both ruled by Mercury, the 9th/12th by Jupiter, the 2nd/7th by Venus, and the 10th/11th by Saturn. Similar logic governs every other ascendant. Five combinations of mutual reception are thus excluded - one for each dual house lord. * Mercury and Venus are called "inferior" planets because their orbits lie within that of the Earth's. From a geocentric point of view, the angular separation be- tween the Sun and either of them is restricted. Mercury is never more than 28 degrees from the Sun, while Venus can't exceed 48 degrees. Therefore, there's no exchange between the lords of Leo and Gemini, since this would require the Sun and Mercury to be 30+ degrees apart, which is impossible. Likewise, no ex-

change between Leo and Taurus, which would require the Sun and Venus to be 60+ degrees apart, also impossible. Thus, two combinations are excluded. * For similar reasons, there can be no mutual reception between Gemini and Libra, or between Taurus and Virgo. For Mercury and Venus to exchange across two air signs, or two earth signs, they would have to be separated by the span of three intervening signs, or 90+ degrees apart. Yet at maximum angular sep- aration from each other, Mercury is 28 degrees on one side of the Sun, Venus 48 degrees on the other side, for a total separation of only 76 degrees. So their exchange between same-element signs is impossible. Thus, another two combi- nations are excluded.

The odds of any planet forming Parivartana Yoga Although I don't have the means to perform a scientific analysis of the astronomical potential for mutual reception between any pair of planets, logic alone will get us pretty close to whatever the reality is. Take for example, mutual receptions with the Sun. If the Sun is in Leo, there is no mutual reception. The odds of the Sun being in Cancer are one in 12, or 8.33%. The odds of the Moon being in Leo are also one in 12, or 8.33%. The odds of finding (at the same time) the Sun in Cancer and the Moon in Leo are therefore one in 144, or 0.69%. If the Sun is in Aries, the same logic as above says the odds for mutual reception with Mars in Leo are also 0.69%. But since Mars owns two signs, equal odds apply for an exchange between the Sun in Scorpio and Mars in Leo. Therefore, for a Sun/Mars exchange, the chances that they will form a mutual reception are actually 1.39%. (Two chances at 0.69% each = 1.39% for both, with values rounded to two decimal places.) If the Sun is in Sagittarius or Pisces, the same logic says the chances for an exchange with Jupiter are also 1.39%. Ditto for the Sun in Capricorn or Aquarius, in exchange with Saturn. With the inferior planets, it's a little more complicated, but no less logical. If the Sun's in Gemini, we won't find Mercury in Leo, because it can't be more than 28 degrees from the Sun. So the odds for that exchange are zero. If the Sun's in Taurus, we won't find Venus in Leo, because it can't be more than 48 degrees from the Sun. So the odds for that exchange are also zero But if the Sun's in Virgo, chances are good to find Mercury in Leo because it's the adjacent sign. In fact, Mercury could only be in Leo, Virgo or Libra, so its odds of being in position to exchange are one in three. Multiply that by the odds of Sun being in Virgo (one in 12) and you get the probability of Sun and Mercury in exchange across Virgo and Leo being 2.78%. Similarly, if the Sun's in Libra, chances are fair to find Venus in Leo. Recall that Venus can be up to 48 degrees away from the Sun. Depending on the Sun's position within Libra, this allows Venus to range anywhere between mid-Leo to mid-Sagittarius. So the

chances are (at best) one in five that Venus would be in Leo. Multiply that by the odds of the Sun in Libra and you get the probability of Sun and Venus in exchange across Libra and Leo being 1.67%.

Following the same logic as described in the above three paragraphs, we can also calculate the potential for mutual receptions between Mercury and Venus. For the outer planets (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn), their unfettered freedom of movement allows a much simpler exercise in logic. The following table summarizes the odds for any given exchange.

Table 4: Chances of any planet forming Parivartana Yoga

Planet Odds of exchange with another planet

Sun 9.3%

Moon 7.6%

Mars 13.9%

Mercury 13.5%

Jupiter 13.9%

Venus 13.5%

Saturn 13.9%

All planets 42.8%

After taking care to eliminate any instances of double-counting, this analysis renders a probability that approximately 43% of all charts, natal or otherwise, will exhibit at least one mutual reception. In fact, this very figure is borne out by research I've conducted using over 15,000 birth charts with accurate data (Rodden "AA" or "A" rating). Since there are seven planets available to exchange across 12 signs, some charts will have two Parivartana Yogas, involving four different planets in exchange. This, however, happens in only 3% of charts. The most Parivartana Yogas to be found in any chart, natal or otherwise, are three. This is quite rare, and happens in only 0.03% of charts, or three out of 10,000. One such ex- ample is the chart of Indira Gandhi, shown at the outset of this article. Those interested in learning more about planetary exchange, including how to interpret it in a natal chart, are encouraged to acquire my book PARIVARTANA YOGA, available in both digital and paper formats through online retailers. To study the same phenomenon through the lens of western astrology, see my expanded companion volume, MUTUAL RECEPTION.

Mathematics of yogas, part 4: Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga in a natal chart is perhaps the penultimate birthday gift, signifying the individ- ual's karmic capacity to harness individual effort and good fortune. Although its name alone implies that it's a combination fit for a king, this yoga is nonetheless often found in the charts of "normal" people. Therefore, one may well ask, is it rare or is it common? If we reflect upon the Raja Yoga's more descriptive name - Dharma Karma Adhipati Yoga - we find the root of its astrological definition. Thus, it is a yoga involving the posi- tive combination of dharma (trinal/trikona) and karma (angular/kendra) house lords. The dharma houses are the 1st, 5th, and 9th, signifying among other things ethical honorable or right action. When one follows dharma, one does no wrong, and good for- tune should (logically) accompany the individual. The karma houses are the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th. They represent actions the individual takes, which are observed by others, and which subsequently reflect upon the reputa- tion of the person performing such actions. It's generally assumed that in order to wield any power, in one's own affairs or those of the world, the individual should have at least one or more planets in an angular house, or one or more combinations involving angular with trinal lords. When considering the possibilities for such combinations, we find there are hypothet- ically only 11 such yogas per chart. Since the ascendant is considered both a trikona and a kendra, the lagnesh is one of the most potent planets in the chart to form yogas with other planets.

2nd 12th

3rd House 11th

1oth

Sth 9th

6th 8th

If we take the lord of the 1st house as a trikona lord, it can form yogas with the lords of the 4th, 7th, and 10th (kendras). If we take it as a kendra lord, it can form yogas with the lords of the 5th and 9th (trikonas). Thus we see that the lagnesh alone has the potential to form Raja Yoga with other planets five (5) times. After that, however, as we work our way around the chart, the planets are strictly kendra or trikona lords. So the 4th lord (kendra) can only form Raja Yoga with the lords of the 5th or 9th (trikonas). The 5th lord (trikona) can only form Raja Yoga with the lords of the

7th or 10th (kendras). The 7th lord can only form yoga with the lord of the 9th. The 9th lord can only form yoga with the lord of the 10th. Thus, after the lagnesh, the remaining kendra and trikona lords have only six (6) pos- sibilities to form Raja Yoga among the other house lords that remain as we circle the chart. So in total, we have the hypothetical possibility for 11 Raja Yoga in a chart. In reality, however, some ascendants can't achieve that. This is because the word yoga itself implies union, ie, one planet with another. By definition, one planet can't combine with itself.

So for charts whose ascendants are ruled by Mercury or Jupiter, their potential for Raja Yoga is curtailed. If Gemini or Virgo is rising, lagnesh Mercury cannot form yoga with the 4th or 10th lord, respectively, because they are one and the same planet. Similarly, if Sagittarius or Pisces rises, lagnesh Jupiter cannot form yoga with the 4th or 10th lord, respectively, because they are one and the same. In six other ascendants we encounter a yogakaraka planet, ie, one which rules both a kendra and a trikona. If we consider the yogakaraka as bisexual, that means it has more opportunities to find a qualified partner. For Venus-ruled ascendants, the yogakaraka is Saturn. For Saturn-ruled ascendants, it is Venus. For ascendants ruled by Sun or Moon, it is Mars. Although the yogakaraka planet has a switch-hitting potential to form yoga with other planets, by definition it cannot form yoga with itself. Lastly, we have the Mars-ruled ascendants, in whose charts there are technically no restrictions to forming the full complement of 11 yogas. Although there is no yogakaraka for these ascendants, neither is there a planet ruling two angles. Except for the lagnesh itself, each of the other kendra and trikona lords are different planets, thus allowing a full range of intermingling in order to form yoga. To review, the basic rule for forming Dharma Karma Adhipati Yoga is that (1) a kendra lord must combine with a trikona lord, while (2) these lords cannot be one and the same planet. Aside from the above, the only other restriction is astronomical reality. Let's take Saturn as one potential participant in yoga. To form yoga with it, the Sun must be associated with Saturn or opposed it - in the same or opposite sign, allowing just two signs out of a possible 12. Expressed as odds, that's one in six, or a 16.7% chance that Sun and Sat- urn will form sambandha. And if they own the requisite houses, they will form yoga. The same rule applies to most other pairs. The Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have completely unrestricted movement, and can be found anywhere among the other 12 houses/signs with respect to each other, and with respect to the Sun, Mercury and Venus.

Among these latter three, however, their relative freedom of movement among them- selves is tied to an astronomical reality. Mercury and Venus are inferior planets which, from the Earth's point of view, are always seen somewhere near the Sun. Since Mercury can never exceed 28 degrees distance from the Sun, it's always in the same sign as the

Sun, or one of the adjacent signs. One possibility out of three gives them a 33% chance of sambandha.

Since Venus can never exceed 48 degrees distance from the Sun, then it's always in the same sign as the Sun or one of the two adjacent signs on either side. One possibility out of five gives them a 20% chance of sambandha.

Even if Mercury is 28 degrees on one side of the Sun, and Venus 48 degrees on the other, those two inferior planets can never be more than 76 degrees apart. So if we took Venus as being the stationary point, that means Mercury could be 76 degrees earlier in the zodiac, or 76 degrees later. So if Venus was in early Aries, Mercury could be back in mid-Capricorn. Or if Venus was in late Aries, Mercury could be ahead in mid-Cancer.

So if Venus were in Aries, Mercury could range from Capricorn to Cancer, a span of seven signs. So the odds of Mercury and Venus being in sambandha are roughly one in seven (14%).

When we crunch through all these numbers, using logic as a guide and a spreadsheet as a calculator, we get a hierarchy of ascendants. The ones at the top have the greatest odds of their planets forming Raja Yoga, the ones at the bottom have the least.

Table 5: Chances of any ascendant facilitating Raja Yoga

Ascendant Chance of forming Raja Yoga

Aries 17.7%

Scorpio 17.4%

Taurus 16.0%

Aquarius 16.0%

Leo 14.7%

Cancer 14.4%

Libra 14.2%

Capricorn 14.2%

Sagittarius 9.1%

Virgo 8.9%

Pisces 7.6%

Gemini 7.4%

Average 13.1 %

When we examine these results, we see four tiers of potential:

(1) Tier 1 comprises the Mars-ruled ascendants. Aries and Scorpio have the greatest potential to form Raja Yoga. Coincidentally, Mars gains dig bala in the 10th house, and is a kshatriya planet with a natural disposition for command and control. And the 10th house is the primary house of karma. (2) Tier 2 entails Taurus and Aquarius. Each has a yogakaraka, Saturn and Venus, respectively, acting as 9th lord. The 9th house is the primary house of dharma. (3) Tier 3 involves Leo, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, all hovering just a little above average chance of forming Raja Yoga. For Leo and Cancer rising, Mars is the yogakaraka - owning the 9th and 5th houses, respectively. For Libra and Capri- corn, their respective yogarakaras, Saturn and Venus, both own the 5th house. (4) Tier 4 covers the mutable ascendants Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. For dual signs rising, there is no yogakaraka. Therefore, none of these ascen- dants offers a planet that can rule a dharma and karma house at the same time. As we look back on this, consider the initial premise of the Raja Yoga - a person with a good heart (dharma) and a steady hand (karma). We can see in these four tiers a hierar- chy of control. Aries and Scorpio share a 10th-house capacity at the zenith of the chart. Taurus and Aquarius have a 9th house capacity, descending from the zenith. Leo and Cancer have a mixed influence of 9th and 5th houses, dipping across the hori- zon from one dharma house to another. Libra and Capricorn share a 5th-house theme, now well below the horizon. The dual signs, having no yogakaraka, may indeed represent the nadir of potentiality, at least insofar as "kingship" or its modern equivalent goes. But that only implies their rai- son d'etre may well lie elsewhere, in business, education or the media.

Mathematics of yogas, part 5: Dhana Yoga

It's a truism in the medical world that the best guarantee of longevity is to be born to healthy parents. For those who take their health for granted, the next-most-desired as- pect of a perfect life is to be born rich or, if that's not possible, with a birth chart contain- ing multiple wealth yogas. Although there are variations on the theme, a typical Dhana Yoga demands a combina- tion of two planets involving (1) lord of a dharma house and (2) lord of a dhana house. The dharma houses, associated with luck and good fortune, are the first, the fifth and the ninth. The dhana houses, associated with money, are the second and the eleventh.

2nd 12th

3rd 1st: House 11th

4th 10th

5th 7th 19th

6th 8th

Combinations can be formed by either an association of the two requisite planets, or a mutual aspect. In the latter case, that's usually from opposite signs; for Mars and Saturn, also when Satum is four signs following Mars. Given the simplicity of Dhana Yoga, one might assume all ascendants have an equal opportunity to form yogas among their dharma and dhana lords. But in reality, this isn't so. Depending on the ascendant, it might be easier, more difficult, or downright impossi- ble, for certain combinations to form. The simple reason is, not all planets enjoy unlimited freedom with respect to each other. Although all planets can associate with each other, not all planets are capable of mutu- ally aspecting each other from opposite signs. Inferior planets are the proverbial flies in the ointment. Mercury can't be more than 28 degrees from the Sun, Venus no more than 48 degrees. By extension of the same logic, Mercury and Venus can't be more than (28+48=) 76 degrees apart. Therefore, if Dhana Yoga demands combined participation among the Sun, Mercury or Venus, they're only capable of association, never of opposition. This changes the odds of forming Dhana Yoga for those ascendants where the Sun, Mercury and/or Venus are dharma or dhana lords.

Following is a rank-ordered list of all ascendants, from those with the greatest odds of forming Dhana Yoga, to those with the least chance:

Table 6: Chances of any ascendant facilitating Dhana Yoga

Ascendant Chance of forming Dhana Yoga

Libra 21.4%

Aries 18.6%

Sagittarius 18.6%

Gemini 18.1%

Cancer 16.7%

Capricom 15.3%

Pisces 15.3%

Scorpio 13.9%

Taurus 13.5%

Virgo 13.5%

Leo 11.1%

Aquarius 8.3%

Average 15.4%

To illustrate this, let's consider a Libra lagna chart, which has the greatest potential to form Dhana Yoga. The dharma lords of the 1st, 5th and 9th, respectively, are Venus, Saturn and Mercury. The dhana lords of the 2nd and 11th are Mars and the Sun. To form Dhana Yoga, Venus must combine with Mars or the Sun. Or Saturn must do so with Mars or the Sun. Or Mercury with Mars or the Sun.

8 6

9

10

1 13

12 2

In the case of Venus, it enjoys unlimited freedom with respect to Mars, combining by association or opposing aspect from any two signs out of 12. But regarding the Sun, Venus can never be more than 48 degrees away. Therefore, it's always found in the same sign, or in one of two signs on either side of the Sun, therefore, one chance in five of forming yoga.

For Saturn, it's completely free with respect to either Mars or the Sun. It forms asso-

ciations or opposing aspects with both and, in the case of Mars, enjoys an additional opportunity for sambandha when Saturn is in the 4th sign from Mars, from which posi- tion they mutually aspect each other. Finally, regarding Mercury, it's completely free with respect to Mars, forming associa- tions or opposing aspects. But as an inferior planet, Mercury can never be more than 28 degrees from the Sun. It's either in the same sign or in one of the signs adjacent, there- fore one chance in three of forming yoga. For five ascendants - all of the earth signs and two of the water signs - one planet or another is both dharma lord and dhana lord. Since by definition of the term, yoga can't be formed by a planet combining with itself, this diminishes for those ascendants the chances to form Dhana Yoga with the available planets. For Leo and Aquarius ascendants, Mercury or Jupiter, respectively, is the only dhana lord for that ascendant, ruling both the 2nd and 11th houses. This actually diminishes the odds for that ascendant to form Dhana Yoga. In the average chart, each of three dharma lords has the possibility of forming sambandha with one or the other of the two dhana lords. But in the case of these latter two ascendants, there is effectively only one dhana lord. If a dharma lord connects with that planet, it will thus form two Dhana Yogas, one with the 2nd lord, and one with the 11th lord. But that's putting all one's eggs in one basket. By having only one planet instead of two as dhana lord, that reduces the odds of the dharma lords making the requisite connection. Consider Aquarius lagna, which has the worst chances of all ascendants to form Dhana Yoga. Here the dharma lords are Saturn, Mercury and Venus, while Jupiter is the sole dhana lord, representing both the 2nd and 11th houses. Since Saturn, Mercury and Venus enjoy unlimited freedom of movement with respect to Jupiter, each has two signs out of 12 wherein sambandha via association or mutual aspect is possible. For every such valid contact, two Dhana Yogas are formed - one with Jupiter as 2nd lord, the other with Jupiter acting as 11th lord. But there it ends. The fact remains that the dharma lords have only one dhana lord with which yoga can be formed. For an analogy, consider the popular Vegas card game of blackjack, wherein the initial two- card deal of an ace along with a ten or any face card could deliver the perfect hand. But remove just one ace from the deck, and the odds of being dealt that winning hand drop immediately. Admittedly, life is not a game of cards but, in the realm of astrological yogas, chance still plays a remarkable role. Unless, of course, it's just your good karma.

Mathematics of yogas, part 6: Viparita Yoga

Not every cloud has a silver lining, but when it does, it provides an example of how Viparita Yoga works. This yoga operates on the principle that, effectively, two wrongs make a right. For the mathematically-inclined, this is like multiplying two negative num- bers and getting a positive, as in (-2) x (-5) = 10. For those who prefer examples from the world of sociology, let's assume most of society is good, and should be allowed to circulate freely, except for three types of individual: * The physically ill, infected with a dangerous and contagious disease, * Criminals, whose propensity for violence threatens law and order, and * The insane, whose uncontrolled behavior poses a threat to public safety. When such negative elements are recognized and properly controlled, the sick are iso- lated in a hospital, the criminals are put in prison, and the insane are placed in a mental asylum. There's a place for every "undesirable" and every undesirable should be in his place.

In astrology, the trikasthanas represent the "bad neighborhoods" of the chart, and the trik lords represent, for example, the sick (6th), the criminal (8th), and the insane (12th).

2nd 12th

3rd 1st House 11th

4th 10th

5th 7th 9th

6th

Viparita Yoga occurs when two or more trik lords move to other trikasthanas not owned by them. Like a bad guy obliged to leave his own bad neighborhood, to seek refuge in another equally bad 'hood. For example, this requires the 6th lord moving to the 8th or 12th house, the 8th lord moving to the 6th or 12th house, and/or the 12th lord moving to the 6th or 8th house. The odds of each trik lord finding itself in another trikasthana not its own are two out of 12, or one in six, ie, a 16.7% chance for a Viparita "Lite." The odds of this happening simultaneously for two trik lords are 1/6 x 1/6 = 1/36, or a 2.8% chance for a "Medium" Viparita. The odds of all three trik lords achieving this at the same time are 1/6 x 1/6 x 1/6 = 1/216, or a mere 0.5% chance for a "Pure" Viparita. No matter which planets end up becoming trik lords, all 12 ascendants can allow two of

these trik lords to occupy other trikasthanas not their own. All of mankind has a 2.8% chance of forming this "Medium" Viparita Yoga. But a "Pure" Viparita Yoga involves a full mala or garland of all three trik lords migrating to other trikasthanas not owned by them. What are the odds of this for the 12 ascen- dants?

Four classes of ascendants are ranked here by chance of forming a pure Viparita Yoga:

Tier 1 Tier 2

2 12 9

3 1 11 10 8 6

4 10 11 5

5 7 9 12 2 4

1 C3

(1) Tier 1 comprises eight ascendants - the first six signs, Aries (illustrated here) through Virgo - plus Sagittarius and Aquarius. If you examine the trik lords for these eight ascendants, you'll find those three planets all enjoy freedom of move- ment with respect to their fellow trik lords. The chances for any of these eight as- cendants to have a pure Viparita Yoga is 0.5%. (2) Tier 2 involves only ascendants Libra and Scorpio (illustrated here). For exam- ple, with Scorpio rising, the 6th lord is Mars, 8th lord is Mercury, 12th lord Venus. Although Mars can range anywhere, Venus and Mercury are tied to each other. As "inferior" planets, they can never be more than 76 degrees apart. That's no problem when 8th lord Mercury occupies the 6th, and 12th lord Venus takes the 8th. But if Mercury is in the 12th, Venus can't possibly go to either the 6th or the 8th. This reduces the chance of forming a pure Viparita Yoga to 0.4%. (3) Tier 3 involves Pisces ascendant whose trik lords are Sun, Venus and Saturn. Although Saturn could be anywhere, the Sun and Venus are tied to each other, never more than 48 degrees apart. For this ascendant, the Sun can go to the 8th while Venus goes to the 6th, because they remain within range. But if the Sun goes to the 12th, Venus can't go to the 6th, because that would put them on op- posite sides of the chart. So the chances for Pisces lagna to have a pure Viparita Yoga are only 0.3%. (4) Tier 4 involves only Capricorn ascendant, whose trik lords are Mercury, Sun and Jupiter. Jupiter could be anywhere, but the Sun and Mercury are bound the closest of all planets. The nearest two houses are the 6th and 8th, but since the Sun and Mercury are on a 28-degree leash, they can't even straddle those two houses. And forget about either of them moving to the 12th on the opposite side

of the chart. Therefore, it's actually impossible (0% chance) for Capricorn lagna to have a pure Viparita Yoga.

Tier 3 Tier 4

1 11

2 12 10 12 10 8

3 9 1 7

4 6 8 2 4 6

7 3 5

When we review the gamut of Viparita Yogas, we see that it's relatively common (16.7%) to find a single trik lord in another trikasthana, thus forming Viparita "Lite." However, to have two trik lords migrate to other trikasthanas not owned by them, the odds quickly drop off to only a 2.8% chance. And yet all ascendants are equally capable of achieving this "Medium" Viparita.

However, raise the bar to a full mala - a "Pure" Viparita Yoga in which all three trik lords move to other trikasthanas - and the odds become very long. For 11 ascendants, the chances of this happening are only 0.3-0.5%, and in the case of Capricorn rising, literally impossible.

Maybe these observations serve as a lesson. Karma must run its course, and for certain of us, there's no getting off the hook. For Capricorn rising, a Saturn-ruled ascendant, there is no silver lining. Saturn is the slow-moving cloud. You can run but you can't es- cape the storm. Some of us must resign ourselves to getting wet.

Kala Sarpa: Yoga or dosha?

Kala Sarpa Yoga is not discussed in classical shastra. Rather, it arises from an oral tradition, probably with roots in South India. Some say it's Tantrik in origin and, perhaps because of that, it's subject to different interpretations. Some describe Kala Sarpa as a major flaw in a birth chart, a dosha which foretells loss loss of everything, while others say it functions as yoga to bestow the power of a king, as- suming the child who possesses it survives. It reminds us of that old saying, Beware of fire and water and Tantriks, for all three have the power to take your life.

Classes of Kala Sarpa Kala Sarpa exists in four different classes, based on configuration, that are presented here in descending degree of potency: (1) A "perfect" yoga is when (a) Rahu and Ketu occupy their opposing signs and have no association with any other planet; (b) the sapta grahas, Sun to Saturn, lie exclusively within the Rahu/Ketu axis, and all seven occupy the 150-degree zone created by the five intervening signs between the lunar nodes; and (c) each of the signs holds at least one of the seven planets. This full-fledged yoga is rarely found. (2) A "potent" yoga is very similar in that it requires both (a) and (b) above, but not (c), so that, among the intervening five signs between nodes, one or more of them may be vacant. (3) A "partial" yoga is when the seven planets gather exclusively on one side or the other of the Rahu/Ketu axis but one (or more) of the planets is in one (or both) of the signs occupied by the nodes. (4) A "potential" yoga is when the seven planets fail to gather exclusively within the axis, but all seven planets occupy the seven signs counted exclusively in clockwise or counter-clockwise direction from the Rahu/Ketu axis. [Note: the reader is advised to use "mean node" settings on astrological programs, because "true node" will sometimes differ by as much as 1.5 degrees or more, and thus move "the line of demarcation" in one direction or another, potentially transfer- ring an adjacent planet in or out of the zones described in #3 and #4 above.]

Qualitative criteria From the above list of classes we realize that not all Kala Sarpa yogas are the same. Further, there are qualitative differences even among the same class. To assess these variations, for each class of yoga, we must ask seven questions: (1) Does it occur under an eclipse? Since the nodes are considered enemies of the Sun and Moon, eclipses are damaging for both, since they occur during new

moon (conjunction) or full moon (opposition). Therefore, consider a Kala Sarpa yoga during an eclipse as a double negative. (2) Are the Sun or Moon associated with the nodes? Even in the absence of an eclipse, the alignment of the nodes on either luminary is negative. (3) Does Jupiter aspect either of the nodes? The positive influence of the prime benefic can soften the effects of the nodes. This can be singular, eg, when Jupiter is five signs away from (aspecting) one node and three signs away (not aspecting) the other. The influence is dual when Jupiter lies on the nodal axis it- self, thus affecting both nodes at the same time. (4) Do Mars or Saturn aspect the nodes? The influence of malefics has a negative effect, further aggravating the nature of the nodes. As with Jupiter, the malefics Mars or Saturn can exert a singular or dual influence. Eg, when either is four or ten signs away from the nodal axis, they influence one node or the other. Or they can influence a node from other signs via their special aspects. But if ei- ther lies on the nodal axis itself, the influence on the nodes is doubly negative. (5) Is there a stellium through which a transiting node might stir up trouble? Every 18 years, the node in whose direction the planets are moving will transit every planet on one side of the nodal axis. Since the transiting nodes agitate house occupants, most of us would prefer to have misery doled out in small portions, rather than served all at once. For this reason, a stellium with a critical mass of four or more planets in one sign/house is seen as negative, a hidden bomb waiting to be detonated. (6) Are there any exaggerated grahas in the chart? The presence of Kala Sarpa can empower any exaggerated planet, for good or ill. Exaggerated planets are: exalted, debilitated, retrograde, combust, in planetary war, or new/full moon. Al- though both good and bad can occur, a majority of strong planets will give more yoga-like effects, while a preponderance of weak planets will make it seem like a dosha.

(7) What directional type of Kala Sarpa is it? When the planets move toward Rahu, it is called anuloma; when toward Ketu, it is viloma. Based on the premise that the serpent is a cobra whose fangs are located in its head, the anuloma type is deemed to be more problematic To get a feel for evaluating the different types of Kala Sarpa Yoga, we'll look at the charts of four different politicians. Not that all politicians are snakes, but sometimes what looks like a rope later turns out to be a serpent ...

Margaret Thatcher. "The Iron Lady" held three consecutive terms as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1979-90), was great buddies with Ronald Reagan, and triumphed over Argentina in the Falklands War.

Ve 09 15 Su 26 41 Ma 18:38 8 Me 00 57 Ju 21 40 9 Sa 20 67 5 MO 05

Ra 07 42 AS 22 28 7 Margaret Thatcher 09h00, 13 Oct 1925 Ke 07 42 10 4 Ra 07:42 Grantham, England 1 Ke 07 42 MO 05 48

3 Me 00:57 Ma 16 38 12 2 JU 21 40 Ve 09 15 Sa 20 57 AS 22 28 Su 26 41

Thatcher has a "perfect" Kala Sarpa. There are no planets in the same signs as the nodes. All of the intervening houses are occupied by one or more planets. This is a rela- tively rare occurrence. Now let's assess its condition:

(1) Eclipse? No. That's good. Give one point: +1

(2) Sun and Moon associated with nodes? No. Good. Add another point: +1

(3) Jupiter aspects either/both nodes? No. Too bad. Take away one point: -1

(4) Mars or Saturn aspect either/both nodes? Yes, Saturn aspects Rahu. Too bad. Take one point: -1

(5) Stellium stirred by transiting node? No. That's good. Give one point: +1

(6) Exaggerated grahas? Yes. Saturn is exalted. Give one point: +1 (7) Direction of Kala Sarpa? Viloma, planets moving toward Ketu. Good. Give one point: +1

(#) Net overall: 5-2 = 3 points, so this is Kala Sarpa Yoga.

Benito Mussolini. The youngest Prime Minister in Italian history, Mussolini ran the coun- try like a dictatorship from 1922-45. Like fellow fascist Adolf Hitler, his control unraveled in WW2, and he was deposed and executed.

Sa 15 19 Ke 14 38 MO 18.56 Ju 26 18

Ma 20 54 Ve 29.18 8 Ra 14.38 5 Me 1317 AS 28 12

Benito Mussolini Su 13 47 14h00, 29 Jul 1883 10 Su 13:47 4 1 Predappio Alta, italy Me 13 17

11 Ke 14:38 3 Ve 29 1 12 2 JU 26:18 Ra 14:38 Ma 20:54 AS 28:12 Mo 16:56 Sa 15 19

Mussolini has a "potent" Kala Sarpa. There are no planets in the same signs as the nodes. Some of the intervening houses are not occupied. This is less desirable than the "perfect" type where planets are spread out more evenly. Now let's assess its condition: (1) Eclipse? No. That's good. Give one point: +1

(2) Sun and Moon associated with nodes? No. Good. Add a point: +1

(3) Jupiter aspects either/both nodes? Yes. Jupiter aspects Rahu. Give another point: +1

(4) Mars or Saturn aspect either/both nodes? No. That's good. Give another point: +1 (5) Stellium stirred by transiting node? No. That's good. Another point: +1

(6) Exaggerated grahas? Yes. Moon is exalted. Give another point: +1 (7) Direction of Kala Sarpa? Anuloma, planets moving toward Rahu. Poor. Take away one point: -1

(#) Net overall: 6-1= 5 points, so this is Kala Sarpa Yoga.

Robert Kennedy. Attorney General USA (1961-64), Kennedy was a Democratic presi- dential candidate until assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan. One of Marilyn Monroe's lovers, he left behind a wife, 11 children and a traumatized America.

AS 12.40 12 AS 1240

Ra 05 40 Robert Kennedy 15h10, 20 Nov 1925 10 Ke 05 40 Brookline, MA, USA Ra 05 40 4 Ke 05:40 7 MO 05:37

MO 05 37 Ma 1201 9 Ju 27 20 5 Ju 27 20 Su 05 11 Ma 1201 6 Sa 25.29 8 Ve 22 1 Ve 22 14 Me 27:00 Sa 25 29 Me 27 00 Su 05.11

Kennedy has a "partial" Kala Sarpa. There is one planet, the Moon, in the same sign as Ketu. But even though the Moon is very close to crossing that line of demarcation, all planets remain on one side of the nodal axis.

Now let's assess its condition:

(1) Eclipse? No. That's good. Give one point: +1 (2) Sun and Moon associated with nodes? Yes. Moon is with Ketu. Bad. Take away a point: -1

(3) Jupiter aspects either/both nodes? No. Too bad. Take one point: -1

(4) Mars or Saturn aspect either/both nodes? Yes. Mars aspects Ketu, and Sat- urn aspects Rahu. That's doubly bad. Take away points: -2

(5) Stellium stirred by transiting node? No. That's good. Add a point: +1

(6) Exaggerated grahas? Yes. Saturn is exalted. Give a point: +1 (7) Direction of Kala Sarpa? Viloma, planets moving toward Ketu. Good. Give another point: +1

(#) Net overall: 4-4= 0 points, so this is Kala Sarpa that is both yoga and dosha.

Donald Trump. Real estate mogul and reality show celebrity, Donald Trump is now the 45th President of the USA. A pathological liar, he's also a misogynist, racist bigot who may have slept with the enemy to gain the White House.

Ra 27.39 Sa 00.47 Su 29 49 Me 15:45 JuR 24.20 Ve 02 38

6 Ma 03.40 3 Me 15:4 Sa 00 42 AS 06 51

Donald Trump Ve 02.38 Ke 27:39 5 Su 29 49 10h54, 14 Jun 1948 8 2 MO 28.05 Ra 27.39 Jamaica, NY, USA Ma 03 40 AS 06 51 9 10 12 Ke 27 39 MO 29-05 JuR 24 20

Trump has a "potential" Kala Sarpa. Similar to Kennedy, his Moon is in the same sign as Ketu, but in Trump's case the Moon has narrowly crossed the line of demarcation, and now lies on the other side of the nodal axis.

Now let's assess its condition:

(1) Eclipse? Yes. That's bad. Take away two points: -2 (2) Sun and Moon associated with nodes? Yes. Sun is with Rahu, Moon is with Ketu. Bad. Take another two points: -2 (3) Jupiter aspects either/both nodes? Yes. Jupiter aspects Rahu. Good. Give one point: +1 (4) Mars or Saturn aspect either/both nodes? Yes. Mars aspects Ketu. Bad. Take away another point: -1 (5) Stellium stirred by transiting node? No. That's good. Add a point: +1 (6) Exaggerated grahas? Yes. Jupiter is retrograde, and the Moon is mixed, both debilitated and full. Give two points, take away one for net: +1 (7) Direction of Kala Sarpa? Viloma, planets moving toward Ketu. Good. Give another point: +1 (#) Net overall: 4-5= (-1) points, so this Kala Sarpa is more dosha than yoga.

Summary As we saw at the outset, there are four different classes of Kala Sarpa dependent on configuration, ie, how closely they match the ideal of planets all on one side of the nodal axis, and evenly distributed in signs other than those occupied by the nodes. We also saw how each Kala Sarpa must be qualitatively assessed, via the consideration of several mitigating factors. Benefic and malefic influences help determine its bias - to act as a yoga bestowing positive results, or as a dosha delivering negative outcomes. Like all forms of yoga vichara, this exercise demands the weighting of criteria and an overall judgment that may be subjective. The charts provided here serve only as exam- ples in a pro forma of analysis, and do not attempt to delve deeper into the nature or timing of results, whether good or bad. That is the subject of a future work.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Birth data of individuals (Except where noted, all birth data courtesy Astrodatabank)

Allen, Woody. 22h55 EST, 01 December 1935. Brooklyn, NY, USA. Ali, Muhammad. 18h35 EWT, 17 January 1942. Louisville, KY, USA. Atkins, Susan. 01h03 PDT, 07 May 1948. San Gabriel, CA, USA. Beausoleil, Bobby. 07h21 PST, 06 November 1947. Santa Barbara, CA, USA. Bowie, David. 09h08 GMT, 08 January 1947. Brixton, England. Cobain, Kurt. 19h20 PST, 20 February 1967. Aberdeen, WA, USA. Coppola, Francis Ford. 01h38 EST, 07 April 1939. Detroit, MI, USA. Einstein, Albert. 11h30 LMT, 14 March 1879. Ulm, Germany. Fellini, Federico. 21h00 ET, 20 January 1920. Rimini, Italy. Fisher, Carrie. 12h49 PST, 21 October 1956. Burbank, CA, USA. Fromme, Lynette "Squeaky". 05h37 PDT, 22 October 1948. Santa Monica, CA, USA. Gandhi, Indira. 23h11 IST, 19 November 1917. Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Goswami, Tamil. 08h27 EDST (rectified), 18 June 1946. Harlem, NY, USA. Hendrix, Jimi. 10h15 PDST, 27 November 1942. Seattle, WA, USA. lacocca, Lee. 17h00 EST, 15 October 1924. Allentown, PA, USA. Jones, Brian. 19h00 BWT, 28 February 1942. Cheltenham, England. Joplin, Janis. 09h45 CDST, 19 January 1943. Port Arthur, TX, USA. Kennedy, Robert. 15h10 EST, 20 November 1925. Brookline, MA, USA.

Kennedy-Onassis, Jacqueline. 14h30 EDST, 28 July 1929. Southampton, NY, USA. Krenwinkel, Patricia. 04h41 PST, 03 December 1947. Los Angeles, CA, USA. Manson, Charles. 16h40 EST, 12 November 1934. Cincinnati, OH, USA. Mohammad, John Allen. 06h12 CST, 31 December 1960. New Orleans, LA, USA. Morrison, Jim. 11h55 EDST, 08 December 1943. Melbourne Beach, FL, USA. Mussolini, Benito. 14h00 LMT, 29 July 1883. Predappio Alta, Italy. Page, Jimmy. 04h00 BWT, 09 January 1944. Heston, England. Prabhupada, Swami. 15h54 LMT (rectified), 01 September 1896. Calcutta, India. Prince. 18h17 CDST, 07 June 1958. Minneapolis, MN, USA. Richards, Keith. 06h00 BWT, 18 December 1943. Dartford, England. Sanders, Bernie. 12h27 EDST (rectified 12:33:10), 08 September 1941. Brooklyn Heights, NY, USA. Scorsese, Martin. 00h24 EWT, 17 November 1942. Flushing, NY, USA. Tesla, Nikola. 00h01 LMT, 10 July 1856. Smiljian, Croatia. Thatcher, Margaret. 09h00 GMT, 13 October 1925. Grantham, England. Trudeau, Justin. 21h27 EST, 25 December 1971. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Trump, Donald. 10h54 EDST, 14 June 1946. Jamaica, NY, USA. Turner, Lana. 12h30 PST, 08 February 1921. Wallace, ID, USA. Van Houten, Leslie. 05h51 PST, 23 August 1949. Los Angeles, CA, USA. Watson, Charles "Tex". 21h05 CST, 02 December 1945. Dallas, TX, USA. Winehouse, Amy. 22h25 BST, 14 September 1985. Enfield, England.

Appendix 2: Timing of mundane events

Crash, Japan Airlines 123. 18h24 JST (GMT+9), 01 August 1985. Tokyo, Japan. Cyclone, Bangladesh. 18h09 BST (GMT+6), 29 April 1991. Chittagong, Bangladesh. Data leak, Ashley Madison. Noon EST, 18 August 2015. Toronto, Canada. Derailment, The Courier. 13h20 LMT, 13 January 1917. Ciurea, Romania. Sinking, Doña Paz. 22h30 PHT (GMT+8), 20 December 1987. Boac, Philippines.

Appendix 3: List of graphs & tables

Graph 1: Planetary patterns in 40 disasters

Table 1: Key astrological factors in Manson Family members

Table 2: Status of Moon, Saturn & Rahu in "Club 27" charts

Table 3: Chances of true planets forming Mahapurusha Yoga

Table 4: Chances of any planet forming Parivartana Yoga

Table 5: Chances of any ascendant facilitating Raja Yoga

Table 6: Chances of any ascendant facilitating Dhana Yoga